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Mikania micrantha Kunth is native to tropical America and has invaded tropical and subtropical Asia and numerous Pacific Islands. It forms dense thickets and reduces native species diversity and populations in its introduced range. This invasive vine also seriously impacts many agricultural crops and is listed as one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species. Its life history characteristics, such as the production of large numbers of wind-dispersed seeds, vegetative reproduction, rapid growth, and genetic diversity all contribute to its invasiveness. In this review, we focus on how mechanisms to defend against its natural enemies boost the invasiveness of M. micrantha. It possesses potent defenses against natural enemies such as pathogenic fungi, herbivorous insects, and parasitic nematodes, and exhibits allelopathic potential against plant competitors. These defensive abilities, in concert with its formidable life history characteristics, contribute to the invasiveness of M. micrantha, potentially leading to further naturalization. Several other reviews have summarized the biology and management of the species, but ours is the first review to focus on how the defensive mechanisms of M. micrantha likely enhance its invasiveness. Relatively little is known about the array of defensive capabilities of M. micrantha; therefore, there is considerable scope for further research on its chemical defenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, there are approximately 36.7 million hectares of available saline–alkali land. The quality of land preparation significantly influences the yield of crops grown in saline–alkali soil. However, saline–alkali soil is highly compacted, and, currently, the market lacks land-preparation products specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of saline–alkali land. The soil crushing performance of existing power harrows fails to meet the requirements for high-quality land preparation, thus affecting crop planting yields. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct research on the design and performance improvement of the soil crushing components of power harrows for saline–alkali land. This paper centers on the key soil crushing component, the harrow blade, and conducts research from the perspectives of kinematics and dynamics. Initially, the ranges of key structural and motion parameters are determined, such as the angle of the harrow blade cutting edge, the thickness of the of the harrow blade cutting edge, and the ratio of the circumferential speed to the forward speed. Subsequently, through simulation tests integrating the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Box–Behnken Design (BBD), the optimal parameter combination is identified. The impact of the forward speed and the rotational speed of the vertical-shaft rotor on soil disturbance is analyzed. The relationship between soil disturbance and soil heaping is explored, and an optimal forward speed of around 6 km/h is determined. Field tests are conducted to verify the cause of soil heaping. The test results show that the soil crushing rates are all above 85%, with an average soil crushing rate of 88.66%. These test results have achieved the predetermined objectives and meet the design requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of rapid industrialization and agricultural modernization, the issue of heavy metal (HM) pollution has surfaced as a critical concern, posing a substantial threat to human health and having a profound impact on agricultural cultivation. Selenium (Se), a beneficial micronutrient for crop growth and development, exerts numerous beneficial effects, including facilitating photosynthesis, enhancing physiological attributes, improving nutritional quality, strengthening antioxidant systems, and modulating the expression of stress-responsive genes. Notably, Se plays a pivotal role in alleviating HM stress in crops and effectively mitigating the accumulation of HMs in edible plant parts. This study investigates the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying Se's capacity to alleviate HM stress in crops. Additionally, we discuss the application of Se-enriched fertilizers in agricultural practices, as well as the influence of environmental factors on their effectiveness. Our objective is to contribute to sustainable agricultural development and the production of safe, high-quality agricultural products, thereby providing valuable insights for the development of Se-functional industries and guiding agricultural practices in regions affected by HM pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria are well known for their biofertilizing capacities, which can enhance soil fertility and plant growth. This study aims to evaluate the biofertilizing effects of the indigenous nitrogen-fixing soil cyanobacterium Anabaena cylindrica on the growth, biochemical, and physiological responses of wheat, as well as soil fertility. Medium filtrate, aqueous extract, sonicated culture, and crude culture of A. cylindrica at different doses (50%, 25%, 1%, and 0.2% v/v) were applied using a soil drench under greenhouse conditions. After 40 days of growth, all cyanobacterial suspensions significantly increased wheat growth, biochemical properties, and plant mineral composition compared to the controls. The greatest improvements were observed with the application of cyanobacterial suspensions at the highest concentrations, 25% and 50%. These doses also significantly enhanced the nutritional and physicochemical properties of the soil. Among the different treatments, soil inoculation with crude culture (living cells) and growth medium filtrate at 50% were the most efficient. The wheat growth–promoting effect was attributed to the intracellular or released bioactive compounds of A. cylindrica, such as polysaccharides, proteins, indole acetic acid phytohormone, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This study demonstrates that terrestrial A. cylindrica-derived suspensions promote wheat growth and can be used as an effective and eco-friendly biofertilizer to enhance plant growth and crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intelligent prediction model for rice yield in small-scale cultivation areas can provide precise forecasting results for farmers, rice planting enterprises, and researchers, holding significant importance for agricultural industries and crop science research within small regions. Although machine learning can handle complex nonlinear problems to enhance prediction accuracy, further improvements in models are still needed to accurately predict rice yields in small areas facing complex planting environments, thereby enhancing model performance. This study employs four rice phenotypic traits, namely, panicle angle, panicle length, total branch length, and grain number, along with seven machine learning methods—multiple linear regression, support vector machine, MLP, random forest, GBR, XGBoost, and LightGBM—to construct a yield prediction model group. Subsequently, the top three models with the best performance in individual model predictions are integrated using voting and stacking ensemble methods to obtain the optimal integrated model. Finally, the impact of different rice phenotypic traits on the performance of the stacked ensemble model is explored. Experimental results indicate that the random forest model performs best after individual machine learning modeling, with RMSE, R2, and MAPE values of 0.2777, 0.9062, and 17.04%, respectively. After model integration, Stacking–3m demonstrates the best performance, with RMSE, R2, and MAPE values of 0.2483, 0.9250, and 6.90%, respectively. Compared to the performance after random forest modeling, the RMSE decreased by 10.58%, R2 increased by 1.88%, and MAPE decreased by 0.76%, indicating improved model performance after stacking ensemble. The Stacking–3m model, which demonstrated the best comprehensive evaluation metrics, was selected for model validation, and the validation results were satisfactory, with MAE, R2, and MAPE values of 8.3384, 0.9285, and 0.2689, respectively. The above research findings demonstrate that this integrated model possesses high practical value and fills a gap in precise yield prediction for small-scale rice cultivation in the Yunnan Plateau region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dryness is a critical limiting factor for achieving high agricultural productivity on China's Loess Plateau (LP). High-precision, field-scale dryness monitoring is essential for the implementation of precision agriculture. However, obtaining dryness information with adequate spatial and temporal resolution remains a significant challenge. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems can capture high-resolution remote sensing images on demand, but the effectiveness of UAV-based dryness indices in mapping the high-resolution spatial heterogeneity of dryness across different crop areas at the agricultural field scale on the LP has yet to be fully explored. Here, we conducted UAV–ground synchronized experiments on three typical croplands in the eastern Gansu province of the Loess Plateau (LP). Multispectral and thermal infrared sensors mounted on the UAV were used to collect high-resolution multispectral and thermal images. The temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI) and the temperature–vegetation–soil moisture dryness index (TVMDI) were calculated based on UAV imagery. A total of 14 vegetation indices (VIs) were employed to construct various VI-based TVDIs, and the optimal VI was selected. Correlation analysis and Gradient Structure Similarity (GSSIM) were applied to evaluate the suitability and spatial differences between the TVDI and TVMDI for dryness monitoring. The results indicate that TVDIs constructed using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the visible atmospherically resistant index (VARI) were more consistent with the characteristics of crop responses to dryness stress. Furthermore, the TVDI demonstrated higher sensitivity in dryness monitoring compared with the TVMDI, making it more suitable for assessing dryness variations in rain-fed agriculture in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holoparasites of the Orobanchaceae family are devastating pests causing severe damage to many crop species, and are nearly impossible to control with conventional methods. During the past few decades, RNAi has been seen as a promising approach to control various crop pests. The exchange of small RNAs (sRNAs) between crops and parasitic plants has been documented, indicating potential for the development of methods to protect them via the delivery of the sRNAs to parasites, a method called host-induced gene silencing (HIGS). Here we describe various approaches used for gene silencing in plants and suggest solutions to improve the long-distance movement of the silencing triggers to increase the efficiency of HIGS in parasitic plants. We also investigate the important biological processes during the life cycle of the parasites, with a focus on broomrape species, providing several appropriate target genes that can be used, in particular, in multiplex gene silencing experiments. We also touch on how the application of nanoparticles can improve the stability and delivery of the silencing triggers, highlighting its potential for control of parasitic plants. Finally, suggestions for further research and possible directions for RNAi in parasitic plants are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, agriculture holds significant importance for human food, economic activities, and employment opportunities. Wheat stands out as the most cultivated crop in the farming sector; however, its annual production faces considerable challenges from various diseases. Timely and accurate identification of these wheat plant diseases is crucial to mitigate damage and enhance overall yield. Pakistan stands among the leading crop producers due to favorable weather and rich soil for production. However, traditional agricultural practices persist, and there is insufficient emphasis on leveraging technology. A significant challenge faced by the agriculture sector, particularly in countries like Pakistan, is the untimely and inefficient diagnosis of crop diseases. Existing methods for disease identification often result in inaccuracies and inefficiencies, leading to reduced productivity. This study proposes an efficient application for wheat crop disease diagnosis, adaptable for both mobile devices and computer systems as the primary decision-making engine. The application utilizes sophisticated machine learning techniques, including Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and AdaBoost, combined with feature extraction methods such as Count Vectorization (CV) and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF). These advanced methods collectively achieve up to 99% accuracy in diagnosing 14 key wheat diseases, representing a significant improvement over traditional approaches. The application provides a practical decision-making tool for farmers and agricultural experts in Pakistan, offering precise disease diagnostics and management recommendations. By integrating these cutting-edge techniques, the system advances agricultural technology, enhancing disease detection and supporting increased wheat production, thus contributing valuable innovations to both the field of machine learning and agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the relationship between cell wall composition and photosynthesis across various plant species. It suggests that the pectin fraction of cell walls influences mesophyll conductance to CO2 diffusion, impacting photosynthesis. The study reveals differences in cell wall composition and thickness among plant lineages, with crops showing unique adaptations. The findings highlight the importance of understanding cell wall components in optimizing photosynthesis in different plant species. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a vital crop for the agricultural economy in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. Despite the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University’s (TNAU) recommended production technologies aimed at improving yield and sustainability, adoption rates among groundnut growers remain low. This study investigates the challenges faced by these farmers in adopting these technologies. Methods: The study employs an ex-post facto research design, focusing on Melmalayanur and Vallam blocks within Villupuram district. A total of 120 groundnut growers were randomly selected from four villages. Primary data was collected using a structured interview schedule, while secondary data was sourced from relevant agricultural reports and publications. Constraints faced by farmers were analyzed using Garrett’s ranking technique. Result: The study identified key constraints impacting technology adoption, ranked by severity. Non-sremunerative prices and price fluctuations emerged as the most significant barrier, followed by high input costs and inadequate credit facilities. Other notable challenges included a lack of timely and appropriate extension services, insufficient technical know-howand pest and disease infestations. Scarcity and high wages of labor, inadequate processing machinesand delays in the availability of inputs further hindered adoption rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legumes are versatile crops with great potential to produce protein-rich grains, naturally fix nitrogen, and enhance beneficial microbes in the soil. In the current context of climate change and global warming, incorporating legumes into crop rotation can help mitigate the negative effects of climate change and improve soil health. Researchers at the Division of Agronomy, FoA, SKUAST-J conducted a systematic and integrative review of published studies on the effects of legumes in cropping systems for soil ecology improvement. The review included research work from different parts of the world, particularly India. The literature search was conducted between August 2023 and November 2023 and around 150 review and research papers were screened from various databases such as ARCC journals, Google Scholar, Research Gate and Scopus. Out of these, 120 papers were used to write this comprehensive review article. The article provides a detailed documentation of the significant impact of legumes in cropping systems on soil ecology improvement. It emphasizes the potential effectiveness of legumes as a strategy for maintaining soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyze the behavior of the Zonda wind in Mendoza Province, Argentina, the impact of various configurations and levels of optical porosity in forest windbreaks was evaluated. Different configurations of forest curtains were designed, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted using OpenFOAM software to assess the protective effect of the windbreaks. The simulations considered the Zonda wind speed type 2 (25 m/s), together with varying levels of optical porosity and geometries of the forest curtains. The results reveal that forest curtains significantly reduce the impact of strong Zonda winds. The effectiveness of these configurations is directly related to the degree of optical porosity (OP) of the forest curtains. A comparison of these findings with the existing literature highlights the importance of OP and the arrangement of forest curtains in mitigating the effects of the Zonda wind. These results corroborate previous studies that have emphasized the crucial role of windbreak structures in protecting agricultural crops from adverse weather conditions. In conclusion, the implementation of forest curtains with a porosity of between 35% and 50% is recommended to achieve effective protection against the Zonda wind in the vineyards of Mendoza. Future research is suggested to further optimize windbreak configurations and improve crop resistance to extreme weather events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane crops have a long cycle with successive harvests before re-planting, and row gaps are one of the main problems associated with the yield. The objective of this study was to establish an alternative methodology for measuring the planting and regrowth of sugarcane rows using UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) images and to compare it with manual measurements. This study was conducted in a 1 ha experimental area under mechanized harvesting. The reference methodology consists of measuring the continuous distances without regrowth between two plants along a planting row, considering distances greater than 0.50 m as gaps and the following gaps classes: >0.5–1.0 m, >1.0–1.5 m, >1.5–2.0 m, >2.0–3.5 m, and >3.5 m. Images were collected from a UAV equipped with a 12-megapixel RGB camera. The number of regrowth gaps measured through imaging for the class of gaps with a length between 0.5 and 1.0 m was eight times higher than field measurement. In the class of gaps with a length between 1.0 and 1.5 m, the result is the opposite, as the field measurement was approximately three times higher than the UAV measurement, with a significant difference in both classes. In the other length classes analyzed, the number of gaps did not show significant differences. Our results suggest that regrowth gaps can be quickly estimated with the proposed methodology for gaps greater than 1.5 m. For gaps smaller than <1 m, the methodology using a UAV is not accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of fire by farmers has been a common practice worldwide for decades. The objective of this work was to diagnose the use of fire in agricultural activities at the Estancia Vieja site, Portoviejo canton, Manabí, Ecuador. For the development of the research, a non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional design was used. The sample size was calculated with the Decision Analyst STATSTM 2.0 software. The information was obtained by applying a