ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of pre-harvest foliar applications of Ca(NO3)2 and KNO3 on nutritional quality of Capsicum annuum, Capsicum chinense, and Capsicum frutescens in the late seasons of 2021 and 2024, and early seasons of 2023 and 2024 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The experiment utilized four foliar fertilizer : Ca(NO3)2, KNO3, alternating Ca(NO3)2 with KNO3, and no fertilizer application in a two factorial Randomized Block Design. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, Principal Component Analysis, and k-means clustering. Species, fertilizer type, and their interaction significantly influenced pepper fruit nutrition. In Early Season 2024, Ca(NO3)2 increased N content in C. frutescens by 24.67%, while in Late Season 2024, it improved Fe content in C. chinense 3.27-fold compared to controls. KNO3 consistently enhanced K content and raised carotenoids in C. frutescens by 43.33%. Non-sprayed controls showed high secondary metabolites (phenolics) but lower macronutrients. In conclusion, C. frutescens exhibited superior nutritional quality in late seasons. Foliar sprays inconsistently influenced nutritional variables but proved effective in mitigating anti-nutrient accumulation. Consequently, species-specific and season-dependent fertilizer management is recommended to optimize pepper nutrient density and safety.

Arabica coffee is celebrated for its unique flavor profile, yet enhancing its global market competitiveness requires innovation in post-harvest processing. Fermentation using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) specifically Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus brevis holds promise for modifying the coffee’s flavor, boosting acidity, and enriching its aroma and flavor complexity. However, the use of this technique in Arabica coffee processing remains limited. This study therefore aims to examine how LAB fermentation and roasting techniques influence the quality of Arabica coffee. The key controlled variables were fermentation duration (0, 12, 48, and 72 hours) and roasting method, which included light roast (160°C), medium roast (180°C), and dark roast (200°C). The experiment followed a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a 4×3 factorial arrangement and three replications, yielding a total of 36 experimental units. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) as part of a quantitative descriptive analysis. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that fermentation time, roasting technique, and their interaction significantly affect the pH and moisture content of Arabica coffee beans. Meanwhile, roasting technique alone significantly influences caffeine content. The optimal treatment identified in this study was Arabica coffee beans fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum for 24 hours followed by medium roasting (180°C), which yielded a pH of 5.18, moisture content of 3.77%, caffeine content of 1.20%, a cupping score of 78.35, and a chlorogenic acid (CGA) content of 18.16 mg/g of roasted coffee beans.

BackgroundCognitive decline and incident dementia in ageing populations have been linked to brain parenchymal injury and the ALPS index (ALPS-I).ObjectiveThis investigation aimed to elucidate whether the baseline ALPS-I could predict incident dementia and cognitive decline in this population.MethodsIn total, 973 dementia-free participants from the Shunyi Study (mean age, 57 years; 37% male) received MRI between 2013 and 2016 to quantify the ALPS-I. The longitudinal relationships between the ALPS-I and cognitive deterioration in various cognitive areas were evaluated via linear mixed models. Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to explore the link between the index and incident dementia. Mediation assessments were carried out to identify the potential mediating effects of brain parenchymal injury on the link between the ALPS-I and cognition.ResultsThe baseline ALPS-I predicted longitudinal changes in global cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), language (verbal fluency test), visuospatial perception (block design subtest of Wechsler intelligence scale), and executive function (Trail Making Test). A lower score was markedly associated with a higher incident dementia risk. Mediation analysis revealed that fractional anisotropy mediated the associations between the ALPS-I and executive function (mediation effect: 21.9%) and visuospatial perception (mediation effect: 68.8%). The white matter hyperintensity fraction was found to mediate the link between the ALPS-I and global cognition (mediation effect: 55.0%).ConclusionsThis longitudinal evidence supports a link between the ALPS-I and cognitive degeneration. Furthermore, the link is mediated by subcortical parenchymal injury.

