Crop Production Research Articles

Biological insights into alleviating heavy metal toxicity through the simultaneous supply of biochar biofilters derived from the Mikania micrantha and molybdenum nanoparticles

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in the environment is widespread, making it crucial to reduce Cd accumulation in cereal crops like wheat. However, strategies that not only mitigate Cd pollution but also address other environmental challenges, such as invasive species management, remain unclear. This study introduces an innovative approach combining molybdenum nanoparticles (Mo NPs, 1 µM) and biochar biofilters derived from the invasive plant Mikania micrantha (IPMM), targeting the biochemical and molecular responses of wheat under Cd stress (100 µM). Our findings showed that this novel combination significantly improved wheat physiological characteristics, growth, root architecture, elemental profile, osmoregulation, carotenoid, chlorophyll, gas exchange, and photosynthetic efficiency. Remarkably, simultaneous supply of IPMM biochar biofilters and Mo NPs substantially modulated the Cd translocation, reducing its accumulation in root (30.54%) and shoot (53.59%). Additionally, this strategy not only preserved mesophyll cell structures and the membrane integrity, but also strengthened and activated the oxidative defense systems through the regulation of genetic expressions. This synergistic approach advances the Cd alleviating techniques and offers a sustainable solution for utilizing invasive plants as a potential resource. By addressing both heavy metal pollution and ecological challenges, it provides a promising solution for safer crop production in Cd-contaminated environments.Graphical

Systematization of steam cultivators

BACKGROUND: When exposed to the soil during cultivation, the moisture and air permeability of the formation improves, which favor the activity of microorganisms and the growth and development of plants. The increase in the production of agricultural crop production directly depends on the level of technology of the new generation. Therefore, the improvement of their designs in order to increase the level of technology of the new generation is an urgent task of the agro-industrial complex. METHODS: The method of monographic examination of the structures of steam cultivators, both of the machine as a whole and separately of the main working bodies, was used on the basis of well-known scientific research and the results of state tests. Thus, the really working steam cultivators recommended for use in agricultural production were considered. In addition, the patented designs of the working bodies of steam cultivators were analyzed. The efficiency of steam cultivators was determined based on the results of state tests of the Volga, Northwestern, Siberian, Kuban, North Caucasian, Central Chernozem, Kirov, Vladimir MIS over the past 10 years. RESULTS: The article provides an overview of steam cultivators and their designs. The classification of cultivators by 3 types is given: by the type of main working bodies (paws); by the type of additional working bodies (rollers, harrows, rods); by the type of attachment to the tractor (trailed, mounted). Their advantages and disadvantages are considered. An overview of research on improving the designs of steam cultivators to improve the quality and reduce energy consumption for tillage is given. The working bodies (paws), the frame in terms of the placement of the main working bodies, the rack and the design of additional working bodies of steam cultivators are being modernized. Theoretical studies on improving the efficiency of cultivators are considered. The conditions for achieving and improving the quality of tillage with a steam cultivator are revealed by determining the relationship of parameters with the indicators of the technological process. The application of computer simulation modeling in solving theoretical problems of research of new working bodies is considered, advantages and disadvantages are revealed. CONCLUSIONS: The systematization of steam cultivators presented in this article will allow us to determine ways to further improve them.

Regulatory roles of DGAT and PDAT genes in plant oil synthesis

There is a large gap between production and demand of plant oil in China, which leads to the heavy reliance on imports. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) and phospholipid: diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT) are two key enzymes responsible for the synthesis of triacylglycerol, thereby affecting the yield and quality of plant oil. This paper comprehensively reviews the research progress in DGAT and PDAT in terms of their biological functions in plant oil synthesis, the molecular mechanisms of regulating plant lipid metabolism, growth, and development under stress, and their roles in driving oil synthesis under the background of synthetic biology. Furthermore, future research and application of DGAT and PDAT are prospected. This review aims to provide a basis for deeply understanding the molecular mechanism of plant oil synthesis and improving the quality and productivity of oil crops by the utilization of DGAT and PDAT genes.

