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The high rice prices of 2023 have highlighted the need for increasing rice productivity. But improving productivity, especially in low‐performing rice‐producing regions, should also improve incomes for the numerous smallholder cultivators. This article examines what we can learn from the experience of high‐performing rice‐growing regions, which have both high rice yields and incomes. We focus on two best‐performing villages from Kerala, southern India and Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Using a detailed case study approach combining farm budget analysis, counterfactual simulations using agricultural household models, and qualitative insights, our analysis shows the contribution of price support, irrigation, and agricultural research in these two regions to the current situation. While price support was the prominent factor in Keralaʼs village, irrigation and extending the cropping intensity was important for farm incomes in the Mekong Delta village. This comparative analysis demonstrates the need for an ongoing evaluation of price and non‐price factors and supplementing farm incomes through specific interventions for developing low‐performing rice‐producing regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impacted by both economic and political forces, agricultural research serves as a critical approach to alleviating the adverse effects of climate change. Focusing on public agricultural research in the United States, this paper provides a literature review on research and development from the perspectives of the market environment and political economy. It also examines the current assessment of agricultural research effectiveness in addressing the challenges of climate change. A bibliometric analysis is conducted to appreciate the knowledge dynamics in the nexus of agricultural research, political economy, and climate change. Future research directions related to public agricultural research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R18‐14147 (Reg. no. GP‐528, PI 705143) is a high‐protein conventional soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm of maturity group Mid‐IV developed and released by the University of Arkansas System – Division of Agriculture Research & Extension in 2023. The germplasm is an F3:4 selection from the cross LG10‐3671‐1 × R09‐430. Plants of R18‐14147 have an indeterminate growth habit with purple flowers, gray pubescence, brown pod wall, and imperfect black hilum. Across 28 environments in Arkansas (2019–2022), R18‐14147 yield averaged 4482 kg ha−1, with broad adaptability and yield stability. Seed of R18‐14147 contains on average 429 g kg−1 and 191 g kg−1 of protein and oil on a dry weight basis, respectively, and seed weight is 15.2 g 100 seeds−1. The average seed protein content of this line is 8%–27% higher than the average protein content of the check cultivars used in various trials to evaluate R18‐14147. Additionally, R18‐14147 has been identified as resistant to stem canker. R18‐14147 presents soybean growers in the mid‐southern United States with a promising germplasm alternative combining high yield potential and elevated seed protein content for alternative crop rotation in herbicide‐tolerant cultivar systems, offering potentially seed‐saving cost benefits and serving as a valuable germplasm for new cultivar development. Core Ideas: R18‐14147 is a high‐protein soybean genotype that can support the growing market for plant‐based protein.R18‐14147 is a non‐GMO genotype with improved economically important traits that can maximize profit for growers.R18‐14147 is a well‐adapted germplasm that can be important in pre‐breeding activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Kikatiti' pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. no. CV‐361, PI 705149) was developed by the dry bean breeding program at the University of Nebraska, Agricultural Research Division, and submitted for release in 2021 by the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro as an upright indeterminate pinto bean with high yield potential and multiple disease resistance across bean production environments in Tanzania. Kikatiti was officially released in 2024 by the National Seed Committee. Kikatiti is an F7:8 derived line developed using the pedigree breeding method in Nebraska. The exceptional performance of Kikatiti in Tanzania was first identified by evaluation of the Durango Diversity Panel (DDP), which consisted of 200 accessions in on‐station trials conducted in Arusha and Mbeya. Kikatiti was identified as accession DDP‐094 (advanced breeding line NE2‐09‐3). Kikatiti yielded 1584 kg ha−1 across 5 years of trials in Tanzania and matured in 89 days. Kikatiti is resistant to bean rust conferred by the Ur‐3 and Ur‐11 genes, resistant to all strains of Bean common mosaic virus and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus conferred by the I and bc‐3 genes, moderately resistant to common bacterial blight conferred by the SAP6 quantitative trait locus, avoids white mold disease due to its upright architecture, and is moderately susceptible to angular leaf spot disease. Kikatiti has large seed size (35.9 g 100 seeds−1), and in on‐farm trials, farmers ranked Kikatiti above local pinto cultivars for its performance and market potential. Kikatiti has the potential to expand pinto bean production across East Africa. Core Ideas: Kikatiti pinto bean has superior productivity in Tanzania.Kikatiti pinto possesses an effective combination of resistance genes to combat bean rust disease in East Africa.Kikatiti pinto possesses an effective combination of resistance genes to combat Bean common mosaic necrosis virus.Farmers ranked Kikatiti above local pinto cultivars for performance and market potential in on‐farm trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

USDA‐N7007 is a non‐GM, maturity group (MG) VII soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (Reg. no. GP‐529, PI 705147) germplasm released by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in conjunction with the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service in December of 2023. USDA‐N7007 is a high‐yielding, high‐protein germplasm derived from wild soybean (Glycine soja Siebold & Zucc; PI 366122) and small‐seeded MG VII USDA cultivar N7103. Over 47 combined testing environments of the USDA Southern Uniform and USB Protein Diversity Tests (2018–2021), USDA‐N7007 yielded 98% of the check mean and 102% of the test mean. The average protein content of USDA‐N7007 was significantly higher (432 g kg−1) than the average check means of 402 g kg−1 and 413 g kg−1 in the USDA Southern Uniform and USB Protein Diversity Tests, respectively. Across both tests (2019–2021), the release was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in protein (+7 g kg−1), with 9% higher seed yield (+242 kg ha−1) than the recurrent parent N7103. USDA‐N7007 is resistant to lodging, southern root‐knot nematode, and stem canker. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first US release clearly demonstrating that the wild soybean genome can be incorporated into an elite cultivar to increase seed protein without a negative effect on seed yield. This release is a truly novel and valuable resource for development of future US soybean cultivars because it will be useful to improve both genetic diversity and seed protein simultaneously without a negative effect on seed yield. Core Ideas: USDA‐N7007 demonstrates that wild soybean can be used in cultivar development without a yield drag.USDA‐N7007 is a valuable resource for development of future soybean cultivars to improve genetic diversity.USDA‐N7007 exhibits an increased protein content without a negative effect on yield.Expanding the genetic base of soybean is a vital factor for increasing sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach brown rot, attributed to Monilinia fructicola, presents a significant threat to postharvest peach cultivation, causing losses of up to 80%. With an increasing number of countries, spearheaded by the European Union, imposing bans on chemical agents in fruit production, there is a growing interest in mining highly active antibacterial compounds from biological control strains for postharvest disease management. In this study, we highlight the unique ability of Streptomyces lincolnensis strain JCP1‐7 to inhibit M. fructicola sporulation, despite its limited antimicrobial efficacy. Through GC–MS analysis, eucalyptol was identified as the key compound. Fumigation of diseased fruits with eucalyptol at a concentration of 0.0335 μg cm−3 demonstrated an in vivo inhibition rate against M. fructicola of 93.13%, completely suppressing spore formation. Transcriptome analysis revealed the impact of eucalyptol on multiple pathogenesis‐related pathways, particularly through the inhibition of catalase 2 (Cat2) expression. Experiments with a MfCat2 knockout strain (ΔMfCat2) showed reduced pathogenicity and sensitivity to JCP1‐7 and eucalyptol, suggesting MfCat2 as a potential target of JCP1‐7 and eucalyptol against M. fructicola. Our findings elucidate