Nuggets are a type of food product that is popular with the public because of its practical nature. Generally made from chicken meat. Innovation in this product includes the addition of white oyster mushrooms to increase the diversification of high-fiber nugget processing. The purpose of this study was to obtain the right balance of chicken meat and white oyster mushrooms to produce the best nugget characteristics. This study was conducted in the Chemistry Laboratory and Food Processing Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ma'soem University and chemical testing was carried out in the West Java Provincial Health Laboratory from April to June 2025. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments of chicken meat and white oyster mushrooms (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) and four replications. The observed characteristic parameters were water content, protein content, fat content, crude fiber content as well as organoleptic tests in the form of color, aroma, taste and texture. The results of this study indicate that the balance of chicken meat and white oyster mushrooms 80:20 produces nuggets with the best characteristics. This determination is based on water content 54.20%, protein content 24.16%, fat content 5.82%, crude fiber content 6.05% and organoleptic tests of color 3.56 (like), aroma 3.35 (like), taste 3.77 (like) and texture 3.61 (like).

Agarwood-producing plants (Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk.) have high economic value, but excessive exploitation without reforestation causes scarcity. This study aims to determine the interaction of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) concentrations to increase the growth of agarwood-producing plant seedling genotypes in former coal mining areas. This study used an experimental method in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two factors: agarwood seedling genotypes and PGPR concentrations. The two genotypes tested were Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk. and Aquilaria microcarpa Lamk. The four PGPR concentrations applied were 0, 10, 20, and 30 ml/L. Growth data were analyzed using the F-test at the 5% level and then followed by Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) if an interaction was found. PGPR applications showed a significant effect on seedling growth. A strong interaction was found between PGPR concentration and genotype. The PGPR concentration of 20 ml/L was the most effective, significantly increasing the height, number and size of leaves, and root weight of the Aquilaria malaccensis genotype. Interestingly, both genotypes showed a 100% survival rate and were ready for replanting (reforestation) on post-mining land. The addition of PGPR, especially at a concentration of 20 ml/L, can significantly increase the growth of agarwood seedlings, making it an effective biological agent for cultivation on marginal land. The high survival rate indicates that these seedlings are adaptive and can be a solution for rehabilitating post-mining land and meeting market demand for agarwood. Keywords: Agarwood plant, reforestation, coal mine soils, marginal lands, beneficial microbes,phytohormones, productivity.

Introduction The choice of growth media is an important aspect of nurseries, as it affects the success and quality of the seedling establishment. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of soil amendment on germination and growth of marula. Methods The soil was amended with cattle manure at the following ratios: T1 (5 parts topsoil: 1-part sand: 4 parts cattle manure), T2 (6 parts topsoil: 1 part sand: 3 parts cattle manure), T3 (4 parts topsoil: 2 parts sand: 4 parts cattle manure), T4 (5 parts topsoil: 2 parts sand: 3 parts cattle manure), T5 (4 parts topsoil: 4 parts sand: 2 parts cattle manure), T6 (topsoil only), T7 (Cattle manure only), and T8 (sand only). A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used and replicated four times. Results The effects of soil amendment on germination were highly significant (p < 0.001) at two weeks, three weeks, and four weeks after planting. Marula seeds that were grown in a medium of cattle manure only showed the highest final germination percentage (92.25%) after six weeks. Plant height was also significantly influenced by growth media at eight (p < 0.001) and 12 (p < 0.05) weeks after planting. The effects of growth media were also highly significant (p < 0.001) on the germination index, germination rate, and vigor index. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in root lengths were recorded 90 days after planting. Discussion From these results, it can be concluded that soil amendment with cattle manure enhances germination and early seedling growth and development of marula.