Push-Pull Strategies and Habitat Manipulation for Sustainable Insect Pest Management in Crops

Effective and sustainable management of insect pests remains a major challenge in crop production worldwide. Conventional pest control heavily relies on chemical pesticides, which pose risks to human health and the environment. Push-pull strategies and habitat manipulation have emerged as promising ecological approaches to manage pests by exploiting their interactions with crops and the surrounding environment. Push-pull involves intercropping main crops with repellent "push" plants and attractive "pull" plants to deter pests and lure them away from the main crop. Habitat manipulation enhances the agroecosystem to support beneficial insects that naturally suppress pests. This review examines the principles, implementation, and efficacy of push-pull and habitat manipulation strategies in various cropping systems. Successful examples are discussed, including the use of Desmodium as a push plant and Napier grass as a pull plant to control stemborers and Striga weed in maize in Africa, and planting flower strips and beetle banks to boost natural enemies in Europe and USA. Key advantages of these strategies include reduced reliance on pesticides, targeted pest control, promotion of biodiversity, and provision of additional ecosystem services. However, challenges exist in terms of identifying suitable companion plants, allowing time for benefits to accrue, and integrating into commercial farming systems. Future research should optimize plant combinations and management practices for specific pest-crop contexts. Engaging farmers through participatory approaches is crucial for wider adoption. Ultimately, incorporating push-pull and habitat manipulation into Integrated Pest Management programs can contribute to more sustainable, economical, and environmentally-sound insect pest control in agriculture.

Automatic Watering System on Microcontroller-Based Tomato Plants With The Fuzzy Logic Approach

One of the main challenges in crop cultivation is addressing irrigation issues, which are often carried out conventionally. This research aims to tackle this problem by implementing fuzzy logic in the development of an automatic irrigation system for tomato plants based on a microcontroller. The system is designed to create an intelligent irrigation solution capable of adjusting water supply according to environmental conditions and the needs of tomato plants. The research methodology includes system design, environmental data collection, and implementation of fuzzy logic algorithms for decision-making. The research findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the fuzzy logic-based approach in optimizing irrigation schedules, resulting in improved plant health and water conservation. Thus, the conclusion emphasizes the potential of fuzzy logic in enhancing precision farming practices and underscores the importance of adaptive irrigation systems in supporting sustainable crop production.

High-throughput phenotyping of wheat root angle and coleoptile length at different temperatures using 3D-printed equipment

BackgroundInnovation in crop establishment is crucial for wheat productivity in drought-prone climates. Seedling establishment, the first stage of crop productivity, relies heavily on root and coleoptile system architecture for effective soil water and nutrient acquisition, particularly in regions practicing deep planting. Root phenotyping methods that quickly determine coleoptile lengths are vital for breeding studies. Traditionally, direct selection for root and coleoptile traits has been limited by the lack of suitable phenotyping methods, genetic and phenotypic complexity, and poor repeatability in sampling. In this study, we innovated a method utilizing 3D printing technology to measure root angle and coleoptile length in wheat seedlings. We evaluated seedlings from eight different wheat genotypes across varying temperatures and validated our findings through image processing techniques.ResultsThe analysis of variance in root architecture revealed significant differences among genotypes for root angle. Temperature treatments also significantly influenced shoot length, number of roots and total root length. The Tosunbey genotypes exhibited the highest root angle and the lowest root angle was observed in Altindane genotypes. Additionally, we observed that increasing the temperature led to an increase in seedling root length. Similarly, the coleoptile architecture analysis showed significant differences among genotypes in coleoptile length, leaf length, number of roots, and total root length. Temperature treatments and deep sowing applications significantly affected these traits as well. The Tosunbey and Müfitbey genotypes exhibited the longest coleoptile length, whereas the Nevzatbey genotype showed the shortest.ConclusionSelecting for a narrow root angle and a high number of seminal roots can result in deeper, more branched root systems. Furthermore, developing wheat genotypes with longer coleoptiles can enhance plant production and early vigor, particularly with deep sowing. Our method, using the eqiupments producing by 3D printing technology enables high-throughput phenotyping of wheat roots and coleoptiles, offering new insights into root and coleoptile system regulation at different temperature conditions. This method can be seamlessly integrated into breeding programs to enhance drought tolerance, rapidly phenotyping populations for root and coleoptile characteristics.

