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The Bangshi River flows through the industrial regions of Dhaka and Tangail, polluted by various wastes, including industrial effluents. This study assessed water quality and heavy metal concentrations in the river, focusing on two fish species, Tengra (Mystus nigriceps) and Tara baim (Macrognathus aral). Fish samples were taken from one station during the wet season, whereas water samples were taken from three stations throughout the dry season (June to August 2022) and wet season (February to May 2022). The parameters analyzed included water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), alkalinity, and the concentrations of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn). Water temperature ranged from 30.5 to 32.3°C during the wet season and 19.91 to 20.5°C in the dry season, remaining within acceptable limits. pH values were within the standard range. However, EC exceeded irrigation standards during the dry season (828 to 903 µS/cm). TDS levels were 83 to 175 ppm in the wet season and 328 to 563 ppm in the dry season, with most dry season samples exceeding fish culture limits. DO values (1.98 to 4.26 ppm) were consistently below recommended levels, while BOD (2.33 to 4.83 ppm) and alkalinity (80.7 to 382.23 ppm) surpassed permissible thresholds, particularly in the dry season. Heavy metals in water were generally within safe limits except for Pb (4.40 to 5.002 ppm). In fish, Pb concentrations exceeded permissible levels (5.35 ppm in Tengra, 4.46 ppm in Tara baim), while Cd, Cu, and Mn were within acceptable thresholds. The elevated Pb levels likely stem from effluents released by glass, textile, and paint industries. These findings highlight potential risks to human health from consuming water and fish from the Bangshi River, underscoring the urgent need for improved pollution control strategies.

This research aims to control the quality of cocoa oil industry products through the application of the six sigma method. This research was carried out in the cocoa oil industry centre area in Southeast Sulawesi Province, which accommodates 3 (three) regions, namely; North Kolaka Regency, East Kolaka Regency, and Kolaka Regency. The population in this study were owners or managers of the cocoa oil industry, totalling 130 industries. The research sample used census techniques, namely; the entire population is used as a sample. Data collection techniques were carried out through interviews and direct observation at each industrial location during the cocoa oil production process. The analysis used in this research is Six Sigma analysis with the Define, Measure, Analysis, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) approach. The research results show that there is an average of 17.74% defective cocoa oil products for each production. In addition, the results of this study show that the types of defective cocoa oil products are smell mismatch (17.74%), color (3.71%), taste (7.60%), and water content (70.95%). The results of this research also provide information that the solution needed to control the quality of cocoa oil products is replacing production equipment and production support, establishing partnerships with cocoa bean suppliers from more profitable sources, improving the soft and hard skills of the workforce as well as mentoring, providing machines. more adequate packaging, as well as the use of ethanol solution in the extraction process.

Access to capital for farmers requires the intermediation function of Islamic financing amidst high business risks. The research aims to identify the appropriate construction of Islamic financing products in the agricultural sector to increase access to capital in the agricultural sector in Indonesia. The research method uses the Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) Analysis model. The study of Islamic agricultural financing was carried out with 3 structural elements namely purposes, constraints and policy recommendations. The findings of the research results establish 3 policy clusters. First, the construction of a parallel greeting contract model between Islamic Banking, Rice Mills, and Agents in the Warehouse Receipt System scheme. Second, strengthening farmers' access to Islamic financial institutions and adjusting Sharia financial contracts in farming capital at the central and regional levels. Third, Islamic Cooperative microfinance institutions and financial arrangements for Islamic financing in the agricultural sector. This research recommendation provides valuable insights and practical solutions for implementing Islamic financial products with an agribusiness system approach based on feasibility studies of financial arrangements and risk mitigation for agricultural financing.

Arabica coffee (Coffee arabica L.) is among the most popular and widely consumed drinks globally today. The current study aimed to detect and quantify of potential mycotoxins in coffee beans and to investigate their potential risk on HepG-2 human liver cancer cells and male albino rats. Eighteen fully matured coffee beans samples were collected from different geographical locations in Saudi Arabia. Mycotoxins detected and quantified utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Cytotoxicity of the detected toxins was investigated utilizing the MTT assay method toward HepG-2 cells and male albino rats. Cytotoxic properties of the detected mycotoxins were investigated at doses of 31.25, 62.50, 125, 250 and 500 µg/ml following exposure durations of 24 and 48 h in comparison with control. HPLC analysis revealed the detection of four Alternaria toxins (ALT-Ts) namely Altenuene (ALT), Tenuazonic acid (TA), Alternariol (AOH), and Altenuisol being AOH reported as the frequently detected mycotoxin in 18 coffee beans samples representing 75 % with quantity ranged 0.98 to 8.97 μg/g. OTA was frequently detected (10 samples, 55.5%) in concentrations varied from 0.75 to 9.87 μg/g. In addition, Aflatoxin B1 was also detected with low quantity ranged 0.89 to 3.22 μg/g. Treatment of HepG-2 cell line with combined Alternaria toxins (ALT, TeA, AOH, and Altenuisol), Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA) as well as their combination triggered a decline in cell viability that was proportional to the dose administered. The elevated doses (62.50, 125, 250 and 500 µg/ml) notably reduced cell viability and induced cellular damages when contrasted with the lowest dose (31.25 µg/ml) and control. The IC50 for the tested mycotoxins registered for ALT-Ts, AFB1 and OTA as well as their combination were 115.95, 56.68, 59.86 and 31.05 µg/ml after 48 h of exposure. Secreting inflammatory markers (Interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and COX-2), and oxidative markers (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH) and nitrite (NO) were downregulated by all mycotoxins with the highest decrease induced by their mixture. Malonaldehydes (MDA) and TAC were significantly increased by all toxins in treated rats. Hematological results revealed that AFB1, OTA and ALT-Ts-treated rats exhibited a notable decline in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and packed cell volume % (PCV). However, single and double dose-treated rats with OTA, Mix1 and Mix2 exhibited a marked increase in WBCs. The results demonstrated a notable decline in liver and kidney functions in all mycotoxins-treated rats. The studied organs (liver, kidney and spleen) exhibited significant damage, with the most severe alterations observed in the Mix1 and Mix2-treated group in comparison with the groups receiving individual treatment. This indicates that the mixture of AFB1, ALT-Ts and OTA had an enhanced toxic consequence against treated HepG-2 cell line and rats. Our results indicated the synergistic effect of the combined different mycotoxins against HepG-2 human liver cancer cells and male albino rats. This work could help fill in data gaps and enhance risk assessment for human health by addressing some of the possible risks associated with Alternaria toxins

The study aimed to test the cellulolytic ability of Trichoderma AA1 and AA2 inoculum as local Indonesian isolates and their application in the fermentation of Gliricidia sepium leaf meal. Measurement of cellulolytic ability includes qualitative cellulase activity (measurement of clear zone formation around fungal colonies) and quantitative cellulase activity (measurement of the amount of reducing sugar produced by broth enzymes from fungal cultures). Experiments of Gliricidia sepium fermentation using Trichoderma AA1 and AA2 were each designed using Completely Randomized Design. The treatments used consisted of fermentation duration of 0 (control), 2, 4, and 6 days—identification of Trichoderma AA1 and AA2 species using molecular identification method. The research results show that qualitative cellulase activities in Trichoderma AA2 were significantly higher compared to Trichoderma AA1. The CZD/CD ratio of Trichoderma AA1 and AA2 were 2.39±0.11 and 1.97±0.10, respectively. The CMC-ase activity of Trichoderma AA2 was 0.332±0.038 µmol/ml/min, and this was significantly higher compared to TrichodermaAA2, which was only 0.201±0.021 µmol/ml/min. Gliricidia sepium fermentation using AA1 and AA2 inoculum showed increased nutritional value, including soluble protein content, In-vitro digestibility of dry matter, and In-vitro digestibility of organic matter in 2 and 4 days of fermentation. There was a decrease in nutritional value in 6 days of fermentation. Trichoderma AA1 and AA2 were identified as Trichoderma koningiopsis and Trichoderma asperellum, respectively. The study concluded that T. Koningiopsis AA1 and T. Asperellum AA2 were proven to have cellulolytic abilities and could be used as inoculum in Gliricidia sepium fermentation to increase its nutritional value.

