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In the present study, we isolated linalool, geraniol, carvacrol, thymol, menthol and eugenol; synthesised their phenoxyacetic acid derivatives; and assessed their phytotoxic and genotoxic potentials against weeds and agricultural crops. Moreover, the fungicidal activity of both categories of compounds against 12 fungi was examined. Finally, using probabilistic assessment based on Risk Quotient (RQ) by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method, we examined human health risks via oral exposure to these compounds. Toxic potencies to plants demonstrated that all parameters and related indices including germination percentage, mean germination time, germination rate, root length, shoot length, seedling length and vigour index dose-dependently decreased in both weeds and agricultural crops. Based on the comet assay, DNA damage was observed in the root meristems of the plants. Consequently, a significant decrease was observed in head DNA, whereas a significant increase in tail DNA was observed in response to treatments. Besides, the natural components and semisynthetic molecules showed a broad spectrum of fungicidal traits. However, eugenol and eugenoxyacetic acid inhibitory effects on the growth of the tested fungi were similar to that of benomyl. Our probabilistic health risk assessment indicated di minimis risk for natural components and their phenoxyacetic acid derivatives. Sensitivity analysis showed that concentrations of residues of the compounds had the most significant effect on risk. Current findings could offer a platform for developing sustainable approaches to reduce chemical residues and their consequent risks to the environment and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting diseases in apple leaves accurately and efficiently is vital for maintaining healthy crops and ensuring optimal yield. This paper introduces a novel approach that integrates Neutrosophic Logic with the EfficientNetB0 model to enhance the classification of apple leaf diseases. The proposed method significantly improves precision, recall, and F1-scores across multiple disease classes, demonstrating its robustness and effectiveness compared to traditional techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An uncontrolled industrialisation and urbanisation have caused environmental contamination with toxic inorganic and organic substances. The enormous release of industrial wastewater, industrial sludge, electronic waste, domestic waste and excess use of synthetic and pesticides fertilisers are the major causes of environmental pollution. Contamination of agricultural goods is directly related with the health of human beings as well as entire ecosystem. Among the agricultural crops, vegetables are generally cultivated near the river basins owing to the irrigation water availability and good fertility of the soil. The presence of heavy metal and metalloids (HMMs) like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn) in the vegetable cultivated and marketed across the world is a challenging concern. Periodical identification and quantification of the contaminants especially HMMs in the vegetables is an important aspect for the good health of human beings and global safe food security. In the present review, the level of HMMs in the commonly grown vegetables in from thirty countries has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistence of spirotetramat and imidacloprid residues on tomato and onion after three applications of a combination formulation, spirotetramat 12% + imidacloprid 12%, @ 625 and 1250 mL ha−1 is reported. An easy and simple methodology was standardised for the extraction of residues in tomato, onion and soil followed by estimation and confirmation on LC-MS/MS using C18 column by keeping the positive mode of electrospray. The methodology was validated for selectivity, linearity, precision, repeatability, reproducibility and its limit of detection and quantification. The limit of quantification (LOQ) was worked out to be 0.05 mg kg−1. The results of recovery studies were consistent and more than 80% in all the matrices. No residues above LOQ were detected in tomato sample after 3rd day and after 7th day for onion samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study developed a theoretical model to explain the consolidation of farmland and specialization in agriculture. In the model, farmers are assumed to be endowed with knowledge regarding the production of each crop, which evolves through learning. Knowledge across crops is substitutable to various degrees. The farm size distribution and specialization are shown to be equilibrium outcomes determined by the distribution of knowledge. A simulation example based on farm‐level acreage data from California is presented to show the relevance of learning mechanisms and test model implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing frequency of extreme weather events threatens the livelihoods of low‐income farm households due to the heavy dependence on rain‐fed agriculture coupled with the under‐developed formal markets for risk management products. Thus, crop diversification is one of the widely used ex ante adaptation strategies to hedge against weather risk exposure. In this study, we use survey data from the northern Savanna zone of Ghana merged with historical weather data to shed light on the heterogeneous impact of crop diversification on farm net returns and risk exposure. We employ the dose response function and instrumental variable techniques to address potential endogeneity concerns. Overall, our findings show that crop diversification is a welfare‐enhancing strategy that significantly increases farm net returns, lowers the probability of crop failure, and thus decreases downside risk exposure. Notably, our dose‐response function analysis demonstrates that the positive benefits of crop diversification are particularly pronounced at lower intensities, reaching an optimal threshold. Beyond this point, the incremental advantages tend to diminish, suggesting the importance of carefully considering the optimal level of diversification for maximum benefits. The results further underscore the significant impact of both access to agricultural extension services and fertilizer usage on the adoption of crop diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdery mildew, caused by Erysiphe diffusa, is an emerging pathogen in Australian soybean crops. Since its initial detection in 2012, the disease has been observed every season in soybean paddocks throughout Australia. It is not known how E. diffusa survives between soybean cropping seasons in the Australian environment. This study identified the native Glycine species, G. tabacina, as an alternate host for E. diffusa in Australia. G. tabacina specimens naturally infected with powdery mildew were collected and the pathogen was identified based on morphological characters and nrDNA ITS and MCM7 sequences. Cross‐inoculation experiments demonstrated that the E. diffusa isolates infecting G. tabacina in the field were pathogenic to soybean. This study is the first to report E. diffusa on G. tabacina in Australia. As a perennial native often found in the vicinity of the annual soybean crops, G. tabacina can easily serve as an alternate host for E. diffusa and could be an example of a host range expansion in this powdery mildew species. Weed control in soybean crops, with special attention to the removal of the native Glycine species, may be an option for powdery mildew management for Australian soybean growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Genetic gain in Nordic spring barley varieties was estimated to 1.07% per year. Additionally, genomic predictive ability for yield was 0.61 in a population of breeding lines. Barley is one of the most important crops in Europe and meeting the growing demand for food and feed requires continuous increase in yield. Genomic prediction (GP) has the potential to be a cost-efficient tool in breeding for complex traits; however, the rate of yield improvement in current barley varieties is unknown. This study therefore investigated historical and current genetic gains in spring barley and how accounting for row-type population stratification in a breeding population influences GP results. The genetic gain in yield was estimated using historical data from field trials from 2014 to 2022, with 22–60 market varieties grown yearly. The genetic gain was estimated to 1.07% per year for all varieties, serving as a reference point for future breeding progress. To analyse the potential of using GP in spring barley a population of 375 breeding lines of two-row and six-row barley were tested in multi-environment trials in 2019–2022. The genetic diversity of the row-types was examined and used as a factor in the predictions, and the potential to predict untested locations using yield data from other locations was explored. This resulted in an overall predictive ability of 0.61 for yield (kg/ha), with 0.57 and 0.19 for the separate two-row and the six-row breeding lines, respectively. Together this displays the potential of implementing GP in breeding programs and the genetic gain in spring barley market varieties developed through GP will help in quantifying the benefit of GP over conventional breeding in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the competitive ability of various maize, bean, and soybean cultivars when coexisting with