Crop Husbandry Research Articles

The use of alternative protein sources in quail diets: A review

The growth of the Earth’s population and people’s striving for healthy life style lead to an increase in the global demand for protein food. Quails are a valuable source of protein, which is thought to reduce the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Inclusion of alternative protein sources into the composition of feeds for quails is an answer to ecological problems associated with the use of traditional protein sources. Plants, insects, algae and mushrooms are among alternative protein sources that are mentioned most frequently in scientific studies. The aim of this review is analysis of scientific literature dedicated to the use of plants, insects, algae and mushrooms as alternative protein sources in feedstuff for quails. Plant sources of protein, such as soya and maize, are successfully used in feedstuff production. However, studies have shown that addition of other sources, including by-products of crop husbandry, will allow increasing sustainability and reducing the dependence of the industry on traditional raw materials. Flour from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae is the promising and most widely studied source of protein among insects and can positively affect productivity and health of quails. Among algae, it is necessary to mention spirulina (Spirulina platensis and Arthrospira platensis). Upon addition of 4% of the spirullina powder, productivity parameters in poultry increased. Mushrooms are described as a promising protein source in feedstuff that is also capable of ensuring an increase in productivity and quality of poultry meat. Today, however, there are few studies on this subject. It is recommended to focus further studies of the application of alternative protein sources in quail diets on questions of safety of their use and more detailed analysis of economic feasibility.

Pixel to practice: multi-scale image data for calibrating remote-sensing-based winter wheat monitoring methods

Site-specific crop management in heterogeneous fields has emerged as a promising avenue towards increasing agricultural productivity whilst safeguarding the environment. However, successful implementation is hampered by insufficient availability of accurate spatial information on crop growth, vigor, and health status at large scales. Challenges persist particularly in interpreting remote sensing signals within commercial crop production due to the variability in canopy appearance resulting from diverse factors. Recently, high-resolution imagery captured from unmanned aerial vehicles has shown significant potential for calibrating and validating methods for remote sensing signal interpretation. We present a comprehensive multi-scale image dataset encompassing 35,000 high-resolution aerial RGB images, ground-based imagery, and Sentinel-2 satellite data from nine on-farm wheat fields in Switzerland. We provide geo-referenced orthomosaics, digital elevation models, and shapefiles, enabling detailed analysis of field characteristics across the growing season. In combination with rich meta data such as detailed records of crop husbandry, crop phenology, and yield maps, this data set enables key challenges in remote sensing-based trait estimation and precision agriculture to be addressed.

Transgressive Variability of Quantitative Characters in Second Generation (Wheat Hybrids)

The article presents the results of a study of the degree and frequency of transgression in reciprocal hybrids of soft wheat of the second generation (F2). The studies were conducted in the 2020-2021 vegetation year on an experimental plot of the experimental base of the Research Institute of Crop Husbandry of Azerbaijan under irrigated conditions. During the research year, some yield indicators (length of the ear, number of spikelets, number of grains and weight of grains in the ear) of 9 local varieties (Mirbashir-128, Azeri, Gobustan, Fatima, Gyrmyzy gul-1, Murov-2, Askeran, Matin and Onur) of soft wheat and 32 combinations of second-generation hybrids were studied. The degree and frequency of transgression were determined. During the growing season, phenological observations were carried out in accordance with the methodology of scientific research in the field of breeding of grain-crop plants. In the second-generation hybrids (F2), transgressive variability in quantitative traits was calculated using the method of G. S. Voskresensky and V. I. Shpot. The results of the study showed that positive transgression was observed in the second-generation hybrid combinations (F2), which were characterized by high dominance and heterosis in the first generation (F1). In the combinations obtained with the participation of the Gobustan variety, high transgression and frequency were mainly noted in quantitative traits, regardless of whether it was taken as the maternal or paternal form, and negative transgression was mainly recorded when using the Fatima variety as the maternal one. In the reciprocal hybrids Onur × Azeri and Onur × Gyrmyzy gul-1, when the Onur variety was taken as the maternal form, and in the reciprocal hybrids Mirbashir-128 × Gyrmyzy gul-1, when the Mirbashir-128 variety was taken as the maternal form, a positive level of transgression was recorded for all studied traits.

