Search

Maize is a major staple food in Africa, its production and post-harvest generally occurs on smallholder farmers' properties, where significant food losses occur in the field during harvesting, processing and storage. Most smallholder farmers lack access to modern methods of harvesting, processing and storage. Generally, the storage structures used are ineffective against storage pests, leading to post-harvest losses due to insect pests that, in some cases, can reach about 40% of the total production. Pest control is generally scarce, and when adopted, it is based on local knowledge-based pest control alternatives or on the application of synthetic pesticides known to be harmful to the environment and human and animal health. So, alternative pest control methods commonly found include the use of inert dust as an integrated pest management approach, without residual effects and ideal for food safety. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of charcoal powder (CP) and rock dust (RD) alone or combined with diatomaceous earth (DE) in the control of rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae). Maize grains were treated and infested by the addition of Sitophilus oryzae, on the day they were treated and, 30 and 60 days after treatment. Mortality was assessed at 10 and 20 days after each infestation. Emerged insects were counted 40 days after the second mortality assessment for each infestation period. At 90 days after treatment, the seed germination test was performed. The best treatments for Sitophilus oryzae control (mortality) and F1 emergence reduction were RD (0.5, 0.25 and 0.10 g/kg), RD+DE (0.5+0.05, 0.25+0.05 and 0.10+0.05 g/kg), and CP+DE (1.0+0.05, 0.50+0.05 and 0.25+0.05 g/kg). The RD and RD+DE remained efficient in maize treated and stored for 60 days. The treatments did not interfere with seed germination. Rock Dusts, RD+DE, and CP have the potential to be used as stored grain protectants, providing economically and environmentally friendly pest control alternatives, especially in small-scale agriculture. In developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, studies for optimization and introduction of inert dusts tested in this research, have the potential to reduce post-harvest losses, improving food security. Key words: Inert dust, stored maize, biological agriculture, storage pests, diatomaceous earths, INTRODUCTION In many countries especially on the African and South American continents, among smallholder farmers, cereals such as maize (Zea mays) are the staple food [1,2]. The availability of this [...]

The triple burden of malnutrition is a problem that is being fought against at global, continental, regional and national levels. When consumed in adequate quantities, healthy diets are important in reversing the menace of malnutrition. In Kenya, grains are an important source of energy and micronutrients. Even though they contribute most energy and micronutrients, a huge Recommended Daily Allowance deficit still exists. Incorporating ancient grains such as quinoa which are nutrient-rich and can survive in harsh climatic zones into the diets, can boost the efforts made towards the fight against malnutrition. Though quinoa adaptation trials have been conducted in Kenya, expanded data on the nutrient content are yet to be compiled. Between May 2022 and August 2022, four varieties of quinoa; Cherry Vanilla, Titicaca, Brilliant Bright Red and Biobio were grown at the University of Nairobi, Upper Kabete campus field station. The harvests of the four varieties were separately analyzed to determine and compare the content levels of macronutrients (carbohydrates, crude protein, fats) and micro-nutrients (manganese, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper and zinc). The four varieties were significantly different in all the analyzed elements except moisture content. Cherry vanilla had the highest level of crude protein (25.1[+ or -]0.3g/100g) and fat (11.46[+ or -]0.184g/100g) but the lowest level of carbohydrates (42.5[+ or -]0.4%). Titicaca had the highest amounts of; manganese (21.9[+ or -]0.06g/100g), potassium (511.9[+ or -]0.03mg/100g), iron (11.5[+ or -] 0.07mg/100g) and zinc (14.1[+ or -]0.0mg/100g). Biobio variety exhibited the highest amount of magnesium (73.9[+ or -]0.1mg/100g). In conclusion, the different varieties of quinoa significantly differ in their levels of macro and micronutrients. The Kenyan-grown quinoa has the potential to contribute to increased dietary intake of both macronutrients and micronutrients of children aged 2-6 years old. The Kenyan-grown quinoa contains levels of micronutrients in higher amounts compared to maize, rice and wheat - the commonly consumed cereals in Kenya. On this basis, the study recommends that the growing and consumption of quinoa should be promoted in Kenya and introduced into the diets of children aged 2-6 years of age in Kenya. Quinoa-based products for children aged 2-6 years should be developed. Climate zone-oriented agronomic trials on quinoa farming should be conducted. Key words: Quinoa, varieties, Cherry Vanilla, BBR, Titicaca, Biobio, micronutrients, macronutrients, INTRODUCTION Over the past three decades, significant effort has been made to battle the triple burden of malnutrition which encompasses undernutrition, overnutrition and micronutrient deficiency. According to the Joint Child [...]

Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is among the leading vegetables in Kenya that is mainly grown for export with the potential to increase household income. There are few programs in Kenya that focus on breeding new cultivars for increased production. The development of snap bean varieties that are resilient to the changing climate is crucial for sustainable agriculture in Kenya. To achieve this, knowledge of gene action, trait expression, and heritability is vital in effective breeding for quantitative traits like pod quality and yield. A study was conducted to investigate the inheritance of pod quality and yield traits in snap beans, which can inform the breeding of snap beans. A half diallel cross involving two indeterminate dry beans (G2333 and MCM 5001) and five determinate snap beans (Amy, Moonstone, Seagull, Serengeti and Vanilla) varieties was conducted. Data on pod traits (pod weight per plant, pod number per plant, pod length, pod diameter, pod wall fiber and pod suture string) were collected from 21 Fis and 7 parents grown in two locations (Embu and Kirinyaga Counties) in Kenya. The results showed significant genotypic and environmental effects (P < 0.001) for all traits, with significant genotype by environment (G x E) interactions for most traits. Additionally, general combining abilities (GCA) and specific combining abilities (SCA) were significant for all traits evaluated. The significance of GCA and SCA indicated the importance of both additive and non-additive gene effects in controlling the traits, although the additive gene effects were predominant. The study revealed that Vanilla and Serengeti had the highest GCA estimate for pod quality traits, while G2333 and MCM5001 had the highest GCA estimate for pod yield traits. Snap bean pod yield and quality are quantitative traits controlled by multiple genes and influenced by the environment. Therefore, the predominance of additive gene effects suggests that selection for these traits in segregating generations could yield satisfactory gains. The results of this study could impact the development of snap bean varieties that are more resilient to the effects of climate change. Thus, improving the sustainability and productivity of the agriculture sector in Kenya. Key words: Snap bean, GCA, SCA, gene action, heritability, combining ability, INTRODUCTION Agriculture is the cornerstone of most African economies, contributing as much as 55% to the continent's gross domestic product [1]. Agriculture serves as the foundation for food security in [...]

In many tropical households, the East African Highland Cooking Bananas (EAHCB) referred to as 'Matooke' in Uganda are a staple food. Despite its importance, the crop is faced with numerous challenges such as drought, soil fertility, pests, and diseases that threaten its production and productivity. To curb this, banana breeding was developed as one of the strategies to avert the depletion of these bananas through the development of not only pests and disease resistant cultivars but also drought tolerant and high yielding cultivars. The pressure to satisfy the growing global population is also mounting, hence the need to increase production for food security. Breeding has proven to be an approach by which food production is boosted through the development of high yielding and fast-growing varieties. Unfortunately, not so many cooking banana hybrids that have been developed and released are cultivated by farmers as most are rejected as a result of consumer perception of them. The hybrids sometimes possess culinary properties considered inferior. Consumer demands are pertinent in any product development. This review aimed to determine the key factors that influenced consumer perception and acceptability of improved cooking banana hybrids. The data sources used for this study were Google Scholar, PubMed, AgEcon, Sciencedirect.com, CABI Abstracts, and organizational websites (FAO, RTBFoods, and CGIAR). The keywords and search terms used were 'East African Highland cooking bananas', 'consumer acceptability', 'sensory attributes', 'culinary properties,' 'hybrid selection', and 'banana breeding'. This article presents a summary of banana production and its challenges, banana breeding and its successes, consumer perception, and acceptability of banana hybrids, and profiles the consumer traits responsible for the acceptance or rejection of new hybrids. Overall, the most important culinary properties for both preference and acceptance of new hybrids were the perceived deep yellow color of the cooked matooke, soft texture, smooth mouthfeel, 'matooke' aroma, and non-astringent taste, all summed up as 'tookeness'. Attributes for rejection included possession of mixed colors of the cooked matooke, absence of deep yellow color, lack of 'matooke' aroma, hard placentas, and hard texture. Knowledge of product attributes that lead to the acceptance of new products is vital for breeders and this information could guide them during the development and selection of hybrids for release. Key words: Consumer acceptability, improved traits, new varieties, perception, quality, sensory attributes, INTRODUCTION Bananas (Musa spp.) are considered one of the most important crops in the world [1]. Close to 145 million tonnes of plantains and bananas are harvested globally [2]. Bananas' [...]

