Crop Protection Practices Research Articles

Not the average farmer: Heterogeneity in Dutch arable farmers’ intentions to reduce pesticide use

Ambitious environmental policies and regulations in Europe aim to reduce pesticide use, yet their implementation faces significant obstacles. Effective strategies that gain support within the farming community require a deeper understanding of the underlying intentions, considering that farmers are a heterogeneous group with diverse beliefs related to socio-demographic characteristics. Using an existing dataset with theory of planned behaviour data from 359 Dutch arable farmers (Bakker et al., 2021), we examined the heterogeneity in intentions and beliefs regarding pesticide reduction. Expanding the analysis with quantile regression models, we show that the influence of attitude becomes increasingly important as farmers' aspirations to reduce pesticide use grow. Additionally, we observed a small positive effect of injunctive norms at the 25th quantile and a small negative effect at the 75th quantile of intention. These findings indicate that the relative impact of these constructs varies across the intention distribution, emphasising the need for more nuanced quantitative analyses of heterogeneity in TPB studies. Using moderation models, we observed variations in the relative impact of attitude, injunctive and descriptive norms on intention across different segments of the farming community, particularly concerning age, educational level, and farm income dependencies. Younger, higher-educated farmers, and those less reliant on farm income demonstrated greater openness towards reducing pesticide usage and adopting alternative crop protection practices. These findings suggest that different farmer segments may respond differently to interventions and incentives. Policymakers can leverage this knowledge to develop more nuanced and targeted strategies that promote pesticide reduction while aligning with the diverse motivations and beliefs present among farmers.

Harnessing the antagonistic potential and unraveling the bioactive compounds of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 to protect watermelon crop from Colletotrichum orbiculare

ABSTRACT Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thumb) is a significant vegetable crop globally and is prone to anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. The use of chemical fungicides for managing crop diseases has adverse impacts on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is important to use biocontrol agents for disease management. In this study, streptomycetes were assessed as a potential biocontrol agent against anthracnose pathogen, Colletotrichum orbiculare WEC2. The potent Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 was isolated from healthy watermelon plants and showed remarkable antifungal efficacy against C. orbiculare WEC2. Rigorous assays confirmed its performance against C. orbiculare WEC2. Bioactive compounds produced by Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). An SEM study indicated the parasitic action of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 against the pathogen. The formulated talc-based product of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 was effective when applied as a seed treatment + foliar spray against C. orbiculare WEC2 under pot culture conditions. These treatments reduced the disease incidence (31.81%) and exhibited a higher disease reduction (52.56%), compared to the untreated control. Therefore, treatment with talc-based Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 is a sustainable solution for anthracnose disease management, and it facilitates eco-friendly crop protection practices against the disease in watermelon. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Isolated streptomycete strains from healthy watermelon plants and screened for its efficacy against the pathogen, Colletotrichum orbiculare WEC2. Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 showed significant antifungal activity against the pathogen. Bio-active compounds produced by Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 was identified by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the parasitic activity of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 against the pathogen was detected. Developed a talc-based formulation of Streptomyces sp. isolate WAB2 and tested it as a seed treatment plus foliar spray, effectively reducing the disease incidence.

Selected farm-level crop protection practices in Europe and Argentina: Opportunities for moving toward sustainable use of pesticides

Extensive use of plant protection products (PPP) in the last decades contributes to negative impacts on ecosystems, animals and humans. For the strategies of PPP reduction and replacement of hazardous pesticides, farm-level data on agronomic management practices and crop protection applications are crucial. In this study, we strategically collected data for the 2021 season at the SPRINT project case study sites (CSS) in 10 European countries and Argentina, on perennial, arable and vegetable crops. Data collection included strategically selected farm and field data, pesticide records and farming practices. Results involved more than 1700 recorded PPP applications across various crops with more than 170 different active substances from PPP in organic, integrated pest management and conventional farming practices. We explored differences in application patterns (fungicides, insecticides, herbicides and non-PPP, e.g. adjuvants, growth regulators, and fertilizers) between and within crops, countries and farming systems and calculated the costs of PPP use. The pesticide dosages applied during the crop season varied up to a factor of 20 around recommended doses. Regarding the costs of PPPs use perennial crops had the highest costs per ha crop production area. Finally, we analysed the active substances applied in different farming systems in terms of their hazard statements. Our results shed light on how PPPs are used across different crop and farming types and will help elucidate how pesticide application patterns can be changed in the future. Finally, we highlighted non-PPP use practices which help to reduce dependency on PPP use. This might be used to support decision-making and policies within agricultural advisory/support systems.

