Crop Cultivation Research Articles

Problems of the Organic Agricultural Production Development as Threats to Ukraine's Economic Security

Purpose: The research is aimed at the mechanisms of solving the identified problems in the development of organic agricultural production against the background of the ongoing Russian invasion. Taking into account the need to increase the volume of such output in response to the demands of world markets, the development of state stimulation tools that have been tested in the EU to help achieve both the individual Sustainable Development Goals and to strengthen the components of Ukraine's economic security, which are currently under constant attack. Design/Method/Approach: Based on the data of the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Diia Business, OrganicInfo, and World Bank, we used economic and statistical methods: average, relative values of dynamics, structure, coordination, Le Masne similarity index, Herfindahl-Hirschman concentration index, non-parametric criterion for assessing the tightness of the connection (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient) and graphically depicted the obtained results. Findings: Ukrainian organic production is characterized by imbalance and weak diversification. In 2021, 96.85% of the area of domestic crop production was allocated to the cultivation of grain and oil crops. In 2022, the volume of sales of organic products in the domestic market of Ukraine fell by almost half (-48%). Unlike in European countries, organic products are not a priority for retail trade in Ukraine. The hypothesis about the non-randomness of the correlation between the consumption of organic products and GDP per capita was confirmed: with a probability of 99.9%, there is a direct and strong (0.86) correlation between the indicators. Theoretical Implications: The work identifies the current problems of organic agricultural production and possible ways to solve them, in particular, based on state incentive mechanisms approved in the EU, the introduction of which will strengthen the economic security of Ukraine. Practical Implications: Calculations prove that the reorientation of the Ukrainian producer to the domestic consumer is not a solution to the problems associated with blocking the export of Ukrainian agricultural products until the level of GDP per capita is similar to European indicators. Originality/Value: The development of organic production is one of the priorities of the agricultural policy of the EU from the financial perspective of 2021-2027. It is a direction for realizing Ukraine's competitive advantages against the background of the ongoing Russian invasion. Research Limitations/Future Research: In further research, it is advisable to compare the development trends of Ukrainian organic production with European ones since this article focuses on internal problems. Paper Type: Empirical JEL Classification: Q01, Q14, Q18

The β-galactosidase gene AtrBGAL2 regulates Akebia trifoliata fruit cracking

Cracking of Akebia trifoliata fruit at maturity is problematic for the cultivation of the horticultural crop, shortening shelf-life quality and compromising commercial value. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this feature of A. trifoliata are not known. Genes involved in cell wall metabolism were identified by genome and transcriptome sequencing, which may play important roles in fruit cracking. One of the galactose metabolism related genes, β-galactosidase (AtrBGAL2), was identified in A. trifoliata, and overexpression (OE) of AtrBGAL2 resulted in early fruit cracking, higher water-soluble pectin contents, and lower acid-soluble pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose content compared to the wild type. Whereas silencing of AtrBGAL2 in trifoliata by virus induced gene silencing showed opposite trends. The levels of AtrBGAL2 transcripts were 24.6 and 66.0-fold higher in OE A. trifoliata and tomato fruits, respectively, and the cell wall-related genes were also gradually greater than in control plants during fruit ripening. Whereas the expression levels of AtrBGAL2 was significantly down-regulated by 54.1 % and 73.7 % in gene silenced A. trifoliata and CRISPR/Cas9 tomato mutant plants, respectively, and cell wall-related genes were also significantly reduced. These results demonstrate that AtrBGAL2 plays important roles in regulating fruit cracking during fruit ripening.

Belowground plant allocation regulates rice methane emissions from degraded peat soils

Carbon-rich peat soils have been drained and used extensively for agriculture throughout human history, leading to significant losses of their soil carbon. One solution for rewetting degraded peat is wet crop cultivation. Crops such as rice, which can grow in water-saturated conditions, could enable agricultural production to be maintained whilst reducing CO2 and N2O emissions from peat. However, wet rice cultivation can release considerable methane (CH4). Water table and soil management strategies may enhance rice yield and minimize CH4 emissions, but they also influence plant biomass allocation strategies. It remains unclear how water and soil management influences rice allocation strategies and how changing plant allocation and associated traits, particularly belowground, influence CH4-related processes. We examined belowground biomass (BGB), aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground:aboveground ratio (BGB:ABG), and a range of root traits (root length, root diameter, root volume, root area, and specific root length) under different soil and water treatments; and evaluated plant trait linkages to CH4. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) was grown for six months in field mesocosms under high (saturated) or low water table treatments, and in either degraded peat soil or degraded peat covered with mineral soil. We found that BGB and BGB:AGB were lowest in water saturated conditions where mineral soil had been added to the peat, and highest in low-water table peat soils. Furthermore, CH4 and BGB were positively related, with BGB explaining 60% of the variation in CH4 but only under low water table conditions. Our results suggest that a mix of low water table and mineral soil addition could minimize belowground plant allocation in rice, which could further lower CH4 likely because root-derived carbon is a key substrate for methanogenesis. Minimizing root allocation, in conjunction with water and soil management, could be explored as a strategy for lowering CH4 emissions from wet rice cultivation in degraded peatlands.

