Crop Quality Research Articles

EQID: Entangled quantum image descriptor an approach for early plant disease detection

In present day agriculture, early and accurate identification of plant diseases is essential for prompt response, which protects crop quality and output. This paper presents the Entangled Quantum-Inspired Deep learning model (EQID), a unique method that improves feature representation and classification in plant disease prediction by utilizing the concepts of quantum computing. Two different datasets with images of potatoes and tomatoes as leaves were used to test the EQID model, which performed better than traditional models. EQID obtained 98.96% accuracy, 98.98% precision, 98.96% recall, and 98.90% F1 score on images of potato leaves. For tomato leaves, comparable outcomes were noted, with accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score all above 99.61%. The accuracy of disease prediction is greatly increased by the efficient and effective feature representation made possible by the EQID model's inclusion of quantum computing techniques. Additionally, the model outperformed other cutting-edge models such as DenseNet-121, VGGNet 16, and Xception Net, illustrating the potentially revolutionary effects of quantum-inspired models in agriculture. Future work will focus on applying the EQID model to a broader range of crops and plant diseases, as well as incorporating additional data sources to further enhance the model's predictive capabilities.

The role of zeolite and mineral fertilizers in enhancing Table Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) productivity in dark chestnut soils of Southeast Kazakhstan

This study evaluated the effectiveness of zeolite, both alone and in combination with mineral fertilizers, in improving the yield and quality of table beets (Beta vulgaris L.) grown in dark chestnut soils of southeast Kazakhstan. The research was conducted at the Kazakh Research Institute of Horticulture during the 2022-2023 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with six treatments: control (no fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha, N45P45K45 (single dose of mineral fertilizers), N90P90K90 (double dose of mineral fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha + N45P45K45, and zeolite 2 t/ha + N90P90K90, replicated three times. The application of zeolite significantly improved soil physical properties, such as water permeability and soil density, enhancing root development and water retention. Nutrient availability, particularly nitrate nitrogen and mobile phosphorus, increased significantly in zeolite-treated plots. The combination of zeolite and mineral fertilizers resulted in the highest improvements, with nitrate nitrogen content reaching 40.5 mg/kg and mobile phosphorus 89.2 mg/kg. Moreover, zeolite reduced heavy metal concentrations, particularly cadmium, by 50% compared to the control. Table beet yield significantly increased with zeolite application, with the highest yield of 62.7 t/ha achieved with 2 t/ha zeolite combined with double dose N90P90K90 fertilizers, compared to 42.8 t/ha in the control. Marketable yield also improved, indicating better crop quality. Nutrient composition of the beets improved, with increased dry matter content (21.9%) and reduced nitrate content (240 mg/kg) in zeolite-treated variants. In conclusion, zeolite, especially when combined with mineral fertilizers, effectively enhances soil health, nutrient availability, and table beet yield and quality.

Efficacy of botanicals against red pumpkin beetle and their impact on pollinator diversity in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivation

This study aimed to assess insect pollinator diversity in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) and evaluate the bio-efficacy of botanicals for pest management while considering their impact on pollinators. Seven pollinator species were identified, with Hymenopterans, particularly honey bees, dominating. Apis dorsata (67.40%) was the most common pollinator, followed by Apis florea (14.28%). Other pollinators included species from Halictidae, Sphecidae, Syrphidae, and Pieridae families. Among the botanicals tested, Azadirachtin seed kernel extract (5%) and leaf extract (10%) effectively managed the red pumpkin beetle (Raphidopalpa foveicollis) with minimal harm to pollinators. Post-application, pollinator activity slightly increased after three to five days. The study highlights the effectiveness of neem-based botanicals in reducing pest populations while conserving pollinators, emphasizing the value of eco-friendly pest control in promoting sustainable pumpkin farming, improving both yield and crop quality.

DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE MILLING CHISEL PLOUGHWITH SIMULTANEOUS LOCAL APPLICATION OF HYDROGEL

The given article is related to agricultural engineering and the design of milling chisel ploughwith special working bodies for cutting water-absorbing slots with simultaneous introduction of hydrogel mixture into them was developed to increase moisture accumulation in soil in the article. Improved technologies and techniques are needed to improve the quality and quantity of crops, in particular cereals, in order to improve their production. Most of the territory of Kazakhstan belongs to the zone of risky agriculture. Every year there are droughts that significantly reduce cereal yields. Many farmers are making large amounts of fertilizer in order to increase yields. However, there is the problem of unsustainable use of fertilizers. Thus, most of fertilizers introduced into soil is washed into its lower layers and becomes inaccessible to plant roots. Therefore, we propose to use local application of hydrogel retention mixture to accumulate nutrients and soil moisture. Its granules are able to absorb liquid, in volume many times larger than their own, and hold it for a long time. For better nutrition of plants, we offer to enrich hydrogel with fertilizers. Possible machines for application of hydrogel mixture are considered in «Analysis of possible methods of application of hydrogel with fertilizers in soil». It is noted that there are no units capable of carrying out local application of granules with fertilizers together with milling chisel ploughinto seeding area in the modern system of machines. Existing machines allow the application of hydrogel in dispersed or subsoil way, and local application of granules together with fertilizers is used for the first time and allows place hydrogel with saturated fertilizers. The choice of optimal method of application of hydrogel mixture pellet was produced and the machine design for its implementation was developed on the basis of common and private methods. Keywords:milling chisel plough, working body, design, hydrogel, moisture, soil, technology.

Composting as a Cleaner Production Strategy for the Soil Resource of Potato Crops in Choconta, Colombia

Choconta is the municipality in Colombia with the greatest prevalence of potato planting, representing 70.90% of the total territory. However, this crop has been affected by the presence of pests, diseases, and chemical contaminants from pesticides and chemical fertilizers that deteriorate the soil and, therefore, the quality of the final product. Compost (organic waste with specific characteristics and made from waste generated in Choconta) was studied as a sustainable production strategy to increase soil quality and thereby the quality of the local potato crop. For this purpose, a 3 × 2 experiment design was implemented with three treatments (0%, 25%, and 50% compost) and two variables (young potato and mature potato) in duplicate for 4 months. In this experiment, the use of compost led to an improved final product, which went from a floury texture to a dense and creamy texture. The use of compost also reduced the levels of heavy metals, such as lead, with a higher removal in treatment 3 (50% composting). The estimated direct cost of the composting process was USD 280.85, slightly lower than that of the application of fertilizers at USD 294.48. The use of fertilizers has a higher environmental impact due to the use of chemical products that have environmental and health implications. Using compost did not influence tuber harvest time but had a positive impact on tuber texture quality and on soil resources through the reduction in heavy metals, especially lead (16.40–18.03 ppm for treatment 1, 17.96–18.49 ppm for treatment 2, and 15.67–17.88 ppm for treatment 3). Using compost could be environmentally and economically beneficial for local farmers, and it promotes the circular economy and sustainable communities.

Functional characterisation of BnaA02.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α involved in true leaf biomass accumulation in Brassica napus L.

Leaves, as primary photosynthetic organs essential for high crop yield and quality, have attracted significant attention. The functions of DNA topoisomerase 1α (TOP1α) in various biological processes, including leaf development, in Brassica napus remain unknown. Here, four paralogs of BnaTOP1α, namely BnaA01.TOP1α, BnaA02.TOP1α, BnaC01.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α, were identified and cloned in the B. napus inbred line 'K407'. Expression pattern analysis revealed that BnaA02.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α, but not BnaA01.TOP1α and BnaC01.TOP1α, were persistently and highly expressed in B. napus true leaves. Preliminary analysis in Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that BnaA02.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α paralogs, but not BnaA01.TOP1α and BnaC01.TOP1α, performed biological functions. Targeted mutations of four BnaTOP1α paralogs in B. napus using the CRISPR-Cas9 system revealed that BnaA02.TOP1α and BnaC02.TOP1α served as functional paralogs and redundantly promoted true leaf number and size, thereby promoting true leaf biomass accumulation. Moreover, BnaA02.TOP1α modulated the levels of endogenous gibberellins, cytokinins and auxins by indirectly regulating several genes related to their metabolism processes. BnaA02.TOP1α directly activated BnaA03.CCS52A2 and BnaC09.AN3 by facilitating the recruitment of RNA polymerase II and modulating H3K27me3, H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 levels at these loci and indirectly activated the BnaA08.PARL1 expression, thereby positively controlling the true leaf size in B. napus. Additionally, BnaA02.TOP1α indirectly activated the BnaA07.PIN1 expression to positively regulate the true leaf number. These results reveal the important functions of BnaTOP1α and provide insights into the regulatory network controlling true leaf biomass accumulation in B. napus.

Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) and It's Application in Vegetable Crop Improvement

Vegetable crop breeding has changed dramatically since the early 1980s due to technological breakthroughs, especially high-throughput sequencing and molecular marker technologies, which have made it possible to sequence many plant genomes, create dense genetic maps, and identify important genes and QTLs linked to traits like yield and disease resistance. ..These instruments have expedited genetic research and breeding programs in crops including tomato, pepper, eggplant, and cucumber, establishing marker-assisted selection (MAS) as a crucial component of contemporary breeding. The use of these technologies has improved crop characteristics significantly and is still influencing the development of vegetable crops in the future. .. For instance, in the majority of private and public tomato breeding projects, major-gene disease resistance traits like verticillium wilt and anthracnose are selected for using PCR-based markers such as SCAR and CAPS.Bs5 and Bs6 have broad-spectrum resistance against Xanthomonas spp. against chilli leaf spot thanks to marker-assisted gene pyramiding. Major QTLs associated to SSR marker CAMS451 on chromosome 1 (from Capsicum accession LS2341) and marker ID10-194305124 on chromosome 10 (from C. annuum BVRC1) have been mapped for resistance to Ralstonia bacterial wilt.Constantly searching crop germplasm for new resistance genes or alleles is essential to diversify the gene pool and stop resistance from breaking down. By using marker-assisted selection (MAS), it is possible to combine genes for resistance to different pathogens or several sources of resistance to the same pathogen to create novel cultivars.

Enabling Precision Agriculture through a Web-Based Fertilization Management System for Nawungan Selopamioro Fruit Orchards

Precision Agriculture (PA) is an integrated farming system based on information and technology for managing agriculture to identify, analyze, and manage spatial and temporal diversity information in specific locations to obtain optimum and sustainable benefits while minimizing unwanted environmental impacts. Fertilization is one of the crucial phases in agricultural production process considering technical cultivation aspects, costs, and environmental impacts. The current fertilization process at Kebun Buah Nawungan Selopamioro (KBNS) is still conventional, so there is no standard rule in determining the fertilization dose. Therefore, a PA approach is needed to provide suitable fertilizer doses for agricultural production needs. This objective of this study was to develop of a web-based fertilizer management system, integrating with orchard management to enhance accessibility and decision-making. The system calculates fertilizer requirements by analyzing soil nutrient availability (N, P, K), cultivation area, crop type and age, and available fertilizer types. The development followed the waterfall methodology, encompassing stages from requirement analysis to system maintenance. The outcome is a web application that manages land assets, administrative activities, and fertilizer needs tailored to specific land blocks, crop characteristics, and nutrient inventories. Subsequent validation against field conditions ensures the accuracy of its recommendations. Although comprehensive testing confirmed a 100% success rate in functionality, the system currently operates within a limited scope of variables. Future enhancements are planned to incorporate broader agronomic factors, such as soil pH and texture, to augment the system's precision. Despite its limitations, this system represents a significant technological advance in precision agriculture, promising to improve fertilizer application efficiency and support sustainable farming practices.

Recent Methods for Evaluating Crop Water Stress Using AI Techniques: A Review.

This study systematically reviews the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing technologies to address the issue of crop water stress caused by rising global temperatures and climate change; in particular, it evaluates the effectiveness of various non-destructive remote sensing platforms (RGB, thermal imaging, and hyperspectral imaging) and AI techniques (machine learning, deep learning, ensemble methods, GAN, and XAI) in monitoring and predicting crop water stress. The analysis focuses on variability in precipitation due to climate change and explores how these technologies can be strategically combined under data-limited conditions to enhance agricultural productivity. Furthermore, this study is expected to contribute to improving sustainable agricultural practices and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on crop yield and quality.