semi-structured questionnaire to 123 agricultural producers. The statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS program (Version 22.0). The hot spots for contrast with the months in which fire is most used were obtained from the Fire Information for Resource Management System. In the locality, the use of fire in agricultural activities is common, mainly for clearing land destined for the implementation of agricultural crops. The respondents showed that they have knowledge about the hours and months in which they should burn in order to achieve the objective of eliminating the greatest amount of crop residues and weeds, as well as about the way to burn these fuels depending on the existing quantity of them and about the prevention measures they observe before burning. This information supports decision-making in the field of integrated fire management. It is suggested that similar research be carried out in other localities but considering the relationship of the use of fire with meteorological conditions, fire behavior and its effects on the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper has been widely used as a main component in fungicides due to its versatility and effectivity. However, copper contamination from the environment creates selective pressure for the emergence of copper-tolerant pathogenic fungal strains that may proliferate and further cause damage to important agricultural crops. Although some studies focused on specific cellular mechanisms of copper tolerance, comprehensive genomic data are lacking. Here, we examined the genes potentially involved in copper tolerance by conducting a comparative analysis of newly sequenced genomes of 2 Fusarium oxysporum strains, IB-SN1W (copper-tolerant) and Foc-3429 (copper-sensitive), with other Fusarium species. Whole-genome assembly and annotation identified 10 core chromosomes shared between the 2 strains. Protein prediction revealed 16,894 and 15,420 protein-coding genes for IB-SN1W and Foc-3429, respectively. There are 388 unique genes in IB-SN1W not found in Foc-3429, potentially contributing to copper tolerance. Furthermore, the identification of synteny between the 2 strains, including the analysis of orthologous genes within the Fusarium genus, confirmed the presence of accessory chromosomes that are specific to IB-SN1W, accounting for 13% of the genome. These accessory chromosomes consist of genes associated with cation transporter activity, vacuole, copper oxidases, and copper transporters which shed light on the potential mechanism of copper tolerance in this strain. Additionally, a region within an accessory chromosome contains a high density of copper-related genes, raising the possibility that horizontal transfer of these chromosomes may contribute to copper tolerance. [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]

The Mediator complex is a multisubunit transcription coregulator that transfers regulatory signals from different transcription factors to RNA polymerase II (Pol II) to control Pol II‐dependent transcription in eukaryotes. Studies on Arabidopsis Mediator subunits have revealed their unique or overlapping functions in various aspects of plant growth, stress adaptation and metabolite homeostasis. Therefore, the utilization of the plant Mediator complex for crop improvement has been of great interest. Advances in genome editing and sequencing techniques have expedited the characterization of Mediator subunits in economically important crops such as tomato, rice, wheat, soybean, sugarcane, pea, chickpea, rapeseed and hop. In this review, we summarize recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of how the Mediator complex regulates crop growth, development and adaptation to environmental stress. We also discuss the conserved and diverse functions of the Mediator complex in different plant species. In addition, we propose several future research directions to deepen our understanding of the important roles of Mediator subunits and their interacting proteins, which would provide promising targets for genetic modification to develop new cultivars with desirable agronomic traits. Summary: The plant Mediator complex is a multisubunit transcription coregulator.It is feasible to generate new crop varieties with desirable traits by modifying Mediator subunits.Not all subunits have conserved functions across species, so it is necessary to characterize each subunit individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing planting density enhances light capture, improves air circulation, and promotes more efficient resource utilization, ultimately leading to increased crop productivity. It facilitates uniform growth, maximizes land use efficiency, reduces nutrient competition, and supports sustainable weed management, thereby improving yield and resource use efficiency. The wide and narrow row cropping (WNRC) system is an optimized planting method that adjusts the row spacing strategically to enhance crop growth and productivity. This study reviews the development and implementation of WNRC technology, focusing on its effects on crop growth, development, and environmental optimization. (1) Crop growth and environmental optimization: Modifying the row spacing in WNRC enhances light interception, air circulation, and the soil moisture distribution, creating an optimized growth environment that improves the photosynthetic efficiency and water use. (2) Genetic variation and yield performance: The performance of different crop varieties in WNRC systems varies, with specific varieties showing better adaptation to the altered spatial arrangement, leading to improved growth uniformity and higher yields. (3) Weed management: The planting density is optimized, reducing the need for herbicides and fostering more sustainable weed control methods. (4) Efficient input management: WNRC systems enhance the uniform application of fertilizers and pesticides, optimizing nutrient uptake, minimizing input wastage, and lowering the environmental impact. While WNRC offers substantial advantages in yield enhancement and resource optimization, challenges remain in adapting this technology to diverse cropping systems and environmental conditions. Further research is required to refine WNRC for specific regions and crops, ensuring its long-term agronomic and ecological benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus (P) is vital for the growth of crops, and its absorption efficiency is closely linked to the traits of the plants. Further research is needed to understand how vegetable crops adjust to changes in P availability and how their root morphology and physiology are affected by high P levels in the shoots. In this study, eight Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis) genotypes were grown in a culture room under 0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 300, 600, 900, and 1200 mg kg−1 concentrations of P to evaluate root responses in order to define various adaptive strategies in relation to P acquisition. We selected high-PE and low-PE Chinese cabbage in order to identify how different P efficiency groups responded to P supply and shoot P concentration. P supply level and shoot P concentration significantly affected growth. With the increase in the P supply level, the growth variable characteristics of Chinese cabbage first increased and then decreased or increased first and then stabilized. But it was found that P300 was the most suitable level for Chinese cabbage growth. At the same P supply level, high-PE cabbages had higher shoot dry weight and P absorption capacity, stronger root traits, and higher plasticity as compared to low-PE cabbages. The optimal shoot P concentration is 2.1 mg g−1 and 1.7 mg g−1 for low- and high-PE cabbages, respectively. The root morphological traits performed greatly when the shoot P concentration was at the optimal concentration. The low-PE cabbages had greater shoot growth traits, and high-PE cabbages had higher root dry weight and P absorption. This study offers valuable insights to improve P management by analyzing the relationships between soil P dynamics and root processes in the cultivation of Chinese cabbage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern potato varieties from high-input, conventional farming-focused breeding programs produce substantially (up to 45%) lower yields when grown in organic production systems, and this was shown to be primarily due to less efficient fertilization and late blight (Phytophthora infestans) control methods being used in organic farming. It has been hypothesized that the breeding of potato varieties suitable for the organic/low-input sector should (i) focus on increasing nutrient (especially N) use efficiency, (ii) introduce durable late blight resistance, and (iii) be based on selection under low-input conditions. To test this hypothesis, we used an existing long-term factorial field experiment (the NEFG trials) to assess the effect of crop management practices (rotation design, fertilization regime, and crop protection methods) used in conventional and organic farming systems on crop health, tuber yield, and mineral composition parameters in two potato varieties, Santé and Sarpo mira, that were developed in breeding programs for high and low-input farming systems, respectively. Results showed that, compared to Santé, the variety Sarpo mira was more resistant to foliar and tuber blight but more susceptible to potato scab (Streptomyces scabies) and produced higher yields and tubers with higher concentrations of nutritionally desirable mineral nutrients but lower concentrations of Cd. The study also found that, compared to the Cu-fungicides permitted for late blight control in organic production, application of synthetic chemical fungicides permitted and widely used in conventional production resulted in significantly lower late blight severity in Sante but not in Sarpo mira. Results from both ANOVA and redundancy analysis (RDA) indicate that the effects of climatic (precipitation, radiation, and temperature) and agronomic (fertilization