Water supply which is a resource that must be sufficient in paddy farming. Reservoirs are civil construction buildings in the field of hydrology that are used to hold water so that it does not go straight to the sea, so that it can be used to improve the availability of water supply to paddy fields that cannot be reached by technical irrigation. The purpose of this study was to differentiating between the effects on water availability, farmer productivity, and economic impacts of the construction of the reservoir on the community. This study was conducted in Sanjai Village, East Sinjai District, Sinjai Regency. A total of 55 respondents of this study were farmers whose paddy fields used water from the reservoir and planted paddy as the main commodity of their farming. The method used to analyse the data was descriptive analysis and paired sample mean different test. The results of the study showed that the effect of reservoirs on water availability in addition to increasing farmer productivity can also reduce the risk of agricultural business due to drought and increase opportunities for farming, especially during the dry season. In addition, the construction of the reservoir has affected the availability of water in Sanjai Village, which was experienced by farmers after the construction of the reservoir, as well as a decrease in the intensity of floods and droughts, the smooth supply of water for the needs of farmers in farming in paddy fields so that the availability of water for farming in paddy fields is more sufficient after the construction of the reservoir and the impact after the development of the reservoir, from an economic point of view, the community was increasing production and productivity. It can be concluded that the construction of the reservoir has been achieved and the function of the reservoir for farmers was very useful and can also change cropping patterns as well as improve crop cultivation.

This study analyzes the price fluctuations of cooking oil in the Indonesian consumer and wholesale markets using the Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (ARCH) model across January 2018 to January 2024 period that encompasses the period of study. This study covered the period measuring from January 2018 to January 2024. As per conclusions drawn upon the tests for stationarity, the series has become non-stationary after a second difference. An analysis of the results indicates substantial and even large amounts. Consumer price’s ARCH (α) and GARCH (β) coefficients are 0.569707, and the coefficients for wholesale prices are 1.29 and -0.13 respectively. This indicates that there is the presence of persistent volatility (α + β > 0) in the market. In view of these results, it is very clear that certain policy measures need to be put in place. Such measures should include the stabilization of the delivery mechanism through proper stock management and strategic price mechanisms to avoid wide fluctuations in price. Two other factors that may help in price variations stability are increasing market openness and promoting location diversification of supply sources.

From different fields in Mosul city, we collected sixteen samples of soil surrounding the rhizosphere zone to isolate and characterize rhizobacterial species based on biochemical tests, 16S rRNA gene primer amplification using PCR and nucleotide sequence analysis, and similarity to global isolates in the gene bank. All isolates were bacilliform, with clear differences in their response to Gram staining and biochemical tests. On the other hand, the results showed that root colonizing bacteria could produce different amounts of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Molecular analysis tests based on the 16S rRNA primer gene were carried out to characterize the isolated bacteria at the molecular level and showed 99% homology with Azotobacter tropicalis SC39, Azotobacter chroococcum A11, Bacillus subtilis N22 and Ralstonia pickettii ULM005, which are registered worldwide in GenBank. It should be noted that in the diagnostic isolate R. pickettii both A and T were deleted, G was replaced by C and T was added at position 508. On the other hand, in the B. subtilis isolate, the nitrogenous bases A, G and G were deleted and the nitrogenous base G was replaced by the base C. The data for the third isolate, A. tropicalis, showed deletion of the nitrogenous bases C and T and replacement of G by A and A by T. In the fourth isolate, A. chroococcum, deletion of the nitrogenous base, replacement of C by A and C by T and addition of G, T and A in three positions were observed. These will be used as the basis for future scientific experiments to develop new biofertilizers from the rhizobacteria studied for the production of environmentally sustainable crops.

Cocoa is one of the main plantation crops in North Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, and is a strategic plantation commodity that tends to be important for the national economy because it provides employment, a source of foreign exchange, and a source of income for farmers. Manure is a waste product from livestock manure, one of which is cattle, which can be used to add nutrients and improve the physical and biological properties of soil. Integrated agriculture (crop-livestock integration) is an agricultural system characterized by the interrelationship between crop and livestock components in a farming business or an area. This study was conducted to determine the effect of manure on cocoa crop production, and to find out that feed made from cocoa fruit peel waste can increase the body weight of cattle. To find out how cattle manure and cattle feed using cocoa shell waste can be integrated in increasing cocoa production and increasing body weight in cattle. Based on the results of the research conducted, it was found that the cattle manure treatment showed the best results for each parameter observed in cocoa production, while in the cattle parameter, the provision of additional cocoa peel feed gave the highest results.

Food processing, such as cooking, can affect the bioactive components of the ingredients. In making rendang tempeh, several stages must be gone through, such as curry (gulai) and kalio formation; therefore, the production of rendang tempeh will take time and might be impacted by the changes in nutrients of the tempeh. This research was conducted to observe changes in chemical components, such as proximate components, antioxidants, fatty acids, and isoflavones, during the process of making tempeh rendang. This study processed tempeh into gulai, kalio, and rendang. Chemical analyses such as proximate analysis (water, fat, protein), antioxidant, fatty acid, and isoflavone analysis were carried out at each stage of making the rendang tempeh. Based on the study's results, it was known that the proximate profile increases during the rendang-making process. Linoleic acid, as the main fatty acid content in tempeh, was decreased, as was the isoflavone content. In this study, From the research, it was concluded that the cooking process changes the profile of the bioactive compounds in tempeh, which might be affected by the decrement of phytochemicals. In this study, the degradation pattern of phytochemical compounds, especially isoflavones, remains unknown, as well as whether the compounds are degraded or changed into aglycone forms with higher bioactivity. Therefore, the observation on molecular perspective on nutritional compounds of rendang tempeh during processing from tempe as raw material to rendang tempeh needs to be further conducted to obtain comprehensive information regarding the benefit of transformation of tempe to become a processed food "rendang tempeh."

Adopting biosecurity and vaccination technology is one of the steps that can be taken to overcome and minimize FMD disease in beef cattle farming. This study aims to analyze the farmer's adoption of biosecurity and vaccination technology in the spread of FMD. The research was conducted from November to December 2023 in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi Province. The sample size was 99 farmers whose animals were infected or not infected with FMD. Data collection methods began with observation and interviews using a questionnaire. The data analysis used was qualitative descriptive analysis using a rating scale. Research variables in the adoption process include knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation, and confirmation. The results showed that the technology adoption process at the knowledge stage was categorized as moderate, the persuasion stage was categorized as high, the decision stage, the implementation stage, and the confirmation stage were categorized as moderate. The average difference from the stages of the technology adoption process of implementing biosecurity and vaccination as a whole is categorized as moderate with a score of 2.15. Keywords: Adoption technology, biosecurity, breeders, disease, vaccination, Bone Regency, farmer adoption.

Declining soil fertility amid the devastating effects of climate change is a threat to the state of food security in developing countries like Kenya. Enhancing production intervention through sustainable farming practices like integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) technologies has been promoted. However, there is a dearth of knowledge revealing the efficacy of such technologies, especially in dry regions of the country. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of integrated soil fertility management technologies on sorghum productivity in the drier parts of Upper Eastern Kenya. Data was collected from 370 sorghum farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM). The initial PSM stage revealed that various socioeconomic and institutional aspects (subsistence farming, access to extension services, perception of innovations, road infrastructure, ISFM awareness and ISFM costs) influence the adoption decision of ISFM. Further, the findings reveal that farmers who adopted ISFM technologies recorded increased sorghum productivity. Hence, the productivity of adopters was better than that of non-adopters. Improving adoption, therefore requires the facilitation of agricultural institutions and service providers who are key in imparting vital knowledge and creating awareness of productive technologies such as ISFM. Similarly, the results have wider policy effects for agriculture, especially in places where ISFM may be very important for long-term food security and agricultural productivity.