In Côte d'Ivoire, the high dependence on rice imports is exacerbated by low national productivity, primarily due to soil degradation. The use of humic extracts (HE) derived from animal manure represents a sustainable alternative for improving soil fertility. However, their effectiveness varies depending on the source and application dose, necessitating a comparative evaluation to optimize their use in rice farming. This study aimed to assess the influence of the source (cow, chicken, pig, rabbit) and the application dose (D1: 1 %, D2: 2.5 %, D3: 5 %) of humic extracts on the agronomic parameters and yield of rice (Oryza sativa). The experiment was conducted following a randomized complete block design with three replications. Twelve treatments combining four HE sources and three doses were compared to a control receiving mineral fertilization (NPK + Urea). The measured parameters included plant height, number of tillers, number of full and empty grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight, and yield. The application of humic extracts significantly improved rice growth and yield compared to mineral control. Extracts from rabbit (2.5 %) and pig (2.5 %) manure increased plant height by 12.2 % and 10.75 %, respectively. The 5 % pig extract induced the highest increase in the number of tillers (+ 45 %). All HE treatments increased the number of full grains per panicle (up to +35.6 %) and reduced the number of empty grains, with a notable 53 % decrease observed for the pig and rabbit manure extracts at 2.5 %. The 1000-grain weight was unaffected by any treatment. Grain yield showed a significant increase, reaching a maximum of 12.13 t / ha with the 2.5 % pig extract. Humic extracts derived from local animal manure, especially those from pigs, represent a highly promising solution for sustainably increasing rice yields in Côte d'Ivoire. Keywords: Oryza sativa, humic extract, animal manure, soil fertility, agronomic yield, sustainable agriculture, organic amendment.

Introduction The study evaluated the effects of foliar magnesium (Mg) application and inoculation/co-inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) on soybean physiological metabolism and yield in a long-term no-tillage system under Brazilian Cerrado conditions. Despite the relevance of PGPRs for crop resilience, there remains a research gap regarding the use of Priestia megaterium and Bacillus subtilis as stimulators of plant physiological metabolism under field conditions, particularly their potential to mitigate adverse climate-related stresses. The novelty of this study lies in the unprecedented assessment of the interaction between foliar Mg application and the inoculation of these bacteria in soil under a long-term no-tillage system. We investigate how this combination can enhance the crop’s physiological metabolism, contributing to refined agricultural management techniques that are essential for addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Methods The field experiment was carried out in an Oxisol over two growing seasons, using a randomized complete block design in a factorial scheme (3 x 2), combining three inoculation treatments ( Bradyrhizobium , Bacillus subtilis , and Priestia megaterium ) with or without foliar Mg application at the V 6 soybean growth stage. Results The control treatment ( Bradyrhizobium japonicum ) showed higher ureide content (approximately 25% greater than the seed co-inoculation treatment) and greater plant height in both growing seasons. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that the control was more susceptible to heat stress, as evidenced by higher MDA and peroxide levels. Furrow co-inoculation exhibited intermediate performance, with greater sensitivity to high temperatures in the 2023/24 season and lower water-use efficiency in 2024/25. In contrast, seed co-inoculation increased the number of pods (40%) and grains per plant (45%), enhanced gross photosynthesis (40%), instantaneous water-use efficiency (25%), and internal carbon concentration (10%), compared with the control in both evaluated seasons. Conclusion The combination of seed co-inoculation with foliar Mg application reduced hydrogen peroxide content, suggesting mitigation of reactive compounds and greater physiological stability. In summary, seed co-inoculation associated with foliar Mg application improved physiological attributes and yield components of soybean under field conditions in the Cerrado.

Population growth and global climate change have increased food demand while reducing agricultural productivity, including that of red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a commodity that plays an important role in supporting national food security. The decline in red bean production in Indonesia over the past five years has been influenced by extreme climatic conditions and excessive use of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, improvement efforts are needed through the application of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) with appropriate intervals and dosages. This study aimed to determine the effect of LOF application intervals, LOF dosages, and their interaction on the growth and yield of red kidney bean. The experiment was arranged using a factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors: LOF application interval (I1: once every week, I2: once every two weeks, I3: once every three weeks, I4: once every four weeks) and LOF dosage (D1: 2 ml/L, D2: 3 ml/L, D3: 4 ml/L), each with three replications, resulting in 36 treatment combinations with a total population of 540 plants. The results showed that the LOF application interval had a significant effect on several growth and yield parameters, including number of leaves, number of filled pods per plant, weight of 100 seeds, and yield per hectare. Based on the findings, the I1 treatment produced the best growth and yield. The dosage factor did not significantly affect any parameter, although D1 tended to produce more optimal results. The interaction between interval and dosage showed no significant effect; however, the I1D1 combination exhibited the highest trends in both vegetative and generative performance. Thus, applying LOF at one-week intervals with a dosage of 2 ml/L is recommended as the most effective treatment for improving the growth and yield of red kidney bean.