and crop protection) explanatory variables on crop health and yield differed considerably between the two varieties. Specifically, the RDA identified crop protection as a significant driver for Santé but not Sarpo mira, while precipitation was the strongest driver for crop health and yield for Sarpo mira but not Santé. In contrast, the effect of climatic and agronomic drivers on tuber mineral and toxic metal concentrations in the two varieties was found to be similar. Our results support the hypothesis that selection of potato varieties under low agrochemical input conditions can deliver varieties that combine (i) late blight resistance/tolerance, (ii) nutrient use efficiency, and (iii) yield potential in organic farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage crops can be grown in mixed species cultivation to provide productivity and nutritional benefits. In a three-round field test, two double-cropping systems (DCSs) based on maize and sorghum as the summer forage crop and alfalfa as the preceding winter forage crop were compared. There were comparisons of harvesting and growing time, nutritive value, as well as biomass and nutritional yields. The superiority of the M–A (alfalfa following a preceding crop of maize) was identified as compared with the S–A (alfalfa following a preceding crop of sorghum). Within the M–A, the maize Dongdan 60 (M1)–alfalfa WL525 (A) combination under the late sowing condition (D3) achieved the highest annual biomass production (fresh weight and dry weight). The maize/alfalfa combination achieved significantly higher nutritional yields compared to those of the sorghum/alfalfa combination. The highest yield of crude protein was obtained in the late sowing (D3) condition for the maize Dongdan 60 (M1)–alfalfa WL525 (A) combination. The highest yield of starch was obtained in the earliest sowing date (D1) in the maize Dongdan 60 (M1)–alfalfa WL525 (A) combination. The highest yield of crude fat was obtained in the latest sowing date (D3) in the maize Dongdan 1331 (M2)–alfalfa WL525 (A) combination. The study indicated that the winter alfalfa and maize DCS could be a promising strategy to achieve high biomass and nutritional productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), which is considered one of the more important and widely cultivated crop members of the family Solanaceae, exhibits numerous biochemical mechanisms to alleviate the stress produced by various biotic and abiotic factors. Many researchers have found that phytochelatins (PCs) play an important role in these stress-alleviating mechanisms and, therefore, contribute significantly to the plant's coping strategies, particularly under heavy metal exposure. Ongoing research has extensively investigated tomato genotypes in plant stress research, with a particular focus on heavy metal stress. The production of PCs, synthesized from glutathione, is regulated by various factors and different stressors. Here, we aim to provide an overview of the panorama regarding the synthesis of PCs in tomato under different environmental conditions and experimental settings, as well as provide information on their broader roles in biotechnology and modulating plant tolerance and responses across diverse stress conditions and treatments within the context of tomato research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of water demand analysis methodologies to maintain agricultural crops at an optimal production level, in relation to current climate changes, is a necessity for many geographical areas. The methodology used uses CROPWAT 8.0 software, in the desire to highlight for an important agricultural region in Romania the need to optimize the water requirement for winter wheat crops. The methodology used was able to highlight this fact, as major changes are needed in future technological processes in the current context of climate change. Based on the modeling of evapotranspiration, effective precipitation, and irrigation requirements, it was obtained that the winter wheat needs four additional irrigations per year (in April, May, and July). The irrigations at critical depletion led to a 100% efficiency of reducing the harvest deficit, during the middle and late vegetation stages. The irrigation required by winter wheat depends on precipitation efficiency, and it is very important for improving crop yield up to 100%. The obtained results provide a methodological framework, but also concrete information for decision-makers in the field of agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic farming systems are often plagued with challenges such as nutrient stress complexing with other biotic and abiotic issues. These issues can significantly affect the growth and productivity of vegetable crops, including peppers (Capsicum spp.). Grafting with suitable rootstocks is a promising technique to address these challenges and improve the growth and productivity of peppers in low-input systems. In the United States, grafting is not as commonly practiced in pepper as compared with other solanaceous and cucurbit crops, in part because of limited availability of rootstocks. This study examined promising rootstocks with demonstrated disease resistance and further explored their suitability for organic systems under normal and reduced fertilization. A hybrid Italian sweet pepper 'Mama Mia Giallo' was used as scion and grafted onto four different rootstocks and grown in a greenhouse in summer with natural heat stress. The plants received organic fertilizer weekly or biweekly for a period of 5 weeks. Results showed that grafting plants with the rootstocks 'CM-334', 'YC-207', 'Keystone Resistant Giant', and 'Scarface' resulted in similar or improved growth relative to nongrafted and self-grafted plants under normal and reduced fertilization. The rootstocks showed promising traits that could be explored in further stress tolerance studies. Specifically, 'YC-207'-grafted plants showed higher nitrogen utilization efficiency, shoot nitrate content, and phosphorous content as well as higher stomatal conductance, transpiration, and electron transport rate, which is indicative of stress tolerance. 'YC-207'-grafted plants also had lower malondialdehyde content, indicating less oxidative damage to the cell membrane. 'CM-334'-grafted plants showed higher antioxidant activity, nitrate reductase (NR) activity, and shoot nitrate content. This study provides evidence of the value of evaluating potential rootstocks and explores grafting as a promising technique for pepper crop to improve plant growth and performance under organic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is one of the predominant abiotic stressors that reduce plant growth, yield, and productivity. Ameliorating salt tolerance through nanotechnology is an efficient and reliable methodology for enhancing agricultural crops yield and quality. Nanoparticles enhance plant tolerance to salinity stress by facilitating reactive oxygen species detoxification and by reducing the ionic and osmotic stress effects on plants. This experiment was conducted to study the effects of NaCl salinity stress (0, 100, and 200 mM), and foliar application of quantum dot-graphene oxide, nano-TiO2, and CeO2 (zero and 2 g/l) on the growth and physiological responses of Capsicum annum L. The results revealed that the interaction effects of treatments significantly affected plant and fruit fresh weight, chlorophyll a, total soluble solids, phenolics, malondialdehyde, H2O2, and proline content. Moreover, catalase activity and sodium, and phosphorus content were responded to the treatments. The highest fresh weight of plants and fruits, fruit diameter, and chlorophyll a content were recorded under no-salinity × quantum dot-graphene oxide foliar use. The highest data for total phenolics content was recorded at NaCl100 mM × quantum dot-graphene oxide. In contrast, the maximum flavonoids content belonged to NaCl100 mM × quantum dot-graphene oxide and NaCl100 mM × TiO2. The experimental treatments independently affected the number of fruits, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and vitamin C content, as well as K/Na ratio. The foliar treatment of quantum dot-graphene oxide nanoparticles improved the carotenoids and vitamin C content, stem diameter, and fruit number. The overall results disclosed that, when plants were exposed to high salinity levels; the foliar treatments were unable to effectively mitigate the negative impacts of salt stress on the plant, except for certain traits such as total phenolics, flavonoids, and TSS levels. However, under the low and mild salinity depression, the foliar treatments were enough capable to overcome the salinity defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity stress disrupts water uptake and nutrient absorption, causing reduced photosynthesis, stunted growth, and decreased crop yields in plants. The use of indole acetic acid (IAA), arginine (AN), and mango fruit waste biochar (MFWB) can be effective methods to overcome this problem. Indole acetic acid (IAA) is a natural auxin hormone that aids cell elongation and division, thereby increasing plant height and branching. L-arginine, an amino acid, is crucial for plant defense mechanisms, forming proline, polyamines, and nitric oxide, which regulate biological activities and prevent oxidative damage. Mango fruit waste biochar enhances soil fertility and water retention, thereby enhancing fruit development and yield. This study investigates the effects of combining IAA and AN as amendments to fenugreek, with and without MFWB. Four treatments (control, 2mM IAA, 250 mg/L AN, and 250 mg/L AN + 2mM IAA) study were conducted in four replications using a completely randomized design. Results demonstrate that the 250 mg/L AN + 2mM IAA with MFWB treatment led to a significant rise in fenugreek plant length (30.26%), plant fresh weight (36.37%), and plant dry weight (15.78%) over the control under salinity stress. There was a notable increase in chlorophyll a (5.13%), chlorophyll b (14.06%), total chlorophyll (7.79%), and shoot