The Role of Sugarcane Trash in Soil Fertility and Plant Growth: A Review

Sugarcane needs a hot and humid climate and can be grown on a variety of soils that can retain moisture. Owing to its long life cycle it heavily depletes soil nutrients during its growth period. Sugarcane, being a heavy feeder requires nearly 208 kg N, 53 kg P2O5, and 280 kg K2O from the soil to produce 100 t ha-1 sugarcane. Sugarcane, being a C4 plant, produces a large quantity of biomass. Approximately 10-15 t of trash, constituting 10-12% weight of cane harvested, is produced by the sugarcane crop. Generally, cane trash contains 68% organic matter, 0.42% N, 0.15% P, 0.57% K, 0.48% Ca, and 0.12% Mg, besides 25.7, 20.45, 236.4, and 16.8 ppm Zn, Fe, Mn and Ca, respectively. Trash conserves soil moisture, C, and N in the soil and provides energy to increase the yield. The trash application conserves the nutrients in the soil, also aids their availability to the plant, and reduces the fertilizer requirements through recycling nutrients in the soil from residue. Organic mulches also create a better physical, chemical, and biological environment of soils and in turn, improve crop productivity. Burning of trash deteriorate the fertility as well as soil health. It also reduces the soil microbial activity and destabilize of soil aggregates. Significant N losses from residues can occur during burning by high temperature volatilization. In the burnt system, >70% of the organic matter and nutrients in the trash are lost to the atmosphere.

Influence of sowing time on the productivity of narrow-leafed lupin under conditions of the Krasnoyarsk Forest-steppe

Experimental work was carried out in 2021–2023. in order to study the influence of sowing timing on the productivity of angustifolia lupine in the conditions of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe. The objectives of the research included determining the effect of the timing of sowing angustifolia lupine on seed germination and the safety of plants for harvesting; studying the influence of crop sowing timing on grain yield; assessment of the contribution of factors to the formation of lupine grain yield. The experimental design included three dates for sowing lupine: 1st date (early) – May 5; 2nd term (middle) – May 15; 3rd deadline (late) – May 25. The objects of research were narrow-leaved lupine varieties bred by the All-Russian Research Institute of Lupine Vityaz and Belozerny 110. The hydrothermal regime of growing seasons differed according to the years of observation: in June 2021, as well as in July and August 2022, plants experienced a lack of heat; in 2021 and 2023 there will be a moisture deficit. The research results showed that the field germination of seeds varied according to the experimental variants and depended on the moisture supply of the soil at the sowing depth, which developed under specific growing season conditions. The best seed germination of the Vityaz variety was noted at early sowing dates in 2021 and 2022, and at late sowing dates in 2023; for the Belozerny variety 110 at the average sowing time in 2021, at the late sowing time in 2022 and in 2023. The safety of plants for harvesting decreased from the first sowing period to the third for both the Vityaz variety and the Belozerny 110 variety. Early sowing of lupine provides the highest grain yield of the crop. On average over the years of the experiment, the yield of the Vityaz variety during early sowing was 12.4 c/ha; during the average sowing period, the crop productivity was 12.9% lower, and at the late sowing period it was 50.8 % lower. A similar trend is observed in the variety Belozerny 110: in the 1st sowing period the average yield was 12.2 c/ha, in the 2nd period it was 11.5 % less, in the 3rd period it was 44.3% less. The formation of lupine productivity is significantly dependent on both the timing of sowing (contribution of the factor – 34.7–47.4 %) and on the growing season conditions (contribution of the factor – 39.6–51.9 %).

Impacts of unilateral U.S. carbon policies on agricultural sector greenhouse gas emissions and commodity markets

Abstract This article analyzes the consequences of the United States implementing unilateral policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. The policy representation is based loosely on current and past policy initiatives that have subsidized GHG reductions and considered special treatment for sectors heavily involved in trade. To do so, our first step is to generate new estimates of key parameters, elasticities of demand and supply, that are critical to understanding interactions among agricultural commodities, such as between livestock and crop products, in this area of research and more broadly. We apply these parameters in a widely used economic model that estimates the effects of a unilateral U.S. agricultural GHG policy on both domestic and foreign markets as well as global GHG emissions. Livestock effects dominate, driving most U.S. livestock product consumer prices higher and causing mixed crop and crop product price effects. A unilateral policy increases food costs in the implementing country and, if applied to all supplies, domestic and imported, tends to raise prices elsewhere as well. Alternative implementation strategies, such as not imposing the costs on exports or not imposing the costs on imports, can lead to lower food prices and greater consumption in other countries, as well as have important implications for the overall GHG reductions achieved by the unilateral effort.

