Tree Crops Research Articles

Superabsorbent hydrogels: A new tool for vineyard water management?

New superabsorbent hydrogels (SH) could be groundbreaking technologies for the adaptation of agriculture to climate change, but knowledge about their physio-chemical traits, their effects on soil hydrology, and their efficacy on tree crop physiology is very limited. In this work, two potassium polyacrylate SH (SH1 and SH2) and an organic material derived SH (SH3) were tested for their water holding capacity and the capability to improve soil hydrology according to the water demands of cultivated grapevine, one of the most relevant rainfed tree crops. All SH absorbed a significant amount of water as compared to their relative weight (from 9.19 g H2O/g polymer of SH3, to 369.64 g H2O/g polymer of SH2) and made it available at water potential (Ψ) levels compatible with grapevine root system uptake. When incorporated to the soil, all SH successfully increased soil field capacity, affecting also wilting point, and increasing maximum plant available water (from +43 % of SH2 to +84 % of SH1). All SH increased stem Ψ of potted vines subjected to a progressive water deficit, as compared to controls (+0.25 MPa at four days from irrigation suspension, +0.2 MPa at eight days from water suspension, when Control vines showed a stem Ψ of −1.63 MPa).Our work demonstrated for the first time the potentialities of three different SH and their positive effects on soil water relations. Both synthetic and organic-derived SH could improve vine water status under limited water supply. While other studies are needed to clarify effects according to different rootstocks and soils, the results pave the way for the integration of SH in vineyard water management.

Use of ResNets for HLB Disease Detection on Orange Leaves Using Terrestrial Multispectral Images

Abstract. Huanglongbing (HLB) is a bacterial disease transmitted by different vectors of sap-sucking insects. It affects all crops of citrus trees, decreasing the values of those fruits in the market and eventually the decay of orchards. In Brazil, the world's leading orange producer, citriculture faces severe issues with HLB and substantial economic loss. Technical means of scanning the orchards with high-throughput becomes essential for the sustainability of this industry. In this study, we propose to investigate an operational strategy consisting of scanning large portions of foliage (the canopy of one tree or more) in which there can few early foliage symptoms. It is proposed to investigate deep learning tools to solve this complex binary classification problem. The study is based on a dataset comprising 1,297 terrestrial multispectral (14 channels) images captured at high spatial resolution in a commercial orange orchard in Brazil. It is proposed to adapt and retrain standard neural network architectures, namely ResNets18 and ResNets34, to process such images. Our analysis reveals promising results, with both models demonstrating convergence and achieving stable performance. Notably, ResNet18 outperformed ResNet34, achieving an accuracy of 76.45% compared to 66.79% from ResNet34. These findings suggest that deep neural network methods can effectively manage non-radiometrically calibrated data and accurately distinguish images with HLB symptoms from healthy plants . However, with reduced datasets and limited possibilities for transfer learning and fine-tuning, it seems that only reasonable sized networks can be trained. Thus, more advanced state-of-the-art tools of the are still challenging to deploy for agricultural multi- or hyperspectral data.

Pecan-medicinal crops intercropping improved soil fertility and promoted interactions between soil microorganisms and metabolites

BackgroundPecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) Koch] is a widely cultivated dried fruit and woody oil tree with high economic value. Continuous sole planting of pecan caused some land to lie idle and deterioration of soil conditions. Tree and medicinal crops intercropping represents an environmental-friendly and economically feasible solution to these issues. Thus, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanism by which intercropping improved soil condition by regulating the interactions of the soil microbiome and metabolome. In this study, pecans were intercropped with medicinal crops caper spurge and honeysuckle on a tree farm in China. A combined analysis of soil microbiomes and metabolomes was performed to discover the effects of intercropping on bulk and rhizosphere soils.ResultsThe results showed that intercropping improved the edaphic properties of bulk soil and promoted the growth of pecan and caper spurge. Intercropping also significantly altered the structures of both bacterial and fungal communities in bulk soil, stabilised the enrichment of nitrogen-cyclic bacteria, for instance, Bacillus, and decreased the relative abundances of plant–pathogenic fungi, for instance, Fusarium. In addition, the result of metabolomic analysis showed that intercropping promoted the synthesis of functional compounds, such as trehalose and ethanolamine, which enhanced plant disease resistance in bulk soils. Moreover, the co-occurrence networks of microbiomes and metabolomes of bulk soils revealed that Bacillus was significantly correlated with Fusarium, Alternaria, and trehalose under intercropping patterns. Furthermore, analysis of microbiomes and metabolomes in the rhizosphere soil of caper spurge and honeysuckle revealed that Penicillium and Rhizomicrobium were significantly increased by intercropping and showed more dynamic connections with other genera and metabolites compared with single planting.ConclusionsOverall, intercropping pecans with caper spurge and honeysuckle can improve soil conditions and promote plant growth through microbiological and metabolomics integrated analyses. This study provides valuable information and theoretical basis for optimizing land resource utilisation and improving soil conditions in tree fields like pecan fields via intercropping, thereby reducing production losses and ensuring economic benefits.Graphical

