Alternative Plant Research Articles

Therapeutic potential of phytocompounds of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst (literature review)

The aim of the work was to evaluate the pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential of individual compounds and extracts of B. monnieri based on the analysis of data from scientific periodicals regarding chemical composition and biological action. Theoretically significant were the studies of the materials of the scientific-metric database PubMed and Google Scholar over the last five years regarding the chemical composition and biological action of extracts based on B. monnieri and their individual components. The search query was carried out by the Latin name of the plant, with the exception of publications related to botanical research. In separate PubChem searches, names of individual phytocompounds were used to establish structure and distribution in plants. The SuperPred web server was used to predict therapeutic potential. The authors analyzed the chemical composition of the extracts, presented the structural and pharmacological characteristics of bacosides and their aglycones: bacosin and juubogenin, cucurbitacin E, loliolide, betulinic and asiatic acids and the flavonoid oroxindin. The mechanism of action of bacoside on β-amyloid is characterized and illustrated. Using machine learning, the prospects for using the main compounds of bacopa to create drugs were calculated taking into account the ATC classification, their biological effects and alternative plant sources were given. Experimental animal studies of whole aqueous or ethanolic extracts of B. monnieri have been found to support a cognitive enhancement effect. The extract was not toxic to humans. Numerous clinical trials show the effectiveness of the use of extracts in the treatment of anhedonia, depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia and hyperactivity. An analysis of clinical studies in Ukraine shows that drugs based on B. monnieri can be used in the complex treatment of cognitive impairment associated with dyscirculatory encephalopathy in adults and perinatal CNS damage in children. Considering the amphiphilicity of bacosides and the non-toxicity of extracts, they can be involved in the development of various dosage forms with a wide range of therapeutic applications. Further study of the pharmacological action of B. monnieri and the development of drug technology for solid and liquid dosage forms based on it are promising.

Ecohydrological Dynamics and Temporal Water Origin in a European Mediterranean Vineyard

ABSTRACTViticulture is an essential sector in agriculture as wine production plays a vital role in the socio‐economic life of many countries, especially in the Mediterranean area. Grapevines are a valuable, long‐lived species able to grow in hot and dry regions. We currently do not know whether rain‐fed grapevines entirely rely on deep soil water or make substantial use of shallow water from summer precipitation events. Without knowing this, we poorly understand what fraction of summer precipitation inputs contributes to grapevine transpiration. This has implications for how we quantify grapevine‐relevant precipitation budgets and for predicting the impacts of climate change on grape and wine production. We investigated grapevine water use in a vineyard in the Chianti region, central Italy. During the growing season of 2021, we monitored precipitation and soil moisture at 30‐ and 60‐cm depth. We collected over 250 samples for stable isotope analysis from rainfall, soil, and plants. Since traditional plant water sampling is problematic for grapevines, we collected samples from shoots, leaves, and condensed leaf transpiration after sealed plastic bags were wrapped around a shoot. We use these alternative plant samples to reconstruct the isotopic signal in the xylem water and infer the plant's seasonal water origin throughout the growing season. The analysis of the seasonal origin of water revealed that, throughout the growing season, soil water and plant water received disproportional contributions by rain that had fallen in the winter, even when compensating for the Mediterranean climate of the area. Only in late summer did the grapevines use substantial amounts of summer rainfall, whose contribution occasionally became dominant. These results provide a better understanding of ecohydrological interactions and uptake dynamics in valuable socio‐economic agroecosystems such as vineyards.

Bio-control of soil-borne virus infection by seed application of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal

Main conclusionSeed-application of the natural products protects sugar beet and wheat plants against infection with plasmodiophorid-transmitted viruses and thus may represent an efficient, environmentally friendly, easy and cost effective biocontrol strategy.In times of intensive agriculture, resource shortening and climate change, alternative, more sustainable and eco-friendly plant protection strategies are required. Here, we tested the potential of the natural plant substances Glycyrrhiza glabra leaf extract (GE) and the rhamnolipid Rhapynal (Rha) applied to seeds to protect against infection of sugar beet and wheat with soil-borne plant viruses. The soil-borne Polymyxa betae- and Polymyxa graminis-transmitted viruses cause extensive crop losses in agriculture and efficient control strategies are missing. We show that GE and Rha both efficiently protect plants against infection with soil-borne viruses in sugar beet and wheat when applied to seeds. Moreover, the antiviral protection effect is independent of the cultivar used. No protection against Polymyxa sp. was observed after seed treatment with the bio-substances at our analysis time points. However, when we applied the bio-substances directly to soil a significant anti-Polymyxa graminis effect was obtained in roots of barley plants grown in the soil as well as in the treated soil. Despite germination can be affected by high concentrations of the substances, a range of antiviral protection conditions with no effect on germination were identified. Seed-treatment with the bio-substances did not negatively affect plant growth and development in virus-containing soil, but was rather beneficial for plant growth. We conclude that seed treatment with GE and Rha may represent an efficient, ecologically friendly, non-toxic, easy to apply and cost efficient biocontrol measure against soil-borne virus infection in plants.

A three-stage evaluation model for biomass co-firing combined with carbon capture and storage (in oil wells) retrofit in coal-fired power plants based on multi-criteria decision-making: An example from Hebei Province, China

Coal-fired power plants can be retrofitted by biomass co-firing combined with CO2 capture and storage, reducing carbon emissions significantly. Site selection is an important task for the entire project, but little research has been done on this. Therefore, this paper proposed a three-level evaluation model. Firstly, alternative power plants and carbon sequestration sites (set oil wells as an example) were screened by feasibility evaluations. Secondly, source-sink pairs were performed based on the shortest distance between power plants and oil wells. Finally, source-sink pairs were evaluated with suitability evaluation. Entropy weight method (EWM) and Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) were used to calculate objective and subjective weights, respectively. Lagrangian optimization method was used to combine the two weights. The ranking results of alternative source-sink pairs were obtained through Multi-Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis (MOORA) improved by combined weight. An example of in-service power plants in Hebei Province was conducted. Engineering geology and reservoir characteristics were the most important considerations. D5 (source: Langfang thermal power plant, sink: Bieguzhuang - Jing 11 oil well) was the best choice of the five given candidates. The results of the study provided an evaluation framework for governments and investors in retrofitting power plants.

FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR CREATING GREEN ENERGY PROJECTS IN THE UKRAINE-POLAND COLLABORATION

This paper examines the economic and financial advantages of improving international collaboration between Ukraine and Poland in the development of alternative energy projects. It conducts a thorough evaluation of existing and forthcoming renewable energy generation technologies, using expert, Delphi, and methods based on statistics to identify the most promising and universally applicable solutions. The calculation of the payback period for small-scale green energy projects pays particular attention to the actual duration of the period in the case of small business ventures. The findings are summarized with a vision for the future Ukrainian-Polish cooperation in the scope of green energy cooperation and specific instruments and processes that could contribute to the success of the collaboration.The article outlines the potential approach that involves the isolation of the cooperation between Ukraine and Poland in green energy relying on the creation of investment and venture funds, public support for the manufacturing of a renewable energy component, and the establishment of non-volatile industrial complexes. Additionally, measures such as independent small alternative power plants and the initiatives for the development of the Ukrainian-Polish joint network of alternative energy are mentioned.The current war between Ukraine and Russia has drawn attention to the crucial need for energy security and diversification, making Ukraine-Poland collaboration on green energy projects all the more important. Ukraine may minimize its reliance on the Russian energy supply by focusing on renewable energy programs, while Poland can invest in sustainable energy to boost regional stability and economic progress. The article points out that the continuation and advancement of green energy initiatives require international cooperation. The paper offers detailed guidance on how the financial, economic, and technological opportunities and relations between Ukraine and Poland may be enhanced.

