Consumption Of Crops Research Articles

Water Requirements, Soil Moisture Availability, and Their Effects on Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Development and Yield

Throughout the world, about 70% of the total water is used for irrigation. Reports show that there will be a significant increase in irrigation requirements, as irrigation is an important factor affecting water footprint and productivity worldwide [45]. The experiment described in this article was carried out at the Agricultural Research Station, Ministry of Agriculture, Iraq, in 10 kg pots to evaluate the effects of soil moisture availability on water requirements, water productivity, and quinoa crop productivity under different irrigation treatments. These treatments maintained the soil at different levels of soil water tension (-0.05, -0.10, -0.15, -0.30, and -0.40 MPa) during the vegetative and/or reproductive periods of growth. The study analyzed water consumption, plant growth, yield components, and water productivity of the quinoa crop. The data showed that evapotranspiration decreased with increasing soil moisture tension during both the vegetative and reproductive periods of development. The maximum water productivity was consistently recorded at the lowest soil moisture tension, highlighting moisture efficiency. It was concluded that quinoa is relatively tolerant to soil moisture stress during the vegetative period compared to the reproductive period. The number of grains per ear was identified as a limiting factor for grain yield.

Human health risk assessment of metal contamination in cereals and pulses in the mica mining areas of Jharkhand, India

This study was carried to investigate the contamination levels of heavy in food crops (rice, wheat, maize, and pulses) grown in the vicinity of the mica mine in Jharkhand, India. Except for Pb and Zn in select places, the metal concentrations in the food crops were below the maximum allowed levels for food in India. The principal component analysis identified three components that accounted for 71.3 % of the variability in the data. The components that were retrieved indicated that soil, irrigation water, and air dust deposition could be the sources of metals in the food crops. The estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) of food crop consumption were used to highlight the potential health concerns associated with metal exposure. In several samples, local individuals' daily intakes of Pb was greater than the WHO's recommended daily intakes of these heavy metals. Taking into account the geometric mean of metal concentrations in food crops samples from the, the hazard index (HI) for the consumers was 10.28 which is far above unity. Pb, Co, and As were the primary contributors to the potential non-carcinogenic risk. The HI ranged from 7.22 to 18.29 across different locations, indicating a significant health risk to the consumers of locally grown food crops in the vicinity of the mica mining areas.

Gender role in food rights and sovereignty in West Africa: A rapid review

Recognizing the critical role gender plays in food systems within West Africa, this review paper explores the contributions women make throughout the food value chain and the challenges they face in achieving food and nutrition security. A search across the databases; Hinari, Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science targeted peer-reviewed articles reporting on studies published between 2000 and 2023 in English or French and focused on women in West Africa. Data were extracted using a predefined form in Covidence and a narrative synthesis was used to summarize women’s roles and challenges within food systems. Thematic analysis of 69 peer-reviewed articles out of a total of 9,789 screened revealed West African women as central figures in regional food systems. Beyond their well-documented roles in land preparation, planting, and harvesting, women actively engage in processing, distribution, marketing and household consumption of diverse food crops (fruits, vegetables, grains and tubers) across rural and urban agri-food systems. This multifaceted engagement extends far beyond production, demonstrably impacting key socio-economic and nutrition metrics including food security, food sovereignty, and sustainable livelihoods of countless communities across the region. Nonetheless, women are disproportionately affected by challenges such as unequal access to resources, limited decision-making power, and restrictive cultural norms and education. These factors hinder their participation in different activities within the food system. To address these gendered disparities and promote equitable food systems, targeted interventions are crucial. These interventions must prioritize education and training to equip women with knowledge, skills, and modern technology. Additionally, policy changes are necessary to promote equitable access to resources, financing and land ownership. Furthermore, dismantling discriminatory cultural norms and promoting gender equality are essential steps along with implementing infrastructure and technologies that address women's specific needs. By prioritizing women's empowerment through a combination of education, policy changes, technological upgrades, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders, West Africa can strive towards a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. Key words: food sovereignty, food rights, food systems, gender dynamics, West Africa

Assessment of radiological contamination due to gold mining in soil and food crops of Babban Tsauni, Gwagwalada, Nigeria.

