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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1979

Horticultural therapy--aspects of land use for the mentally handicapped. A system of planning for the requirements of the mentally handicapped gardener.

An increasing number of facilities for the mentally handicapped use horticulture, agriculture and gardening in their training programmes. This paper contains a review of: (1) some aspects of land use as a medium for leisure, rehabilitation, therapy and training for the mentally handicapped, (2) employment, both sheltered and open, in land use as reflected in a recent survey, (3) the variety of knowledge available through the medium of land use. The main emphasis of the paper deals with: (1) the need for planning, (2) a suggested planning system that assists the instructor in understanding the requirements of the mentally handicapped gardener when he approaches a given job, (3) some problems peculiar to land use work with the mentally handicapped. In conclusion the authors briefly examine: (1) the need for assessment, (2) the need to distinguish between production and training, (3) suggestions towards an expansion of the planning system to take in other areas of the horticultural unit than were originally described, (4) social activities connected with the horticultural activities described, (5) the hierarchy identified through the use of a particular planning system.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2025

Cis-regulatory elements: systematic identification and horticultural applications.

Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) are the genetic DNA fragments bound by transcription factors (TFs). CREs function as molecular switches that precisely modulate the dosage and spatiotemporal patterns of gene expression. The systematic identification of CREs not only facilitates the annotation of the functional non-coding genome but also provides essential insights into the architecture of gene regulatory networks and sheds light on an accurate selection of the target sites for genetic engineering of crops. In this review, we summarize the current high-throughput methodologies used for identifying CREs, illustrate the associations between CREs and agronomic traits in horticultural crops, and discuss how CREs can be exploited to facilitate crop breeding.

Breeding↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Modeling calculations of pesticide contamination of horticultural products].

The growth of the pesticies production and of the scope of their use can produce in man and in his environment some adverse consequences, the elimination of which is possibly by their proper and safe management. In order to solve this problem it is necessary to elicit basic factors determining this process and also to foresee the outcome of it under changing conditions, i.e. three successive stages are involved, viz. modelling-forecasting-management. In the event of complex multiparametric natural phenomena, among which stands also the process of interaction between pesticides and various environmental objects, the realization of the said stages invariably presupposes the use of mathematical approaches, and one of these is considered in the present work.

Food Contamination↗
PubMed2026

A novel biocontrol Pseudomonas species with broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against phytopathogens.

Bacterial and fungal diseases cause significant losses in horticultural crops, and biocontrol using beneficial microorganisms offers a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. In this study, a novel Pseudomonas strain D3 was isolated from Actinidiae rhizosphere. D3 exhibited strong antibacterial activity in LB medium but showed no activity against fungi or oomycetes. However, when cultured in KIDO medium, it demonstrated potent antifungal activity. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene showed that D3 was most closely related to Pseudomonas mosselii CIP_105259T, while whole-genome sequencing revealed ANI values below 95% with eight known P. mosselii strains. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) further confirmed its genomic distinctiveness, with the highest dDDH value (58.2%) against the type strain P. mosselii DSM 17497T, well below the 70% species delineation threshold, supporting D3 as a novel Pseudomonas species. Functional validation via targeted gene knockout revealed a dichotomy in the antagonistic mechanisms of D3. Knockout of individual biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) only partially reduced antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, indicating that multiple BGCs contribute to this activity in a partially redundant manner. In contrast, disruption of a specific lipopeptide synthase cluster completely abolished antifungal activity against Valsa mali. LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed that this lipopeptide was produced exclusively in KIDO medium, consistent with the observed medium-dependent antifungal activity. Detached leaf and twig assays showed that D3 provides strong preventive biocontrol against both pathogens. Collectively, strain D3 employs a dual biocontrol mechanism, combining antibacterial activity mediated by multiple BGCs with lipopeptide-dependent antifungal activity, positioning it as a promising agent for sustainable disease management in horticultural crops.

Pseudomonas↗
PubMed2025

Genome editing research initiatives and regulatory landscape of genome edited crops in India.

Food and nutritional security are the top priorities in Indian agriculture. Exponential population growth coupled with climate change effects has become a serious challenge for sustainable agriculture. Genome editing has revolutionized the agricultural sector because of its ability to create precise, stable and predictable modifications in the genome and therefore, offers great opportunities for crop improvement in India. However, for harvesting the real benefits of this technology in agriculture sector, there is a strong need of creating awareness among the end users and development of suitable policies for regularization of genome edited products. Many regulatory agencies around the world have been modernizing their regulatory approaches to be more risk proportionate and to reflect a more science-based approach. In this article, recent research initiatives and developments undertaken by different Indian institutes/organizations for the genetic improvement of agricultural and horticultural crops via genome editing technologies are summarized. Furthermore, to benefit from this potential technology in our country, regulatory policies must be clear, science-based and proportionate. Therefore, in the present review, the regulatory policies related to the genome editing of crop products in India are discussed in detail. This review will sensitize researchers and stakeholders to the application of genome editing techniques in crop improvement and various biosafety committees involved in the development and regulation of genome edited crops.

