A pioneering genotypic and phylogenetic characterisation of Cichorium crops through a genome-scale sequencing for future breeding innovations.

The genus Cichorium, which comprises economically important crops such as chicory and endive, exhibits significant genetic and phenotypic diversity. This study used genome-scale sequencing based on ddRAD technology to explore the genetic diversity and relationships, and to identify multiple discriminant loci within this genus. Moreover, microscopy analysis was conducted to identify morphological traits, such as pappus structure, to aid species-level identifications.

Limitations of soil-applied non-microbial and microbial biostimulants in enhancing soil P turnover and recycled P fertilizer utilization - a study with and without plants.

Introduction: Phosphorus recovery from waste streams is a global concern due to open nutrient cycles. However, the reliability and efficiency of recycled P fertilizers are often low. Biostimulants (BS), as a potential enhancer of P availability in soil, could help to overcome current barriers using recycled P fertilizers.