Common Crops Research Articles

DETERMINATION OF INSECTICIDAL PROPERTIES IN TOTAL SOLUBLE PROTEINS OF INDIGENOUS PLANTS AGAINST CROP PESTS

Chemical pesticides used in crops have become a major concern due to their harmful effects on the environment and human health. This study aims to identify and characterize the insecticidal proteins in local plants and determine their efficacy against common crop pests. By analyzing the mode of action and toxicity of these proteins, this research could provide a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pest management. The goal was to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of various plant total soluble proteins against crop pests e.g. whitefly and mustard aphid. Two types of protein extracts were used, pellet protein (P) and supernatant protein (S). Aphid mortality data was collected after12, 24, and 48 hours of feeding. The results showed that Eucalyptus-P and Kikar-P had the highest mortality (9.67) on aphid followed by jamun-P, Sheesham-P, and jamun-S (9.33). While the Bakain-P had the lowest amount of mortality (6.33) on aphids after 12, 24 and 48 hours of feeding. Insect Bio-feeding assay on mustard whitefly was conducted and data collected after 12- and 24-hours treatment. The results showed that Eucalyptus-P and Sheesham-P exhibited the highest mortality (7.33) against whitefly followed by Jamun-P and Kikar-P (5.33) after 12 and 24 hours. Whereas Neem-S showed the lowest mortality at (2.67) on whitefly population. Overall, proteins from Eucalyptus globulus, Acacia nilotica, Dalbergia sissoo and Syzygium cumini showed the highest mortality on both pests. Overall, plant total soluble proteins demonstrated more insecticidal properties and potential compared to supernatant proteins which can be used as effective biopesticides against aphid and whitefly.

CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS FOR THE GROWING AND USE OF ENERGY CROPS IN UKRAINE

The purpose of the work is to analyze state of the art of Ukraine’s energy crops sector, as well as to develop recommendations for creating favorable conditions for the implementation of respective projects in the country. Energy crops are plants that are grown to obtain biomass as a fuel or feedstock for the further production of energy, biomass fuels or biofuels. Their advantage is the possibility of cultivation on marginal or low-quality lands, that is those that are unsuitable for the cultivation of common agricultural crops. Wood and grass energy crops have good fuel characteristics, which are close to those of forest wood. As for chlorine content and ash melting point, these indicators are much better than those of straw. In Ukraine, as in the EU, the potential for growing energy crops is determined mainly by the available area of unused agricultural and low-productivity land on which respective plantations can be created. Experts of the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine estimate the current economic potential of energy crops for obtaining various types of biomass fuels in Ukraine as 5.44 Mtoe/yr (2021). By 2050, this potential may more than double, reaching 11.20 Mtoe/yr. In the current Ukraine’s biomass potential, the total share of energy crops is 21%, approximately equally divided between wood/grass crops (solid biomass biofuel) and corn silage (biogas). By 2050, this share may increase to 26%, the largest contribution being from wood/grass energy crops (16%) intended for solid biomass fuel production. Projects on the cultivation of energy crops are quite difficult for practical implementation as they are sensitive to many factors, which affects their economic performance. Usually, the payback period of such projects is 7...9 years, which is on the verge of profitability and economic feasibility. The Bioenergy Association of Ukraine has elaborated several tools to stimulate the development of this sector in the country. Implementation of the suggested support mechanisms will significantly increase the attractiveness of projects on energy crops cultivation for investment.

Revisit and explore the ethylene-independent mechanism of sex expression in cucumber (Cucumis sativus).

