Cabbage Crops Research Articles

Field Assessment of Biochar Interactions With Chemical and Biological N Fertilization in Pointed White Cabbage

ABSTRACTThe interaction of biochar with mineral fertilization has attracted attention as a strategy to reduce N losses and enhance nitrogen use efficiency. In this study, we investigated the coapplication of biochar with two optimized fertilization strategies based on split urea and a microbial inoculant (Azospirillum brasilense) in a commercial pointed white cabbage crop. Additionally, we evaluated a third optimized N fertilization alternative, a biochar‐based fertilizer (BBF) enriched in plant‐available N, which was developed from the same biochar. We assessed environmental impacts such as greenhouse gasses (GHG) and NH3 emissions, yield‐scaled N2O emissions, and global warming potential (GWP). Additionally, we evaluated agronomical outcomes such as crop yield, plant N, and chlorophyll concentration. Moreover, we examined the N‐fixing gene's total and relative abundance (nifH and nifH/16S). Biochar and BBF exhibited similar crop yield, GHG, and NH3 emissions compared to split applications of the synthetic fertilizer. The main difference was associated with the higher soil C sequestration in biochar and BBF treatments that reduced the associated GWP of these fertilization strategies. Finally, biochar favored the activity of the N‐fixing bacteria spread, compared to the sole application of bacteria and BBF demonstrated a promoting effect in the soil's total abundance of natural N‐fixing bacteria.

Self-financing model for cabbage crops with pest management.

Smallholder farmers rely on their farm earnings to cover operating costs and generate income. That is not an easy task because of the pests, which reduce yields and generate plant protection costs. The farm yield and plant protection depend on the budget capacity of the farmer. In this work, we want to explore conditions for a sustainable and self-financing cabbage farm. We propose then a non-linear mathematical model for cabbage crops by considering the current account of the plantation as a dynamic variable. We assume that this variable increases due to the sale of cabbages, and provides for the seedling purchase, the plant protection costs, and the grower's income. In the first part, we analyze the model without pest management. We determine how the budget must be spent and we show the existence of a double transcritical bifurcation. We quantify the seasonal yield and income, and estimate the damage due to pest herbivory. In the second part, we analyze a slightly simplified version of our model and obtain the existence of a backward bifurcation. Furthermore, we show that botanical pesticides can be used to prevent pest spread with relatively low plant protection costs.

SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF BREVICORYNE BRASSICAE IN CABBAGE CULTURE: ECOLOGICAL APPROACHES AND IMPACT ON BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN MOZAMBIQUE

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a vegetable widely cultivated due to its nutritional and economic value, especially for small farmers. However, kale production faces significant challenges, mainly due to attacks by aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae), a pest that causes wilting and deformations in plants and acts as a virus vector. In regions such as Southern Africa, inadequate control of this pest has resulted in considerable losses in production, reaching 40% in Mozambique.The adult stage of Brevicoryne brassicae is the most damaging, especially affecting the cabbage crop during its vegetative phase, when the plants are most vulnerable. Effective management of this pest involves continuous monitoring and the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which include cultural, biological and chemical methods. Applying these techniques in an integrated way, adapted to local conditions, can significantly reduce damage and improve agricultural productivity, promoting food security and sustainability for small Mozambican farmers.

Botanicals as Phyto-nematicides Against Root-knot Disease Caused by the Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) via Promoting growth, Yield, and Biochemical Performance of Cabbage Crop

Botanicals as Phyto-nematicides Against Root-knot Disease Caused by the Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) via Promoting growth, Yield, and Biochemical Performance of Cabbage Crop

Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Profiles in Diverse Brassica oleracea Crops Provide Insights into the Genetic Regulation of Glucosinolate Profiles.

