IN VITRO EFFICACY OF DISPARATE FUNGICIDES AGAINST Lasiodiplodia theobromae ROOT ROTS OF ORANGE-FLESHED SWEET-POTATO VARIETIES

Background: Obesity is a serious condition because it is associated with other chronic diseases which affect the quality of life. In addition to problems associated with diet and exercise, recent research has found that pesticide exposure might be another important risk factor. The objective of this study was to determine the association between pesticide exposure and obesity among farmers in Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok province, Thailand. Methods: This study was a population-based cross-sectional study. Data on pesticide use and obesity prevalence from 20,295 farmers aged 20 years and older were collected using an in-person interview questionnaire. The association was analysed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for its potential confounding factors. Results: Obesity was found to be associated with pesticide use in the past. The risk of obesity was significantly predicted by types of pesticides, including insecticides (OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.00-4.38), herbicides (OR = 4.56, 95% CI 1.11-18.62), fungicides (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.34-3.36), rodenticides (OR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.61-4.05), and molluscicides (OR = 3.40, 95% CI 2.15-5.40). Among 35 surveyed individual pesticides, 22 were significantly associated with higher obesity prevalence (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.10-2.88 to OR = 8.30, 95% CI 2.54-27.19), including herbicide butachlor, 15 insecticides (two carbamate insecticides, five organochlorine insecticides, and eight organophosphate insecticides), and six fungicides. Conclusion: This study found obesity in farmers in Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok province, Thailand, to be associated with the long-term use of several types of pesticides. The issue should receive more public attention, and pesticide use should be strictly controlled.

Background: Obesity isaseriousconditionbecause it is associated with other chronic diseaseswhichaffect the quality of life. In addition to problems associated with diet and exercise, recent research has foundthatpesticide exposure might be another important risk factor.The objective of this study was to determine the association between pesticide exposure and obesityamong farmers in Nakhon Sawan andPhitsanulokprovince, Thailand. Methods: This study was a population-based cross-sectional study. Data on pesticide use and obesity prevalence from 20,295 farmers aged 20 yearsandolder were collected usingan in-person interviewquestionnaire. The associationwas analysed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for its potential confounding factors. Results:Obesity was found to be associated with pesticide use in the past. The risk of obesity was significantly predicted by types of pesticides, including insecticides(OR=2.10, 95% CI 1.00-4.38), herbicides (OR=4.56, 95% CI 1.11-18.62), fungicides (OR=2.12, 95% CI 1.34-3.36), rodenticides (OR=2.55, 95% CI 1.61-4.05),and molluscicides(OR=3.40, 95% CI 2.15-5.40).Among 35 surveyed individual pesticides, 22 were significantly associated with higher obesity prevalence (OR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.10-2.88 to OR = 8.30, 95% CI 2.54-27.19),including herbicide butachlor, 15 insecticides (two carbamate insecticides,fiveorganochlorine insecticides, and eight organophosphate insecticides), andsixfungicides. Conclusion:This study found obesity in farmers in Nakhon Sawan andPhitsanulokprovince,Thailand,to be associated withthelong-termuse of several types of pesticides. The issue should receive more public attention, and pesticide use should be strictly controlled.

Background: Obesity isaseriousconditionbecause it is associated with other chronic diseaseswhichaffect the quality of life. In addition to problems associated with diet and exercise, recent research has foundthatpesticide exposure might be another important risk factor.The objective of this study was to determine the association between pesticide exposure and obesityamong farmers in Nakhon Sawan andPhitsanulokprovince, Thailand. Methods: This study was a population-based cross-sectional study. Data on pesticide use and obesity prevalence from 20,295 farmers aged 20 yearsandolder were collected usingan in-person interviewquestionnaire. The associationwas analysed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for its potential confounding factors. Results:Obesity was found to be associated with pesticide use in the past. The risk of obesity was significantly predicted by types of pesticides, including insecticides(OR=2.27, 95% CI 1.09-4.74), herbicides (OR=4.72, 95% CI 1.16-19.29), fungicides (OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.37-3.44), rodenticides (OR=2.52, 95% CI 1.59-3.99),and molluscicides(OR=3.37, 95% CI 2.13-5.31).Among 35 surveyed individual pesticides, 24 were significantly associated with higher obesity prevalence (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.00-3.06 to OR = 8.37, 95% CI 3.97-17.64),including herbicide butachlor, 17 insecticides (threecarbamate insecticides,fiveorganochlorine insecticides, andnineorganophosphate insecticides), andsixfungicides. Conclusion:This study found obesity in farmers in Nakhon Sawan andPhitsanulokprovince,Thailand,to be associated withthelong-termuse of several types of pesticides. The issue should receive more public attention, and pesticide use should be strictly controlled.