Fusarium sacchari is a pathogenic fungus that causes the pokkah boeng disease in sugarcane plants. The symptoms of pokkah boeng disease are systemic, spreading throughout all parts of the plant. The control measures implemented so far still rely on synthetic pesticides but have not yielded optimal results and are not environmentally friendly. One of the environmentally friendly control methods is the use of endophytic fungi. Endophytic fungi live within plant tissues without causing disease symptoms. This research aims to discover endophytic fungi derived from sugarcane and evaluate their ability to suppress the growth of the pathogen F. sacchari. The research began with the isolation of sugarcane tissue, followed by the morphological and molecular characterization of endophytic fungi and testing their inhibitory capacity against the pathogen F. sacchari. Morphological identification was based on colony and microscopic characteristics, while molecular identification was conducted using PCR and sequencing, with similarities based on GenBank. Inhibition tests were conducted through dual culture and volatile compound testing, as well as enzyme production. The research results obtained 38 endophytic fungal isolates from sugarcane plants that have the ability to inhibit the pathogen F. sacchari. Five of these isolates showed the highest inhibition against F. sacchari and produced cellulase, protease, and chitinase enzymes. Molecular identification results indicated that these five-sugarcane endophytic fungal isolates are Daldinia eschscholdzii, Hypoxylon pulicicidum, Trichoderma virens, Trichoderma harzianum, and Diaporthe phaseolorum. The endophytic fungus T. harzianum provides the highest inhibition rate of 83.33% in dual culture and 55.5% inhibition through the production of volatile compounds. Keywords: Endophytic fungi, inhibitory power, Fusarium sacchari, morphological characteristics, molecular characteristics, pokkah boeng disease, sugarcane plants.

Faculty of Economics, Tay Nguyen University, 567 Le Duan Street, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. The study aims to evaluate the economic performance of Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS) in certifying organic vegetable farmers in Northern Vietnam. Moreover, this study identifies the differentiation between prosperous and non-prosperous farmers by analyzing critical factors associated with farm management. With a multi-stage cluster sampling technique, the data were collected from three provinces in Northern Vietnam between March and April, 2023. The findings indicate that PGS farming has the potential to be more efficient than conventional farming, mainly due to reduced intermediate costs and access to niche markets. However, PGS farms are more labor-intensive due to their reliance on manual practices. In addition, the selling approaches and technical progress significantly impact economic viability. These findings highlighted the need to develop market access and enhance farmers' confidence in sustainable agricultural practices to advise the competitiveness of PGS farms. Keywords: Determinants, economic performance, participatory guarantee systems, organic farms, labor cost, market access, Vietnam.

Variations in macronutrient fertilization and spacing are two important components in increasing shallot yield. This study aims to determine the effect of fertilization and plant spacing on shallot yield. A split-plot design with three replications was applied. The main plots were plant spacing (D1: 20 x 20 cm, D2: 20 x 15 cm, D3: 20 x 10 cm); subplots were fertilization of TSP, NPK, KNO3, Urea, and ZA with four doses: F1 by 188, 600, 0, 180, 400 kg ha-1; F2 by 75, 225, 80, 57, 300 kg ha-1; F3 by 100, 300, 107, 76, 400 kg ha-1; and F4 by 125, 375, 135, 95, 500 kg ha-1, respectively. Data was analyzed using the Anova (Analysis of Varians) and Duncan tests. The number of leaves was positively correlated with wet bulb weight per clump (R2 = 86.36%), and dry bulb weight per clump (R2 = 72.40%). The optimum N, P, and K dosages to achieve the optimum relative yield were 126.85; 178.06; 95.25 kg ha-1. The D3F3 interaction (plant spacing of 20x10 cm with TSP, NPK, KNO3, Urea, and ZA fertilization by 100, 300, 107, 76, and 400 kg ha-1, respectively) enhanced the dry bulbs weight per plot by 84.50%.

Production function is one method to understand the effect of production inputs used in an effort to achieve maximum profit. This study aims to identify how the use of inputs has an influence on the production of layer eggs in Soppeng Regency. The research was conducted from August to October 2023 in Soppeng Regency. The number of samples was 67 layer breeders located in each sub-district in Soppeng Regency using Nonprobability sampling technique. Data were collected through observations and interviews. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with the Cobb-Douglass production function model, and tested through simultaneous tests and partial tests. Independent variables consisted of seedlings, labor, cage area, farmer experience, Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccine, Avian Influenza (AI) vaccine, concentrate feed, ground corn feed and bran feed. The dependent variable included production (eggs). The study showed tshat the use of inputs of seedlings, labor, cage area, farmer experience, Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccine, concentrate feed, and ground corn feed had a significant effect on egg production of laying hens in Soppeng Regency, while the variable Avian Influenza (AI) vaccine and, bran feed did not have a significant effect on egg production of laying hens in Soppeng Regency. So the practical implication of this research is that layer breeders in Soppeng Regency can increase egg production by focusing on the use of quality seeds, efficient labor, optimal utilization of cage area, increasing the experience and knowledge of farmers, as well as, the use of Newcastle Disease (ND) vaccine, concentrate feed and ground corn feed, while the use of Avian Influenza (AI) vaccine and bran feed should be re-evaluated because it does not have a significant impact on production. Keywords: Cobb-Douglass, Production Function, Production Inputs, Egg Production, Laying Hens.

This study examines the sectoral contributions to Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and intersectoral interdependencies using Input-Output (I-O) analysis. Results as obtained from the 2022 Eurostat database revealed significant value added/sectoral contributions, agriculture ($6.512B, 15.1%), fishing ($4.529B, 1.1%), food/beverages ($8.446B, 19.6%), and mining/quarrying ($14.659B, 34.1%). Intersectoral interdependencies highlighted key intersectoral linkages between agriculture and food/beverages, mining/quarrying and other industries, and fishing and food/beverages. Results showed that agriculture's output (74.58%) is primarily consumed by households and used by the food and beverages sector; output from mining/quarrying (85.73%) is consumed mainly by industries (manufacturing/construction), and output from the fishing (81.68%) sector is mainly consumed by households and used by the food and beverages sector. The Type I and Type II multipliers assessed the economic ripple effects of changes in industry demand. The findings indicate substantial indirect effects, with output multipliers ranging from 1.726% (food/beverages), 2.118% (fishing), 1.803% (mining/quarrying), and 1.758% (agriculture). Income multipliers range from income multipliers: to $2.053B (food/beverages), $3.290B (fishing), $2.540B (agriculture), and $3.01B (mining/quarrying). Fishing and mining/quarrying sectors exhibited the highest total multiplier effects, emphasizing their potential for driving economic growth. The study confirms the robustness of the results using I-O analysis, validating the initial findings. Policy implications include targeted investments in strategic sectors such as agriculture, fishing, food/beverages, and mining/quarrying, which would stimulate economic growth and diversification. Also, resource allocation and diversification strategies to enhance intersectoral linkages would maximize economic benefits and reduce dependence on individual sectors.

This study aims to assess the impact of shading treatment variations on soybean leaf metabolites. The research was conducted as follows: (i) planting several soybean varieties under different shading intensities; (ii) extracting metabolic substances from soybean leaves through maceration; (iii) identifying the extracted substances using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC); and (iv) analyzing changes in primary metabolic substances. This study applied different shading treatments to various local soybean varieties: Anjasmoro, Mutiara 1, Denasa 1, Denasa 2, Dena 1, and Dena 2. The results indicate that among the different varieties and shading treatments, the highest isoflavone content was observed in Dena 2 with shading treatment on producing plants (1.820 g), followed by Anjasmoro with shading treatment on non-producing plants (1.788 g), and Dena 2 with no shading treatment (1.780 g). In addition, the statistical analysis revealed that shading treatments show significant differences only in extract mass content treated using fermentation on day 1 (p-value = 0.011) and day 3 (p-value = 0.039). These findings provide valuable insights for the scientific cultivation, management, and large-scale breeding of soybeans, specifically offering guidance on optimal shading levels for improved growth and metabolite production. Keywords: Photosynthetic efficiency, isoflavone accumulation, crop management, metabolic profiling, shading effects.