different densities of Amaranthus hybridus, using a replacement series experiment conducted in completely randomized blocks with four replicates. The competitors included four maize cultivars, four bean cultivars, and two soybean cultivars, all tested against A. hybridus. The replacement series consisted of relative crop-to-A. hybridus ratios of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100%, corresponding to 20:0, 15:5, 10:10, 5:15, and 0:20 plants per pot, respectively. Competitive ability was assessed using diagrams and relative competitiveness indices. Fifty days after plant emergence, the morphophysiological characteristics of the competing species were determined. Results indicate a negative impact on all species, with both the crop plants (maize, beans, and soybeans) and A. hybridus suffering due to competition for the same environmental resources. Interspecific competition was found to be more detrimental than intraspecific competition. Maize and bean cultivars showed greater competitive ability against A. hybridus, whereas soybeans were more adversely affected by the presence of the competitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meloidogyne incognita (root-knot nematode) is one of the most destructive pests of crops worldwide. Injudicious use of synthetic nematicides has led to environmental toxicity, development of resistance, and disruption of ecological balance, necessitating the need for safer and effective alternatives. Essential oil from Mentha spicata (Spearmint) has been reported to have nematicidal activity but the activity of its polar constituents is unexplored against the nematodes, infesting agricultural crops. Six compounds, stigmasterol (1), β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (2), 3β,13β-dihydroxy-urs-11-en-28-oic acid (3), 5,6-dihydroxy-7,8,4′-trimethoxyflavone (4), 5,6,4′-trihydroxy-7,8,3′-trimethoxyflavone (5), and 5,6,4′-trihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone (6), were isolated from methanolic extract of Mentha spicata (spearmint) and identified by NMR (1D & 2D) spectral analysis. Compound 3 was identified for the first time from genus Mentha. In vitro nematicidal activity of pure compounds (2 and 4–6) was carried out against Meloidogyne incognita, and results showed significant mortality (LC50 values ranging between 62.64 and 74.19 ppm after 96 h). Molecular docking study revealed the favourable binding of the test compounds with acetylcholinesterase enzyme, facilitated by H-bond, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions. The binding energy of the tested compounds with the target protein was found highest in 5 (− 10.0 kcal/mol) and 6(− 9.9 kcal/mol) followed by 2 (− 9.2 kcal/mol) and 4 (− 8.9 kcal/mol). The minimum binding energy was recorded in carbofuran (−7.5 kcal/mol), a positive control, and was also corroborated with in vitro nematicidal activity. This study showed the potent nematicidal activity of compounds (2 and 4–6), which can be further used for the development of nematicides against M. incognita in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ipomoea hederifolia L. is a weed that is considered problematic in several tropical crops. Phytopathogenic mycobiota could provide an alternative approach to biological weed management in agriculture. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify phytopathogenic fungi against I. hederifolia, under the inundative approach to biological control. The isolated fungi were subjected to pathogenicity tests in the laboratory through bioassays on detached leaves. The response variables recorded were incubation period, disease incidence, and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The fungi of interest were characterized morphologically and identified by molecular studies. The most aggressive pathogen was evaluated in a greenhouse by bioassays on whole I. hederifolia seedlings, using two inoculation methods: (1) agar disks with mycelium and (2) conidial suspension. Three of the eight fungi obtained were found to have pathogenic potential against the weed and were identified as Alternaria longipes, Cochliobolus geniculatus and Phoma herbarum. In the detached leaf bioassays, the incidence of the disease was greater than 81% in all cases and the average incubation period was between 3.4 and 4.5 days. A. longipes was significantly the most aggressive isolate (AUDPC = 9.1). In the bioassays on whole seedlings, 83% and 33% of the seedlings were infected by A. longipes using methods (1) and (2), respectively, after 10 days. We conclude that our isolate of A. longipes could be useful as a possible biocontrol agent for this weed; however, it is important to continue the next research steps of the inundative approach to confirm its suitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Long terminal repeat retroelements (LTR‐REs) have profound effects on DNA methylation and gene regulation. Despite the vast abundance of LTR‐REs in the genome of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), an industrial crop in underdeveloped countries, their precise implication of the LTR‐RE mobility in stress response and development remains unknown.We investigated the RNA and DNA products of LTR‐REs in Moso bamboo under various developmental stages and stressful conditions. Surprisingly, our analyses identified thousands of active LTR‐REs, particularly those located near genes involved in stress response and developmental regulation. These genes adjacent to active LTR‐REs exhibited an increased expression under stress and are associated with reduced DNA methylation that is likely affected by the induced LTR‐REs.Moreover, the analyses of simultaneous mapping of insertions and DNA methylation showed that the LTR‐REs effectively alter the epigenetic status of the genomic regions where they inserted, and concomitantly their transcriptional competence which might impact the stress resilience and growth of the host.Our work unveils the unusually strong LTR‐RE mobility in Moso bamboo and its close association with (epi)genetic changes, which supports the co‐evolution of the parasitic DNAs and host genome in attaining stress tolerance and developmental robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive insect pest that has caused significant economic losses in a myriad of agricultural crops in Europe and the USA. The communication as well as the control of this pest largely rely on semiochemicals (e.g., pheromones) and semiophysicals (e.g., substrate‐borne vibrations). Nevertheless, the nocturnal activity of H. halys is still largely unknown. In the present study, the diel vibrational communication of H. halys was investigated in controlled laboratory and semi‐field conditions. Moreover, the relevance of this ecological trait for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies was assessed by extending playback periods of bimodal (i.e., pheromones + vibrational playbacks) traps to 24 h, and comparing it to the current trap model (solar panel, about 12 h of playback) and a control (no playback, only pheromone). We found that H. halys did not exhibit discernible differences of vibrational activity between photophase and scotophase, with the exception of signal type 2 that in laboratory conditions was predominately emitted within nocturnal and morning hours (i.e., 20:00–12:00). Additionally, the calling activity was negatively affected by warmer (>32 °C) and windier (>7 m s−1) conditions in semi‐field settings. Bimodal traps that were power‐supplied for 24 h captured significantly more males than the other groups, and more females than the control group. Results suggest that the nocturnal vibrational activity of H. halys should be accounted for within IPM strategies by activating the bimodal traps also during the scotophase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy and costly use of phosphorus (P) fertiliser is often needed to achieve high crop yields, but only a small amount of applied P fertiliser is available to most crop plants. Hakea prostrata (Proteaceae) is endemic to the P‐impoverished landscape of southwest Australia and has several P‐saving traits. We identified 16 members of the Phosphate Transporter 1 (PHT1) gene family (HpPHT1;1‐HpPHT1;12d) in a long‐read genome assembly of H. prostrata. Based on phylogenetics, sequence structure and expression patterns, we classified HpPHT1;1 as potentially involved in Pi uptake from soil and HpPHT1;8 and HpPHT1;9 as potentially involved in Pi uptake and root‐to‐shoot translocation. Three genes, HpPHT1;4, HpPHT1;6 and HpPHT1;8, lacked regulatory PHR1‐binding sites (P1BS) in the promoter regions. Available expression data for HpPHT1;6 and HpPHT1;8 indicated they are not responsive to changes in P supply, potentially contributing to the high P sensitivity of H. prostrata. We also discovered a Proteaceae‐specific clade of closely‐spaced PHT1 genes that lacked conserved genetic architecture among genera, indicating an evolutionary hot spot within the genome. Overall, the genome assembly of H. prostrata provides a much‐needed foundation for understanding the genetic mechanisms of novel adaptations to low P soils in southwest Australian plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary statement: Addressing trait coupling due to gene pleiotropy presents challenges in conventional breeding system. However, targeted hormonal manipulation and precise genetic engineering designs hold promise to alleviate trade‐offs and unlock the potential of crops for multiple