Genotype × environment (G × E) interaction is a critical consideration in rice breeding, as it determines the adaptability and stability of genotypes across diverse agroecological zones. This study aimed to explore the most suitable and stable Boro rice genotypes for Bangladesh. In this study, seven rice genotypes were evaluated in Boro season across twelve locations in Bangladesh during the 2024 Boro season to investigate genotype-environment interaction (GEI) and yield stability performance. The experiment utilized three replications of a completely randomized block design. The analyses were performed through the Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and Genotype plus Genotype × Environment (GGE) biplot models. The AMMI analysis revealed that environment accounted for the largest proportion of total variation (51.9%), followed by G × E interaction (16.7%) and genotype (3.7%) The AMMI identified genotypes G2 and G6 as stable, high-yielding genotypes. The GGE biplot analysis accounted for 78.4% of the total G × E interaction, with identifying G2 and G6 as elite genotypes for broad adaptation with high yield potential. Both the AMMI and GGE analyses consistently identified genotypes G2 and G6 as stable and emerge as elite genotypes for broad adaptation with high yield potential, while G1 and G5 show strong performance in specific environmental sets. The combined use of AMMI and GGE analyses effectively captured both yield stability and adaptability patterns, supporting that G2 was broadly adapted, high-yielding entries suitable for rice development program in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Rice J.28(1): 69-79, 2024

Abstract Participatory variety selection (PVS) offers a practical alternative to researcher‐led breeding by directly involving farmers in evaluating and selecting crop varieties that meet their production needs and local conditions. This study assessed the agronomic performance and farmer preferences for eight released teff varieties and one standard check during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons in Shebel Berenta and Dejen districts of the East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. Mother‐and‐baby trials were established using a randomized complete block design at Farmer Training Centers. Significant variation was observed among varieties across years and locations. Boset produced the highest grain yield in Shebel Berenta (3285 kg/ha), yielding 21.00% more than the standard check, Quncho, while in Dejen, it produced 2256 kg/ha, a 26.80% advantage over the standard check. Farmers identified grain yield, panicle length, and tillering ability as the most important selection criteria. Boset was the top‐preferred variety in both locations, followed by Dagem and Quncho in Shebel Berenta, and Felagot and Quncho in Dejen. The findings demonstrate the practical value of PVS in generating varieties that align with farmers’ priorities, thereby enhancing the likelihood of adoption and ensuring better matching between breeding objectives and local agronomic and market needs.

Soybean ( Glycine max L.) is highly sensitive to herbicides, which limits the effectiveness of chemical weed control and poses challenges to sustainable production. Biochar, a porous, carbon-rich material with a strong capacity for herbicide adsorption, is commonly applied as a soil amendment; however, its potential use as a seed coating to protect soybean seedlings from herbicide injury remains largely unexplored. To address this gap, a two-year field study (2022-2023) was conducted at the Agronomic Farm, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, to evaluate the effectiveness of biochar-coated soybean seeds in enhancing herbicide tolerance and suppressing weeds. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement, comprising 12 treatments replicated three times. The treatments included biochar-coated seeds and normal seeds, combined with six weed control treatments: s-metolachlor + pendimethalin, s-metolachlor, fluizefop-p-butyl, haloxyfop-p-ethyl, weed-free, and a weedy check. Growth, yield, quality, and weed-related indices were recorded throughout the study. Results revealed that biochar-coated seeds combined with s-metolachlor + pendimethalin significantly reduced weeds dry weight (699.5 and 516.2 kg ha -1 ), lower susceptibility index (1.5 and 1.2) and higher seed yield (1879.21 and 1933.77 kg ha -1 ), protein content (34.7% and 35.3%) and oil content (19.3 and 19.8%) in 2022 and 2023, respectively, demonstrating the protective role of biochar against herbicide-induced stress. This treatment also resulted in a 3.12% to 3.95% higher weed control percentage, a 9.93% to 12.55% increase in weed persistence index, and a 3.25% higher weed control efficiency. Moreover, lower weed indices were recorded, with yield losses limited to only 6.66% and 8.93% compared to normal seeds. Overall, these findings confirm that biochar-coated seeds, combined with s-metolachlor and pendimethalin, effectively suppress weeds with minimal crop injury, while also improving protein, oil content, and yield. This highlight biochar-based seed coating as a promising, climate-smart, and environmentally safe strategy for sustainable soybean production, warranting further investigation across diverse agro-ecological conditions.