Sorted sample- wavelet feature clustering based on the range for classification of multiple nutrient deficiencies in tomato plants

The phenomenon of physiological change in plants hyperpolarizes membrane potentials showing a significant change in electrophysiology. For plants to survive, develop, and reproduce, the proper ratio of nutrients is required. Malnourished plants exhibit unfavorable changes in their physiology. Nutrient deficiencies are one of the primary abiotic stresses occurred in plants which are commonly identified and classified through various hyperspectral imaging, and pattern recognition methods. In contrast to image-based methods, in this paper, the electrophysiological signal data of tomato plants in multiple nutrient deficiency states are classified. These electrical signals of tomato plants are acquired in healthy and in deficient states of calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), nitrogen (N), and iron (Fe). The features are extracted by 7-level orthogonal wavelet decomposition using four different wavelets Daubechies (Db), Coiflet (Cf), Symlet (Sym), and Discrete Meyer (Dm). A novel range-based sorted sample clustering method is proposed to boost classification performance. Class assignment is performed in two modes homogeneous and non-homogeneous, where multi-class classification in non-homogeneous class assignment attained 99.4 % accuracy and in homogeneous class assignment a highest accuracy of 96.8 % is attained using the KNN classifier. Identifying nutrient deficiencies through electrophysiological signal analysis dominated the detection through imaging techniques, impacting a drastic change in crop protection practices.

Thermopriming Induces Time-Limited Tolerance to Salt Stress.

Implementing sustainable crop protection practices is crucial to protect global harvests and ensure high-quality food supplies. While priming is an established method in seed production for the fortification of plants against various stresses, it is not yet a standard practice in transplant cultivation. Thus, we evaluated the long-term effects of thermopriming-a heat-based priming technique-on the growth, development, and fruit yield of tomato plants. Following a recovery period of about six weeks for thermoprimed plants without stress inducers, we subjected them to subsequent salt stress to ascertain the persistence of the priming effects. Additionally, we compared the efficacy of thermopriming with benzothiadiazole (BTH), a chemical elicitor, in enhancing plant resilience to abiotic stress. While BTH application negatively impacted both plant growth and fruit health, thermopriming showed no such adverse effects on these parameters. Instead, thermopriming initially enhanced the plant defense mechanisms by increasing the accumulation of protective phenols and flavonoids in the leaves. Interestingly, while thermopriming did not alter the response to salt stress, it notably strengthened the overall resilience of the plants. Our findings underscore both the potential and temporal constraints of thermopriming memory. Nonetheless, primed plants exhibited temporarily increased stress tolerance, offering a means to safeguard the offspring.

Classical and Molecular Methods of Identification as well as Estimating Nematodes: A Comparative Review

Changing climatic scenarios accompanied with harsh ecological conditions are forcing various groups of organisms to evolve and adapt in different dimensions. Predominantly in the field of agriculture and crop science, several categories of new pests along with diseases are emerging voraciously causing havoc and causing panic-stricken situations for the farmers. Among the pests, nematode is one of the unnoticed categories contributing significantly to economic loss to the farmers. Due to monotonous crop protection practices in some of the areas as well as drastic changes in the environmental factors, new species of nematode are evolving and attacking economically important crop species. For that, we have to understand the pattern of feeding, oviposition site, life cycle, host searching behaviour, parasitic stages and susceptible host stage for attacking in order to form proper management practices. For understanding its mechanisms and behaviour, our prime concern will be its identification and taxonomic classification by various conventional as well as molecular approaches. Molecular approaches are turning out to be a useful and vigorous tool for the identification of the phylum Nematoda replacing conventional ones.