Background: Obesity isaseriousconditionbecause it is associated with other chronic diseaseswhichaffect the quality of life. In addition to diet and exercise, recent research has foundthatpesticide exposure might be another important risk factor. Methods: The objective of this large cross-sectional study was to determine the association between pesticide exposure and obesityamong farmers in Nakhon Sawan andPhitsanulokprovince, Thailand. Data on pesticide use and obesity prevalence from 20,295 farmers aged 20 yearsandolder was collected usingan in-person interviewquestionnaire. The associationwas analysed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for its potential confounding factors. Results:Obesity was found to be associated with pesticide use in the past. The risk of obesity was significantly predicted by types of pesticides, including insecticides(OR=2.27, 95% CI 1.09-4.74), herbicides (OR=4.72, 95% CI 1.16-19.29), fungicides (OR=2.17, 95% CI 1.37-3.44), rodenticides (OR=2.52, 95% CI 1.59-3.99),and molluscicides(OR=3.37, 95% CI 2.13-5.31).Among 35 surveyed individual pesticides, 24 were significantly associated with higher obesity prevalence (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.00-3.06 to OR = 8.37, 95% CI 3.97-17.64),including herbicide butachlor, 17 insecticides (threecarbamate insecticides,fiveorganochlorine insecticides, andnineorganophosphate insecticides), andsixfungicides. Conclusion:This study found obesity in farmers in Nakhon Sawan andPhitsanulokprovince,Thailand,to be associated withthelong-termuse of several types of pesticides. The issue should receive more public attention, and pesticide use should be strictly controlled.

Sweet potato, an herbaceous perennial vine is a sweet tasting tuberous root vegetable. Its importance lies on its sweetness and nutritional value. The varieties ranged from wild accessions to farmer varieties. In this study, thechanging pattern in sweet potato cultivation in the semi-arid environment in Nigeria is examined. Questionnaire was administered to 450 respondents from 15 agricultural settlements in 15 local governments in the study area, using clustered sampling technique. Data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentage and pairwise t-test. Results show twenty-seven varieties of sweet potatoes were cultivated in the basin, with 19 varieties planted in 1970’s and 24 varieties cultivated in 2000’s. Farmers no longer plant 3 varieties while 8 varieties were newly introduced. The farmers planting these varieties ranged from 0.2% to 20%. The planting of 7 varieties have reduced while there is an increase in the planting of 9 varieties. White sweet potato was the most popular and widely planted varieties, accounting for 18% and 20% in the 1970’s and 2000’s respectively. Factors that determine choice of the varieties planted include farmers’ choice of sweet potatoes is determined by nutritional value, skin colour, flesh colour, taste, size, personal preference, market value, demand, yield, appearance as well as resistance to pests and diseases. Farmers cultivating sweet potatoes in the basin have increased by 1.4% from 82.3% in 1970’s to 83.7% in 2000’s. Pairwise t-test showed that there is no significant difference in sweet potatoes varieties cultivated between 1970's and 2000's.Keywords: sweet potato, varieties, farmers, changing pattern, Sokoto-Rima River Basin

Allergic reaction induced by dermal and/or respiratory exposure to low-dose phenoxyacetic acid, organophosphorus, and carbamate pesticides

Several types of pesticides, such as organophosphates and organochlorines, can induce thymocyte apoptosis, resulting in thymic atrophy and predisposing the highly sensitive fetal immune system to loss of tolerance to self-antigens and subsequent increased risk for autoimmune disease and allergies. In the studies here, mouse primary thymocytes and a human acute T-cell leukemia cell line (J45.01) were employed to examine potential thymocyte apoptosis induced by several types of chemicals, including several commonly-used pesticides. Thymocytes and J45.01 cells were treated for 4 or 8 hr with varying doses of metamidophos, parathion, PNMC, or methoxychlor; dexamethasone was used as a positive control. Apoptosis, cell viability, the proportion of Annexin-V+ cells, the activities of caspases 3/7, 8, and 9, and the levels of DNA fragmentation in both the J45.01 cells and thymocytes were then examined. The results here show that with both cell types, there was an increase in the proportion of annexin-V+ cells and levels of DNA fragmentation following exposure to parathion, PNMC, methoxychlor, or dexamethasone (positive control); however, the levels of sensitivity appeared to differ between the cell types. Furthermore, caspase-7 and -8 activities also differed between the J45.01 cells and thymocytes when treated with PNMC, methoxychlor, or dexamethasone. A more precise characterization of these inter-cellular differences is the logical next step in our studies of the effects of these (and other) pesticides on immune cell integrity. These specific types of follow-on mechanistic experiments are currently underway in our laboratories.