Alternative transcriptomes and plant resilience: technological innovations and biological insights

Alternative transcriptomes and plant resilience: technological innovations and biological insights

Alternative plant protection using an indigenous bacterium (Stutzerimonas nitrititolerans) isolated from agricultural soil of potato fields in Western Algeria to biodegrade common pesticides

Nowadays, it is highly important to find ways to degrade pesticides residues from the environment. We studied degradation of carbamate, copper sulphate - Cymoxanil and Cycloxydim by using an indeginous bacterium Stutzerimonas nitrititolerans. This bacteria uses pesticides as source of carbon and solubilize them by their enzymatic machinery. Experiments were conducted using mineral salt medium (MSM) on agar supplemented with two different pesticides as sole carbon and energy source: carbamate and acetamiprid. These organic pesticides contain carbon (example of carbamate: NH2COOH). Growth of the bacteria could suggest that it has utilized the pesticide as its sole energy source, indicating its ability to degrade the pesticide. The effects of different factors on pesticides degradation were investigated such us pesticide tolerance. The bacteria were tested for the ability to tolerate high concentrations of pesticides to optimize the degradation conditions. The treatments consisted of carbon-free mineral salts medium (MSM) supplemented with pesticides that are usually used during cultivation of potato such as acetamiprid, carbamate, copper sulphate - Cymoxanil and Cycloxydim at increasing concentrations (70, 100, 200 and 500mgl-1). Bacterial growth was monitored by daily measurement of the optical density at 600 nm on UV-1600 Spectrophotometer. Only one strain (Labeled PF2 of Stutzerimonas nitrititolerans) showed potential to tolerate and mitigate the tested pesticides at high concentrations. Further, a phenotypic characterization was carried, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis performed to identify the PF2 strain. Pesticides did not show any significant inhibitory effect on the isolate PF2. Comparison of sequences with GenBank database gave similarity with Stutzerimonas nitrititolerans with 99.74% of homology. A phylogenetic tree of Stutzerimonas nitrititolerans was constructed to show relationship to closely related bacteria. The potential and efficiency of the strain PF2 using pesticides can be considered as a qualitative leap in the field of pesticide bioremediation in agricultural soils.

Evaluation of host plant species for a trap cropping strategy in integrated pest management of pineapple mealybug (Dysmicoccus brevipes)

Pineapple mealybugs are responsible for the emergence of pineapple wilt disease and the subsequent transmission of the pineapple disease virus. This study aimed to evaluate the alternate host plants as potential trap crops for pineapple mealybug. A total of nine host plant species, banana, pumpkin, roselle, hibiscus, ground fig, okra, java grass, goose grass and rhodes grass were selected for the study. Thirty adult females of pineapple mealybug were reared on a pumpkin for two months. Three replicates of a plot (area covered with black netting measuring 3 m × 3 m) were set up. Nine host plant species, approximately 2–3 feet in a 16 inch × 16 inch polybag were arranged in a circle around the pumpkin. The effectiveness of the host plant species was determined by calculating the infestation of each plant species for six months (with two-week observations). Our findings revealed that the pineapple mealybug prefers banana with the greatest mean and SD value (621.7±172.7), followed by pumpkin (237.0±45.6) and the lowest one is rhodes grass (2.00±26.5). ANOVA results show that there is a significant difference between host plant species (F-value of 26.87 and a P-value < 0.00). The observations suggest that banana has the potential to be utilized as trap crops for pineapple mealybug, and can be considered in IPM strategy to control pineapple mealybug.

Identifying mutation region of herbicide-resistant Mutant Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) lines by molecular characterization

Quinoa can be considered as an alternative plant with its features being compatible with unfavorable climate and soil conditions. Moreover, the nutrient content of its seed is great. But there is not a selective herbicide for weeds in quinoa fields. This is a significant problem in the quinoa cultivation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop herbicide-resistant quinoa lines In the study, Tititcaca, a variety of quinoa was used. Sodium azide was used 1.5 mM for mutagenesis. Herbicide-resistant plants were determined by applying herbicide belonging to the IMI group in the M3 generation. These were named ET-6, ET-7, OT-11 and T-103. The 4 mutant lines obtained as a result of seed mutagenesis, and mutant line OT-11 plants occurred in the form of replacement of the cytosine nucleotide with the adenine nucleotide (CA) in the ALS gene. Line ET-6 plants, the thymine nucleotide was replaced with a guanine nucleotide (TG). The mutation occurring in the OT-11 and ET-6 genotypes was evaluated as a transversion-type mutation. A transition type mutation occurred in mutant line T-103 plants as well, and this mutation occurred in the form of substitution of thymine nucleotide with cytosine nucleotide (TC) at nucleotide 1114. According to the results, weed control in agriculture can be done effectively by developing varieties resistant to IMI group herbicides in quinoa plants. Herbicide resistance studies should be continued in the next generations with the ET-6, OT-11, and T-103 lines.