Crops, Agricultural↗
PubMed1976

Physical variation and history in Melanesia and Australia.

Local biological variation is marked in Melanesia. Some of it may result from gene flow from Micronesia, but the essential variation appears to result from isolation due to social fragmentation, and to genetic drift in place. In different regions, the variation may correspond well with language relationships, and probably constitutes differentiation which has been preserved over a considerable period, especially since the arrival of horticulture and development of village farming. However, none of this patterning suggests distinct waves of migration into Melanesia. Variation among Australian aboriginal groups is smaller, though far from absent. It may reflect a hunting culture together with social customs allowing more intertribal marriage than is typical of Melanesia. While phenotypically Australians and Melanesias differ, cranially they are closely allied, as against other major human groups. It is suggested that the genetic and phenotypic variety is old, that it existed in the previous home of the Australo-Melanesians (Old Melanesia, comprising present Indonesia and the Phillipines) at least back to 40,000 years ago, and that much of the variation in Melanesia and Australia, including their differences, results from the sampling process involved when different groups out of the original populations made early corssings of the water barriers from Old Melanesia.

Black People↗
PubMed2025

Development of recombinant inbred lines and QTL analysis of plant height and fruit shape-related traits in Cucurbita pepo L.

UNLABELLED: Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo) stands as an economically vital crop in China. In zucchini breeding, plant architectural patterns and fruit morphological characteristics serve as pivotal traits. In this study, we employed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from two distinct inbred lines, JinGL (subsp. ovifera) and HM-S2 (subsp. pepo), in conjunction with a high-density genetic map. Our investigation focused on ten QTLs associated with six horticulturally significant traits, including hypocotyl length (HL), plant height (PH), and four fruit-related traits: fruit length (FL), fruit diameter (FD), fruit shape index (FSI), and fruit weight (FW). The QTLs governing HL and PH were mapped to Chr03/LG10 and named qhl3.1 and qph3.1, respectively. The candidate gene Cp4.1LG10g05910/CpDw for qph3.1 was successfully identified. Additionally, three novel QTLs related to fruit size and shape were discovered. Among them, qfsi8.1/qfl8.1, demarcated by Marker238258 and Marker240069 on Chromosome 08/Linkage group 17 (Chr08/LG17), is a new major QTL regulating the fruit shape of zucchini. Through genomic insertion-deletion (InDel) and qRT-PCR analyses, we predicted genes within the qfsi8.1/qfl8.1 candidate interval, uncovering Cp4.1LG17g02030/CpIAA12 and Cp4.1LG17g02010/CpCalB as potential candidate genes. We developed molecular markers tightly linked to qph3.1 and qfl8.1 and validated them in 171 and 224 Cucurbita pepo germplasms, achieving accuracy rates of 96% and 100%, respectively. This study deepens our understanding of the genetic basis of key traits and provides valuable references for molecular breeding in Cucurbita pepo. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-025-01592-y.

Cucurbita pepo↗
PubMed2026

Phytoplasma-plant interactions: effector-mediated host reprogramming, hormonal crosstalk, metabolic alterations and plant-mediated vector manipulation.

Phytoplasmas are wall-less, phloem-restricted bacterial pathogens that infect over 1,000 plant species, causing substantial losses in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry worldwide. Despite their reduced genomes and limited metabolic autonomy, these obligate parasites colonize diverse hosts through secreted effector proteins that extensively reprogram plant development, metabolism, immune signalling, and vector interactions. Advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and functional studies have substantially clarified the molecular basis of phytoplasma pathogenicity and symptom development. This review synthesizes current understanding of phytoplasma-plant interactions, covering phytoplasma biology, genome evolution, and the infection cycle across plant and insect vector hosts. We examine the molecular functions of key effectors, SAP11, SAP54/PHYL1, SAP05, TENGU, SWP1, and recently identified virulence factors, focusing on how they target host transcription factors, phytohormone networks, protein degradation pathways, and immune responses to promote colonization and disease progression. We further discuss how phytoplasma infection disrupts phytohormone signalling, primary and secondary metabolism, and developmental programs to produce characteristic disease symptoms, with particular attention to pathogen-induced changes in host volatiles and nutritional quality that alter vector behaviour and enhance transmission. Finally, we summarize insights from multi-omics studies and emerging management strategies, including CRISPR-based genome editing, RNAi, rapid molecular diagnostics, resistant cultivars, microbiome-based approaches, and sustainable vector control, and highlight key knowledge gaps and priorities for developing effective, environmentally sustainable phytoplasma disease management.