This work assessed the activity concentrations of 238U(226Ra), 232Th, and 40K and their associated radiological risks due to exposure to soil and consumption of food crops in Babban Tsauni artisanal gold mine, Gwagwalada, Nigeria, using the gamma spectrometry technique. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the mine soil were 60.2±9.9, 161.4±16.2, and 664.6±138.2, while they were 46.4±4.9, 79.9±39.3, 266.4±185.4 for tubers and 46.9±15.7, 100.5±35.8, 311.4±132.7 (Bq/kg) for grains, respectively. The results reveal that the activity concentrations of radionuclides in all samples exceeded the recommended values set by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (33, 45, and 420 Bq/kg) except 40K, which fell within the acceptable limit in all food crop sample types. Estimated results for radiological hazard parameters, radium equivalent, annual effective dose due to ingestion, and excess life cancer risk were within safe limits, while the annual effective dose due to external gamma radiation in soil and annual gonadal equivalent dose were significantly high in all investigated samples; these call for constant radiological monitoring.

Toward Cross-Species Crop Se Content Prediction Using Random Forest Modeling

Selenium is an indispensable trace element in the human body that plays an important role in maintaining life activities. The consumption of Se-rich crops provides a practical and effective way for the body to supplement Se. However, the Se content in crops is affected by the soil Se content and the interactions between other elements in the soil. In this study, the Tibetan Plateau of China was chosen as the study area. The random forest algorithm was applied to select four key indicators—selenium (Se), bioavailable phosphorus (P), cadmium (Cd), and bioavailable copper (Cu)—from 29 soil variables to predict the Se content in rapeseed, wheat, potato, pasture, and chrysanthemum crops. The results showed that, despite the rich soil Se resources in the Tibetan Plateau, only 20% of the crop samples met the national Se enrichment standard (>0.07 mg kg−1). Compared with the traditional multiple linear regression method, the random forest model is more accurate, efficient, and reliable in predicting the Se content of crops. In cross-species crop prediction, which refers to the simultaneous cultivation and analysis of multiple distinct crop species within the same agricultural setting, the random forest model demonstrated superior performance, marking a significant breakthrough in cross-species crop research. This approach effectively eliminates the tedious process of conducting repetitive individual evaluations for different crop types in the same region, highlighting its innovative significance. Meanwhile, the Tibetan Plateau, known as the “Roof of the World”, is also of great research value. These results provide valuable references for the planning and management of Se-enriched farmlands, which will help improve the yield and quality of Se-enriched crops and promote the growth of farmers’ interests.

Mathematical Modelling of Spatially Inhomogeneous Non-Stationary Interaction of Pests with Transgenic and Non-Modified Crops Considering Taxis

Introduction. This paper addresses a unified spatially inhomogeneous, non-stationary model of interaction between genetically modified crop resources (corn) and the corn borer pest, which is also present on a relatively small section of non-modified corn. The model assumes that insect pests influence both types of crops and are capable of independent movement (taxis) towards the gradient of plant resources. It also considers diffusion processes in the dynamics of all components of the unified model, biomass growth, genetic characteristics of both types of plant resources, processes of crop consumption, phenomena of growth and degradation, diffusion, and mutation of pests. The model allows for predictive calculations aimed at reducing crop losses and increasing the resistance of transgenic crops to pests by slowing down the natural mutation rate of the pest. Materials and Methods. The mathematical model is an extension of Kostitsin’s model and is formulated as an initial-boundary value problem for a nonlinear system of convection-diffusion equations. These equations describe the spatiotemporal dynamics of biomass density changes in two types of crops — transgenic and non-modified — as well as the specific populations (densities) of three genotypes of pests (the corn borer) resulting from mutations. The authors linearized the convection-diffusion equations by applying a time-lag method on the time grid, with nonlinear terms from eachequation taken from the previous time layer. The terms describing taxis are presented in a symmetric form, ensuring the skew-symmetry of the corresponding continuous operator and, in the case of spatial grid approximation, the finite-difference operator. Results. A stable monotonic finite-difference scheme is developed, approximating the original problem with second-order accuracy on a uniform 2D spatial grid. Numerical solutions of model problems are provided, qualitatively corresponding to observed processes. Solutions are obtained for various ratios of modified and non-modified sections of the field. Discussion and Conclusion. The obtained results regarding pest behavior, depending on the type of taxis, could significantly extend the time for pests to acquire Bt resistance. The concentration dynamics of pests moving in the direction of the food gradient differs markedly from the concentration of pests moving towards a mate for reproduction.