Inducible defense phytohormones in annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) in response to annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis) infestation.

The annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis) is the most damaging insect pest of short-mown turfgrass on golf courses in eastern North America. Listronotus maculicollis larvae cause limited visible damage as stem-borers (L1-3), compared to the crown-feeding (L4-5) developmental instars. Prolonged larval feeding results in discoloration and formation of irregular patches of dead turf, exposing soil on high-value playing surfaces (fairways, collars, tee boxes, and putting greens). Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is highly susceptible to L. maculicollis compared to a tolerant alternate host plant, creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera). This study explored whether defense signaling phytohormones contribute to A. stolonifera tolerance in response to L. maculicollis. Concentrations (ng/g) of salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), jasmonic-isoleucine (JA-Ile), 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA), and abscisic acid (ABA) were extracted from turfgrass (leaf, stem, and root) tissue samples as mean larval age reached 2nd (L2), 3rd (L3), and 4th (L4) instar. Poa annua infested with L. maculicollis larvae (L2-4) possessed significantly greater SA in above-ground tissues than A. stolonifera. Levels of constitutive JA, JA-Ile, OPDA, and ABA were significantly higher within non-infested A. stolonifera aboveground tissues compared to P. annua. Inducible defense phytohormones may play a role in P. annua susceptibility to L. maculicollis but are unlikely to provide tolerance in A. stolonifera. Additional studies in turfgrass breeding, particularly focusing on cultivar selection for increased constitutive JA content, could provide a non-chemical alternative management strategy for L. maculicollis for turfgrass managers.

Population monitoring and status evaluation of the new invasive pest, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), in various crop systems of Georgia (Sakartvelo)

Summary The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931), population fluctuations and distribution were monitored in four susceptible crops (blueberry, strawberry, cherry, wine grapes) and five major agricultural regions of Georgia (Guria, Samegrelo, Imereti, Kartli and Kakheti) during the years 2021 and 2022 with the aim to study the population size and evaluate the pest status. Population monitoring was conducted in four locations of each studied region on a weekly basis from May to November using PHEROCON® SWD traps with PHEROCON® SWD PEEL-PAK™ Broad Spectrum Lures. The investigation indicated significant growth of population from 2021 to 2022 in most of the studied locations. Population increase was detected in all crop orchards except cherries. Τhe absence of alternative host plants at crop proximity was of critical importance to save the crop from pest invasion. The crop plant species did not have a significant impact on D. suzukii. Pest population was significantly larger in summer and autumn compared to spring, possibly influenced by the ripening of alternative crops such as blackberry and elderberry. The sex ratio between male and female individuals was almost 1:1 and remained consistent through the two-year study period and across regions. We consider that D. suzukii entered the country from the southwestern part and extended its distribution range towards the east. No strategies for D. suzukii control have been elaborated in Georgia so far. Sprays of effective pesticides based on pest monitoring as well as sanitation measures involving removal of alternative host plants and any crop residues from the field are necessary to avoid pest outbreak.

Dietary Taurine Improves The Growth Performance, Health Status and Liver Histopathology of Meagre (Argyrosomus Regius) Fed A Reduced Fish Meal Diet

Abstract Research has focused on alternative plant materials or additives that can be used instead of fish meal due to limited stocks and increased feed prices, although it is important for carnivorous fish species. Taurine is a functional amino acid supplemented to low fish meal diets to improve the growth performance of fish. In this study, eight experimental diets with 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% ratios of taurine supplemented (T0, T0.5, T1 and T2) high (HFM) and low fish meal (LFM) diets were prepared (defined as HFMT0, HFMT0.5, HFMT1, HFMT2, LFMT0, LFMT0.5, LFMT1 and LFMT2). The experiment was carried out in twenty-four 400 L rectangular fiberglass tanks conducted in a marine water system, and fish (initial mean weight of 23.5 g) were stocked in each tank. The nutrition trial was carried out for 90 days with three replicates. Meagre fed with the HFMT1 diet had a higher final mean weight (FMW) and specific growth rate (SGR) than fish fed with HFMT0 and all LFM diets. Including taurine in all LFM diets also enhanced growth performance. The FMW and SGR of fish fed the LFMT0.5 diet were similar when compared to HFMT0 (P>0.05) and increased compared to that of other LFM diets with taurine (P<0.05). Meagre fed the LFM0.5 diet had a lower feed conversion rate (FCR) than those provided for all HFM diets, although there was no significant difference between treatments. Dietary taurine has decreased the hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI) and total ammonia-nitrogen excretion (TAN), irrespective of taurine and fish meal levels. Including dietary taurine at both fish meal levels enhances the number of red blood cells (RBC) and whole-body amino acids of meagre. The most remarkable conclusion of this study is the inclusion of taurine in low fish meal diets improved growth performance and profitability in meagre, and the level of 0.5% has been recommended.