South Texas is located in a subtropical semiarid climate, and due to high temperature and irregular precipitation, farmers opt to leave their fields fallow during the summer months jeopardizing overall soil health. We evaluated whether sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation coupled with drip irrigation could restore soil biological activities compared with bare fallow. Additionally, because sweet potatoes have high demand of soil nutrients, especially potassium (K), we evaluated the nutrient supply of locally sourced soil amendments. Sweet potato was cultivated during summer 2018 in McAllen, Texas, under control (no fertilizer), NPK (synthetic fertilizer), RC (yard-waste compost), and AC (compost produced under an enhanced composting process), and biochar (gasified walnut shell at 900°C), each with three replicates. Soil amendments were applied at different amounts to result in a rate of 80 kg K ha−1. Soil biological indicators were microbial biomass phosphorous, phosphatase activity, and the rate of fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDA). Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium were also quantified. Aboveground biomass and storage root yield estimated sweet potato’s agronomic performance. Cultivation and irrigation stimulated soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass-phosphorous. Sweet potato yields were the highest in NPK treatment but still 2.8 times lower than variety’s potential yield. Storage root yield was inversely related to aboveground biomass, suggesting that growing conditions benefited the production of shoot versus roots. Both biochar and AC treatments stimulated FDA rates and K availability. Soil pH and sodium concentration increased in all treatments over the growing season, possibly due to river-sourced irrigation water. Together, these findings show that crop cultivation promoted soil biological activities and the maintenance of nutrient cycling, compared to bare-fallow conditions. For a better agronomic performance of sweet potato, it would be necessary to identify management practices that minimize increase in soil pH and salinity.

China is the world’s biggest producer of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L). Lam.), and approximately 55% of the global supply is from China. Raised beds (RB) and raised beds mulched with plastic film (RBF) are the two main sweet potato cultivation systems now widely used in northern China. Planting placement of multiple nodes buried in shallow soil layers is additionally required for the sweet potato cultivation to achieve higher yields and reduce pests and diseases in this area, which increases the difficulty of transplanting mechanically. Therefore, a 2CGFS-2 compound sweet potato transplanter was developed, and the key parameters of slips transplanting apparatus were designed in this paper. Furthermore, its performance was investigated over two years under four treatments with different sweet potato varieties (Jishu 26 and Pushu 32) and cultivation systems (RBF and RB). The results showed that the missing seedling rate and qualified rate of transplanting population for each treatment by using 2CGFS-2 compound transplanter were <1.2% and >95.0% in both 2020 and 2021, while the mean values of the plant spacing variation coefficient and the qualified rate of transplanting depth during 2020–2021 were 4.53% and 96.28%, respectively. The length of the sweet potato slip inserted into the soil by the 2CGFS-2 compound sweet potato transplanter was almost the same, ca. 195 mm. The accurate placement of the sweet potato slips reduced the differences in tuber weight per plant caused by manual transplanting. These results are of considerable importance for RB and RBF sweet potato cultivation systems.

The recent surge in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation in Europe prompted an investigation into associated entomofauna within Portugal's southwestern region, known for its longstanding sweet potato production. This study aimed to assess entomofauna associated with this culture.Insect sampling was conducted by leaf and sweep net across three regional sites during 2018 and 2019 revealing the presence of Empoasca fabalis. Histological examination of sweet potato leaves affected by E. fabalis feeding unveiled significant damage, including the emergence of whitish spots (termed “stipples”) and subsequent necrotic spots. Comparative analysis between infested and undamaged control leaves revealed significant damage, involving mesophyll cell content deprivation and cellular disruption. This study describes, for the first time, the histological nature of the necrotic damage and suggests that E. fabalis primarily acts as a stippler on sweet potatoes, mainly targeting mesophyll cells with limited consumption of vascular tissue. The invasive behaviour and wide host range of E. fabalis pose a threat to sweet potato cultivation. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring to address the potential impact of E. fabalis on Europe’s agricultural ecosystem and native vegetation.In addition, six other Auchenorrhyncha species were identified during this study, including four crucial vectors of plant diseases: Laodelphax striatellus, Psammotettix alienus, Anaceratagallia glabra, Austroagallia sinuata, together with Empoasca solani and E. alsiosa. These results emphasise the importance of managing these insects in sweet potato cultivation.