To boost oil palm production in West Africa, juvenile material must be derived from somatic embryogenesis on callus from explants. However, in recent years, callus multiplication rates have declined and embryo production from induced callus has ceased. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of activated carbon granulometry on embryo induction in oil palm seedlings. Callus samples were prepared and cultured on different media with different activated carbon concentrations. Treatments were applied using the Fischer block design. Eight micrometre sections were cut, stained with Regaud’s haematoxylin and examined under the microscope. The results showed that the clones 175 and 280 produced two (25%) and three (35.5%) embryos, respectively. Activated carbon alone had minimal effect on this rate (F=19.831). However, the combination of activated carbon and a temperature of 27°C (p = 0.004) significantly improved the callus multiplication rate. In conclusion, embryogenic calluses should have radial cell rows, whereas non-embryogenic calluses had large, disorganised cells. The cessation of embryo production is probably due to the disorganisation of the pseudocambial zone rather than the presence of activated carbon.

Determining protein requirements (PR) for dog maintenance using welfare-conscious methods is challenging. This study aimed to establish a minimally invasive and efficient protocol for applying the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) technique using L-[1-1³C] phenylalanine (1³Phe), while minimizing animal handling and cost (through lower isotope doses and fewer meals) and eliminating the need for respiration chambers. Two diets were extruded: a complete and balanced for maintenance based on poultry by-product meal (PBM) with 28% crude protein (CP); a low protein formulation where PBM was replaced by maize starch (SBD) with 6% CP (DM basis). Ingredients were analyzed, and the SBD was supplemented so both formulations presented 22 g/kg of phenylalanine + tyrosine (DM basis). The dilution technique was applied to create five levels of CP: 6%, 8%, 10%, 12% and 14% (DM basis). A sixth diet with 11% CP was used in the adaptation period. To test three feeding, isotope-enrichment, and sampling protocols (P1, P2, and P3), a block design was used with ten dogs assigned to each protocol (14.8 ± 1.1 kg; 5.8 ± 2.0 years). After two days of adaptation (11% CP), the daily dog food was divided into ten (P1), seven (P2), or five (P3) meals. A priming dose (PD) of 0.18 mg/kg of 13C-Bicarbonate (13Bic) and 0.66 mg/kg of 13Phe were offered on the fourth, sixth, or fifth meal, followed by six, four, and four subsequent doses of 1.33 mg/kg of 13Phe in capsules every 30 minutes (P1, P2, and P3, respectively). Two basal samples of expired air were collected using an adapted mask, and after PD, eight samples were collected, starting 30 (P1), 90 (P2), and 90 (P3) minutes after enrichment. The CO2 volume was measured by the 13Bic method using masks. The time required to reach isotopic steady state (ISS) and the accuracy of measurements varied across protocols. P1 required the longest time to reach ISS (183.7 ± 8.4 min) and showed lower accuracy (r2 = 0.39; mean absolute percentage error [MAPE] = 17.1%; P < 0.05). P3 reached ISS more quickly (105.4 ± 6.1 min) but demonstrated moderate accuracy (r2 = 0.67; MAPE = 7.1%; P < 0.05). P2 represented an intermediate condition, reaching ISS at 170.6 ± 6.7 min while providing higher accuracy (r2 = 0.81; MAPE = 1.26%; P < 0.05). It was concluded that P2 is a minimally invasive and efficient protocol for IAAO application in dogs, potentially providing valuable insights for future research involving dogs living outside of a laboratory setting.