Current status of white mango scale (Aulacaspis Tubercularis Newstead) and associated factors in Assosa district western Ethiopia

White mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead; Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is a major insect pest of mango production threatening production and marketing of mango in Ethiopia. The present study was conducted to determine the current status of the white mango scale (WMS) and to identify the factors contributing to the damage level of the pest. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in ten selected kebeles in Assosa district, western Ethiopia, during 2021/2022 cropping season. Data on infestation level and WMS life-stage abundance were recorded from fifty randomly selected mango orchards. Data on the prevalence of WMS and factors influencing the distribution and damage levels of white mango scale infestations were analyzed using SAS and SPSS software respectively. The results of this study indicate that WMS infestation was prevalent in all assessed mango growing areas of the district. There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference between kebeles and mango orchards in infestation level and WMS life-stage population densities. Poor cultivation, crop husbandry practices, and pest management strategies have been identified as the major contributing factors for high pest infestation. The study indicates that WMS infestations are increasing in the study area; thus, there has to be strong efforts towards the implementation of safe and effective management strategies.

Relevance of farm-scale indicators and tools for farmers to assess sustainability of their mixed crop-ruminant livestock systems

Ensuring the sustainability and circularity of mixed crop-ruminant livestock systems is essential if they are to deliver on the enhancement of long-term productivity and profitability with a smaller footprint. The objectives of this study were to select indicators in the environmental, economic and social dimensions of sustainability of crop-livestock systems, to assess if these indicators are relevant in the operational schedule of farmers, and to score the indicators in these farm systems. The scoring system was based on relevance to farmers, data availability, frequency of use, and policy. The study was successful in the assemblage of a suite of indicators comprising three dimensions of sustainability and the development of criteria to assess the usefulness of these indicators in crop-ruminant livestock systems in distinct agro-climatic regions across the globe. Except for ammonia emissions, indicators within the Emissions to air theme obtained high scores, as expected from mixed crop-ruminant systems in countries transitioning towards low emission production systems. Despite the inherent association between nutrient losses and water quality, the sum of scores was numerically greater for the former, attributed to a mix of economic and policy incentives. The sum of indicator scores within the Profitability theme (farm net income, expenditure and revenue) received the highest scores in the economic dimension. The Workforce theme (diversity, education, succession) stood out within the social dimension, reflecting the need for an engaged labor force that requires knowledge and skills in both crop and livestock husbandry. The development of surveys with farmers/stakeholders to assess the relevance of farm-scale indicators and tools is important to support direct actions and policies in support of sustainable mixed crop-ruminant livestock farm systems.

Further investigation into the impact of manuring on stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values in pulses: a four-year experiment examining Celtic bean (Vicia faba)

Plant stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values can be used to directly investigate crop husbandry practices such as manuring; a key variable in understanding the scale and intensity of past farming practices. We present new results from a four-year experiment examining the impact of manuring on the δ13C and δ15N values of a heritage cultivar of the broad or faba bean (Vicia faba), the ‘Celtic black broad bean’. This paper builds upon our previous pilot study (Treasure ER, Church MJ, Gröcke DR (2016) The influence of manuring on stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in Celtic bean (Vicia faba L.): archaeobotanical and palaeodietary implications. Archaeol Anthropol 8:555–562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-015-0243-6). Our results indicate that manuring increased δ15N values in beans, with a mean value of 0.5 ± 0.4‰ in control samples compared to a mean value of 2.1 ± 1.3‰ in the most intensively manured plots. It was not always possible to distinguish between an unmanured and manured crop on the basis of δ15N values, although manured crops consistently exhibited larger variation in δ15N. Bean δ13C values show no clear relationship with manuring, although large variability (> 3‰) was found within crops cultivated under the same conditions. Manuring also increased plant biomass production, seed-size and the bean per plant ratio. Overall, we suggest that high δ15N values (> 1.5‰) in archaeobotanical remains of pulses can be attributed to small-scale, intensive cultivation that is typical of gardens where manuring rates are very intensive.

