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This book represents a Special Issue collection called: “Optimising Soilless Culture Systems and Alternative Growing Media to Current Used Materials”. Nine original papers, one review, and an Editorial from 41 authors from different countries were published in this Special Issue. New strategies and technologies, including new sustainable raw materials, should be continually developed to solve specific cultivation limitations, optimise existing systems, reduce related environmental impacts, and address the impacts of climate change.

suppressiveness --- Trichoderma harzianum --- peat --- compost --- substrate --- Vaccinium corymbosum --- container --- ammonium uptake --- southern highbush blueberry --- organic fertilizer --- hydroponic --- ribotypes --- vermicompost leachate --- Spinacia oleracea --- substrates --- soilless culture systems --- photosynthetic pigments --- phenols --- flavonoids --- ascorbic acid --- DPPH --- FRAP --- Aquaponics --- soilless cucumber --- leachate pH --- cucumber yield --- peat substitute --- growing media --- decision tree --- feasibility --- heather --- cattail --- reed --- alder --- peat reduction --- cascade hydroponics --- basil --- salinity --- amino acids --- nutrients --- root restriction --- nutrient solution --- irrigation frequency --- rootzone temperature --- oxygenation --- vapour pressure deficit --- lighting --- rootzone pH --- root exudates --- CO2 --- plant-microorganism relationships --- NH4+ --- NO3− --- nitrification --- Q10 --- modeling --- greenhouse gases --- greenhouse --- organic substrates --- carotenoids --- phenolic compounds --- carbon dioxide --- nitrous oxide --- methane --- N2O --- CH4 --- n/a

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Several of the 17 papers in this volume represent diverse strategies for improving sustainability in crop production systems. The maintenance of soil quality and the reclamation of marginal soils, improving tolerance to saline irrigation water, biodegradable alternatives to black plastic mulch, use of natural plant extracts against bacterial disease, and development of cultivars resistant to herbivorous arthropods address urgent priorities in sustainable systems. Two papers examine the driving forces and effects of adopting innovative agricultural technologies in food value chains in underdeveloped regions of the world, and identification of new Asian vegetable crop species for European environments and markets. Three papers reported on managing fruit set and ripening in important fruit crop species like orange, apple, and plum. Postharvest techniques to reduce disease and maintain fruit nutraceutical content were reported in separate papers. Classification techniques, conservation and utilization of unique plant species, and in vitro propagation techniques of species with potential horticultural value were described in four papers.

Research & information: general --- Biology, life sciences --- Technology, engineering, agriculture --- grapes --- fruit quality --- SO2 --- Botrytis cinerea --- rots --- fruit drop --- sustainable systems --- fungicides --- Alternaria alternata --- value chain analysis --- innovations --- adaptive lasso --- propensity score matching --- Tanzania --- genetic resistance --- natural allelochemicals --- organic production --- plant defense --- Induced resistance --- polyphenol oxidase --- peroxidase --- plant extract --- bacterial spot --- agronomy --- sustainability --- organic fertilizer --- crop productivity --- soil acidification --- soil organic matter --- pyrolysis --- microbial activity --- health --- aging population --- consumption of fruit and vegetables --- diversification --- market trend --- Korean ginseng sprout --- Ssamchoo --- Peucedanum japonicum --- Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem --- sustainable agriculture --- marketable production --- antioxidant molecules --- mineral content --- strawberry --- weed biomass --- in vitro multiplication --- alpine strawberry --- TDZ --- BA --- IBA --- non-runnering --- shoot explant --- European plum (Prunus domestica L.) --- alternate bearing --- crop load management (CLM) --- mechanical thinning --- reducing chemical input --- circle --- ellipse --- lens --- morphology --- oval --- seed shape --- superellipse --- Cycas --- determinate growth --- dichotomous branch --- isotomous branch --- sexual dimorphism --- Zamia --- Bowenia --- Ceratozamia --- Cycadaceae --- Dioon --- Encephalartos --- leaf element composition --- leaf tissue analysis --- Lepidozamia --- Macrozamia --- Stangeria --- Zamiaceae --- Solanum lycopersicum --- Capsicum annuum --- seedlings --- vegetable nursery --- transplant production --- salinity --- abiotic stress --- plant growth regulators --- GA3 --- anthocyanin --- ascorbic acid --- drying method --- phenol --- phytochemical --- raspberry --- apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) --- colouration --- Envy, Extenday® --- Fuji --- Jazz --- light reflection --- PAL-Phenylalanine-amminia-lyase --- reflective mulch --- shading --- Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. --- rootstocks --- maturation index --- citrus color index --- grapes --- fruit quality --- SO2 --- Botrytis cinerea --- rots --- fruit drop --- sustainable systems --- fungicides --- Alternaria alternata --- value chain analysis --- innovations --- adaptive lasso --- propensity score matching --- Tanzania --- genetic resistance --- natural allelochemicals --- organic production --- plant defense --- Induced resistance --- polyphenol oxidase --- peroxidase --- plant extract --- bacterial spot --- agronomy --- sustainability --- organic fertilizer --- crop productivity --- soil acidification --- soil organic matter --- pyrolysis --- microbial activity --- health --- aging population --- consumption of fruit and vegetables --- diversification --- market trend --- Korean ginseng sprout --- Ssamchoo --- Peucedanum japonicum --- Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem --- sustainable agriculture --- marketable production --- antioxidant molecules --- mineral content --- strawberry --- weed biomass --- in vitro multiplication --- alpine strawberry --- TDZ --- BA --- IBA --- non-runnering --- shoot explant --- European plum (Prunus domestica L.) --- alternate bearing --- crop load management (CLM) --- mechanical thinning --- reducing chemical input --- circle --- ellipse --- lens --- morphology --- oval --- seed shape --- superellipse --- Cycas --- determinate growth --- dichotomous branch --- isotomous branch --- sexual dimorphism --- Zamia --- Bowenia --- Ceratozamia --- Cycadaceae --- Dioon --- Encephalartos --- leaf element composition --- leaf tissue analysis --- Lepidozamia --- Macrozamia --- Stangeria --- Zamiaceae --- Solanum lycopersicum --- Capsicum annuum --- seedlings --- vegetable nursery --- transplant production --- salinity --- abiotic stress --- plant growth regulators --- GA3 --- anthocyanin --- ascorbic acid --- drying method --- phenol --- phytochemical --- raspberry --- apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) --- colouration --- Envy, Extenday® --- Fuji --- Jazz --- light reflection --- PAL-Phenylalanine-amminia-lyase --- reflective mulch --- shading --- Citrus sinensis (L.) Osb. --- rootstocks --- maturation index --- citrus color index

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Over the past decade, interest in plant biostimulants has been on the rise, compelled by the growing interest of researchers, extension specialists, private industries, and farmers in integrating these products in the array of environmentally friendly tools to secure improved crop performance, nutrient efficiency, product quality, and yield stability. Plant biostimulants include diverse organic and inorganic substances, natural compounds, and/or beneficial microorganisms such as humic acids, protein hydrolysates, seaweed and plant extracts, silicon, endophytic fungi like mycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria belonging to the genera Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and Rhizobium. Other substances (e.g., chitosan and other biopolymers and inorganic compounds) can have biostimulant properties, but their classification within the group of biostimulants is still under consideration. Plant biostimulants are usually applied to high-value crops, mainly greenhouse crops, fruit trees and vines, open-field crops, flowers, and ornamentals to sustainably increase yield and product quality. The global biostimulant market is currently estimated at about $2.0 billion and is expected to reach $3.0 billion by 2021 at an annual growth rate of 13%. A growing interest in plant biostimulants from industries and scientists was demonstrated by the high number of published peer-reviewed articles, conferences, workshops, and symposia in the past ten years. This book compiles several original research articles, technology reports, methods, opinions, perspectives, and invited reviews and mini reviews dissecting the biostimulatory action of these natural compounds and substances and beneficial microorganisms on crops grown under optimal and suboptimal growing conditions (e.g., salinity, drought, nutrient deficiency and toxicity, heavy metal contaminations, waterlogging, and adverse soil pH conditions). Also included are contributions dealing with the effect as well as the molecular and physiological mechanisms of plant biostimulants on nutrient efficiency, product quality, and modulation of the microbial population both quantitatively and qualitatively. In addition, identification and understanding of the optimal method, time, rate of application and phenological stage for improving plant performance and resilience to stress as well as the best combinations of plant species/cultivar × environment × management practices are also reported. We strongly believe that high standard reflected in this compilation on the principles and practices of plant biostimulants will foster knowledge transfer among scientific communities, industries, and agronomists, and will enable a better understanding of the mode of action and application procedures of biostimulants in different cropping systems.