Dietary Exposure of Infants and Young Children to Aflatoxins and Fumonisins in the East African Region: A Review

Proper supplementary nutrition is essential for nurturing and promoting the growth and development of Infants and Young Children (IYC). Poor food quality and safety during this critical period can result in malnutrition. Complementary foods (CF) commonly provided to IYC in East African countries often contain ingredients highly susceptible to mycotoxin contamination, particularly aflatoxins (AFs) and fumonisins (FBs). This narrative review sought to explore the contamination of infant diets with AFs and FBs, as well as the exposure of IYC to these toxins. The review covers the types of CF used in infant diets, their susceptibility to AFs and FBs contamination, associated dietary exposure, and detection methods, along with regulatory and mitigation strategies in the East Africa region. Studies revealed widespread contamination of staple crops with AFs and FBs, highlighting that IYC primarily encounter these toxins through the consumption of cereal-based CF, often supplemented with legumes and oily seeds. Maize and groundnuts emerge as the predominant ingredients in CF. Despite established regulatory limits for these toxins in food intended for the general population, no specific limits exist for IYC, who are particularly vulnerable due to their high consumption of the susceptible crops and relatively small body size. Limited enforcement of existing regulations, unfortunately, allows the problem to persist in these low-resource countries. Focusing on East Africa, this review synthesizes findings from scientific studies to assess the dietary exposure of children to AFs and FBs through CFs. The findings underscore the need for further research on the magnitude and effects of AFs and FBs exposure, coupled with awareness campaigns to promote the demand for clean and safe CF within the East African Community countries.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in homegrown crops: Accumulation and human risk assessment

Homegrown crops can present a significant exposure source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to humans. Field studies studying PFAS accumulation in multiple vegetable food categories and examining the potential influence of soil characteristics on vegetable bioavailability under realistic exposure conditions are very scarce. Crop PFAS accumulation depends on a complex combination of factors. The physicochemical differences among the numerous PFAS makes risk assessment very challenging. Thus, simplification of this complexity into key factors that govern crop PFAS accumulation is critical. This study analyzed 29 targeted legacy, precursor and emerging PFAS in the vertical soil profile (0–45 cm depth), rainwater and edible crop parts of 88 private gardens, at different distances from a major fluorochemical plant. Gardens closer to the plant site showed higher soil concentrations which could be linked with historical and recent industrial emissions. Most compounds showed little variation along the soil depth profile, regardless of the distance from the plant site, which could be due to gardening practices. Annual crops consistently accumulated higher sum PFAS concentrations than perennials. Highest concentrations were observed in vegetables, followed by fruits and walnuts. Single soil-crop relationships were weak, which indicated that other factors (e.g., porewater) may be better measures of bioavailability in homegrown crop accumulation. Regression models, which additionally considered soil characteristics showed limited predictive power (all R2 ≤ 35%), possibly due to low variability in crop concentrations. Human intake estimations revealed that the PFAS exposure risk via crop consumption was similar nearby and remotely from the plant site, although the contribution to the overall dietary exposure can be relatively large. The tolerable weekly intake was frequently exceeded with respect to fruit and vegetable consumption, thus potential health risks cannot be ruled out.

Assessing the Risk, Bioavailability, and Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils: Implications for Crop Safety and Human Health

This review addresses heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils, focusing on bioavailability, toxicity, and phytoremediation techniques. We identify significant regional variations in cadmium and lead levels, posing health risks through crop consumption. Effective phytoremediation methods, such as phytoextraction and Phytostabilization, have shown marked improvements over recent years. Recommendations include best practices for soil management, stringent regulatory measures, and advanced research in biotechnological remediation methods. This study underscores the urgent need for integrated strategies to ensure food safety and sustainable agriculture in sector.