that eucalyptol produced by S. lincolnensis JCP1‐7 inhibits M. fructicola sporulation by regulating MfCat2, thereby effectively reducing postharvest peach brown rot occurrence. The use of fumigation of eucalyptol offers insights into peach brown rot management on a large scale, thus making a significant contribution to agricultural research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generative artificial intelligence tools have been shown to substantially increase productivity in a range of different contexts. I discuss the potential and limitations of the current models, and the evidence on how economic researchers can best make use of generative artificial intelligence in their work. To illustrate these points, I show how the data analysis tools of ChatGPT can be used to address a specific question: the accuracy of agricultural forecasts—and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of artificial intelligence in data cleaning, data analysis and producing graphs and illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have extensively studied and documented the effects of potassium (K) fertility on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Yet, additional research is needed to determine how interactions of K, cultivar, and harvest management influence the K needs of alfalfa. To explore these interactions, we conducted 5 years of field research at the University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Lingle, WY. Treatments were (a) four K rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) applied before planting in the fall of 2016 and after the final harvest in the fall of 2017–2020, (b) two cultivars (Hi‐Gest 360 and AFX 457), and (c) two harvest times (early harvest, late bud to early [10%] bloom, and late harvest, 7 days after early harvest), arranged in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial under random complete blocks with four replications. At 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and early harvest, a consistently significant (p < 0.05) higher yield response was observed. The same response was seen at 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and late harvest. This occurred at a site with moderate‐to‐high soil K levels throughout the study period. There was a linear (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.66) and quadratic (p = 0.006, R2 = 0.61) response of forage accumulation to K rate at early and late harvest, respectively. Similar trends were also seen for stem count, relative water content, root uptake of K, and tissue K. Time of harvest showed immense potential for optimizing K's effect for a consistent high‐yield response. However, fertilizing alfalfa with 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 gave the most profitable production under both harvest times. If K fertilizer prices drop over time, high profits could be attained with higher K fertilization rates. After 3 years of production, average forage accumulation increased under an early harvest system and decreased under a late harvest system. Growers in Wyoming and similar regions are encouraged to consider fertilizing alfalfa with moderate K rates (∼112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) on soils testing moderate‐to‐high in soil test K, implement a late harvest system for the first 3 years after planting, and transition to an early harvest system after the initial 3 years to maximize alfalfa profits. Core Ideas: There have been conflicting reports on the effect of potassium (K) fertilizer on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production.Research is needed to quantify the K needs of alfalfa as influenced by the interactions of K rates, cultivar, and harvest time.Alfalfa responded significantly to K fertilizer even in a moderate‐to‐high exchangeable K soil environment.Alfalfa cultivar did not influence K requirements, and late harvest reduced K requirements by 56 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 for optimal yield response.The 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 rate was most economically optimal for both early and late harvests, suggesting that K rates can be similar for both harvest times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmers are making decisions every year under weather variability, input cost fluctuations, and commodity price uncertainty. Traditional replicated field trials cannot recommend actionable knowledge at the field level accounting for all sources of variability and uncertainty. Decision support tools aim to fill the gap that traditional agricultural research cannot. Agroptimizer (www.agroptimizer.com), a machine learning cloud‐based decision support tool (DST) has a user‐friendly interface that users can easily input field and management information and was designed to identify optimum corn and soybean cropping systems, for maximum yield and profit, across the United States. The recommended management practices of the DST were compared against cropping systems that were generated by University of Wisconsin researchers (called typical hereafter) across Wisconsin between 2021 and 2023. Agroptimizer recommendations for corn resulted in similar yield and profit compared to typical. For soybean, Agroptimizer recommendations resulted in increased yield and similar profit compared to typical. There was no downside yield and profit risk difference between Agroptimizer‐based and typical cropping systems for both crops. Overall results showed that Agroptimizer successfully identified cropping systems that resulted in high yield and profit for both crops suggesting that in the absence of available expert recommendation, it can provide management practices with high yield and profit potential. Agroptimizer is being constantly updated and will be evaluated in additional locations across the United States in subsequent years. Plain Language Summary: Every year farmers find information about best management practices from replicated field trials in their area. One issue with such trials is that typically, one, two or three management factors are evaluated in a single field or just a few fields. It is assumed that the other management practices are relevant to what most farmers use but this is not realistic for many farmers. Agroptimizer (www.agroptimizer.com), is a user‐friendly decision support tool that was designed to identify the best corn and soybean cropping systems at the field level by considering multiple management practices. The effectiveness of Agroptimizer to identify best management practices was compared against optimum management recommended by University of Wisconsin experts. Agroptimizer successfully identified cropping systems that resulted in high yield and profit for both crops with minimal differences from local expert recommendations. This shows that Agroptimizer can help farmers maximize yield and profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of advantageous microorganisms as a biofertilizer has gained significant importance in the agricultural industry due to their potential contribution to food safety and the sustainable cultivation of crops. To evaluate the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and co‐inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza and rhizobium on the yield and yield component of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a 2‐year field experiment was conducted in 2020–2021 at the Agricultural Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The experiment was designed as a randomized block trial in factorial design with three replicates. The treatments included two levels of inoculation (noninoculated and inoculated with rhizobium and mycorrhiza) and application of different levels of N fertilizer (0, 25, or 50 kg ha−1) at three growth stages (sowing, flowering, pod filling) as follows; F0 (0,0,0), F1 (25,0,0), F2 (25,25,0), F3 (25,25,25), F4 (50,0,0), F5 (50,50,0) and F6 (50,50,50), respectively. The results showed that seed inoculation and split N fertilization significantly increased yield and yield components in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Seed inoculation showed the highest values for all traits studied compared to the noninoculated treatments. Moreover, among the fertilizer treatments, the highest values for plant height (41.8 cm), number of branches (9.1), number of grains per plant (17.8) and 100‐grain weight (30.4 g) from F6 through the F3 treatment, were statistically similar. The results show that the effect of inoculation is more significant when a lower amount of N fertilizer is applied. Due to the health and environmental problems associated with chemical fertilizers, double inoculation and split application of N fertilizers at lower doses can be recommended. Plain Language Summary: In order to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer and co‐inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza and Rhizobium ciceri on the yield and yield component of chickpea, a 2‐year field experiment was conducted at the agricultural research station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, during 2020–2021. From