Research & information: general --- Biology, life sciences --- Technology, engineering, agriculture --- Crocus sativus L. --- biofertilization --- arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi --- antioxidant activity --- crocin --- picrocrocin --- polyphenols --- safranal --- Maize --- biostimulant --- root --- stress --- growth --- gene expression --- stem cuttings --- propagation --- root morphology traits --- indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) --- indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) --- gibberellins --- phenolic compounds --- nutrients --- nutraceutical potential --- soybean --- yield --- N organic fertilizer --- seaweed extract --- mycorrhizal inoculants --- phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms --- biofertilizers --- microorganism consortium --- biostimulants --- Crocus sativus --- Funneliformis mosseae --- glasshouse --- protected cultivation --- Rhizophagus intraradices --- substrate --- L-methionine --- L-tryptophan --- L-glycine --- lettuce --- nitrogen --- plant biostimulant --- environmental stress --- vegetables --- fruit quality --- plants biostimulants --- yielding --- Biostimulants --- Euglena gracilis --- algal polysaccharide --- β-glucan --- water stress --- tomato --- aeroponics --- Zea mays L --- lignohumate --- lignosulfonate --- biological activity --- nitrogen metabolism --- carbon metabolism --- proteins --- phenolics --- sugars --- Ascophyllum nodosum --- Solanum melongena --- heterostyly --- pollination efficiency --- soilless conditions --- abiotic stress --- alfalfa hydrolysate --- chitosan --- zinc --- ascorbic acid --- Fragaria x ananassa --- functional quality --- lycopene --- organic farming --- protein hydrolysate --- Solanum lycopersicum L. --- tropical plant extract --- fertilizer --- melatonin --- phytomelatonin --- plant protector --- plant stress --- Lactuca sativa L. --- legume-derived protein hydrolysate --- nitrate --- Septoria --- wheat --- Paraburkholderia phytofirmans --- thyme essential oil --- isotope --- phytoparasitic nematodes --- suppressiveness --- sustainable management --- anti-nutritional substances --- fat --- fibre --- morphotype --- protein --- corn --- imaging --- industrial crops --- maize --- next generation sequencing --- phenomics --- plant phenotyping --- row crops --- Bacillus subtilis --- carotenoids --- probiotics --- PGPR --- Mentha longifolia --- humic acid --- antioxidants --- arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis --- mycorrhizosphere --- AMF associated bacteria --- plant growth-promoting bacteria --- phosphate-solubilizing bacteria --- siderophore production --- soil enzymatic activity --- biological index fertility --- nitrogenase activity --- microelements fertilization (Ti, Si, B, Mo, Zn) --- seed coating --- cover crop --- vermicompost --- growth enhancement --- AM fungi --- PGPB --- water deficit --- common bean --- Glomus spp. --- organic acids --- pod quality --- seaweed extracts --- seed quality --- tocopherols --- total sugars --- bean --- amino acids --- phenols --- flavonoids --- microbial biostimulant --- non-microbial biostimulant --- Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia --- mineral profile --- physiological mechanism --- photosynthesis --- biocontrol --- plant growth promotion --- soil inoculant --- Trichoderma --- Azotobacter --- Streptomyces --- deproteinized leaf juice --- fermentation --- lactic acid bacteria --- plant nutrition --- antioxidant capacity --- ornamental plants --- N fertilization --- nitrogen use efficiency --- leaf quality --- Spinacia oleracea L. --- sustainable agriculture --- Valerianella locusta L. --- isotopic labeling --- turfgrass --- humic acids --- leaf area index (LAI) --- specific