Giandomenico Corrado

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) establishment is strongly constrained by soil salinity, yet comparative evaluations of diverse maternal sources for rootstock-related salinity responses remain limited. In mango, embryo type (polyembryonic vs. monoembryonic) is frequently employed as a proxy for vigour and stress tolerance, yet it is uncertain whether differences in performance are attributable to embryo category per se or to genotypic variation within and between these groups. We evaluated seedlings from 21 open-pollinated mango maternal sources (14 monoembryonic and seven polyembryonic types) under saline irrigation at water electrical conductivities of 0.65, 3.0 and 6.0 dS m⁻¹ over an 18-week period. Growth, biomass, leaf gas exchange, optical pigment indices and Na⁺ and K⁺ concentrations in leaves, stems and roots were measured. Saline conditions reduced growth, total dry mass, chlorophyll index, net photosynthetic rate and tissue K⁺/Na⁺ ratios, but the magnitude of the response differed markedly among maternal sources. Overall, source-level variation provided more informative screening information than the contrast between embryo categories. Candidates were evaluated using performance at 6.0 dS m⁻¹ and performance retention relative to the control. ’Indonesia’ and ‘Pahutan’ maintained comparatively high values for both traits, retaining approximately 80% and 79% of the control total dry mass and 89% and 86% of the control net photosynthetic rate, respectively. ‘Ceylon’ and ‘Baramasi Vengurla’ maintained high absolute biomass under the highest salinity treatment, whereas M. zeylanica, ‘Kerala-5’, ‘Chandrakiran’ and ‘Peach’ expressed favourable responses for selected physiological traits but differed substantially in plant size or biomass retention. Growth, photosynthetic performance and regulation of ion responses were assessed jointly, providing integrated support to the observed contrasts. The integrated screening framework identified maternal sources whose progenies combined favourable growth, photosynthetic and ion-regulation responses, warranting further evaluation using genetically characterised, clonally propagated and grafted material.

Microgreens are promising crops for low-input systems, but the roles of species traits and root environments under uncontrolled greenhouse conditions are not yet fully addressed. In this study, mibuna and pak choi were evaluated in the presence or absence of substrate to clarify how genetic and physical factors shape growth and biochemical composition. Clear species-dependent differences emerged. Pak choi showed higher constitutive levels of chlorophyll a, anthocyanins, and key osmotic ions, and these features contributed to a more hydrated tissue profile. Mibuna instead exhibited a higher dry matter content, approximately 7% compared with 5.86% in pak choi, and a lighter canopy. The use of peat markedly improved overall growth. Fresh yield increased by more than 50%, and dry yield increased by almost 48% compared with the substrate-free system. Peat also enhanced organic acid metabolism, with malate and citrate increasing by 277 and 102%, respectively. Despite such differences, nitrate concentrations remained low and within safe limits for leafy vegetables in all treatments. The results indicate that species identity and the cultivation system significantly shaped overall microgreen performance under low-input conditions. Understanding these drivers provides a foundation for optimizing production while maintaining desirable nutritional traits.

The ‘Annurca’ apple, a traditional Italian cultivar protected by the “Melannurca Campana” EU PGI designation, undergoes a mandatory, traditional postharvest reddening process in a melaio. While essential for developing its characteristic flavor and color, this process can also lead to significant textural degradation, resulting in a mealy and soft fruit that conflicts with modern consumer expectations. This study investigated an integrated postharvest strategy to resolve this quality trade-off. We evaluated the sensory profile and consumer acceptance of ‘Annurca’ apples subjected to three treatments: traditional melaio reddening (Melaio), a 1-methylcyclopropene treatment alone (MCP), and a combined treatment of MCP followed by melaio reddening (MCP+Melaio). A panel of 534 consumers evaluated the apples for overall liking and the intensity of seven key sensory attributes. The results showed that the integrated ‘MCP+Melaio’ treatment was significantly preferred (Mean liking = 6.61) over both the traditional ‘Melaio’ (M = 5.91) and ‘MCP’ alone (M = 5.91) treatments. This preference was driven by a superior sensory profile that combined the high crunchiness and low mealiness of the MCP treatment with the high perceived aroma intensity and sweetness developed during the melaio phase. Furthermore, consumer segmentation analysis identified four distinct preference clusters, revealing that the integrated treatment’s success derived from its ability to satisfy the divergent priorities of the two largest segments: “Melaio Fans” (37%) and “Texture & Flavor Seekers” (35%). Our findings demonstrate that combining 1-MCP with traditional practices creates a synergistic effect, producing a high-quality apple that is texturally superior, aromatically intense, and has an extended sensory shelf-life. This integrated approach offers a scientifically validated and practical solution to enhance the quality and consistency of ‘Annurca’ apple production.