The success of farming can be influenced by access to agricultural information. However, not all farmers can access and utilize information quickly and accurately. This research aims to analyze the level of access and sources of information, as well as the utilization of horticultural agricultural information by farmers in Raoda Village. The study uses a survey method with 35 horticultural farmers as respondents. Additionally, the research is supported by qualitative data. Qualitative data consists of in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders, including the Village Head, Chair of the Farmers Group (Gapoktan), community leaders, village officials, and female farmers. Qualitative data is analyzed through data reduction, presentation, and verification, while quantitative data is analyzed using cross-tabulation and frequency tables with Microsoft Excel 2010 and SPSS for Windows 20.1. The study’s results indicate a relationship between the level of information access and its utilization. Low access levels lead to low utilization, mainly due to inadequate facilities and infrastructure for farmers to access information, making it challenging for them to utilize it effectively. Keywords: Access to information, horticulture farmers, north Kolaka Regency, Raoda village, utilization of information

The growth in Vietnamese consumption and development has led to the expansion of the pig sector and increased competition from other markets. The study included 260 small-scale pig producers selected through a random sampling method. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of (1) social profiles on innovations at pig farms and (2) innovations on the competitiveness at pig farms. The findings revealed that predominantly male farmers, with an average age of 50 and a mean experience of 10 years. A total of 60% did not utilize new innovations for production, although they did have access to knowledge on the pig market. The survey found that production innovations received the greatest ranking compared to other innovations while market innovation were the lowest one. About 70% of farms exhibited a high level of competitiveness, while no farms were found to have a poor level of competitiveness. The study observed that gender, education, occupation, experience, and pig units affected innovation scores. Enhancing the perception of market innovation and organizational innovation leads to a higher degree of competitiveness for farmers. It can be concluded that competitiveness is influenced by innovations, and their farms were competitive based on self-evaluation. Keywords: Pig farming, innovation, competitiveness, sustainable development, social demographics, farm management.

Melatonin (Mel) is a chemical that has been found in bacterial, higher plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. The plant extract was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to find Mel. Mel concentrations differed greatly, according to the data. The aim of this study was to see how Mel generated from Ziziphus spina-christi leaves affected thyroid, liver enzymes, and lipid profiles in male albino mice. Twenty male mice were divided into four groups, each containing five mice, and were administered intraperitoneally (i.p) injections of Mel in three doses (4, 7 and 10 mg/ml), except for the control group, which received only a dose of normal saline solution. In comparison to the control therapy, the results showed that the Mel dose of 10 mg/ml had the greatest impact on lowering the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), lowering the levels of the liver enzymes Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Total serum bilirubin (TSB) and lowering lipid profile (cholesterol (CHO), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides (TG)). In addition to raising the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in mice's blood serum with substantial variations from the control therapy. The review summarizes, this evidence implicates Mel in a broad range of effects with a significant regulatory influence over many of the body's physiological functions. Keywords: Blood serum, Medicinal plants, tryptophan, Rhamnaceae family, methanol, TLC and pineal gland.

Lycopene is a carotenoid derivative, which is a natural pigment synthesized by plants and microorganisms during the photosynthesis process. The study aimed to extract lycopene from tomatoes using organic solvents in a ratio of 2:1:1 of hexane, acetone, and ethanol. The amount of lycopene extracted was (4.87 mg/100 g). We notice a decrease in the values of the liver enzymes ALT, ALK, and AST upon oral administration of lycopene to male infected rats compared to with their values when acrylamide is given alone. A change was also noted in the liver tissue after treatment with lycopene compared to the infected group, as there was an improvement in the central vein, lobules, hepatic sinusoids, and Coover cells after they were congested, expanded, and contained bloody bleeding. In conclusion, lycopene as an antioxidant phyto-component, can protect liver against damages caused by acrylamide (or acrylic amide). Tomatoes can be considering as functional vegetable for protecting liver from damages of chemicals such as acrylamide. Keywords: Acrylamide, lycopene extraction, physiological properties, phytocomponent.

Starting from James Gilbart's view that everyone should have the ability to understand money and its benefits. The ability to understand then becomes the forerunner to the birth of financial literacy, which is interpreted as a person's ability to process economic information and make the right decisions related to financial planning. This study seeks to examine theoretical and empirical evidence comparatively regarding the importance of financial literacy for those who work as employees of a business entity and those who work as farmers. Comparative Studies are used to increase the knowledge base and important issues that are the topics of further research. This study uses a systematic literature review design based on relevant journals and scientific reports. The search for journal sources is carried out through the following stages; a) Searching for journals using two keywords, namely "The Role of Financial Literacy for Business Actors and Employees" and "Financial Literacy for Farmers"; b) Reputable international journals and/or registered in international databases; and c) Journals published in the last five years, namely 2020-2024. The search results produced 56 journals, consisting of 45 journals themed "The Role of Financial Literacy for Employees" and 11 journals themed "Financial Literacy for Farmers". The data obtained were then analyzed descriptively. The results of the analysis found that the internalization of the importance of financial literacy is still focused on the company level with an employee base, and there is still little discussion of the topic of financial literacy for farmers. It was also found that financial literacy at the employee level is better than that of farmers. On average, farmers have financial literacy in the low category. A significant implication is that there must be new ideas in efforts to internalize financial literacy for farmers, considering the complexity of farmers' businesses that are vulnerable to financial risks. The next implication is that further investigation is needed to produce new ideas regarding the financial literacy model for employees during retirement and in old age for farmers. The results will later become a reference for the Government as a regulator to prepare a scheme to improve the intended literacy.

Farmers are important actors in agribusiness development. Farmers' businesses are generally classified as small businesses. Various theoretical evidence is sufficient to explain the important role of farmers in agribusiness development which is limited by financial literacy, and financial self-efficacy that influences financial management behavior. However, research on the role of financial literacy and financial self-efficacy on financial management behavior in terms of agribusiness development has not been conducted. This study aims to present new evidence on the role of financial literacy, and financial self-efficacy on financial management behavior in small-scale agribusiness. This study uses a positivist approach also known as quantitative research. Using an explanatory research design and involving around 68 small-scale agribusiness actors in Kendari City. Data were obtained through questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS. It was found that financial literacy by small-scale agribusiness actors can play a role in shaping financial management behavior and financial self-efficacy. Furthermore, the financial self-efficacy skills of small-scale agribusiness actors also play a role in shaping financial management behavior. The theoretical implication is that improving financial management behavior and financial self-efficacy of agribusiness actors can be done by improving financial literacy skills. Likewise, efforts to improve the financial management behavior of agribusiness actors must be supported by financial self-efficacy skills. With this approach, theoretically, agribusiness businesses can develop and be free from all financial risks that lead to business failure. Practical implications for agribusiness actors to improve financial literacy skills to be able to create and/or form financial management behavior and self-efficacy. The second concern is financial self-efficacy which needs to be pursued because it supports financial management behavior in developing agribusiness businesses. For the government, it is better to prepare regulations and instruments that support the creation of an agribusiness business climate. By considering the results of research, policies, and regulations leading to an ecosystem for the formation of financial literacy, financial self-efficacy, and financial management behavior. The research findings open up new avenues for future researchers, namely conducting further analysis using empirical data by measuring agribusiness performance based on the development of the financial curve (profit or gain). Then, it is recommended to use a qualitative paradigm, or a mixed research approach so that the research findings are more comprehensive. Keywords: Agribusiness, small business, financial literacy, financial self-efficacy, financial management behavior.

Carob tree cultivation requires a good understanding of soil nutrient availability. Therefore, several farmers and other stakeholders have little scientific knowledge in soil standards for carob cultivation. This study aims to characterize and assess the physicochemical quality of carob soils to improve crop production. Data collection involved soil sampling at 0-20 and 20-40 cm depth beneath carob trees in 19 different regions of Morocco for 2019 year. Obtained results on the physicochemical analyses of the soil (texture, pH (H2O), electrical conductivity (EC), total limestone, organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), C/N ratio, assimilable phosphorus (P)) indicated that soils from various studied stations exhibited sandy loam texture, with neutral to slightly alkaline pH values (ranging from 6.39 to 7.62). Regarding other elements, the soils of all studied stations have a content of organic carbon not exceeding 5.11%, an organic matter ranging from 0.62 to 8.70% and a content of total nitrogen below 1.82%, while C/N ratio in soils is relatively higher. However, in all the stations, soil is considered low in available phosphorus. Total limestone contents are higher in different stations. Furthermore, soil electrical conductivity ranges from low value (0.15 mS/cm) to moderate value (2.34 mS/cm). For the most variables, small differences in soil physicochemistry are found between different stations. These findings may elucidate the carob trees’ adaptability to various soil types. Keywords: Carob tree, Ceratonia siliqua L., soil characterization, soil texture, nutrient availability, pH, electrical conductivity, Morocco.