desirable traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ozone (O3) is one of the most harmful and widespread air pollutants, affecting crop yield and plant health worldwide. There is evidence that O3 reduces the major limiting factor of photosynthesis, namely CO2 mesophyll conductance (gm), but there is little quantitative information of O3‐caused changes in key leaf anatomical traits and their impact on gm. We exposed two O3‐responsive clones of the economically important tree species Populus × canadensis Moench to 120 ppb O3 for 21 days. An anatomical diffusion model within the leaf was used to analyse the entire CO2 diffusion pathway from substomatal cavities to carboxylation sites and determine the importance of each structural and subcellular component as a limiting factor. gm decreased substantially under O3 and was found to be the most important limitation of photosynthesis. This decrease was mostly driven by an increased cell wall thickness and length of subcellular diffusion pathway caused by altered interchloroplast spacing and chloroplast positioning. By contrast, the prominent leaf integrative trait leaf dry mass per area was neither affected nor related to gm under O3. The observed relationship between gm and anatomy, however, was clone‐dependent, suggesting that mechanisms regulating gm may differ considerably between closely related plant lines. Our results confirm the need for further studies on factors constraining gm under stress conditions. Summary statement: O3‐caused decrease of gm in two Populus × canadensis Moench clones is mainly driven by altered subcellular traits, notably cell wall and cytoplasm thickening, inter‐chloroplast spacing and the ratio of exposed chloroplasts to mesophyll surface area (Sc/Sm). However, the observed gm‐anatomy relationship is clone‐dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: An issue of pressing concern is the manganese contamination in farmland soils adjacent to industrial areas. To address this, intercropping hyperaccumulator plants with crops emerges as a sustainable approach to ensuring food security. This study aims to investigate the influence of intercropping Sedum alfredii with maize or soybean on their growth and the dynamics of manganese accumulation through field experiments. RESULTS: The results showed that compared with monoculture, the Sedum alfredii–maize intercropping system exhibited a land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.89, signifying a 71.13% augmentation in bioaccumulation amount (BCA). Additionally, it led to a significant reduction in manganese content in various organs, ranging from 17.05% to 25.50%. However, the Sedum alfredii–soybean intercropping system demonstrated a LER of 1.94, accompanied by a 66.11% increase in BCA, but did not significantly reduce the manganese content in the roots, stems, and pods of soybeans. Furthermore, manganese accumulation in maize and soybean grains was primarily attributed to the aboveground translocation of manganese. The intercropping effect on blocking manganese absorption of maize during growth and maturity is primarily attributed to the earlier manganese accumulation in intercropped maize by 2.63 to 4.35 days, and a reduction of 21.95% in the maximum manganese accumulation rate. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that manganese accumulation dynamics vary significantly depending on the crop family. Intercropping Sedum alfredii with maize enhances land‐use efficiency and reduces manganese uptake by crops, making it a promising strategy for remediating manganese‐contaminated farmland near industrial areas. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Reserved arable lands in China is of great significance for rationally allocating crop planting structures, alleviating the pressure of grain imports, and protecting food security. Owing to data acquisition limitations, obtaining the spatial distribution of reserved arable lands at large spatial scales is relatively rare, and there is little information on predicting the suitability, production capacity, and ecological effects of crop cultivation in reserved arable lands. This study obtained the distribution of reserved arable lands in China by applying restrictive factors, and used the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) suitability index for eight crops to obtain a spatial distribution map of suitable crops, proposed a cropland ecological efficiency index (CEEI) to analyse the ecological impact of crop cultivation in reserved arable lands. RESULTS: China possesses approximately 3.93 million hectares of viable reserved arable lands comprising primarily grasslands (67.68%), sandy land (8.11%), saline‐alkali land (20.68%), and bare land (3.53%). The average CEEI for the eight crops under irrigation conditions ranges from 0.844 to 0.865, and that under rain‐fed conditions (excluding rice) ranges from 0.609 to 0.779. CONCLUSION: We proposed the development of rain‐fed agriculture with sorghum as the primary crop in the central part of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, while promoting the cultivation of rapeseed and soybeans in the eastern parts of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Inner Mongolia. Overall, the development of irrigation agriculture focusing on wheat and barley should be pursued only when water resources are guaranteed, particularly in north‐western regions such as Gansu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Shaanxi. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity affects more than 40% of the population; in addition, 70% of all water extracted from aquifers is used for irrigation, reducing its availability for human consumption. Therefore, irrigation of crops with wastewater helps reduce water scarcity. In Mexico, high chemical oxygen demand (COD)-value wastewater is generated by the cooking process of corn (Zea mays). In this work, the use of this effluent for the irrigation of potato crops (Solanum tuberosum) is proposed. Four treatments were applied: (A) water, (B) water with fertiliser, (C) 100% wastewater and (D) 50% wastewater, both residual effluent of the cooking corn process. In the determination of biomass, in the number of leaves, there were no differences between the treatments; instead, for the height of the plants, A and B were higher for day 32. Treatment B obtained the highest production of tubers, followed by treatment A. Treatment C achieved 80% of the production of treatment A, suggesting that the components of the wastewater can be used as nutrients by potato plants. Being necessary for a study on the affectation on soil fertility, the use of treated wastewater to irrigate crops represents a viable alternative to reduce the effluents commonly discharged into natural spaces. Furthermore, if the composition of the treated wastewater is known, a water resource added with the compounds present that can improve the crop can be offered as a source of water to mitigate its increasingly high scarcity worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride is one of the most highly toxic soil and air pollutant prevalent in aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems. It seriously affects crop plant quality and productivity worldwide. Although a crop with great nutritional value; oats are susceptible to a variety of abiotic stresses. In the current study, the responses of six oat cultivars (JHO-99-1, JHO-2009, BJ-2012, KANT, JHO-822, and JHO-2000) to fluoride stress on growth measurements, photosynthetic pigments, and photosynthetic parameters have been studied. The fluoride (200 and 400 mg/kg) was added to the soil artificially, seeds were sown and the pots were kept under controlled conditions. Another set of plants without the fluoride treatment (0 mg/kg) were labeled as control. The experiment was conducted in a plant growth chamber and fluoride was artificially added to the soil prior to seeding. All six oat cultivars subjected to fluoride stress exhibited an overall decrease in plant growth when compared to the control. Further under fluoride stress, while the oat cultivars also showed a decrease in chlorophyll content and different photosynthetic parameters but on the contrary the antioxidant activities were increased. While the cultivar JHO-822 was most affected under fluoride stress, JHO-99-1 showed tolerance toward fluoride toxicity in comparison to other cultivars JHO-2009, BJ-2012, KANT, JHO-822, and JHO-2000. It is concluded that the tolerance or susceptibility of a cultivar to fluoride can be well correlated with various parameters studied in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To plant crops (especially dry crops such as water spinach) with concomitant electricity recovery, a hanging-submerged-plant-pot system (HSPP) is developed. The HSPP consists of a soil pot (anodic) partially submerged under the water surface of a cathode tank. The microbial communities changed with conditions were also investigated. It was found that with chemical fertilizers the closed-circuit voltage (CCV, with 1 kΩ) was stable (approximately 250 mV) within 28 d; however, without fertilizer, the water spinach could adjust to the environment to obtain a better power output (approximately 3 mW m−2) at day 28. The microbial-community analyses revealed that the Pseudomonas sp. was the only exoeletrogens found in the anode pots. Using a secondary design of HSPP, for a better water-level adjustment, the maximum power output of each plant was found to