This review provides a thorough and comprehensive perspective on the topic of cucumber sexual expression. Specifically, insights into sex expression mediated by pathways other than ethylene are highlighted. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a common and important commercial crop that is cultivated and consumed worldwide. Additionally, this species is commonly used as a model for investigating plant sex expression. Cucumbers exhibit a variety of floral arrangements, comprising male, female, and hermaphroditic (bisexual) flowers. Generally, cucumber plants that produce female flowers are typically preferred due to their significant impact on the overall output. Various environmental conditions, such as temperature, light quality, and photoperiod, have been also shown to influence the sex expression in this species. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that ethylene and its biosynthesis genes are crucial in regulating cucumber sex expression. Gibberellins, another well-known phytohormone, can similarly influence cucumber sex expression via an ethylene-independent route. Further studies employing the next-generation sequencing technology also visualized a deeper slice of the molecular mechanism such as the role of the cell cycle program in the cucumber sex expression. This review aims to provide an overview of the sex expression of cucumber including its underlying molecular mechanism and regulatory aspects based on recent investigations.

Effects of alternative fertilization on common bean crops regarding productivity and nutritional levels

Considering the need for more information about productivity increases and nutritional improvement of soils, the present study evaluated the effects of alternative fertilization on grain yield and nutritional levels of bean crops. It was a randomized block study with four treatments and five replicates. The treatments were the absence of nitrogen fertilization, fertilizer use, chicken litter, and cattle manure. Organic fertilization provided lower variations in soil water availability during flowering and grain filling and increased nutrient concentrations, especially phosphorus and potassium. Chicken litter promoted the highest means for the number of legumes, the number of legumes on branches, the number of six-grain legumes, the mass of a thousand grains, grain mass per plant, and the normalized green-red difference index. However, the two organic fertilizers had significantly higher differences from chemical and no fertilization, showing that organic fertilizer applications must occur when nutrient availability coincides with the phenological stages essential for producing these fertilizers. High yields combined with favorable rainfall conditions occurred during crop development, as high soil moisture allowed faster mineralization of essential organic fertilizer nutrients, directly affecting yield. Pearson’s linear correlation allowed a better understanding of the participation of each plant trait in productivity, and the highest grain yield occurred with organic fertilization.

Stand age and soil organic matter management as driven factors of soil biota community composition and soil chemical properties in a subtropical Acrisol

AbstractPyrus pyrifolia is a common temperate fruit crop cultivated in Southern Brazil for fruit production. Although this plant species is found in several Brazilian states (Paraná, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul), it is predominantly concentrated in the smallholder farming system in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Our aim was to compare the soil biota community composition, soil chemical properties, and soil quality in two adjacent stands with different ages. Within each stand, we analysed the influence of four organic residue management practices. Our results indicated that both studied stands, influenced by different organic residue management practices, exhibited differences in soil biota community composition, soil chemical properties, and soil quality. Acaridae, Araneidae, Blattidae, Halictophagidae, and Opiliones were the main contributors, explaining 78.08% of the variance in the data. The 16‐year‐old stand, with compost utilization, displayed a high biodiversity of soil organisms, average soil chemical properties, and the highest values of soil quality, creating a habitat for predators and providing energy for litter transformers and ecosystem engineers in subtropical Acrisol. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the influence of old stands on soil biota community composition, soil chemical properties, ecosystem homeostasis, herbivory pressure, and prey‐predation relationships. This, in turn, may enhance interest in establishing new management plans for Pyrus pyrifolia stands in commercial orchards.

Geotechnologies in Biophysical Analysis through the Applicability of the UAV and Sentinel-2A/MSI in Irrigated Area of Common Beans: Accuracy and Spatial Dynamics