Financial literacy is recognized as a useful tool for making financial decisions. The better a person's literacy, the better their financial management including in making investment decisions, including farmers. This study aims to uncover a future agenda to investigate the role of financial literacy in shaping investment decisions for farmers which is very useful in business development and agricultural development in general. The next goal is to present empirical evidence as an agenda for further investigation into human resource management practices. They use a literature review study approach with a systematic review paradigm. Involving around 38 major journals that discuss financial literacy and investment decisions in the agricultural sector, supported by other journals that discuss resource management practices. The analysis results show that the study analyzes the role of financial literacy in shaping investment decisions for farmers and agricultural development in 16 countries, spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe. The agenda for discussing future research that interests researchers is focused on four things. First, factors that influence/drive investment decisions. Second, factors that shape financial literacy in agricultural business development. Third, household finances. Fourth, is the level of financial literacy. Specifically, human resource management practices that need to be further proven are regarding financial literacy, cognitive bias, and emotional bias in reflecting investment decision-making. Theoretical implications are that financial literacy has been proven to contribute to shaping the knowledge of the community (farmers and business actors) when making investment decisions. To strengthen this, further evidence is needed, along with factors that influence (including barriers) financial literacy. Farmer households are the most frequently suggested subjects. Practical implications are that the Government and other parties involved in financing agricultural businesses must participate in providing scenarios and infrastructure (technology and innovation) to support financial literacy for farmers and the general public. Keywords: Financial literacy, decision making, investment, farmers, farmer household, human resource management, review, future agenda.

Digitalization has brought a transformation approach from all aspects. Various literatures state that agricultural digitalization is a necessity followed by aspects of human resource management for business sustainability. Various empirical evidence states that business continuity in the digital era is greatly influenced by various factors, including digital strategy, digital leadership, organizational agility, and digital transformation. The study aims to present empirical evidence regarding the practice and/or factors of digital strategy, digital leadership, organizational agility, and digital transformation by comparing the case of agricultural business sustainability and business sustainability in the context of human resource management practices. Using a systematic literature review approach involving 59 journals, consisting of 19 journals concerning the topic of agricultural business sustainability, and 40 journals in the context of human resource management. The journals as secondary sources are limited to the latest international research journals, namely publications between 2020-2024. The results of the analysis found that discussions on digital strategy, digital leadership, organizational agility, and digital transformation for agricultural business sustainability began to be carried out in 2023, and there is a possibility of increasing in the coming years. The future study agenda to produce theoretical building is an investigation into the role of digital leadership in creating scenarios for the development and sustainability of agricultural businesses. The second finding is that from the perspective of human resource management, the reconstruction of theoretical evidence of digital strategy, digital leadership, organizational agility, and digital transformation for business sustainability still needs to be explored further. The theoretical contribution is that for the sustainability of agricultural businesses, the role of digital leadership needs further proof of business transformation and sustainability. A review of human resource management practices is also needed because organizational agility with digital strategies is not enough to explain digital transformation. As a practical contribution, companies must adapt early on to transform their businesses with a digital approach, because the era of digital technology requires digitalization. There is already a lot of evidence of a company failing and experiencing severe decline due to ignoring digital transformation. Keywords: Agricultural business, business sustainability, digital strategy, digital leadership, organizational agility, digital transformation, human resource management.

Generally, goat farming in Majene Regency is traditionally managed, with relatively low average livestock ownership. This study aims to classify the demographic profile based on the R/C ratio value to identify groups of farmers who need special attention. This approach allows for more targeted policy development, resulting in more efficient use of resources, increased profitability, and a positive impact on the economy of goat farmers. The sampling method used the limited population formula, resulting in 123 farmers. A simple random sampling method was used, and the data collection method used a survey technique. K-mean cluster analysis was performed to classify farmers into three groups. The results obtained are in the form of several points described as follows: (1) technical efficiency related to physical strength, (2) business efficiency does not depend on formal education, (3) productive age and experience can increase efficiency, (4) efficiency is not maximized due to traditional management and (5) livelihoods of farmers affect the scale of ownership. This finding emphasizes the need for empowerment for women farmers, such as forming a Farmer Women Group (FWG). For goat farmers who consider traditional methods to optimize efficiency, counseling and training are needed. For goat farmers who consider traditional methods to maximize efficiency, counseling and training are needed. More detail, a pilot or fostered goat farm with easy, efficient and profitable management is needed based on technology so that farmers who still make raising livestock a side job are more confident and switch to focus more on goat breeding activities.

The treatment of claw lesions in cattle is one of the most pressing aspects of veterinary surgery. The main options of treatment include claw trimming along with various methods to speed up healing. At the same time, the problem of finding new agents to improve tissue regeneration remains. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cells may be considered as such a remedy. To evaluate the ability of bovine MSCs from adipose tissue (AT-MSCs) when used after claw trimming to heal the ulcers of digital caushion in the heel area (Ulcus Pulvinus Digitalis) or postoperative wounds after excision of interdigital hyperplasia (tyloma) in dairy cows. The experimental and comparison groups included 5 cows with ulcers and 5 with tylomas each. All the animals underwent claw trimming with primary surgical treatment including the tyloma excision. Then, cows in experimental group were once injected with a cell transplant into the skin area of the fornix of the interdigital cleft. The cows in comparison group received a single intramuscular injection of antibiotic and topical treatment of lesions with a spray. The therapy outcomes were assessed in dynamics of the wound healing and general condition. AT-MSCs at a dose of 5×106 cells in 2 ml in the case of ulcers and 107cells in 4 ml of saline solution in the case of tylomas shortens the wound healing period by (7.0 ± 2.1, P< .05) days as compared to the treatment with antibiotic and topical spray. The mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy may be used for wound healing in cow hooves. Keywords: Adipose tissue, claws and hooves, dairy cow, mesenchymal stem cells, wound healing.

Abstract Diversity in the plant gene pool provides breeders with the opportunity to improve targeted traits. Enhancing the genetic background through the introgression of desired gene(s) is an effective strategy to combat stresses like heat. Two field experiments were carried out in 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the research fields of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh, to identify heat-tolerant wheat advance lines. In F4 generation, 60 advanced lines were selected from a pool of 160 line and in the F5 generation, 16 lines were selected from the previous selection. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation in both the F4 and F5 generations, with the F5 populations outperforming the check varieties. Grain weight demonstrated the highest heritability and genetic advance, while the plant yield exhibited moderate to high performance. Plant height had the most significant direct effect at the genotypic level, while grain weight had the highest impact at the phenotypic level. A total of 77 alleles were identified with an average of 4.53 alleles per locus. The genetic similarity analysis showed that Shatabdi and BARI Gom 25 had the highest similarity at 94%, followed by P3-18-10 with P3-11-3 at 90%, and P3-24-10 with P3-21-10 at 85%. The PCA, structural, and dendrogram analyses all indicated the same grouping of the selected lines. Therefore, selecting of these lines for the F6 generation would enhance resilience against heat stress.