Molecular Characterization of Sweet Potato Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Different Agroecological Zones of Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are widely distributed in all agroecological zones (AEZs) within Kenya. Plant parasitic nematodes are important pests of many cultivated crops and they exert a detrimental influence on a wide range of vascular plants, leading to significant crop losses by reducing both quantity and quality of the yield. However, due to inadequate taxonomic descriptions and a low number of diagnostic features, the morphological diagnosis of many species remains a challenge. The objective of this study was to characterize PPNs associated with sweet potatoes in different agroecological zones of Kirinyaga County, Kenya, using 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Seventy-seven soil samples from sweet potato tubers rhizosphere were collected from different agroecological zones and nematodes were extracted using Baermann’s technique. Thirteen nematode isolates were obtained and only seven could be identified morphologically to their genus level based on their distinct phenotypes. Seven isolates that could not be identified through the microscope were advanced to molecular sequencing. The nematode DNA were extracted and the PCR amplification and sequencing of 18S rRNA gene carried out. The study identified six PPN species, including Mylonchulus hawaiiensis, Aporcelaimellus nigeriensis, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Rotylenchulus borealis, Aporcella femina, Heterodera dunensis, and a predatory nematode (Dorylaimus aff. stagnalis) as part of the soil biota. This study showed significant distribution of plant parasitic nematodes across the agroecological zones. Thus, the occurrence of a nematode species complex in sweet potato farms requires the development of specific and appropriate sustainable control strategies.

Damage to potato tubers by cut worms in grain-grass root-crop rotation in the north-west of the Russian Federation

The paper presents the results of long-term monitoring of potato tuber damage by caterpillars of cut worms and study of the factors determining it. The research was carried out in grain-grass root-crop rotation in the north-west of the Russian Federation. In recent years in the domestic and world scientific literature an increase in the pest rate of cut worms on potato plantings has been observed, therefore, it is relevant to identify the factors contributing to a significant limitation of damage to potato tubers by the caterpillars of cut worms. According to the results of the studies conducted in the period 2012–2022, it was determined that the damage to potato tubers by caterpillars of cut worms varies widely – from 0.5 to 15.9%. Weather conditions have the strongest influence on tuber damage by cut worms (influence share – 24.3%). The period from planting to flowering of potatoes is determinant, which is confirmed by statistical treatment (r = 0.65, p < 0.05). Increase of tuber damage by cut worms is promoted by hydrothermal conditions during this period, corresponding to the HTC 2.1–2.3, as well as weeding of plantings with perennial dicotyledonous species and some small perennial species. The influence of vegetative mass of the whole set of growing weed vegetation was expressed by a correlation coefficient equal to 0.14 (p < 0.05), including density and mass of perennial dicotyledonous species – 0.11 (p < 0.05) and 0.13 (p < 0.05). One of the factors that significantly reduce damage to potatoes by this pest is preplanting treatment of tubers with insectofungicides. In combination with the use of herbicides, it provided a 56.8% reduction in the proportion of tubers damaged by cut worm caterpillars in the harvested crop. At the same time, application of mineral fertilizers, change of the forecrop in crop rotation and cultivation of potato varieties with different resistance did not lead to a reliable decrease in damage of tubers by caterpillars of cut worms.