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are plant secondary metabolites commonly found in the cruciferous vegetables of the Brassicaceae family, offering health benefits to humans and defense against pathogens and pests to plants. In this study, we investigated 23 GSL compounds' relative abundance in four tissues of five different Brassica oleracea morphotypes. Using the five corresponding high-quality B. oleracea genome assemblies, we identified 183 GSL-related genes and analyzed their expression with mRNA-Seq data. GSL abundance and composition varied strongly, among both tissues and morphotypes, accompanied by different gene expression patterns. Interestingly, broccoli exhibited a nonfunctional AOP2 gene due to a conserved 2OG-FeII_Oxy domain loss, explaining the unique accumulation of two health-promoting GSLs. Additionally, transposable element (TE) insertions were found to affect the gene structure of MAM3 genes. Our findings deepen the understanding of GSL variation and genetic regulation in B. oleracea morphotypes, providing valuable insights for breeding with tailored GSL profiles in these crops.

Optimizing Slow-Release Fertilizer Rate for Crop and Soil Productivity in Kimchi Cabbage Cropping Systems in the Highlands of Gangwon Province

Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) improves Kimchi cabbage (KC) productivity in the Highlands of Gangwon Province in South Korea; however, optimum rates for the region are not established. This study investigated the optimum and most economical rate of SRF that maximizes KC yield, nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and enhances soil quality in two experiments at the Highland Agriculture Research Institute. Post-harvest soil N (mg kg−1), P2O5 (mg kg−1), K, Ca and Mg (cmolc kg−1), pH (1:5), electrical conductivity (EC; dSm−1) and organic matter (OM; g kg−1) were measured to assess soil quality. Added net returns (ANR) of treatments were evaluated. Recommended N rate (238 kg ha−1) for KC production was the basis for treatment applications. Treatments included no fertilizer control (‘nf’), full N recommendation SRF (SF1), ½ N recommendation SRF (SF0.5), double N recommendation SRF (SF2) and full N recommendation conventional fast fertilizer (FF). Results showed that SF0.5, SF1 and SF2 influenced the highest KC marketable yield in both experiments (66–74 and 42–66 Mg ha−1, respectively). SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 times the N recommendation produced the highest possible linear increases in marketable yield; and the most economical, with ANR > KRW 83 million ha−1 in the first experiment and > KRW 22 million ha−1 in the second. Crop N, P, K, Ca and Mg uptakes were highest among the three SRF rates in both experiments. SF0.5 influenced the highest (91%) NUE in the first experiment; however, it left 8 mg kg−1 N by the end of this experiment compared to the start-up 27.2 mg kg−1 N. Thus, nutrient mining occurred. Soil N increased between 23 and 135 mg kg−1 by SF 1 and 2 in both experiments. Soil EC spiked to 0.6 dSm−1 from the initial level of 0.2 dSm−1 by SF2 in the first experiment. Soil pH, P2O5, K, Ca and Mg levels post-harvest were comparable among treatments in both experiments. SF0.5, 1 and 2 increased soil OM by 7–16% above pre-experimental levels in the second experiment. In conclusion, SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 for KC produced the maximum corresponding KC yield and were the most economical. SRF rates ≤ 0.5 pose risks of nutrient mining, which could jeopardise native soil fertility. SF1 and 2 improved some soil quality indices (N and OM). However, SF2 potentiates risks of soil salinity and large P losses, and it is less economical. Therefore, for holistic sustainability of the cropping system, the optimum SRF rate should lie between 0.5 and 1 N recommendation.

Integrating bio-organic fertilization increases twice-yearly cabbage crop production by modulating soil microbial community and biochemical properties in Northwest Plateau