Abstract To replace the traditional manual cabbage harvesting method commonly practiced by Indian farmers, a self-propelled walk-behind electric cabbage harvester was developed at the Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, IIT Kharagpur. The key concept was to cut the cabbage head from its stem and push the cut cabbage head to a storage unit with the help of a real-time vision-based precise cabbage pushing mechanism. Two counter-rotating disk cutters were used as cutting tools. The performance of the developed harvester was evaluated in a field (20 × 12 m) with three Indian cabbage varieties i.e., Pusa Mukta, Pusa Drumhead and September Early. The developed harvester had a working width of 0.6 m and when operated at a forward speed of 0.25 m/s, the actual field capacity and field efficiency were found to be 0.029 ha/h and 54.86%, respectively. The maximum value of cutting efficiency was found to be 80% for Pusa Mukta variety. The maximum instantaneous power consumption for cutting, pushing, conveying and propelling was found to be 948.53 W. Economic analysis of the developed harvester was carried out and it was found that operational cost was 26.85% lower than traditional harvesting method. The break-even point of the developed cabbage harvester was calculated as 6.43 ha/year. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Aconitum kusnezoffii Reichb. is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Asian medicine, especially in Korea, for its potent pharmacological effects. However, its toxic alkaloids pose significant risk, making careful processing essential to reduce its toxicity. This study reviewed the plant’s processing methods, pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, toxicology, and detoxification techniques. Data from several databases, including Google scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web science, peer-reviewed journal articles, classic herbal medicine books, and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED) were critically retrieved, organized and analyzed. The article’s findings indicate that, various ethnic groups in Asia have utilized different techniques, involving fire, water, or a combination of both to maximize the plant’s therapeutic potential and ensure safety. To date, more than 70 alkaloids, categorized into diterpenoids, norditerpenoids, and benzylisoquinolines, have been isolated from different plant’s parts (roots, leaves, stems, and flowers). These compounds exhibit various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, analgesics, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-arhythmic and pain-relieving properties. Despite its therapeutic potential, A. kusenzoffii. has narrow therapeutic window, meaning even small doses can be toxic. The study explored methods for reducing toxicity and detoxifying the herb emphasizing the importance of modern technologies such as propagation techniques, Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX)-aptamer technology, and Chinmedomics in herbal medicine development. While research on this herb is extensive, gaps remain in clinical trials and efficacy studies. Further research is recommended to evaluate the quality of medicinal materials, understanding the herb’s pharmacodynamic substances, and assess long-term toxicity and clinical efficacy. Graphical Abstract

Abstract The issue of sustainable agrifood systems, especially the existence of possible tradeoffs between agricultural intensification (through the use of improved varieties) and agrobiodiversity conservation is of high policy relevance in Sub-Saharan Africa. We measure spatial varietal diversity and examine the effects of growing improved varieties of pearl millet and groundnut on varietal diversity on farms in Mali and Niger. We find that the diffusion of improved pearl millet varieties contributes to fewer varieties grown in Niger, whereas it contributes to more varieties grown in Mali. In the case of groundnut, the diffusion of improved varieties does not displace the other varieties grown in Mali and Niger. We conclude that in the case of pearl millet in Niger, it is important to ensure that the number and type of improved varieties released be widened to avoid loss of agrobiodiversity. For groundnut, the diffusion of improved varieties is not harming agrobiodiversity.

Abstract Tilling, a common agricultural practice, is being done excessively on farms leading to about 2.35 billion tons of soil erosion from US croplands annually, in addition to causing soil infertility, carbon release, nutrient runoff, and fertilizer over-usage. This paper evaluates whether optimizing tillage intensity, timing, and fertilizer quantity using a convolutional neural network model and algorithm will address these problems. The machine learning model utilizes a camera-captured field image to determine existing tilling intensity on a 7-point scale. This machine learning output, along with soil sensor and external forecast data, flows into a 10-parameter algorithm that determines optimal tilling and fertilizer levels. A fully functional tractor prototype demonstrates the above. A 30-year simulation comparing conventionally-tilled and algorithm-tilled farms showed a reduction in carbon emission by 57%, fertilizer usage by 43%, and runoff by 86% demonstrating the transformative potential of this algorithm. Additionally, a stationary prototype was deployed in 155 farms across 5 countries.

Abstract By homogenizing landscapes and reducing natural habitats, modern agriculture plays a significant role in reducing natural species populations worldwide. Despite advances in research, quantifying the impacts of cropping systems on biodiversity remains challenging due to the lack of comprehensive agricultural data. Within the European Union’s (EU) common agricultural policy (CAP), farmers are required to declare cropping arrangements to receive subsidies. The resulting data is collected by each EU member state individually, leading to inconsistent crop taxonomies across the EU, which hinders transnational analyses of agriculture and related impacts. To overcome this barrier, we developed a hierarchical crop and agriculture taxonomy (HCAT), which harmonizes administrative and agricultural data from 16 EU member states. With the release of an upgraded second version of HCAT, we demonstrate, using the example of biodiversity drivers, how a harmonized CAP data set can aid in identifying indicators related to environmental impacts in agricultural landscapes at international scales.

This study focuses on understanding the impact of varying nitrogen rates on the growth, fruit production, and quality of clementine Nules variety trees grafted onto Flhorag and Carrizo citrange rootstocks and cultivated at the Sidi Allal Tazi Experimental Station of INRA Morocco, in clay soil, over five seasons. A split-plot design with three blocks of repetitions (two trees per bloc per treatment, n=6) was employed in this experiment. The main plot varied the nitrogen doses, while the subplot involved the genotype of rootstock. Three fertilizer treatments with N rates (T0: control (native nutrient), T1: 270, T2: 540 in g/tree), with 135 P2O5 and 270 K2O g/tree added to citrus trees. The research indicated that both nitrogen rate and rootstock genotype significantly influenced vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality of Nules clementine. Increased nitrogen levels enhance vegetative growth, especially in Carrizo citrange rootstock, evidenced by greater tree height, canopy diameter, and volume. Significant and positive correlation was found between canopy volume and fruit yield, across both rootstock highlighting the importance of proper nitrogen management in citrus cultivation. Carrizo citrange was proved to be a more efficient rootstock for Nules variety in contrast to tetraploid Flhorag. Higher nitrogen rates with Carrizo citrange result in better yield and fruit quality (size, juice content, and solid soluble content) than with tetraploid Flhorag. Optimal yield and fruit quality in Nules clementine are achieved using 540g of N/tree/year when grafted on Carrizo citrange. The recommended NPK rate for achieving high yield and optimal fruit quality of Nules clementine was 540 N-135 P2O5-270 K2O g/tree/year

Abstract Ensuring a stable supply of nutritious food for the growing global population is a major challenge, especially through a sustainable food system. Maize is host to a vast microbial community in its root zone. Microorganisms associated with maize play an essential role in enhancing plant growth and productivity. The purpose of this review is to explore the interactions within the rhizosphere of maize, focusing on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), contribute to improved phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and overall plant health. Through the synthesis of 200 papers, elucidated the interactions within the maize rhizosphere, highlighting the activity and assembly mechanisms of soil microorganisms crucial to maize crop production that have been widely analyzed. Incorporating microbial benefits into sustainable agricultural practices presents several challenges, including environmental variability (temperate vs tropical), unpredictable field performance, and the influence of advanced crop management techniques on microbial communities. To address these challenges, future research should prioritize microbiome engineering, precision agriculture, and the development of climate-resilient microbial strains. A deeper understanding of the maize microbiome holds significant potential for advancing biofertilizer development and sustainable farming practices by overcoming technological, environmental large-scale implementation.

Abstract Grain legumes are a rich source of dietary proteins and hence are essential for achieving food and nutritional security, worldwide. Grain legumes are negatively affected by salt stress, which results in decreased growth, yield, productivity, and other financial losses. Salt stress causes severe phytotoxicities, like specific ion toxicities, hormonal and nutritional imbalances, disruptions of stomatal conductance, and alterations in leaf water potential and rate of photosynthesis. To enhance agricultural productivity under salt stress conditions, several ecofriendly methods have been tried recently. Out of these, the use of biostimulants gained particular attention due to their ease of availability and high-stress ameliorative potential. It includes the use of non-microbial biostimulants like humic acid and seaweed extracts (SWE), as well as microbial biostimulants like mycorrhiza, plant growth-promoting and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which promote plant growth and development. Biostimulants successfully alleviate salt stress-induced toxicities in legumes, when introduced either alone or in combination with other macro- or microorganisms in the soil. In response to salinity, plants raise their cellular levels of osmolytes (proline and glycine betaine) and polyamines, as well as phytohormones. The application of biostimulants in grain legumes alleviates the salt stress-induced toxicity by improving the seed germination, seedling growth, rate of photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation, absorption and uptake of minerals, grain development, yield, ROS homeostasis and osmoregulation. Many of the reviews have lacked the assessment of the effect of these ecofriendly biostimulants on mitigation of salt stress in grain legumes. The development of integrated, eco-friendly and sustainable use of various biostimulants and their mode of action in managing salt stress in legume production is discussed in the present review.