The applicability of remote sensing enables the prediction of nutritional value, phytosanitary conditions, and productivity of crops in a non-destructive manner, with greater efficiency than conventional techniques. By identifying problems early and providing specific management recommendations in bean cultivation, farmers can reduce crop losses, provide more accurate and adequate diagnoses, and increase the efficiency of agricultural resources. The aim was to analyze the efficiency of vegetation indices using remote sensing techniques from UAV multispectral images and Sentinel-2A/MSI to evaluate the spectral response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in different phenological stages (V4 = 32 DAS; R5 = 47 DAS; R6 = 60 DAS; R8 = 74 DAS; and R9 = 89 DAS, in 99 days after sowing—DAS) with the application of doses of magnesium (0, 250, 500, and 1000 g ha−1). The field characteristics analyzed were mainly chlorophyll content, productivity, and plant height in an experimental area by central pivot in the midwest region of Brazil. Data from UAV vegetation indices served as variables for the treatments implemented in the field and were statistically correlated with the crop’s biophysical parameters. The spectral response of the bean crop was also detected through spectral indices (NDVI, NDMI_GAO, and NDWI_GAO) from Sentinel-2A/MSI, with spectral resolutions of 10 and 20 m. The quantitative values of NDVI from UAV and Sentinel-2A/MSI were evaluated by multivariate statistical analysis, such as principal components (PC), and cophenetic correlation coefficient (CCC), in the different phenological stages. The NDVI and MCARI vegetation indices stood out for productivity prediction, with r = 0.82 and RMSE of 330 and 329 kg ha−1, respectively. The TGI had the best performance in terms of plant height (r = 0.73 and RMSE = 7.4 cm). The best index for detecting the relative chlorophyll SPAD content was MCARI (r = 0.81; R2 = 0.66 and RMSE = 10.14 SPAD), followed by NDVI (r = 0.81; R2 = 0.65 and RMSE = 10.19 SPAD). The phenological stage with the highest accuracy in estimating productive variables was R9 (Physiological maturation). GNDVI in stages R6 and R9 and VARI in stage R9 were significant at 5% for magnesium doses, with quadratic regression adjustments and a maximum point at 500 g ha−1. Vegetation indices based on multispectral bands of Sentinel-2A/MSI exhibited a spectral dynamic capable of aiding in the management of bean crops throughout their cycle. PCA (PC1 = 48.83% and PC2 = 39.25%) of the satellite multiple regression model from UAV vs. Sentinel-2A/MSI presented a good coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.667) and low RMSE = 0.12. UAV data for the NDVI showed that the Sentinel-2A/MSI samples were more homogeneous, while the UAV samples detected a more heterogeneous quantitative pattern, depending on the development of the crop and the application of doses of magnesium. Results shown denote the potential of using geotechnologies, especially the spectral response of vegetation indices in monitoring common bean crops. Although UAV and Sentinel-2A/MSI technologies are effective in evaluating standards of the common bean crop cycle, more studies are needed to better understand the relationship between field variables and spectral responses.

ОЦЕНКА СОРТИМЕНТА КАЛЕНДУЛЫ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ КАК КУЛЬТУРЫ ДЛЯ ОЗЕЛЕНЕНИЯ

Calendula officinalis L. is one of the most common pharmaceutical crops cultivated not only in the Krasnodar region, but also in the south of the Russian Federation as a whole. In addition to its medicinal qualities, a high content of essential oils, as well as phenols and flavonoids, the crop is an excellent alternative to annual floral and ornamental plants in landscaping. In this regard, the purpose of the research was to evaluate seven varieties of Calendula officinalis L. in terms of duration,intensity and timing of the beginning of flowering, the activity of growth processes, size, color, inflorescence structure and the identification of the most adapted to growing conditions varieties that have high decorative qualities. Proposals were made on the directions of using the studied varieties in ornamental gardening and landscaping of the territory. The studies were carried out in 2022-2023 at the experimental site of private household plots in the central zone of the Krasnodar region. As a result of the research, it was found that the studied varieties of calendula had significant differences in a number of morpho-biometric indicators, but turned out to be highly adapted to the growing conditions in the south of the Russian Federation. According to the combination of ornamental qualities, three varieties of calendula officinalis were identified for cultivation in the central zone of the Krasnodar region. The Tutti-Frutti yellow variety is recommended for planting in flower beds due to the bright flowers of the inflorescence and the low growth of the plants. It is advisable to use the Geisha variety for the design of plots in landscape design and for cutting flowers. In garden and park landscaping, attention should be paid to the King's Cup variety, which stands out for a complex of decorative qualities and a long flowering period. Key words: CALENDULA, LANDSCAPING, ASSORTMENT, PHENOLOGY, GROWTH, FLOWERING, ORNAMENTAL TRAITS