Pesticides with chitosan as an alternative are still relevant for aphids which are important pesticides in vegetable crops. This research was conducted to see the effect of several types of pesticides with chitosan active ingredients, the concentration of pesticides, and interactions between types of pesticides and concentrations of aphids on long bean plants. The study used factorial methods with randomized block designs. The first factor was the type of pesticide made from chitosan, which consisted of control (JO), pure chitosan (Jl), soft guard (J2), super biovit (13). The second factor was the concentration of pesticides that consisted of 0.1% (Kl), 0.3% (K2), and 1% (K3). There were 48 experimental units consisting of 12 treatment combinations and 4 replications. Data were analysed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA), and comparison between averages using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed the effect of the treatment was single or there was no interaction between the types of pesticides made from chitosan with an active concentration in all parameters of observation. Furthermore, the effect of the type of pesticide with active chitosan was significantly different only on the average aphid population I and 3 days after the first application. Whereas pesticides made from active chitosan soft guard type tended to control the aphid population higher than other types of pesticides, then the effect of pesticide concentration was not significantly different from all parameters. However, the concentration of 1% indicated to inhibit the population of aphids higher than other concentrations. The high early aphid population, the behaviour of aphid colonies, the application method, and the nature of the active ingredient of chitosan were thought to be factors that reduce the ability of pesticides to control aphids on long bean plants.

Production and deployment of virus-free sweetpotato in China

The aimed of this research is to find a person who has become a figure respected by sweet potato farmers in Arfak during the social learning process of indigenous knowledge regarding sweet potato cultivation, understand the social learning process of indigenous knowledge regarding sweet potato cultivation, analyze the effectiveness of social learning of indigenous knowledgeregarding sweet potato cultivation, analyze the effectiveness of social learning of indigenous knowledge regarding sweet potato cultivation and analyze factors which affect the effectiveness of social learning of indigenous knowledge regarding sweet potato cultivation. The research was completed through descriptive analysis using a sample of 120 sweet potato farmers obtained randomly obtained from 2 districts and 4 villages in Manokwari regency. Results show that parents are the only figures in the social learning process of indigenous knowledge regarding sweet potato cultivation. The Arfak tribal farmers have high effectiveness, one affected by age and self-efficacy. The effect of self-efficacy on social learning effectiveness is reinforced by social support provided by parents.

Sweet potato serves as a staple crop and holds cultural and economic significance for the tribe, reflecting their deep connection to the local environment. This study explores the indigenous agricultural practices of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation among the Arfak Tribe in Gueintuy Village, West Papua. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research documents traditional farming techniques, assesses the challenges faced by farmers, and evaluates the potential for integrating sustainable practices. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations. The findings reveal that the Arfak tribe employs traditional farming methods such as shifting cultivation and crop rotation to maintain soil productivity. There is existing interrelationship between gender, education levels, and land ownership in the community. Basic education is most common and heavily linked to larger farmland sizes, emphasizing the role of primary education in agricultural livelihoods. Meanwhile, higher education (university) is less represented and may indicate a shift away from farming toward other opportunities. There are diversities of farming experience among men and women and how it correlates with the type of crops grown. Farmers with extensive experience focus on crops and vegetables, while fruit farming is practiced by individuals across all experience levels. This distribution can inform strategies for targeted training and support based on the type of crop and experience level of farmers. Labor division reflects traditional gender roles, with men handling physically intensive work and women focusing on crop care and harvesting. Kids participate minimally, focusing only on lighter tasks like nursing and harvesting

The primary aim of the present study was to identify bacterial isolates with yield‐enhancing potential for application as biofertilisers in the cultivation of sweet potato. Therefore, endophytic and rhizospheric strains were isolated from sweet potato plantations in Hungary to identify bacterial strains with plant growth‐promoting and antifungal potential. In total, seven Bacillus licheniformis strains were identified and subjected to detailed ecophysiological investigations. Experiments have been conducted to investigate the tolerance of selected strains to different limiting factors such as pH, temperature, and water activity, which affect survivability in various agricultural environments. The majority of tested B. licheniformis strains exhibited plant growth‐promoting potential (e.g., production of indole‐3‐acetic acid up to 40.42 μg mL−1, production of ammonia up to 0.87 mg mL−1, phosphorus solubilising activity, siderophore production), with two strains (SZMC 27713 and SZMC 27715) demonstrating inhibitory activity (ranging between 7% and 38%) against plant pathogenic fungi prevalent in sweet potato cultivation. Furthermore, strain SZMC 27715 induced accelerated germination and a significantly higher germination rate in tomato seeds compared to the control. In a field study, it was observed that strain SZMC 27715 had a potent yield enhancing effect in sweet potato, where a significant yield per plant increase was observed in all treatments (1.13, 1.09 and 1.40 kg) compared to the control plants (0.92 kg). The highest yield per plant was observed when the cuttings were soaked combined with two additional foliar treatments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful utilisation of the B. licheniformis strain as a biofertiliser for yield enhancement in sweet potato cultivation. Based on our results, strain SZMC 27715 has potential for application as a biofertiliser in sweet potato cultivation either as a standalone option or in a microbial consortium.