MODELING THE EFFECTS OF PESTS AND PESTICIDE ON CROP YIELDS IN A MULTIPLE CROPPING SYSTEM

Pest infestation poses a significant threat to agricultural crop yields, and to control it, farmers spray chemical pesticides. The persistent use of these chemical agents not only leads to pesticide residues within crops but also exerts collateral damage on the beneficial pest population. In this research work, we formulate a nonlinear mathematical model to assess the impacts of pesticide on crop yields within a multiple cropping system. Model analysis illustrates that crop consumption rates destabilize, and the spraying rate of pesticide stabilizes the system. Furthermore, we determine conditions for the global stability of the coexisting equilibrium and conduct a global sensitivity analysis to identify model parameters that significantly influence pest population density. Our findings emphasize that, for effective pest population control and enhanced crop yields, farmers should choose either pesticides with a high pest abatement rate or those with a higher pesticide uptake rate. Considering the spraying rate of pesticide as time-dependent, we also suggest an optimal control strategy to minimize the pest population and associated costs. We provide analytical results backed by numerical simulations implemented through the non-standard finite difference scheme to support our findings.

Are pharmaceutical residues in crops a threat to human health?

ABSTRACT The application of biosolids, manure, and slurry onto agricultural soils and the growing use of treated wastewater in agriculture result in the introduction of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals to the environment. Once in the soil environment, pharmaceuticals may be taken up by crops, resulting in consequent human exposure to pharmaceutical residues. The potential side effects of pharmaceuticals administered in human medicine are widely documented; however, far less is known regarding the risks that arise from incidental dietary exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate human exposure to pharmaceutical residues in crops and assess the associated risk to health for a range of pharmaceuticals frequently detected in soils. Estimated concentrations of carbamazepine, oxytetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, and tetracycline in soil were used in conjunction with plant uptake and crop consumption data to estimate daily exposures to each compound. Exposure concentrations were compared to Acceptable Daily Intakes (ADIs) to determine the level of risk. Generally, exposure concentrations were lower than ADIs. The exceptions were carbamazepine, and trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole under conservative, worst-case scenarios, where a potential risk to human health was predicted. Future research therefore needs to prioritize investigation into the health effects following exposure to these compounds from consumption of contaminated crops.

НОРМИРОВАНИЕ ВОДОПОТРЕБЛЕНИЯ СЕЛЬСКОХОЗЯЙСТВЕННЫХ УГОДИЙ И КУЛЬТУР С УЧЕТОМ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕННО-ВРЕМЕННОЙ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТИ ГИДРОМЕТЕОРОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ФАКТОРОВ

The article presents the developed calculation methodology for environmental regulation of water consumption of agricultural land and crops, taking into account the spatiotemporal variability of climatic, hydrological, soil and biological indicators of the natural system. It is noted that the human pressure in the form of a deficit in water consumption of agricultural land and crops should be based on the principles of energy balance of heat, moisture and nutrients, taking into account natural conditions that ensure targeted regulation and management of soil-forming processes in hydro-agrolandscapes. The developed model and algorithm for assessing water consumption in agriculture are built using two models for rationing water consumption - agricultural land and crops, which makes it possible to determine the most important criteria for environmental management in irrigated agriculture and is of great importance in ensuring food security of the population.

Potential cancer risks of metals/metalloids and radionuclides through the intake of food crops grown around the mining area