Revisiting a pollen-transmitted ilarvirus previously associated with angular mosaic of grapevine

We report the characterization of a novel tri-segmented RNA virus infecting Mercurialis annua, a common crop weed and model species in plant science. The virus, named "Mercurialis latent virus" (MeLaV) was first identified in a mixed infection with the recently described Mercurialis orthotospovirus 1 (MerV1) on symptomatic plants grown in glasshouses in Lausanne (Switzerland). Both viruses were found to be transmitted by Thrips tabaci, which presumably help the inoculation of infected pollen in the case of MeLaV. Complete genome sequencing of the latter revealed a typical ilarviral architecture and close phylogenetic relationship with members of the Ilarvirus subgroup 1. Surprisingly, a short portion of MeLaV replicase was found to be identical to the partial sequence of grapevine angular mosaic virus (GAMV) reported in Greece in the early 1990s. However, we have compiled data that challenge the involvement of GAMV in angular mosaic of grapevine, and we propose alternative causal agents for this disorder. In parallel, three highly-conserved MeLaV isolates were identified in symptomatic leaf samples in The Netherlands, including a herbarium sample collected in 1991. The virus was also traced in diverse RNA sequencing datasets from 2013 to 2020, corresponding to transcriptomic analyses of M. annua and other plant species from five European countries, as well as metaviromics analyses of bees in Belgium. Additional hosts are thus expected for MeLaV, yet we argue that infected pollen grains have likely contaminated several sequencing datasets and may have caused the initial characterization of MeLaV as GAMV.

Resistance of Dried Chips of Three Yam Cultivars to Damage by Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)

Yam (Dioscorea spp) is one of the most common tuber crops consumed by man due to its nutritional benefits. Yam tubers are often processed into products like Dry Yam Chips (DYC) to minimize postharvest losses. The crop could be processed into other products to reduce perishability and scarcity at certain periods. The insect is mainly controlled with conventional insecticides. However, use of conventional insecticide in preserving DYC is contentious due to concerns about undesirable effects on consumers. This has necessitated the search for safer and more effective control strategies such as resistance traits that is innate. The study was therefore conducted to evaluate the resistance of three yam species (Dioscorea cayenensis, D. rotundata, and D. alata) used in making DYC to infestation and damage by Larger Grain Borer (LGB). Two hundred (200) g of parboiled DYC were weighed into 250 ml Kilner jars and separately infested with twenty adult LGB of 0-5 days old. The treatments were replicated four times and arranged on the experimental table using Completely Randomized Design (CRD). At 90 days post-infestation, the insects were sieved out to separate insects from DYC. Data were collected on weight loss of DYC, damage to DYC, adult mortality of LGB, dust of DYC, and number of emerged LGB. The percentage damage of LGB to DYC of D. alata and D. rotundata was 100.00% and 96.43%, respectively, which were not significantly (p> 0.05) different from each other. The percentage weight loss (70.61) of DYC of D. alata was significantly (p< 0.05) higher than the weight loss in D. cayenensis (28.63) and D. rotundata (46.27). The percent weight loss in the DYC of D. cayenensis was significantly (p< 0.05) lower than the weight loss in DYC of D. alata (70.61) and D. rotundata (46.27). The number of adult LGB (539.80) in the DYC of D. alata was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the number of the insect in D. cayenensis (117.8) and D. rotundata (216.80). The number of adult mortality of LGB in the DYC of D. alata (38.50) and D. cayenensis (21.12) is comparable, but significantly lower than number of adult mortality of the insect in D. rotundata (41.50) DYC. The number of the insect larvae in DYC of D. cayenensis (4.25) was significantly (p< 0.05) lower than the number of the larvae of LGB in DYC of D. alata (30.00) and D. rotundata (21.00). DYC of D. cayenensis and D. rotundata were moderately resistant to damage by LGB and could be use in preparation of DYC to mitigate damage of LGB to DYC in storage before use.