Concept graph construction and applied research of agricultural remote sensing

ABSTRACT Remote sensing technology in the new era gradually need a new scientific paradigm driven by big data and knowledge. However, in the current research, the use of existing knowledge is slightly insufficient. As for the whole research process, there is a lack of guidance based on the field knowledge. In view of the above problems in the field of remote sensing in agriculture, it is of great significance to organize knowledge based on concept graph and develop knowledge-driven big data analysis theory and methods. This paper focuses on the construction and application of agricultural remote sensing concept graph. Firstly, it explores the core contents, research hotspots and development trends of the current agricultural remote sensing field through reference visualization and analysis methods such as keyword frequency statistics, keyword co-occurrence, word detection with stronger citation burst and so on. Then, this paper summarizes the comprehensive ontology of agricultural remote sensing based on the results of keyword clustering. Thus, the schema layer of concept graph is constructed from top to bottom. Under the guidance of the schema layer, the data layer of the concept graph is artificially filled from the bottom up with different triads stored in Neo4j. In terms of application, retrieval, query and recommendation of the proposed concept graph for agricultural remote sensing tasks is a typical application case. Based on the results of the recommendation, it could guide the process of information extraction such as cultivated land parcel delineation and crop type identification at the parcel scale. The study of concept graph helps to summarize and generalize the relevant knowledge in the field of agricultural remote sensing. Relevant research provide effective solutions for automated and intelligent agricultural information extraction and application.

How does virtual water influence the water stress pattern in Africa? A research perspective from the perspectives of production and trade

Northern Africa has become the first region in the world to exhaust its water resources, with a 40 % decrease in per capita water availability south of the Sahara over the past decade. While adjusting production structures and consumption can regulate the supply-demand dynamics of water resources, the extent of the impact of virtual water-induced pressure on both the regional and national levels in Africa remains largely understudied. Applying the standard Penman formula, this research calculates the water footprint of eight cereal crops in 54 African countries from 1990 to 2021. By integrating corresponding data on cereal trade, the study analyzes changes in virtual water stress. The findings indicate a decline in the per-unit production and consumption water footprints for African cereals. However, the continuous expansion of cultivation areas contributes to a rising water stress. In comparison to 1990, the water stress for soybeans, sorghum, rice, maize, and cassava increased by 149.72 %, 146.88 %, 133.89 %, 123.30 %, and 90.8 %, respectively, in 2021. Only barley showed a reduction in water stress by 23.22 %. The study underscores the growing interconnectedness of virtual water trade (VWT) among African nations from 1990 to 2021, leading to a more balanced trade distribution. VWT has reduced water stress by 7.65 %, 2.08 %, and 1.8 % in Western, Central, and Northern Africa, respectively, while increasing pressure in Southern and Eastern Africa by 10.51 % and 1.01 %. The flow of virtual water in Africa is most influenced by spatial proximity, primarily occurring between adjacent countries or regions. Forecasts for water stress under the five scenarios of SSPs-RCP8.5 have been conducted, revealing a continuous increase in water stress across Africa. Furthermore, analysis of the SSP2-RCP8.5 scenario indicates that by 2030 and 2040, African cereal crops are projected to face virtual water resource stress increases of 7 % and 18.76 %, respectively, compared to 2020 levels. During the same period, Sierra Leone is anticipated to experience a growth rate in virtual water stress of approximately 1903.38 %. Consequently, altering crop cultivation structures and enhancing VWT are poised to alleviate water resource pressure, promoting the scientific management of agricultural water resources in Africa.

Impact of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle and liquid leachate of mushroom compost on agronomic and biochemical response of marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) under saline stress.

The cultivation of ornamental horticultural crops under salinity stress has been a challenge for growers all over the world. In this study, an attempt was made for pot cultivation of Marigold (Tagetes erecta L. var. Pusa Basanti Gainda) in salt-stressed (SS) soil (150 mM) with the combined use of mushroom compost leachate (CL) and foliar application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs). For this purpose, a total of six pot treatments, i.e., borewell water (BW; control), T1 (BW with SS), T2 (BW with SS and TiO2-NPs), T3 (CL supplemented), T4 (CL with SS), and T5 (CL with SS and TiO2-NPs) were conducted in triplicate. The results of this study showed that CL supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved the physicochemical i.e.,pH (14.5%), electrical conductivity (32.9%), total nitrogen (27.4%), total phosphorus (247.6%)), and nutrient (organic matter: 119.6%) profiles of soil which later helped in higher growth (30-35%) and yield (5.4-40.7%) of T. erecta. In CL-based treatments, the biochemical constituents were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in BW-irrigated ones. Also, the levels of selected stress defense enzymes were significantly increased under SS treatment but reduced under TiO2-NP application. Overall, it was observed that the combined application of CL and TiO2-NPs (T5 treatment) was the most helpful treatment for enhanced germination, growth, yield, biochemical parameters, and better plant enzymatic activities to cope with saline stress. This study provides a mechanistic understanding of T. erecta plants under saline stress which is crucial for the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving plant tolerance to saline conditions.