The ‘Annurca’ apple (Malus domestica), a PGI-protected Italian cultivar, undergoes a mandatory postharvest reddening process (melaio). While crucial for skin color development, this process is associated with flesh softening, creating a conflict with consumer demand for crispness. To resolve this quality trade-off, this study compared different postharvest strategies over a five-month commercial cold storage. Specifically, we performed a time-series analysis of the evolution of ripening and skin color dynamics under three strategies: traditional reddening (Melaio), 1-methylcyclopropene application (MCP), and a 1-MCP treatment followed by reddening (MCP+Melaio). While 1-MCP effectively arrested firmness loss, maintaining firmness above 47 N compared to the Melaio-only treatment which dropped to 35.9 N by the end of storage, the pathways of skin color development differed profoundly. The MCP-only strategy led to a highly non-uniform and visually inconsistent appearance (average Total Color Difference, ΔE* > 12) that persisted throughout storage. In contrast, the traditional melaio process proved indispensable for guiding the fruit towards a significantly more homogeneous final coloration (∆E* ≈ 5.5). The integrated MCP+Melaio strategy successfully reconciled these divergent effects, preserving high flesh firmness (47.9 N) while achieving the superior skin color uniformity characteristic of the traditional process (final ΔE* ≈ 5.6). This study demonstrates that pre-treating ‘Annurca’ apples with 1-MCP before the melaio period offers a viable, scientifically validated approach to resolving the critical trade-off between texture and skin color, enabling the ‘Annurca’ industry to meet modern textural expectations while preserving its unique cultural and quality traditions.

The ‘Annurca’ apple, an EU Protected Geographical Indication product, undergoes a mandatory post-harvest reddening in the ‘melaio’. This traditional practice enhances color and aroma but initiates detrimental textural degradation, creating a paradox where key quality attributes develop in conflict. This study aimed to characterize the sensory evolution of ‘Annurca’ apples during extended cold storage and its impact on consumer preference. A cohort of 551 untrained consumers evaluated the sensory profile at seven time points over a 221-day cold storage period. Multivariate data analyses were employed to identify preference drivers and define consumer segments. Consumer overall liking and market acceptability followed a significant non-linear, U-shaped trajectory, declining from an initial high (89.4% acceptability) to a minimum at day 159 (46.6% acceptability), before partially recovering. This trend inversely correlated with a peak in perceived mealiness, while hardness and crunchiness remained stable. Juiciness and aroma intensity were consistently identified as powerful positive liking drivers, whereas mealiness was the most significant and consistent negative driver. Sweetness’s importance as a preference driver significantly increased over storage time. Cluster analysis on highly rated samples revealed three distinct consumer preference profiles, challenging the traditional notion of a single ideal ‘Annurca’ apple. This study deconstructs the ‘melaio’ paradox, demonstrating that sensory evolution is a dynamic process defined by a trade-off between flavor development and textural decay. The findings provide a data-driven framework for optimizing the commercial strategy for this unique PGI cultivar, suggesting the need to mitigate mealiness and develop targeted marketing strategies for distinct consumer segments.

Arugula leaves (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. and Eruca sativa L.) are a must-have ingredient in ready-to-eat salads, as they are prized for their appearance, taste, and flavor. The nutraceutical properties of this leafy vegetable are attributed to the presence of valuable secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids and glucosinolates. Using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis and ion chromatography, we characterized the content of phenolic acids, glucosinolates, nitrates, and organic acids in organic arugula [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC] and evaluated how the foliar application of three different non-microbial biostimulants (a seaweed extract, a vegetable protein hydrolysate, and a tropical plant extract) modulated the expression of these. Although the application of vegetable protein hydrolysate increased, compared to control plants, the nitrate content, the application of the same biostimulant increased the total content of glucosinolates and phenolic acid derivatives by 5.2 and 17.2%. Specifically, the foliar application of the plant-based biostimulant hydrolyzed protein significantly increased the content of glucoerucin (+22.9%), glucocheirolin (+76.8%), and ferulic acid (+94.1%). The highest values of flavonoid derivatives (173.03 μg g⁻¹ dw) were recorded from plants subjected to the exogenous application of seaweed extract. The results obtained underscore how biostimulants, depending on their origin and composition, can be exploited not only to improve agronomic performance but also to enhance the nutraceutical content of vegetables, guaranteeing end consumers a product with premium quality characteristics.

