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The cotton agroecological cultivation enables the textile industry to have a plume of sustainable origin with positive socio-environmental impacts by not using synthetic inputs from non-renewable sources. In a context in which the global demand for sustainable development products that contribute to the environment grows every day, it is necessary to create technologies accessible to all scales of farmers. The objective of this study was to monitor the agroecological cultivation of cotton in an agroforestry system (AFS). This is an experience report on the agroecological cultivation of cotton. The experiment was conducted at the UFMT Experimental Farm, in the Cuiabá River Valley. The total experimental area was 3360 m2 (56 x 60 m) and was subdivided into four blocks of 840 m (14 x 60 m). Each block was composed of two rows of fruit and tree trees and twelve rows of cotton. The cotton was sown manually and mechanized and at different spacing. It was observed that the densest cultivation between 0.30 x 0.80 m plants was the one that provided the highest production of the plume. The larger spacing between rows makes it easier to manage spontaneous plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rose is one of the most appreciated flowers in the world; however, fungal diseases can affect its production, decreasing its commercial value. Thus, the objective of this work was to assess the potential of extracts of medicinal plants and commercial products based on plant extracts, plant oils, and potassium phosphite to control black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) in roses by evaluating the activation of plant defense mechanisms. The treatments consisted of using crude aqueous extract (CAE) of Rosmarinus officinalis leaves; CAE of Equisetum arvense stems; CAE of Moringa oleifera seeds; commercial product (CP) based on fermented plant extracts; CP based on potassium phosphite; CP based on plant oils; CP based on citrus mass; and fungicide. Severity of black spot disease, and yield, biometry, chlorophyll contents, and enzyme activity of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenoloxidase in rose plants were evaluated. The treatments presented no difference from the control (water) for disease incidence and severity and yield. However, the longest stem was found in rose plants in the treatment with potassium phosphite-based commercial product, whereas the thickest stems were found in the three treatments with commercial products. The highest enzyme specific activities of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenoloxidase were found in plants treated with potassium phosphite, CAE of M. oleifera, and CAE of R. officinalis. The results found showed that the tested natural products did not control black spot in rose bushes, despite their positive effect on plant physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays) is the most commonly produced grain worldwide. One of the factors that can lead to a decrease in productivity is the Southern Leaf Blight caused by Bipolaris maydis. This is common in the main producing regions and can promote losses of up to 70% under suitable conditions. A few genotypes are resistant to this fungus, and there is no record of fungicides for the disease in Brazil. In order to search for alternative control measures with lower environmental impacts, the objective of this study was to investigate the use of polysaccharide fractions extracted from shiitake or aloe, as well as acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), as potential inductors of resistance in maize against B. maydis. Tests were conducted with maize plants (hybrids P1630H and BM3063) to evaluate the effects of the products on reducing disease severity, inhibiting pathogen germination and activating guaiacol peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activities. Aloe and ASM were not efficient to control the disease. Fraction PS1 from shiitake reduced the disease severity in both hybrids by approximately 60%. Meanwhile, fraction PS2 was efficient only in hybrid BM3063, where it promoted an increase in PAL activity. However, these fractions did not affect the spore germination of B. maydis. Therefore, the polysaccharide fractions from shiitake have the potential to control Southern Leaf Blight (B. maydis) in maize probably through the activation of plant defense mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of plant extracts (PE) and manipueira on the control of Meloidogyne javanica in scarlet eggplants. The following treatments were applied: 1) control (50 mL of distilled water), 2) Cymbopogon citratus PE (PECC 50 mL, 0.3 g.mL-1), 3) Chenopodium ambrosioides PE (PECA 50 mL, 0, 3 g.ml-1), 4) Ricinus communis PE (RCPE 50 ml, 0.3 g.ml-1), 5) Manihot esculenta industrial residue (MEIR 50 ml, 0.3 g.ml-1). At 60 days after inoculation, plant height plant height (PH), shoot fresh matter (SFM) and roots (RFM), shoot dry matter (SDM) and nematological: gall index (NGI) and number of eggs (NE). PE and MEIR showed a tendency to improve the development of plants infected by the nematode. The PE reduced the reproduction of M. javanica, with emphasis on the PECA that reduced by 57.51% NE. It is concluded that the PECA was the most efficient in reducing the reproduction of M. javanica in scarlet eggplants with the potential to be used as a control alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current approaches for assessing the effects of invasive alien species (IAS) are biased toward the negative effects of these species, resulting in an incomplete picture of their real effects. This can result in an inefficient IAS management. We address this issue by describing the INvasive Species Effects Assessment Tool (INSEAT) that enables expert elicitation for rapidly assessing the ecological consequences of IAS using the ecosystem services (ES) framework. INSEAT scores the ecosystem service "gains and losses" using a scale that accounted for the magnitude and the reversibility of its effects. We tested INSEAT on 18 IAS in Great Britain. Here, we highlighted four case studies: Harmonia axyridis (Harlequin ladybird), Astacus leptodactylus (Turkish crayfish), Pacifastacus leniusculus (Signal crayfish) and Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam). The results demonstrated that a collation of different experts' opinions using INSEAT could yield valuable information on the invasive aliens' ecological and social effects. The users can identify certain IAS as ES providers and the trade‐offs between the ES provision and loss associated with them. This practical tool can be useful for evidence‐based policy and management decisions that consider the potential role of invasive species in delivering human well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preserving the abundance and stocking of oaks (Quercus spp.) has become increasingly challenging in temperate hardwood forests of the eastern US in recent decades due to a remarkable shift in dominance to mesophytic species (e.g., red maple Acer rubrum). Studies have shown that efforts to sustain oaks while restraining maples yield limited success. Given that a significant portion of forestlands in the eastern U.S. are privately owned, it is critical to assess whether current forest management on cross-ownership forests can achieve those objectives. However, such assessments are rare. In this study, we employed a landscape modeling approach to investigate the long-term outcomes (i.e., 150-year forest composition and structure) of business-as-usual management and alternative management in a large, temperate hardwood forest landscape in Ohio, US. The business-as-usual management continues the current existing management practices, whereas the alternative management increases the pace and scale of forest management on both private and public lands to favor oaks. We compared the basal area and relative dominance for oaks (including Q. alba , Q. coccinea , Q. prinus , Q. rubra , and Q. velutina) and maples (including A. rubrum , A. saccharinum , and A. saccharum). Our results demonstrate that the implementation of business-as-usual management practices on both private and public lands may not effectively ensure the long-term sustainability of oak populations, but instead promote the proliferation of maple species over time. By contrast, alternative management on both private and public lands can effectively sustain oaks across a range of diameter classes while mitigating the growth of large, dominant maples. Our study emphasizes the influential role of private lands in driving oak-maple dynamics at the regional scale, as they can generate significant regional effects even when public lands continue with their business-as-usual management practices. Starting conditions based on landownership are crucial considerations for understanding these dynamics over time. • Current management may not sustain oaks on public and private lands. • Alternative management can help sustain oaks on both private and public lands. • Silvicultural management on private lands has significant regional effects. • We provide novel insights into cross-ownership oak-maple sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose is a disease caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides affects avocado fruits (Persea americana Miller), making them unfit for commercialization. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of essential oils on the control of anthracnose in avocado fruits and its influence on the physico-chemical quality. The work was conducted at the Phytopathology Laboratory - UFPB, campus II. The fruits of avocado were treated with essential oils of lemon grass, cinnamon, eucalyptus, ricin, copaiba, andiroba, rosemary, canola, clove and flaxseed, which were added to the BDA culture medium at a concentration of 0.75 µLmL-1 and added to these two drops of Tween 80. In addition to the fungicide Tiabendazole 400 ml / 100 L added in the BDA medium and the control (pure culture medium). The following were evaluated: index of mycelial growth rate, conidia production and pathogen severity. The physical-chemical evaluations of the fruits were: loss of fresh mass; peel strength; pH; SS / AT ratio. The essential oils of cinnamon, lemon grass, eucalyptus, cloves, fennel, copaiba and rosemary reduce mycelial growth. The oils used show potential as an alternative treatment reducing the use of fungicides. Cinnamon oil in the concentration 0.75 µLmL-1 significantly reduces the growth and sporulation of the pathogen. Essential oils do not interfere with post-harvest quality of avocado fruits P. americana Miller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of aqueous plant extracts on hatching, mobility, and mortality of Heterodera glycines race 1. For this purpose, aqueous plant extracts were obtained from leaves of Ocimum pupuraceus, Cymbopogon winterianus, Cymbopogon citratus, and seeds of Cucurbita moschata and Carica papaya. After extraction and separation of juveniles and eggs into 2 mL suspension in test tubes, 1 mL of each aqueous plant extract was applied to the nematode suspension. The tubes were incubated in BOD at 26°C. After 24 hr, the suspension with juveniles was carefully washed, and the percentage of inactive juveniles was recorded. The percentage of dead juveniles was also evaluated after more than 24 hr. After 16 d, hatching was evaluated by counting hatched juveniles and remaining unhatched eggs. Extracts of C. papaya, C. moschata, and C. winteranus reduced juvenile hatching when compared with water or C. citratus extract. Mobility was reduced with application of C. citratus and C. papaya extracts, and there was 100% mortality with the C. papaya extract. Extracts from seeds of C. papaya and C. moschata showed