be approximately 27.1 mW m−2. During operation, high temperature resulted in low oxygen solubility, and low CCV as well. At this time, it is yet to be concluded whether the submerged water level significantly affects electricity generation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Association of agriculture with climate change is widely established. Soil constituents and soil salinity along with the amendments for soil improvement are the key contributors in affecting this association. The present study targets the above issue to find the best management practice in terms of reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Indo-Gangetic plain of Uttar Pradesh. The six sites selected for the study varied in salinity level and followed different management practices of organic and inorganic amendments. Emissions of CO2, CH4 and N2O from soil were measured at different stages of rice and wheat/ mustard/ fallow systems. The findings revealed that soil salinity, crop type and organic/ inorganic amendments differently affected the emission as the fluxes of GHGs varied at different stages of crop growth cycle at different sites. Salinity induced variations generally tended to reduce the CH4 emission while increased the emission of CO2 and N2O, whereas organic matter amendment increased CO2 and CH4 fluxes in comparison to inorganic fertilizer application at the studied sites. The site with rice-mustard cropping exhibited the highest CO2 and N2O fluxes, measuring 3645 and 1.9 mg m− 2 h− 1, respectively. Conversely, the highest CH4 flux of 0.873 mg m− 2 h− 1 was recorded at the saline rice-wheat cropping site. Electrical conductivity, moisture content, soil temperature and total organic carbon acted as major explanatory factors for soil emission of all the GHGs. Further exploration and experimentation are suggested with the use of different amendments to reduce GHG emissions in rice-wheat system, for greater sustainability potential. This ongoing research is vital for optimizing agricultural practices and enhancing their long-term environmental viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuta absoluta commonly known as South American Tomato moth is a destructive and rapidly spreading pest of Tomato worldwide. Since its first observation from Spain in 2006, it has invaded over 90 countries successfully up till now including Pakistan (Ishtiaq et al., 2020). This study presents significant insights into the rapid establishment of Tuta absoluta a notorious tomato pest, in the Hyderabad region. Adult male moths of T. absoluta were monitored using sex pheromone traps at three locations Tando Allahyar, Tando Jam, and Kotri. Notably, substantial variation in moth captures was observed among these locations, with Tando Allahyar reporting the highest population, followed by Tando Jam, while Kotri consistently had lower captures. overall highest number of T. absoluta was recorded from Tando Allahyar 137.5, followed by Tando jam 106 and Kotri 66.25 for two crop seasons. The study also revealed a direct correlation between T. absoluta population and crop maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we propose a scalable framework for large-scale farm scene modeling that utilizes remote sensing data, specifically satellite images. Our approach begins by accurately extracting and categorizing the distributions of various scene elements from satellite images into four distinct layers: fields, trees, roads, and grasslands. For each layer, we introduce a set of controllable Parametric Layout Models (PLMs). These models are capable of learning layout parameters from satellite images, enabling them to generate complex, large-scale farm scenes that closely reproduce reality across multiple scales. Additionally, our framework provides intuitive control for users to adjust layout parameters to simulate different stages of crop growth and planting patterns. This adaptability makes our model an excellent tool for graphics and virtual reality applications. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach can rapidly generate a variety of realistic and highly detailed farm scenes with minimal inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetically modified (GM) crops and their products are regulated in many countries. To meet increasing regulatory requirements for a growing number of GM soybean events, high-throughput and cost-effective detection methods are indispensable. In this study, 14 widely commercialized GM soybean events, including GTS40-3-2, MON89788, CV127, A2704-12, A5547-127, 305423, 356043, MON87701, MON87705, MON87708, MON87769, SYHT0H2, FG72, and DAS-444Ø6-6 were utilized as targets for event-specific identification. A high-throughput detection method was established by integrating a single universal primer multiplex PCR (SUP-M-PCR) with capillary electrophoresis technique. This method enables the identification of 14 soybean events in a single PCR reaction, addressing the limitations of conventional multiplex PCR such as self-inhibition and amplification variations between different primers. Furthermore, it significantly enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of previous multiple detection methods, achieving a detection sensitivity of 0.05% (w/w). Overall, this approach greatly improves detection efficiency and holds promising potential for the identification and detection of 14 types of GM soybean events and their derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is a major agricultural crop in Thailand, while paddy fields near river lines are exposed to high flood risk. This study assesses rice exposure and economic flood risk under future climate in the Lower Chao Phraya River Basin, Thailand. To encompass various flood events, this study estimates the frequency of rice economic damage by employing a large ensemble climate projection dataset based on database for Policy Decision making for Future climate change (d4PDF). Results show that, in the 4‐K warmer climate, the 100‐year exposed cultivation area and duration will increase approximately by 1.2–1.4 and 1.1–1.2 times, respectively. Decreased rice production is evaluated as monetary damage through several fragility curves. The economic damage by the 2011 flooding is estimated as 11.25 billion Thai Baht, while the estimation varies from the fragility curves employed. In the 4 K warmer climate, regardless of the fragility curves, 100‐year rice damage is projected to increase by 1.2–1.4 times. The 2011 flooding is larger than all 3000‐year simulations in the past climate, whereas extreme events in the 4 K warmer climate showed higher damage than the 2011 flooding, indicating that agricultural damage corresponding to the 2011 flooding may occur more frequently in the future climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon footprint of crop production on the lands of agricultural enterprises in Ukraine under crops of wheat, maize, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, soy beans, sugar beets, potatoes and vegetables were determined using the UN IPCC methodology. An increase in the carbon footprint of crop production in Ukraine during 1990-2021 was revealed, which is associated with a high level of nitrogen input from mineral fertilizers to the soil and mineralization of humus. In Ukraine, during 1990-2021, a high level of humus mineralization was observed on the agricultural lands under crops of wheat, maize, sunflower seed, rapeseed, soy bean, sugar beet, potatoes, and vegetables - 8-1998 kg/ha/year with emitted into the air from 0.2 to 63.0 Tg of CO2/year. The average CO2 emissions from agricultural land per 1 Mg of main production of studied crops of Ukraine during 1990-2021 were 46-1109 kg and N2O emissions were 33-452 kg CO2-eq., respectively. Among the studied crops, the highest emissions of CO2 per unit of production due to the mineralization of humus are for the cultivation of sunflower seeds - 1109 kg/Mg/year, maize - 868 and rapeseed - 531 kg/Mg/year, and the lowest emissions for the cultivation of vegetables - 46 kg/Mg/year (2021). The highest N2O emissions from agricultural land per unit of production for the cultivation of rapeseed - 452 kg CO2-eq./Mg/year, sunflower seeds - 368 and soy beans - 300 kg CO2-eq./Mg/year, and the lowest emissions for the cultivation of vegetables and sugar beet - 33 kg CO2-eq./Mg/year (2021). According to the prognosis, this tendency will lead not only to an increase in GHG emissions, but also to soil depletion and a decrease in the country's food security. By 2035, the average level of humus mineralization will be about 2200 kg/ha/year (R² = 0.725), CO2 emissions per unit of the main production of crops will be about 800 kg of CO2 per 1 Mg of production per year (R² = 0.657) and emissions of N2O from agricultural land per 1 Mg of main production of crops will be about 200 kg CO2-eq./year (R² = 0.0591). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress faced by the crop plants at seedling stage hinders its growth and if faced at reproductive stage affects crop production. Globally, maize (Zea mays L.) loses a substantial amount of its production due to very high temperatures at anthesis stage during spring season. So, development of heat tolerant maize cultivars is important for maize breeders. The ability of a plant to tolerate heat stress at seedling and reproductive stage is linked with each other and screening at the seedling stage could accelerate the selection process. In the present study, 50 maize inbred lines were screened for heat tolerance at seedling stage under in vitro conditions. Our results showed that parameters such as root length (RL), shoot length (SL), shoot fresh weight (SFW), shoot dry weight (SDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), leaf area (LA), leaf fresh weight (LFW), leaf dry weight (LDW), relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI) and total chlorophyll (TCHL) showed a significant decrease under heat stress (p < 0.05). Further, morpho-physiological traits were delineated by principal component analysis (PCA). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was done with the objective to characterize the maize inbred lines based on their response under heat stress. Among the four column clusters, column cluster I showed highest mean values for maximum traits, i.e., RL (16.45 cm), RFW (0.27 g), SL (28.42 cm), SFW (0.74 g), SDW (63.03 mg), LFW (0.16 g), LDW (20 mg) and RWC (48.63%), suggesting that these traits were superior over other traits and inbred lines falling in this cluster would be selected directly on the basis of these traits. The heat tolerance index (HTI) of all the inbred lines based on individual traits was calculated and inbred lines were ranked accordingly. The top five inbred lines: LM22, CML579, LM13, LM16 and RIL 33 performed best under heat stress as they had high heat tolerance index value. The results obtained by PCA and HCA were in accordance with those obtained on the basis of HTI. Our study identified heat tolerant inbred lines of different heterotic pools which, after field validation, can be used for development of heat tolerant maize hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Accurate yield forecasts can assist decision-makers in developing plans to bridge the food demand gap in the context of changing climatic conditions. Literature shows a variety of methodologies for forecasting crop yield; however, it is difficult to find a general methodology/model or a better one among the available literature. This review provides insight into the yield forecasting techniques available for agricultural crops, highlighting that most of the work has focused on wheat and rice crops. Most studies have mainly concentrated in Asia, Europe, the USA, and Africa. Of all the 54 selected publications, 70% of the papers have developed models by AI techniques. The statistical indices commonly used to compare the developed models are RMSE and correlation coefficient. From the standpoint of model performance and reliability of outcomes, the hybrid model (integrated approach of ML, namely, CNN/XGBoost and CSM and other crop models) has improved overall efficiency compared to standalone models. The AI tools can improve the accuracy of simulations by considering the effects of variables and processes that are not simulated in crop models. A range of input datasets, including meteorological parameters, crop characteristics, and hydro-geological properties, have been used for the model development. The results demonstrate that maximum temperature is the influencing parameter in model development. This study also demands the inclusion of local/ regional variables as inputs for such modeling studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Meta-analysis reveals globally sourced commercial mycorrhizal inoculants fall short" discusses the potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in enhancing soil health and plant fitness. Despite the rapid growth of the commercial market for AM inoculants, global studies have revealed inconsistencies, including instances of crop mortality, unlabeled fertilizers, and nonviability. The study assessed 302 inoculant trials, revealing significant differences in effectiveness between research laboratory-grown fungi and commercial inoculants, with only one in nine commercial product trials demonstrating both beneficial crop growth and sufficient AM hyphal colonization. The findings suggest a need for improvement in the industry to produce viable, beneficial inoculants. [Extracted from the article]

ABSTRACT Spotted‐wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, is a major pest of various soft‐skinned fruit crops worldwide. We investigated an alternative approach to traditional insecticides to manage SWD. Previously, we have shown that 2‐pentylfuran (2pf) reduced oviposition in raspberries in laboratory and small‐scale field studies. Here, we further investigated the potential of 2pf as a management tool for SWD under more realistic field conditions. We tested the efficacy of 2pf under open field conditions in 2019 and 2020 using isolated plots of raspberries. For the two 2019 field trials, we used single raspberry fruiting inflorescences and deployed 2pf using a sachet for 48 h and 6 days, respectively, and assessed SWD infestation. We did not find any significant differences in SWD infestation in the 48 h trial but found noticeable reductions when 2pf was deployed for 6 days. In 2020, we randomly assigned treatments to an entire small, research planting of raspberries with different doses of 2pf (low, medium, and high) for both the summer and fall crops and recorded infestations. The low and medium doses of 2pf resulted in significant reductions in SWD infestation in field plantings when SWD densities were low (summer crop), but only the high dose reduced infestations when SWD pressure was high in the fall crop. Our study shows that 2pf has potential as a management tool for SWD under field conditions using a highly susceptible crop, but its effectiveness may vary depending on 2pf release rates and SWD abundance. Future studies are needed to test 2pf in combination with other repellents or with targeted insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus pseudomycoides , Paenibacillus polymyxa , and B. velezensis are potent bacterial endophytes, which typically exhibit host-specific interactions. However, comparative studies of these endophytes in vitro and in planta in non-host crops are lacking. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the potential of endophytes B. pseudomycoides strain HP3d, P. polymyxa strain PGSS1, B. velezensis strain A6, and P42, isolated from various crop ecosystems in promoting plant growth and inducing systemic resistance against early blight disease in tomato. In vitro , endophytes exhibited 44.44–55.56% and 37.50–87.50% inhibition of Alternaria solani in dual culture and volatilome bioassay, respectively. In the glasshouse, individual and combined applications via seed treatment (ST), seedling dip (SD), and foliar spray (FS) significantly enhanced shoot growth (23.63–57.61%), root growth (43.27–118.23%), number of leaves (77.52–93.58%), number of shoots (33.42–45.28%) and root dry matter (42.17–43.86%), reducing early blight (PDI) by 70.95–76.12% compared to uninoculated control. Enzymatic activities, including such as polyphenol oxidase (30–40 fold), peroxidase (65.00–75.00 fold), superoxide dismutase (34.20–37.20 fold) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (44.44–45.56 fold) were elevated post-inoculation in endophytes treated tomato plants challenged with A. solani compared to control treated only with A. solani and declined after the fifth day. The total chlorophyll content declined from the 0th to the 10th day, but endophyte treated plants exhibited lesser reductions (2.03–2.09) than uninoculated control. Field trials confirmed the glasshouse findings, showing reduced early blight and improved growth parameters in tomato where the ST + SD + FS combination emerged as the most effective treatment for all endophytes showing 1.06–1.88 fold increase in fruit yield per plant and 28.92–32.52% decrease in PDI compared to untreated control. Thus, the study highlights the broad-spectrum potential of these strains in promoting plant growth and controlling early blight in tomato, demonstrating non-host specificity. These endophytes offer eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides, supporting sustainable agriculture. Their success in field trials suggests the potential for commercialization and large-scale use across diverse crops and pave the way for further interdisciplinary research to optimize their application in integrated pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recycling nutrients and organic matter available as waste in urban areas may close nutrient gaps and improve soil quality, but the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are commonly higher than in mineral fertilisers. How quickly may the limits for soil quality be exceeded, and for which elements, if such materials are applied intensively? For a rough answer to this question, we used soil data from ten case farms near Oslo and Bergen (Norway) to estimate how PTE concentrations increased when the demand for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in a theoretical carrot crop produced every year was covered by compost or digestate from source-separated food waste, or composted garden waste, compared with manure from horses and poultry which are often kept in peri-urban areas. Results: With the intensive fertilisation assumed here, the Norwegian soil quality limits for PTEs were reached within 20–85 years, and faster for soil with more organic matter since regulatory limits set by weight discriminate soils with low bulk density. The limits were reached first for Cu and Zn, which are both essential micronutrients for crop plants. The concentrations of macronutrients in the urban waste-based fertilisers