Towards sustainable crop protection in agriculture: A framework for research and policy

CONTEXTEuropean countries have set ambitious targets to reduce the risks of pesticide use. Achieving these targets will require a large proportion of farmers to adopt sustainable crop protection practices. However, how to enable this transition and what are the best policies to support farmers remain open questions. OBJECTIVEHere, we provide a coherent review of existing evidence and new insights into farmer decision-making and policy analysis in the context of the transition to more sustainable crop protection. We synthesise and extend the empirical evidence and the conceptual and methodological foundations to examine farmers' decisions to adopt sustainable crop protection and to assess the potential of different policy measures to support this transition. Our analysis focuses on European agriculture. METHODSWe provide a framework and synthesise evidence by reviewing the literature and combining agronomic and economic perspectives. We focus on three issues: i) indicators for empirical analyses of adoption of sustainable crop protection practices; ii) behavioural perspectives on farmer adoption; iii) insights into methodological approaches for assessing adoption of sustainable crop protection practices and related policies. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONWe have identified four main findings and implications. First, sustainable crop protection practices consist of combinations and bundles of individual measures that are not currently regularly considered in policy instruments and policy analysis. Second, definitions of adoption should move from simple adoption metrics to impacts, for example on pesticide risk reduction. Third, behavioural factors are highly relevant to farmers' adoption decisions, but are currently under-researched and under-represented in the field of sustainable crop protection practices. Fourth, the tools currently used for policy analysis do not allow these key aspects to be represented. We draw policy conclusions. SIGNIFICANCEOur analyses help guide policy decisions to achieve pesticide use and risk reduction objectives, and have implications for pesticide policy in Europe and beyond. We identify gaps in current conceptual and methodological approaches, promising avenues for future research, and ways to make results more coherent and comparable. Our analysis thus provides new insights and templates to guide future research and policy analysis on the adoption of sustainable crop protection approaches.

Exploring Endophytic Bacteria from Artemisia spp. and Beneficial Traits on Pea Plants.

Endophytic microorganisms represent promising solutions to environmental challenges inherent in conventional agricultural practices. This study concentrates on the identification of endophytic bacteria isolated from the root, stem, and leaf tissues of four Artemisia plant species. Sixty-one strains were isolated and sequenced by 16S rDNA. Sequencing revealed diverse genera among the isolated bacteria from different Artemisia species, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, and Lysinibacillus. AR11 and VR24 obtained from the roots of A. absinthium and A. vulgaris demonstrated significant inhibition on Fusarium c.f. oxysporum mycelial growth. In addition, AR11, AR32, and CR25 exhibited significant activity in phosphatase solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and indole production, highlighting their potential to facilitate plant growth. A comparative analysis of Artemisia species showed that root isolates from A. absinthium, A. campestris, and A. vulgaris have beneficial properties for inhibiting pathogen growth and enhancing plant growth. AR11 with 100% similarity to Bacillus thuringiensis, could be considered a promising candidate for further investigation as microbial biofertilizers. This finding highlights their potential as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides, thereby contributing to sustainable crop protection practices.

A shift towards softer pest management differently benefits earwig and spider communities in a multiyear experiment in apple orchards.

Environmentally-friendly crop protection practices are needed to enhance the sustainability of current agricultural systems. This is crucial in orchards which are extensively treated to impair various pests, at the expense of natural enemies. However, the effect of a shift towards softer pest management on the beneficial arthropod community is poorly documented. Earwigs (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) and spiders (Araneae) are relevant groups to assess such effects because they are highly sensitive to agricultural practices. They were monitored for 6 and 4 years, respectively, in apple orchards under three pest management regimes: Organic, Low-input and Conventional, with pest management being switched during the survey from a broad-spectrum insecticide schedule to mating disruption in the latter one, and more selective compounds in all orchards. The survey displayed that earwig abundance (mainly Forficula auricularia) that was initially very low in the Conventional orchard (annual mean 0.5-1.7 earwigs per shelter in the 2010-2012 period) increased to the same level as that of Low-input and Organic orchards (over 10 earwigs per shelter) in the same year that changes in pest management occurred. The epigeal and arboreal spider communities were not responsive, and no recovering was observed 4 years after change in practices. Predatory arthropod communities are differently affected over time by changes in pest management, most probably due to their biology (dispersion, reproduction rate, susceptibility to pesticides etc.). This outlines the importance of documenting the time required to recover after perturbations and build a natural enemy community to enhance pest control in a win-win perspective. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Embedded System – Based Pesticides Spraying Robot