Processes of assembly of endophytic prokaryotic and rhizosphere fungal communities in table grape are preponderantly deterministic

Understanding the assemblage of microbial communities is important for the health maintenance and post-harvest quality of fruit crops. However, systematic studies on the core microbiomes of table grapes and microbial community assembly of soil-plant continuum are still rare. To address this, samples were collected and analyzed from key microbiome compartments (bulk soil, rhizosphere of new roots and old roots, endosphere of new and old roots, and endosphere of leaves and fruits) of five table grape cultivars (Balado Black, Jingya, Fujimino, Victoria and Kyoho) at the swelling stage and harvest stage in the field plots. Prokaryotic and fungal communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA and ITS rRNA high-throughput sequencing, respectively. The compartment was the major factor attributable to the variations in both prokaryotic (52.5 %) and fungal communities (23.2 %), respectively. The richness and phylogenetic diversity of both prokaryotic and fungal communities decreased significantly along the compartment continuum from soil to fruit endosphere, but did not differ between the five cultivars across all samples. Occupancy-abundance distribution was used to define 97 core bacteria, 29 core fungi for rhizosphere soil and five core bacteria, 172 core fungi for endosphere. Functional annotations of the rhizosphere core bacteria were mostly associated with ureolysis and chemoheterotrophy, while endophytic core bacteria were mostly fermentative and symbiotic. Rhizosphere core fungi were saprophytic and the endophytic fungi were putatively pathogens. From rhizosphere soil to aboveground organs, the relative importance of deterministic processes for prokaryotic community assembly gradually increased but the contribution of stochastic processes increased for fungal community assembly. These findings highlight niche-specific microbial communities and shared core microbiomes in different grapevine cultivars. The deterministic processes contribute more to the assembly of prokaryotic communities in the aboveground than in the belowground while the assembly of fungal communities exhibits opposite trends. Management practices aiming at niche-specific microbiome should be developed for sustainable grape production.

Direct effects of Xenorhabdus spp. cell-free supernatant on Meloidogyne incognita in tomato plants and its impact on entomopathogenic nematodes

Entomopathogenic Xenorhabdus spp. bacteria, symbiont of the nematode Steinernema spp., shows potential for mitigating agricultural pests and diseases through bioactive compound production. The plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) Meloidogyne incognita affects the yield and quality of numerous crops, causing significant economic losses. We speculate that Cell-Free Supernatants (CFS) from Xenorhabdus spp. could reduce the impact of the root-knot nematode (RKN) M. incognita without negatively affecting entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), which are considered beneficial organisms. This study explored the activity of seven CFS against M. incognita (two populations, AL05 and Chipiona) and their possible effects on EPNs. The in vitro impact of CFS at 10 %, 40 %, and 90 % concentrations on nematode motility at four and 24 h were tested on the PPN M. incognita and two EPNs, S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora. Additionally, EPN viability and virulence were evaluated at two and five days. On the other hand, tomato plant-mesocosm experiments examined the activity of four CFS on M. incognita reproductive capacity and EPN virulence. In vitro exposure of M. incognita to 90 % concentration of CFS resulted in reductions of activity over 60 % after four hours of expossure in four out of seven CFS. In the in vitro evaluation of two species of EPNs, none of the CFS affected the activity across any tested doses after four hours of exposure nor after 24 h. Plant-mesocosm experiments showed that CFS application significantly reduced RKN galls, egg masses, and galling index. However, the virulence of both EPN species decreased 15 days after application, with a significant impact on S. feltiae. Overall, these findings suggest that CFS could be used as a bio-tool against M. incognita in tomato crops, mitigating its impact on plant growth. However, this study also highlights the necessity of investigating the effects of CFS on non-target organisms.

Comparative effect of FYM and Azotobacter on morphology and nutritional quality of high and low altitude grown knol khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.) cultivar White Vienna