leaf area (SLA) --- Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index --- tuber yield --- ultrasound-assisted water --- foliar spray --- Pterocladia capillacea --- bio-fertilizer --- growth parameters --- Jew’s Mallow --- CROPWAT model --- eco-friendly practices --- total ascorbic acid --- Mater-Bi® --- mineral composition --- SPAD index --- Bacillus thuringiensis --- Capsicum annuum --- microbiome --- strain-specific primer --- tracking --- sweet basil --- alfalfa brown juice --- biostimulation --- chlorophyll pigments --- histological changes --- humic substances --- protein hydrolysates --- silicon --- arbuscular mycorrhiza --- plant growth promoting rhizobacteria --- macroalgae --- microalgae --- abiotic stresses --- nutrient use efficiency --- physiological mechanisms

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• Reference Manager
• EndNote
• RefWorks (Direct export to RefWorks)

Over the past decade, interest in plant biostimulants has been on the rise, compelled by the growing interest of researchers, extension specialists, private industries, and farmers in integrating these products in the array of environmentally friendly tools to secure improved crop performance, nutrient efficiency, product quality, and yield stability. Plant biostimulants include diverse organic and inorganic substances, natural compounds, and/or beneficial microorganisms such as humic acids, protein hydrolysates, seaweed and plant extracts, silicon, endophytic fungi like mycorrhizal fungi, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria belonging to the genera Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and Rhizobium. Other substances (e.g., chitosan and other biopolymers and inorganic compounds) can have biostimulant properties, but their classification within the group of biostimulants is still under consideration. Plant biostimulants are usually applied to high-value crops, mainly greenhouse crops, fruit trees and vines, open-field crops, flowers, and ornamentals to sustainably increase yield and product quality. The global biostimulant market is currently estimated at about $2.0 billion and is expected to reach $3.0 billion by 2021 at an annual growth rate of 13%. A growing interest in plant biostimulants from industries and scientists was demonstrated by the high number of published peer-reviewed articles, conferences, workshops, and symposia in the past ten years. This book compiles several original research articles, technology reports, methods, opinions, perspectives, and invited reviews and mini reviews dissecting the biostimulatory action of these natural compounds and substances and beneficial microorganisms on crops grown under optimal and suboptimal growing conditions (e.g., salinity, drought, nutrient deficiency and toxicity, heavy metal contaminations, waterlogging, and adverse soil pH conditions). Also included are contributions dealing with the effect as well as the molecular and physiological mechanisms of plant biostimulants on nutrient efficiency, product quality, and modulation of the microbial population both quantitatively and qualitatively. In addition, identification and understanding of the optimal method, time, rate of application and phenological stage for improving plant performance and resilience to stress as well as the best combinations of plant species/cultivar × environment × management practices are also reported. We strongly believe that high standard reflected in this compilation on the principles and practices of plant biostimulants will foster knowledge transfer among scientific communities, industries, and agronomists, and will enable a better understanding of the mode of action and application procedures of biostimulants in different cropping systems.