Productivity and basic indicators of common bean (haricot) modern varieties suitability for mechanized harvesting

Goal. Investigation of plants height, a lower bean attachment height, 1000 seeds weight, ripening period duration, and productivity of common bean (haricot) modern varieties, depending on cultivating technological methods.
 Methods. Field method — to determine the plants height and grain crop capacity; laboratory one — to determine the basic elements of common bean plant crop structure; statistical — for mathematical data processing by variance analysis method.
 Results. All the six common (haricot) bean varieties investigated in the research, were bushy. However, the varieties Nata and Bukovynka showed the «chick-pea» (twisted) top appearance in years with excessive humidity. The variety Slavia was characterized by the lowest height of the lower bean attachment — 8.1—8.8 cm. Other researched varieties were more technologic. Particularly, the variety Galaktyka had the lower bean attachment height 10.1—10.6 cm, Bukovynka — 10.5—11.5, Nata — 10.5—11.8, Ros’ — 11.4—12.4 cm. The lower bean elevated location of the variety Otrada (12.9—13.5 cm) allows to minimize the losses during direct combine harvesting. All the varieties investigated by us had a medium-sized seed (from 201 tо 400 g). The smallest seed was in the variety Bukovynka — 204—212.6 g. The largest 1000 seeds weight was in the variety Galaktyka — 323.5—337.9 g. All the common bean vaieties researched in the experiment, except Galaktyka, exceeded the variety Bukovynka by grain yield. Thus, on the variant without seed inoculation and using potassium humate, the variety Galaktyka grain yield made 1.33 t/hа, which was by 34.5% less, compared to the variety Bukovynka. A complex use of inoculants and potassium humate provided a significant grain yield increase of the researched common bean varieties. The maximum yield increase in the research (0.27 t/hа or 11.0%) was obtained during pre-sowing seed inoculation and two foliar feedings with potassium humate of common bean stands of the variety Otrada.
 Conclusions. All the varieties researched in the experiment are bushy, and bushy with a «chick-pea» (twisted) top and suitable for direct combine harvesting. The maximum grain yield level was provided by the following varieties: Otrada — 2.72 t/ hа; Nata — 2.65 t/hа, and Ros’ — 2.54 t/hа, during seed inoculation with biologics Rhizoactive + Rootella, complete mineral fertilizer introduction in dosage N32Р32К32, and two foliar feedings with potassium humate.

In Vitro Fossilization for High Spatial Resolution Quantification of Elements in Plant-Tissue Using LA-ICP-TOFMS.

Laser ablation in combination with an inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-TOFMS) is an upcoming method for rapid quantitative element mapping of various samples. While widespread in geological applications, quantification of elements in biotissues remains challenging. In this study, a proof-of-concept sample preparation method is presented in which plant-tissues are fossilized in order to solidify the complex biotissue matrix into a mineral-like matrix. This process enables quantification of elements by using silicone as an internal standard for normalization while also providing consistent ablation processes similar to minerals to reduce image blurring. Furthermore, it allows us to generate a quantitative image of the element composition at high spatial resolution. The feasibility of the approach is demonstrated on leaves of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus), soy beans (Glycine max), and corn (Zea mays) as representatives for common crops, which were grown on both nonspiked and cadmium-spiked agricultural soil. The quantitative results achieved during imaging were validated with digestion of whole leaves followed by ICP-OES analysis. LA-ICP-TOFMS element mapping of conventionally dried samples can provide misleading trends due to the irregular ablation behavior of biotissue because high signals caused by high ablation rates are falsely interpreted as enrichment of elements. Fossilization provides the opportunity to correct such phenomena by standardization with Si as an internal standard. The method demonstrated here allows for quantitative image acquisition without time-consuming sample preparation steps by using comparatively safe chemicals. The diversity of tested samples suggests that this sample preparation method is well-suited to achieve reproducible and quantitative element maps of various plant samples.