Decreasing the reliance on chemical fertilizers and integrating bio-organic fertilizers are effective strategies for enhancing soil quality, promoting sustainable agricultural development, and protecting the environment. However, their impact on cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) cultivation in the Northwest Plateau remains unclear. The study investigated the impact of reducing chemical fertilizer by 30 %, combined with different amounts of bio-organic fertilizer (3000 kg·ha−1 for T1, 6000 kg·ha−1 for T2, and 12000 kg·ha−1 for T3), were examined in comparison to a conventional local fertilizer treatment (CK2), which served as the control. Our findings demonstrated significant improvements in soil properties and enzyme activities for T1, T2, and T3 treatments compared to CK2. Specifically, the contents of soil organic matter (SOM), available potassium (AK) and available phosphorus (AP) increased significantly by 10.06 %, 10.63 % and 18.33 %, respectively. Meanwhile, accompanied by a decrease in electrical conductivity (EC) values. Soil sucrase and urease activities can be enhanced by 10.43 % and 19.61 %, respectively. Redundancy analysis confirmed that SOM, AP, AK, and EC were the primary factors driving fluctuations in the microbial community structure. The addition of bio-organic fertilizer led to an increase in beneficial soil microorganisms. The abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria increased most strongly by 4.24 % and 8.75 %. The microbial community suggested that these beneficial microorganisms played essential roles in the cycling of nutrients, suppression of pest and disease, and the promotion of robust plant growth. Moreover, the addition of bio-organic fertilizer (T3) significantly improved plant growth, root/shoot ratio, and nutrient content, and increased the yield by 6.78 t·ha−1. Therefore, we suggest that a reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers along with the incorporation of bio-organic fertilizer, is an important measure for improving soil fertility, enriching soil microbial communities, and ensuring the safety of crops and the environment in the Northwest Plateau.

Morphological Characterization and Distribution of Antennal Sensilla of Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy1

Abstract The cabbage armyworm, Mamestra brassicae L. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a pest in cabbage crops throughout Europe and Asia. To better understand the chemical orientation of this insect toward its host products, we used scanning electron microscopy to determine the structure and distribution of antennal sensilla of M. brassicae. The antennae of the female and male moths were thread-like and composed of a scape, a pedicel, and a flagellum with >43 flagellomeres. Based on their morphology, sensilla chaetica (subtypes 1 and 2), sensilla trichodea (subtypes 1, 2, and 3), sensilla basiconica (subtypes 1 and 2), sensilla styloconica, Böhm bristles, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla squamiformia were distinguished on the antennae in both sexes. The putative functions of these sensilla also were discussed with reference to their morphology, distribution, and ultrastructure. This work is a prerequisite for future electrophysiological studies of the antennal sensory system involved in intraspecific chemical communication.

Deskripsi Saluran Pemasaran Kubis Di Desa Linelean Kecamatan Modoinding Kabupaten Minahasa Selatan

The purpose of this study was to describe the cabbage marketing channel in Linelean Village, Modoinding District, South Minahasa Regency. Data collection was conducted for one month, namely in September 2023, carried out in Linelean Village, Modoinding Subdistrict, South Minahasa Regency and Bersehati Market, Manado City. Data were collected through primary data through the use of questionnaires with interview techniques to respondent farmers, intermediary traders. Secondary data were obtained from the Modoinding sub-district office, BPP office, Linelean village office, Modoinding sub-district. Determination of the research sample using purposive sampling method to determine the sample of farmers who produce cabbage crops in the period January to May 2023, which was obtained as many as 20 farmers, the sample number of traders collectors 2 people, and the sample number of retailers 9 people, and the use of snowball method (snowball sampling) which is determined based on the acquisition of information from the respondent cabbage vegetable farmers where to sell cabbage vegetable crops, and so on to the final consumer level. Data analysis of cabbage marketing channels from the farm level to the final producer using descriptive analysis, as well as the calculation of marketing margins, marketing costs, marketing profits, and farmer's share. The results showed that there were two marketing channels, namely marketing channel-1: farmers to retailers to consumers, and marketing channel-2: farmers to intermediary traders to retailers to consumers. The marketing margin received by each marketing channel, namely marketing channel-1 amounted to Rp1,000 and marketing channel-2 amounted to Rp2,000. Farmer's share is the share received by farmers from the price paid by consumers. Farmer's share of each marketing channel is marketing-1 at 80 percent and channel-2 at 67 percent.

