A breeder can select a visually appealing phenotype, whether for ornamentation or landscaping. However, the organic vision is not accurate and objective, making it challenging to bring a reliable phenotyping intervention into implementation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop an innovative solution to predict the intensity of the flower’s color upon the external shape of the crop. We merged the single linear iterative clustering (SLIC) algorithm and box-counting method (BCM) into a framework to extract useful imagery data for biophysical modeling. Then, we validated our approach by fitting Gompertz function to data on intensity of flower’s color and fractal dimension (S^D) of the architecture of white-flower, yellow-flower, and red-flower varieties of Portulaca umbraticola. The SLIC algorithm segmented the images into uniform superpixels, enabling the BCM to precisely capture the S^D of the architecture. The S^D ranged from 1.938315 to 1.941630, which corresponded to pixel-wise intensities of 220.85 and 47.15. Thus, the more compact the architecture the more intensive the color of the flower. The sigmoid Gompertz function predicted such a relationship at r_adj² > 0.80. This study can provide further knowledge to progress the field’s prominence in developing breakthrough strategies toward improving the control of visual quality and breeding of ornamentals.

Specialty crops enhance food security, biodiversity, and economic resilience, relying on high-quality seeds. However, there is a gap in understanding how to enhance seed quality under specific conditions. This study addresses this gap by proposing that optimizing harvesting and drying can improve specialty crop seed quality. A literature review spanning 2000–2023 was conducted, followed by a meta-analysis to measure effect sizes. From an initial pool of 1589 documents, 45 met the criteria for further analysis. The results indicated that harvesting seeds at intermediate times significantly increased the logarithmic response ratio (LRR), with LRRs of 1.7 for germination and 2 for seedling count compared with early harvesting. Regarding drying methods, no significant differences were found between artificial and natural methods. However, optimal drying temperatures (30–60 °C) were identified, ensuring adequate moisture levels (10–20%) for a germination percentage of 50–100%. The variability in these findings was attributed to the twelve diverse species analyzed. Although the results supported the study’s hypothesis, limited and inconsistent data prevented the determination of optimal conditions for each species, indicating a need for further research. Despite these limitations, the study provides insights into optimizing harvesting and drying to enhance seed quality in specialty crops, contributing to emerging science in this domain.

There are few recommendations for management of production and quality of propagules of Eryngium foetidum L. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate irrigation management during plant flowering and the harvest of different orders of inflorescences on the production and quality of E. foetidum propagules. For that purpose, a completely randomized experimental design was used in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement consisting of five capitulum orders (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th orders) and four irrigation intervals (1, 2, 4, and 6 days). The following traits were evaluated: number of propagules, 1000-propagule weight, plant yield, first germination count, germination rate, hard propagules, relative frequency of germination, germination speed index, mean germination time, and mean time for seedling emergence in sand. After data collection, the means were compared using Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). To obtain higher yield and physiological quality of E. foetidum propagules, they should be produced under irrigation at a 4-day interval, and harvest should occur from the 1^st to the 5^th orders of the capitula.

Eryngium foetidum is a promising crop for diversifying agriculture and supporting sustainable development through nutrient-rich unconventional foods. However, limited knowledge about its seed viability and post-harvest management hinders its commercial scalability. This study explored the effects of post-harvest resting treatments on seed quality and vigor, assessing seeds from whole plants, aerial parts, floral spikes, and umbels after 7 and 14 days of resting. Key metrics included seed yield, purity, moisture content, germination, and vigor were assessed. Results showed that seeds retained on whole plants achieved the highest physical purity (72.2%). Seeds that rested for 7 days exhibited higher germination rates (59%), faster germination (mean germination time of 17 days), and improved seedling establishment (70% emergence) compared to seeds that rested for longer durations. These outcomes highlight the importance of specific post-harvest conditions for optimizing assimilate redistribution enhancing seed quality and seedling performance. This research bridges a critical gap in post-harvest management knowledge for E. foetidum, offering practical insights to improve cultivation practices and promote its adoption as a strategic crop. The findings align with global efforts to advance sustainable and innovative agroecosystems. Further studies under diverse environmental conditions and harvest times are recommended to validate these results and support large-scale implementation.

The harvested T. caraiba seeds maintain high viability for 360 days of storage.

Eryngium foetidum is classified as an Unconventional Food Plant with socio-economic importance in the Amazon. Its propagation units exhibit low and irregular germination due to dormancy, although the type of dormancy remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate methods to overcome dormancy and promote germination in E. foetidum propagation units. Treatments included chemical scarification with sulfuric acid (1, 2, and 3 min), mechanical scarification with sandpaper, immersion in room-temperature water and hot water, and a control treatment. Germination percentage, hard and dead propagation units, normal seedlings, first count, germination speed index (GSI), mean germination time (MGT), and relative frequency were evaluated. Data were analyzed using a heat map and a correlation network. The results revealed the formation of two distinct groups. Group I, consisting of chemical scarification treatments, promoted higher germination percentages and GSI, lower MGT, a significant reduction in hard propagation units, and greater germination uniformity, likely due to partial removal of the seed coat. The correlation network showed a strong negative association between hard units and germination, GSI, and first count, reinforcing the role of physical restriction as a determinant of dormancy. Chemical scarification with sulfuric acid was the most effective method for overcoming dormancy in E. foetidum.