BackgroundFood crop consumption is one of the primary routes through which the environment is polluted with radionuclides, metals, and metalloids. In recent years, the negative impacts of metals, metalloids, and radionuclides on crop quality via the food-human system have jeopardized both human health and food security. Because some metals, metalloids, and radionuclides are persistent and non-biodegradable, they build up in the human body's essential organs, causing a variety of serious health issues, including cancer. It is therefore absolutely essential to evaluate the potential cancer risks of radionuclides as well as metals and metalloids in the food crops consumed in the study area to avoid negative health consequences. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the potential cancer risks of metals and metalloids (As, Cd, Cr, and Pb) and Radionuclides (U-238, Th-232, and K-40) via consumption of food crops cultivated around the Riruwai mining area, northeastern Nigeria. MethodologyThirty-three (33) food crops (15 vegetables and 18 cereal crops) were collected directly from the farmlands in the study area. The concentrations of radionuclides, metals, and metalloid in each food crop were assessed using a microwave-plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) and a high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometer, respectively. The measured concentrations of radionuclides, metals, and metalloid were used to calculate their lifetime cancer risks (LTCRs). ResultsThe findings of the study revealed that the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in all the investigated food crops were above the threshold limits, while lower activity concentrations in all the investigated food crops below the world average standard were observed in U-238, Th-232, and K-40. LTCRs of all the individual metal and metalloid as well as radionuclide in each food crop were determined to be below the global threshold limits, indicating no likelihood of cancer risk from consuming the food crops. However, it was discovered that the total cumulative LTCRs of all the metals and metalloid in all food crops combined were 2.51E-04, which was over twofold the acceptable limit of 1.00E-04 ConclusionThe individual metal, metalloid, and radionuclide LTCRs in each food crop were found to be below global threshold limits, indicating no cancer risk from consumption. However, the cumulative LTCRs of all the metals and metalloid in all food crops were found to exceed the acceptable level, which requires proper monitoring and government intervention. Cancer risk is influenced by factors beyond food consumption, such as alcohol consumption, heredity, and air pollution, so multidimensional studies are needed before making a final decision on cancer risks in the study area.

Life cycle water and energy consumption and efficiency analysis of major crops in China

Water and energy are key elements in food production. However, only a few studies have investigated water and energy consumption simultaneously in a crop cultivation life cycle. In this study, we established a bottom–up framework to explore water and energy consumption in each period of the crop growth process, including sowing, germination, growth, maturation, and harvesting. We propose a novel homogenization index, the Water–Energy Efficiency for Food (WEEF) index, to compare crop production efficiency by reasonably eliminating regional location effects. Changes in water and energy consumption were evaluated for six major crops in China, including wheat, maize, rice, soybean, peanut, and cotton. The results showed that the water and energy consumption during the main growth period were largely synchronized in most regions, with peak periods occurring in July–August and May–June. Owing to the increased use of agricultural machinery and irrigation energy, the total energy consumption per unit yield of cotton, maize, and rice increased by 28%, 19%, and 16%, respectively, in 2018 compared with 2012, reaching 25.81, 2.53, and 2.49 MJ/kg, respectively. The WEEF index revealed that the efficiency of wheat and soybean production in China surpassed that of other crops. In general, the average crop production efficiency in the northern region was about 4％ lower than that in the southern region. Implementing spatiotemporal refined water and energy management strategies is imperative to attain sustainable agricultural development.

Women-Led Pulse Agriculture for Enhanced Household Nutrition Security in East African Countries

Pulse crops are significant sources of starch, fiber, protein and micronutrients for the human population. Four East African countries (Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda) have huge potential of pulse production but are constrained by several challenges in the production-consumption chain. This scoping review has assessed the challenges and opportunities related to women-led, nutrition-sensitive pulse agriculture in the four East African countries. This scoping review is based on data from major scientific databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, which are commonly used for research purposes, as well as grey literature. The criteria used were studies conducted in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, or Rwanda; grey literature which includes reports, theses, and other unpublished materials that may be relevant to a particular topic (years 2010 to 2023); observational studies, including case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies that assessed pulse crop production and consumption; and those published in English. Evidence from these countries shows that the historical gender gap and low level of participation by women in the sector have had adverse effects on the production of pulses. There are also social and cultural barriers that severely constrain women’s role in pulse agriculture, such as poor knowledge of the benefits of pulses, constraining cultural practice and gender-based norms in the pulse sector, limited access to market, land and finance, underdeveloped delivery/supply chain and extension services, less developed value addition culture, and the stigma of pulse consumption. This study identifies multiple avenues to ameliorate the identified socioeconomic, cultural and policy constraints, including promoting women-led pulse production through increasing access to financing for small-scale pulse crop farmers, improving market access through better marketing and distribution networks, and investing in infrastructure to support pulse production and consumption.