The agriculture sector is undergoing a transformation with the integration of robotics and automation. One notable development is the emergence of autonomous pesticide spraying robots, designed to enhance precision, efficiency, and sustainability in crop protection practices. This abstract explores the technological advancements, operational mechanisms, and potential implications of these innovative robots. Autonomous pesticide spraying robots leverage cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced sensors to navigate fields, identify crop areas, and precisely apply pesticides. Equipped with GPS, LiDAR, and cameras, these robots can map fields, detect obstacles, and optimize spraying patterns in real-time, reducing pesticide usage while ensuring effective pest control. Furthermore, the integration of data analytics enables continuous improvement in spraying strategies, tailored to specific crop types, environmental conditions, and pest pressures. The deployment of autonomous spraying robots offers several benefits to farmers, including increased operational efficiency, reduced labor costs, and minimized environmental impact. By eliminating the need for human operators and optimizing pesticide application, these robots contribute to safer working conditions and reduced chemical exposure risks. Moreover, their ability to operate autonomously for extended periods enhances productivity and scalability in large-scale agricultural operations. Additionally, there is a need for comprehensive training and education to enable farmers to effectively integrate these technologies into their existing practices while maximizing their benefits. modern agriculture, offering precision, efficiency, and sustainability in crop protection. As technology continues to evolve and adoption grows, collaboration among stakeholders is essential to address challenges and unlock the full potential of these innovative solutions for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and the environment.

Integrated Crop Management Practices on Yield and Economics of Brinjal at Tiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu, India

The present study highlights the Integrated crop management in brinjalfor their yield and economics. A field experiments was in tiruvallur district of ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra during 2017-2018. The implementation of scientific technology through optimal resource utilization is the primary driver for horticulture's development. Due to a lack of acceptance of cutting-edge technologies, low production is one of the main obstacles facing conventional brinjal cultivation. Frontline demonstration's primary goals were to persuade farmers to adopt brinjal production technologies in order to facilitate the wider spread of newly released crop production, protection, and management practices in their fields and farming situations, as well as to demonstrate these technologies in action. To increase the production, productivity and quality of agricultural produce, front line demonstrations are being conducted at various farmer’s field. There was significantly increased in brinjal yield (36.7 per cent), net return and B:C ratio after conduct of frontline demonstrations as compared to farmers practice. The adoption and implementation of integrated crop management practices through FLD programme, showed positive impact on brinjal growth, yield and economics. Demonstration plot recorded higher technology gap (22.0 t/ha), extension gap (6.0 t/ha) and technology index (36.6 per cent), compare to local variety and also showed high percentage yield increase over farmer’s practice and recorded 20 per cent increase yield means technology was accepted by the farmers.As a result, 50 farmers initiated the small scale farming of brinjal in the district with the technical guidance provided from ICAR-KVK, Tirur, Tiruvallur. Therefore, a study on effect of integrated crop management practices on yield and economics of Brinjal in Tiruvallur district of tamilnadu was conducted during 2017-18.