these results, it can be concluded that the pronounced increase in these traits was obtained by the application of mineral N fertilizer and co‐inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza and Rh. ciceri, which led to an increase the yield and yield component. Also, our results showed that supplying nitrogen during the planting and flowering stages is very important to obtain high yield and dry matter. The results illustrate that the effect of inoculation is more significant in conditions of less fertilizer consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L) Lam) is prioritized among crops that enhance food security and reduce malnutrition in Ghana. The production is expanding faster than other food crops owing to its superior nutrient composition. This study evaluates integrated approaches to increase on‐farm productivity, income, and utilization of sweetpotato. The first part evaluated the agronomic yield performance, financial return, and sensory quality of 10 varieties under different fertilizer treatments. The second part of activities assessed both storage root and leaf composition (i.e., total sugars, dry matter, protein, Fe, Zn, Ca, total phenolic, total monomeric anthocyanins, lutein, zeaxanthin, α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene, and total carotenoids). Third, storage stability characteristics were assessed (i.e., shelf life and the incidence of decay). Application of NPK of 40:40:70 at 300 kg ha−1 significantly (p < 0.001) increased storage root yield from 12.4 to 17.3 t ha−1, which represents a 32% increase in yield compared to farmers' standard practice. The variety SARI‐JanLow (where SARI is Savanna Agricultural Research Institute) was outstanding for root yield (23.5 t ha−1) and β‐carotene content (20.8 Mg 100 g−1). SARI‐Tiemeh was consistently ranked among the three most preferred varieties by the sensory panel across the production hubs. At locations Nyankpala and Nikongo, the most responsive varieties to fertilizer application with regard to marketable storage root yield were SARI‐Tiemeh (108%) and PGA14351‐4 (79%), respectively. The varieties SARI‐Nyumengre (1.4%), SARI‐Nyoriberi‐gu (1.4%), and PGA14351‐4 (1.6%) were the least susceptible to sweetpotato weevil attack. Considering the benefit–cost ratio and a return on investments, the four most economically viable varieties appear to be SARI‐JanLow, SARI‐Suyolo, SARI‐Tiemeh, and SARI‐Nyoriberi‐gu. Core Ideas: Fertilizer application increased storage root yield productivity by 36%–108% compared to farmers' standard practice.The benefit–cost ratio of 4.1:6 and a return on investment of 306%–501% were recorded in high‐yielding varieties.SARI‐JanLow (where SARI is Savanna Agricultural Research Institute) recorded the highest storage root yield and β‐carotene content, but SARI‐Tiemeh possesses superior sensory qualities.At the 40% decay threshold, SARI‐Nyoriberi‐gu, SARI‐Nyumengre, and SARI‐Nan showed longer shelf‐life.Leaf nutrients are compared favorably with vegetables such as Amaranthus spp. and Colocasia spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the seed gall nematode 'Anguina tritici' (Steinbuch, 1799) on the agronomic characteristics of some bread wheat cultivars were investigated at the Trakya Agricultural Research Institute, Türkiye. An experiment was carried out in two different locations in Edirne in the 2019–2020 growing season. A total of 19 winter bread wheat cultivars were evaluated to assess infected grain number, healthy grain number, infected grain rate and yield. According to the results of the combined variance analysis, a statistically significant difference (p ≤.01) was found in terms of yield from the application of inoculum. Compared to the control in wheat cultivars, there was a 52.15% decrease in the yield of infected parcels due to the damage of wheat seed gall nematode. The highest yield loss in infected parcels occurred in cv. Damla with 64.22% loss, while the least yield loss occurred in cv. Yüksel cultivar with 19%. Pathological symptoms, curling and twisting of the leaves, were not observed on green plants of cv. Yüksel cultivated in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stalk rot disease is becoming an important disease in sweet corn crops because it causes significant yield losses of the crop. In July 2022, typical symptoms of stem rot were observed in fields of Mae Hia Agricultural Research, Demonstration and Training Center in Chiang Mai province of Thailand. The symptoms exhibited by affected crop included circular water‐soaked lesions, rot and necrotic tissue at the base of the stalk. Koch's postulates were fulfilled with reisolation of the inoculated strain from the inoculated tissues, and confirmation was obtained by phenotypic characters and 16S rRNA sequences. The isolated colony on nutrient agar was cream‐coloured, circular, with a convex elevation, entire margin and smooth surface; the optical character was translucent and exuded a yellowish pigment that diffused in the nutrient agar, gram‐negative, lacked arginine dihydrolase, occurrence of the oxidase and catalase reaction. The strains were able to utilize d‐galactose and glucose but were unable to utilize d‐maltose, d‐cellobiose, d‐fructose, d‐mannose, mannitol, lactose and sucrose. The strains showed positive results for gelatine liquefaction test, citrate utilization and casein hydrolysis, but starch hydrolysis and indole production were negative result. These characteristics are the same as those described previously for Burkholderia gladioli. Disease severity in sweet corn was 43.8%, with infections showing spots with dark margins and soft rot on mature leaves and flag leaves. Disease severity in waxy corn and maize were 21.9% and 15.6%, respectively, showing a few light or dark brown spots at the infection sites. Therefore, this represents the first report of leaf stripe and stalk rot disease in sweet corn in Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glyphosate‐tolerant soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] line 'TN16‐520R1' (Reg. no. CV‐560, PI 703273) was released as a high‐yielding cultivar by University of Tennessee Agricultural Research in 2018. TN16‐520R1 is a BC4F2 cultivar derived from the recurrent parent 'Ellis', with drought tolerance and a maturity group (MG) of V‐early. It has white flowers, gray pubescence, tan podwall, and a determinate growth habit. The seed has buff hila, is yellow with smooth seed coat, and contains 40% protein and 22% oil on a dry weight basis. TN16‐520R1 has good resistance to lodging and good seed quality (1.8 and 1.6, respectively, on 1–5 scale), and a seed size of 11.8 g per 100 seed. Like Ellis, TN16‐520R1 has performed competitively throughout much of the mid‐South United States over several years, with testing occurring over a 6‐year period in 100 environments. Further, TN16‐520R1 is remarkably like the recurrent parent Ellis for yield, maturity, lodging, height, protein, and oil. Also, like Ellis, TN16‐520R1 is resistant to stem canker [caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum (Cooke & Ellis) Sacc. var. caulivora K.L. Athow & R.M. Caldwell] and southern root‐knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood] and has field tolerance to frogeye leafspot [caused by Cercospora sojina (Hara)]. This combination of beneficial traits and broad adaptability make TN16‐520R1 an excellent choice as a soybean cultivar for producers or a crossing parent for breeders. Core Ideas: This study describes the development of a high‐yielding soybean cultivar through backcross breeding.Drought tolerance is a distinguishing feature of TN16‐520R1.TN16‐520R1 possesses glyphosate resistance, which differs from the conventional recurrent parent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns over tillage intensity and soil erosion in organic cropping systems have prompted the development of reduced tillage organic systems that use cover crops rather than soil disturbance as the primary weed control tool. However, planting into high residue cover crop mulches may inhibit crop establishment due to poor seed placement. Adaptation of agricultural equipment to high residue planting conditions could reduce variability in crop stands, thereby improving grain yield. Field trials at the University of Wisconsin Arlington Agricultural Research Station, Marshfield Agricultural Research Station, and three on‐farm locations representing seven site‐years of data from 2019 to 2020 comprised a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment comparing (1) a low (457,135 seeds ha−1) versus high (555,986 seeds ha−1) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seeding rate, (2) a 13 fluted‐wavy coulter versus no coulter attachment, (3) low (667 N) versus high (1334 N) row unit down force, and (4) spiked versus rubber closing wheels on soybean stand establishment and grain yield in an organic cover crop–based reduced tillage system. Combined across site‐years, high row unit down force and coulters increased soybean stand establishment by 2.3% and 2.4%, respectively; however, the magnitude and direction of effects