In order to maximize yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson) by optimizing sowing dates and nutrient management, a field experiment was conducted at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur, India during 3 consecutive rabi seasons (2012–13 to 2014–15). The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replications. The two main plot treatments comprised date of sowing (D1: IV week of October; D2: II week of November) and four sub-plot treatments comprised nutrient applications (T1: RD-N40P60K40; T2: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250; T3: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn and T4: RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn + Fe). Result showed that the seed germination, seedling growth and seedling vigor index were better in D1 sowing over D2 sowing under control as well treated conditions. Chlorophyll content increased with the application of sulfur, zinc and iron during both the sowings, with greater magnitude in D2 sowing. Seed yield and its contributing factors viz. days to flowering, plant height, shoot length, leaf area; primary branches per plant, number and length of siliqua were significantly and variably affected by different nutrient combinations. Application of T3 significantly enhanced the seed and biological yield (23.13 and 74.03 q ha−1) (16.35% and 20.63%) over T1, respectively, and T3 was statistically at par with T4. T3 also provided the highest benefit:cost (B:C) ratio (2.14) and net returns (₹ 38168 ha−1). Thus, sowing of Indian mustard in the month of October and application of RD-N40P60K40+RDgypsum250+Zn (T3) is recommended to maximize its seed yield along with higher B:C ratio and returns under semi-arid conditions of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliar fertilization has great potential to give higher yields under intensive cropping system and in enhancing the crop tolerance to drought conditions. Different responses of yield to foliar fertilization are probably associated with incorrect timing of application, use of inappropriate fertilizer and lack of concern of soil available nutrients and environmental conditions. Though soil application of nutrients cannot be replaced totally with foliar fertilization, but under various situations like rainfed condition, foliar nutrition can play very important role in enhancing crop yield and nutrient use efficiency. Focusing on this, a field experiment was conducted in the Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti, under rainfed situation from 2017 to '20 to evaluate the response of foliar application of plant nutrients sprayed during moisture stress condition and to improve the growth and yield of sorghum under rainfed condition. This experiment was laid out in split plot design with replicated thrice and the treatments consisted of main plots: M1 – foliar spray during dry spell, M2 – foliar spray after relieving of stress/dry spell (with favorable soil moisture) and subplots: S1 – urea@1%, S2 – urea@2%, S3 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5%, S4 – water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% + recommended dose of micronutrient for foliar spray (to be decided based on soil test: zinc, boron, iron, manganese, etc.), S5 – ZnSO4@0.5%, S6 – water spray, S7 – control (no spray of any material/water) under rainfed vertisols of semiarid region. The obtained results showed that the application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% sprayed during the dry spell significantly increased the plant height, earhead length and grain test weight. This attributes resulted in higher grain yield (1448 kg ha−1), stover yield (2288 kg ha−1), net returns (Rs. 8748 ha−1), B:C (1.16) and rainwater use efficiency (3.85 kg ha−1-mm) when compared to other practices in rainfed sorghum. There is a gradual increase in total major plant nutrient uptake, viz. nitrogen (22.3 kg ha−1), phosphorus (4.56 kg ha−1) and potassium uptake (26.0 kg ha−1) with the foliar application of water soluble complex fertilizer (19:19:19)@0.5% applied during the dry spell condition (S3) during drought stress condition (M1). Foliar application of nutrients along with soil application has several advantages in supplementing the nutritional requirements of crops such as rapid and efficient response by the plants, less product needed and independence of soil conditions. Foliar nutrition designed to eliminate the problems like fixation and immobilization of nutrients. Hence, foliar nutrition is recognized as an important method of fertilization during the dry spell under rainfed condition in modern agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green nanotechnology has significant potential for use in agriculture particularly due to their antifungal properties, ability to control fungal diseases and reduce the reliance on chemical fungicides. Biotic stresses in agriculture have caused widespread damage worldwide, and green NPs provided eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical treatments, which are frequently toxic and harmful to the ecosystem. Green NPs could become an important tool in modern agricultural practices and environmental remediation if appropriate research is conducted to identify cost-effective production methods as well as safe and sustainable applications. In order to understand the potential of green NPs for sustainable agriculture and identify potential risks, research is ongoing into the effectiveness in agriculture sectors. Research update on green NPs is presented in this paper using data published on science direct over the last 15 to 20 years to clarify and understand the antifungal mechanisms of green metallic NPs, carbon and graphene nanotubes, nanocomposites as well as other type of nanomaterials. These green NPs are found to be more effective against pathogens on crops and humans than conventional fungicide approaches. They are very effective against fungi that affect cereal crops, including Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, and Candida species, etc. The green NPs developed using green synthesis methods are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Moreover, research is also required to identify the best methods for applying green NPs for crop production and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, research should be undertaken to establish the most cost-effective methods of making and deploying green nanoparticles at a large field size study where there is fungal attack that diminishes agricultural output and affects global crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