N, P, K from the control under salinity stress also showing the potential of 250 mg/L AN + 2mM IAA with MFWB. In conclusion, applying 250 mg/L AN + 2mM IAA with MFWB is a strategy for alleviating salinity stress in fenugreeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural lands hold significant potential for CO2 sequestration, particularly when utilizing biomass crops and agricultural residues. Among these, Miscanthus × giganteus (mxg) stands out due to its high productivity and carbon sequestration capabilities. Recognizing the importance of such biomass crops, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) as a crucial strategy for achieving net‐zero CO2 emissions by 2050. This study examines the carbon uptake potential of mxg during its establishment year at the Sustainable Advanced Bioeconomy Research (SABR) farm in Iowa, USA, where mxg was planted at a density exceeding previous studies. Using eddy covariance (EC) measurements, we quantified the net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE), and derived gross primary productivity (GPP), and ecosystem respiration (Reco). Our findings reveal that SABR's mxg exhibited a significant carbon uptake of −621 g C m−2, a threefold increase compared to a similar EC site in the "corn‐belt" (University of Illinois Energy Research Farm; UIEF), which was established with lower planting density and pre‐commercial planting equipment. Favorable growing conditions and advanced planting technologies at SABR likely contributed to this high carbon uptake. Comparisons with other global EC studies indicated a strong correlation between higher planting densities and greater carbon uptake. These results suggest that increasing mxg planting density can enhance carbon uptake, but further studies are necessary to evaluate the impacts under varying environmental conditions and management practices. Additionally, economic analyses are essential to determine the viability of higher planting densities. Our study underscores the potential of optimized mxg management practices to contribute significantly to CO2 uptake and supports the development of BECCS as a viable climate change mitigation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium wilt of tobacco (FWT) is a globally significant disease responsible for major losses in tobacco yield and quality. A total of 320 Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) isolates derived from five tobacco‐growing regions in Jilin province, China, have been confirmed as the predominant pathogens causing FWT, including F. tobaccum, F. cugenangense, F. odoratissimum and F. foetens. In this study, the results indicated that differences in the virulence of the representative isolates from tobacco from the same Fusarium species were significant. Aside from infecting tobacco, the virulence of these representative FOSC isolates differed on chilli and other crops, and they were not pathogenic or were weakly pathogenic to a further 20 crops. Six strains of formae speciales (ff. sp.) of F. oxysporum had the strongest virulence on their original hosts and were not or weakly pathogenic to tobacco. Joint analysis of the pg1‐pg5‐pgx1‐pgx4 genes indicated that 21 isolates of F. cugenangense were divided into four branches, which were clustered with different ff. sp. of F. oxysporum; five isolates of F. foetens were clustered in a branch with f. sp. fragariae, which were not pathogenic to strawberries; six isolates of F. tobaccum and five isolates of F. odoratissimum comprised independent branches and did not cluster with any other f. sp. of F. oxysporum. In sum, none of the FOSC isolates causing FWT in Jilin exhibited tobacco specificity. Our findings further confirmed that FOSC isolates from tobacco could be distinguished into F. tobaccum, F. cugenangense, F. odoratissimum and F. foetens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timely and accurate acquisition of cotton seedling information is crucial for seedling replenishment, yield increase, and effective cotton field management. This study proposes a cotton seedling recognition model and weed removal method for high-resolution UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) remote sensing images. First, the image information of cotton seedlings is enhanced by calculating the remote sensing index and using threshold segmentation. Second, the recognition model is constructed based on the spatial morphological characteristics of cotton seedlings, with weed interference removed using the straight-line method. Finally, the growth condition of cotton seedlings in farmland is comprehensively evaluated by calculating the seedling emergence rate and coverage rate. The experimental results show that: (1) the combination of the GLI (Green Leaf Index) and Otsu threshold segmentation algorithm effectively distinguishes cotton seedlings from the soil background and accurately portrays cotton seedling contours, further enhancing image information; (2) the proposed recognition model achieves an average overall accuracy of 95.75%, making it a practical method for cotton seedling recognition; and (3) the overall growth condition of cotton seedlings in the study area is good, enabling farmers to apply appropriate seedling replenishment and fertilizer based on the comprehensive cotton evaluation map to further improve the final cotton yield. This study aims to provide new research ideas for crop seedling identification and serve as a reference for the practical application of UAVs in crop monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address poor crop extraction results in mountainous regions using single-feature data in previous research, this study employed a quadcopter to capture aerial orthophoto imagery and image-matching point cloud data from a pitaya cultivation site in the rugged mountainous terrain of southwestern China. The authors identified three critical features: the visible-band difference vegetation index (VDVI), excess green – excess red (ExG-ExR), and canopy height model (CHM) and then integrated them to build a multi-dimensional feature dataset, namely VDVI+CHM and ExG-ExR+CHM. Through a rule-based object-oriented technique, they conducted identification extraction specifically for pitayas plants. The study yielded impressive extraction accuracies, with VDVI, ExG-ExR, CHM segmentation, VDVI+CHM, and ExG-ExR+CHM achieving overall accuracies of 92.34%, 91.05%, 89.08%, 97.56%, and 96.86%, respectively. Furthermore, to validate the accuracy of the extraction results, a regression analysis was conducted to compare the actual canopy area of the pitayas plants determined through human-computer interaction with the extraction results. The root mean square error (RMSE) for VDVI+CHM and ExG-ExR+CHM were found to be 18 dm2 and 25 dm2, respectively, while the coefficient of determination (R2) was 0.81 and 0.67, respectively. Notably, the comparative analysis revealed that VDVI + CHM, which fused multi-dimensional features, exhibited the highest recognition accuracy, demonstrating that integrating multi-dimensional plant features effectively enhanced the accuracy of pitaya plant identification and extraction. By overcoming the limitations of single spectral or spatial structural features, this approach provides valuable insights into the identification and extraction of characteristic economic crops in mountainous regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on analysis of the soil cover structure (SCS, SCSs), which is the most detailed level of soil organization in space. The detail in which complex SCS can be studied is often insufficient, since until now it has not been possible to map it over large areas at scales larger than 1:10,000. To increase the detail in which SCS can be studied, the methods of identifying the bare soil surface (BSS) and averaging its multitemporal spectral characteristics were used, which opens up new possibilities for mapping complex SCS over large areas. New SCSs of leached chernozems (Luvic Chernic Phaeozem) were discovered, which can produce patterns on satellite images similar to sections of Timan agate—agate-like soil cover structures (ASCS, ASCSs). ASCSs are formed on Quaternary sediments of varying thickness from 0.3 to 6 m, underlain by carbonate and red sediments of the Permian period. The ASCS pattern is formed by ring-shaped stripes (rings) of different colors and brightness, which are determined by the carbonate and red-colored inclusions involved in the arable horizon. Eight soil varieties were identified to describe ASCSs during the study. According to the WRB, there are six main soil types, and according to the classification of Russian soils in 1977, there are four types. ASCSs were identified over large areas and soil maps of ASCSs were constructed using multitemporal spectral characteristics of the BSS in the form of multitemporal soil line coefficients. Neural networks were used to identify BSS on big remote sensing data. ASCSs have contrasting soil properties and contrasting fertility (productivity of agricultural crops). ASCS maps can serve as the basis for task maps of precision farming systems. Perhaps ASCSs are unique objects for the area of chernozem distribution, where in one soil profile there are rocks with an age from the first thousand years (Quaternary) to 250 million years (Permian). Chernozems are fertile, studied, mercilessly exploited, but sometimes they are simply beautiful—agate-like. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproduction by perennial plants varies from being relatively constant over years to the production of massive and synchronous seed crops at irregular intervals, a reproductive strategy called mast seeding. The sources of interspecific differences in the extent of interannual variation in seed production are largely unknown. We conducted a global meta‐analysis of animal‐dispersed species to quantify how the interannual variability in seed crops produced by plants can be explained by the seed mass, dispersal mode, phylogeny, and climate. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the interannual variations in seed production and seed mass tended to be similar in related species due to their shared evolution. The interannual variation in seed production was 1.22 times higher in synzoochorous species dispersed by scatter‐hoarders compared with endozoochorous species dispersed by frugivores. Furthermore, the production of small seeds was associated with higher interannual variation in seed production, although synzoochorous species produced larger seeds than endozoochorous species. Precipitation rather than temperature had a significant positive effect on the interannual variation in seed production. The seed mass and dispersal mode contributed more to the interannual variation in seed production than phylogeny, climate, and fruit type. Our findings support a long‐standing hypothesis that interspecific variation in the masting intensity is largely shaped by interactions between plants and animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely accepted that Holocene climatic and environmental changes had major impacts on socioeconomic development and the evolution of civilization. The eastern margin of the Tibetan plateau (TP) has been an important passageway for south-north migration of agricultural groups since the late Neolithic. Prehistoric farmers began to occupy the northeastern Tibetan plateau (NETP) and the area of modern Yunnan Province (YNP), on the southeastern margin of the TP, from ∼5200 BP and ∼4600 BP, respectively. This occupation was potentially closely linked to climatic and environmental changes; however, the spatiotemporal pattern of moisture variations between these two regions, and its possible impact on human settlement and the migration of farming communities along the eastern margin of the TP during the late Neolithic and Bronze Age, are unclear. In the present study, well-dated sedimentary records with unambiguous indicators of humidity variations from the NETP and YNP were integrated, along with radiocarbon dates from human and animal bones and the remains of crop plants from archaeological sites in this region. The results indicate a long-term, out-of-phase relationship of moisture variations between the NETP and YNP during the middle to late Holocene. A mid-late Holocene increase in humidity on the NETP facilitated the development of agropastoral societies during the period of ∼5200-2200 BP. However, pronounced cooling from ∼5000 BP forced the southward dispersal of millet farming groups along the eastern margin of the TP during the fifth millennium BP. Decreasing moisture in YNP promoted the expansion of an open landscape, which affected the development of agriculture during the period of ∼4600-2200 BP. Our results suggest that changes in moisture affected the development of prehistoric agriculture in the northeastern and southeastern marginal areas of the TP in different ways, implying that the development of prehistoric human society largely depended on the regional climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Cover crop integration into grain crop rotations is a promising strategy for mitigating nematode‐induced diseases in agriculture. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive.Here, we first assessed the impact of five commonly used cover crops on the suppression of rice root‐knot nematodes (RKNs). We then chose ryegrass as a model to explore the mechanistic basis of the suppression effect.Contrary to expectations, while ryegrass rotation significantly enhances soil fertility, this increased fertility has minimal impact on RKN suppression. Furthermore, neither integrated ryegrass residues nor root exudates exhibit direct toxicity towards RKNs. We demonstrated that ryegrass rotation primarily suppresses RKNs by enriching beneficial soil microbiota. By complementing with isolated bacteria strains, we further demonstrated that ryegrass‐enriched bacteria not only directly reduce RKN infectivity and preference, but also activate plant immunity via the OsLRR‐RLK‐MAPK‐WRKY‐JA cascade, thereby diminishing RKN infection.Our study highlights the crucial role of soil microbiota in plant–nematode interactions, challenging conventional views on the direct effects of cover crops in nematode suppression. It offers a mechanistic understanding of the regulation potential and action modes of cover crops in mitigating nematode diseases, providing valuable insights for sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, zinc (Zn) deficiency in soils, and subsequently crops, has emerged as one of the most prevalent among micronutrients, resulting in a severe decline in crop yields and nutritional quality and in adversely affecting animal and human health. Worldwide, more than half of the agricultural soils are inherently deficient in Zn, and the health of about one-third of the global human population is impacted by Zn deficiency. Zinc is an essential micronutrient for animal and human health, and, in the developing world, Zn deficiency has been identified as the fifth cause of disease and death for humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that annually more than 800,000 people, including around 450,000 children under the age of 5, die due to Zn deficiency. Zinc supplementation was frequently associated with boosting immunity against COVID-19 in recent years. Because most of the Zn in animals and humans is derived from soil-grown crops, their source of Zn is highly dependent on plant Zn, especially in crops or fodder; in turn, crop Zn is dependent on available soil Zn levels. This integrated review describes Zn distribution, behavior, and fate in soils and its uptake and role in plants and crop production, as well as in the well-being of animals and humans. It discusses recent findings concerning Zn deficiency in all steps of the human food chain (from soil, to crop, animal, and human), and how it can be addressed through novel Zn fertilizers, soil amendments, and biofortification of Zn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoextraction is an attractive method to extract excess soil phosphorus (P) builds up from the soils. The crops potential to extract an enriched P in soil is still lacking. Therefore, four crops were grown in three different soils with variable P levels (0 to 200 mg P/kg soil) and screened for P acquisition potentials. Total P accumulation in roots and shoot was high with enriched P levels in all soils, for example in soil A at 200 mg P/kg soil, the values were 0.44% for cucumber (Cucumis sativus), 0.40% for sunflower (Helianthus annus), and ∼0.30% for cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and 0.20% for Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). The cucumber and sunflower showed a greater biomass production (>6.0 g/pot) with enriched P levels and exhibited more prominent root characteristics, suggests more favorable for P acquisition from the P enriched soils. More prominent enhanced phosphomonoesterase and phytase activities in these crops possibly contributing to their P accumulation ability under high soil P conditions. This study shows that, cucumber and sunflower can generate high dry matter content and can accumulate greater quantity of P from the soils through different mechanisms and they can be potential candidates for phytoextraction of P from the soil P enriched areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables are considered as the major source for opportunistic and emerging pathogens due to their diverse microbiome. Utilising bacterial endophytes and other bacterial agents to control a variety of economically important plant diseases is vital for achieving sustainable agriculture. Within internal plant tissues, bacterial endophytes form colonies without apparent injury. These bacteria provide several advantages for plant systems, including the direct stimulation of plant development through the creation of metabolites or phytohormones. Importantly, bacterial endophytes play a dual role by safeguarding their plant host through the biocontrol of pathogens and induction of the plant's innate immune system. This review offers a methodical and inclusive examination of the current state of endophytic diversity of bacteria, their methods of plant colonisation and their potential functions as protective agents against plant diseases. The review concludes by proposing diverse effective strategies for applying endophytic bacteria as a biological agent aiming to safeguard vegetable crop plants and enhancing the resilience of agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-throughput genotyping tools can effectively promote molecular breeding in crops. In this study, genotyping by target sequencing (GBTS) system was utilized to develop a genome-wide liquid SNP chip for facilitating genetics and breeding in melon (Cucumis melo L.), a globally cultivated economically important horticultural crop. Based on over eight million SNPs derived from 823 representative melon accessions, 16K, 8K, 4K, 2K, 1K, 500, 250 and 125 informative SNPs were screened and evaluated for their polymorphisms, conservation of flanking sequences, and distributions. The set of 2K SNPs was found to be optimal for representing the maximum diversity with the lowest number of SNPs, and it was selected to develop the liquid chip, named "Melon2K". Using Melon2K, more than 1500 SNPs were detected across 17 samples of five melon cultivars, and the phylogenetic relationships were clearly constructed. Within the same cultivar, genetic differences were also assessed between different samples. We evaluated the performance of Melon2K in genetic background selection during the breeding process, obtaining the introgression lines of interested trait with more than 97% genetic background of elite variety by only two rounds of backcrossing. These results suggest that Melon2K provides a cost-effective, efficient and reliable platform for genetic analysis and molecular breeding in melon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit trees face various adverse environmental factors, such as extreme hydrothermal changes, soil