Greenhouse Plant Production Journal

Abstract Taxus baccata L., an endangered woody species with poor rooting ability in stem cuttings, faces propagation challenges that limit its conservation and sustainable utilization. This study aimed to enhance rooting efficiency by investigating the combined effects of auxin type and concentration, substrate composition, and blue light exposure. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted, testing two auxins (NAA and IBA at 15 and 25 mg/L), two substrates (75% perlite + 25% peat moss and 100% perlite), and three blue light durations (2, 4, and 6 h/day). All main factors and their interactions markedly affected rooting percentage, callus formation, root biomass, survival, and rooting time. The treatment combining 25 mg/L NAA, 75% perlite + 25% peat moss, and 4 h/day of blue light produced the most favorable results, achieving the highest rooting and callus formation with the shortest rooting period. Blue light improved rooting performance by promoting auxin activity and stimulating physiological processes related to cell division and adventitious root initiation. Rooting time showed a negative relationship with callus formation, survival rate, and root biomass. These findings provide a mechanistic insight into auxin–substrate–light interactions and offer a practical protocol for efficient vegetative propagation and conservation of Taxus baccata L.

Abstract Two independent experiments (laboratory and greenhouse) were conducted to evaluate the allelopathic potential of Artemisia aucheri Boiss shoot and root aqueous extract on germination, growth and leaf photosynthesis (A) of rocket plant (Eruca sativa L.) and Goldbachia laevigata L. Germination, growth and net photosynthetic rate of both plants were suppressed by aqueous extract of Artemisia. Root extract had a more inhibitory effect to all traits than shoot extract. High concentration (20 gL-1) of shoot and root aqueous extract decreased seed germination of rocket by 20% and 37.1%, respectively compared to control. However, Goldbachia laevigata germination was more affected at the same concentrations by 31.4% and 51.9%, respectively. Seed germination rate of rocket and Goldbachia decreased by 39.7% and 49.1% at high concentration of shoot extract. While, high concentration of root extract decreased seed germination index of rocket and Goldbachia by 62.4% and 72.5%, respectively. The highest Artemisia root extract concentration (20 gL-1) diminished the plant height, leaf area, shoot dry weight, leaf photosynthesis and stomatal conductance (gs) of rocket plants and Goldbachia by 35.5% and 33.3%, 41% and 42.6%, 34.8% and 38.1%, 46.2% and 55.3%, 53.6 and 54.4%, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the root and shoot extracts of A.aucheri contains water soluble allelochemicals which significantly reduce germination and growth of E.sativa and Goldbachia. Therefore, Artemisa aucheri can be considered as potential bio-herbicides in future screening programs.

Abstract Despite being a non-climacteric fruit, the pomegranate is highly perishable because its skin has numerous tiny pores that allow for the free movement of water vapor, making the fruit highly susceptible to water loss. Foliar spraying of nutrient solutions is a very effective way to maintain the quality and increase the shelf-life of fruits. In this study, the effect of foliar spraying of different levels of K2SO4 (0, 1, and 2 %) and ZnSO4 (0, 0.5, and 1 %) on the shelf life, quality, and physicochemical parameters of ‘Malas Saveh’ pomegranate fruits during cold storage was assessed. Physicochemical parameters were evaluated on the day of harvest and after 30, 60, and 90 days of storage. The mineral solutions were sprayed to a runoff on each tree using a backpack sprayer in four times: the first application was during the time of flowering and rest three applications were applied at two-week intervals. Based on statistical analysis, the fruits of treated trees were significantly higher in TSS (total soluble solids), TA (titratable acidity), anthocyanin, vitamin C, and sensory attributes, nevertheless lower in TSS/TA, firmness, and weight loss during storage compared to the control. The findings of the study revealed that foliar spraying with K2SO4 and ZnSO4 has high potential in maintaining quality characteristics and increasing the storability of pomegranate fruits.

Abstract Conventional greenhouse automation systems often rely on static, setpoint-based controls that overlook species-specific physiological needs, limiting efficiency across diverse environments. To address this gap, a deep learning–driven adaptive framework is proposed for dynamic optimization of key environmental parameters, including air temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture, and nutrient concentration, tailored to individual plant species. The model employs a hybrid convolutional neural networks and long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM) architecture, integrating real-time multispectral imagery with temporal sensor data to enable continuous monitoring and species-aware control. Simulation experiments with four species, tomato, lettuce, basil, and orchid, under normal, heatwave, and cold-humid scenarios demonstrate superior performance compared to conventional model predictive control and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) frameworks. The proposed method improved growth performance, reduced plant stress, and enhanced control stability, highlighting its robustness under abiotic stress. This study establishes a new paradigm for cognitive greenhouse management, enabling real-time, species-specific optimization that enhances crop productivity and resource-use efficiency in sustainable agriculture.

Abstract Technological progress and evolving production methods have long influenced the trajectory of agriculture, steadily improving both crop performance and fruit quality. Within this continuum of innovation, cultivating fruit trees under greenhouse conditions has emerged as a significant development, offering a reliable means of producing marketable fruit throughout the year—even in regions where environmental conditions are normally unfavorable. As a distinct component of protected horticulture, these systems modify key microclimatic factors to create an environment in which fruit trees can grow efficiently and express their full genetic potential. The rapid adoption of greenhouse fruit systems underscores their relevance in confronting major agricultural constraints such as climate variability, shrinking arable land resources, deteriorating soil health, and the pressures of a growing global population. This review synthesizes current knowledge on fruit tree cultivation within greenhouse environments, examining agronomic advantages, physiological considerations, management practices, and research needs. Particular attention is given to how modern innovations such as automated climate control systems, renewable energy integration, and digital monitoring tools can elevate productivity and strengthen system resilience. Collectively, these advancements highlight the potential of protected fruit production to play an increasingly important role in sustainable horticulture and future food systems

Abstract This study investigated the effects of foliar and fertigation-based calcium nitrate applications on growth, flower quality, and postharvest physiology of two Rosa hybrida cultivars (‘Samurai’ and ‘Jumilia’) grown in a soilless system. Treatments included a control (10% of the recommended Ca level), foliar spraying, and fertigation, arranged in a factorial design with four replications. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran. Results revealed that root morphological characteristics such as length and volume were maximized in the ‘Jumilia’ cultivar when calcium nitrate was supplied via fertigation. Conversely, foliar spraying with calcium nitrate markedly improved shoot and floral characteristics. Compared to the control, foliar calcium nitrate increased flower diameter by 15.4%, enhanced hip length by 14.25 cm, and increased hip diameter in the ‘Samurai’ cultivar by 18.76%. Moreover, foliar application of calcium nitrate extended the vase life of cut roses to about 10 days by preserving higher relative fresh weight. Antioxidant enzyme activities were also enhanced under foliar treatment in the ‘Samurai’ cultivar, with superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) increasing by 53.84%, 75.71%, and 97.28%, respectively. Additionally, foliar-sprayed ‘Samurai’ plants showed nearly double calcium accumulation in leaves and petals. Interestingly, in the ‘Jumilia’ cultivar, foliar application reduced leaf zinc content by 68.87%, while simultaneously enhancing leaf magnesium concentration by 64.16%. Overall, foliar supplementation with calcium nitrate proved to be a practical strategy for improving flower quality, enhancing antioxidant defense, and prolonging vase life of roses in soilless culture.