were not well balanced. Rates covering the K demand would lead to high surpluses of P and N. In peri-urban vegetable growing, high applications of compost are not unusual, but more balanced fertilisation is required. Conclusions: The Norwegian regulations for PTEs in organic soil amendments and agricultural soil are stricter than in the EU, and do not support recycling of organic matter and nutrients from urban waste. Many materials which can only be applied with restricted amounts to Norwegian agricultural soil, may be applied according to crop demand in the EU. Growers utilising urban waste-based fertilisers intensively should monitor the soil regularly, including PTE analyses. Soil sampling should occur on fixed sampling points to reveal changes in concentrations over time. Norwegian authorities should consider a revision of the organic fertiliser regulation to support recycling of valuable organic materials. There is a need for more data on the PTE concentrations in agricultural soil and organic fertiliser materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the critical role of mRNA stability in post-transcriptional gene regulation, research on this topic in wheat, a vital agricultural crop, remains unclear. Our study investigated the mRNA decay landscape of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum, BBAA), revealing subgenomic asymmetry in mRNA stability and its impact on steady-state mRNA abundance. Our findings indicate that the 3' UTR structure and homoeolog preference for RNA structural motifs can influence mRNA stability, leading to subgenomic RNA decay imbalance. Furthermore, single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) selected for RNA structural motifs during domestication can cause variations in subgenomic mRNA stability and subsequent changes in steady-state expression levels. Our research on the transcriptome stability of polyploid wheat highlights the regulatory role of non-coding region structures in mRNA stability, and how domestication shaped RNA structure, altering subgenomic mRNA stability. These results illustrate the importance of RNA structure-mediated post-transcriptional gene regulation in wheat and pave the way for its potential use in crop improvement. This study shows that mRNA decay in durum wheat is affected by 3' UTR structures and domestication-selected single-nucleotide variations, highlighting the importance of non-coding regions in gene expression and the potential for crop enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diseases caused by soil-borne fungi and oomycetes significantly reduce yield and quality of many crops in the agricultural systems and are difficult to control. We herein examine Pseudomonas rhodesiae HAI-0804, a bacterial biological control agent that was originally developed for control of bacterial diseases on the surface of vegetables, and assessed its efficacy at controlling soil-borne diseases caused by oomycetes. Strain HAI-0804 did not exhibit detectable antibiotic activity toward Pythium ultimum , a causal agent of damping-off and root rot; however, it effectively protected against Pythium damping-off and root rot in cucumber. Exogenous glutamate enhanced the efficacy of biocontrol, the production of siderophore pyoverdine, root colonization in cucumber plants, and the ratio of biofilm formation to planktonic cells. The epiphytic fitness of strain HAI-0804 appears to contribute to plant protection efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens for both above-ground plant parts and the rhizosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is the dominant source of anthropogenic nitrous oxide (N2O) –a greenhouse gas and a stratospheric ozone depleting substance. The US Corn Belt is a large global N2O source, but there remain large uncertainties regarding its source attribution and biogeochemical pathways. Here, we interpret high frequency stable N2O isotope observations from a very tall tower to improve our understanding of regional source attribution. We detected significant seasonal variability in δ15Nbulk (6.47–7.33‰) and the isotope site preference (δ15NSP = δ15Nα–δ15Nβ, 18.22–25.19‰) indicating a predominance of denitrification during the growing period but of nitrification during the snowmelt period. Isotope mixing models and atmospheric inversions both indicate that indirect emissions contribute substantially (>35%) to total N2O emissions. Despite the relatively large uncertainties, the upper bound of bottom‐up indirect emission estimates are at the lower bound of the isotopic constraint, implying significant discrepancies that require further investigation. Plain Language Summary: Increasing use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers for agricultural production is causing higher atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations. Nitrous oxide is a long‐lived greenhouse gas and degrades the protective stratospheric ozone layer. Using tall tower N2O isotope observations from within the US Corn Belt, we examine how different processes (denitrification vs. nitrification) and sources (corn fields vs. wetlands, rivers, and streams) contribute to variations in atmospheric N2O. The findings indicate that a substantial amount of nitrogen leakage from agricultural crops contributes to N2O emissions via indirect sources such as drainage networks. These findings can help inform mitigation strategies targeting nitrogen use and leakage pathways from agricultural systems. Key Points: Seasonality of N2O isotope fingerprint driven by snowmelt and fertilizer inputSnowmelt and growing season emissions dominated by nitrification versus denitrification pathwaysIsotope fingerprints were used to constrain direct and indirect N2O emissions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing concern on heavy metal contamination in agriculture and other environmental settings, unraveling the mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) tolerance and response in plants has become highly important. Ongoing plant Cd research over the years has focused on strategic and relevant aspects, including molecular, biochemical, and physiological processes. From this perspective, phosphoproteomics appears to be an innovative and powerful approach to investigating plant responses to Cd stress. Here, we summarize progress in plant Cd research across different plant species regarding large-scale phosphoproteomic investigations. Some studies revealed major proteins participating in detoxification, stress signaling, and metabolism, along with their regulation through phosphorylation, which modulates the plant's defense against Cd. However, many pathways remain unexplored. Expanding these studies will help our ability to alleviate Cd stress and provide further information concerning involved mechanisms. Our purpose is to inspire researchers to further explore the use of phosphoproteomics in unraveling such complex mechanisms of Cd tolerance and response across various plant species, with the ultimate aim of enhancing strategies for mitigating Cd stress in agriculture and polluted environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Eudicot plant species have leaves with two surfaces: the lower abaxial and the upper adaxial surface. Each surface varies in a diversity of components and molecular signals, resulting in potentially different degrees of resistance to pathogens. We tested how Botrytis cinerea, a necrotroph fungal pathogen, interacts with the two different leaf surfaces across 16 crop species and 20 Arabidopsis genotypes. This showed that the abaxial surface is generally more susceptible to the pathogen than the adaxial surface. In Arabidopsis, the differential lesion area between leaf surfaces was associated with jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling and differential induction of defense chemistry across the two surfaces. When infecting the adaxial surface, leaves mounted stronger defenses by producing more glucosinolates and camalexin defense compounds, partially explaining the differential susceptibility across surfaces. Testing a collection of 96 B. cinerea strains showed the genetic heterogeneity of growth patterns, with a few strains preferring the adaxial surface while most are more virulent on the abaxial surface. Overall, we show that leaf–Botrytis interactions are complex with host‐specific, surface‐specific, and strain‐specific patterns. Significance Statement: Eudicot leaves have two developmentally distinct surfaces. We tested how a damaging fungal pathogen, Botrytis cinerea, interacts with those leaf surfaces across crops and defense‐compromised Arabidopsis mutants. We show that leaf surfaces play an important role in plant‐pathogen interactions, with differential induction of defenses resulting in higher susceptibility on the abaxial surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to shed light on the importance of agriculture in the Holy Quran and its merits, study the purposes of mentioning plants and animals in the Holy Quran, clarify the synonyms of the word agriculture and its terms used in the Quranic text, explore the agricultural and animal models mentioned in the Holy Quran, and analyze the main agricultural pillars referred to in the Holy Quran. The research followed the descriptive analytical approach, and theoretical induction of the texts and legal evidence related to the status of the agricultural and animal sector in the Holy Quran . The research reached a number of results, the most