Alternative Cover Crops and Soil Management Practices Modified the Macronutrients, Enzymes Activities, and Soil Microbial Diversity of Rainfed Olive Orchards (cv. Chetoui) under Mediterranean Conditions in Tunisia

In Tunisia, the olive is the most cultivated fruit crop in the northern region, where annual rainfall exceeds 400 mm. This olive-growing area is characterized by a wide coverage of marginal soil with a high slope gradient. Therefore, the inclusion of cover crops in olive orchards is a sustainable solution to enhance ecosystem productivity, improve soil fertility, and increase oil yields. This study aimed to investigate the short-term (two cropping seasons in 2021 and 2022) effects of different seeded cover crops and soil management practices on soil characteristics, as well as soil health by measuring soil enzyme activities and microbial diversity. Six cover crop types consisting of wheat, vetch, oat, fenugreek, a vetch–oat mixture, and spontaneous vegetation were tested in association with rainfed olive trees (cv. Chetoui) in the north of Tunisia and compared to a control (which was tilled periodically three times per year without intercropping). During the first cropping season, cover crops were cut as animal feed, and only residues were incorporated into the soil. However, during the second year, all cover crop biomass was incorporated into the soil. The results indicated that the dry biomass production and carbon uptake were significantly higher in grass species (wheat and oat). All of the cover crops, including the spontaneous vegetation, significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM) and macronutrient levels, mainly, available phosphorus. On the other hand, the highest level of soil nitrogen was found in the fenugreek cover crop. The soil enzyme activities in the cover crops of wheat, oat, and the vetch–oat mix were higher than those in the control. Together with the increase in soil organic matter (SOM), this demonstrates a significant improvement in soil health with cover crops. Furthermore, this study proves that the utilization of carbon sources was dominated by amides, amines, and amino acids in the fenugreek plot, while it was dominated by polymers and carboxylic acids in the case of the wheat and oat. Overall, this study demonstrates that seeding cover crops is a sustainable management practice not only to integrate livestock but also to improve soil health in semiarid olive orchards.

World Agronomy: A Study of Pesticides Usage and Its Harmful Effects

Agriculture is the science as well as the art of cultivation of crops and also includes activities associated with it like animal husbandry. Agronomy is a part of agriculture which is restricted to the management of field only. The scope of agronomy includes every activity related to field management and better yield of crops. This study lays emphasis on the adverse effects of pesticide usage on crop, non-target plant, humans, soil and the overall environment. As per the data of Environews Forum, around 1 million people die of pesticide poisoning every year, several illnesses like redness in eyes, salivation, sweating, coughing, vomiting, frequent bowel movements, respiratory problems and most importantly the Parkinson’s disease, are a threat to the people who are exposed to the pesticides.

Soil fungal community structure and function response to rhizoma perennial peanut cultivars

BackgroundCrop-associated microorganisms play a crucial role in soil nutrient cycling, and crop growth, and health. Fine-scale patterns in soil microbial community diversity and composition are commonly regulated by plant species or genotype. Despite extensive reports in different crop or its cultivar effects on the microbial community, it is uncertain how rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata Benth.), a perennial warm-season legume forage that is well-adapted in the southern USA, affects soil microbial community across different cultivars.ResultsThis study explored the influence of seven different RP cultivars on the taxonomic composition, diversity, and functional groups of soil fungal communities through a field trial in Marianna, Florida, Southern USA, using next-generation sequencing technique. Our results showed that the taxonomic diversity and composition of the fungal community differed significantly across RP cultivars. Alpha diversity (Shannon, Simpson, and Pielou’s evenness) was significantly higher in Ecoturf but lower in UF_Peace and Florigraze compared to other cultivars (p < 0.001). Phylogenetic diversity (Faith’s PD) was lowest in Latitude compared to other cultivars (p < 0.0001). The dominant phyla were Ascomycota (13.34%), Mortierellomycota (3.82%), and Basidiomycota (2.99%), which were significantly greater in Florigraze, UF_Peace, and Ecoturf, respectively. The relative abundance of Neocosmospora was markedly high (21.45%) in UF_Tito and showed large variations across cultivars. The relative abundance of the dominant genera was significantly greater in Arbrook than in other cultivars. There were also significant differences in the co-occurrence network, showing different keystone taxa and more positive correlations than the negative correlations across cultivars. FUNGuild analysis showed that the relative abundance of functional guilds including pathogenic, saprotrophic, endophytic, mycorrhizal and parasitic fungi significantly differed among cultivars. Ecoturf had the greatest relative abundance of mycorrhizal fungal group (5.10 ± 0.44), whereas UF_Peace had the greatest relative abundance of endophytic (4.52 ± 0.56) and parasitic fungi (1.67 ± 0.30) compared to other cultivars.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence of crop cultivar’s effect in shaping fine-scale fungal community patterns in legume-based forage systems.Graphical abstract