This study was carried out to determine the effects of different amounts of crushed corn (CC) and wheat bran (WB) on the silage quality of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). In the research, pH, dry matter (DM), raw ash (RA), fleig score, ammonia, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), relative feed value (RFV), lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA) and butyric acid (BA) contents of quinoa silage were determined. Quinoa plants were taken in the area sown at the research area of Iğdır University Agricultural Application and Research Center Directorate in 2022. The use of cracked corn as an additive increased the fleig score, DM, CP, DMD, DMI, RFV, LA and BA contents. On the other hand, cracked corn additive decreased pH, ammonia, NDF, ADF, RA, AA and PA contens of quinoa silage. The use of wheat bran as an additive increased the fleig score, DM, CP, DMD, NDF, LA and BA contents of quinoa silage. On the other hand, wheat bran additive decreased the pH, ammonia, ADF, DMI, RFV, RA, AA and PA contents of quinoa silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 30 native Trichoderma isolates were collected from the Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj- Kota, Rajasthan, India. Out of which 9 native isolates were evaluated for bio-efficacy against Sclerotium rolfsii. Isolate ARS K-21 exhibited maximum inhibition (89.26%), followed by ARS K-11 (83.70%) in dual culture. Subsequent evaluations revealed the compatibility of efficient isolate ARS K-21 with various bio botanicals displaying minimum inhibition with Vermiwash (1.11–3.70%) followed by Beejamarat (0.38–15.92%) and Brahmastra (7.78–19.68%), while ARS K-11 displayed compatibility only with Dasparni ark with a minimum inhibition of 1.11–3.70%. Assessment of abiotic stress tolerance of the isolates revealed that most isolates thrived at 200 mM and 400 mM NaCl salt concentrations, with ARS K-21 and ARS K-24 demonstrating moderate growth levels across higher concentrations, except at 1200 mM. Optimal growth of the isolates occurred at 25 and 30 °C, with deviations leading to growth inhibition. Isolates ARS K-1, ARS K-11, ARS K-12 and ARS K-21 exhibited resilience to temperature extremes. ARS K-21 has shown exceptional growth proficiency across a wide pH spectrum (pH 5 to 8.5) followed by ARS K- 24, highlighting their versatility. Mass multiplication of efficient isolate ARS K-21 enriched with vermicompost led to the standardization of a dosage (30 g/kg soil) for managing collar rot in lentil crops at 5 g inoculum per kg soil of S. rolfsii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defossilisation of the agricultural sector is driven by intense worldwide academic research on non-fossil, renewable and energy-efficient agriculture, and the acknowledgment of the need for sustainable farming practices. For this purpose, not only technical transformations but also socio-technical system changes towards sustainability need to take place in a co-evolutionary manner. This paper investigates structural and qualitative characteristics of the knowledge produced by research on fossil-energy-free agriculture. We provide evidence on the worldwide research directions, as well as investigate whether academic research and publicly funded research projects foster knowledge creation for the desired transformation. Bibliographic maps are constructed using a query-based methodology as social networks to investigate the efficiency of the EU-funded research to achieve the goals set for the 2050 EU Green Deal. The H2020-funded papers are further analysed with dictionary-based text analysis to quantify the relative emphasis of different types of knowledge in the text. This approach is eventually used to relate transformational capacity to project profiles in the European Union, to evaluate past funding schemes and to improve the shape of future research programs on renewable and sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success or failure of intercropping is determined by the balance between plant symbiosis or competition, and nutrients appear to be of paramount importance in this situation. Competition for nutrients may be the limiting factor for growth and yield. Therefore, supplying the plants with nutrients contained in the nutrient's solution used in hydroponics may reduce competition for nutrients. Therefore, a factorial experiment was conducted using the RCBD design in the fall season of 2023, at the Office of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Abu Ghraib, Iraq, to study the response of some fruit growth indicators of sorghum and mung bean under an intercropping system with five patterns: 1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 (Sorghum: Mung bean). The plant densities for both plants were 200,000, 133,333.33, 100,000, and 66,666.66 plants per hectare, according to the pattern, representing the main factor. The levels of spraying with the nutrient solution Abeer were 0%, 25% and 50%. The results indicated that the 2:1 planting pattern significantly outperformed all other patterns in the yield of individual sorghum plants (g/plant). Conversely, the 1:0 pattern significantly outperformed the other patterns in total yield (t/ha). For mung bean, the 0:1 pattern showed significant superiority in both individual plant yield (g/plant) and total yield (t/ha). Regarding the total land equivalent ratio (LER), the 2:1 pattern significantly outperformed the other patterns. In terms of the competitive ratio (CR), sorghum exhibited a higher competitive ability than mung bean, with CR values of 1.83, 1.57, and 3.72 in the 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2 patterns, respectively. In contrast, mung beans' CR values were 0.56, 0.66 and 0.30, respectively. Additionally, sorghum demonstrated increased competitiveness against mung bean as its density decreased, achieving the highest Aggressivity (A) value with a significant difference in the 1:2 pattern. This gave mung bean a competitive edge in the 2:1 pattern, making it more aggressive than sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Accuracy verification of large-scale remote sensing fractional vegetation cover products; precision agriculture; ecological research. When recording the vegetation distribution with a camera, shadows can form due to factors like camera angle and direct sunlight. These shadows result in the loss of pixel information and texture details, significantly reducing the accuracy of fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) extraction. To address this issue, this study proposes an efficient double-exposure algorithm. The method reconstructs the pixel information in shadow areas by fusing normal-exposure and overexposed images. This approach overcomes the limitations of the camera's dynamic range in capturing pixel information in shadowed regions. The study evaluates images with five levels of overexposure combined with five vegetation extraction indices. The aim is to determine the best-performing double-exposure combination under shadow conditions and the most suitable vegetation index. Experimental results reveal that the R² value between the best vegetation index and the FVC calculated from the fused double-exposure images and the ground truth FVC increases from 0.750 to 0.969. The root mean square error (RMSE) reduces from 0.146 to 0.046, and the intersection over union (IOU) increases from 0.856 to 0.943. These results demonstrate the excellent vegetation extraction capability of the double-exposure algorithm under shadow conditions, offering a straightforward and effective solution to low accuracy of FVC in shadowed areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecological testing of soybean varieties of domestic and foreign selection was carried out during 2020-2022 on the experimental field Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillya of NAAS, which is located in the zone of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine. The subject of research was domestic soybean varieties (Diadema Podillia, Tytan, Kobuko, Monada, Triada (Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillya of NAAS); Vorskla, Lehenda (National Research Center "Institute of Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences") and foreign (Merlin, Kardiff, Kent, Padua (SAATBAU LINZ eGen); Kioto, Kordoba, Briunensis (Semences Prograin Ink.); Senator, Alihator (Euralis Semences); Sultana (RAGT Semences) selection. All soybean varieties studied during 2020-2022 were entered into the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine. The maximum seed yield in the zone of the right-bank forest-steppe of Ukraine was recorded in the following varieties: Triada (3.41 t/ha), Kioto (3.29 t/ha), Alihator (3.25 t/ha), Kobuko (3.19 t/ha), Monada (3.15 t/ha), Kardiff (3.06 t/ha) and Tytan (3.05 t/ha). According to the results of the analysis of the mass of 1000 seeds, its highest indicators were noted in soybean varieties: Tytan - 194 g, Alihator - 192 g, Kent-193 g, Sultana - 200 g. According to the results of the biochemical analysis of soybean seeds, it was found that most of the studied varieties provided the content crude protein is more than 40%, while the Merlin, Alihator, Triada, Cardiff and Kent varieties had a crude protein content of 37.1-39.1%. The obtained results of the content of amino acids in soybean seeds show more noticeable indicators in the Tytan soybean variety. Thus, on the basis of a comprehensive approach to soybean productivity indicators, such varieties of domestic selection as Tytan and Kobuko, as well as foreign selection of Kioto, are recommended for agricultural production in the areas of seed production, animal feed and raw material in the selection process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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