important of which are: Agriculture is one of the communal duties that Muslims must perform, and it is one of the most honorable works and best gains; as it achieves a great reward for the farmer, and contributes to achieving self-sufficiency for the Islamic nation, and that the Holy Quran uses crops and plants as a multidimensional means; to confirm the greatness and power of God, through the diversity of fruits and agricultural materials. And that the mention of animals in the Holy Quran carries main purposes that reflect the greatness of the Creator; Animals are used as signs to reflect on God's power, and are harnessed to provide meat, fat, skin, hair, and milk, and contribute to providing warmth and various benefits, and add beauty to human life. The synonyms of the word agriculture in the Holy Quran are diverse, such as: plowing, plants, harvest, adornment of the earth, blessings of the earth, revival of the earth, green land, gardens, and trees, which reflects the importance of agriculture as a fundamental subject for humans and living organisms in general, and that these plants not only provide basic food for humans and animals, but also contribute to improving air quality, purifying the environment, and regulating the climate, which reflects the perfection of God's power and greatness. The Holy Quran has highlighted the importance of marine animals, especially fish, as food and medicine for humans, and demonstrated their high health benefits and nutritional value that exceeds other meats. The research also shows the importance of self-sufficiency in the agricultural and livestock sectors, stressing the need for Muslims to rely on what their hands produce to ensure their strength and independence in the face of contemporary challenges. The importance of the Earth and the Sun is also evident in the Holy Quran as two essential elements that support life on Earth. The Earth is a vital source for food production and supports biodiversity, as it contributes to water storage and plant growth, which is essential for the survival of living organisms. In return, the Sun plays a vital role in providing the energy needed for photosynthesis processes, allowing plants to grow and produce food. The Sun also affects the behavior and vital processes of animals, highlighting the complex interaction between the Earth and the Sun as vital factors that support life and its continuity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Summary Agricultural intensification is a major driver of biodiversity decline in agrosystems. For instance, it has been shown that conventional farming leads to a decline in soil microbial diversity and triggers a strong selection process, altering the functioning of the whole ecosystem. The present study shows that organic farming increases diversity and affects composition of crop plant microbiota, mostly as a response to field management and soil characteristics. Furthermore, crop plant microbiota influences crop production and resistance to pathogens. Therefore, agricultural practices affect plant performance through microorganism‐mediated changes, which may be important pillars of future sustainable crop production. Agricultural intensification threatens biodiversity, but the effects of intensification on microorganisms are still overlooked despite their role in ecosystem functioning. Microorganisms associated with plants provide many services that affect plant growth and health. Organic farming is expected to strongly affect species composition, richness, and their interactions. We analyzed the effect of the farming system on endophytic microbial assemblages associated with winter wheat plants and plant performance in the field. We collected environmental data through farmer interviews, soil analyses, and plant inventories and analyzed root microbiota at vegetative and flowering stages. Organic farming increased fungal and bacterial diversity associated to wheat plants and affected species composition in most phyla. This effect was mostly due to soil characteristics and field management and a little to plant diversity in the field. Microbial responses were more pronounced at the late developmental stage, likely as a result of accumulative effect of management actions during plant development. Seed production and resistance to pathogens were related to specific phyla that are important for seed production and/or wheat resistance to septoriose. This work advances our understanding of how agricultural practices affect plant performance through microorganism‐mediated changes and supports the use of microorganisms as pillars of sustainable crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a highly destructive agricultural pest. The ability of S. frugiperda to survive and reproduce is widely recognized, but it is also important to consider the role of larval cannibalism as a significant biological trait. Understanding the cannibalistic habits of pests helps to explore the dynamics and evolution of their populations and facilitates the monitoring of insect outbreaks. Therefore, the stages, densities, and intensity of cannibalism in S. frugiperda larvae, as well as the consequences for their development, were investigated under laboratory conditions. Spodoptera frugiperda larvae showed obvious cannibalism after the third instar even in the presence of maize (Zea mays L., Poaceae) leaves; cannibalism was not observed in first instars. In the case of only one cannibal, the percentage of prey consumed by cannibalism decreased with higher prey density, and the predatory functional responses of fourth‐ to sixth‐instar predators to first‐ to third‐instar preys were fitted using the Holling II model. Compared with larvae feeding on maize only, larvae feeding on a diet of maize supplemented with third‐instar conspecifics had a longer developmental duration and a higher body weight, with no significant differences in larval survival, pupation, or eclosion rates. Larvae supplied with conspecifics only, in the absence of maize leaves, generally had a lower body weight than larvae supplied with maize only, although developmental duration was still longer, and longevity and fecundity rates were lower for these larvae. Overall, consuming a small quantity of conspecifics in addition to maize leaves prolonged the developmental duration of larvae and pupae to some extent, increased the body weight, and did not impact the longevity or reproduction of S. frugiperda. However, cannibalism only, without access to maize leaves, had a detrimental effect on adult longevity and reproduction. These findings could serve as a valuable reference for studying the life history of insects that consume agricultural crops and may have potential applications for biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sargassum is exploited as a biostimulant in agriculture for its rich bioactive compounds. Extracts from Sargassum promote plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance in agricultural and horticultural crops. Sargassum is a most abundant seaweed, and it occupies a huge proportion of coastal plants. This review unveils key active constituents present in Sargassum such as proximate and ultimate compounds, antioxidants, phytohormones, glucosinoids, bioactive compounds, and enzymes. As a biostimulant, Sargassum mitigates biotic and abiotic stresses. It has a positive impact on soil health, plant physiology, crop yield, animal antimicrobials, and animal feeding, as well as highlighting some sustainable agricultural practices discussed in the review. Integrating Sargassum-based biostimulants in agriculture holds promise for resilient and productive crops with minimal environmental impact. These characteristics are considered the future of ideal agrochemical properties in all dimensions of plant growth and development. These kinds of organic-based biostimulants will be ideal alternatives to toxic chemical agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision nutrient management is a modern approach for optimizing nutrient supply in fruit crops, ensuring that plants receive the actual amount of essential elements at the right time and place. Traditional nutrient management methods often undergo deficiencies, leading to over-fertilization, uneven distribution of nutrients, environmental pollution, and economic inefficiency. These review paper challenges can be addressed by providing real-time data of soil conditions, plant health and nutrient levels. This strategy depends on advanced technologies such as remote sensing, variable rate technology, fertigation, slow/control release fertilizer, and organic amendments to weave nutrient application to the specific needs of each crop and individual plant within a field. It is emphasized by its potential for plant growth and development, increased crop yield, optimized resource utilization and mitigated environmental concerns. By fine-tuning nutrient application, farmers can achieve better economic returns while promoting sustainable agriculture. Precision nutrient management for fruit crops is characterized by a scarcity of studies exploring the application of advanced technologies and data-driven approaches. There is a need for more in-depth investigation to develop and validate precision nutrient management strategies tailored to the unique requirements of different crops. Closing this research gap will contribute to sustainable and optimized fruit crop production. In conclusion, precision nutrient management represents a paradigm