Knowledge-implementation processes in crop protection literature

ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how new research on crop protection practices is communicated to end-users by investigating which knowledge-implementation processes are recommended in crop protection literature. Design/methodology/approach This analysis is completed through a qualitative systematic review of literature on knowledge-implementation in crop protection where six knowledge-implementation processes are identified from 65 articles: information and communication technologies (ICT), management models and approaches, education platforms and events, advisory and extension services, networks, and collaborative approaches. We place special emphasis on the gaps and trends around networks and collaborative processes, building on communication theory research. Findings While many articles discussed multiple knowledge-implementation processes, it was found that most of the processes discussed aligned with a transmission communication model and the traditional agricultural knowledge and innovation system. While 11 articles described networks and 22 articles described collaborative processes in line with a constitutive model of communication, these tended to provide limited advice on how these processes could be achieved in practice, identifying a need for further investigation of how multilateral communication can be used to better crop protection practice. Practical Implications These findings can help facilitate better communication between researchers and farmers, promoting processes that include farmers and other actors as sources of knowledge and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of crop protection practices. Theoretical implications This study enhances the understanding of knowledge-implementation in agriculture, emphasizing the need to draw on multiple forms of communication to address the knowledge-to-action gap. Originality/Value There is limited research that examines the knowledge-to-action gap in agriculture, particularly in relation to crop-protection practices. As a review study, this manuscript provides an overview of how this topic is described in the field.

Enhancing Cucumber Production Sustainability by Incorporated Pest Management: A Comparative Evaluation of Cost and Profitability

This research investigates the efficacy of integrated Pest management (IPM) techniques in cucumber cultivation, focusing at the utilization of natural control strategies to reduce pest-associated losses and improve crop productivity. No matter the growing emphasis on biological strategies, their adoption remains limited because of several challenges, including market pressures, regulatory hurdles, and pest resistance. But, through promoting awareness, expertise, and collaboration among organic and IPM communities, barriers to adoption may be overcome. The study underscores the importance of monetary useful resource for natural control and advocates for its integration into sustainable crop protection practices. Through a comparative evaluation of IPM and non-IPM farming processes, the studies highlight the fee implications and profitability of implementing biological control measures in cucumber production. Findings reveal that even as IPM farmers incur higher initial expenses, they reap advanced internet returns and benefit-cost ratios in comparison to non-IPM counterparts, demonstrating the monetary viability and sustainability of IPM strategies in cucumber farming.

Research Progress of Piriformospora indica in Improving Plant Growth and Stress Resistance to Plant.

Piriformospora indica (Serendipita indica), a mycorrhizal fungus, has garnered significant attention in recent decades owing to its distinctive capacity to stimulate plant growth and augment plant resilience against environmental stressors. As an axenically cultivable fungus, P. indica exhibits a remarkable ability to colonize varieties of plants and promote symbiotic processes by directly influencing nutrient acquisition and hormone metabolism. The interaction of plant and P. indica raises hormone production including ethylene (ET), jasmonic acid (JA), gibberellin (GA), salicylic acid (SA), and abscisic acid (ABA), which also promotes root proliferation, facilitating improved nutrient acquisition, and subsequently leading to enhanced plant growth and productivity. Additionally, the plant defense system was employed by P. indica colonization and the defense genes associated with oxidation resistance were activated subsequently. This fungus-mediated defense response elicits an elevation in the enzyme activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and, finally, bolsters plant tolerance. Furthermore, P. indica colonization can initiate local and systemic immune responses against fungal and viral plant diseases through signal transduction mechanisms and RNA interference by regulating defense gene expression and sRNA secretion. Consequently, P. indica can serve diverse roles such as plant promoter, biofertilizer, bioprotectant, bioregulator, and bioactivator. A comprehensive review of recent literature will facilitate the elucidation of the mechanistic foundations underlying P. indica-crop interactions. Such discussions will significantly contribute to an in-depth comprehension of the interaction mechanisms, potential applications, and the consequential effects of P. indica on crop protection, enhancement, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Innovations towards sustainable olive crop management: a new dawn by precision agriculture including endo-therapy.