varied within each site‐year. Winter rye (Secale cereale L.) biomass accumulation negatively correlated to soybean stand establishment and demonstrated trends toward increasing soybean yield. Significant correlations between soybean stand establishment and yield were noted under high rye biomass conditions, indicating potential improvements to soybean yields by increasing plant stands. Core Ideas: Rye biomass mulch accumulation reduces soybean stand establishment.Row unit down force of 1334 N and a coulter most consistently increased soybean stand establishment.Improvements in soybean plant stands translated to higher grain yields under elevated rye biomass conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) should be highly prioritized, monitored, and conserved as they have an immense effect on sustainability and livelihood. In this study we aim to survey and map cereal and legume wild relatives of Fabaceae and Poaceae families. Mount Hermon, Bekaa side, Lebanon. A set of 46 CWR species were targeted based on desk selection analysis and prioritization by the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas genebank for their potential importance in breeding programs. A botanical survey of 17 sites of the various habitats of Mount Hermon was performed during April–June 2021 using a systematic transect/quadrate sampling method. Recorded genera and species were accurately georeferenced and then mapped with the DIVA‐GIS program. In total, 854 occurrences were observed belonging to 34 species of Fabaceae and 12 species of Poaceae. High H′ Shannon diversity values were recorded in three sites (Al Fakiaa, Sham El Hafour and Ain Ata‐ al Berke) of the Mount with values ranking between 2.45 and 2.83. This was confirmed by the richness distribution maps of genera and species. Richness distribution maps provide relevant clues on candidate sites for high concentrations of each of the species under study. At least the three sites, hosting 87% of the surveyed CWR's species, can be considered for further in situ conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed is one of the most crucial inputs for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production due to its influence on plant population, uniformity, and yield, as well as its cost as an input. Seeds of good quality have high germinability and vigor, providing an adequate stand with uniformly good growth and development even under adverse conditions. This study aimed to measure the effect of soybean planting date and seeding rate on harvested seed mass, seed germinability, and seed vigor. Seeds were collected from a field experiment during the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons at two locations in Ohio: Western Agricultural Research Station and Northwest Agricultural Research Station. The study was conducted using a split‐plot randomized complete block design (planting date–whole plot; seeding rate–subplot) with four replications. Standard germination and accelerated aging tests were conducted in the laboratory using seeds harvested from the field study. All four site‐years demonstrated that planting soybean very late (June 16–July 1) produced lower weight seeds than the other planting dates. Across planting date and seeding rate treatments, the harvested seed germinability was ≥94%. However, soybean planted in early June (June 1–June 15) had the lowest seed vigor results (64%–81%) compared to other planting dates (80%–89%). Rainfall at R7–R8 development stages is negatively correlated with the seed vigor. The results will help seed producers optimize seed production and quality and suggest avoiding planting in June to increase harvested seed vigor. Core Ideas: Later soybean planting dates were associated with reduced seed weight.Seeding rate did not impact seed germinability and seed vigor of harvested seed.Germinability of harvested seeds was ≥94% in all site‐years, regardless of the planting date or seeding rate.Soybean planted in early June produced seeds with the lowest seed vigor.Rainfall at R7–R8 development stages is negatively correlated with seed vigor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article evaluates the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) competitive grant funding awarded to predominately White 1862 land grant institutions (LGUs), historically Black 1890 LGUs, and non‐land grant institutions. We present the historical distribution of funding for agricultural research. Much of the inquiry centers on the differential funding of the 1862 LGUs, 1890 LGUs, and non‐land grant institutions. We discuss the implications for academic and community stakeholders. Results show that, on average, 1890 LGUs and non‐land grant institutions receive less competitive grant funding than 1862 LGUs for the same award programs. We show that the disparity falls from 2010 to 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐term agricultural baseline projections are revised annually to incorporate new information. We evaluate the effectiveness of the US Department of Agriculture and Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute crops and farm income baseline revisions to inform policymakers. The revisions are effective in improving the baseline projections in comparison to the initial projections, but they do not outperform the naïve projections. Upward revisions are found to be more effective than downward revisions. We find evidence of predictability and therefore a violation of weak efficiency for the revisions, which results from information rigidity for the crop variables and from information rigidity and strategic smoothing for the farm income variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining crop residue through no‐tillage (NT) has allowed increased water storage and continuous cropping in dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)‐based systems. However, there is little information regarding nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates for a continuous NT wheat cropping system across various yield environments. The main objective of this study was to determine agronomic optimum N rates for a continuous NT wheat in different yield environments. The study was conducted from 1981 through 2003 at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, with six N fertilizer rate treatments (0, 22, 45, 67, 90, and 112 kg N ha−1). Experimental years were divided into four yield environments: very low yielding (VLY), low yielding (LY), high yielding (HY), and very high yielding (VHY). Results showed that LY environments required a relatively greater N amount (79–98 kg N ha−1) than HY to VHY environments (72–73 kg N ha−1) to attain optimal yields. The optimal yields at low‐yield environments were smaller (1184–1654 kg ha−1) than in high‐yield environments (2181–2733 kg ha−1). Protein yield increased by 120 g for 1 kg increase in grain yield. We concluded that the optimum N fertilizer rates for continuous NT wheat ranged from 70 to 100 kg N ha−1, but these rates should be adjusted based on yield environments. Core Ideas: Optimal N rate was greater in low‐yield (79–98 kg N ha−1) than high‐yield (72–73 kg N ha−1) environments.Yields at optimal N rate for low‐yield (1184–1654 kg ha−1) were less than high‐yield (2181–2733 kg ha−1) environments.Protein yield increased by 120 g for 1 kg increase in grain yield.No‐tillage N rates should be adjusted based on yield environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between public research and development (R&D) investment and agricultural productivity growth in Chile during the 1964–2017 period. To achieve this objective, we used a combined approach based on accounting and econometric measures. The results indicated that agricultural productivity grew at an annual average rate of 2.11%. Additionally, the empirical findings show a positive and significant relationship between public R&D investment and agricultural productivity. Furthermore, the cost–benefit analysis reveals a high return (15%–21%) to public R&D resources, which may have contributed to enhancing the productivity performance of Chile's agricultural sector. In this regard, our findings suggest that agricultural R&D spending has been profitable in recent decades and that a higher allocation of R&D resources is justifiable. [EconLit Citations: C22, Q14, Q16]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumble windmill grass (Chloris verticillata Nutt.) is a problematic perennial grass weed in the semiarid Central Great Plains (CGP). Greenhouse and fallow field experiments were conducted during 2021 and 2022 at Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS, to determine the effectiveness of various POST herbicides for tumble windmill grass control. All selected POST herbicides were applied at field‐recommended rates at the seedling growth stage (3‐to 4‐inches tall) of tumble windmill grass in greenhouse study. Tumble windmill grass was at the heading growth stage (10‐to‐12‐inches tall) in fallow fields when POST herbicides were tested. Results from greenhouse study indicated that quizalofop‐P‐ethyl (QPE) and clethodim provided ≥ 95% control and shoot