Using the model of closed-loop economy in certain branches of the agro-industrial complex

From agricultural production to domestic consumption of products, the food industry produces huge amounts of waste every year, which leads to contamination of soil, water and air. Waste created upon processing agricultural raw materials and using axillary materials, such as additives, certain chemical components, fuel and so on, enhances an impact of the food chain on the environment leading to depletion of natural resources. In the last few years, production branches of economy, including the agro-industrial complex, have made attempts to maintain the balance between their impact on the environment, the use of resources, well-being of the population and economic benefits. This trend stimulates the intensive development of the theory of circular (cyclic) economy or closed-loop economy and facilitates a search for methods of its realization in the real economic system. The paper summarizes the main specific features typical of circular economy: strengthened control of supply of limited natural resources and maintenance of the stable balance of renewable resources; optimization of consumption processes by development and use of products, components and materials that correspond to the highest level of their reuse; detection and prevention of negative external effects of current production activities to increase efficiency of the economic and ecological systems. With that, despite the fact that the concept of circular economy was formulated several decades ago, its comprehensive definition is still a subject of discussions. Ambiguity of the existing definitions shows that the concept of closed-loop economy has different meaning for stakeholders. The paper examines several aspects of using elements of closed-loop economy in certain branches of the agro-industrial complex, including the meat industry. A special attention in this work is given to the introduction of modern technologies and equipment for efficient processing of waste from crop husbandry, animal husbandry and meat production to include it into the economic turnover. In addition, ecological problems arising in the course of activities of enterprises of the food and processing industries are examined and the possibilities of solving these problems by introduction of the model of circular economy have been established. Risks and barriers preventing transition of Russia to the model of circular economy have been revealed. The authors propose measures and directions of scientific research aimed at the development and introduction of elements of closed-loop economy in the meat sub-complex, including related branches of the agro-industrial complex.

Agricultural Information Needs and Resources of Smallholder Sugarcane Farmers in Swaziland

Abstract The sugar industry is the dominant agricultural sector in Swaziland’s economy, contributing significantly to the gross domestic product. Provision of relevant and timely information to smallholder sugarcane farmers is crucial for them to have a competitive footing with large-scale counterparts and reduce poverty. However, there is limited literature on the information needs and the kind of information communication resources that could make the dissemination of information to farmers efficient and effective. This study thus aims to investigate the information needs and resources of smallholder sugarcane farmers in Swaziland to inform the provision of information services in the sugar industry. It was underpinned by a positivist paradigm and used the survey research method complemented by methodological triangulation to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Data was collected using survey questionnaires and face-to-face interviews, with 168 responses and six interviews conducted. The findings revealed that 71 % of information needs of farmers were primarily in legislative compliance, sugarcane crop husbandry, markets and transport, and financial advice information, however, there were no statistically significant differences between the three mill groups in information needs. The smallholder sugarcane farmers also mostly obtained agricultural information through extension officers, farmer groups, and mobile phones, indicating that required information was mainly accessed through face-to-face interactions. The empirical findings of the study have implications for practice, policy, and theory with respect to guiding the implementation of agricultural information services by information providers in the context of rural farmers in developing countries.

Effectiveness of New Media Technologies on Agricultural Production among Rural Households in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Background: This study assessed the effectiveness of new media channels on agricultural production among rural households in Akwa Ibom State. The objectives of the study were; to identify the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area, identify the types of new media channels available to rural households in the study area and assessed the effectiveness of new media on agricultural production in the study area. Methods: A multi stage sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents used for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: The results of the study revealed that 36.6% of the respondents were aged between 41-50 years, with 39.20% and 28.20% having secondary and primary levels of education respectively. Whatsapp was the most popular new media channel available to the farming households. In terms of effectiveness, it was observed that new media was effective mostly in improving crop and animal husbandry. The results of the hypothesis showed that age of the farmers and educational level of the farmers were found significant. It is concluded that new media is a veritable tool in the development of agriculture in Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence for Ensuring the Authenticity of Organic Legume Products in Supply Chains

Background: The increasing demand for organic legume products has raised concerns about the validity of supply chains. This research explores the integration of blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies as a robust solution for ensuring the accuracy of organic legume products in supply chains. Leveraging the immutable and transparent nature of blockchain, the study establishes a decentralized ledger to record and validate each stage of the supply chain, from crop husbandry to distribution. Methods: Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are used in tandem to examine data points and identify irregularities that can signal the existence of fake goods. Through the integration of various technologies, the research aims to offer an advanced and flexible system that can anticipate and detect any risks to the validity of the product. Smart contract implementation on the blockchain enables automated verification procedures assuring, adherence to organic norms and laws. Result: Through case studies and empirical evidence, this paper demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed blockchain and AI integration in mitigating the risks associated with counterfeit organic legume products. This research contributes to the burgeoning field of blockchain and AI applications in supply chain management, offering a novel approach to fortify the integrity of organic food supply chains.