the greatest cumulative impact, reducing the nematode population by 100% and 97.05%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne hapla) is a prominent root vegetable pest in the Czech Republic. Effects of several plant essences for M. hapla management on carrot ( Daucus carota) were tested. The tested compounds included commercially available plant essences from Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), Mentha arvensis (field mint), Tagetes erecta (Mexican marigold), and commercial product of neem seed ( Azadirachta indica). Two further essences from Eugenia caryophyllata (clove) and Origanum majorana (marjoram) were obtained by distillation. Tests were conducted on container-grown carrots maintained under field conditions. The delivery method involved absorbing the tested essences in perlite particles placed in a substrate. The results showed a negative correlation between gall numbers of the carrots and treatment concentrations, especially for clove and majoram. Similar results were achieved when considering M. hapla egg numbers. Furthermore, the same treatments showed significant differences ( P ≥ 0.05) in fresh and dry root weights. Based on these results the management of M. hapla using plant essences seems to be possible, however, further research is desirable to determine the appropriate dosage needed for efficient and most appropriate delivery method of these substances under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of northern root knot nematode (Meloidogyne hapla) has considerably increased in the Czech Republic during the last 10 years. The management of this pest is difficult; thus, the aim of this study was to test two alternative pest management techniques on carrots under field conditions. When Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) was ploughed and the treated area was then covered with polyethylene sheets to prolong effect of the treatment, the root gall numbers decreased; whereas a nitrolime application combined with plastic covering had a positive effect on the experimental plants’ fresh weight. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

• Overfertilization has caused major salinization and acidification in soils used for GVP. • Higher accumulation of nutrients and agrochemicals in soils used for GVP than open-field soils. • Leafy vegetables have the highest levels of contaminants and human health risks. • Human exposure to contaminants derived from GVP requires more investigation. Rapid expansion of greenhouse vegetable production (GVP) in China over the last few decades has substantially promoted vegetable production and farmers' incomes. However, the semi-closed GVP environment can lead to accumulation of soil contaminants and impose a threat to human health through consumption of vegetables. This paper reviews the current environmental soil status and vegetable safety in Chinese GVPs. Furthermore, we propose several lines of future research to better understand the sources and pathways of GVP contaminants and to identify alternative management to achieve sustainable development. Our review suggests that legacy agricultural practices, including intensive application of agrochemicals and frequent irrigation, have led to significant soil acidification and salinization, as well as accumulation of nutrients and emerging contaminants in human-altered and human-transported soils used for GVP and in GVP vegetables. Over fertilization has led to very low nutrient use efficiencies, particularly for phosphorus and nitrogen. In addition, high inputs of manure, plastic films, and pesticides have promoted significant accumulation of organochlorines, antibiotics, phthalic acid esters, and heavy metals in soils and vegetables at levels exceeding or close to their permitted environmental threshold values. Leafy vegetables with large surface area have the highest levels of contaminants which, in turn, can cause health risks to consumers. Nevertheless, the sources and the paths of contaminants entering the soils and vegetables have not been widely investigated, particularly in the southwestern and northern Chinese provinces. Future research should include detailed documentation of agrochemicals and soil properties involved in the retention, degradation, and mobilization of contaminants. Furthermore, new cleaning technologies should be taken in practice to mitigate or prevent contamination of soil and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diplotaxis erucoides and Erucaria hispanica are common weeds of the Mediterranean region; they infest various habitats including cultivated fields and roadsides. In several fields across Israel, farmers have reported on poor control of D. erucoides and E. hispanica plants using acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effect of various ALS inhibitors on plants from two potentially resistant D. erucoides and E. hispanica populations. Additionally, alternative management strategies using auxinic herbicides were studied. Plants from both populations exhibited resistance to all tested ALS inhibitors, up to 20-fold the label field rate, as compared with ALS sensitive populations of D. erucoides and E. hispanica. Sequencing of the ALS gene revealed Trp574 to Leu substitution in ALS-resistant D. erucoides plants, whereas a Pro197 to Ser substitution was detected in ALS-resistant E. hispanica plants. Although high levels of resistance were observed in individuals from both putative resistant populations, sensitive individuals were also detected, suggesting the evolution of resistance in these two populations is still in progress. Auxinic herbicides, 2,4-D, and mecoprop-P, provided excellent control of plants from both ALS-resistant populations. This study documents and confirms the first case of evolution of resistance to ALS inhibitors in D. erucoides and E. hispanica populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]