ENHANCEMENT OF FLOWER INDUCTION IN HARUMANIS MANGO (Mangifera indica L.) WITH ETHEPHON APPLICATION DURING OFF-SEASON

In cultural practice of Harumanis tree, plant growth regulator such as paclobutrazol is applied at late vegetative stage to induce flowering. However, starting from 2020 to 2023, there is a sharp yield reduction due to the unexpected weather condition. Unexpected heavy rain had caused Harumanis flower to drop from the panicle before the pollination occur. Due to this problem, ethephon was identified as an alternative plant growth regulator for flower induction. Ethephon is an ethylene releasing agent that help mediate many aspects in plant growth and development such as shoot development and flower induction. Thus, the objective of this study is to observe the influence of ethephon application during off-season on vegetative growth stage and flower induction of harumanis tree. Total of 32 Harumanis trees (3 years old) in Research Plot, Unit Ladang Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis were treated with ethephon in September 2023 by foliar spray until run-off on the plant canopy. Treatments were arranged according to Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with three different concentrations of ethephon and being diluted 2 hours before application which are 400 ppm, 600 ppm, and 800 ppm and control (without application). The parameters were recorded 2 weeks interval: number of leaves, number of buds, length of bud, relative chlorophyll content, stomatal density, day to flowering, and number of flower panicles. The vegetative growth stage shows significant difference among concentrations applied where number of leaves is higher with 400 ppm. Meanwhile, the flower formation occurs after 2 months and 4 months of ethephon application at treatment of 800 ppm and 400 ppm respectively. However, there is no significant difference presented on the Harumanis physiological characteristics. As from this study, it can be concluded that the application of ethephon influences the growth of performance and flower formation of Harumanis when applied with specific concentration.

Fortification of Pea and Potato Protein Isolates in Oat-Based Milk Alternatives; Effects on the Sensory and Volatile Profile.

Oat-based milk alternatives (OMAs) are an important alternative to bovine milk, with prevalence of lactose intolerance, as well as soy and nut allergies limiting consumers options. However, OMAs are typically lower in protein content than both bovine milk and soy-based alternatives, with protein quality limited by low lysine levels, which can reduce protein digestibility. Addition of alternative plant proteins may increase the quantity of protein, as well as balancing the amino acid profile. However, plant-based proteins have additional sensory qualities and off-flavours, which may lead to undesirable characteristics when introduced to OMAs. This study aimed to assess the effect of pea and potato protein addition on the sensory profile, volatile profile, colour, and particle size in an OMA control product. Results demonstrated that pea protein contributed to a bitter and metallic taste, astringent aftertaste, and a significantly increased overall aroma correlated with higher levels of key volatiles. Whilst potato protein resulted in less flavour changes, it did lead to increased powdery mouthfeel and mouthcoating supported by a substantially increased particle size. Both protein fortifications led to detectable colour changes and a staler flavour. Fortification of OMA product with the pea protein led to significant sensory, volatile and physical changes, whilst the potato protein led to predominantly physical changes. Further investigation into alternative plant-based proteins is necessary to optimise sensory qualities whilst increasing protein content and the amino acid profile.