biomass reduction of tumble windmill grass at 28 days after treatment. Glyphosate provided 89% control and 93% shoot biomass reduction of tumble windmill grass. Imazamox and nicosulfuron had the least control (41 to 51%) and shoot biomass reduction (43 to 66%) of tumble windmill grass in greenhouse study. In contrast, all tested POST herbicides were comparatively less effective on tumble windmill grass (≤68% control and ≤ 50% shoot biomass reduction) except glyphosate (85% control and 54% shoot biomass reduction) in field study. These results conclude that clethodim, QPE, and glyphosate applied at early growth stages can provide effective control of tumble windmill grass in the CGP region. Core Ideas: Efficacy of POST herbicides was evaluated for tumble windmill grass control in greenhouse and field studies.Clethodim and quizalofop‐p‐ethyl applied at the seedling stage provided ≥95% control and shoot dry weight reduction of tumble windmill grass in greenhouse.Majority of tested POST herbicides applied at heading stage provided unacceptable control (≤68%) of tumble windmill grass, except glyphosate (85%) in field study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a special issue of the journal Irrigation & Drainage, featuring selected papers from the 24th Congress of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) on the theme of "Innovation and research in agriculture water management to achieve sustainable development goals." The issue includes papers from various countries, discussing topics such as international cooperation in irrigation and drainage, integrated approaches to irrigation management, and the role of information and communication technology in the adoption of research outputs. The papers provide insights into different aspects of agriculture water management and highlight the need for innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The research presented emphasizes the importance of capacity development, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration in achieving sustainable water management. [Extracted from the article]

Farm advisors are recognised as playing an increasingly central role in facilitating interactions between scientists and farmers to improve local implementation of sustainable soil management practices and agricultural innovations more broadly. However, there has been limited scrutiny of what farm advisors do when faced with conflicting interpretations among actors over techniques or approaches for facilitating agricultural innovation. This article advances knowledge in this area by investigating the role of farm advisors in aligning different frames on agricultural soil research and extension across seven Australian mixed farming regions. Drawing upon theoretical work on frame alignment, we argue that farm advisors use three types of strategies to align conflicting frames—frame bridging, frame amplification and frame transformation. These strategies seek to frame local soil research and extension priorities in ways that are assumed to resonate more closely with the frames of multiple constituents, such as farmers and soil scientists. Through our analysis, we argue that the application of a frame alignment approach enables greater precision in identifying which (a) interactive and social learning processes, (b) key local influencers and communities of practice and (c) resourcing and governance arrangements are most likely to be effective in facilitating soil research and extension that is locally useful and useable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural research and development projects face structural barriers to the equitable participation of women. Applying an intersectional approach can facilitate women to freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development within the existing patriarchal and colonial structures, ultimately challenging and subverting these structures. This paper argues that development initiatives must seek to understand the ways of being within specific localised projects, to tailor support and mitigate disadvantage. Through an exploration of two female‐led agroforestry projects in Vanuatu and Fiji, this paper demonstrates how centring the sovereignty of women over their own experience and livelihood aspirations can lead to familial, community and regional wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total factor productivity growth contributed 38% of Indonesia's agricultural output growth from the mid‐1970s to the mid‐2000s. This study uses time series data analysed with an error correction mechanism to examine the contribution that Indonesian publicly funded agricultural research made to this outcome, allowing for other possible determinants of productivity growth, including international agricultural research, extension, government price policy and weather. The results imply a 27% real annual rate of return from a marginal increase in Indonesian agricultural research expenditure. Indonesia's public agricultural research explains virtually all of its agricultural total factor productivity growth between 1975 and 2006. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morocco, in North Africa, is a country vastly exposed to the whims of climate change, with frequent moisture and heat stresses occurring throughout the season. Hence, developing climate‐resilient, high‐yielding, and nutritious cultivars of durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. durum (Desf.)] is a major goal and challenge of Moroccan crop breeders. In that sense, the exploitation of crop wild relatives (CWRs) holds great potential to increase genetic diversity for critical adaptation traits. 'Nachit' (Reg. no. CV‐1202, PI 702365) is a CWR‐derived durum wheat cultivar released in 2018 for cultivation in Morocco by a joint effort of the National Institute of Agronomic Research, Morocco and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. Nachit was released due to its good adaptation to the Moroccan dry conditions combined with high yield potential under irrigated conditions, extremely large grains, and richness in protein content. It also combines several traits for drought tolerance such as earliness and deep root system. Nachit was derived from a top cross between two elite lines and a wild emmer [T. turgidum ssp. dicoccoides] collected in Syria. Hence, it provides a substantial example of exploitation of CWRs to achieve a superior cultivar adapted to the climatic stresses and responding to human needs. Core Ideas: Developing climate‐resilient, high‐yielding, and nutritious varieties for sustainable production is a challenge.The use of crop wild relatives is a promising approach to enhance genetic diversity of cultivated crops.Nachit durum wheat successfully incorporates high protein content and several traits for drought tolerance from crop wild relatives.Nachit shows good adaptation to Moroccan dry conditions.Nachit seed is available for research purposes or to develop new germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planting is ideal for maximizing grain yield. However, weather conditions often limit farmers' ability to plant timely. The objectives of this study were to (a) measure the effect of soybean planting date and seeding rate on grain yield, (b) identify the agronomic optimum seeding rate (AOSR; the seeding rate where soybean yield is maximized), and (c) compare the net economic return of the base treatment (May 10 to 31 planting date and 370,000 seeds ha−1 seeding rate) to the other treatment combinations. The experiment was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in Ohio at the Western (WARS) and Northwest (NWARS) Agricultural Research Stations with a split‐plot randomized complete block design with four replications. The whole plot factor was four planting dates ranging from April 25 through July 1, and the sub‐plot factor was five seeding rates ranging from 123,500 to 618,000 seeds ha−1. When water was not limiting, soybean planted in April and May yielded 8% to 26% more than soybean planted late June. In general, planting in May resulted in a lower AOSR (247,000 to 303,000 seeds ha−1), compared to planting in June, where AOSR ranged from 430,000 to 618,000 seeds ha−1. Comparative net economic return was the lowest (from $237 ha−1 to $938 ha−1) when soybean was planted after mid‐June at 123,500 seeds ha−1. These findings can help farmers improve soybean grain yield by adjusting their seeding rate based on planting date to maximize profitability. Core Ideas: In general, yield was greatest when soybean was planted in late April through May.Agronomic optimum seeding rate increased when soybean planting was delayed.Planting April 25 through May 31 at 247,000 to 376,000 seeds ha−1 tended to result in the greatest economic return. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing cost of controlling herbicide‐resistant weeds necessitates the development of cost‐effective weed control strategies in the semi‐arid U.S. Great Plains. Two separate field studies were conducted in 2013 and 2014 at the Montana State University Southern Agricultural Research Center near Huntley, MT to (1) evaluate a light‐activated sensor‐controlled (LASC) sprayer compared to a broadcast sprayer for effectiveness and cost savings for weed control in postharvest wheat (Triticum aestivum) stubble, and (2) determine the efficacy of LASC sprayer operated at two different speeds for weed control in fallow fields. Results indicated that both LASC and broadcast sprayers performed similarly for the effectiveness of a majority of herbicides tested on kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott] and prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola L.). Paraquat alone or in tank‐mixture with linuron, and saflufenacil + 2,4‐D provided 93%–100% control of kochia, 98%–100% control of prickly lettuce, and reduced the total weed biomass by 75%–80% at 28 days after treatment (DAT), regardless of the sprayer used. A simple comparative economic analysis revealed that LASC sprayer reduced the overall chemical use by 23%–55% and resulted in cost savings of $5.83–$30.83 ha−1 across herbicide treatments. Herbicide efficacy was reduced up to 20% for kochia and prickly lettuce control when applied with LASC sprayer at a speed of 16 versus 8 km h−1. Altogether, these results indicate that the LASC sprayer can provide cost‐effective, site‐specific weed control in no‐tillage chemical fallow or postharvest wheat stubble. Core Ideas: Both light‐activated sensor‐controlled (LASC) and broadcast sprayers provided similar efficacy of tested herbicides.Paraquat alone or in tank‐mixtures with linuron, and saflufenacil + 2,4‐D provided 93% to complete control of kochia and prickly lettuce.LASC sprayer reduced the chemical use by 23%–55% across all tested herbicides.Reduced efficacy of herbicides was noted with LASC sprayer operated at speed of 16 versus 8 km h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural baselines facilitate policy and investment decisions by governments and market participants by providing long‐term projections about the farm sector. Despite their importance in shaping agricultural policy, the agricultural baselines have not been rigorously evaluated. This study evaluates the accuracy and informativeness of two widely used baselines for the US farm sector published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) in three steps. First, we examine the average percent errors of the projections and perform tests of bias. Second, we use a testing framework based on the encompassing principle to test the predictive content of the projections for each horizon, determining the longest informative projection horizon. Third, we compare the USDA and FAPRI baseline projections using a multi‐horizon framework that considers all projection horizons jointly. We find that prediction error and bias increase with the horizon's length. The predictive content of the baselines projections for most variables diminishes after 4–5 years. The multi‐horizon comparison suggests that neither USDA nor FAPRI projections have uniform or average superior predictive ability over the other for most variables. Our findings are useful for the agencies producing these baselines and for the policymakers, agricultural businesses, and other stakeholders who use them. The study contributes to the recent literature on long‐term agricultural projections and establishes the groundwork for future research inquiries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food systems have significant externalities that are not reflected in market prices. A first step to correct parts of these externalities is to make them transparent through "true‐" or full‐cost accounting. Estimates of the external health and environmental costs of food systems at a global level suggest that they may be about two times larger than food valued at market prices, that is, about 20 trillion US$ of externalities versus 9 trillion US$ of food value in the markets. The agricultural economics profession is challenged to move the true cost research agenda forward by identifying realistic pathways for internalizing some of the large food system externalities. Moving from true cost accounting (TCA) to policy action needs to involve citizens and policy‐making bodies because internalizing externalities requires buy‐in. This relates for instance, to policy instruments such as product labeling, nudging, and differential taxes and subsidies to incentivize healthy diets and disincentivize food waste. Agricultural economics will need to accompany the implementation of any true cost approaches with scrutiny in terms of the efficiency, welfare, ecological, and distributional effects of such policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the induced innovation hypothesis (IIH) from 1958 to 2015 for two Canadian agriculture regions: Central Canada (the provinces of Ontario and Quebec) and Western Canada (the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba). There is broadly consistent support for the IIH for Canadian agriculture, especially for Western Canadian agriculture. In addition, there is support for the notion that US, as well as Canadian, research expenditures are important to explain changes in the input ratio in Canadian agriculture in the long run. This indicates the existence of spillover effects from US agricultural research expenditures to Canadian agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural cost‐share research and planning tend to focus on one program at a time, and hence overlook additional efficiencies that might be obtained by considering the possibility that enrollment decisions are related across different programs. Models of multiple‐program participation decisions enable these relationships to be considered as part of conditional enrollment predictions, providing more complete and accurate understanding of enrollment behavior. Analysis of data from farmer surveys in Maryland and Ohio show complementary drivers across program participation. Results are consistent with economies of scale and/or scope among different agri‐environmental programs. The data also show the gains in prediction accuracy when the model accounts for participation in other programs, thereby enabling improved targeting and program design. For instance, enrollment in commodity‐type programs causes a much larger marginal increase (12.6%) in the probability of Maryland cover crops participation than does the increase from Conservation Reserve Program enrollment (4.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphosate‐resistant (GR) Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) is widespread in the Central Great Plains. Introduction of newly developed dicamba/glufosinate/glyphosate (DGG)‐resistant soybean varieties allows postemergence (POST) applications of dicamba and glufosinate for in‐season control of GR Palmer amaranth. Limited information exists on the effectiveness of glufosinate applied late‐POST for tall (70–90 cm) GR Palmer amaranth control in DGG‐resistant soybean. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the effectiveness of late‐POST glufosinate‐based programs for GR Palmer amaranth control, and (2) determine the impact of those programs on soybeans grain yields. Ten glufosinate‐based programs were tested in a field study at Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, Kansas. Results indicated that single (655 or 737 g ha−1) and all sequential (594 followed by [fb] 594, 655 fb 594, and 737 fb 594 g ha−1) applications (7‐days apart) of glufosinate provided 87%–93% control of GR Palmer amaranth 28 days after last POST (DALPOST). Palmer amaranth control with single late‐POST application of glufosinate (594 g ha−1) or glufosinate plus S‐metolachlor did not exceed 84% at 28 DALPOST. Majority of the evaluated programs reduced shoot dry weights of GR Palmer amaranth by 83%–91%. The least control (11%) and shoot dry weight reduction (33%) of GR Palmer amaranth were observed with glyphosate fb glyphosate. Glufosinate‐based programs resulted in soybean grain yield of 626–701 kg ha−1. These results conclude that glufosinate applied late‐POST may provide effective control of tall GR Palmer amaranth in DGG‐resistant soybeans. Core Ideas: Late‐POST glufosinate‐based herbicide programs were evaluated in dicamba/glufosinate/glyphosate (DGG)‐resistant soybeans.Single (655 or 737 g ha−1) and all sequential late‐POST glufosinate programs provided 87%–93% control of GR Palmer amaranth.The majority of glufosinate‐based programs reduced shoot dry weights of GR Palmer amaranth by 83%–91%.Late‐POST glufosinate programs had 56%–61% higher soybean yield compared to glyphosate followed by glyphosate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic failure of our land management, legal, and regulatory institutions is revealed by the serious and adverse social and environmental impacts of land use practices in private agriculture, evident in severe land and water degradation, precipitous decline in biodiversity, and reduced resilience to natural hazards and climate change. The efficacy of the standard treatment of environmental law and regulation is often hampered by the cultural and legal priority of property rights. We take a