Although there are over 4000 potato cultivars in the world, only a few have been commercialized due to their marketability and shelf-life. Most noncommercialized cultivars are pigmented and found in remote regions of the world. White-fleshed potatoes are well known for their energy-enhancing complex carbohydrates; however, pigmented cultivars are potentially high in health-promoting polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, we reveal the comprehensive compositions of pigmented cultivars and associated potential health benefits, including their potential role in ameliorating hunger, food, and nutrition insecurity, and their prospects. The underutilization of such resources is a direct threat to plant-biodiversity and local traditions and cultures.

Organic horticulture is a holistic management system that follows good production practices and should be considered the cornerstone of mitigating climate change and producing healthier fruits and vegetables. This agroecosystem practice not only benefits the green economy but promotes and enhances soil biological activity, biodiversity, and other biological cycles in the sphere. The last decade has observed a rise in the production and consumption of organically certified agricultural products, and the biggest growth was registered in France (18%) due to its higher nutritional value of vitamin C (27%) and polyphenol content (72%), with a lowered risk of exposure to harmful chemicals of up to 70% and improved organoleptic properties. Between 2012 and 2020, the European Union’s organic sector experienced significant growth, with a 56% expansion in organic land area, a 40% increase in organic producers, and a 114% increase in retail sales. The aim of this review was to evaluate the significant impact of organic horticulture on mitigating climate change and meeting consumer needs by examining key research areas, including Soil Health and Management, Pest and Disease Management, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Carbon Sequestration and Climate Mitigation, Market and Consumer Preferences, and Policy and Institutional Support. The outcome of this review demonstrates that there are still numerous research studies required to evaluate how different farming systems and pedoclimatic conditions can contribute to more efficient horticultural practices.

Without a doubt, potatoes play a vital food and nutrition security role in the world as more than a billion people consume this vegetable. Furthermore, the polyphenolic constituents of pigmented potato cultivars and their associated health benefits have been reported. However, the antioxidant, anticancer, and antimycobacterial activity of pigmented cultivars are scanty. Therefore, the present study explores the phenolic acids and biological activities of cv. Salad Blue (SB) and non-pigmented control (BP1) extracts. The antiproliferative activity of S. tuberosum L. against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) was investigated, as well as the ability to inhibit Mycobacterium smegmatis. Chlorogenic acid was the most prominent phenolic acid in both treatments as well as cultivars. In the current trial, 24 °C significantly increased chlorogenic acid in cv. SB and BP1. Ethanolic extracts of all the samples showed no activity at the highest test concentration of 1000 μg/mL (ciprofloxacin MIC of 0.325 μg/mL) against M. smegmatis. The antiproliferative activity of the tuber samples against HepG2 liver cells had IC₅₀ values ranging between 267.7 ± 36.17 μg/mL and >400 μg/mL. Since the health benefits of these cultivars are highly valued, the present study provides useful information for future oncology studies, for human nutrition, as well as for how these underutilized cultivars can be fortified to improve their health benefits.

Dovyalis caffra commonly known as Kei apple, is an indigenous tree from the Salicaceae family, naturally found in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, with a significant potential to address food insecurity and climate resilience challenges in rural areas. This review aims to evaluate the production potential, uses, and socio-economic contributions of D. caffra, focusing on optimizing its cultivation and market integration through indigenous knowledge and agroforestry system. The research was conducted in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Research was conducted using online databases such as ResearchGate, PubMed, and Google Scholar, focusing on keywords like “food security,” “Dovyalis caffra,” and “indigenous trees.” Secondary data was gathered from previous studies, and conclusions were drawn from related research. Additionally, a case study involved interviews with five tree growers/sellers in the Eastern Cape, assessing the challenges and benefits of cultivating and marketing D. caffra. Findings revealed that some growers are motivated to promote Indigenous species, recognizing the economic and ecological benefits of cultivating Kei apple. The tree’s resilience to climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and pest infestations makes it a promising alternative to traditional crops. Additionally, its cultivation can diversify food sources and enhance community resilience. Promoting indigenous trees like D. caffra through agro processing can maximize their economic value while supporting local communities and sustainable forestry practices.

Dasispermum suffruticosum (P. J. Bergius) B. L. Burtt is an aromatic halophyte recognized for its diverse phytochemistry and medicinal plant potential. Despite its potential value, limited scientific information is available regarding its agronomic performance and phytochemical responses. This study investigated the morphological, mineral, and phytochemical responses of D. suffruticosum to gradient dosages of StimBlue ⁺ , a seaweed-derived biostimulant, applied via foliar spray (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mL/L) and growing-medium drenching (5.0, 7.0, and 9.0 mL/L), alongside an NPK fertiliser control. Two sequential trials were conducted under semi-controlled glasshouse conditions using a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Morphological parameters and mineral uptake were assessed over 12 weeks, while phytochemical analyses, including (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH) were conducted for 10 weeks on the three best-performing treatments following the first trial. Growing medium drench at 7.0 mL/L (T5) produced significantly higher stem diameter (1.24 mm), plant height (7.29 cm), number of leaves (8.87), and chlorophyll content (1.30 mg/ m ² ) than the control ( p ≤ 0.05), while foliar spray at 2.5 mL/L (T1) recorded the highest root development. StimBlue ⁺ treatments showed descriptively higher concentrations of several minerals including leaf K, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe and Zn compared with the control. T1 also recorded the highest TPC (20.25 and 8.71 mg GAE/g DW) and ABTS (171.32 and 122.90 μmol TE/g DW), FRAP (110.86 and 63.62 μmol AAE/g DW), DPPH (68.14 and 43.77 μmol TE/g DW), in leaves and roots, respectively. These findings provide preliminary baseline phytochemical and mineral data for D. suffruticosum and indicate its potential as a candidate functional food, with low-dose foliar StimBlue ⁺ application emerging as a promising treatment warranting further investigation, including replicated trials and targeted bioactive compound characterisation, before nutraceutical application can be confirmed.

Background: South Africa is a biodiversity hotspot, particularly within the Cape Floristic Region, Succulent Karoo and Maputoland–Pondoland–Albany. These regions harbour high levels of endemism and support indigenous communities who depend on local flora for medicine and culture. Documenting these plants and their uses is critical for conserving biodiversity and indigenous knowledge. Aim: To investigate traditional medicinal uses of indigenous coastal plants in the Eastern Cape Province. Setting: The study was conducted at the University of Fort Hare, with interviews held in Mdantsane, Motherwell and Zidindi village, targeting traditional healers and street vendors. Methods: Data were collected using structured questionnaires from 35 purposively selected respondents. Analyses were performed using SPSS, use-value, and fidelity level indices. Results: Twenty-four indigenous coastal plant species from 21 families were recorded, with Asteraceae most frequently cited. Leaves (87.5%) were the most utilised plant part, while decoctions (66.7%) were the preferred preparation method. Oral administration dominated (87.5%). Shrubs (41.6%) and trees (37.5%) were the main growth forms. Helichrysum cymosum exhibited a 100% fidelity level for its use as an analgesic. Conclusion: While most plants remain actively used, some are underutilised due to scarcity and habitat loss. Contribution: Policymakers should promote sustainable harvesting and cultivation for herbal medicine markets. Further scientific validation of bioactive compounds and safety is necessary to support pharmaceutical development and broader applications.