Verticillium dahliae, the causal agent of vascular wilt, is a cosmopolitan pathogen of olive (Olea europaea L.). Italy is a traditional oil-producing country and its olive growing system is characterized by hundreds of regional varieties. They are widely employed for yielding oils protected by geographical indication systems of the European Union. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of V. dahliae on the vegetative growth of young, own-rooted olive plants under natural environmental conditions. Specifically, we analyzed differences in stem elongation, number of leaves and stem diameters in eight local varieties of the Campania region of Italy, plus a reference national cultivar, following artificially infection with a non-defoliating pathotype. Multivariate analysis indicated that a distinction in vulnerability among cultivar can be made considering the inhibitory effect of the fungus on stem extension growth, while the other parameters are less influential. Our work also illustrated the variability in some vegetative parameters among the Campanian germplasm and its influence on the inhibitory effect of the pathogen. Further studies will have to analyze the mechanisms connecting the morpho-physiological alterations with the pathogen invasion of the host tissue.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit tree that is globally distributed, especially in warm areas with low annual rainfall and limited water availability. This species exemplifies the critical role of water in agriculture and the need for efficient irrigation practices due to its characteristics, cultivation requirements, and geographic diffusion. In this study, we investigated the effects of drip irrigation and mulching on the vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality attributes of pomegranate. The experiment involved three irrigation regimes (100% of evapotranspiration, 80%, and 60%) and three mulching treatments (no mulch, plastic mulch, and organic mulch) in a factorial combination. Both irrigation and mulching had significant positive influences on the yield and fruit quality attributes. Specifically, deficit irrigation strategies showed a negative impact on the fruit yield per tree, with a greater effect observed as the severity of the irrigation deficit increased. Mulching, on the other hand, led to a significant increase in the fruit yield, primarily attributed to an increase in fruit size. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that irrigation and mulching treatments had distinct effects on fruit traits such as the fruit length, width, volume, and rind thickness. Interestingly, the study highlighted that the effects of irrigation and mulching on fruit quality attributes were mostly independent of each other, suggesting an additive influence rather than an interaction between the two factors. These findings underscore the importance of considering irrigation and mulching practices for optimizing fruit quality in pomegranate cultivation, particularly in semi-arid regions. The results contribute valuable insights for farmers and researchers seeking to enhance fruit production and quality.

Barley is a very important crop particularly in marginal dry areas, where it often serves as the most viable option for farmers. Additionally, barley carries great significance in the Western world, serving not only as a fundamental crop for animal feed and malting but also as a nutritious food source. The broad adaptability of barley and its ability to withstand various biotic and abiotic stresses often make this species the sole cereal that can be cultivated in arid regions. The collection and utilization of barley genetic resources are crucial for identifying valuable traits to enhance productivity and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. This review aims to provide an overview of the management and exploitation of barley genetic resources. Furthermore, the review explores the relationship between gene banks and participatory breeding, offering insights into the diversity and utilization of barley genetic resources through some examples such as the initiatives undertaken by ICARDA. Finally, this contribution highlights the importance of these resources for boosting barley productivity, addressing climate change impacts, and meeting the growing food demands in a rapidly changing agriculture. The understanding and utilizing the rich genetic diversity of barley can contribute to sustainable agriculture and ensure the success of this vital crop for future generations globally.

The olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790) poses a significant threat to oliviculture worldwide, despite extensive chemical control measures. The susceptibility of olive (Olea europaea L.) to this pest varies among cultivars, with fruit size being a key factor of interest, as it can be assessed using non-destructive automated technologies. In this study, we investigated the oviposition preferences of the olive fruit fly in six Italian olive cultivars, tracking fertile and sterile punctures in relation to the diametric growth of the drupe. Additionally, we assessed the genetic diversity among cultivars using SSR markers, aiming to uncover a potential correlation between variation in the genetic diversity patterns and infestation levels. The results revealed that the relationship between fruit size and infestation level is non-linear and varies across different cultivars. The co-inertia analysis (COIA) performed on the genetic and infestation datasets revealed possible shared patterns of diversity and relationships between the two datasets. This study emphasizes the complex and diverse nature of the interaction between the olive fruit fly and its host, underscoring the importance of comprehending non-linear relationships to develop accurate genotypic-specific predictions and models.