different approach, using legal geography to refocus attention on the salience and agency of place and responses to degradation, such as conservation farming and regenerative agriculture, which are reforming dominant land management cultures and institutions from within. By recognising the role of place in leading geographically responsive land use decision‐making and more sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural practices, an alternative model of private land ownership may be possible, as well as greater environmental sustainability. For researchers, our approaches too must be sensitive and responsive to place agency and our methodologies must evolve to acknowledge the agency of place. Place agency in legal geography has great potential for application in reforming suboptimal industrial agricultural practices and legal models of property ownership, and also for revitalising our scholarship. Place agency in legal geography has great potential for application in reforming suboptimal industrial agricultural practices and legal models of property ownership. By recognising the role of place in leading geographically responsive land use decision‐making and more sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural practices, an alternative model of private land ownership may be possible alongside greater environmental sustainability. Researchers' approaches, too, must be sensitive and responsive to place agency and our methodologies must evolve to acknowledge the agency of place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until recently, it had been a common practice in the field of plant disease control to identify bacterial strains with the following characteristics as Pseudomonas marginalis: fluorescent; oxidase‐, potato soft rot‐ and arginine dihydrolase‐positive; soft rot‐causing (here referred to as P. marginalis sensu lato). In contrast, as phylogenetic and genomic analyses have been introduced into the bacterial taxonomy, it became clear that P. marginalis sensu lato is heterogeneous, suggesting that it might be a species complex containing many cryptic species. Therefore, a preliminary survey was performed targeting the P. marginalis sensu lato strains preserved in the NARO (National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Japan) Genebank to sort these into strains corresponding to P. marginalis sensu stricto (i.e., strains that would be included in the same species range as the type strain of P. marginalis) and strains that might not fit this category. Since then, attempts have been made to examine the taxonomic affiliations of the latter by using a polyphasic approach. As a result, some strains were proven to differ from any known species and are described as the following novel species: Pseudomonas kitaguniensis, Pseudomonas allii, Pseudomonas cyclaminis, Pseudomonas petroselini, Pseudomonas brassicae, Pseudomonas lactucae, Pseudomonas aegrilactucae and Pseudomonas morbosilactucae. In this article, the profiles of each of these novel species and a scheme for their identification are briefly introduced. In addition to the problem of cryptic species, reorganizing P. marginalis sensu lato still faces various challenges, which we discuss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascochyta blight (caused by Ascochyta rabiei) is a primary concern of chickpea production worldwide. Intercropping chickpea with a non‐host crop has the potential to suppress this disease and improve resource use efficiency for enhanced crop yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of seeding rate and row configuration of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)–flax (Linum usitatissimum L) intercropping on (1) yield and seed quality, (2) disease incidence and severity of Ascochyta blight of chickpea, and (3) land productivity of this intercropping system. Field trials were conducted at the Eastern Agricultural Research Center, Sidney, MT, and the Southern Agricultural Research Center, Huntley, MT, in 2020 and 2021. Chickpea was planted with flax in four intercropping configurations (70% chickpea–30% flax in mixed rows, 50% chickpea–50% flax in alternate rows, 50% chickpea–50% flax in mixed rows, and 30% chickpea–70% flax in mixed rows). Chickpea yield decreased with increased flax proportion in the mixed rows intercrop. Flax displayed higher competitiveness than chickpea, resulting in decreased yield and protein concentration in chickpea but increased yield and protein content in flax. Land equivalent ratio of intercropping was greater than one, showing improved land productivity (2%–23% greater than monocropping). Intercropping reduced Ascochyta blight disease incidence and severity; the 50% chickpea–50% flax and 30% chickpea–70% flax intercropping configurations could reduce the disease severity to 50% (in Huntley) and 67% (in Sidney) of that in the monocropping. These results indicated that seed ratio and planting configurations of chickpea–flax intercropping may be manipulated to increase land use efficiency and reduce Ascochyta blight in chickpea. Canadian Development Center 'CDC Leader' yielded greater than Royal in the higher disease pressure environment in Huntley indicated that selection of disease resistant cultivars is important for managing Ascochyta blight in chickpea. Core Ideas: Flax is more competitive than chickpea, and an alternative row configuration has less interspecies competition than mixed rows.A seeding rate of 50% chickpea and 50% flax resulted in the maximum combined yield and land productivity.Intercropping chickpea with flax showed reduced Ascochyta blight incidence and severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is a highly versatile crop with a multitude of applications, from textiles, biofuel and building material to high‐value food products for consumer markets. Furthermore, non‐hallucinogenic cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD), which can be extracted from female hemp flowers, are potentially valuable pharmacological compounds. In addition, hemp has high carbon sequestration potential associated with its rapid growth rate. Therefore, the hemp industry is gaining more traction and breeding hemp cultivars adapted to local climate conditions or bred for specific applications is becoming increasingly important. Here, we present a method for the rapid generation cycling (speed breeding) of hemp. The speed breeding protocol makes use of the photoperiod sensitivity of Cannabis. It encompasses vegetative growth of the plants for 2 weeks under continuous light, followed by 4 weeks under short‐day conditions, during which flower induction, pollination and seed development proceed, and finally a seed ripening phase under continuous light and water stress. With the protocol described here, a generation time of under 9 weeks (61 days) from seed to seed can be achieved. Furthermore, our method synchronises the flowering time of different hemp cultivars, thus facilitating crosses between cultivars. The extremely short generation time will enable hemp researchers and breeders to perform crosses in a time‐efficient way and generate new hemp cultivars with defined genetic characteristics over a short period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronutrient malnutrition has affected over two billion people worldwide and continues to be a health risk. A growing human population, poverty, and the prevalence of low dietary diversity are jointly responsible for malnutrition, particularly in developing nations. Inadequate bioavailability of key micronutrients, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and vitamin A, can be improved through agronomic and/or genetic interventions. The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research prioritizes developing biofortified food crops that are rich in minerals and vitamins through the HarvestPlus initiative on biofortification. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of biofortified food crops along with evidence supporting their acceptability and adoption. Between 2004 and 2019, 242 biofortified varieties belonging to 11 major crops were released in 30 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These conventionally bred biofortified crops include Fe‐enriched beans, pearl millet, and cowpea; Zn‐enriched rice, wheat, and maize; both Fe‐ and Zn‐enriched lentil and sorghum; and varieties with improved vitamin A in orange‐fleshed sweet potato, maize, cassava, and banana/plantain. In addition to ongoing efforts, breeding innovations, such as speed breeding and CRISPR‐based gene editing technologies, will be necessary for the next decade to reach two billion people with biofortified crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper applies agricultural big data into agricultural economics management in order to improve agricultural economics management effects and comprehensively analyzes criterion and trending, maturity and advancement, practice and advancement, usability and extension of the platform according to the structure of agricultural economics management system by using big data. Meanwhile the paper describes the actual application condition of agricultural economics management, designs tests to analyze the agricultural economics data and digs the effects according to the agricultural economics management data through the crawler technology, and explains the application effects in the agricultural economics management. Tests and studies prove the reliability of the method put in the paper. Core Ideas: The system structure chart classifies the decision‐making system according to its functions.The main body of the data anomaly inspection model is data.Data duplication mostly occurs in general information systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This correction notice addresses an error in the affiliation of one of the authors in the article titled "An investigation of the acaricidal activity of benzyl alcohol on Rhipicephalus annulatus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus and its synergistic or antagonistic interaction with commonly used acaricides." The correction clarifies that the correct affiliation for author Khaled Mahmoud Hassan is the Department of Parasitology, Beni‐Suef Laboratory, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Beni‐Suef, Egypt. The correction notice apologizes for the error. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "D-limonene nanoemulsion: lousicidal activity, stability, and effect on the cuticle of Columbicola columbae" published in the journal Medical & Veterinary Entomology. The correction addresses an error in the affiliation of one of the authors, Khaled Mahmoud Hassan. The correct affiliation should be the Department of Parasitology, Beni-Suef Laboratory, Animal Health Research Institute (AHRI), Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Beni-Suef, Egypt. The correction notice apologizes for the error. [Extracted from the article]

SUMMARY: Zea mays (maize) makes phytoalexins such as sesquiterpenoid zealexins, to combat invading pathogens. Zealexins are produced from farnesyl diphosphate in microgram per gram fresh weight quantities. As farnesyl diphosphate is also a precursor for many compounds essential for plant growth, the question arises as to how Z. mays produces high levels of zealexins without negatively affecting vital plant systems. To examine if specific pools of farnesyl diphosphate are made for zealexin synthesis we made CRISPR/Cas9 knockouts of each of the three farnesyl diphosphate synthases (FPS) in Z. mays and examined the resultant impacts on different farnesyl diphosphate‐derived metabolites. We found that FPS3 (GRMZM2G098569) produced most of the farnesyl diphosphate for zealexins, while FPS1 (GRMZM2G168681) made most of the farnesyl diphosphate for the vital respiratory co‐factor ubiquinone. Indeed, fps1 mutants had strong developmental phenotypes such as reduced stature and development of chlorosis. The replication and evolution of the fps gene family in Z. mays enabled it to produce dedicated FPSs for developmentally related ubiquinone production (FPS1) or defense‐related zealexin production (FPS3). This partitioning of farnesyl diphosphate production between growth and defense could contribute to the ability of Z. mays to produce high levels of phytoalexins without negatively impacting its growth. Significance Statement: A major goal for agricultural research is to develop crops that have both good yield and pest resistance. Often improving one of these traits has negative impact on the other, the so‐called growth‐defense tradeoff. In this study we uncover a mechanism in maize that allows the production of high levels of defense compounds using dedicated enzymes for shared precursor production. These findings can be used to guide synthetic biology approaches for agricultural improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article considers a ranked‐set sample (RSS) with multiple ranking methods. The RSS data have K sets of ranks, each of which leads to a different estimator. We provide a weighted estimator that combines ranking information from these K sets of ranks. The weights are computed from the agreement scores of the ranking methods. We show that the new estimator provides substantial improvement over a balanced RSS estimator. The new estimator is applied to seed emergence data from a field experiment in agricultural research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the participation gap in crop insurance between organic and conventional producers. To solicit input from producers of organic and diversified crop production systems, we developed a national survey through the Organic Agriculture Research and Education Initiative (OREI) that resulted in over 1,000 valid responses, as well as data from the Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). Results suggest a high degree of correlation between crop insurance participation with respect to the degree of commercialization of a farm. Additionally, small and diversified operations report that the complexity and record keeping associated with crop insurance is often not worthwhile. This paper concludes with a discussion regarding future risk management education programs and how they can be better targeted by combining the use of crop insurance in conjunction with improved record keeping and a better understanding of loan requirements and documentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown blotch disease, caused by Colletotrichum truncatum (Schew), is one of the most destructive diseases affecting cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in the humid agro‐ecologies of southwestern Nigeria. Development of resistant or tolerant cowpea cultivars was identified as the most economical and effective means of addressing the threat of this disease. Two improved cowpea cultivars, 'ARTPEA/BBT/72/B' (Reg. no. CV‐347, PI 700856; also known as Remilekun) and 'ARTPEA/BBT/22/W' (Reg. no. CV‐346, PI 700855; also known as Boluyo) (National Code numbers NGVU‐22‐41 and NGVU‐22‐42), were developed through the pedigree breeding method from reciprocal crosses between IT‐95K‐193‐12 and 'Ife‐Brown' and released by the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria, in 2022. They were bred for early maturity, high yield, and enhanced tolerance to brown blotch disease in the humid agro‐ecologies of southwestern Nigeria. ARTPEA/BBT/72/B and ARTPEA/BBT/22/W along with their parents and other breeding lines were evaluated in 10 locations for 2 yr on 16 farmers' fields between 2020 and 2021. ARTPEA/BBT/72/B (Remilekun) and ARTPEA/BBT/22/W (Boluyo) are tolerant to brown blotch disease, early maturing (60–75 d), high yielding (1–1.2 t/ha), non‐photoperiod sensitive, and adaptable to Nigeria's humid agro‐ecologies. They can be cultivated twice a year for enhanced cowpea production in Nigeria. Core Ideas: Brown blotch disease is one of the most destructive diseases affecting cowpea in humid regions of Nigeria.Developing disease‐tolerant cowpea cultivars is the most economical and effective means of mitigating this disease.Two cowpea cultivars, ARTPEA/BBT/72/B and ARTPEA/BBT/22/W, tolerant to brown blotch disease were developed through pedigree breeding method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a nutritious food for millions of people globally. It plays an important role in Bangladesh as a good source of protein and micronutrients for low‐income populations with less access to animal protein. To enhance nutritional security, a nutrient‐dense lentil line, LR‐9‐25, was identified from a Stemphylium blight (SB) screening population developed at The International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas through a cross between ILLX955‐135 and FLIP92‐52L. The line LR‐9‐25 was rigorously evaluated in diverse agro‐ecological conditions of Bangladesh and released for commercial cultivation by the Pulses Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute as 'BARI Masur‐8' (Reg. no. CV‐35, PI 700306) in 2015. BARI Masur‐8 matures in 115–120 d and fits well into existing rice‐based cropping patterns. It is a medium‐height (35 cm) and medium‐seeded (1.94 g 100−1 seed) cultivar having a high level of tolerance to SB and root rot diseases. BARI Masur‐8 showed high yield potential (1,973 kg ha−1) and high concentrations of Fe (74 mg kg−1), Zn (61 mg kg−1), and Se (325 μg kg−1) in seed. Another desirable trait is the late planting potential, with sowing up to the first week of December after the harvest of long‐duration rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, which is a major area for lentil production in Bangladesh. The cultivation of this improved cultivar will play an important role for enhancing nutritional security by increasing lentil production in Bangladesh, Nepal, and eastern Indian states in South Asia. Core Ideas: High‐yielding (1,973–2,500 kg ha−1) lentil cultivar BARI Masur‐8 outyielded BARI Masur‐7 by 20–25%.BARI Masur‐8 seed is enriched with Fe (74 mg kg−1), Zn (61 mg kg−1), and Se (325 μg kg−1).BARI Masur‐8 is tolerant to stemphylium blight and root rot diseases.BARI Masur‐8 has late planting potential after the harvest of long‐duration rice cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]