Сравнително проучване на коренова и почвена микробиологична активност при самостоятелно и съвместно отглеждане на зеле (Вrassicа oleraceae L. var. capitata L.)

A comparative study of root and soil microbiological activity was carried out during independent and co-cultivation of cabbage with other crops: leeks, beans, tagetes, fennel and flower mix. The intercropping of cabbage and flower mix increases the amount of microorganisms in the immediate vicinity of the cabbage roots to the highest degree. The biogenicity of the root zone is the lowest in the variant with cabbage and tagetes. In the independent cultivation of cabbage, a higher value of the total microflora is established compared to the variants with the main cabbage crop and additional tagetes or leek crops. Combining cabbage with flower mix, beans or fennel increased the amount of microorganisms from the rhizoplane and rhizosphere to a higher degree than growing cabbage alone. The main share in the composition of the total microflora is occupied by non-sporeforming bacteria, followed by bacilli. Regrouping was found in the co-cultivation of cabbage and flower mix, and in this variant the amount of spore-forming bacteria was higher than that of non-spore-forming bacteria. Actinomycetes and mold fungi are less represented. Catalase activity was highest in the control, followed by the variant with co-cultivation of cabbage and leek, and lowest in cabbage and flower mix, and cabbage and fennel, depending significantly on the humidity of the variants. Cellulase activity was higher in the variants with crops compared to the control - highest in the co-cultivation of cabbage and leek, and cabbage and tagetes, and lowest in cabbage and beans, depending significantly on the total microflora.

Bio-efficacy, persistence and residual toxicity of greener insecticides against predominant flea beetles on cabbage crop in Kashmir

The flea beetles, Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius, 1803) and Altica himensis (Shukla, 1960) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Alticinae) are one of the most serious pests of Brassica oleracea L. in Kashmir. In order to find eco-friendly control against these pests, bio-efficacy, persistence and residual toxicity of some newer insecticides viz., Emamectin benzoate 5SG @ 0.002 and 0.004 per cent, Spinosad 45SC @ 0.0035 and 0.007 per cent was evaluated against P. striolata and A. himensis infesting cabbage crop. Mortality caused by these insecticides was recorded in all the treatments. The result revealed that spinosad 45SC @ 0.007 per cent exhibited significantly lowest pest population and the highest efficacy against cabbage flea beetles. The persistence and residual toxicity of these insecticides was worked and it was found that spinosad 45SC @ at 0.007 per cent revealed the highest PT value of (346.11 & 321.43) for P. striolata and (299.57 & 322.38) for A. himensis compared to other insecticides. LT50 values of (4.13 & 3.38) for P. striolata and (3.08 & 3.84) for A. himensis were the highest for Spinosad 45SC @ 0.007 per cent. It was concluded that spinosad 45SC @ 0.007 per cent offers a feasible choice for the management of P. striolata and A. himensis.

Influence of humic preparations on the efficiency of vegetable crops protection against diseases