This study aimed to evaluate in situ ruminal nutrient degradation, fractional disappearance rate, and effective ruminal degradation of hydroponically sprouted barley, wheat, and triticale. Two ruminally canulated lactating cows were used in a complete randomized block design with four treatments and nine incubation times (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 240 h). Treatments were corn silage (control), and sprouted barley, triticale, and wheat. Quadruplicate samples (5 g each) were placed in Dacron bags and incubated in the rumen. Then, bags were rinsed and spun, dried (48 h × 55 °C; 3 h × 105 °C), and weighed to determine residual dry matter (DM). Data were analyzed using mixed models (MIXED, SAS 9.4) with treatment, time, and their interaction as fixed effects, and cow and replicate (cow) as random effects. Denominator degrees of freedom were adjusted using the Kenward–Roger method, and means were separated by Tukey–Kramer. Significance was declared at p ≤ 0.05 and tendencies at 0.05 &lt; p ≤ 0.10. Sprouted triticale and wheat treatments had a greater rapidly soluble fraction for DM (p &lt; 0.01), the greatest fractional disappearance rate for DM (p &lt; 0.01) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; p &lt; 0.01), and greater effective ruminal degradability (ERD) for DM (p &lt; 0.01) and crude protein (CP; p &lt; 0.01). Sprouted wheat also had the greatest ERD for NDF (p &lt; 0.01). In contrast, sprouted barley had the lowest rapidly soluble fractions for DM (p &lt; 0.01), NDF (p &lt; 0.01), and CP (p &lt; 0.01), lower fractional disappearance rate for DM (p &lt; 0.01) and NDF (p &lt; 0.01) than sprouted triticale and wheat, and the lowest ERD for DM (p &lt; 0.01) and CP (p &lt; 0.01). Overall, sprouted triticale and wheat had greater in situ ruminal nutrient degradation, effective ruminal degradation, and nutrient degradation kinetics, indicating their potential for inclusion in dairy cattle diets to improve nutrient degradability.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a plant that has various advantages, one of which is a relatively short harvest period. This study was conducted to determine the most effective dose of NPK Phonska fertilizer and the optimal concentration of gibberellin growth regulator (GA3) to increase the growth and productivity of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants. This study was conducted from May to August 2025 at the Puri Serang Hijau, Serang City, Banten. The experiment was designed as a randomized block design with two treatment factors: the dose of NPK Phonska fertilizer (0, 350, 400, and 450 kg/ha) and the concentration of GA3 (0, 150, 175, and 200 ppm). The results showed that a single application of NPK Phonska fertilizer at a dose of 400 kg/ha gave the best effect on the growth and productivity of cucumber. This was reflected in greater plant height and more leaves, compared to other doses. The application of a single GA3 at a concentration of 200 ppm improved plant reproductive characteristics, such as accelerated flowering time. This study highlights the age of flower emergence and harvest age according to the varieties used as research objects.

&lt;p&gt;Efforts to increase groundnut productivity can be achieved by fertilizing with organic and phosphate fertilizers. This research aims to examine the role of organic and phosphate fertilizers on growth and yield of groundnut. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture UNS Jumantono, EMPT (Ecology and Plant Production Management) Laboratory, Soil Chemistry and Fertility Laboratory from December 2024 to March 2025. The research used a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with two factors and each repeated three times. The first factor is dose of organic cow manure fertilizer (0, 10, 20, 30 ton.ha-1) and second factor is dose of phosphate fertilizer (0, 75, 150, 225 kg.ha-1). The observed variables include initial soil analysis, growth, yield, plant tissue analysis, and nutrient uptake analysis. Observational data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence significant, Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 95% confidence significant, regression tests, and Pearson correlation tests. The results showed that cow manure fertilizer with an optimum dose of 25.67 ton.ha-1 combined with 225 kg.ha-1 of phosphate fertilizer resulted in the early flowering age, namely 24.97 days after planting. Organic cow manure fertilizer 10 ton.ha-1 was able to increase the number of leaves, leaf area index, fresh weight of straw, number of pods, dry weight of pods, number of seeds per plant, and seed weight per plant of groundnut compared without organic cow manure fertilizer. Phosphate fertilizer 75 kg.ha-1 was able to increase the number of pods, dry weight of pods, and number of seeds per plant compared without phosphate fertilizer.&lt;/p&gt;