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

Copyright of Baghdad Science Journal is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study extensively explores the agricultural innovation landscape of Indian public agricultural research organizations, emphasizing technological focus from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutions and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). The findings reveal diverse concentrations of patents in agricultural engineering, chemical processes and formulations, biotechnology and food categories. The prominent themes that emerged from the patent landscape include livestock health management, animal feed, chemical formulations, agricultural machinery and aquaculture practices. However, the temporal shifts indicate an increased focus from biotechnology to food, chemical and engineering during the last three decades. Patent statistics indicate variations in technology scope, claims, inventor size and renewal term. SAUs had comparatively broader technology scope, shorter grant lag and a higher number of claims than the ICAR patents. On the other hand, inventor size and renewal term were significantly higher in the ICAR patents. Survival functions demonstrate more longevity for the ICAR patents, with evolving dynamics in patent value over different periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cucurbita moschata varieties grown in Africa have very low yield. They have been neglected, and totally ignored in agricultural research programs. However, interest in their fruits, seeds, flowers and leaves is growing nowadays due to their nutritional and medicinal potentials. That growing interest has prompted plant breeders and agronomists to develop research programs for their improvement. A complete diallel cross analysis of four parental lines, Long, Zouan-H, Oval, and Soubre and their twelve F1 hybrids, was carried out in a farming environment at the University Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The four parental lines and the F1 hybrids were evaluated for their general performances, combining abilities, potency ratio and heterosis effects. The investigated traits included plant height, and eleven fruit- and seed-related characters. The analysis of variance showed significant differences for all traits studied. In addition, the diallel model yielded highly significant gca effects of the female parents. The gca effects of the male parents were significant for all traits except plant height, length of the fruit, width of the fruit and length of the seed. Highly significant sca effects were observed in the crosses for all the traits. Strong maternal effects were observed for the weight and diameter of the fruit, weight of the pulp, number of seeds per fruit, weight of the fresh seeds and 100-seed weight. The general predictive ratio approached the value 1 for all the traits except weight of the fresh seed and width of the dry seed. Most of the characters under this study are predominantly determined by the effects of additive genes. But, weight of the fresh seed and width of the dry seed may be controlled by non-additive genes. Mid-parent heterosis was significant for all measured traits in the crosses, except the length of the fruit. And better-parent heterosis was significant for all traits except plant height, number of fruits per plant and length of the fruit. Gene expression is described by a super-dominance for many traits, and partial dominance for some other traits in all twelve F1 hybrids. Classification of the parental lines based on the effects of their general combining ability grouped the Soubre lines as promising contributors to fruit yield. The parental lines Long and Oval formed another group likely on the basis of the small size of their fruits, the small pulps, the smaller number of fruits per plant and the large number of seeds per fruit. However, Long would be a candidate parent for the development of cultivars with longer vegetative growth. The parental line Zouan-H formed the third group and it was mostly characterized by its large number of seeds per fruit and relatively large fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem rust significantly threatens durum wheat production, often resulting in substantial yield losses. To better understand resistance mechanisms and the stability of durum lines in stem rust-prone environments, this study evaluated 49 durum genotypes over three seasons at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization in Njoro. Utilizing 7 × 7 alpha lattice design, we assessed adult-plant resistance, monitored disease progression through final disease score (FDS) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC), and evaluated agronomic performance. Statistical analyses revealed significant seasonal and genotypic effects on FDS, AUDPC, spike length, and grain yield (p=0.01; p=0.001), with important genotype-by-season interactions (p=0.05; p=0.001). Broadsense heritability for AUDPC was high at 0.91 and moderate at 0.35 for kernels per spike, underscoring the genetic basis of these traits. Notably, we observed negative correlations between disease parameters and agronomic traits, suggesting potential trade-offs. GGE biplot analysis singled out the first season (main season of 2019) as crucial for evaluating stem rust resistance and identified several durum lines, such as G45 and G48, as consistently resistant across all conditions. Furthermore, this analysis highlighted G45, G48, G176 and G189 as the highest yielding and most stable lines. The discovery of these resistant and high-performing genotypes is critical for enhancing durum breeding programs, helping to mitigate the impact of stem rust and improve yield stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean is a dual-purpose crop, as it serves as pulse and fodder. Legumes like soybeans have a distinctive characteristic of nodule formation. Nitrogen fixation enhancement can succeed by inoculation of soybeans with specific strains of rhizobia, ensuring adequate levels of healthy bacteria near the seed. The presented study materialized during 2018–2020 at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, and Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Two strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum—S377 and S379—were treatments for inoculating 80 soybean accessions collected from the National Agriculture Research Center, Islamabad. Sowing 10 inoculated seeds per genotype and two seeds for control continued in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Fresh root and shoot weights, dried root and shoot weights, nodule dry weight, grain and biomass yield, protein, and oil content increased significantly after inoculating seeds with rhizobial strains. These traits also showed significant genotypic correlations. The protein content, followed by the fresh shoot weight, directly affected nodule formation, increasing nitrogen fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study determined the effects of shallot cultivars and levels of horse manure vermicompost on its growth and production traits. The developed shallot cultivars came from true seeds. The research materialized from June to October 2022 at the Agricultural Technology Research and Development Institute (IP2TP) in Kelara District, Jeneponto Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This study employed a factorial design with two factors and three replications. The first factor included four doses of vermicompost: 0, 5, 10, and 15 t ha-1 . The second factor consisted of three shallot cultivars (Lokananta, Maserati, and Sanren-F1). The results revealed that the shallot cultivar SanrenF1 recorded the highest average plant height, bulb weight, diameter, and yield. The horse manure vermicompost treatment with the 15 t ha-1 dose also emerged with the maximum average plant height, number of leaves, bulb weight, and bulb diameter over other applications. However, the horse manure vermicompost (10 t ha-1 ) gave the foremost bulb yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the crucial legume crops and a primary source of protein for human beings worldwide. The genetically diverse accessions are valuable sources for further improvement in chickpeas through breeding. In the presented study, the 36 chickpea lines from the Chickpea International Elite Nursery-Winter, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), bore assessment for yield-related traits. Determining the effects of various quantitative and yield-attributing traits on the seed yield used linear regression. Simple linear regression models ran separate evaluations for each studied parameter, including plant height, the height of the first pod, the number of secondary branches, the number of pods, the number of seeds per plant, and 100-seed weight. According to analysis for high seed productivity in chickpea cultivation under organic production conditions, the approximate model ensures a high yield as follows: The plant height ranged from 68 to –78 cm, height to the first pod (26–31 cm), number of secondary branches (8–14), number of pods (52–79), number of seeds (64–95), and 100-seed weight (25–45 g). In determining the seed productivity of chickpea genotypes, a direct positive and significant correlation occurred between the 100-seed weight and the number of seeds per plant. These parameters can serve as effective selection criteria for enhancing the chickpea yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most valuable crops is black gram, which has a high nutritional value, a short growing season and is suitable for many different farming systems. This study aims to evaluate the high harvest index urdbean varieties using path analysis in various crop spacing under rainfed conditions in Tamil Nadu. Methods: The experiments was carried out during three consecutive years (2016-2017, 2017-2018 and 20218-2019) of Kharif season at Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Virinjipuram, Tamil Nadu. The experiments was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Result: The pooled results of three years revealed that the urdbean variety VBN (Bg) 6 had the maximum seed yield of 691 kg ha-1, whereas MDU 1 had the lowest seed yield of 536 kg ha-1. When compared to other crop spacing, 20 cm x 10 cm had the maximum seed output of 683 kg ha-1. The ideal plant spacing of 20 cm x 10 cm enhanced seed production by 38.0 percent and harvest index by 16 per cent when compared to the advised crop spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Flower bud/s, flower/s and fruit/pod/s abscission is one of the momentous bottlenecks in pulses in general and pigeonpea in particular, resulting in poor reproductive efficiency. Abscission occurs both before and after fertilization. Knowledge on nature and extent of genetic variation available in the genotypes help breeders for planning breeding programmes to identify genotypes that retain maximum flowers hence increase pod set. Methods: A total of 19 advanced stabilized breeding lines including 2 local checks (GRG-811 and TS-3R) were evaluated in randomized block design (RBD) with two replications in rain fed and irrigated condition at Zonal Agricultural Research Station (ZARS), Kalaburagi, during kharif 2018. Genetic variation for flower production, abscission and pollen load were studied and interpreted. Result: The genotypes viz., RIL-63, RIL-59, GRG-152 and KRG-224 showed good number of pods set per plant in rainfed condition and 3 Genotypes WRP-R-29-4, KRG-224 and ICPL-15017 in irrigated condition. The genotype KRG-224 Sets more pods under both conditions. Pollen grains load was more in undropped flower compared to dropped flower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early duration pigeonpea genotypes a boon as the crop needs a very little amount of inputs, survives well even under available water conditions because of its Bio-tillage in nature. There are many causes of low productivity of pigeonpea, using long duration genotypes, using convention varieties, non monitored input like sowing date and management practice and short duration genotypes play a very important role in productivity as well as production in Rajasthan. Methods: A two-year field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Sriganganagar Rajasthan, during the Kharif season of the year 2018 and 2019. The experiment is laidout with a split plot design with thrice replication, in the main plot four dates of sowing allotted viz: D1 : 25th May, D2 : 10th June, D3 : 25th June and D4 : 10th July and in subplot five genotypes allotted viz: V1 : UPAS-120, V2 : ASJ-105, V3 : Pant-291, V4 : PUSA-992, V5 : ICPL-88039. Result: Field experiments resulted, the Sowing date D2 : 10th June (1451 kg ha-1), is best suitable as compared to others in terms of yields, its attributes and B:C ratio both the years. In the short duration varieties V4 : PUSA-992 (1586 kg ha-1) superior to others. In respect of different sowings dates the energy budgeting viz: energy use efficiency varies from D1 : 25th May (9.80) and (5.99) to D4 : 10th July (8.14) and (4.95), energy productivity (kg MJ-1) varies from D1 : 25th May (0.164) and (0.104) to D4 : 10th July (0.126) and (0.078) in both the years. In respective of genotypes the higher energy use efficiency found in V4 : PUSA-992 (10.34), (6.56), energy productivity in V4 : PUSA-992 (0.171 kg MJ-¹), (0.111 kg MJ-1) which was superior with others in all aspect in both the years respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted to manage the maize fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) at Maize Research Centre, Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during kharif, 2020 and kharif, 2021. Seven newer insecticide molecules were tested for their efficacy viz., Chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + Lambdacyhalothrin 4.6% ZC @ 0.5 ml L−1, Novaluron 5.25% + Emamectin benzoate 