A probabilistic risk assessment of long-term exposure to metals and pesticides residues via consumption of cucurbit crops

Cucurbits contribute significantly to global food and are economically important for farm lands and greenhouses in Iran. The present study assessed the probabilistic risk posed to Iranian consumers through oral exposure to a mixture of pesticides and metals by consumption of cucurbit crops. A total of 180 samples of cucurbit crops including cucumber, courgette, pumpkin, Persian melon, watermelon, and melon were collected from different farm lands (i.e. open fields, 90 samples) and greenhouses (90 samples) in Iran and levels of pesticides and metals were quantified by GC-MS and ICP-OES, respectively. The mean levels of Cd, As, and Ni were above reference dose (RfD) in farmland crops, whereas only Ni levels were above RfD in greenhouse crops. In general, metals mean levels in farmland crops were statistically higher compared to greenhouse cucurbits. Concerning pesticides, in farmland crops, mean concentrations of carbaryl, methomyl, diazinon, malathion, and methamidophos were above the maximum residue limits (MRLs), while in greenhouse crops diazinon and methamidophos were above MRLs. Estimated incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) and hazard index (HI) for metals reflected no health risk for both farmland and greenhouse crops. Based on probabilistic assessment, HI values for carbamates, pyrethroids, and organophosphorus contents in cucurbit crops from farmlands and greenhouses at the 50th, 80th and 95th centiles, indicated no risk for Iranian consumers. Agricultural policies should be updated by using the cultivars types with minimum contaminants-accumulation and raise the general awareness of Iranian farmers about careful use of pesticides and fertilizers in agricultural practices.

Potentially Toxic Metals: Their Effects on the Soil-Human Health Continuum

As the foundation of nutritious foods lies in the soil, the consumption of crops grown in contaminated soils may pose an elevated risk of health issues through the soil-plant-human pathway. The impact of heavy metals (HMs) and metalloids on the physiological and biochemical responses of plants can have adverse effects on both growth and yield. The excessive accumulation of these substances in plant tissues poses a significant challenge to public health. HMs possess the capability not only to function as carcinogens but also to act as co-carcinogens, thereby activating specific chemical compounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, the target values, representing the desirable maximum concentrations of HMs in the soil, follow the order: Cr>Pb>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cd. This implies that Cd poses the highest potential risk, given its target value of 0.8 mg/kg, while Cr carries the lowest potential risk, with a target value of 100 mg/kg. Various agricultural management practices are recognized as significant pathways that induce the accumulation of metals in the soil and the surrounding environment. Hence, understanding the origin and status of HMs in the environment, along with assessing their potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate these risks, becomes crucial. This study aims to evaluate different facets of the soil-human health continuum concerning potentially toxic metals.

Laboratory Automation System Using IOT Device

Agriculture has a major role in the overall economic prosperity of a nation. An important component of smart agriculture is the Internet of Things (IoT). This project aims to construct an automated agriculture system that maximizes crop consumption of water and fertilizer. This endeavor also include identifying animals and stopping trees. The goal of the project is to create more efficient ways to handle irrigation systems manually and automatically with a smart phone. The proposed system utilizes embedded devices, PROTEUS software, and MPLAB. The present study offers a comprehensive approach to the supervision and control of an intelligent irrigation and regulating system.

Does the Green Economy Influence Environmental Sustainability? Nexus Between Staple Food Crops Consumption and Total Factor Productivity

Does the Green Economy Influence Environmental Sustainability? Nexus Between Staple Food Crops Consumption and Total Factor Productivity

Green Thumb, Rich Harvest: Exploring Bioactive Compounds in Horticulture

Horticulture, beyond its aesthetic allure, unveils a world rich in bioactive compounds with profound implications for human health and environmental sustainability. This abstract explores the diverse array of bioactive compounds found in horticultural crops and their potential benefits. Phytochemicals, such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, are key players, contributing to plant defense mechanisms and human health. Polyphenols, including flavonoids, exhibit antioxidant properties, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables showcase anticancer potential, while essential oils in aromatic herbs offer antimicrobial benefits. Importantly, the cultivation and consumption of bioactiverich horticultural crops promote sustainable agriculture by reducing chemical inputs and enhancing biodiversity. By harnessing the therapeutic potential of nature's pharmacy, horticulture emerges as a pivotal force in fostering human wellbeing and environmental resilience.