Utilization of a novel human hepatocyte-endothelial cell coculture model to determine differential toxicities of pyrrolizidine alkaloid food contaminants

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are comprised of a family of hundreds of metabolites, produced by plants as a mechanism to protect against herbivory. Upon ingestion and metabolism, dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids are formed, which are known to generate DNA adducts and subsequently double-strand DNA breaks. Within the liver, the most sensitive cell type to PA exposure is the sinusoidal endothelial cell, as evidenced by the generation of veno-occlusive disease in the human population. PAs are a common crop contaminant and have been regulated by some agencies, using the precautionary principle; each equally potent and genotoxic. Therefore, as a proof of principle we have established a human in vitro coculture model system, utilizing the metabolically active HepaRG hepatocyte and the SK-Hep-1 endothelial cell, to determine differential potencies of different PAs commonly found in crops and food products, notably cell death, targeting of endothelial cells, and genotoxicity comparing the micronucleus assay versus γH2AX assay. Our results demonstrate differential potencies of the PAs used, which encompass three esterification states (monoester, cyclic diester, and open-chain diester). The results suggest that a more nuanced approach to the regulation of PAs may be more appropriate in the regulatory decision-making process.

The Impact of Peach Rootstocks and Winter Cover Crops on Reproduction of Ring Nematode

Two peach rootstocks (‘Guardian’ and ‘MP-29’) and ten winter cover crops (rye, wheat, barley, triticale, oat, Austrian winter pea, crimson clover, balansa clover, hairy vetch, and daikon radish) were evaluated in a greenhouse environment to determine their suitability to host ring nematode, Mesocriconema xenoplax. Each crop was inoculated with 500 ring nematodes, and the experiments were terminated 60 days after inoculation. The reproduction factor (ratio of final and initial nematode population) ranged from 0 to 13.8, indicating the crops greatly varied in their host suitability to ring nematode. ‘Guardian’ has been known to tolerate ring nematode; however, results from the current study suggest the tolerance statement is anecdotal. Another peach rootstock, ‘MP-29’, was also a good host for ring nematode, suggesting an urgency to develop ring nematode-resistant peach rootstocks. Wheat supported the least to no nematode reproduction while pea supported the greatest reproduction. The rest of the cover crops were poor to good hosts to ring nematodes. Although planting cover crops in peach orchards is not common, employing non or poor host crops can help suppress nematodes in addition to having soil health benefits. Furthermore, peach breeding programs should focus on finding and introgressing ring nematode resistance in commercial rootstocks.

Identification of QTLs and validation of molecular markers associated with reaction to Fusarium wilt in the common bean cultivar BRS FP403

AbstractFusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli, is one of the most prevalent diseases in the common bean crop (Phaseolus vulgaris). However, there is little information regarding the genetics of reaction to this disease. Thus, the aims of this study were to estimate genetic parameters, identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with reaction to Fusarium wilt, and validate the markers identified. A total of 165 progenies of the population BRS FP403 × BRS Horizonte were evaluated. Evaluation was made in 2016 and 2017 in field trials in an area infested with the pathogen in Santo Antônio de Goiás, Brazil. Genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphism and SilicoDArT, where DArT is Diversity Arrays Technology, markers using the DArTseq technology was performed in the F2 generation. Analyses of the phenotypic data indicated the presence of variability among the progenies and the possibility of success from selection, with high estimates of heritability (90%) and gain from selection (37%). A genetic map was obtained with 702 markers and spanned 3069 cM. Five QTLs associated with reaction to Fusarium wilt were identified on five chromosomes. There was interaction between the QTLs and years. Through joint analysis, four QTLs were identified on chromosomes Pv01, Pv02, Pv03, and Pv04, explaining 5.8%–40.5% of the variation. The QTL FOP2.3403H explained 40.5% of phenotypic variation and was stable over the 2 years. From this QTL, two hydrolysis probes were developed for genotyping in a panel of lines for validation. Selection efficiency was over 92%, indicating considerable potential for use in marker‐assisted selection.