Abstract Horticulture crops are extremely vulnerable to climate change all over the world. The changes in seasonality, temperature extremity, and unpredictable rainfall conditions directly influence the phenological stages of horticulture crops. The present study focuses on horticultural fruit crops, changes in the trend of climate indices, and the various impacts faced by the farmers. This study has taken into consideration the research work of worldwide scholars, published between the periods of 2000 and 2023 that is indexed in the Scopus database. This study draws attention to the year-wise publication numbers, highly cited papers, country-wise distribution of documents, and frequently used keywords in the Scopus dataset. A total of 443 articles from 220 journals are found to be most relevant based on the present topic. The result shows that, among the publications from 57 countries, the highest number of publications came from India with 293 publications, followed by Germany with 156 publications, and China with 152 publications. The highest number of citations is received by the publications from Germany, followed by the USA and Australia. Climate change, phenology, temperature, horticulture, and dormancy are some of the frequently used keywords in the present database. The Scopus database is analysed using VOSviewer software and RStudio. Based on this bibliometric analysis, it appears to be a new research topic that has gained attention in the last decade. India holds a significant global position in this field, although developed countries continue to lead in conducting more relevant and impactful research.

Abstract Bioethanol production from cereal straw is a sustainable alternative to meet the current energy demand, but its low nitrogen (N) content and high carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio are problematic during bioethanol processing. Intercropping cereals with legumes may increase the N content and reduce the C/N ratio in the harvested straw biomass. In order to investigate the combined production of food, feed, and suitable feedstock (low C/N ratio) for lignocellulosic bioethanol production, a field experiment on cereal-legume intercropping was carried out in southern Sweden. In the experiment, autumn-sown cereals (wheat, triticale, and rye) were grown as monocrops with two different N fertilization levels (60 and 120 kg N ha−1) or intercropped with autumn-sown or spring-sown (undersown) clover-grass, autumn-sown or spring-sown (undersown) alfalfa, or autumn-sown faba bean. Total grain dry matter yield, cereal grain protein content, straw dry matter yield, and straw biomass C/N ratio were estimated. The results showed that the intercrops produced more straw biomass and had a lower C/N ratio, but produced less grain, than cereal monocrops. Among the cereals, rye showed significantly higher grain and straw yields, but lower grain protein content, in all treatments. Among the intercrop treatments, cereal with spring-sown clover-grass produced higher grain and straw yields and had a significantly lower C/N ratio (38:1) than the other treatments. Thus, cereal with spring-sown (undersown) clover-grass is a promising cropping system for lignocellulosic bioethanol production.

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in the mitochondria of skin cells play a significant role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and induction of inflammatory responses, both of which are major contributors to skin aging. Antioxidants that reduce ROS production and inhibit inflammatory skin lesions are considered beneficial for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases and prevention of skin aging. In this study, we evaluated the potential of Nypa fruticans (NF), which is known for its antioxidant properties, to mitigate tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)- and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced damage in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. The major active constituents identified in NF include protocatechuic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, procyanidin B, catechin, and epicatechin. NF significantly suppressed the production of ROS, nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), while also reducing the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), which were elevated by TNF-α/IFN-γ stimulation. Furthermore, NF restored the expression of key skin barrier-related proteins such as serine peptidase inhibitor kazal type 5 (SPINK5), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COLIA1), loricrin (LOR), aquaporin-3 (AQP3), and filaggrin (FLG). Additionally, NF significantly upregulated the expression of hyaluronan synthase (HAS) -1 and − 2 and human β-defensin (HBD) -2 and − 3, which are important for skin hydration and innate immune defense. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic applications of Nypa fruticans (NF) in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, skin barrier dysfunction, dehydration, and microbial imbalances. By targeting multiple pathways implicated in skin aging, NF represents a promising comprehensive approach for preserving skin health and addressing age-related dermatological conditions. Moreover, NF holds significant potential not only to alleviate the manifestations of skin aging but also to provide a basis for the development of innovative dermatological therapies. Future investigations should aim to further elucidate the clinical applications of NF in dermatology to maximize its therapeutic benefits.

Abstract A core collection, a minimized set of germplasm representing maximum genetic diversity, is useful for breeding and genetic studies. Developing a core collection is essential for efficient genetic analysis. However, the process is time-consuming and requires considerable effort. Based on previous population structures of maize we hypothesized that kernel types can be representative characteristics encompassing large phenotypic variations. Here we showed that kernel type based entries are useful for developing a core collection representing large genetic variation. Based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of yellow kernel color and six yield related phenotypes, we found that y1 gene is responsible determinant of yellow color kernel and several genes were revealed to be involved in the yield-related phenotypes. The core collection was powerful to resolve the corresponding genetic components for the phenotypes. These results suggest that kernel types should be considered to include large genetic variation for developing a core collection in maize. This information will be facilitated to develop a new maize core collection.

Abstract Black sesame seeds, known for their rich flavor and medicinal properties, hold significant potential as natural therapeutics against prostate cancer, a major health challenge for men today. This study explores the traditional processing technique of nine cycles of steaming and drying, which enhances the bioactive potential of these seeds. The impact of this processing on the antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer properties of black sesame seeds was systematically investigated, focusing on the key lignans, sesamin and sesamolin. HPLC was utilized to analyze the content ratios of sesamin and sesamolin, while DPPH and FRAP assays evaluated antioxidant capabilities, and MTT assays assessed anti-cancer properties against DU145 cells. Findings reveal that three cycles of steaming and drying significantly enhance antioxidant and anti-cancer activities against DU145, achieving peak concentrations of sesamin and sesamolin of 21.583% and 14.991%, respectively, with an optimal ratio of 1.4397:1. The superior antioxidant and anti-prostate cancer activity of this sample is attributed to optimal processing conditions that maximize the stability and extraction of bioactive compounds, particularly non-lignan antioxidants, while minimizing degradation; this is likely enhanced by the interplay between various phytochemicals and the effects of thermal processing on cellular structure. Processed seeds consistently outperformed raw seeds—except for those subjected to a single cycle. Additionally, molecular docking analyses revealed compelling interactions between sesamin and sesamolin and key proteins implicated in prostate cancer (FYN, ITGB3, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, and PIK3R1), demonstrating higher LibDock scores than the standard anti-cancer drug 5-fluorouracil. This research highlights the exceptional antioxidant and anti-cancer potential of black sesame seeds, particularly through the three-steaming and three-drying method, emphasizing the importance of the sesamin to sesamolin ratio in developing future anti-cancer therapeutics.

Abstract Allergy is an immune-mediated disorder characterized by an exaggerated response of the immune system to non-hazardous substances, resulting in allergic symptoms such as rash, itching, and runny nose. Current therapeutic interventions include antihistamines and steroids; however, they induce several side effects. Although 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin, a phytochemical derivative, has been demonstrated to exhibit antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-aggregatory effects, its anti-allergic properties and underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the anti-allergic effects of 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin in two experimental models: rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells sensitized using dinitrophenyl-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE)/human serum albumin and a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) murine model. Our findings demonstrated that 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin reduced the release of histamine and β-hexosaminidase and downregulated the mRNA expression of allergic-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as well as the inflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase-2. Furthermore, 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin reduced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38, as well as protein kinase B. In vivo, 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin reduced PCA reaction, as evidenced by reduced Evans blue dye extravasation in IgE-mediated local allergic responses. Collectively, these results suggest that 5,7-dihydroxy-4-methylcoumarin holds promise as a novel candidate for the development of anti-allergic drugs.

Abstract This experiment was conducted to evaluate the adsorption–desorption characteristics and mechanisms of heavy metals by the mealworm frass (MF). The adsorption characteristics of Cd by MF were predominantly influenced by initial pH, MF dosage, temperature, and reaction time. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd by MF was 48.1 mg/g, which was well described by Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order models. The optimal desorption solution for separating Cd from Cd-adsorbed MF was 0.02 M HCl, which showed a high desorption efficiency of over 90%. In particular, the adsorption mechanism of Cd by MF was confirmed through functional group change, cation exchange, precipitation experiment, and it was found that Cd was predominantly affected by cation exchange and precipitation on the MF surface. The amounts of Cd fractionated by F1 (exchangeable) and F2 (bonded to carbonate) solutions were 58.9 and 25.2% of the total fractionated Cd amount, which means that Cd adsorbed by MF can be easily eluted/mobilized by environmental changes. Considering the above results, it is believed that MF can be used as an effective adsorbent to remove Cd. However, since the adsorption of Cd by MF is sensitive to environmental changes and the bond itself is weak, it is considered that a special management plan is needed.