0.9% w/w SC @ 2 ml L−1, Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 0.4 g L−1, Spinetoram 11.7% w/w SC @ 0.5 ml L−1, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.4 ml L−1, Flubendiamide 480 FS @ 0.3 ml L−1, Cyantraniliprole 19.8% + Thiamethoxam 19.8% w/w FS @ 6 ml/kg seed and a untreated check served as the control. The treatments were laid out in Complete Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. The mean per cent infestation was less in the plots treated with Chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + Lambdacyhalothrin 4.6% ZC @ 0.5 ml L−1 (3.71) followed by Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC@ 0.4 ml L−1 (3.78), Novaluron 5.25% + Emamectin benzoate 0.9% w/w SC @ 2 ml L−1 (4.46), Spinetoram 11.7% w/w SC @ 0.5 ml L−1 (4.57) and Emamectin benzoate 5% SG @ 0.4 g L−1 (4.62) and all the treatments were found to be statistically on par with each other. The lowest mean Leaf Injury Rating (LIR) was recorded in the treatment of Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.4 ml L−1 (1.52) followed by Spinetoram 11.7% w/w SC @0.5 ml L−1 (1.52), Chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + Lambdacyhalothrin 4.6% ZC @ 0.5 ml L−1 (1.63). At harvest, ear damage rating was significantly low with Chlorantraniliprole 9.3% + Lambdacyhalothrin 4.6% ZC @ 0.5 ml L−1 (1.23) followed by Novaluron 5.25% + Emamectin benzoate 0.9% w/w SC @ 2 ml L−1 (1.27), Flubendiamide 480 FS @ 0.3 ml L−1 (1.31), Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.4 ml L−1 (1.40) and Spinetoram 11.7% w/w SC @ 0.5 ml L−1 (1.40). The grain yield was highest in Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 0.4 ml L−1 with 90.19 qha−1 followed by Spinetoram 11.7% w/w SC @ 0.5 ml L−1 88.33 qha−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article focuses on agrivoltaic production systems (AV). The transition towards renewable energy sources, driven by the need to respond to climate change, competition for land use, and the scarcity of fossil fuels, has led to the consideration of new ways to optimise land use while producing clean energy. AV systems not only generate energy but also allow agricultural and livestock yields to be maintained or even increased under PV structures, offering a sustainable production strategy that may be more acceptable to local communities than traditional PV installations. This review assesses the technical feasibility of AV systems, the environmental, economic and social benefits, as well as the challenges faced and the legal framework regulating their implementation. It is highlighted that despite the advantages in land use efficiency and dual food and energy production, there are important challenges related to the initial investment required, the need for technological adaptation, social and regulatory obstacles, or the effects of shading on production. This paper underlines the importance of further research and development of these systems to overcome technical and economic constraints and maximise their potential benefits. It is concluded that although they present significant challenges, AV management offers promising opportunities to improve land efficiency and contribute to several sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Balancing yield and soil CO2 emissions in cropping systems has become a focus of agricultural research. To explore effective ways to achieve the balance, three years (2016–2018) of field experiments were conducted in the oasis zone of Northwest China. Methods: Three replications of the four tillage systems (NT, no-tillage; MT, minimal-tillage; ST, sub-tillage; FT, fold-tillage) were used in a randomized complete block design. Results: It was found that tillage practice had no significant effect on soil carbon pools. However, FT exhibited a significantly higher soil carbon emission intensity (SCEI) and net ecosystem primary productivity (NPP). Still, poorly in terms of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) than those of the NT, MT, and ST treatments, MT performed the highest NEP and maize yield (P < 0.05). The total cumulative CO2 emissions of the FT were 23.3%-37.6% higher than those of the other tillage practices. Furthermore, we identified that soil CO2 emission was mainly influenced by soil temperature and soil moisture. NT increased farmers' net income and output/input ratio by 20.2% and 41.3% respectively compared with FT and demonstrated better economic benefits and net ecosystem productivity. Conclusions: The results suggest that conservation tillage (especially NT and MT) is advantageous to local economic and ecological benefits in the short term. However, the years of continuous tillage are critical for increasing crop yields and reducing CO2 emissions, so the feedback response of long-term tillage on farmland still needs to be observed and studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Chill and heat requirements are ranging from 336 to 522 CH, 645 to 1,046 CU, 37.5 to 55.93 CP and 6,618 to 9,673 GDH. The Santa Rosa cultivars, INRA-PR38 and INRA-PR40 could be considered the least sensitive to cold. The Stanley, Prune d'Ente, Monglobe and Fortune cultivars seem to be the most sensitive to cold. Correlations have been revealed between chill requirements, heat requirements and flowering dates. The date of endodormancy release and chill requirements of twenty-eight plum cultivars (Prunus domestica L. and Prunus salicina Lindl) growing in a collection at the experimental station of the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Meknes (Morocco) were determined according to three models namely the Chilling Hours model (in Chilling Hours, CH), the Utah model (in Chill Units, CU) and the Dynamic model (in Chill Portions, CP). In this regard, the forcing tests were conducted out on floral buds of all plum cultivars in order to follow the weight of buds in field and under controlled climate conditions. The heat requirements calculation was based on counting the Growing Hours Degree between the endodormancy release date determined by forcing tests and the flowering dates observed in field for each cultivar. Significant differences were revealed in chill and heat requirements between the plum cultivars studied, ranging from 336 to 522 CH, 645 to 1,046 CU, 37.5 to 55.93 CP and 6,618 to 9,673 GDH according to Chilling Hours, Utah, Dynamic and GDH models, respectively. In addition, the results showed great variability between cultivars according to their dormancy levels, ranging from low chill and heat cultivars (INRA-PR38, INRA-PR40 and Santa Rosa) to highest ones (Stanley, Prune d'Ente, Monglobe and Fortune), which generated differences in the dates of endodormancy release and flowering process. Correlations between chill requirements, heat requirements and flowering dates have been established since cultivars with low chill requirements (also low heat requirements) have earlier endodormancy release and flowering dates in comparison to those showed high chill requirements. The results obtained in this investigation constitute a basis to improve knowledge of the plum species cultivated under Moroccan climate conditions and make it possible to determine the most appropriate cultivation areas for these cultivars, given the current and future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The US dairy industry has made great strides in improving animal health over many decades, which has driven substantial improvements in economic, social, and environmental sustainability. As consumer and corporate focus on climate continues to grow, the continued need to research and improve animal health and understand its connection with the environment is integral to the success of the dairy industry. Research to address these areas can be supported by national research programs and collaboration between them. The USDA and Dairy Management Inc established a collaborative research agreement in 2007; to date, this collaboration has not explicitly focused on animal health or its intersection with the environment. It is integral to the success of animal agriculture in an ever-changing sustainability landscape that animal health is addressed as a key piece of socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. An academic-industry stakeholder committee reached a consensus that supported this idea and identified that it is equally important to communicate these research findings with consumers in a way that resonates. The purpose of this Viewpoint article is to highlight that national research programs at the USDA Agricultural Research Service's National Animal Disease Center and Dairy Management Inc can and should play an important role in supporting and facilitating research at the intersection of animal health and sustainability broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili peppers were treated with gamma irradiation to develop anthracnose disease resistance. Seeds of chili peppers were irradiated with gamma rays at 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 Gy to determine the optimal dose for mutation breeding. The LD50 value was calculated to be 264.83 Gy. The 300 Gy gammairradiated chili pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum L.) were planted in the experiment field at Nan Agricultural Research and Development Center, Thailand for mutation selection. The results showed that the irradiated chili plants not only survived the anthracnose infection but also produced fruits. These fruits were less affected or unaffected by the anthracnose disease compared to the control group (unirradiated) which showed damages on every part of chili plant. The 28 healthy chili pepper plants in M3 generation that showed anthracnose resistant traits were selected as seeds for M4 generation. Two chili pepper lines in M4 generation exhibited the highest resistance to anthracnose. From the pathogenicity test, those 2 chili pepper lines were found to have resistance to anthracnose disease caused by both Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum capsici. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Production is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present studied carried out at Sakha Agricultural Research Station, Cotton Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt, during 2022 and 2023 growing summer, during 2022 growing season, six cotton varieties of cotton belong to (Gossypium barbadense L.) were sowing and crossed in a half diallel mating design produce 15 F1 hybrids. The F1 hybrids and parents growing in 2023 season at randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The results showed that the squares of the genotypes, parents as well as crosses were highly significant for all traits studied with boll weight trait parents. The parental genotypes Giza 88 and Giza 92 gave significant (desirable) GCA effects for most fiber properties. Karshenky and Australy 13 showed GCA positive significant effects of most yield traits, this direction is desirable. Both of Giza 88 x Giza 86 and Australy 13 x Karshenky crosses recorded significant (desirable) SCA effects for most yield and fiber properties. Desirable relative to midand better-parent for some yield traits were found for the crosses, Giza 88 x Giza 86 and Australy 13 x Karshenky while, the crosses Giza 92 x Pima S7 and Giza 92 x Karshenky indicated desirable for some studied fiber properties. Non-additive genetic variances were larger than the additive genetic variance with respect to all traits studied. The broad sense heritability of seed cotton yield per plant was the highest value (93.91%) while the lowest value was recorded to boll weight (50.51%). Generally, Karshenky and Australy 13 could be used in breeding programs for improving high yielding varieties, while Giza 88 and Giza 92 could be considered as excellent parents for breeding programs to produce new varieties characterized with best fiber properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising cost of feed is a major challenge in Nigeria's poultry industry. It impacts production costs and threatens the industry's sustainability and food security. Implementing effective coping strategies for rising feed costs is crucial for poultry enterprises. This study examines poverty level, food insecurity status, and poultry farmers' coping strategies to high feed costs in South-West, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was employed for this study. Three states (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo) were purposively selected from the six states in the South-West of Nigeria. In the second stage, 575 poultry farmers from all Poultry Association of Nigeria zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data on the production activities of poultry farms were collected from the farmers using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, mean per capita household expenditure, household food insecurity access scale, double log regression, multinomial logistic regression, and stochastic frontier production models at p< 0.05. The results of data analysis showed that 48% of the poultry farmers adopted mixed farming to cope with the rising feed cost while 24.7%, 16.1% and 6.2% adopted the use of finished feed, downsizing their flock size and at the verge of exiting the venture, respectively, while 5.2% did not change strategy. At a poverty line of [??]48,500/year, 70.7% of the poultry farmers were poor. The results also indicated that 25.8% of the poultry farmers were food secure, 1.6%, 27.2% and 45.4% were mildly, moderately and severely food insecure, respectively. The multinomial logit analysis results showed that sex (p Key words: Adopted strategies, Food security, Poverty level, Poultry farmers, Feed costs, INTRODUCTION Livestock plays a crucial role in the global economy and food security. The livestock industry supports the livelihoods of a significant portion of the world's population and contributes to [...]