Assessment of land suitability and crop water requirements for irrigated sugarcane in the Kuraz Irrigation Scheme, Lower Omo Basin, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Assessing land suitability is crucial for sustainable agricultural production. This study focuses on evaluating the suitability of land for irrigated sugarcane cultivation and determining crop water requirements within the Kuraz Irrigation Scheme in Ethiopia. A combination of geographic information system (GIS) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) tools was used to classify land suitability and support decision-making by considering factors such as soil pH, texture, temperature, rainfall, land use-land cover, and slope. The AquaCrop model was utilized to simulate current and future scenarios for biomass, canopy cover, yield, maximum evapotranspiration, and water productivity of sugarcane crops. The model was calibrated for irrigated sugarcane during the 2015–2016 crop season, revealing that the majority of the study area is highly suitable for sugarcane cultivation. Specifically, 28% of the area was classified as highly suitable, 38% as moderately suitable, 21% as marginally suitable, and 13% as unsuitable. These findings highlight the potential for expanding sugarcane cultivation to boost yields and profitability. However, the study also underscores the need to consider potential environmental impacts, such as water usage and soil degradation from agricultural expansion. Additionally, social factors, including labor practices and the possible displacement of local communities, must be taken into account when expanding sugarcane cultivation.

A comprehensive review on impact of climatic change on adaptability and mitigation in fruit crop

Global warming and climate change are among the most pressing challenges confronting humanity in the 21st century. Climate change will result in rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns and an increased occurrence of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, cold spells, frost days, droughts and floods. The effects of climate change have recently become more evident, with rising temperatures, altered and irregular precipitation patterns and increased extreme weather events. These changes are directly impacting the maturity and development of fruit crops. Heat stress during flowering and fruit set can greatly reduce fruit production, while irregular rainfall may disrupt pollination and heighten the risk of pests and diseases. Furthermore, increased carbon dioxide levels can influence the quality characteristics of fruits. To maintain the ongoing production and sustainability of fruit crops, it is vital to enhance resilience. Focusing on developing new varieties that offer higher yield potential and resistance to various stresses, such as drought, flooding and salinity, is crucial for sustaining crop yields. Additionally, breeding programs should aim to enhance the germplasm of key tropical and subtropical fruit crops to improve heat stress tolerance. Recent advancements in genetic editing technologies present substantial opportunities for the agricultural sector, especially in enhancing fruit crop traits. These innovations can be precisely tailored to meet consumer preferences, which is crucial for driving commercial success. In this review, we strive to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of this important topic, along with recommendations for future research.

Somatic Hybrids and Cybrids: Innovations in Vegetable Improvement

Somatic hybridization through protoplast fusion is indeed a promising method for producing asymmetrical and unbalanced polyploid somatic hybrids in various plant species. This technique involves merging protoplasts from different plant species to create hybrids that possess desirable traits for both scion and rootstock improvements. By circumventing the limitations of sexual hybridization, such as male/female sterility and sexual incompatibility, somatic hybridization enables the incorporation of beneficial genes from closely related or even distantly related species. The success of somatic hybridization in horticulture is evident in various crops such as citrus, potato, brinjal (eggplant), tomato, mango, avocado, banana, strawberry, pear, and cherry. It facilitates the transfer of numerous uncloned genes that confer resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, thereby enhancing crop resilience and productivity. Unlike transgenic technology, which is often subject to regulatory constraints, somatic hybridization allows for the exchange of genetic material without the same legal formalities. Despite its potential benefits, somatic hybridization faces challenges and constraints compared to sexual hybridization. These include technical difficulties in protoplast isolation and fusion, as well as limitations in generating fertile hybrids and maintaining genome stability. However, advancements in genomic technologies provide optimism for overcoming these challenges. Improved understanding of plant genomes enables more precise manipulation and selection of desired traits through somatic hybridization. In conclusion, somatic hybridization is a crucial tool in modern plant breeding and crop improvement efforts. It expands the gene pool available for breeding programs by incorporating genetic variability from diverse sources, thus offering new opportunities to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. As research and technology continue to advance, somatic hybridization holds promise for addressing current and future challenges in global agriculture.

Effect of stingless bee (Tetragonula iridipennis) pollination on onion seed yield in Rabi and Kharif seasons

The present study on stingless bee was carried out during Rabi and Kharif of 2022-2023 in farmers field at Oddanchatram, Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu to evaluate their efficiency in pollinating onion, cultivated for seed purpose. Two fields (10 km apart) were used, one with stingless bees (2 colonies/acre) and one without. Foraging activity was monitored every 4 days over 36 days and onion seed yield and germination were compared between open pollination and covered umbels. During Rabi, peak foraging activity occurred from 1100 to 1200 h with 23.6 outgoing bees/5min/h. Pollen and nectar foragers peaked between 1200 and 0100 h with means of 6.5 and 20.1 bees/5min/h, while resin foragers showed peaks at 1200-0100 and 0500-0600 h. Managed pollination yielded 165 kg/acre with 88% germination compared to 120 kg/acre and 77% without bees. In Kharif, similar peaks were observed, with pollen, nectar and resin foragers averaging 4.3, 19.4 and 2.0 bees/5min/h, respectively. Seed yield was 150 kg/acre with stingless bee pollination versus 110 kg/acre without bees, with germination rates of 86% and 74%. Stingless bee pollination improved onion seed yield by 37.5% in Rabi and 36% in Kharif, demonstrating their significant role in boosting crop productivity. Future studies should explore the long-term impacts of stingless bee pollination on crop yields and biodiversity.