In Vitro vs. In Vivo Transcriptomic Approach Revealed Core Pathways of Nitrogen Deficiency Response in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze)

For the first time, we used an in vitro vs. in vivo experimental design to reveal core pathways under nitrogen deficiency (ND) in an evergreen tree crop. These pathways were related to lignin biosynthesis, cell redox homeostasis, the defense response to fungus, the response to Karrikin, amino acid transmembrane transport, the extracellular region, the cellular protein catabolic process, and aspartic-type endopeptidase activity. In addition, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and ATP synthase (ATP)-binding cassette transporters were significantly upregulated under nitrogen deficiency in vitro and in vivo. Most of the MAPK downstream genes were related to calcium signaling (818 genes) rather than hormone signaling (157 genes). Moreover, the hormone signaling pathway predominantly contained auxin- and abscisic acid-related genes, indicating the crucial role of these hormones in ND response. Overall, 45 transcription factors were upregulated in both experiments, 5 WRKYs, 3 NACs, 2 MYBs, 2 ERFs, HD-Zip, RLP12, bHLH25, RADIALIS-like, and others, suggesting their ND regulation is independent from the presence of a root system. Gene network reconstruction displayed that these transcription factors participate in response to fungus/chitin, suggesting that nitrogen response and pathogen response have common regulation. The upregulation of lignin biosynthesis genes, cytochrome genes, and strigalactone response genes was much more pronounced under in vitro ND as compared to in vivo ND. Several cell wall-related genes were closely associated with cytochromes, indicating their important role in flavanols biosynthesis in tea plant. These results clarify the signaling mechanisms and regulation of the response to nitrogen deficiency in evergreen tree crops.

Could Pistachio (Pistacia vera) Be a Suitable Alternative Crop for Olive-Growing Mediterranean Areas Affected by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca ST53?

In the olive-growing areas of Apulia (southern Italy) where Xylella fastidiosa has caused enormous damage, there is a need to identify alternative crops. These could include pistachio (Pistacia vera L.), but it is critical to define the impact of the bacterium on this crop and what are the main phytosanitary threats for this species in the areas where the bacterium is now endemic. Therefore, we started evaluating infections caused by X. fastidiosa, the fungus Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, and other pathogens on four pistachio cultivars ('Kerman', 'Aegina', 'Lost Hills', and 'Napoletana') grown in areas where X. fastidiosa has been present for a long time. X. fastidiosa was detected only in one orchard (incidence: 18% 'Napoletana' and 55% 'Kerman') out of six surveyed orchards, with low bacterium concentration (1.67 to 5.98 × 103 CFU ml-1) and no symptoms. N. mediterraneum was retrieved in three orchards just on the cultivar Kerman but with high incidence (up to 30%) and infection level quantified as molecular severity (6.82 to 7.43); no other pathogens were detected. The N. mediterraneum representative isolates characterized in this study showed similarity with Spanish and Portuguese isolates. A confocal microscope analysis for this host-pathogen association suggested no differences in plant response to fungal aggression between the cultivars Kerman and Aegina, but just lack of latent inoculum in 'Aegina' plants, pointing to a possible nursery origin of the infection. Waiting for additional targeted experiments to clearly define host response of pistachio cultivars to Xylella spp., this study also points at N. mediterraneum as a potential threat to this tree crop new for the area.