Beside staple crops, the fruits and vegetables subsector contribute significantly to domestic and export markets. Yet, this subsector faces a number of challenges that limits its full growth potential. Through 383 randomly selected farmers' interviews in selected districts, the study revealed profound information on the vegetable value chain. Findings show that, there is fair participation of men (58%) and women (42%) in vegetable production. Majority of farmers were between 19 and 49 years old (70%), attained primary education (80%) and had more than 5 years in commercial vegetable production (71.8%). Further, 79.4% of farmers had less than 1 ha of vegetable farmland. Farmers cultivate a wide range of nutritious and commercially valued vegetables including broccoli (50.7%), cauliflower (37.3%), white cabbage (34.7%), crisphead lettuce (24.5%), Chinese cabbage (20.6%), zucchini (20.1%), carrot (18.5%), tomato (14.4%), purple cabbage (10.2%), beetroot (9.4%), African nightshade (8.4%), leaf lettuce (7.6%), green/snap bean (6.8%), snow/sugar-snap pea (5%), leeks (5%), spinach (4.2%), green pepper (4.2%), herbs (parsley, fennel and dill) (4.2%) and celery (2.9%). However, sustainable marketing of fresh vegetables is a challenge leading to most farmers opting to wholesale their produce at the farm gate (70.5%) instead of the marketplace, with the price often being set by the wholesale buyers (78.1%). With the exception of gender, household size, and farming experience; a farmer's location and primary education level had a slightly statistically significant (p = 0.044) influence on opting to use farmgate as the point of sales. The unpredictable market (100%), costly and low-quality inputs (36.4%), pests and diseases (35.2%), and shortage of cold storage facilities (22.9%) were claimed to hamper vegetable production and the producers. In general, vegetables subsector can grow significantly in Tanzania due to the availability of irrigated nutrient-rich land, favorable climate and productive workforce. Thus, good farming practices, marketing and cold chain facilities have the potential to reduce postharvest losses and help realize national sustainable development goals. Key words: Fresh vegetables, postharvest practices, marketing, constraints, cold chains, INTRODUCTION The agricultural sector contributes significantly to the national economy of Tanzania. The sector contributed 26.9% of the National GDP during the year 2020, whereby 15.4% of GDP contribution was [...]

Postharvest loss reduction, which will contribute to several sustainable development goals (SDGs) including SDG 1, 2, 3, 9, 12 and 13, is an important strategy for food and nutrition security. It requires interventions designed based on timely and reliable statistical data. However, lack of produce-specific loss data and associated factors along the postharvest value chain stages remains a challenge to implement appropriate interventions. Therefore, a survey was conducted on socio-demographic characteristics, postharvest practices, extent and causes of losses, and factors influencing postharvest loss of potato crops in Tiyo district of Arsi Zone, Ethiopia in 2022. A multistage sampling method was used to select a total of 209 smallholder potato farming household heads through a combination of purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Quantitative data collection was carried out online using computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) by programming a semi-structured questionnaire in KoboCollect software for tablets. Descriptive statistics and ordinal probit regression model were used to analyze the collected data and determinant factors influencing postharvest loss of potatoes at various farm-level stages, respectively. An aggregate of 15-46% loss exists between harvesting and marketing. Losses during harvesting, sorting, cleaning, packaging, field-to-storage transport, storage, and storage-to-market transport were 58.9%, 6.2%, 2.9%, 2.4%, 3.8%, 20.1%, and 5.7%, respectively. Elevated loss during harvesting and storage in the area is likely to reflect poor handling and storage practices. The primary causes of losses were poor harvesting and handling techniques, poor storage facility, and insects and worms. Moreover, regression model estimations of categorical losses, as perceived by farmers, reveal that socio-demographic variables and postharvest factors influenced potato loss. During the harvest stage, working family members significantly (p Key words: CAPI, Ethiopia, ordinal probit regression, postharvest practices, potato loss determinants, INTRODUCTION Agriculture is the most important sector in Ethiopia; it accounts for 46% of GDP, 80% of export value, and about 73% of employment [1]. Vegetable production is becoming an [...]