Phytoplasma↗
PubMed2026

Molecular basis of Fenazaquin resistance in Polyphagotarsonemus latus revealed by transcriptome profiling and real-time validation.

The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), is a highly polyphagous tarsonemid pest that causes severe damage to a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops. The excessive and indiscriminate use of Fenazaquin, a mitochondrial electron transport inhibitor, resulted in the rapid development of resistance in P. latus. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying acaricide resistance, a transcriptomic investigation was conducted on Fenazaquin-resistant (FEN-SEL) and susceptible (NBAIR-GR-TAR-01a) populations. The analysis identified putative genes involved in detoxification, including cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), choline and carboxyl esterases (CCEs), and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters. Phylogenetic analysis revealed lineage-specific expansions of clan 3 CYPs, delta and acari-specific mu classes of GSTs, and ABCC, ABCG, and ABCH subfamilies of ABC transporters. Ten resistance-associated unigenes were validated using quantitative real-time PCR to assess gene expression patterns. The results showed significant upregulation of CYP4CL3, CYP4CF4, two delta-class GSTs, two CCEs belonging to clade J″, and two ABC transporters from subfamily C. However, CYP4725A2 and CYP4726A1 showed downregulation. These findings highlight the potential association of multiple metabolism-related gene families with Fenazaquin resistance and their possible contribution to the resistant phenotype. Overall, this study provides molecular insights into Fenazaquin resistance in P. latus, supporting the need for targeted resistance management strategies. Further research is warranted to evaluate the potential of these genes as molecular targets for sustainable broad mite management.

Acaricide↗
PubMed2026

Molecular diagnostics and integrated management challenges of tobacco streak virus: Current status and future perspectives.

Tobacco streak virus (TSV) is an economically important viral pathogen causing severe yield and quality losses in several agricultural, horticultural and medicinal crops worldwide. Its complex epidemiology involving sap transmission, infected pollen and pollen-feeding thrips, together with symptom similarity to other necrosis-inducing pathogens, frequently results in misdiagnosis and delayed disease management. This review critically evaluates recent advances in TSV diagnostics and integrated disease management strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on the transition from conventional biological and serological assays to advanced molecular diagnostics including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative real-time PCR, multiplex PCR and emerging isothermal amplification technologies such as recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The review also highlights emerging innovations including CRISPR/Cas-based diagnostics in addition, integrated management approaches involving phytosanitation, weed reservoir management, vector ecology-based, host resistance breeding, RNA interference (RNAi) and genome editing technologies are critically analysed. Major challenges including inadequate field validation, limited multiplex capability, poor assay standardization and scarcity of resistant cultivars are discussed. Future objectives to develop quick, field-adaptable and durable TSV detection and management methods are additionally discussed.

CRISPR/Cas diagnostics↗
PubMed2026

GA4+7 alleviates pear fruit semi-russeting partly by suppressing PRX-mediated lignin deposition.

Pear fruit semi-russeting is a surface disorder that frequently occurs during fruit development and significantly diminishes fruit appearance quality and commercial value. Although Gibberellin 4 + 7 (GA4+7) has been used to reduce fruit surface defects in horticultural crops, the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying its inhibitory effect on pear fruit semi-russeting remain poorly understood. In this study, preharvest GA4+7 treatment of 'Cuiguan' pear significantly reduced russet coverage and lignin accumulation in mature fruit skin without adversely affecting fruit size, fruit shape index, or total soluble solids content. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that GA4+7 treatment was associated with the repression of phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthesis at both metabolic and transcriptional levels. Among the lignin-related differentially expressed genes, two class III peroxidase genes, PpyPRX22 and PpyPRX65, were strongly downregulated by both GA4+7 and bagging treatments. Both proteins localized to the cell wall, and transient expression assays in pear fruit skin supported positive roles for PpyPRX22 and PpyPRX65 in lignin deposition. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assays combined with transient overexpression experiments suggested that several PpyMYB transcription factors may regulate PpyPRX expression and lignin accumulation, with PpyMYB138 and PpyMYB139 significantly activating PpyPRX22 and/or PpyPRX65 promoter activity. Taken together, these results suggest that GA4+7 alleviates pear fruit semi-russeting at least partly by reducing lignin deposition in the fruit skin, with PpyPRX22 and PpyPRX65 potentially contributing to this process.

Class III peroxidase↗
PubMed2026

Long-day photoperiod promotes growth of pea (Pisum sativum L.) via auxin biosynthesis and polar transport.

