Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is a shrubby plant species recalcitrant to vegetative propagation and generally difficult to propagate by seeds. This is due to the difficulties associated with seed germination, root induction from stem cuttings, and plant hardening. Propagation by tissue culture would be a good alternative and promising approach to overcome the limitations of conventional propagation. Tissue culture methods can be used for the clonal propagation of caper plants. Indeed, in many plant species, micropropagation has played a decisive role in the rapid and large-scale production of uniform and genetically stable plants. Tissue culture methods can also be used in genetic improvement and conservation programs. In this review, we first provided an overview on caper and its conventional means of propagation, then we described the different methods of caper micropropagation, i.e., in vitro seed germination and seedling development, propagation by nodal segmentation of elongated shoots (i.e., microcuttings), and adventitious organogenesis. These micropropagation methods can make it possible to overcome all the obstacles preventing large-scale propagation and genetic improvement of caper. Thus, the most updated information on the progress made in the field of caper micropropagation is reported and future perspectives are outlined.

Over the past decade, several studies have established a direct link between functional foods, nutraceuticals, and a reduced risk of oxidative-stress-related diseases. Nutraceuticals, which encompass a variety of bioactive molecules, exhibit both nutritional and therapeutic properties. The cactus pear (Opuntia spp.) is a plant genus with many species recognized as functional foods, largely attributed to their high content of nutraceuticals, including polyphenols, fatty acids, vitamins, amino acids, pigments, and phytosterols. These compounds of different structures and functions possess different biological activities, contributing to the health-promoting properties of cactus pear. This makes cactus pears a valuable plant for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. While extensive research has focused on the nutritional profile of cactus pear fruits, the cladodes have received comparatively limited attention. Notably, the nutritional composition of cladodes can exhibit considerable variability, influenced by species and growing conditions. Furthermore, although various bioactive compounds have been identified in cladodes, studies elucidating their mechanisms of action, health benefits, and potential therapeutic applications remain insufficient. Addressing these gaps is crucial for enhancing the understanding and utilization of cactus pear cladodes. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structure–function relationships of the main nutraceuticals found in cactus pear cladodes. It synthesizes data from recent and relevant literature to elucidate the content of these compounds in relation to species and geographical origin, while also detailing the main biological activities and health-promoting benefits associated with cactus pear cladodes.

The production of argan seedlings in nurseries is considered a crucial step for the success of any argan forest regeneration program since it increases the rate of survival and growth. Therefore, the substrate and container play a vital role in argan seedling production, while the use of shade may improve soil moisture and decrease the water stress of the plant. This study aims to determine the effects of these factors and their interactions. For this, the effects of four shade levels (0%, 20%, 40%, and 80%) and six different compositions of the substrate, as well as four different sizes and forms of containers, on argan seedling production were studied for six months under greenhouse conditions, based on analyzing the leaf mineral elements and measuring morphological traits. According to the studied parameters, the results show that 0% and 40% of shade are, respectively, the best shade levels for growth, while the germination rate is higher only in an unshaded compartment (85.28%). Furthermore, the substrate based on peat moss lead to one of the higher germination rates (78.75%) and the finest plants in terms of chlorophyll content, and shoot and root growth, while the largest container (C2) had the best shoot and root growth with 34.34 cm of root length. However, the mineral analysis, mainly the leaf total nitrogen concentration, is correlated with morphological traits. In addition, the cost–benefit analysis study confirmed this finding and valorizes the use of S1 substrate (1/2 black peat and 1/2 blond peat) and a C2 container (volume: 3100 mL) since it is considered the most efficient and economic combination for different shade levels.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play a key role in enhancing plant stress tolerance, nutrient uptake, and overall health, making them essential for sustainable agriculture. Their multifaceted contributions to the rhizosphere—through biofertilization, bioprotection, and biostimulation—have led to growing interest in their application. In recent years, in vitro mycorrhization has emerged as a promising approach for the rapid propagation of economically and ecologically important plant species, offering improved agronomic and physiological traits as well as increased resilience to environmental stressors. However, challenges remain in achieving consistent AMF-plant symbiosis under in vitro conditions across diverse species. This review highlights the potential of in vitro mycorrhization as a controlled system for investigating AMF interactions and their impact on plant development. Various in vitro mycorrhization systems are described and discussed, along with their applications in the mass production of AMF propagules and mycorrhizal plants, and their role in enhancing the acclimatization of micropropagated plantlets to ex vitro conditions. The role of in vitro mycorrhization as an effective tissue culture approach that integrates plant propagation with enhanced resilience to environmental stress is emphasized. The factors influencing the success of in vitro mycorrhization and strategies for the large-scale production of AMF propagules and mycorrhizal plants are explored. Although research in this area is still limited, existing studies underscore the potential of in vitro mycorrhization to enhance plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses—an increasingly urgent goal in the context of climate change and global food security.