Olive trees (Olea europaea L.) are deeply interwoven with the past, present and future of Mediterranean civilizations, both as essential economical as well as cultural valuables. Olive horticulture constitutes one of the primary agroecosystems in the Mediterranean regions of today. Being inhabitant of ecological niches, Olea europaea is prone to a peculiar vulnerability towards climatic and socioeconomical transformations that are briskly reshaping regional and global agroecosystems. Because of climatic changes and the biosafety risks of global agricultural trades, olive plants are highly susceptible to newly emerging diseases and pests, and the traditional olive horticultural crop protection practices are under scrutiny towards reducing their ecological impact. Hence there is an eminent demand for a more nature-positive olive tree crop management. Recent innovations in precision agriculture are raising the prospect for innovative crop protection methods that may provide olive farmers the required agility to respond to present and future agricultural challenges. For instance, endo-therapy, which is the systemic delivery of active ingredients via trunk injection, is a technology that holds promise of a true step-change in sustainable olive crop management. Endo-therapy allows reaching vascular diseases inaccessible to foliar treatments and delivers active ingredients in a precise manner with no risks of off-target drifts. Similarly, progresses in biological precision delivery using controlled release of active ingredients based on innovative formulation technologies are showing an exciting potential for more targeted and sustainable crop protection solutions. This review summarizes the latest innovations on both physical and biological precision deliveries in the realm of olive arboriculture in the Mediterranean regions and gives an outlook how these technologies may help orchestrating innovative olive culture practices soon.

Environmental and agronomic determinants of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) seed yield in rainfed temperate agroecosystems

Vicia villosa Roth, commonly named hairy vetch (HV), is one of the most promising cover crop (CC) legumes, commonly included in strategies aimed at increasing agriculture sustainability. Due to the generally low yield, the availability of commercial seed is often limited. The objective of this study was to identify management and key weather factors governing the variation in HV seed yield. The study comprises a database of 96 fields dedicated to HV seed production distributed in the Pampas region of Argentina, under a wide range of soil and weather conditions. Among the wide range studied, it was found that only poorly drained soils reduced HV seed yield. Crop protection practices, through the application of insecticide plus fungicide, and the axial threshing harvest system were the most important management tools determining high HV seed yield (> 600 kg ha−1). The inclusion of honey bees (HB) as pollinators did not significantly increase the seed yield, which might be due to alternative pollinator activity coming from neighbouring fields. A boundary function showed that an annual precipitation of 680 ± 243 mm and a sowing date during late autumn-early winter appeared to be sufficient to maximise seed yield under rainfed conditions. On the other hand, heat stress (>30 °C) during flowering and seed filling constrained the seed yield. A simplified crop model was developed to explain the effect of the most important factors on the seed yield. Crop management practices that increased the photosynthetic activity, such as foliar protection, were associated with increased seed yield.

Crop protection practices and risks associated with human fungal infectious diseases: a One Health perspective

We review interactions between crop protection practices (developed to control plant pathogens and invertebrate pests) and human fungal infectious diseases. Unlike viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, fungal infections in humans are usually only superficial in healthy individuals, but can become invasive and pose serious risks to immunosuppressed individuals. Although their global impact is less than that of other infectious diseases, human fungal infections still pose serious public health issues. For instance, the use of synthetic agricultural fungicides, particularly the azole class, under conventional intensive, or efficiency improvement-based crop protection practices, is at risk as far as antimicrobial resistance is concerned, due to cases of cross-resistance to clinical azoles used to treat pulmonary aspergillosis, candidiasis and cryptococcocis. In this respect, the One Health approach, originally designed for other types of human pathogens, looks relevant for human pathogenic fungi. Additionally, some entomopathogenic fungi used as biocontrol products against crop pests in a substitution-based approach, may be potentially pathogenic to humans. Very few examples of redesign-based practices (i.e. Agroecological Crop Protection) emerged from our analysis on human fungal diseases. However, discontinuing agricultural azole fungicides (as practiced on organic farms, and which may to some extent be related to the redesign strategy) appears to be the best way to reduce selection pressure and hence the level of azole-resistant human pathogenic fungal strains in the environment.