Citrus Black Spot Disease in Ghana: A Review on Impacts, Management Options and Current Status

Citrus is one of the most common seasonal fruit crops cultivated across most semi-deciduous forest zones across the globe. Apart from its refreshing nature when consumed in a fresh state, it is also packed with an abundant supply of vitamins A, B and C. Apart from being served in the raw state as a fruit or a dessert, it also serves as a critical raw material for the beverage industry. In some instances, it also serves as a very important material for the pharmaceutical industry. As important as this fruit can be, its production is challenged by the incidence of pests and diseases. One of the major diseases facing the industry is the Citrus Black Spot (CBS), caused by Phyllosticta citricarpa. In Ghana, CBS is known to affect almost all citrus species and varieties in commercial groves, except for sour orange (C. aurantium) and its hybrids and Tahiti lime (C. latifolia). It is estimated to be responsible for about 22% of fruit/yield loss annually. This review highlighted the impact on the citrus production industry in Ghana, the management options available and future perspectives.

Assessment of crop water requirement and irrigation scheduling for selected crops in the Kohima district, Nagaland, India

Abstract This study was done to examine agricultural water and irrigation schedules for key crops grown in Kohima area of Nagaland, India, which has a humid subtropical climate. Climatic data over 16 years (2006–2021) were used to estimate crop water requirements using CROPWAT 8.0 model. Rice, maize, soybean, potato, cabbage, dry bean, ginger, and naga chili are the most common crops. ET0 was calculated using the FAO Penman–Monteith method and ranged from 1.41 to 3.65 mm/day. The USDA SCS approach calculated effective rainfall. The average annual ETC for rice, maize, ginger, soybean, bean (dry), potato, cabbage, and naga chili were 537.1, 305.7, 342.7, 292.2, 288.1, 364.3, 190.6, and 141 mm, respectively. Rice, maize, ginger, soybean, bean (dry), potato, cabbage, and naga chili require an average of 251.7, 54.9, 26, 73.1, 21.3, 21.9, 121.9, and 14.5 mm of irrigation each year, respectively. The crop irrigation schedules were created with 70% efficiency. The study emphasizes that irrigation must be adjusted to each crop's individual needs, whether through strategic scheduling or modifying net and gross irrigation volumes, to enhance water management and maximize crop production in the region.

Influence of different agroforestry production modules on fine roots biomass in the southeastern Amazon

AFS provide important ecosystem services associated with carbon (C) cycling and dynamics and can store C in plant biomass that is often comparable to natural forests. The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the biomass of fine roots (diameter ≤2mm) in different SAF modules (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5) in the southeast of Pará, using two adjacent areas (Urochloa sp. pasture and secondary forest) as a reference. The modules have common crops (banana, manioc, pineapple, corn, cocoa), varying according to the other species intercropped. Each module has an area of 2 ha, the same history and time of implantation, and five 5×5 m plots were randomly installed in each one, where we collected 3 soil samples (0-10 cm) with a volumetric cylinder (196 cm³). In the laboratory, the roots were washed in running water under a 0.5 mm mesh and sorted using tweezers and a caliper. Root biomass was estimated using dry mass (g.m²) and statistical comparisons were made using ANOVA and Tukey's post-test. Forest and pasture showed greater fine root biomass compared to the SAF modules, which were similar to each other (p<0.001; Forest=283.95g.m²; M1=89.01g.m²; M2=65.89g.m²; M3=56.27g.m²; M4=115.96g.m²; M5=81.44g.m²; Pasture =359.25g.m²). In the forest, the high density and diversity of species can increase biomass. The similarity between the SAF modules indicates that the time of implementation (one year) is insufficient to influence root biomass differently, and that the history of the area and soil management influence root biomass, differentiating it from the forest analyzed.