salinization and low precipitation, leading to different types of stress. High temperature is one of the main factors affecting the growth of fruit trees, and an appropriate ambient temperature is a necessary condition for the normal growth and development of fruit trees. Since the 20th century, due to the intensification of the greenhouse effect and global warming, there has been a significant increase in the occurrence and duration of extreme hot weather in summer has been occurring frequently and for longer durations. Thus, the growth and production of fruit trees are affected by severe hightemperature stress. Therefore, this paper primarily summarized the impacts of high-temperature stress on fruit growth and development, flowering, fruiting, fruit setting and quality. It also discussed the physiological and biochemical responses of fruit trees to high-temperature stress, research progress on the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways underlying fruit tree resistance to heat or high temperature, and research on the investigation of relevant metabolites of fruit trees under stress conditions. The future research directions were discussed, and prospects and potential difficulties were proposed to serve a reference for further investigation on the high-temperature tolerance of fruit trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in molecular approaches have been utilized to breed crops with a wide range of economically valuable traits to develop superior cultivars. This review provides a concise overview of modern breakthroughs in molecular plant production. Genotyping and high-throughput phenotyping methods for predictive plant breeding are briefly discussed. In this study, we explore contemporary molecular breeding techniques for producing desirable crop varieties. These techniques include cisgenesis, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR/Cas9) gene editing, haploid induction, and de novo domestication. We examine the speed breeding approachda strategy for cultivating plants under controlled conditions. We further highlight the significance of modern breeding technologies in efficiently utilizing agricultural resources for crop production in urban areas. The deciphering of crop genomes has led to the development of extensive DNA markers, quantitative trait loci (QTLs), and pangenomes associated with various desirable crop traits. This shift to the genotypic selection of crops considerably expedites the plant breeding process. Based on the plant population used, the connection between genotypic and phenotypic data provides several genetic elements, including genes, markers, and alleles that can be used in genomic breeding and gene editing. The integration of speed breeding with genomic-assisted breeding and cutting-edge genome editing tools has made it feasible to rapidly manipulate and generate multiple crop cycles and accelerate the plant breeding process. Breakthroughs in molecular techniques have led to substantial improvements in modern breeding methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatio-temporal evolution of the production of scientific articles that used some methodology for the estimation of potential evapotranspiration in an agricultural crop (ETP) was analyzed. We compiled 475 texts available on the Web of Science. The models to estimate the most frequent ETP were those proposed by FAO-Penman-Monteith (31.79%), Penman-Monteith (26.11%), and Thornthwaite (11.37%), and were applied mainly to maize, sorghum, soybean and potato crops, in countries such as the United States, China, Brazil, and India, agricultural leaders worldwide. It was found that there was an exponential growth in the publication of texts from 1984 to 2020 (R2 = 0.7624), which demonstrates the relevance of the topic as a mechanism to make water use more efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research addresses one of the major problems in agriculture that farmers are currently facing: birds causing significant crop damage in agricultural fields. To reduce this damage, a person's presence is often required in the farm field to repel the birds. To eliminate this need and automate the repellent system, the project aims to develop a bird repellent device using computer vision techniques to detect and repel birds from fields. Existing work lags behind in using effective algorithms and developing hardware. Object detection algorithms like the Haar Cascade Classifier and YOLOv8 are used; YOLOv8 is a powerful object detection algorithm, and it is chosen as the primary algorithm for its accuracy and speed in detecting birds. A hardware device is developed using a Raspberry Pi with a Pi camera and a Bluetooth speaker. Upon detecting birds in the farm fields through the Pi camera, distress calls are produced through the Bluetooth speakers to repel the birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distinguishing between different diseases and insect pests that affect maize crops is difficult. Therefore, in this study, a maize disease and pest database was established to train the AlexNet, VGG16, and ResNet50 deep convolutional neural network models. After training, these models were used to identify different types of diseases via the identification of disease indicators in local images. The test results showed that the validation set recognition accuracies of the AlexNet, VGG16, and ResNet50 models were 86.98%, 87.70%, and 85.98%, respectively. Compared with the traditional method, the recognition accuracy of the proposed method was superior. This result provides a strong basis for pest control work via a real-time and accurate technique for identifying agricultural pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide residues are the traces of pesticides that remain on or in food and feed after they have been applied to crops. India is one of the countries that falls in the category of top 10 consumers of pesticides worldwide. India is a major agricultural force in the world. Along with having the greatest herd of buffaloes, wheat, rice, and cotton in the world, it is the world's largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices. To increase the yield for the fulfilment of the daily requirement of the population, usage of pesticides on crops to prevent pest damage is increasing drastically. The majority of study focuses on specific pesticide residue screening, missing the opportunity to examine any additional undesired pesticide residues in environmental samples. In 18 villages in the Amroha district of Uttar Pradesh, India, we carried out our research. In this work, we conducted a non-targeted investigation of pesticide residues in the soil and rice crop during the post-monsoon season. Thirty-six soil and rice samples from the same field were studied. Analytes from soil and rice samples have been extracted using QuEChERs. Agilent Technologies' 7000D Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer has been utilized for non-targeted analysis of pesticide residues with the aid of a broad Agilent MassHunter library search. Five different types of pesticide residues have been found, along with their respective amounts. All of the chemicals' mean concentrations were higher than allowed, which is concerning for the ecosystem. 2-Imidazolidinone was the main deadly pesticide residue found in rice and soil, with mean concentrations of 8.86 and 6.78 mg/g, respectively. Trimethyl dihydroquinoline, p-Cumylphenol, 2,4-Dimethylbenzaldehyde, and 3,4-Dimethylbenzaldehyde were the other main pesticide residues found in soil and rice samples. The majority of pesticides fall under the category of herbicides, and they are also metabolites of some extremely poisonous and deadly pesticides that linger in the environment for an extended period of time. This study sought to determine the quantity and concentration of pesticide residues found in soil and rice samples from the Amroha area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study intends to compute the hydroclimate balance and how it affects the water needs for horticultural crops on agricultural lands in the Karbala Governorate's Al-Jadwal Al-Gharbi district. With 253,000 dunums of land set aside for horticulture during the 2014--2024 growing season, the district is primarily an agricultural area, with orchards accounting for a significant portion of its agricultural investment. Since climate has become a research focus, it is important to show how the climate factor affects the amount of water needed in the study area to cultivate the largest area of arable land. In order to determine the potential evaporation/transpiration coefficient, the water-climatic balance of the study area, and the magnitude of the water surplus and water deficit in the area, it is necessary to examine the factors that contribute to the variation in these water needs. In order to estimate the amount of water consumption for horticultural crops, the research used a statistical approach, the (Blini-Criddle) coefficient to calculate the amount of evaporationtranspiration, and the (COP WAT 8.0) program. It provides accurate results in calculating water consumption and is independent of multiple and overlapping factors. It is dependent upon the average monthly maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity, winds adjusted to sea level, and the number of hours of solar radiation during the day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing natural herbicides offers a potential solution to mitigate the drawbacks associated with synthetic pesticides used in an excessive quantity to safeguard agricultural crops. In this study, essential oils extracted via hydrodistillation from Pinus ponderosa needles were investigated for their chemical composition and phytotoxic activity. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC/MS) identified twenty-three constituents, constituting 93.87% of the total oil. The predominant components were oxygenated monoterpenes (64.66%), with a-pinene (37.78%), β-pinene (24.32%), and sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons, particularly germacrene-D (7.26%). The phytotoxic effects of P. ponderosa essential oil were tested on Phalaris canariensis L., Trifolium campestre Schreb., and Sinapis arvensis L. The essential oil exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on seed germination and seedling growth in a dose-dependent manner. A low concentration of essential oil reduced the germination and seedling growth of all tested weeds. Additionally, the essential oil treatment impacted malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage in the seedlings. These preliminary findings suggest that essential oils from forest trees, particularly Pinus ponderosa, could serve as an ecofriendly alternative to chemical herbicides. This approach may contribute to addressing the challenges associated with synthetic pesticides while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mold fungi are a group of microscopic fungi that have a significant impact on agriculture. They not only worsen the quality of products, but also reduce yields due to damage to plants and seeds. Studying the harm caused by mold is an important task of agronomic science, as it contributes to the development of effective control and prevention methods. The presented article examines the results of the influence of Chlorella vulgaris strains of green microalgae on mold fungi common in vegetable crops. Studies have shown that the use of biofertilizers based on Chlorella vulgaris is environmentally friendly due to their minimal accumulation in the soil. In addition, these fertilizers are economically beneficial, since man-made waste products such as phosphorous slags, sewage sludge, and carbon-containing waste can be used to grow biomass of microorganisms and algae. In the course of research, it was found that fertilizers based on Chlorella vulgaris inhibit the growth of mold fungi Mucor sp. and Aspergillus sp. in the soil and on the surface of seeds of agricultural crops. Compared with traditional fertilizers, their effectiveness reaches 28.6±2.2%. These results confirm the promising use of Chlorella vulgaris to protect crops from mold fungi, improve product quality and increase yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Waterlogging stress is a common agricultural problem in many regions across the globe. Crop productivity is threatened primarily by waterlogging in rainfed areas. Plant growth and crop production is constrained severely by waterlogging in many regions around the world. Waterlogging significantly reduces the grain yield. Moreover, oil yield reduces mainly due to a significant decrese in grain yield under waterlogging stress condition. Waterlogging at different growth stages has different effects on crop growth and yield. In most crop plants, it was shown the different adverse effects of waterlogging on yield determination at the vegetative and reproductive stages. However, the effects of waterlogging stress at different growth stages on safflower under field conditions is not yet known. Materials and methods In the current study, in order to study of the influence of waterlogging stress at different growth stages on the morphological traits and grain yield of safflower under field conditions, a field experiment was carried out during 2020-2021 growing season in a split plot arrangement in randomized complete blocks design using three replicates per treatment. The study site was located at the research farm of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran. The plants were grown in the filed to ensure the environmental conditions found in flooded soils. Three waterlogging treatments were applied to plants as main plots: Well-drained controls watered weekly, mild stress (waterlogged for 24 h) and severe stress (waterlogged for 48 h). Waterlogging treatments implemented at the vegetative and reproductive stages as sub plots. After the waterlogging period, waterlogging treatments were watered with sufficient water (80% field capacity) until the end of the experiment. Results and discussion The waterlogging treatments at vegetative and reproductive stages significantly decreased biological yield, grain yield, number of sub-branches, branche number, capitulum number per plant, grain number per capitulum, grain number per plant, 1000-grain weight and oil yield. There was no significant difference between growth stages in terms of all traits except for capitulum number per plant and the number of sub-branches. The mild and severe waterlogging stress at both growth stages was led to a significant reduction in grain yield by 34 and 39%, respectively, compared to control. The waterlogging treatments at different growth stages differently reduced the grain yield. The maximum decrease was found when waterlogging occurred for 48 h at the reproductive stage. The reduction in the number of sub-branches was associated with capitulum number per plant and grain number per plant. Under waterlogged conditions, the reduction in capitulum number per plant was mainly due to the decrease in the number of sub-branches. Conclusion These findings indicate that safflower is more sensitive to waterlogging at the reproductive stage. The effect of waterlogging stress on grain and oil yield varied between two growth stages and waterlogging durations. Under waterlogging condition, grain yield loss occurred mainly due to a decrease in the number of sub-branches, branch number, capitulum number per plant, grain number per head and grain number per plant, which led to a significant decrease in grain yield and ultimately reducing the oil yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Physalis (Physalis peruviana L.) is a perennial plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, but it is grown commercially as an annual crop. Low temperature has been reported as one of the most restraining environmental factors for agricultural crops, particularly vegetables. Cold stress causes symptoms such as wilting, reduced growth and photosynthetic rate, chlorosis, necrosis, discoloration, abnormal ripening, increased susceptibility to diseases, ion leakage from cell membranes, and changes in respiration and ethylene production in plants. Amino acids are one of the possible approaches that induce cold stress tolerance in plants. Phenylalanine is one of the essential amino acids that is used as a nutritional enhancer, amino acid injection, and complex amino acid preparation. Foliar application of amino acids such as L-phenylalanine during plant growth increased anthocyanins and phenolic compounds contents in grape and strawberry fruits and cysteine also contains sulfur as an amino acid which is widely present in bacteria, yeast, plants, animals and certain single cells. Spraying amino acids on plants is one of the modern methods. Selenium (Se) and its salts protect plants against biotic (pathogens and herbivores) and abiotic (ultraviolet rays, heavy metals, arsenic) stresses. Also, the findings showed that selenium can effectively stimulate the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway and it has been specifically determined that it protects plants against biological stresses. Materials and methods In order to investigate the effect of low temperature stress during seedling growth stage, and foliar application of amino acids L-phenylalanine (Phe), L-cysteine (Cys) and sodium selenite (Se) on yield and fruit quality of Physalis (Physalis peruviana L.), an experiment was conducted in greenhouse and field of University of Zanjan. The seeds of physalis were sown in seedling trays contain peat moss. The seedlings were grown under normal conditions (25±2 °C/day and 20±2 °C at night with 60-65% RH). The different concentrations of Phe (0.75, 1.5 and 2.5 mM), Cys (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mM) and Se (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg.L-1) was sprayed on the seedling at 4–5th true leaf stage and distilled water was used for control treatment. For the chilling stress treatment of seedlings, plants were transferred to the 4 °C climate chamber for 24 h and two days. The control group (plants without chilling stress) was grown under normal conditions (25±2 °C/day and 20±2 °C at night with 60-65% RH). Plants transplanted to the field and foliar sprayed three times (growth stage, flowering and fruit set stages) with amino acids and Se. Fruits were harvested with the change of calyx and fruit color from green to orange and total fruit yield estimated as a kg.ha-1 . Also, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of leaf, fruit carotenoid, titratable acidity, soluble solids contents, vitamin C ant antioxidant activity were investigated. Results and discussion The results showed that low temperature significantly decreased total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of leaves, titratable acidity (TA) and carotenoid contents of fruit, and caused increases in total soluble solid content of fruit, but had no significant difference on fruit yield, vitamin C content and antioxidant activity. Foliar application of Phe, Cys, and Se increased yield and fruit quality. The highest fruit yield (11419.1 kg.ha-1) was obtained in with application of Cys 0.5 mM in plants under low temperature stress. The maximum vitamin C content was obtained in plants sprayed with Phe 0.75 and 1.5 mM under normal condition. Also, the highest fruit antioxidant activity (56.9%) was observed with application of Phe 0.75 mM in plants without cold stress compared to other treatments and plants under stress. The beneficial role of Se and amino acids in increasing antioxidant capacity might be attributed to enhancing antioxidant enzymes activity, phenolic compounds and carotenoids content, which have antioxidant activity. Conclusion Therefore, the use of these compounds specially Phe 1.5 mM, Cys 0.5 mM and Se 1 mg.L-1 are suggested to improve the performance and quality of the fruit under low temperature stress or non-stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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