Goal. To investigate the effect of humic preparations on the efficiency of vegetable crops protection against diseases.
 Methods. Informational and analytical (collection of materials and analysis of literary sources), field research (setting up experiments, monitoring of plant development, assessment, harvesting), mathematical and statistical (processing of research results). Humic preparations used vere Gumifield, w.g. (potassium salt of humic acids, 720 g/ kg), and Fulvital plus, WP (fulvic acids, 200 g/kg + microelements, 75 g/ kg) were used separately and in mixtures with fungicides for spraying plants during vegetation period. Experiments were conducted on cucumbers, tomatoes, white cabbage.
 Results. During the years of research downy mildew dominated on cucumber and dry spot or alternaria — on tomato and white cabbage crops. Humic preparations, when applied separately, restrained the development of diseases on tomatoes at the level of 59—64%, on cucumbers — at the level of 46—69%. The protective effect was much higher when mixtures of humates with fungicides were used. Combined application of preparations Gumifield, w.g., 100 g/ha with Ridomil Gold MC 68 WG, w.g. (Metalaxyl-M, 40 g/ kg + mancozeb, 640 g/kg), 2 kg/ha and Fulvital plus, WP 150 g/ ha with Ridomil Gold MC 68 WG, w.g., 2 kg/ha on tomatoes ensured efficiency on average level of 70.6 and 73.5% respectively. Application of mixtures Gumifield, w.g., 100 g/ha with Acrobat MC, w.g. (dimethomorph, 90 g/ kg + mancozeb, 600 g/ kg), 1.5 kg/ha and Fulvital plus, WP 150 g/ha with Acrobat MC, w.g., 1.5 kg/ha on cucumbers ensured efficiency at level of 74.7% and 75.2%. On white cabbage the efficiency of mixtures of Rovral Aquaflo, SC (iprodione, 500 g/l), 1 l/ha with Gumifield, w.g. 100 g/ ha and Rovral Aquaflo, SC, 1 l/ha + Fulvital plus, WP 150 g/ ha was on average 70.8% and 77.4%, respectively. These results were close to or exceeded the protective effect of fungicides at full application rates. The use of humic preparations contributed to the increase in the yield of crops. The yield increase on various crops was from 10 to 21%.
 Conclusions. Humic preparations have a positive effect on the growth, development and productivity of vegetable crops. The use of humic preparations alone and in mixtures with fungicides significantly limits damage to plants by diseases during the growing season and increases the yield of crops. The protective effect of humic preparations in mixtures with fungicides with reduced rates was at the level of fungicides with full rates. Due to the use of humic preparations, the pesticide load on the agrocenosis is reduced and the safety of vegetable products is increased.

Soil water distribution and water productivity in red cabbage crop using superabsorbent polymeric hydrogels under different drip irrigation regimes

The water issue has emerged as a significant barrier to agricultural productivity, particularly in dry and semiarid agro-ecologies, particularly during the winter season. Superabsorbent hydrogels have been identified as effective tools for improving crop and water productivity in arid locations by enhancing moisture retention. The application of hydrogel to soil is commonly done as a basal application, and its effectiveness is heavily influenced by the moisture level present in the soil. Therefore, a two-year field study was carried out to study the effects of various hydrogels and their application techniques and to assess the efficacy of recently developed cross–linked hydrogels (SPG 1118 and Pusa hydrogel) on soil water distribution (both spatial and temporal), water productivity and profitability of red cabbage. The experiment consisted of two irrigation regimes [full irrigation (100% ETc) and limited irrigation (75% ETc)] assisted in main plots, with two type of hydrogels (Pusa Hydrogel and SPG 1118) and two methods of application [root dipping and soil application of hydrogels and Control with no application of hydrogel] assisted in sub plots. The field experiment was conducted using spilt plot design with three replications. The analysis of soil water distribution patterns reveals that the utilization of hydrogels has resulted in a notable increase of 3–6% in soil water content (SWC) under full irrigation conditions, as compared to plots subjected to limited water conditions. In comparison to plots without hydrogel application, the plots treated with SPG 1118 and Pusa hydrogel exhibited enhanced soil water content of 5–6% and 2–4%, respectively. Additionally, the application of hydrogels in the root dipping showed increased water availability in the crop's root zone compared to soil application in throughout the crop season. Thus, hydrogels with reduced irrigation application resulted in significantly higher crop water productivity (14%) and irrigation water productivity (8 – 14%) compared to full irrigation levels. Likewise, root dipping of SPG 1118 led in considerable improvement in CWP (12–14%) and IWP (11–12%) over no hydrogel applied plots. In relation to profitability, the adoption of full irrigation in conjunction with SPG 1118 hydrogel resulted in an 8% increase in the benefit cost ratio compared to the control plots. Hence, the use of the unique SPG 1118 hydrogel through direct application to the roots, whether under conditions of full or limited irrigation, presents an inventive approach to address the growing issues of water shortages and sustainability in countries experiencing water stress.