[Objective] Understanding the dynamics of water and carbon fluxes, as well as water use efficiency (WUE) in ecosystems is crucial for optimizing crop yield and improving resource management. This paper experimentally investigated the seasonal dynamics of these processes in jujube orchards located in arid regions in Northwestern China. [Method] Water and carbon fluxes in a jujube orchard were continuously measured during 2018 and 2019 using the eddy covariance technique. The net ecosystem carbon flux (NEE) measured in the experiment was partitioned into ecosystem respiration (Reco) and gross primary productivity (GPP) using the REddyProc package in R. Seasonal variations in water and carbon fluxes, along with WUE, were analysed based on these data. [Result] ① Evapotranspiration showed minimal variation during the dormant period but fluctuated significantly during the reproductive period, with annual total being 657.64 mm/a in 2018 and 677.40 mm/a in 2019. ② Seasonal trends were evident in half-hourly and daily variations in carbon flux components (NEE, GPP, and Reco), remaining stable during dormancy but changing markedly during the growing season. Annually, the orchard acted as a carbon sink, with total NEE being -582.4 and -494.96 g/(m2·a) in 2018 and 2019, respectively. ③ The annual WUE was 2.08 and 1.92 g/kg in 2018 and 2019, respectively, fluctuating during the growing season. It was comparable to the WUE of the forest ecosystems in warm temperate and semi-arid regions but exceeded the WUE of wheat farmland ecosystems. [Conclusion] The seasonal variation in carbon flux in jujube orchards in arid regions is influenced by air temperature, solar radiation, precipitation, irrigation, and crop growth. Annually, the orchard acted as a carbon sink, although it emitted more carbon than it sequestered during non-growing seasons. These findings underscore the importance of managing water and carbon fluxes to improve water use efficiency and productivity of jujube orchards in arid regions.

[Objective] Jujube is a vital cash crop in Xinjiang. This study examined the combined effect of irrigation and potassium fertilization on physiological traits of jujube leaves and fruit yield to determine the optimal irrigation and fertilisation strategy for its sustainable production in this region. [Method] The field experiment was conducted from 2022 to 2023 in an 8-year grey jujube orchard in Aksu, Southern Xinjiang. There were three irrigation treatments by irrigating 100% (T1), 75% (T2) and 50% (T3) of estimated evapotranspiration. Each irrigation treatment had three potassium fertilizations: 240 kg/hm2 (A), 180 kg/hm2 (B) and 120 kg/hm2 (C). During the experiment, we measured the photosynthetic traits of the jujube leaves and ultimate fruit yield. [Result] Both irrigation amount and potassium fertilization significantly impacted growth and development of the jujube. The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and chlorophyll content of the jujube increased with increasing irrigation amount and potassium fertilization. Increasing potassium fertilization increased soluble sugar in jujube leaves, with its content in T1-A, T2-A and T3-A in 2023 increasing by 37.0%, 36.9% and 28.7%, respectively, compared to that in 2022. The abscisic acid (ABA) in jujube leaves varied with irrigation amount, being the highest in T3-C. The irrigation water use efficiency increased as the plant grew, and the fruit yield increased with the increase in potassium fertilization. When potassium application was 240 kg/hm2, T1 and T2 increased the fruit yield by 56.77% and 45.52% in 2022, and 51.46% and 37.61% in 2023, compared to T3. Water use efficiency of T2-A was 8.88 kg/(hm2·mm) and 9.14 kg/(hm2·mm) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. [Conclusion] Among all treatments we compared, irrigating 75% of estimated evapotranspiration combined with a 240 kg/hm2 of potassium fertilization is optimal for improving fruit yield and water use efficiency of jujube in Southern Xinjiang.

[Objective] Maize is a water-intensive crop, and its production in northwestern China heavily depends on irrigation. Optimising irrigation scheduling is hence essential to improving water use efficiency and conserving water resources. This paper proposes a method to optimise irrigation scheduling for maize cultivation in this region. [Method] Field experiments were conducted in Xinjiang using mulched drip irrigation and high-yield maize varieties (DH618 and XY335) under varying total irrigation amounts. For each irrigation-amount treatment, the experiments evaluated the suitable depth of the wetting soil layer, water consumption, yield, and water use efficiency of the crops during different growth stages. The optimal irrigation amount and scheduling were determined based on these measurements. [Result] For both varieties, the suitable depth of the wetting soil layer was 20 cm at early vegetative growth stage, and 40 cm at late vegetative growth stage, tasseling stage and milk stage. The water use efficiency of both varieties was the highest when total irrigation amount was 660 cm. The optimal irrigation scheduling for the DH618 variety was 51-70 mm in each irrigation with the total irrigation amount being 649.5 mm, while for the XY335 variety, the optimal irrigation was 39-67.5 mm in each irrigation with the total irrigation amount being 629.5 mm. [Conclusion] The proposed method, based on soil moisture thresholds and crop water consumption, provides a more scientifically grounded approach to allocate irrigation water across growth stages. It enhances water use efficiency, conserves water resources, and increases maize yield, offering a valuable strategy for sustainable irrigation management in arid regions.

Off-channel water demand and consumption are critical components of water resource management, influenced by various natural and anthropogenic factors. This study systematically analysed these influencing factors and the methods for predicting off-channel water demand, aiming to provide insights for effective water resource planning and management at the catchment level. The research employed Cite Space for bibliometric analysis to identify current research trends, key hotspots, and systematically categorised the factors that influence the off-channel water demand, as well as the methods used for its prediction. Key factors affecting off-channel water demand in most catchments include population, water pricing, precipitation, and air temperature. Machine learning algorithms have emerged as a prominent tool for predicting off-channel water demand, often used alongside regression analysis to assess the influence of multiple factors. The quota index method remains widely applied in practical water resource management. Additionally, hybrid approaches, combining time series analysis with other methods, address limitations in standalone models and enhance prediction accuracy. Advances in remote sensing, geospatial big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms have significantly improved the accuracy of off-channel water demand predictions, particularly at smaller scales. Future research should focus on enhancing the validation of prediction models and ensuring the robust integration of historical data to improve modeling reliability for off-channel water demand and consumption.

[Objective] Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is extensively cultivated in Northwestern China for various purposes ranging from forage to landscaping. This paper presents the results of an experimental study on optimal irrigation and nitrogen fertilization for growth and yield of perennial ryegrass in managed grasslands in Yongdeng County in Gansu province, China. [Method] The field experiment consisted of two irrigation treatments by keeping the soil water content above 75%-85% (W1) or 55%-65% (W2) of the field capacity. Each irrigation treatment had three nitrogen treatments by applying 210 (N1), 180 (N2) and 150 kg/hm2 (N3) of nitrogen. In each treatment, we measured the growth traits, yield, and water and nitrogen use of the ryegrass at different growth stages. The optimal irrigation and nitrogen fertilization was determined by the entropy-weight TOPSIS model. [Result] Both irrigation and nitrogen significantly influenced ryegrass growth and yield. Increasing irrigation amount or nitrogen application improved growth traits and yield. However, nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFPN) decreased with increase in nitrogen application, and increasing irrigation amount reduced irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). Nitrogen application had a greater impact on growth and yield of the ryegrass than irrigation. The W1N1 combination resulted in the highest plant height, chlorophyll content, and yield, while W2N1 produced the largest stem diameter. The W1N3 combination had the highest PFPN, and IWUE was greatest in W2N2. Entropy-weight TOPSIS analysis showed that W2N2 was optimal for ryegrass growth and yield in the study area. [Conclusion] Maintaining soil moisture above 55%-65% of the field capacity combined with 180 kg/hm2 of nitrogen fertilization is the optimal strategy for improving the growth and yield of perennial ryegrass in Yongdeng County, Gansu Province, China.