СУТНІСТЬ ІННОВАЦІЙНИХ ПРОЦЕСІВ У ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ СІЛЬСЬКОГОСПОДАРСЬКИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

The article outlines the essence, importance, and consequences of innovative processes. It is emphasized that innovative processes in the activities of agricultural enterprises are closely related to the processes of biological transformation in crop and animal husbandry and are oriented towards a long-term perspective. The spread of innovative processes in the environment of agricultural enterprises depends on the level of their innovative activity. The differences between the concepts of "innovative activity" and "innovative process" are considered. It is noted that innovative activity is a set of innovative processes aimed at creating, patenting, and spreading innovations. Agricultural enterprises are not characterized by innovative activity due to tax restrictions. They implement innovations within the framework of innovation processes, which are characterized by a qualitative change (modernization) of agricultural products and services, or the creation of a qualitatively new product. Innovative processes are revealed in the improvement or generation of new methods, approaches, and principles of operational activity of agricultural enterprises based on the use of new knowledge. Innovative processes in the activity of agricultural enterprises are manifested in the achieved competitive advantages, that is, the presence of some exclusive value in the supply to consumers, which provides prerogatives to a specific enterprise over competitors. Innovative activities of agricultural enterprises result in economic, ecological, and social effects. A special tool to activate innovative processes in the activities of agricultural enterprises is the value chain, which serves as the basis for creating added value for the product. The value chain of an agricultural enterprise consists of specific processes (innovation processes), which often go beyond internal production, and include a set of tangible and intangible costs that form the main and added value. Innovative processes in the activities of agricultural enterprises pave the way to rational, economical, and effective use of the resource component of production potential, as well as a tool for achieving a strategic goal.

Assessment of weed species composition and diversity in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) farms in Ethiopia

Background: Weeds compete for vital nutrients and water with the tomato plants and serve as an alternative host for other pests. Although there is limited information on the weed species composition in major tomato-growing areas in Ethiopia, this study was conducted to identify the economically important weed species in tomato fields in the East Wollega, Shewa, West Shewa, Arsi, and Sidama zones. Methods: The weed flora assessment was conducted in major tomato growing zones of the country, such as East Shewa, Wollega, West Shewa, Arsi, and Sidama zones, in the 2018–2019 cropping season during the off-season. In each tomato field a 1 m x 1 m quadrat was thrown following an inverted X pattern, and weed species were recorded. Weed species composition was calculated using standard formulas. Results: The results revealed that 63 weed species under 23 families were identified at the surveyed locations. Portulaca oleracea was the most abundant and dominant, with 50% of the dominance value. Weed frequency values ranged from 0.06 to 72% in the studied areas. The weed similarity index was also different among the surveyed locations. The results of farmers perceptions on weed management in tomato fields showed that 61% of respondents practiced hoeing followed by hand weeding, and Tuta absoluta was the most significant constraint to tomato production in the surveyed areas. Conclusions: This assessment showed that there are differences in the composition and distribution of weed species in tomato fields in Ethiopia, which aid in predicting the population dynamics of weed flora. Farmers perceptions of weed management practices in tomato fields were also different. Therefore, different environmentally friendly weed management options such as good crop husbandry, biological control, and integrated management should be designed to increase tomato production and productivity.

Study of Crop Yield Elements of Hard Wheat in Fourth Generation (F4) Hybrid Lines (Azerbaijan)

In the article, the productivity elements of 40 intraspecific fourth generation (F4) hybrid lines of hard wheat were studied in comparison with the standard Fertile-95 hard wheat variety under irrigation conditions at the Absheron Auxiliary Experimental Farm of the Research Institute of Crop Husbandry, in the 2019-2020 vegetation year. As a result of research, it is recommended to select hybrid lines with catalog number k-ST/2016/13, k-ST/2016/65, k-ST/2016/173, k-ST/2016/174, k-ST/2016/176, k-ST/2016/18a etc. and use them in the hybridization process in order to enrich the germplasm of local wheat genotypes as a valuable starting material with high productivity elements and in order to create new varieties of hard wheat, it was included in the experiment at the irrigated (Tarter Regional Experimental Station, Araz Science Production Union of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic) and non-humidified (Jalilabad Regional Experimental Station) regions of the republic.