Silage Quality Characteristics of Quinoa Varieties Grown in Different Row Spacings

Changing climatic conditions, agricultural lands becoming barren, losing their qualities and decreasing feed resources have led to the search for alternative feed resources. Quinoa (Chenepodium quinoa Willd.) is increasing in importance as an alternative feed source because it is a plant resistant to arid, salty and cold conditions. Quinoa plant can be considered as an alternative plant for silage, which is an important feed source for animals. In this study, the effects of sowing Cherry Vanilla and Read Head quinoa varieties at 4 different row spacings (17.5, 35.0, 52.5, 70.0 cm) on silage quality were investigated. In the research, pH, dry matter ratio, fleig score, ammonia production, sensory analyses, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid contents of quinoa silage were determined. While the effect of row spacing on dry matter ratio, ammonia production, sensory analysis, lactic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid ratios was found to be significant, its effect on pH value was insignificant. The quinoa varieties used in the research had a significant effect on the dry matter ratio and propionic acid content. In the light of the results obtained from the research, it was concluded that in order to obtain a quality quinoa silage, the plants should be sown in 52.5 cm row spacing and the Cherry Vanilla variety should be preferred.

Effectiveness of Basil Leaf Nanoparticle Supplementation on Stress Levels and Breast Milk Adequacy in Postpartum

The prevalence of stress events in postpartum increases every year, the result can inhibit the adequacy of breastfeeding in postpartum. To overcome the problem of stress and adequacy of breast milk, basil leaves are an alternative plant that can function as a lactagogue and prevent stress complications is the supplementation of basil leaf nanoparticles. increase the absorption of drugs by the body. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of basil leaf nanoparticles on stress levels and adequacy of breast milk in post-partum. The research method uses quantitative research with quasi-experimental methods with probability sampling, design pre and post-test with control group. The results showed that the stress level in the intervention group was proven to reduce stress levels with an average of 18.50 before being given treatment and an average of 11.18 after treatment. Administration of basil leaf nanoparticles showed a significant difference in reducing stress levels. In the indicator of adequacy of breastfeeding in the form of baby's weight (p<0.005) frequency of bowel movements (p<0.005) frequency of bowel movements (p<0.005) and frequency of breastfeeding (0.369<0.005) means that there are differences in baby's weight, frequency of bowel movements, frequency of urination, and the frequency of breastfeeding in the intervention group and the control group

The Immunostimulatory Potential and Resistance Aeromonas hydrophila of Pineapple Peel Extract in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study described the efficiency of pineapple peel extract (PPE) in increasing the immunity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and in inhibiting Aeromonas hydrophila infections. The PPE concentrations used in this study were: 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/mL. 0.1 mL of PPE was administered via intraperitoneal injection into the fish. On day 7, fish was intraperitoneally injected with 0.1 mL A. hydrophila (density 108 CFU/mL). Hematology and biochemical serum parameters were observed on day 1 and 7 after injected with PPE and day 7 and 14 post-challenge with A. hydrophila. The results indicated that, red blood cells, white blood cells, and hematocrit of PPE-injected fish were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase in the fish groups receiving PPE were lower than those of the control group. After challenge test, fish injected with 125 mg/mL PPE concentration was able to significantly reduce the mortality rate compare to control (from 80.50% to 47.22%). It can be concluded that PPE was effective in preventing A. hydrophila infections, and had a positive impact on the immunity of fish. So that pineapple is an alternative plant that can be used to improve fish health.

Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Cerdas untuk Pemilihan Jenis Tanaman Pertanian Kota

Urban farming activities have become increasingly popular to meet their food needs in urban areas. Jakarta as provinces with a population density of high, have a program of urban farming is developed by the farmers to urban Balkot Farm. This study aims to support system to develop a clever move the crop farm a town with the simple additive weighting (SAW). The methods used to obtain the highest related alternative plant assessed according to its parameters that affect the eligibility of land and a room with a variety of plants. The methodology used software development life cycle (SDLC) prototyping model consisting of five of the communication, quick plan, modeling quick design, construction of prototype deployment and delivery and feedback. Data collection method using interviews and the study of literature. Research results of a web application system that has an alternative menu, criteria, subcriteria, rating match and results. Smart decision support system based on black box testing and user acceptance testing successfully shows menus according to land criteria that will be used according to stakeholder needs.