Effects of flight parameters for plant protection UAV on droplets deposition rate based on a 3D simulation approach

With the development of aviation agricultural technology, the number of farmers adopting the use of drones in daily agricultural activities is growing rapidly in recent decades. Among these, a large portion constitutes agricultural drones being used in pest control and crop protection practices, e.g. agriculture spraying of pesticides. Spraying pesticides with drones have proven to be faster than other traditional methods. On the downside, flight time and range of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are often limited. Thus, a proper arrangement of flight height and velocity will greatly improve spraying efficiency. A new strategy to optimize the flight parameters, i.e. flight height and flight velocity, for fixed-wing UAV with a 3D simulation-based approach together with an automatic optimization algorithm was proposed in this study. To find the optimal parameters for a UAV to fly and spray under certain environmental conditions, a three-dimensional model of the target crop was established first, followed by a detailed simulation of droplet spraying. As a demonstration case, a grass model was developed and used as the target plant, and a physics-based method was used to simulate realistically the movement of the droplets in the air as well as the interaction between the droplets and the plant to obtain the droplet deposition rate under the specified operating parameters. Furthermore, the standard Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm was used to optimize the UAV operating parameters to obtain the best operating parameters. The results indicate that using the standard PSO algorithm to optimize the operating parameters of the drone could significantly improve the deposition rate and find the best operating parameters. Keywords: unmanned aerial vehicle, droplet deposition, 3D simulation, particle swarm optimization algorithm DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20231601.6581 Citation: Xu L F, Yang Z Z, Huang Z S, Ding W L, Buck-Sorlin G. Effects of flight parameters for plant protection UAV on droplets deposition rate based on a 3D simulation approach. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2023; 16(1): 66–72.

How agricultural practices affect the risk of human contamination by infectious pathogens: the need for a ‘One Health’ perspective

Abstract We conducted a comprehensive literature review with a global geographic scope, of interactions between agricultural crop production practices (excluding crop protection practices) and biological human health hazards. The majority of relevant references dealt with bacterial contaminations and infections, largely due to the important public health issue of antibiotic resistance. Indicator coliforms were particularly significant (only a minority mentioned harmful Escherichia coli strains), followed by species belonging to Salmonella , Campylobacter , Clostridia , Pseudomonas , and Listeria genera. Protozoan Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp., and helminthic Ascaris spp. and Trichuris spp. dominated the references to parasites. Enteric viruses largely dominated the references to viruses (particularly noroviruses and rotaviruses). Very few references mentioned human fungal pathogens. Fresh vegetables were the most commonly mentioned crops, particularly leafy greens and those eaten raw, due to the use of wastewater for irrigation, and fertilization with livestock manure and human excreta/sewage sludge, potentially unsafe practices. While earlier literature reviews have shown that crop protection practices are central to the One Health concept, this review shows that other agricultural practices can also contribute to human and environmental health via different pathways, including better soil health, water quality, better food safety, and human nutrition. Our review underlines that besides tradeoffs, synergies should be sought, between, on the one hand, saving/preserving freshwater and organic waste recycling (affecting environmental health and some aspects of human health), and health hazards associated with the use of potentially contaminated waste on the other (affecting other aspects of human health), from both agroecological and One Health perspectives.

Determination of awareness levels of walnut producers in plant protection applications (a case study of Bitlis province)

The survey was conducted in 2020 to determine the awareness level of walnut producers regarding crop protection practices in Adilcevaz and Hizan districts of Bitlis province, where walnut production is widespread. With this in mind, a face-to-face survey was conducted using a simple random sampling method among 87 producers in a total of 10 randomly selected villages from two districts. Within the scope of the research, walnut growers were found to be highly educated and most had non-agricultural income. The manufacturers in question take into account the recommendations of sellers and Agriculture and Forestry department when choosing pesticides and deciding on the usage dose rates, that the brand recognition and active ingredients are important to pesticide preferences, that they don't use the same pesticides in the fight against the same diseases and pests, They start spraying without seeing the signs of disease and harmful factors in the plant, they apply the recommended dose in drug applications, pesticides used leave residue on product. They observe the waiting time between spraying and harvesting and wear protective clothing and masks during spraying, they do not simply throw-away empty pesticide box and packages used after the application into the agricultural fields or their surroundings, they clean the sprayer, but they use the sprayer without calibration, they mix pesticides and prefer cultural methods over chemical methods, and they do not have any knowledge about the word biopesticide. It is known that producers generally choose chemical control in the solution of plant protection issues, and the indiscriminate use of these pesticides has many adverse effects on human and environmental health.