Extreme environmental conditions of high altitude (HA) expose the food crops to abiotic stresses that may impact their growth and nutritional composition, which also varies depending on agricultural practices being used. Therefore, the present study is designed to a compare the efficacy of organic agri-treatments viz. farm yard manure (FYM) and Azotobacter on morphological and nutritional traits of knol-khol cultivar White Vienna grown at HA and low altitude (LA). The field trial was conducted as a two-factorial experiment in a randomized block design. The first factor was treatments (T1-FYM, T2-Azotobacter, T3-FYM+Azotobacter and T4-(control) and second factor was cultivation locations (HA vs. LA). The findings revealed that the application of treatment T3 at HA resulted in higher total soluble solids (1.38-fold), titratable acidity (0.06-fold), total carbohydrate (1.9-fold), crude protein (3.7-fold), crude fat (3-fold) and dietary fiber content (78-fold) whereas, yield (137.6-fold) and ash content (0.85-fold) content were found higher at LA. The current study emphasizes upon the superior efficiency of combination treatment of FYM and Azotobacter at HA to improve the nutritional quality of food crops, with added benefits of environmental sustainability and nutritional security.

In-field disease symptom detection and localisation using explainable deep learning: Use case for downy mildew in grapevine

Diseases and pests in agriculture significantly impact crop yield and quality. Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is a particular noteworthy example in grapevines. Traditional detection methods are laborious, subjective and time-consuming. Consequently, a technological solution based on artificial intelligence, would provide higher levels of reproducibility and sampling. The aim of this work was to develop an interpretable, automated method for detection and localisation of plant disease symptoms under field conditions. Images of the grapevine canopy were taken in 14 commercial vineyard plots under a range of lightning conditions, including both static and on-the-go settings. The images were processed using a sliding window, classifying sub-images into areas with and without downy mildew. Transfer learning, fine-tuning and data augmentation were employed to automate the classification, comparing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and vision transformers (ViT). Subsequently, the trained model was integrated into the sliding window to localise regions within the canopy images exhibiting symptoms of downy mildew. Model predictions were interpreted using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods. The EfficientNetV2S model achieved an accuracy of 91 % and an F1-score of 0.92 when classifying image areas and an Intersection over Union (IoU) of 0.83 when locating symptomatic areas. This method showed promising results, enabling automatic and explainable detection and localisation of plant diseases in complex conditions. The straightforward labelling process facilitated adaptation to new conditions, making it suitable for different crops and diseases. Integration into mobile platforms could enhance disease management and reduce the spread of pathogens, making a significant advance in agricultural technology.

Tropospheric ozone pollution: Implication for food security and crop nutrition in South Asia

The study was conducted on ambient ozone (O3), the most phyto-toxic air pollutant, and its effects on the growth and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and peas (Pisum sativaum) grown in Northern Pakistan during the summer and winter of 2018. Okra was subjected to ambient O3 levels ranging from 43 to 63 ppb during the summer, with a mean O3 concentration of 55 ppb, while peas experienced lower winter concentrations of 15–25 ppb, with a mean O3 concentration of 19 ppb. The results indicated significant impacts on the growth and nutritional quality of crops, especially okra. Anti-ozonant ethylene diurea (EDU) was used for soil drenching to protect okra and green peas from O3 damage. Okra showed notable enhancements of 20%, 20%, 29%, and 13% in ash, protein, fiber, and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFE), respectively. Increase in plant height, leaf numbers, pod length, and dry weight was observed in EDU-treated okra plants. Conversely, peas exhibited less variation, although melioration was observed in plant height, pod numbers, length, and weight with EDU treatment. It was concluded that the concentration of ambient O3 in Peshawar is toxic enough to cause significant damage to crop growth and production. The stark difference in O3 impact during different seasons suggests that higher summer concentrations could severely compromise crop quality. This elicits significant concerns regarding food security in South Asia, especially for summer crops that can jeopardize future food security. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the effects of O3 on other regional crops to assess fully its implications for agricultural sustainability in the area.

Impact of regulated deficit irrigation on the dynamics of quality changes in processing tomato fruits during ripening