Fruiting of Cronartium and Coleosporium rust fungi on Melampyrum spp. in Scots pine stands under various forest management applications in northern Finland

Cronartium pini is the causal agent of Scots pine blister rust in northern Europe. New silvicultural methods have recently been launched to manage Pinus sylvestris stands in Finland. Continuous-cover-forest management (CCF) is an approved alternative method for the traditional rotation-forest management (RF). The aim of this study was to compare fruiting and disease incidence of C. pini in forest stands managed applying the CCF and RF approaches. The incidence of C. pini-caused disease was assessed on P. sylvestris before, and on alternate herbaceous plant hosts Melampyrum pratense and M. sylvaticum one year after the CCF or RF application procedures and compared between several forest management types such as seed-tree cutting (STC), clearcutting (CC), gap cutting (GC), selection cutting (SC) and uncut control in seven study sites. Fruiting of the needle rust fungus, Coleosporium tussilaginis f. sp. melampyri, was also investigated. In 2020–2021, the number of P. sylvestris trees with symptoms of C. pini was low in all management types, and disease incidence varied from 0% to 2.8% among the management types. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of symptomatic pines between the management types and study sites at the beginning of the silvicultural management operations. Ten M. sylvaticum and/or M. pratense from five sample plots were collected in each managed stand. The incidence of symptomatic leaves of C. pini on M. sylvaticum varied from 0.6% to 7.7% among the management types and on M. pratense from 0% to 1.2% one year after the management applications. Coleosporium needle rust was more common than C. pini on Melampyrum spp. The percentage of leaves with C. tussilaginis f. sp. melampyri telia varied from 7.9% to 55.4% on M. pratense and from 0.6% to 24.8% on M. sylvaticum among the management types. The frequency of C. pini telia on M. pratense did not differ between the management types. The frequency of C. tussilaginis f. sp. melampyri telia on M. pratense did not differ between study sites, but it was significantly higher in unmanaged control stands compared to CC- or STC-managed stands a year after the management application. This indicated that the rust fungus fruited on Melampyrum more abundantly in forest stands that had the highest tree density prior to its fruiting. The results provide basic information of rust incidence in forest stands shortly after their management. The long-term effect of the different forest management types on rust incidence both on pines and alternate hosts will be assessed periodically years later. Keywords: alternate hosts; Melampyrum pretense; Melampyrum sylvaticum; Pinus sylvestris; rust diseases; Scots pine blister rust

Off-season survival and life history of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) on various host plants

The beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has become a significant pest of chickpea in recent years. The polyphagous nature allows it to survive on various hosts during the off-season, creating a great menace to the crop in the following season. To assess the incidence and document the alternate hosts of S. exigua, a rapid roving survey was conducted in 11 chickpea-growing areas of Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Additionally, the life history traits of S. exigua were studied on major alternate host plants under laboratory conditions (27 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 2% RH) to understand the survival, life expectancy and potential contribution to future populations. The results show that, among the different crops surveyed, the maximum larval incidence was noticed in maize (1.93 larvae/plant), cowpea (1.73 larvae/plant), and sunflower (1.68 larvae/plant) during the off-season. Life history studies of S. exigua showed that highest larval survival percentage was observed on chickpea (83.6%), while the lowest was on maize (44.5%). The mean developmental time for larvae was longest on maize (27.1 days) and shortest on chickpea (14.9 days). Larvae did not develop beyond the third instar when fed with chilli. The growth index statistics showed chickpea (9.2) was the most suitable host plant, whereas maize (0.9) was the least suitable host. The age-stage-specific survival rate (Sxj) varied across developmental stages, and the survival curves overlapped, indicating different growth rates among individuals. The life expectancy (exj) at age zero was highest on groundnut (37.06 days). The intrinsic rate of increase (r) of S. exigua was lowest on maize (0.10 ± 0.0013) and highest on chickpea (0.22 ± 0.0010). Similarly, the net reproductive rate (R0) was highest on chickpea (846.39 ± 18.22) and lowest on maize (59.50 ± 2.06). The population doubled every 3.08 ± 0.011 days on chickpea compared to 7.22 ± 0.80 days on maize. The study conclusively indicates that chickpea and sunflower, primarily cultivated during the rabi season in India, are the most preferred hosts for S. exigua. In contrast, maize and cotton, mainly grown during the kharif season, are less preferred and merely support the pest's survival. Consequently, S. exigua switches hosts between different crops growing seasons, so effective management of S. exigua during the kharif season can help prevent pest outbreaks during the rabi season.