Yield and Sensorial and Nutritional Quality of Strawberry ( × Duch.) Fruits from Plants Grown Under Different Amounts of Irrigation in Soilless Cultivation.

Water scarcity is an ecological issue affecting over 10% of Europe. It is intensified by rising temperatures, leading to greater evaporation and reduced precipitation. Agriculture has been confirmed as the sector accounting for the highest water consumption globally, and it faces significant challenges relating to drought, impacting crop yields and food security.

Leaf Functional Traits to Assess Urban Forest Health Status for Expeditious Analysis in a Mediterranean European Context.

In the Mediterranean basin, urban forests are widely recognized as essential landscape components, playing a key role in nature-based solutions by enhancing environmental quality and providing a range of ecosystem services. The selection of woody plant species for afforestation and reforestation should prioritize native species that align with the biogeographical and ecological characteristics of the planting sites. Among these, L.

The Role of Naphthaleneacetic Acid and 1-Methylcyclopropene in Preventing Preharvest Berry Dropping in L.

Fruit dropping represents a concern in many fruit species, including L. This research investigated the role of two plant growth regulators (PGRs), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), in mitigating preharvest berry dropping (PHBD) through affecting ethylene (ET) and auxin (AUX) metabolism and interactions, key hormones involved in abscission. The experiment was carried out on cv.

Carotenoids in Potato Tubers: A Bright Yellow Future Ahead.

Carotenoids, the bright yellow, orange, and red pigments of many fruits and vegetables, are essential components of the human diet as bioactive compounds not synthesized in animals. As a staple crop potato has the potential to deliver substantial amounts of these nutraceuticals despite their lower concentration in tubers compared to edible organs of other plant species. Even small gains in tuber carotenoid levels could have a significant impact on the nutritional value of potatoes.

Exploring the Potential of Selenium-Containing Amine (Se-AMA) to Enhance Photosynthesis and Leaf Water Content: New Avenues for Carbonic Anhydrase Modulation in .

Global changes and growing demands have led to the development of new molecular approaches to improve crop physiological performances. Carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzymes, ubiquitous across various life kingdoms, stand out for their critical roles in plant photosynthesis and water relations. We hypothesize that the modulators of human CAs could affect plant physiology.

Genotyping Genebank Collections: Strategic Approaches and Considerations for Optimal Collection Management.

The maintenance of plant germplasm and its genetic diversity is critical to preserving and making it available for food security, so this invaluable diversity is not permanently lost due to population growth and development, climate change, or changing needs from the growers and/or the marketplace. There are numerous genebanks worldwide that serve to preserve valuable plant germplasm for humankind's future and to serve as a resource for research, breeding, and training. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) and the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) both have a network of plant germplasm collections scattered across varying geographical locations preserving genetic resources for the future.

Advancing the Taxonomy of the Diatom Through an Integrative Study Conducted in the Central and Southeastern Adriatic Sea.

The marine diatom genus comprises cosmopolitan phytoplankton species commonly present in the Adriatic Sea. Species within the genus have been of significant concern because they produce domoic acid (DA), which can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). In this study, we identified species along the Central and Southeastern Adriatic Sea, where monthly sampling carried out from February 2022 to February 2024 allowed for comprehensive species documentation.

- Essential Oil: Chemical Composition, Phytotoxic Activity and Environmental Safety.

Weeds cause a decrease in the quantity and quality of agricultural production and economic damage to producers. The prolonged use of synthetic pesticides causes problems of environmental pollution, the possible alteration of agricultural products and problems for human health. For this reason, the scientific community's search for products of natural origin, which are biodegradable, safe for human health and can act as valid alternatives to traditional herbicides, is growing.

The Status of Wild Grapevine ( L. subsp. (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi) Populations in Georgia (South Caucasus).

Repeated expeditions across various regions of Georgia in the early 2000s led to the identification of 434 wild grapevine individuals ( L. subsp. (C.

Medicinal Plant Use in North Karelia, Finland, in the 2010s.

Finnish North Karelia is a region with a rich cultural history of ethnomedicinal plant use, shaped by centuries of interactions among various ethnic groups. This study identified both similarities and divergences between local Finns, Karelians war refugees, and individuals of mixed origin compared to historical records. Based on 67 semi-structured interviews, we documented the use of 43 medicinal plant taxa from 25 families, of which 31 remain in use.

Different Genotypes of the Rare and Threatened Moss (Funariaceae) Exhibit Different Resilience to Zinc and Copper Stress.

The funarioid moss species , which is threatened with extinction, was the subject of this study. The riparian habitat type of this species is often under the influence of contaminated water, and, therefore, we tested the influence of selected potentially toxic elements (PTEs), namely zinc and copper, on the development, physiological features, and survival of the species on two different accessions (German and Croatian). The results obtained showed the different resilience of the two accessions to the PTEs.

Bryophytes Floristic Patterns in the Sicilian Aquatic and Humid Habitats-Important Refuges for Biodiversity Safeguarding in the Mediterranean Islands.

In this study, a focus on the populations of bryophytes living in aquatic and humid habitats of Sicily is presented. This investigation aims to evaluate the consistency and diversity of this group of taxa. The complete list of taxa known to date in these habitats is provided, with reference to hornworts, liverworts, and mosses, and the patterns related to the biological, ecological, and chorological features of this bryophyte flora are also illustrated.