Background: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L) is a fragrant medicinal herb belonged to the Lamiaceae family, cultivated as a important economic and ornamental plant. Its leaves are used as a spice in cooking as well as for food preservation. The plant has considerable nutritional and medicinal values. This study was carried out in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf Province, Iraq, to explore how to improve the chemical and bioactive components of basil. The research aimed to evaluate the influence of soil inoculation with Pseudomonas bacteria and foliar application of nano-boron as a sustainable agricultural practice to improve the plant quality and its secondary metabolites. Methods: The experiment with three replications, was designed as a factorial trial within a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Two main factors were studied. The first factor was the soil inoculation with the Pseudomonas bacteria at four different concentrations of control, 25, 125 and 200 mg/mL. The second factor involved the foliar application of nano-boron, also at four concentrations of control, 80, 150 and 250 mg/L. The study assessed the effects of these treatments on some chemical parameters, comprising nitrogen and carbohydrates and on important bioactive compounds in basil, such as linalool, camphor and pinene. Result: The application of nano-boron and Pseudomonas, both separately as well as in combination, showed high improvements in all measured parameters. The most favorable results were found with the highest concentration levels of both treatments. Specifically, the combined application of 200 mg/mL of Pseudomonas and 250 mg/L of nano-boron produced the highest average values. This interaction led to camphor levels of 7.83 mg/g, pinene at 0.83 mg/g, linalool at 27.84 mg/g, carbohydrates at 21.74 mg/g and nitrogen content at 1.75 mg/g. These findings highlight a robust synergistic effect between the nano-fertilizer (nano-boron) and the biofertilizer (Pseudomonas), representing their potential to improve the productivity and phytochemical content of basil.

Esmeralda zoysiagrass is the most widely marketed among turfgrass species; however, the soil’s chemical and physical factors can interfere with its development. Thus, it is essential to seek alternatives to mitigate these effects, and the combined use of liming and soil aeration may be an option. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of soil aeration combined with liming on Esmeralda grass. The experiment was conducted from November 14, 2018, to May 30, 2019, in a 363 m² experimental area divided into 30 plots. A randomized block design was used, consisting of five treatments with six replications: T1 – without liming and without aeration; T2 – without liming and with aeration; T3 – with liming and without aeration; T4 – with liming and aeration after liming; and T5 – with liming and aeration before liming. The following parameters were evaluated: soil plant analysis development meter (SPAD); height; dry mass of clippings; root length; dry mass of roots + rhizomes + stolons; and traction resistance. The best results were obtained from treatments combining liming with solid tine aeration (T4 and T5), demonstrating that this practice can be an excellent management strategy for the development of Esmeralda grass in sports fields.

The rising cost of synthetic fertilizers, driven by increasing raw material prices, poses a significant challenge to corn farmers and national food security. As a sustainable alternative, black soldier fly frass (BSFF) offers promise due to its nutrient-rich composition and lower production cost. This study evaluated the agronomic and economic potential of BSFF as an organic fertilizer for yellow corn (Zea mays var. indenata) under a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments: T1 (control), T2 (100% inorganic fertilizer or IF), T3 (100% BSFF), T4 (75% BSFF + 25% IF); T5 (50% BSFF + 50% IF); and T6 (25% BSFF + 75% IF), with three replications. The results revealed that T6, although slightly behind T2 in plant height, leaf number, and tasseling and silking times due to the immediate nutrient availability of IF, achieved comparable ear length, diameter, and grain yield. Economically, T6 produced the highest net benefit, surpassing T2 by 10.77%. These findings suggest that partial substitution of synthetic fertilizer with BSFF can be a cost-effective and sustainable strategy without significantly compromising productivity.