Research & information: general --- Biology, life sciences --- Technology, engineering, agriculture --- Crocus sativus L. --- biofertilization --- arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi --- antioxidant activity --- crocin --- picrocrocin --- polyphenols --- safranal --- Maize --- biostimulant --- root --- stress --- growth --- gene expression --- stem cuttings --- propagation --- root morphology traits --- indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) --- indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) --- gibberellins --- phenolic compounds --- nutrients --- nutraceutical potential --- soybean --- yield --- N organic fertilizer --- seaweed extract --- mycorrhizal inoculants --- phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms --- biofertilizers --- microorganism consortium --- biostimulants --- Crocus sativus --- Funneliformis mosseae --- glasshouse --- protected cultivation --- Rhizophagus intraradices --- substrate --- L-methionine --- L-tryptophan --- L-glycine --- lettuce --- nitrogen --- plant biostimulant --- environmental stress --- vegetables --- fruit quality --- plants biostimulants --- yielding --- Biostimulants --- Euglena gracilis --- algal polysaccharide --- β-glucan --- water stress --- tomato --- aeroponics --- Zea mays L --- lignohumate --- lignosulfonate --- biological activity --- nitrogen metabolism --- carbon metabolism --- proteins --- phenolics --- sugars --- Ascophyllum nodosum --- Solanum melongena --- heterostyly --- pollination efficiency --- soilless conditions --- abiotic stress --- alfalfa hydrolysate --- chitosan --- zinc --- ascorbic acid --- Fragaria x ananassa --- functional quality --- lycopene --- organic farming --- protein hydrolysate --- Solanum lycopersicum L. --- tropical plant extract --- fertilizer --- melatonin --- phytomelatonin --- plant protector --- plant stress --- Lactuca sativa L. --- legume-derived protein hydrolysate --- nitrate --- Septoria --- wheat --- Paraburkholderia phytofirmans --- thyme essential oil --- isotope --- phytoparasitic nematodes --- suppressiveness --- sustainable management --- anti-nutritional substances --- fat --- fibre --- morphotype --- protein --- corn --- imaging --- industrial crops --- maize --- next generation sequencing --- phenomics --- plant phenotyping --- row crops --- Bacillus subtilis --- carotenoids --- probiotics --- PGPR --- Mentha longifolia --- humic acid --- antioxidants --- arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis --- mycorrhizosphere --- AMF associated bacteria --- plant growth-promoting bacteria --- phosphate-solubilizing bacteria --- siderophore production --- soil enzymatic activity --- biological index fertility --- nitrogenase activity --- microelements fertilization (Ti, Si, B, Mo, Zn) --- seed coating --- cover crop --- vermicompost --- growth enhancement --- AM fungi --- PGPB --- water deficit --- common bean --- Glomus spp. --- organic acids --- pod quality --- seaweed extracts --- seed quality --- tocopherols --- total sugars --- bean --- amino acids --- phenols --- flavonoids --- microbial biostimulant --- non-microbial biostimulant --- Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia --- mineral profile --- physiological mechanism --- photosynthesis --- biocontrol --- plant growth promotion --- soil inoculant --- Trichoderma --- Azotobacter --- Streptomyces --- deproteinized leaf juice --- fermentation --- lactic acid bacteria --- plant nutrition --- antioxidant capacity --- ornamental plants --- N fertilization --- nitrogen use efficiency --- leaf quality --- Spinacia oleracea L. --- sustainable agriculture --- Valerianella locusta L. --- isotopic labeling --- turfgrass --- humic acids --- leaf area index (LAI) --- specific leaf area (SLA) --- Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index --- tuber yield --- ultrasound-assisted water --- foliar spray --- Pterocladia capillacea --- bio-fertilizer --- growth parameters --- Jew’s Mallow --- CROPWAT model --- eco-friendly practices --- total ascorbic acid --- Mater-Bi® --- mineral composition --- SPAD index --- Bacillus thuringiensis --- Capsicum annuum --- microbiome --- strain-specific primer --- tracking --- sweet basil --- alfalfa brown juice --- biostimulation --- chlorophyll pigments --- histological changes --- humic substances --- protein hydrolysates --- silicon --- arbuscular mycorrhiza --- plant growth promoting rhizobacteria --- macroalgae --- microalgae --- abiotic stresses --- nutrient use efficiency --- physiological mechanisms --- Crocus sativus L. --- biofertilization --- arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi --- antioxidant activity --- crocin --- picrocrocin --- polyphenols --- safranal --- Maize --- biostimulant --- root --- stress --- growth --- gene expression --- stem cuttings --- propagation --- root morphology traits --- indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) --- indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) --- gibberellins --- phenolic compounds --- nutrients --- nutraceutical potential --- soybean --- yield --- N organic fertilizer --- seaweed extract --- mycorrhizal inoculants --- phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms --- biofertilizers --- microorganism consortium --- biostimulants --- Crocus sativus --- Funneliformis mosseae --- glasshouse --- protected cultivation --- Rhizophagus intraradices --- substrate --- L-methionine --- L-tryptophan --- L-glycine --- lettuce --- nitrogen --- plant biostimulant --- environmental stress --- vegetables --- fruit quality --- plants biostimulants --- yielding --- Biostimulants --- Euglena gracilis --- algal polysaccharide --- β-glucan --- water stress --- tomato --- aeroponics --- Zea mays L --- lignohumate --- lignosulfonate --- biological activity --- nitrogen metabolism --- carbon metabolism --- proteins --- phenolics --- sugars --- Ascophyllum nodosum --- Solanum melongena --- heterostyly --- pollination efficiency --- soilless conditions --- abiotic stress --- alfalfa hydrolysate --- chitosan --- zinc --- ascorbic acid --- Fragaria x ananassa --- functional quality --- lycopene --- organic farming --- protein hydrolysate --- Solanum lycopersicum L. --- tropical plant extract --- fertilizer --- melatonin --- phytomelatonin --- plant protector --- plant stress --- Lactuca sativa L. --- legume-derived protein hydrolysate --- nitrate --- Septoria --- wheat --- Paraburkholderia phytofirmans --- thyme essential oil --- isotope --- phytoparasitic nematodes --- suppressiveness --- sustainable management --- anti-nutritional substances --- fat --- fibre --- morphotype --- protein --- corn --- imaging --- industrial crops --- maize --- next generation sequencing --- phenomics --- plant phenotyping --- row crops --- Bacillus subtilis --- carotenoids --- probiotics --- PGPR --- Mentha longifolia --- humic acid --- antioxidants --- arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis --- mycorrhizosphere --- AMF associated bacteria --- plant growth-promoting bacteria --- phosphate-solubilizing bacteria --- siderophore production --- soil enzymatic activity --- biological index fertility --- nitrogenase activity --- microelements fertilization (Ti, Si, B, Mo, Zn) --- seed coating --- cover crop --- vermicompost --- growth enhancement --- AM fungi --- PGPB --- water deficit --- common bean --- Glomus spp. --- organic acids --- pod quality --- seaweed extracts --- seed quality --- tocopherols --- total sugars --- bean --- amino acids --- phenols --- flavonoids --- microbial biostimulant --- non-microbial biostimulant --- Lactuca sativa L. var. longifolia --- mineral profile --- physiological mechanism --- photosynthesis --- biocontrol --- plant growth promotion --- soil inoculant --- Trichoderma --- Azotobacter --- Streptomyces --- deproteinized leaf juice --- fermentation --- lactic acid bacteria --- plant nutrition --- antioxidant capacity --- ornamental plants --- N fertilization --- nitrogen use efficiency --- leaf quality --- Spinacia oleracea L. --- sustainable agriculture --- Valerianella locusta L. --- isotopic labeling --- turfgrass --- humic acids --- leaf area index (LAI) --- specific leaf area (SLA) --- Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) index --- tuber yield --- ultrasound-assisted water --- foliar spray --- Pterocladia capillacea --- bio-fertilizer --- growth parameters --- Jew’s Mallow --- CROPWAT model --- eco-friendly practices --- total ascorbic acid --- Mater-Bi® --- mineral composition --- SPAD index --- Bacillus thuringiensis --- Capsicum annuum --- microbiome --- strain-specific primer --- tracking --- sweet basil --- alfalfa brown juice --- biostimulation --- chlorophyll pigments --- histological changes --- humic substances --- protein hydrolysates --- silicon --- arbuscular mycorrhiza --- plant growth promoting rhizobacteria --- macroalgae --- microalgae --- abiotic stresses --- nutrient use efficiency --- physiological mechanisms