Biology, Diversity, Distribution, and Characterization of Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) Cabbage

This study delves into the intricate realms of Brevicoryne brassicae (L.), commonly known as the cabbage aphid, shedding light on its biology, diversity, distribution, and characterization within cabbage ecosystems. Through a comprehensive examination of these facets, we aim to unravel key insights into the life cycle, morphological variations, and geographical presence of B. brassicae, offering a nuanced understanding of its ecological significance. Utilizing a combination of field surveys, laboratory experiments, and molecular analyses, we assess the diversity of B. brassicae populations and their potential impact on cabbage crops. The study provides valuable information for pest management strategies and contributes to the broader understanding of insect-plant interactions in agricultural ecosystems.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF COCCINELID SPECIES (COLEOPTERA - COCCINELIDAE) FROM APPLE, CORN AND CABBAGE CROPS

The observations were made in 2020 in cabbage and corn crops as well as in some apple plantations in two stationary. In the Ezareni stationary belonging to the Didactic Station of USV Iasi, the experimental plots were selected for the corn culture, and in the Vasile Adamachi farm belonging to the Iasi Didactic Station, traps were placed in the cabbage crop as well as in the apple orchard.To collect the biological material, the soil traps- type Barber, were used the wet type traps in which was used a 20% NaCl solution.From the collected material, the species of coccinellids were selected and determined with the help of Reitter, Gâdei P., etc. determinants book , or source of internet sites.The most frequently collected coccinelid species were: Coccinella septempunctata, Propylea quatardecimquttata, Harmonia axyridis, Hippodamia variegata.

Tingkat resistensi insektisida emamektin benzoat terhadap ulat krop Crocidolomia pavonana (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) di Kabupaten Cianjur, Jawa Barat

Ulat krop kubis, Crocidolomia pavonana (F) merupakan hama penting yang menyerang tanaman Brassicaceae di Indonesia, salah satunya di Kabupaten Cianjur. Petani umumnya mengendalikan hama ini menggunakan insektisida sintetik seperti emamektin benzoate, akan tetapi penggunaan yang terus-menerus dapat menyebabkan terjadinya resistensi hama. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat resistensi dan sebaran penggunaan emamektin benzoat terhadap ulat C. pavonana di Kabupaten Cianjur. Populasi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini diambil dari lima desa di tiga kecamatan dan satu populasi standar dari laboratorium. Semua populasi C. pavonana diuji kepekaannya terhadap insektisida untuk menentukan LC50 dan dihitung tingkat resistensinya. Hasil pengujian menunjukan C. pavonana asal Cianjur masih rentan terhadap emamektin benzoat. Perlakuan pada konsentrasi 22,08 × 10-4 mg b.a/l pada 72 jam setelah perlakuan menyebabkan mortalitas semua populasi >90%. Nisbah resistensi C. pavonana di Kabupaten Cianjur dalam kategori sedang dengan kisaran 1,33–2,01. Nisbah resistensi tertinggi terdapat pada populasi Sindang Jaya yang didukung dengan penggunaan insektisida lebih dari 90% oleh petani di wilayah tersebut di lapangan sehingga mendukung informasi adanya indikasi resistensi terhadap bahan kimia tersebut. Kajian ini memberikan informasi bahwa persebaran penggunaan insektisida dan tingkat resistensi C. pavonana di suatu lokasi saling mendukung.

Influence of CMS as a biostimulant on cabbage production (Brassica oleracea var .capitata) under surface irrigation system