Integration of Cocoa and Cattle Towards Production and Creation Body Weight of Cattle

Cocoa is one of the main plantation crops in North Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, and is a strategic plantation commodity that tends to be important for the national economy because it provides employment, a source of foreign exchange, and a source of income for farmers. Manure is a waste product from livestock manure, one of which is cattle, which can be used to add nutrients and improve the physical and biological properties of soil. Integrated agriculture (crop-livestock integration) is an agricultural system characterized by the interrelationship between crop and livestock components in a farming business or an area. This study was conducted to determine the effect of manure on cocoa crop production, and to find out that feed made from cocoa fruit peel waste can increase the body weight of cattle. To find out how cattle manure and cattle feed using cocoa shell waste can be integrated in increasing cocoa production and increasing body weight in cattle. Based on the results of the research conducted, it was found that the cattle manure treatment showed the best results for each parameter observed in cocoa production, while in the cattle parameter, the provision of additional cocoa peel feed gave the highest results.

Conservation Soil Tillage: Bridging Science and Farmer Expectations—An Overview from Southern to Northern Europe

Soil degradation and climate change are the most destructive (human- and/or naturally induced) processes, making agricultural production more challenging than ever before. Traditional tillage methods, characterized by intensive mechanical soil disturbance (dominantly using a plow), have come under question for their role in exacerbating soil erosion, depleting organic matter, and contributing to the decline in soil biodiversity and other soil devastating processes. These practices, while effective in the short term for crop production, undermine the sustainability of agricultural systems, posing a threat to food security and environmental stability. This review examines the adoption and implementation of Conservation Soil Tillage (CST) across six European countries: Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Poland. The main objective is to analyze the historical development, current status, and future prospects of CST in these countries, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from conventional tillage methods. Conservation Soil Tillage (CST) emerges as a promising alternative platform to still dominant conventional plowing tillage approach. By reducing the intensity and frequency of tillage, CST practices aim to maintain adequate soil cover, minimize erosion, and encourage biological activity and organic matter accumulation, thus, ensuring soil productivity and resilience against additional degradation and climate variation. Efforts made by scientists and the government to go over it sometimes are not sufficient. Farmers’ expectations of benefits are the final keystone for the integration of CST as a dominant sustainable practice. Analyses from six European countries pointed to a high level of diversity in readiness and willingness to accept, as well as different levels of knowledge about the adoption of CST. Our study suggested that the adoption of CST is increasing, and it represents a key strategy for soil degradation prevention and climate change mitigation

Exploring genetic variability, diversity and trait associations in sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) accessions for yield improvement

Sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea L.) is an important fibre crop known for its rapid growth and ability to improve soil fertility, making it a vital component of sustainable agriculture. However, to enhance its productivity and meet the increasing demand for high-quality fibre, it is crucial to identify and utilize genetically diverse genotypes with superior yield traits. The present study was conducted at the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu, during the Kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 to assess genetic variability and character association for yield and its component traits among 67 sunnhemp genotypes. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, were conducted using R software to dissect the phenotypic diversity among the genotypes. The results revealed substantial genetic variability for yield and its associated traits, indicating a promising potential for genetic improvement. Genotypes ADSH 1750, ADSH 1701, ADSH 1736, ADSH 1715, and ADSH 1742 exhibited superior performance in key yield-related traits, making them valuable candidates for future breeding programs focused on developing high-yielding, high-fibre varieties. Cluster analysis delineated four distinct clusters, with Clusters I and IV showing significant divergence and highlighting the presence of unique genetic material. Key plant production traits such as plant height, leaf breadth, basal stem diameter, yield, and number of leaves were the primary contributors to the first two principal components. These findings suggest that direct selection based on these traits could effectively improve biomass yield in future sunnhemp breeding efforts, contributing to the advancement of sustainable fibre crop production.