Bioenergetic assessment of the use of fertilizers for potatoes in the northern region of Kazakhstan

In field experiments, the high energy efficiency of the use of mineral fertilizers for potatoes on chestnut soils of northern Kazakhstan was revealed. The energy efficiency of the use of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash fertilizers has been established. The energy consumption of nitrogen fertilizers per 1 kg of increase in the yield of the main product, depending on the doses of fertilizers, ranged from 6223,3 MJ (efficiency = 2,2 units) to 15129,6 MJ (efficiency = 1,0 units). The energy content of 1 kg of phosphorous fertilizers used by increasing the yield of potato tubers (c) was estimated from 11712 MJ (efficiency = 1,9 units) to 18300 MJ (efficiency = 2,5 units), which indicates high energy efficiency. Energy costs varied in the range of 5130,5 MJ against the background of N45K45 and 7208,3 MJ against the best variant of N45P90K45. The energy efficiency from the use of potash fertilizers is estimated at 2,2 units for variants K45 and K90 against the background of N45P45. Energy costs are reduced by obtaining 1 c of potato tubers in more efficient variants in terms of the energy efficiency of the fertilizers used. Knowing the energy costs (Ao, MJ) for growing crops and the energy content (Vf0, MJ/ha) in the yield of products, it is possible to conduct a bioenergetic assessment of the effectiveness of crop cultivation in the practice of applying fertilizers. The purpose of the research is to identify the bioenergetic efficiency of the use of mineral fertilizers for potatoes on chestnut soil in the conditions of the Northern region of Kazakhstan.

Socioecological dynamics of diverse global permafrost-agroecosystems under environmental change

ABSTRACT Permafrost-agroecosystems include all cultivation and pastoral activities in areas underlain by permafrost. These systems support local livelihoods and food production and are rarely considered in global agricultural studies but may become more relevant as climate change is increasing opportunities for food production in high latitude and mountainous areas. The exact locations and amount of agricultural production in areas containing permafrost are currently unknown, therefore we provide an overview of countries where both permafrost and agricultural activities are present. We highlight the socioecological diversity and complexities of permafrost-agroecosystems through seven case studies: (1) crop cultivation in Alaska, USA; (2) Indigenous food systems and crop cultivation in the Northwest Territories, Canada; (3) horse and cattle husbandry and Indigenous hay production in the Sakha Republic, Russia; (4) mobile pastoralism and husbandry in Mongolia; (5) yak pastoralism in the Central Himalaya, Nepal; (6) berry picking and reindeer herding in northern Fennoscandia; and (7) reindeer herding in northwest Russia. We discuss regional knowledge gaps associated with permafrost and make recommendations to policy makers and land users for adapting to changing permafrost environments. A better understanding of permafrost-agroecosystems is needed to help sustainably manage and develop these systems considering rapidly changing climate, environments, economies, and industries.

Effects of a S-metolachlor based herbicide on two plant models: Zea mays L. and Lactuca sativa L