At a private farm, Sayed Ramadan in Ayat, Giza governorate, Egypt, two field experiments were conducted in the winter of 2021-2022 and 2022–2023 to investigate the influence of CMS compound on the growth and yield characteristics of cabbage. The nutritional balance attained by spraying CMS compound often resulted in a physiological improvement in the cabbage crop (Brassica oleracea var .capitata)., as evidenced by the crop’s features when compared to the control on clay soil. The application of CMS, as a yeast by product, at a rate of 15 ml/l produced the greatest, head circumference (26.61%) and (22.88%), head weight (119.23%) and (126.45%), SPAD (45.72%) and (12.80%), yield ton/ feddan (39.36%) and (43.10%), N (99.87%) and (21.52%), P (43.33%) and (74.79%), K (81.14%) and (14.55%), Fe (7.19%) and (4.72%), Mn (14.81%) and (32.88%), Zn (25.93%) and (23.93%), in cabbage compared with control in both seasons, respectively. Economically, CMS compound at rate gave the net returns (45439 L.E. /fed) and (56864 L.E. /fed) in the both season respectively compared with control and other treatments.

Effect of biofertilizers and manures on growth, yield, and quality of cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

“Effect of biofertilizers and manures on growth, yield and quality of cabbage.” Examining, identifying, and summarising the key results and conclusions of a study on the impact of different organic amendments on the development and production of cabbage crops was the aim of the current investigation. Investigating the effects of various organic additions on soil characteristics, plant development, and cabbage production was the goal of the study. These amendments included compost, manure, and biochar. Plant growth, nutrient availability, and soil fertility may all be considerably enhanced by adding organic amendments, according to the study’s findings. While biochar amendment had a negligible influence on soil fertility, compost and manure additions were shown to be the most efficient in enhancing soil characteristics. Cabbage production was further increased by the application of organic amendments; the plots treated with compost yielded the best yields. The study comes to the conclusion that using organic amendments to improve soil fertility and crop output in cabbage farming can be a sustainable and successful strategy.

Effectiveness of local biopesticides in the control of Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella L.) in cabbage production in Zanzibar, Tanzania

This experiment was conducted to determine the effectiveness of different types of local biopesticides to control diamondback moth (DBM) in cabbage production in Zanzibar. The experiment was conducted in horticulture farms at Zanzibar Agricultural Research Institute. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design, with 6 treatments and a control, each of which was replicated 3 times. The following plants were used as biopesticide which are garlic (T1), hot pepper (chilli) (T2), clove (T3), mixture of garlic and pepper (T4), mixture of garlic and clove (T5), synthetic insecticide (T6) and a control (T0). The parameters were evaluated by conducting initial data collection (before treatment) and final data collection (after treatment). The average number of leaves affected by DBM and yield in terms of average mass (kg) of cabbage were recorded. Results showed that T6 was significantly associated with a lowest average number of affected leaves and higher yield followed by T4 and T5. Overall, garlic-treated plots had recorded higher yield compared to the non-garlic treated plots. Therefore, garlic extract as local biopesticide can effectively repel DBM. This study recommends that garlic can be used as an alternative to using synthetic chemicals to control DBM in cabbage crop.

Quality of Bokashi-Type Biofertilizer Formulations and Its Application in the Production of Vegetables in an Ecological System

Current agriculture faces the challenge of producing food with the least interference from the environment. In this sense, the implementation of ecological agricultural practices is essential to obtaining healthy and more sustainable production systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of different inoculation technologies on formulations of bokashi-type biofertilizer and its application as soil and substrate organic amendment. We examined the effects of treatments on the chemical and biological quality of the evaluated formulations, as well as their influence on the agronomic and nutritional characteristics of red-beet and cabbage crops in the field. The metagenomic analysis of the taxonomic profile of the microbiological populations revealed relative abundance of plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial genera, including Azospirillum sp., Rhizobium sp., Bradyrhizobium sp., Burkholderia sp., Paraburkholderia sp., and Paenibacillus sp. in the evaluated formulations. Additionally, no phytopathogenic contaminants were detected among the investigated treatments. The highest yields of field-grown beet crops were obtained from seedlings produced using the following treatments: bokashi biofertilizer + biodynamic preparations P502-P507, bokashi + Chamomilla 12 CH, and bokashi + Carbo vegetabilis 12 CH. The increase in productivity of cabbage plants was higher in the treatment bokashi + Calcarea carbonica 12 CH.