Carbon Farming practices assessment: Modelling spatial changes of Soil Organic Carbon in Flanders, Belgium

Carbon sequestration in soils is a strategy to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable soil management. Since the European Union (EU) stimulates the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the atmosphere, the necessity to explore innovative approaches to sequester carbon in agricultural landscapes is becoming urgent. Carbon Farming (CF) has emerged as a promising program to mitigate climate change in agriculture but there is still a lack of agreement on which tools can be used to calculate Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) dynamics in this context. Using the RothC model a spatial analysis of SOC in the agricultural parcels of Flanders, Belgium was performed. Two among the various CF practices were simulated: a use of cover crops (CC) and the most common crop rotations adopted in the area, enriched with the use of cover crops. The performances of the model were evaluated and compared to other studies in areas with similar climate and environments. The selected CF practices can mitigate the carbon emissions from agricultural soils up to 60 % of the current projections. The most sensitive variables in the RothC model that affect the final total SOC, and thus determining the model outcome, are the Business As Usual (BAU) carbon inputs and the initial carbon content. For these variables the Pearson Correlation Coefficient with the change in SOC reached values of −0.78 and −0.50 respectively. To achieve net carbon sequestration in the agricultural soils of Flanders, Belgium, more effective solutions need to be evaluated. Furthermore, a larger amount and accessibility of data are required to reach better modelling performances.

Genetic Transformation of Forest Trees and Its Research Advances in Stress Tolerance

Forests represent a vital natural resource and play a crucial role in climate regulation and maintaining biodiversity. However, the growth and development of forest trees are increasingly challenged by rising environmental pressures, particularly detrimental abiotic stressors. To address these challenges, genetic transformation technologies have emerged as effective solutions. Despite various difficulties in genetic transformation for forest trees, including prolonged life cycles, genetic diversity, interspecies variations, and complex regeneration systems, significant research progress has been achieved in tree gene editing, transgenic technology, and methods for delivering exogenous molecules. These technologies have the potential to enhance tree quality, increase productivity, and improve resistance to abiotic stress. This review provides an overview of the main methods and transformation receptors in tree genetic transformation. Additionally, we summarize several novel techniques, such as nanoparticle-mediated gene transformation, advanced gene editing technology, various novel delivery carriers, and non-genetically modified protein function interference through peptide aptamer. Notably, we also place emphasis on several referable genes from forest trees and common crops, together with their potential function for improving abiotic stress responses. Through this research, we aspire to achieve sustainable utilization and conservation of tree resources, thereby providing substantial support for future livelihoods and economic development.

Effects of Bio-inoculation on the Growth of Cabbage as Well as the Disease Progression of Alternaria Leaf Spot

Cabbage is one of the common Cole crop which is widely grown throughout India. It is affected various disease including, Alternaria leaf spot, black rot, club root, downy mildew and powdery mildew. Alternaria leaf spot, caused by Alternaria species such as A. brassicae and A. brassicicola, has been documented on every continent and is a prevalent disease affecting cabbage. Among the various diseases impacting cabbage, it stands out as a major contributor to yield loss, averaging between 32-57%. An experiment Effects of bio-inoculation on the growth of cabbage seedlings, as well as the disease progression of Alternaria leaf spot under challenge inoculation was conducted at Department of Plant Pathology, Rama University, Kanpur during 2023. Result of the study revealed that. application of Trichoderma as a seed treatment led to higher root and shoot dry biomass (0.080 and 0.021 mg/ seedling respectively), higher % increase in root and shoot dry weight (61.25and 82.78%) was found in T1 (Seed treatment with trichoderma harzianum) whereas highest root: shoot ratio (0.222) was reported in treatment T2.