The global expansion in farmland and the increase in the world population has compounded the need for more efficient water use. The spiral water wheel pump can be a valuable and low-cost option for pumping water for surface and subsurface irrigation for farmland near flowing water bodies. This low-cost water-lifting device, which uses the kinetic energy of a flowing stream/river to lift water to homes and farmlands, can help smallholder farmers expand the growing season into the dry season. It is more cost-effective than conventional energy sources. It can be used in areas with limited access to electricity or fossil fuels because the energy of pumping is derived from the kinetic energy of flowing water. Its simplicity, adaptability, and low maintenance requirements make it a valuable tool for communities seeking water security and improved livelihoods. The main objective of this study was to develop performance curves for a version of the pump fabricated from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and wood, materials that are readily accessible to smallholder farmers in Africa, to optimize its performance for different field conditions. Laboratory and field tests were performed in Illinois, United States of America, and Sierra Leone, West Africa, with pumps with several pipe diameters/pipe configurations and wheel diameters. During the laboratory tests, a 0.6m diameter single-layer pump with a 2.5cm pipe diameter (18 coils) lifted water to a maximum height of 3.4m. When a 3.8cm pipe diameter (10 coils) was used, the maximum height was reduced to 2.7m. Field tests at an experimental site in Fulton County, Illinois, generated a maximum height of 3.4m and 3.1m when 2.5cm pipe diameters were used on 1.22m and 0.6m diameter wheels, respectively. In Sierra Leone, the maximum height generated was 16m and 8.5m for the 1.22m and 0.6m diameter wheels, respectively, with a 1.9cm pipe diameter. In all the field tests, the pumps only worked when the water velocity exceeded 0.6 [ms.sup.-1], smaller streams with a velocity less than 0.6 [ms.sup.-1] can be channeled if necessary. These results indicate that this pump can improve dry season productivity for farmland near the flowing water bodies in developing countries like Sierra Leone. Key words: Wheel diameter, pipe diameters, pipe configuration, discharge rate, stream velocity, INTRODUCTION Water, an essential natural resource, provides numerous vital services for human existence and development Fu et al. [1]. It is becoming more difficult to supply enough water due to [...]

Hog raisers of today consider feeds to be the most expensive component in hog enterprise. Thus, the study of the Comparative Effects of low-cost indigenous Feeds and Commercial Feeds on the Growth and Profitability of Native Pigs. Effects of indigenous feeds and commercial feeds on the growth and profitability of native pigs. This study was carried out to determine the effect of indigenous feeds and commercial feeds on the growth and profitability of native pigs. A total of 12 heads of piglets were distributed into 4 treatments with 3 replications. Results revealed that feeding native pigs with different mixtures of indigenous and commercial feeds has a significant effect on the initial weight; however, based on the results, it was [T.sub.4](100% commercial feeds) that showed a numerically heavier initial weight among all treatments fed with a different mixture of indigenous feeds, while in terms of weight gain, results showed that [T.sub.1] was given 50% taro and 50% leftovers compared quantitatively to [T.sub.4] fed 100% commercial feeds. Comparable differences were observed from [T.sub.1]-[T.sub.3], where an average of 2,253.08 kg of feed per head was consumed. In other words, pigs consumed the maximum amount of feed given with a minimal feed leftover up to an average of 1.43 kg. Results revealed that feeds consumed by native pigs were numerically higher in [T.sub.1]- taro (50%) kitchen leftover (50%) followed by [T.sub.3], [T.sub.2] (80% Taro & 20% Kitchen leftover), while [T.sub.4] with commercial feeds consumed 1,258.80 kg. In [T.sub.3], 80% taro and 20% kitchen leftover, gave an average number of 8 piglets, followed by [T.sub.2] with 7 piglets, [T.sub.1] with 6 piglets, and [T.sub.4] with 5 piglets, while in average weight, [T.sub.4] has 0.8400 kg, [T.sub.2] with 0.8267 kg, [T.sub.3] with 0.6700 kg and [T.sub.1] with 0.5667 kg, respectively. [T.sub.3] have the highest profit of 11,707.60 pesos with Return on Investment (ROI) of 95.24%, followed by [T.sub.2] with profit of 7,351.60 pesos and 53.86% ROI, [T.sub.1] with 5,710.60 pesos and 46.47% ROI, and [T.sub.4] with -43,180.40 pesos and ROI of -25.78%. Key words: commercial feeds, indigenous feeds, kitchen Leftover, native pigs, piglet size, profitability, taro, INTRODUCTION The demand for concentrated feed resources is rising globally, particularly in the tropics where many nations are net food importers. Although using forage plants as feed for pigs is [...]

New technological approaches harness the potential of endophytic fungi as growth promoters, utilizing their bioactive compounds to protect against herbivores, insects, and various unfavourable abiotic stresses, including temperature, salinity, drought, and heavy metals. Zea mays (L.) is considered as a staple food source in many countries including South Africa. Endophytic fungi are natural growth promoters without causing any disease or symptoms of diseases. In the current study, nine endophytic fungi were examined for abiotic stress tolerance and were inoculated in the maize seeds prior to plantation. The construction of the phylogenetic tree was based on consensus sequences (ITS) using endophytic fungi produced three clades with four subgroups. Among the 9 endophytic fungi, only 3 fungal isolates (END 15, MHE 55, RNK 4) grew on 3% and 6% salinity PDA. Boeremia exigua was the only isolate that could withstand 6%. Fusarium solani (MHE 55) survived at low pH. Furthermore, Neurospora sp. (GG 9) and Fusarium solani (MHE 55) grew at 37 [degrees]C. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to establish the growth promoting properties. The highest plant height was observed in the treatment which was inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum (GG 8) followed by Fusarium solani (MHE 55), reaching 46 cm and 44 cm respectively. The significant enhancement in plant height, root weight, fresh weight and leaf size, demonstrate the potential use of the selected isolate as a growth promoter for maize. In contrast Chaetomium (PG 9) and Alternaria (MHE 68) displayed none to limited growth promoting properties. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the potential use of F. solani isolated from South African geranium as a growth promoter. As the world is aiming at a more sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture, the use of such endophytes will contribute to better crop production and protection, hence more food availability. Key words: Fusarium solani, Endophytes, Growth promotion, Maize, Stress tolerance, Boeremia exigua, Chaetomium, Alternaria, INTRODUCTION Fusarium solani is a well-known emerging opportunistic fungal pathogen in plants and immunocompromised patients. It is naturally occurring in the environment, commonly found in air, water and soil [1,2]. [...]

Malnutrition, a significant global health concern, necessitates innovative solutions to enhance food nutritional profiles sustainably. This study focused on augmenting the nutrient content of traditional cereal flours, specifically corn (Ma) and millet (Mi), by incorporating edible insects, Macrotermes subhyalinus (MS) and Cirina butyrospermi (CB) known for their high protein, vitamin and mineral levels. The research aimed to create fortified flour formulations by adding these insects at various proportions (20%, 22.5% and 25%), thus addressing nutritional deficiencies common in staple diets. The study employed a comprehensive methodological approach incorporating biochemical analyses to measure protein, lipid content, pH and vitamin C levels in 16 distinct flour blends. These measures provided a basis for evaluating the nutritional enhancement achieved through insect incorporation. Additionally, nutrient density calculations and statistical analyses including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests were conducted to assess the overall nutritional value and identify significant differences among formulations. Results demonstrated a marked improvement in the nutritional quality of cereal flours with insect addition. Formulations MiMS25 (75% Millet + 25% MS) and MiCB25 (75% Millet + 25% CB) exhibited the highest mineral content, with ash values of 3.69 [+ or -] 1.00% and 2.60 [+ or -] 0.28%, respectively. Protein levels were significantly increased in MaCB22.5 (77.5% Corn + 22.5% CB) and MiCB25 showing concentrations of 18.78 [+ or -] 0.20% and 18.66 [+ or -] 0.10%. Furthermore, the inclusion of MS notably enhanced lipid content, particularly in MiMS25 which displayed an energy value of 451.19 kcal. Among the tested blends, MaCB22.5 was identified as the most nutritionally promising with a nutrient density score of 0.255 indicating a balanced and improved nutritional profile. This study underscores the potential of integrating edible insects into cereal flours as a sustainable strategy to combat malnutrition. It highlights the need for further research into optimizing these formulations for consumer acceptance, taste, and shelf-life aiming to incorporate them into mainstream diets to achieve global nutritional well-being. Key words: Edible insects, Nutrient Density, Malnutrition, Sprouted cereals, Biochemical analyses, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Cirina butyrospermi, INTRODUCTION Malnutrition remains a critical and urgent global public health issue, affecting an estimated 9.2% or 735 million people worldwide [1]. This complex problem is particularly acute in African nations, [...]