Quality is a key factor restricting the development and economic benefits of the tomato processing industry, and improving the quality of tomatoes has become a hotspot in the development of the tomato processing industry in Xinjiang. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) is an abiotic means of crop yield and quality control widely used for crop yield and quality improvement. This study aimed to investigate the impact of RDI on the dynamics of quality changes in processing tomato fruits during ripening via a 2-year (2022–2023) filed experiment with five water irrigation treatments in Xinjiang, China. The results showed that compared with conventional irrigation, regulated deficit irrigation significantly saved 315–1260 m3 ha−1 irrigation water. Mild RDI increased the single fruit weight and fruit hardness by 0.15 % and 3.29 kg cm2, respectively, thus improved the yield and storage and transportation quality of processed tomatoes. Moderate RDI increased the contents of soluble solid, soluble sugar and lycopene in fruit to 0.6 %, 0.56 % and 3.53 μg/g, respectively, therefore significantly improved the nutritional quality and flavor quality of processed tomato. Ultimately, a comprehensive evaluation using a coupled Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) model, taking into account the appearance, nutrition, flavor, and storage and transportation indexes of processed fruits, concluded tha W1 treatment is a sustainable water management approach that balances yield and quality. Therefore, the optimal deficit irrigation model for processing tomato fruits in Xinjiang was recommended to be the W1 treatment, whereas the W2 treatment was considered as an alternate model. The study supported the large-scale development of the tomato processing industry in Xinjiang and the implementation of effective water-saving farming.

Optimizing growth conditions and biostimulant application for enhanced growth, yield and quality in Butter bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) cultivar KKL 1

Butter beans (Phaseolus lunatus) are prized for their significant nutraceutical benefits, which are crucial in addressing malnutrition in developing countries. Given their nutritional advantages, global cultivation demand is increasing. This study aims to boost production and improve crop quality through effective agronomic practices. To minimize dependence on synthetic chemicals, the study investigates the use of biostimulants as an alternative, offering a promising method for enhancing crop growth and performance. The experiment took place under 2 different conditions: polyhouse (G1) and open field condition (G2) at Horticultural and Forestry Research Station, Kodaikanal, from December 2023 to June 2024. Various biostimulants were applied in foliar parts in different doses: control (B1) seaweed extract at 3 % (B2) and 5 % (B3), panchagavya at 3 % (B4) and 5 % (B5), vermiwash at 5 % (B6) and 10 % (B7) and fulvic acid at 6 g/L (B8) and 9 g/L (B9), each replicated 3 times. Among the treatment combinations, G1B3 (seaweed extract 5 % under polyhouse condition) was most effective in all growth, yield and quality parameters including days to first flower emergence (48.50 days), number of pods per plant (96.33), pod yield (4.98 t/ha), highest soluble protein (37.36 %) than G2B1 (control group under open field condition). It resulted in a greater number of days for flower emergence (57.85 days), lowest values in number of pods per plant (69.91), pod yield (2.96 t/ha) and soluble protein (24.69 %). These findings suggest that seaweed extract has great potential as a sustainable agricultural input, enhancing productivity and crop performance in butter bean cultivation. The main goals were to investigate how different biostimulants and growing conditions affect the growth and yield of butter beans and to identify effective organic growth promoters that could improve the yield and quality of butter bean crops in various growing environments. The results of this study are discussed in the following sections.

A novel C2H2-type zinc-finger transcription factor, CitZAT4, regulates ethylene-induced orange coloration in Satsuma mandarin flavedo (Citrus unshiu Marc.).

Ethylene treatment promotes orange coloration in the flavedo of Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) fruit, but the corresponding regulatory mechanism is still largely unknown. In this study, we identified a C2H2-type zinc-finger transcription factor, CitZAT4, the expression of which was markedly induced by ethylene. CitZAT4 directly binds to the CitPSY promoter and activates its expression, thereby promoting carotenoid biosynthesis. Transient expression in Satsuma mandarin fruit and stable transformation of citrus calli showed that overexpressing of CitZAT4 inhibited CitLCYE expression, thus inhibiting α-branch yellow carotenoid (lutein) biosynthesis. CitZAT4 overexpression also enhanced the transcript levels of CitLCYB, CitHYD, and CitNCED2, promoting β-branch orange carotenoid accumulation. Molecular biochemical assays, including yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA), chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-qPCR), and luciferase (LUC) assays, demonstrated that CitZAT4 directly binds to the promoters of its target genes and regulates their expression. An ethylene response factor, CitERF061, which is induced by ethylene signaling, was found to directly bound to the CitZAT4 promoter and induced its expression, thus positively regulating CitZAT4-mediated orange coloration in citrus fruit. Together, our findings reveal that a CitZAT4-mediated transcriptional cascade is driven by ethylene via CitERF061, linking ethylene signaling to carotenoid metabolism in promoting orange coloration in the flavedo of Satsuma mandarin fruit. The molecular regulatory mechanism revealed here represents a significant step toward developing strategies for improving the quality and economic efficiency of citrus crops.