Photoperiodic sensitivity is an essential factor that may affect agricultural practices under current climate scenarios. This study used pea (Pisum sativum) to examine effects of varying photoperiods on growth and photosynthetic parameters and then reveal the mechanistic basis of this process by linking them with tissue-specific distribution of auxin and regulation of related genes. This was achieved by transcriptome sequencing, genome-wide gene family identification, and expression pattern analysis. Best results in terms of growth and yield were obtained with a 20 h/4 h light/dark photoperiod and these plants had the highest content of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in both the shoot apex and the root. Genes consistently upregulated with prolonged light exposure were significantly enriched in pathways related to light signal transduction, photosynthetic carbon metabolism, and phytohormone signal transduction. Through genome-wide identification, we characterized the TAA/TAR and YUCCA families (key gene families involved in auxin biosynthesis) as well as the PIN family (responsible for auxin polar transport) in pea. Extending the light duration positively affected expression of several genes related to auxin biosynthesis and transport, among them members of the Elongated Hypocotyl (HY) and Phytochrome-Interacting Factor (PIF) families being key light-induced transcription factors, PsTAR2, the principal gene regulating auxin biosynthesis, as well as PsPIN4, PsPIN5, PsPIN11, and PsPIN13 which mediate polar auxin transport. By elucidating mechanisms underlying the coordinated regulation of pea growth by light and auxin, this work provides a significant reference for photoperiod research on long-day crops for both protected- and field-based horticulture.

Auxin↗
PubMed2026

Multi-dimensional profiling of primary metabolites in Heuchera micrantha varieties reveals potential for functional food development.

Heuchera micrantha is a horticultural plant with emerging pharmacological value, yet its primary metabolites remain underexplored. This study comprehensively profiled nutrient metabolites in four H. micrantha varieties using LC-MS/MS. We identified 285 metabolites, with amino acid derivatives being predominant. Multivariate analysis revealed distinct varietal accumulation patterns and 204 differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Integrative network pharmacology and molecular docking suggested γ-glutamyltyrosine and L-prolyl-L-phenylalanine as potential bioactive dipeptides that may interact with core hubs (MAPK1, EGFR, SRC) involved in cancer and inflammation pathways, though these predictions require experimental validation. Transcriptomics identified 39 differentially expressed genes regulating the biosynthesis of their precursor amino acids. Antioxidant assays showed varietal differences: some excelled in free radical scavenging (DPPH/ABTS) while others demonstrated superior reducing power (FRAP). This multi-omics study suggests that H. micrantha may be a rich source of therapeutically relevant primary metabolites, providing a preliminary scientific basis for its development as a functional food or nutraceutical pending further validation.

Functional Food↗
PubMed2026

Pervasive hybridization and introgression in Diervilleae (Caprifoliaceae).

Diervilleae (Caprifoliaceae) is a horticulturally important lineage with striking floral diversity and a long history of interspecific crossing, suggesting reticulate evolution. We integrated nuclear SNPs and whole plastome data to reconstruct a phylogenomic backbone for the tribe and to identify hybrids, cultivated accessions, and introgression among lineages. Nuclear and plastid phylogenies consistently recover Weigela and Diervilla as reciprocally monophyletic and resolve four major lineages within Weigela, providing a reproducible framework for revising sectional limits and species boundaries. Cultivated accessions form a well supported clade sister to W. florida and show predominantly W. florida ancestry while retaining contributions from multiple wild lineages, consistent with recurrent crossing, backcrossing, and selection. Analyses of wild populations reveal recurrent hybrids and enable plausible parental combinations to be inferred. Tests across the genome further indicate strong evidence for historical introgression across Diervilleae, with the strongest signals involving W. middendorffiana, W. maximowiczii, and Diervilla. Fossil evidence, divergence time estimation, and paleodistribution modelling together suggest range expansion during the Miocene and Pliocene followed by climate driven contraction, providing a spatiotemporal context for episodic contact, introgression, and the East Asia-North America disjunction.

Hybridization, Genetic↗
PubMed2025

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the ornamental plant Alcea rosea.

Alcea rosea, a member of the Malvaceae family, is celebrated for its rich floral palette and global horticultural significance. Here, we present a high-quality reference genome for A. rosea, achieving a genome assembly size of 1.01 Gbp, with a Contig N50 length of 36.61 Mbp. The genome sequence was successfully mapped to 21 chromosomes, and the scaffold N50 length reached 52.57 Mbp, with a scaffold genome completeness of 99.6%. A total of 565.84 Mbp (comprising 56% of the genome) of repetitive sequences were identified, with transposable elements being predominant, particularly long terminal repeat (LTR) elements, which accounted for 48.44% of the genome. 51,436 genes were annotated. Among these predicted genes, the average gene length and coding sequence (CDS) length were 2739.92 bp and 1242.54 bp, respectively.

Genome, Plant↗