The study examined the role of agricultural cooperatives in strengthening the resilience and social fabric of rural communities in the Kita and Yanfolila regions of Mali. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, data was collected from 149 participants, including cooperative members and non-members, through structured surveys and focus group discussions. It explored the challenges faced by farmers, the benefits of cooperative membership, the dynamics of social cohesion within these cooperatives, the nuances of inclusion, and conducted a comparative analysis between cooperative members and non-members. The communities in Kita and Yanfolila faced multiple adversities that significantly affected their resilience, livelihoods and overall well-being. Drought emerged as the most serious problem, affecting the entire population and underscoring its profound impact on agriculture and welfare. Flooding was also a significant threat, exacerbating food insecurity. While terrorist activities and COVID-19 seemed less pressing due to their limited occurrence or awareness at the time, vigilance and awareness remained key. The study highlighted the myriad benefits of cooperative membership and how it empowered members through agricultural training, access to resources and financial stability. In particular, cooperatives have been instrumental in addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable access through initiatives such as boreholes and pumping equipment, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and food security. The study also highlighted the key role of cooperatives in fostering social cohesion, promoting conflict resolution and serving as networking platforms. Members praised cooperatives for providing emotional and material support in times of need, disseminating conflict management techniques and promoting transparent, collective decision-making processes. However, there was a noticeable gap in perceptions between cooperative members and non-members regarding the role of cooperatives in conflict resolution. Non-members were less confident, possibly due to a lack of exposure or understanding of cooperative mechanisms. Inclusivity emerged as a key issue, with discussions highlighting the challenge of extending benefits to nonmembers, which could lead to feelings of exclusion. Income disparities between members and non-members further exacerbated issues of social cohesion. The study also highlighted the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing disrupted supply chains, reduced incomes, increased unemployment and heightened food insecurity in rural communities. Despite this, agricultural cooperatives stepped up by disseminating information, distributing essential supplies and promoting hygiene practices. Key words: Agricultural cooperative, resilience, peacebuilding, social cohesion, COVID-19, Mali, INTRODUCTION Agriculture is undoubtedly of central importance to the economy of Mali, as it is the cornerstone of this landlocked West African country. It contributes around 30% of gross domestic [...]

Honey has great benefits to humans, both as medicine and food. It contains glucose, fructose and water in addition to small quantities of proteins, minerals, organic acids, and vitamins. Vacuum cooling is a rapid cooling technique based on the principle of evaporation, which lowers the boiling point of water based on the vacuum pressure inside a cooler room. A prototype vacuum-cooling jet water system was used to process the honey. Raw honey obtained from the forests of Riau was used in the present study. This study aimed to determine the effect of jet water vacuum cooling with variations in volume (V/V), capacity (12.5%, 25%, and 50%) on the quality of honey (Apis dorsata Fabricus) to accelerate the cooling process and preserve product quality. The cooling mechanical analysis parameters reviewed included the processing time and the lowest maximum pressure. The parameters of the quality of honey observed included moisture content, viscosity, density and total dissolved solids. As a result, the vacuum cooling process can suppress damage to the quality of honey owing to the heating process. At the cooling time and lowest maximum pressure value, the mechanical aspects of the water jet system vacuum cooling process showed the maximum results. The water contents of 12.5% (V/V), 25% (V/V) and 50% (V/V) filling were 13.69%, 12.89%, and 14.25%, respectively. The viscosities at 12.5% (V/V), 25% (V/V) and 50% (V/V) filling were 2.604 Pa.s, 2.355 Pa.s, and 1.644 Pa.s, respectively. Density with 12.5% (V/V), 25% (V/V) and 50% (V/V) filling were 1.52 g/cm3,1.53 g/cm3 and 1.50 g/cm3, respectively. Total dissolved solid values of honey with 12.5% (V/V), 25% (V/V), and 50% (V/V) fillings were 78.16%, 78.16% and 77.66%, respectively. Water jet vacuum cooling with a 25% chamber volume capacity accelerates honey with the best total dissolved solids, density and moisture content. Vacuum cooling can be used to improve product quality, shorten handling time, extend product shelf life and improve security. Key words: honey, pressure, vacuum cooling, density, moisture content, viscosity, INTRODUCTION The giant honeybee Apis (Megapis) dorsata Fabricus is widespread in Indonesia [1]. Honey is a great benefit to human beings both as medicine and food. It contains glucose, fructose, [...]

Sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata Duch ex Poir) has a high production volume in Bangladesh and holds third rank next to eggplant and radish. Salinity affects almost all growth and physiological aspects of the plant development and eventually reduces yield. Identifying salt tolerance among genetic resources and breeding populations is a valuable study for solving salinity problems. This research aimed to find sweet gourd hybrids tolerant to salinity. Sixteen sweet gourd hybrids (F1) were used for testing salt stress tolerance levels. Salinity stress was induced in pot soil by adding NaCl solutions (4, 8, 12, 16, and control 0.35 dS m-1). The experiment was conducted from October 2019 to March 2020 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The research was conducted at the Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur. The measurements included changes in gas exchange parameters against photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), quantum yield (Fv/Fm), and relative water content (RWC). Results showed that the gas exchange traits and RWC in all hybrids decreased under stress compared to the control. Photosynthetic parameters in sweet gourd hybrids responded susceptibly to salt stress, thus suppressing overall growth under salinity stress. The reduction of gaseous exchange traits and RWC were minimal in P11 × P12 and P6 × P14. The highest Fv/Fm and RWC occurred in P11 × P12 at 8 dS m-1 salinity stress. The highest Fv/Fm and RWC appeared in P6 × P14 and P11 × P12 hybrids at 12 and 16 dS m-1 salinity stress, so the hybrid P11 × P12 appeared salt tolerant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation in agriculture plays a fundamental role in the transition of said production towards more sustainable schemes, hence the importance of its study, especially in relation to production processes. The literature shows that although several studies have been carried out that examine the variables that intervene in the innovation processes in the agricultural sector, there is a lack of studies that examine the innovation processes in Colombia. This is why the fundamental objective of this research is to develop a model that explains the main factors that are related to process innovation in the agricultural sector, using concepts derived from organizational innovation process models developed in the literature. The factors identification methodology used a sample of 1,190 Agricultural Production Units (UPA) collected in the National Agricultural Survey, incorporating only producers from the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia. With this sample, and using for the analysis the variables that are developed in the literature, a principal components factorial analysis was carried out, as well as a second-order confirmatory factorial analysis. The factor analysis shows three latent factors, among them “Innovation in Raw Materials”, “Innovation in crops” and “Innovation in management of External Factors”, which, being the most significant for the process innovation process, should be considered as fundamental part of the government's public policies to facilitate its adoption in Colombian agriculture in the future.

Remote sensing technology in the new era gradually need a new scientific paradigm driven by big data and knowledge. However, in the current research, the use of existing knowledge is slightly insufficient. As for the whole research process, there is a lack of guidance based on the field knowledge. In view of the above problems in the field of remote sensing in agriculture, it is of great significance to organize knowledge based on concept graph and develop knowledge-driven big data analysis theory and methods. This paper focuses on the construction and application of agricultural remote sensing concept graph. Firstly, it explores the core contents, research hotspots and development trends of the current agricultural remote sensing field through reference visualization and analysis methods such as keyword frequency statistics, keyword co-occurrence, word detection with stronger citation burst and so on. Then, this paper summarizes the comprehensive ontology of agricultural remote sensing based on the results of keyword clustering. Thus, the schema layer of concept graph is constructed from top to bottom. Under the guidance of the schema layer, the data layer of the concept graph is artificially filled from the bottom up with different triads stored in Neo4j. In terms of application, retrieval, query and recommendation of the proposed concept graph for agricultural remote sensing tasks is a typical application case. Based on the results of the recommendation, it could guide the process of information extraction such as cultivated land parcel delineation and crop type identification at the parcel scale. The study of concept graph helps to summarize and generalize the relevant knowledge in the field of agricultural remote sensing. Relevant research provide effective solutions for automated and intelligent agricultural information extraction and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]