Towards a Closed-Loop Supply Chain: Assessing Current Practices in Empty Pesticide Container Management in Indonesia

Pesticides are essential to modern agriculture, significantly enhancing crop yields and quality to ensure global food security. Their critical role in preventing hunger is highlighted by the notable increase in global pesticide trade over the past decade. In Indonesia, pesticide usage has surged, with a 24% rise in registered pesticide formulations between 2017 and 2021. However, this increase presents challenges, particularly in the disposal of empty pesticide containers (EPC), which pose substantial environmental and health risks if improperly managed. To address this, a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) is proposed as an effective, eco-friendly solution for the management of EPC waste. This study evaluates the implementation of a CLSC for EPC in Indonesia, employing rich picture analysis and stakeholder interviews to identify key challenges, opportunities, and strengths. Notable challenges include regulatory gaps, financial and operational feasibility, and limited farmer engagement. However, opportunities exist in enhancing environmental sustainability, generating economic benefits, and gaining support from industry groups. One key strength is the widespread practice of triple rinsing among farmers, with 62.63% of respondents already adopting this method. This study underscores the important of establishing clear and enforceable regulations, introducing financial incentives and supportive policies, promoting public–private partnerships, creating targeted behavior change interventions, and ensuring organizational commitments and training programs. These insights are crucial in developing a sustainable CLSC, ensuring both environmental and economic benefits.

Potentials of synthetic biodegradable mulch for improved livelihoods on smallholder farmers: a systematic review

Plastic waste in agriculture, particularly from polyethylene mulch, poses significant environmental challenges. Synthetic biodegradable mulch has emerged as a sustainable alternative, derived from renewable resources such as thermoplastic starch, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and copolyesters. This review explores the benefits of synthetic biodegradable mulch, its environmental impact, and the policy landscape to support its adoption. A review of existing literature was conducted, focusing on three aspects: (1) the performance of synthetic biodegradable mulch in crop production and pest control, (2) the environmental, socioeconomic, and climate resilience compared to polyethylene mulch, and (3) the institutional policies that promote synthetic biodegradable mulch adoption. The analysis considered comparative data on yield, pest management, and sustainability metrics. Synthetic biodegradable mulch performs similarly or better than polyethylene mulch in various agricultural practices. It enhances crop yield, quality, and weed suppression, acts as a physical barrier against pests and diseases, reduces chemical usage, and aids in water and nutrient management. Moreover, synthetic biodegradable mulch offers environmental benefits by reducing plastic waste, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. While synthetic biodegradable mulch provides numerous advantages, adoption faces challenges such as high initial costs, farmer preferences, and the regulatory framework. Effective institutional policies and increased consumer demand could drive wider adoption, offering potential for improved livelihoods among small farmers while promoting environmental sustainability.

Recent advances of CRISPR-based genome editing for enhancing staple crops.

An increasing population, climate change, and diminishing natural resources present severe threats to global food security, with traditional breeding and genetic engineering methods often falling short in addressing these rapidly evolving challenges. CRISPR/Cas systems have emerged as revolutionary tools for precise genetic modifications in crops, offering significant advancements in resilience, yield, and nutritional value, particularly in staple crops like rice and maize. This review highlights the transformative potential of CRISPR/Cas technology, emphasizing recent innovations such as prime and base editing, and the development of novel CRISPR-associated proteins, which have significantly improved the specificity, efficiency, and scope of genome editing in agriculture. These advancements enable targeted genetic modifications that enhance tolerance to abiotic stresses as well as biotic stresses. Additionally, CRISPR/Cas plays a crucial role in improving crop yield and quality by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake, and resistance to lodging, while also improving taste, texture, shelf life, and nutritional content through biofortification. Despite challenges such as off-target effects, the need for more efficient delivery methods, and ethical and regulatory concerns, the review underscores the importance of CRISPR/Cas in addressing global food security and sustainability challenges. It calls for continued research and integration of CRISPR with other emerging technologies like nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and machine learning to fully realize its potential in developing resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural systems.