ABSTRACT Corn is the second most cultivated crop in Brazil, the number-one country in pesticide consumption. Chemical control of weeds is performed using herbicides such as S-metolachlor with pre- and post-emergence action and thus the toxicity of herbicides constitutes a matter of great concern. The present investigation aimed to examine the effects of an S-metolachlor-based herbicide on Lactuca sativa L. (lettuce) and Zea mays L. (maize) utilizing various bioassays. The test solutions were prepared from commercial products containing the active ingredient. Seeds from the plant models were exposed in petri dishes and maintained under biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) at 24°C. Distilled water was negative and aluminium positive control. Macroscopic analyses (germination and growth) were conducted for both plant species, and microscopic analysis (cell cycle and chromosomal alterations) were performed for L. sativa root tip cells. Detrimental interference of S-metolachlor-based herbicide was noted with lettuce for all parameters tested reducing plant germination by over 50% and the germination speed by over 45% and showing a significant decrease in mitotic index, from 16.25% to 9,28% even on the lowest concentration tested. In maize, there was no significant interference in plant germination; however, speed of germination was significantly hampered, reaching a 51.22% reduction for the highest concentration tested. Data demonstrated that the herbicide was toxic as evidenced by its phyto- and cytotoxicity in L. sativa L. and Z. mays L.

Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: A Comparative Study of Vegetable Cultivation under Polyhouse and Open Field Conditions in Punjab, India

This study investigated the comparative agricultural performance of cucumber, capsicum and tomato cultivation in polyhouse structures versus open field conditions in Punjab, focusing on yield, market prices, cost of production and overall profitability. The study included 42 polyhouse technology adopters and 60 non-adopters randomly selected from six districts with high polyhouse concentration. Results revealed that cucumber, the most suitable crop under polyhouse conditions, exhibited significantly higher yields (347 q/acre) compared to open field cultivation (166 q/acre). Polyhouse-grown cucumbers also fetched better market prices (Rs. 22-23/Kg) than those cultivated in open fields (Rs. 13/Kg) due to off-season production. Despite higher production costs in polyhouse conditions, the gross and net returns as well as the benefit-cost ratio (B:C ratio of 2.84) was considerably better in polyhouse cultivation compared to open field cultivation. Similarly, capsicum and tomato crops demonstrated over 1.5 times higher yields in polyhouse conditions compared to open fields. The market prices for polyhouse grown capsicum and tomato were significantly better, compensating for the higher production costs. The benefit-cost ratios for capsicum and tomato in polyhouse conditions were 2.37 and 2.42 respectively, outperforming open field cultivation. The study ranked cucumber as the most profitable crop under polyhouse structures followed by tomato and capsicum. Extension and technology gaps were identified highlighting the need for capacity building through extension programs to bridge existing gaps. Extension yield gaps ranged from 21.7-32.5 q/acre while technology gaps attributed to cultivation practices, crop varieties and technical knowledge ranged between 38-55 q/acre. In conclusion, polyhouse technology presents a viable strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity particularly for cucumber, capsicum and tomato crops in Punjab. The findings underscored the need for targeted extension programs and improved practices to bridge existing gaps promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Punjab.

CYP3A4-Mediated Metabolic Activation and Cytotoxicity of Chlortoluron.

Chlortoluron (CTU) is an herbicide extensively used in agricultural settings for crop cultivation. Its presence in water has been identified as a pollutant detrimental to aquatic species. The objective of the present study was to explore the metabolic activation and hepatotoxicity of CTU. Through human and rat liver microsomal incubations supplemented with CTU, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and either glutathione or N-acetyl cysteine, a benzylic alcohol metabolite (M1) was discerned, alongside a phenol metabolite (M2), a glutathione conjugate (M3), and an N-acetyl cysteine conjugate (M4). In rats exposed to CTU, biliary M3 and urinary M4 were detected in their bile and urine, respectively. The generation of M1 was detected in the presence of NADPH. The observation of M3 and M4 suggests the formation of an iminoquinone methide intermediate arising from the oxidation of M1. CYP3A4 was found to be the principal enzyme catalyzing the metabolic activation of CTU. Furthermore, CTU exhibited cytotoxic properties in cultured rat primary hepatocytes in a concentration-dependent pattern. Concomitant treatment of hepatocytes with ketoconazole mitigated their susceptibility to the cytotoxic effects of CTU.