Unraveling Seed Dormancy and Host Specificity of Alectra Vogelii in Malawi

Parasitic angiosperm Alectra vogelii Benth is a growing problem in Malawi, particularly with the current emphasis on legume crops. Therefore, a pot experiment was conducted in Lilongwe, Malawi to evaluate the effects of site, A. vogelii dormancy-breaking period on Mkanakaufiti and IT82E-16 cowpea varieties. Varieties of cowpea were grown in A. vogelii-infested pots sourced from three agroecological zones and subjected to varied dormancy-breaking periods. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design and replicated four times. The study revealed that dormancy breaking had impacts depending on the A. vogelii source. However, the Alectra source affected the A. vogelii shoot counts and cowpea grain weight. Neno-Manyenye collections had a higher incidence without induced dormancy breaking periods while Lilongwe-Kamowa, and Salima-Matumba collections had a high incidence after the dormancy-breaking period. Late infestation (at 119 to 149 days after planting) on resistant Mkanakaufiti cowpea variety by A. vogelii collections used indicated apparent strain variability of collections used. The results confirmed the delayed resistance mechanism of Mkanakaufiti against A. vogelii. Nevertheless, the variety reactions on the parasitic weed depends on suitability, compatibility, and specificity, although some resistant genotypes tend to lose the resistance mechanism with time. A. vogelii seeds organic carbon % varied (4.87±1.73 to 9.13±0.95) from the three agroecological zones which signified the collections’ variability due to warmer temperatures, relative humidity, and crop husbandry practices under long-term conditions. Therefore, screening efforts for resistance or evaluation of agronomic options to suppress the weed should be intensified.

Unraveling the transcriptional network regulated by miRNAs in blast-resistant and blast-susceptible rice genotypes during Magnaporthe oryzae interaction

The plant pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae poses a significant threat to global food security, and its management through the cultivation of resistant varieties and crop husbandry practices, including fungicidal sprays, has proven to be inadequate. To address this issue, we conducted small-RNA sequencing to identify the roles of miRNAs and their target genes in both resistant (PB1637) and susceptible (PB1) rice genotypes. We confirmed the expression of differentially expressed miRNAs using stem-loop qRT-PCR analysis and correlated them with rice patho-phenotypic and physio-biochemical responses. Our findings revealed several noteworthy differences between the resistant and susceptible genotypes. The resistant genotype exhibited reduced levels of total chlorophyll and carotenoids compared to the susceptible genotype. However, it showed increased levels of total protein, callose, H2O2, antioxidants, flavonoids, and total polyphenols. Additionally, among the defense-associated enzymes, guaiacol peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase responses were higher in the susceptible genotypes. In our comparative analysis, we identified 27 up-regulated and 43 down-regulated miRNAs in the resistant genotype, while the susceptible genotype exhibited 44 up-regulated and 62 down-regulated miRNAs. Furthermore, we discovered eight up-regulated and five down-regulated miRNAs shared between the resistant and susceptible genotypes. Notably, we also identified six novel miRNAs in the resistant genotype and eight novel miRNAs in the susceptible genotype. These novel miRNAs, namely Chr8_26996, Chr12_40110, and Chr12_41899, were found to negatively correlate with the expression of predicted target genes, including Cyt-P450 monooxygenase, serine carboxypeptidase, and zinc finger A20 domain-containing stress-associated protein, respectively. The results of our study on miRNA and transcriptional responses provide valuable insights for the development of future rice lines that are resistant to blast disease. By understanding the roles of specific miRNAs and their target genes in conferring resistance, we can enhance breeding strategies and improve crop management practices to ensure global food security.

Potential of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Livestock Development: A Review

In most developing nations, including India, agricultural extension services are mostly focused on crop husbandry, but public sector animal husbandry activities are frequently dominated by animal breeding and health services. ICT has been widely employed in the study and enhancement of numerous elements of livestock production, research, and education in the United States and worldwide. Specifically, ICT is becoming more important in livestock disease control, dairy herd management, livestock production, and livestock and livestock product marketing. However, the success of ICT in livestock promotion or related areas is dependent on a number of factors, including farmer adoption of ICT, the political and policy environment, farmer education, ICT penetration rate, ICT infrastructure (such as connectivity), and the Rural Information Model etc. So, this paper throws light on the points of such capabilities of ICT for Livestock Development.