The Potency of Essential Oils in Combating Stored-Product Pests: From Nature to Nemesis.

, , , , , , , , and represent significant arthropod stored-product pests worldwide. To combat these noxious arthropods, the current study examines the pesticidal effect of essential oils (EOs) derived from four aromatic plants, i.e.

Freeze-Drying for the Reduction of Fruit and Vegetable Chain Losses: A Sustainable Solution to Produce Potential Health-Promoting Food Applications.

Freeze-drying fresh vegetables and fruits may not only prevent post-harvest losses but also provide a concentrated source of nutrients and phytochemicals. This study focused on the phenolic composition of different freeze-dried products derived from horticultural crop remains (HCRs) in the vegetable and fruit production chain. These products may be considered as a potential health-promoting solution for preventing post-harvest fruit spoiling and losses.

Rooting, Growth, and Root Morphology of the Cuttings of L. (cv. "Dottato"): Cutting Types and Length and Growth Medium Effects.

The fig tree ( L.) has gained renewed interest for its climate resilience and the health benefits of its fruit, driving demand for high-quality nursery plants. However, suboptimal propagation techniques limit the nursery production of figplants.

Behavior of Olive Genotypes Against Quick Decline Syndrome (QDS) Caused by subsp. in Apulia.

subsp. (), a quarantine pathogen in the European Union, severely threatens Mediterranean olive production, especially in southern Italy, where Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS) has devastated Apulian olive groves. This study addresses the urgent need to identify resistant olive genotypes by monitoring 16 potentially tolerant genotypes over six years, assessing symptom severity and bacterial load.

Effects of Dietary Habits on Markers of Oxidative Stress in Subjects with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Comparison Between the Mediterranean Diet and a Gluten-Free Diet.

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MedD) exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects that are beneficial in autoimmune thyroid diseases (ATD). Recently, a gluten-free diet (GFD) has been proposed for non-celiac patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), but its usefulness is under debate. The present pilot study evaluates the effects of these two dietary regimes, with a focus on redox homeostasis, in HT.

Effects of the Mediterranean Diet on the Components of Metabolic Syndrome Concerning the Cardiometabolic Risk.

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors, including abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, dyslipidemia (intended as an increase in triglyceride levels and a reduction in HDL cholesterol levels), and elevated fasting glucose, that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. With the rising prevalence of metabolic syndrome, effective dietary interventions are essential in reducing these health risks. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil and moderate in fish and poultry, has shown promise in addressing metabolic syndrome and its associated components.

Exploring Gender Differences in the Effects of Diet and Physical Activity on Metabolic Parameters.

Background: Gender differences in metabolic response to lifestyle interventions remain poorly explored. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a six-month Mediterranean diet (MD) intervention combined with regular physical activity on metabolic parameters in overweight adults.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in an obesity clinic in Rome, Italy, involving overweight adults (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m) motivated to improve their lifestyle.

The Interplay Between Gut Microbiota, Adipose Tissue, and Migraine: A Narrative Review.

Background: Migraine, a prevalent neurovascular disorder, affects millions globally and is associated with significant morbidity. Emerging evidence suggests a crucial role of the gut microbiota and adipose tissue in the modulation of migraine pathophysiology, particularly through mechanisms involving neuroinflammation and metabolic regulation.

Material And Methods: A narrative review of the literature from 2000 to 2024 was conducted using the PubMed database.

The Role of Maintaining Nutritional Adequacy Status and Physical Activity in Onco-Nephrology: Not a Myth Anymore, but a Reality.

Physical Activity (PA) provides numerous biological and psychological benefits, especially for cancer patients. PA mitigates treatment side effects, influences hormones, inflammation, adiposity, and immune function, and reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. This study evaluates the impact of PA on these positive outcomes.

Very-Low-Absorbable Geraniol for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A "Real-World" Open-Label Study on 1585 Patients.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a very-low-absorbable geraniol formulation, administered as a food supplement, in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a real-world setting in Italy.

Methods: This open-label study was conducted in Italy on patients diagnosed with IBS and treated for 4 weeks with 240 mg/day of Palmarosa essential oil, absorbed on 960 mg of ginger root powder to obtain a very-low-absorbable geraniol formulation. Baseline characteristics, including demographic and symptoms were recorded using the IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS).

Associations with Taste, Diet, and Health in an Italian Population.

Background/objectives: The SNP has previously been associated with sweet taste, diet, and health status, although never comprehensively in a single study. Also, associations between and sweet taste might be body mass index (BMI)-dependent. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of and sweet taste intensity and liking, food liking, and diet and health status whilst considering BMI.

Multidimensional Assessment of Orthorexia Nervosa: A Case-Control Study Comparing Eating Behavior, Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, Body Mass Index, Psychological Symptoms, and Autonomic Arousal.

The research on orthorexia nervosa (ON) has thoroughly outlined the connection between it and various mental disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders, in addition to stress. However, research has not considered psychophysical stress and other measures of psychophysical health, such as adherence to the Mediterranean diet. This cross-sectional and case-control research involved 63 students from the University of Parma, aged between 18 and 49 years.

Associations Between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Incident Sarcopenia in Prospective Cohort Studies.

The loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, is prevalent in older adults and linked to an increased risk of disability, frailty, and early mortality. Muscle health is crucial for the functionality and independence of older adults. As the aging population continuously grows, finding cost-effective strategies for preventing and treating sarcopenia is an important public health priority.