shift in agricultural practices, offering a more sustainable and efficient approach to nutrient application in fruit crops. By untried advanced technologies and data-driven insights, farmers can optimize their resource use, enhance crop performance, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of genotype × environment interaction is crucial for plant breeders to introduce new cultivar(s) with improved and stable yield performance. The productivity of chickpea crops is very low in Pakistan. It requires the selection of genotypes with optimal productivity for diverse environmental conditions. Fourteen different chickpea genotypes were assessed using the linear mixed model to evaluate genotypes across four diverse chickpea growing regions, including Attock (Punjab), Bhakkar (Punjab), Karak (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Larkana during the year 2017–19. The environmental effect was pronounced and contributed significantly to variation (25.8%) in grain yield. Analysing genotype × environmental interactions at multiple locations facilitates ranking superior genotypes that excel in specific or diverse environments. Notably, the genotypes, viz., Fakhr-e-Thal and Bhakkar-2011, demonstrated superior performance in terms of overall grain yield. Utilising a multitrait stability index, Bittal-2016 and Thal-2006 exhibited the most stable genotypes across various environments and were observed suitable for diverse growing regions. While, for specific environmental conditions, genotypes, i.e., KK-1, Noor-2013 and Fakhr-e-thal, exhibited higher yields and stability. This showed their adaptability to the particular environment. The present study revealed that Larkana as the mega environment was conducive to higher yield, while Attock, Bhakkar, and Karak sites were less favorable for KK-3, DG-89, and Dasht. The BLUP outperformed the AMMI in our analysis of evaluating multi-location trials. The integration of WAASBY and MTSI indices proved useful in differentiating between high yielding genotypes and those with stable performance. These tools are essential for breeders aiming to select genotypes that will perform consistently across diverse environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Crop diseases cause significant quality and yield losses to global crop products each year and are heavily controlled by chemicals along with very limited antibiotics composed of small molecules. However, these methods often result in environmental pollution and pest resistance, necessitating the development of new bio‐controlling products to mitigate these hazards. To identify effective antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) considered as potential sources of future antibiotics, AMPs were screened from five bacterial strains showing antagonism against a representative phytopathogenic fungus (Rhizoctonia Solani) through the Bacillus subtilis expression system, which has been developed for identifying bacterial AMPs by displaying autolysis morphologies. A total of 5000 colonies were screened, and five displaying autolysis morphologies showed antagonism against R. solani. A novel AMP with the strongest antagonism efficiency was determined and tentatively named HR2‐7, which is composed of 24 amino acids with an alpha‐helical structure. HR2‐7 has strong and broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity, tested against 10 g‐positive and ‐negative bacteria and four phytopathogenic fungi by contact culture in plates with minimal lethal concentrations of 4.0 μM. When applied as purified peptide or in fermented B. subtilis culture solution, HR2‐7 showed strong controlling efficiency on plants against diverse fungal and bacterial pathogens. Based on current understanding, HR2‐7 is recognized as the first AMP derived from an agricultural antagonistic bacterium. It exhibits wide‐ranging and notable antimicrobial efficacy, offering a supplementary approach for managing plant diseases, in addition to conventional chemical pesticides and antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Famously referred to as "Darwin's abominable mystery," the rapid diversification of angiosperms over the last ~140 million years presents a fascinating enigma. This diversification is underpinned by complex genetic pathways that evolve and rewire to produce diverse and sometimes novel floral forms. Morphological innovations in flowers are shaped not only by genetics but also by evolutionary constraints and ecological dynamics. The importance of model organisms in addressing the long-standing scientific questions related to diverse floral forms cannot be overstated. In plant biology, Arabidopsis thaliana , a core eudicot, has emerged as a premier model system, with its genome being the first plant genome to be fully sequenced. Similarly, model systems derived from crop plants such as Oryza sativa (rice) and Zea mays (maize) have been invaluable, particularly for crop improvement. However, despite their substantial utility, these model systems have limitations, especially when it comes to exploring the evolution of diverse and novel floral forms. The order Ranunculales is the earliest-diverging lineage of eudicots, situated phylogenetically between core eudicots and monocots. This group is characterized by its exceptional floral diversity, showcasing a wide range of floral morphologies and adaptations that offer valuable insights into the evolutionary processes of flowering plants. Over the past two decades, the development of at least five model systems including, Aquilegia , Thalictrum , Nigella , Delphinium and Eschscholzia within the Ranunculales order has significantly advanced our understanding of floral evolution. This review highlights the conservation and divergence of floral organ identity programs observed among these models and discusses their importance in advancing research within the field. The review also delves into elaborate petal morphology observed in Aquilegia , Nigella , and Delphinium genera, and further discusses the contributions, limitations, and future research directions for Ranunculales model systems. Integrating these diverse models from the early-diverging eudicot order has enhanced our understanding of the complex evolutionary pathways that shape floral diversity in angiosperms, bridging the knowledge gaps essential for a comprehensive understanding of floral evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing policies to optimize the planting structure is essential to ensure an adequate supply of agricultural products and guarantee food security. However, the rationality and comprehensiveness of China's cropping structure optimization policies require scientific evaluation. Therefore, this research established an evaluation index system for China's planting structure optimization policies using text mining and the PMC-Index model to evaluate eight agricultural cropping structure optimization policies in China since 2003. The results showed that: (1) The PMC-Index showed a general upward trend across the eight policies, with scores ranging from 4.88 to 6.61. (2) Seven of the eight policies were deemed acceptable, while one was classified as low. (3) The Chinese government has long focused on optimizing the structure of agricultural cultivation, and relevant policies have made significant progress in terms of logical connotation and long-term feasibility. However, there is still room for improvement in enhancing regulatory effectiveness and strengthening interdepartmental collaboration. It is recommended that the government develop more flexible and diverse incentive mechanisms, strengthen interdepartmental coordination, expand policy coverage, enhance the comprehensiveness of policy functions, and elevate support for agricultural technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants are industrially cultivated and processed serving for specified sectors for human consumptions including cosmetic and personal care products. Where, the consumers' awareness towards sustainability are increasing year by year. Among which, those of the materials derived from the plants produced with good agricultural and manufacturing practices abided with bio-circular-green economy theme, are of eminence. This perspective is in line with the researchers' bioprospective onto natural products. Special attention sheds on saponins, the biosurfactants that will not cause detrimental effects on the environment. Which, plants are regarded as the sustainable sources of these cosmetic substances. However, among tremendous plants that have been continuously explored upon their potential applications. Most of the studies focus on preparation of the saponins and biological activities. Surprisingly, those that are abided with the list published in the European Commission (CosIng) that are of crucially for cosmetic regulation are insufficiently demonstrated, which burden their applications in the sector. This context summarizes the industrial crops that are registered as plant saponin in the CosIng database. Those that are insufficiently exploited on the information required for cosmetic formulations are therefore encouraged to be examined. In addition, multidirectional cosmetic beneficials of the filled plants saponin would be encouraged to be explored. These plants will be properly knowledge managed for their sustainable utilizations as the bio-based materials promising for cosmetic and personal care industrial perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]