Agriculture system: structure and features of functioning

The article examines the theoretical foundations of the agro-food system (AFS) formation and a comprehensive description of its constituent elements, which include the evolution of scientific concepts, principles, and priority tasks in the aspect of implementing the principles of sustainable development. Approaches to understanding the category of AFS are summarized, a system that covers the processes of production, distribution, exchange and consumption of goods, as well as connections and relations between producers and consumers of material goods and services. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the principles of the formation and development of the AFS in the context of sustainable development paradigm and sustainability in order to ensure food security of the country and the world based on the structural and functional definition of its constituent elements and highlighting the interdependence and interrelationships between them. The general concept of AFS is presented and it is roposed to determine its sustainability on the basis of the concept of sustainable development, provision of conditions for the extended reproductive process of resources, rational placement of agricultural production and balanced development of crop and animal husbandry. AFS models are summarized and similarities and differences between them are highlighted in terms of organization of activities, consumer behavior, etc. The AFS is considered on the basis of the structural and functional content of its components and the main participants are characterized, whose activities are aimed at ensuring the reproduction process, the formation of a self-sufficient food balance and a reasonable amount of export potential. The classification features of the AFS as an integrated multi-sectoral system are summarized and its main characteristics are outlined in the aspect of realizing the socio-ecological and economic goals of sustainable development. The definition of the AFS as a set of business entities that carry out business processes and activities from the production of agricultural products to their consumption, processing and disposal of waste in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, which contributes to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), is proposed. A multi-level system of the AFS is presented, which allows for a comprehensive analysis to identify dependencies, connections and influences between its participants. Key words: agro-food system (AFS), production and marketing chain, sustainable AFS, AFS participants, business processes, traditional AFS, modern AFS, mixed AFS.

An Insight of Parasitic Weeds in Africa and Scientific Developments: A Review

Parasitic weeds are a major threat to food security in Africa and control measures mostly done by smallholder farmers are not effective in eradicating the parasites. This results in a yield loss up to 100%. Parasitic weeds comprise Alectra vogelii, Striga spp., Orobanche spp., Rafflesia spp., and Phoradendron spp. Parasitic attachment is successful when three necessary conditions have been fulfilled namely the compatible host, suitable environment, and parasitic weed. These species parasite plant species through special attachment features such as modified leaves, suckers, haustoria, or modified roots. In Africa, the variability of parasitic weeds is largely driven by environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, soil type, and crop husbandry practices. Warmer temperatures create more hospitable conditions for certain parasitic weeds, and allowing them to spread to new areas. Parasitic weed control is vital for effective crop production and the control strategies can be achieved through integrated weed control method that embraces mechanical, cultural, chemical, and biological methods. However, the most effective and crucial method is the cultivation of resistant varieties that provide long-term protection against parasitic weeds. Studies have been done on host-parasite attachment where dodder can send out new roots to infected neighbouring plants and spread their parasitic behaviour. More insight and knowledge should offer new goals for control within the life cycle of the parasitic weeds and their metabolic activities. Lastly, disciplines such as agronomy, plant breeding, nutrition, economics, and IT should play their roles effectively in combating parasitic weeds.

Transition to Settlement South Kyrgyz People and Development of Crop Husbandry (Second Half of the 19th - Beginning of the 20th Centuries)

Transition to Settlement South Kyrgyz People and Development of Crop Husbandry (Second Half of the 19th - Beginning of the 20th Centuries)

Toward Soil Nutrient Security for Improved Agronomic Performance and Increased Resilience of Taro Production Systems in Samoa

A progressive decline in soil fertility in taro (Colocasia esculenta L., Schott) production systems has contributed to reduced crop productivity and farm profitability, and is recognized to be a threat to soil nutrient and food security in Samoa. Evidence based on three years of field experimentation showed that appropriate nutrient budgeting is required to reduce soil nutrient deficits and mitigate soil organic carbon loss. Balanced crop nutrition coupled with appropriate crop husbandry can significantly improve productivity and narrow yield gaps. A framework to guide nutrient recommendations for taro production systems is presented and discussed. This framework proposes that recommendations for N be derived from the yield-to-N response function (from which the most economic rate of N can be estimated) and that for other nutrients, namely P, K, Ca, and Mg, recommendations be based on replacement. The replacement strategy requires the development of soil nutrient indexes, which can be used to define the long-term nutrient management policy at the field scale. This long-term policy is informed by soil analyses, and it will determine whether existing soil nutrient levels are to be maintained or increased depending on the focus (productivity, profitability, environmental protection). If soil nutrients were already at an agronomically satisfactory level, their application may be omitted in some years to help reduce crop production costs, improve use efficiency, and ensure environmentally safe levels in soil are not exceeded.