BMC Plant Biology

Accurate pre-harvest yield estimation of underground bulb crops such as onion and garlic is important for precision agriculture, harvest planning, and food-security-oriented decision-making. However, their harvestable organs develop below ground and cannot be directly observed using conventional remote sensing methods. This study aimed to develop a non-destructive yield estimation framework by in…

Abstract Background and aims Plants regulate nutrient uptake and growth by recruiting rhizosphere microorganisms via root exudates. However, a systematic understanding of how the rhizosphere core and functional microbiota jointly regulate the dynamics of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium across the entire plant life cycle in desert ecosystems remains limited. In this study, we asked: ho…

The genus Barringtonia (Lecythidaceae) is a vital component of tropical coastal forests and mangrove ecosystems. Among its members, B. racemosa and B. fusicarpa are classified as Endangered and Vulnerable, respectively, due to habitat degradation and anthropogenic pressures, underscoring the urgent need for genetic studies to guide conservation. Chloroplast (cp.) genomes serve as essential resour…

Drought stress represents a major abiotic factor responsible for reducing the growth, yield and quality of important plants. This research was investigated the potential of ZnO Nano particles (ZnO NPs) to alleviate drought stress in Hypericum perforatum (common St. John’s Wort). A factorial experiment using randomized complete block design (RCBD) was performed with 3 replications and 4 different …

Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa ( Z. jujuba ), an important medicinal and edible plant, is well-known for its sedative properties. However, the factors influencing spatial variation in Z. jujuba quality, as well as the relative contributions of environmental and genetic factors, remain poorly understood. In this study, the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains were selected as the study area. B…

This study was conducted under field conditions at Harran University’s Osmanbey Campus. Experimental plots were established using a randomized block design. Parameters such as chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, total soluble protein, carbohydrate content, and antioxidant components were evaluated across different fertilizer applications. The results indicated that groups treated with 300 kg ha⁻¹ D…

Cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent and toxic heavy metal widely present in soils. Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.), which readily accumulates Cd, exhibits inhibited seed germination under Cd stress. Melatonin (MT), a potent indoleamine antioxidant, has been demonstrated to facilitate seed germination under adverse conditions, but its regulatory mechanisms in cotton under Cd stress remain unclear. In this…

Abstract Background Salt stress is one of the most important abiotic stresses limiting crop production in the salinity affected growing regions. Lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) is sensitive to salinity. Understanding the physiological and biochemical mechanisms involved in salt tolerance would facilitate developing strategies to breed lettuce cultivars with improved salt tolerance. Membrane lipid re…

Abstract Background Sustainable intensification of soybean production requires strategies that simultaneously enhance plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and microbial symbiosis, particularly in nutrient-limited soils. Methods This experiment investigated the combined effects of organic amendments (Biochar, Vermicompost) and microbial biofertilizers [encapsulated Rhizobium and arbuscular mycorrhi…

Soil contamination by microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs), particularly cadmium (Cd), poses an emerging threat to agricultural sustainability, food safety, and human health. Although the individual effects of MPs and Cd on crop performance have been widely investigated, their interactive impacts on rice remain poorly understood. Biochar (BC) and melatonin (MT) have recently attracted atten…

Abstract Background Coffee processing, in wet processing environments, where operational challenges are prevalent, is a pivotal aspect in product quality and market value. The harvesting and processing of coffee in Sakaleshpur (Arabica) and Chikkamagaluru (Robusta) are examined in this study. It focuses on 15 batches of Robusta harvesting and three different stages of Arabica harvesting: fly pick…