A dynamic optimization of soil phosphorus status approach could reduce phosphorus fertilizer use by half in China

Sustainable phosphorus (P) management is essential for ensuring crop production while avoiding environmental damage and the depletion of phosphate rock reserves. Despite local demonstration scale successes, the widespread mobilization of smallholder farmers to adopt sustainable management practices remains a challenge, primarily due to the associated high costs and complicated sampling. Here, we propose a dynamic optimization of soil P status (DOP) approach aimed at managing long-term soil P status within the range of agronomic and environmental soil P thresholds, which facilitates the precise determination of optimal P application rates without the need for frequent soil testing. We evaluate the DOP approach in 35,575 on-farm trials, and the results show that it is agronomically acceptable. Our evaluation extends to estimating future soil P status and P fertilizer inputs across all counties in China for three cereal crops (wheat, rice, and maize). The results indicate that, compared to current practices, the DOP approach can achieve a 47.4% reduction in P fertilizer use without any yield penalty. The DOP approach could become an effective tool for global P management to safeguard food security and enhance environmental sustainability.

Coenzyme M: An Archaeal Antioxidant as an Agricultural Biostimulant

Rising global food demand necessitates improved crop yields. Biostimulants offer a potential solution to meet these demands. Among them, antioxidants have shown potential to improve yield, nutritional quality, and resilience to climate change. However, large-scale production of many antioxidants is challenging. Here, we investigate Coenzyme M (CoM), a small, achiral antioxidant from archaea, as a potential biostimulant, investigating its effects on growth and physiology. CoM significantly increased shoot mass and root length of the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, in a concentration-dependent manner. Sulfur-containing CoM supplementation restored growth under sulfur-limited conditions in Arabidopsis, whereas similar recovery was not observed for other macronutrient deficiencies, consistent with it being metabolized. In tobacco, CoM increased photosynthetic light capture capacity, consistent with observed growth improvements. Interestingly, this effect was independent of carbon capture rates. Furthermore, CoM promoted early-stage shoot growth in various crops species, including tobacco, basil, cannabis, and soybean. Our results suggest CoM is a promising, scalable biostimulant with potential to modify photosynthesis and enhance crop productivity.

Modeling the impact of input credit access on farm performance and food nutrition: insights from smallholder rice farmers in Ghana

PurposeThis paper examines the nexus between input credit access, farm performance and food nutrition in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachUsing a random sample of 239 smallholder rice farmers, we utilized the endogenous switching regression model to address the self-selection issue and estimate the impact of input credit access on farm performance and food nutrition and further analyze the heterogenous impacts.FindingsThe results show that socioeconomic (age, education, sex, off-farm activity and farm size), institutional (extension contact and farmer-based organizations) characteristics and location variable significantly influence the decision to access input credit. After adjusting for both observed and unobserved factors, our findings reveal that access to input credit significantly improves rice yield, net profit and food nutrition of smallholder rice farmers in Ghana. Furthermore, results reveal that the effects of input credit access on rice yield, net profit and food nutrition are heterogeneous and subject to farmers’ propensity to access input credit. Specifically, we find that those with a higher inclination to access input credit experience larger positive impacts, indicating a positive selection process.Research limitations/implicationsAccess to agricultural input credit is essential for the adoption of modern and climate-smart technologies in agricultural production. However, the persistent lack of access to input credit hampers agricultural productivity and constrains investment in farm input resources in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our study calls for proper targeting of input credit interventions to incentivize the uptake of farm input credit such as improved seeds and fertilizers to improve overall crop production and achieve food security.Originality/valueThe study utilized rigorous econometric methods to analyze the impact of input credit access on smallholder rice farmers' farm performance and food nutrition in Ghana. The findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers and future research on agricultural development in Ghana.

Rapid on-site detection of imazaquin residue in corn and soybeans using an immunochromatographic assay.

Imazaquin (IMQ) is an imidazolinone group herbicide widely used for weed control around the world. Due to excessive use during crop production, IMQ can accumulate in corn and soybeans, positing a potential threat to human health. In this study, a hapten that had high specificity and sensitivity was designed using computer-simulated technology. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) was synthesized with a half inhibitory concentration of 0.98 ng mL-1. The mAb was incorporated into an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) for the detection of IMQ in corn and soybeans. The visual limit of detection was 10 μg kg-1 in corn with a linear range of 3.85-208.26 μg kg-1 and 5 μg kg-1 in soybeans with a linear range of 3.78-106.71 μg kg-1. Additionally, the ICA strips had excellent recovery rates, and the results were confirmed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Our study developed a method for the rapid on-site detection of IMQ residues in corn and soybeans.