LEGAL PROVISION OF SOIL (LAND) MELIORATION IN UKRAINE

Melioration is a powerful factor affecting the soil and soil cover, which changes the direction, periodicity and speed of soil processes and regimes, and leads to a gradual transformation of soils. The evolution of soils under the influence of various types of land reclamation is characterized by varying degrees of changes in chemical, physico-chemical, and agrophysical properties, and in the case of the complex application of various types of land reclamation, high agricultural culture acquires a positive direction, improving soil properties. In the case of a violation of the comprehensive implementation of meliorational effects and agrotechnical measures for the cultivation of agricultural crops, low resource provision, a negative balance of organic substances and an imbalance of macro- and microelements can be formed in the soil. Another determining factor in the change in the purpose of melioration effects on the soil is the transition to the ecological imperative of the agrosphere. This direction is the strategic goal of land reclamation in the foreseeable future, which is of great importance for Ukraine, as the world's leading agrarian state. Solving the problem of investments in the field of soil meioration, which arose due to the disorganization of the legal management of soil and land resources in the conditions of increased natural and anthropogenic loads, global climate changes, violation of the structural and landscape organization of the territory and technical requirements in the system of balanced land use, is gaining increasing relevance, perspective and public demand A feature of law-making practice in Ukraine are numerous environmental laws and departmental regulations, but their implementation is too slow. One of the areas of implementation of the provisions and requirements established by regulatory legal acts in the field of soil reclamation is the development of a regulatory and methodological framework in this field. To ensure the unity and effectiveness of the implementation of regulatory documents at different levels, it is necessary to develop and approve lists of documents, in particular standards, which, in the case of voluntary application, are proof of compliance with the requirements of the current legislation on land reclamation, their use and monitoring. Along with the existence of existing laws, it is necessary to adopt already developed draft laws "On soils and their fertility", "On soil monitoring", "On the removal of degraded and unproductive lands for conservation", "On soil insurance". The Law of Ukraine "On Land Leasing" needs to be revised, which needs to be supplemented in the direction of soil protection obligations on the part of tenants by increasing the minimum lease terms and improving the economic mechanism for stimulating the sustainable use and management of land resources, including their protection from degradation. Keywords: soils, melioration, soil protection, legal support.

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.

Microbial alchemists: unveiling the hidden potentials of halophilic organisms for soil restoration.

Salinity, resulting from various contaminants, is a major concern to global crop cultivation. Soil salinity results in increased osmotic stress, oxidative stress, specific ion toxicity, nutrient deficiency in plants, groundwater contamination, and negative impacts on biogeochemical cycles. Leaching, the prevailing remediation method, is expensive, energy-intensive, demands more fresh water, and also causes nutrient loss which leads to infertile cropland and eutrophication of water bodies. Moreover, in soils co-contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and textile dyes, leaching techniques may not be effective. It promotes the adoption of microbial remediation as an effective and eco-friendly method. Common microbes such as Pseudomonas, Trichoderma, and Bacillus often struggle to survive in high-saline conditions due to osmotic stress, ion imbalance, and protein denaturation. Halophiles, capable of withstanding high-saline conditions, exhibit a remarkable ability to utilize a broad spectrum of organic pollutants as carbon sources and restore the polluted environment. Furthermore, halophiles can enhance plant growth under stress conditions and produce vital bio-enzymes. Halophilic microorganisms can contribute to increasing soil microbial diversity, pollutant degradation, stabilizing soil structure, participating in nutrient dynamics, bio-geochemical cycles, enhancing soil fertility, and crop growth. This review provides an in-depth analysis of pollutant degradation, salt-tolerating mechanisms, and plant-soil-microbe interaction and offers a holistic perspective on their potential for soil restoration.

Epistasis and pleiotropy-induced variation for plant breeding.

Epistasis refers to nonallelic interaction between genes that cause bias in estimates of genetic parameters for a phenotype with interactions of two or more genes affecting the same trait. Partitioning of epistatic effects allows true estimation of the genetic parameters affecting phenotypes. Multigenic variation plays a central role in the evolution of complex characteristics, among which pleiotropy, where a single gene affects several phenotypic characters, has a large influence. While pleiotropic interactions provide functional specificity, they increase the challenge of gene discovery and functional analysis. Overcoming pleiotropy-based phenotypic trade-offs offers potential for assisting breeding for complex traits. Modelling higher order nonallelic epistatic interaction, pleiotropy and non-pleiotropy-induced variation, and genotype × environment interaction in genomic selection may provide new paths to increase the productivity and stress tolerance for next generation of crop cultivars. Advances in statistical models, software and algorithm developments, and genomic research have facilitated dissecting the nature and extent of pleiotropy and epistasis. We overview emerging approaches to exploit positive (and avoid negative) epistatic and pleiotropic interactions in a plant breeding context, including developing avenues of artificial intelligence, novel exploitation of large-scale genomics and phenomics data, and involvement of genes with minor effects to analyse epistatic interactions and pleiotropic quantitative trait loci, including missing heritability.