Cotton (Gossypium spp.), belonging to the Malvaceae family, is a semi-xerophytic species native to central-northern America and Mexico [1]. It is one of the most relevant species for the production of natural fiber. Unlike most agricultural raw materials, cotton fiber is not produced from one but from 39 species of Gossypium. In the last few years, the growing interest in natural fibers around...
Keywords: Isothiocyanate, myrosinase, bioactive molecules,
Abstract
Beside the approximately 40 million hectares of rapeseed for oil production, the cultivation of other Brassicaceae for agri-food and industrial applications is not very widespread [1]. In fact, the plants belonging to this family grown in the Mediterranean environment are mainly horticultural that derive from an ancient...
Excessive industrialization in agriculture, with high mineral fertilizer use and intensive soil tillage, reduces soil fertility and crop production. Conventional tillage determines heavy soil disturbance up to 0–25 cm depth. In contrast, no-till and minimum tillage practices, based on minimal soil disturbance, improve soil quality by preserving structure, supporting biological processes and...
Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) belonging to the Lamiaceae family.The morphological, productive and chemical characteristics of this species are affected by abiotic and biotic factors [1]. The application of biostimulants seems to be one of the most interesting innovative practices due to fact they represent a promising approach for achieving sustainable...
In recent years, lignocellulosic perennial grasses have been increasingly attracted as a feedstock to produce biomethane through anaerobic digestion, considered a sustainable energy solution for reaching the RED II directive's aims.
Arundo donax L., commonly known as giant reed, is a lignocellulosic perennial rhizomatous grass, diffused in the Mediterranean area. Among different perennial...
Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis) is a versatile Mediterranean crop used in marginal land both for food and energy production [1,2]. This study focuses on I) verifying the adaptability of this crop to Mediterranean mountain environments and II) testing cardoon intercropping with forage species (Ornithopus sativus - serradella and Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis – fodder radish), in...
Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.), belonging to the Anacardiaceae family, is a Medicinal and Aromatic Plant (MAPs) native to the Asian continent. Thanks to its wide adaptability, it has since spread to many Mediterranean countries, such as the Canary Islands, the Azores, Madeira, and other East Asian countries [1]. Despite its beneficial aromatic, medicinal, and anti-cancer properties due to several...
Spices and herbs are botanical raw materials or ready-to-use products, that have a long history of usage in food preparation, traditional medicine, and cosmetic purposes for thousands of years.
The contribution of the market of herbs and spices in the global civilization is prominent, due to its role in leading to the discovery of new trade partners, indeed the spice trade led to the initial...
Medicinal and nutraceutical plants are plants with medicinal or nutritional properties or both. Medicinal plants are plants that exert beneficial pharmacological effect on the human or animal body or possess therapeutic properties and some of them have been used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. Nutraceutical plants are plants rich in nutrients and substances that show...
Diseases caused by fungi result in 20-30% losses throughout the fruit and vegetables supply chain. Current methods of diseases control mainly rely on synthetic fungicides, but their overuse leads to serious concerns on the environment and human health. This highlights the importance of establishing sustainable and natural-based alternatives to these synthetic products. However, more studies...
The rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean region offers great opportunities, particularly for Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (AMP). Morocco, as part of this eco-region, has been a traditional user and exporter of these valuable resources [1]. The cultivation and trade of AMP have deep cultural roots and economic importance for local communities [2]. For instance, the Moroccan AMP sector...