Characterization of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) wood branches as a potential resource for paper production

For sustainable use of lignocellulosic resources, pruned tree branches of cocoa, one of the major evergreen tropical tree crops with significant economic importance worldwide, were investigated as a potential source of kraft pulp. This study determined the chemical composition, fiber dimensions, kraft pulp, and paper properties of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao L.) branches compared to the deciduous trees traditionally used in the paper industry. A handsheet of cocoa pulp showed promising results with narrow fiber length distribution, high paper density, and high mechanical strength. The yield of kraft pulp made from cocoa branches wood was lower. The tensile and burst indices of cocoa pulp handsheet were 2 and 2.5 times higher than that of hardwood traditionally used in the paper industry. These results suggest a potential use of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) tree branch wood for pulp production using the kraft process.

Влияние насаждений Quercus robur L. и Juglans rupestris Engelm. на свойства степных почв

The aim of the study has been to determine the condition of Quercus robur L. and Juglans rupestris Engelm. and their influence on the properties of segregated chernozems. The study was conducted in 2020–2021 in the steppe Crimea. The control has been a perennial grass fallow. To characterize the general condition of the trees, a 4-point scale for assessing the condition of the introduced species has been used. Standard methods have been used for soil analysis. A better preservation and a greater number of 50-year old plants in excellent and good condition have been established for Q. robur (67 и 56 %, respectively) compared to J. rupestris (48 и 42 %, respectively) in these environmental conditions, which is explained by the greater adaptive capabilities of oak as an indegenous species. Both tree crops have influenced soil properties. In their phytocenoses, a litter has been formed, more significant under J. rupestris. The dark humus horizon has also turned out to be thicker under the J. rupestris plantation (80 cm) than under the Q. robur plantation and the fallow (72 and 70 cm, respectively). Under Q. robur the soil density has been lower than under J. rupestris by 0.02–0.18 g/cm3. Under the woody plants, the soil structure has improved: the number of lumpy aggregates has decreased, and the number of agronomically valuable and granular particles has increased. The maximum coefficient of structure has been in the soil under the oaks (4.4–6.6), which exceeded the control by 2.5–4.9 times. Under the woody plants, carbonates have been significantly washed out of the soil profile, especially under J. rupestris. The pHH2O value of the alkaline soil under the woody plants has decreased by 0.2–0.4 and has been closely related to carbonate content (r = 0.83–0.91). The humus content under both species has been significantly higher than under the fallow – by 0.30–0.86 %. Afforestation has resulted in the accumulation of total forms of nutrients, to a greater extent under J. rupestris, and the C:N ratio has decreased. Tree species have stored more labile forms of nutrients in the soil. Soil desalination has been noted in the tree cenoses. Thus, J. rupestris and Q. robur are ecologically stable in the conditions of the central steppe of Crimea and can be used to increase forest cover in steppe areas. This will help improve soil fertility.

Impact of Aggregation Pheromone Traps on Spatial Distribution of Halyomorpha halys Damage in Apple Orchards.

Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is an invasive pest causing significant damage to tree crops. Our study examined the impact of newly designed aggregation pheromone-baited 'mini-sailboat' (MSB) traps for controlling H. halys and its effect on the spatial distribution of fruit damage. Four replicates of four traps, with a total of 16 MSB traps, were placed along a 1.3 km border of apple orchards, concentrating the traps on one side of the orchards. A fruit damage assessment for incidence and severity was conducted at increasing distances from the orchard border where the traps were placed, encompassing 107 assessment points. Our study showed that deploying MSB traps along the orchard border significantly increased fruit damage within the first 45 m compared to control plots without traps. However, beyond the first 45 m from the border, there was a significant reduction in damage incidence. In the treated plots, 50% of the damage occurred within 26 m of the traps, while in control plots, within 85 m. Shifting the fruit damage pattern means restricting the pests lingering in a narrow strip near the MSB traps, which paves the way for improved techniques to restructure the crop perimeter.

Long‐Term Effects of Arable and Tree Cropping Systems on Soil Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics in a Tropical Agroecological Transition Zone

ABSTRACTContinuous cropping can affect soil carbon and nitrogen stocks and litter decomposition, but research on smallholder farms in Africa is limited. This study, conducted from 2020 to 2023 in Ghana's forest‐savanna transition zone, examined four cropping systems: continuous maize monocrop (M), maize rotated with legumes (ML), young cashew intercropped with maize or legumes (YCM/L), and mature cashew (MC). The objective was to assess the long‐term impact of the cropping systems on soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N) stocks, and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition rates using the tea bag protocol. Results showed significant variability in SOC and N stocks across the systems. At a 0–15 cm depth, SOC in the MC and M systems was 160% and 149% higher than in the YCM/L system. At 15–30 cm, SOC in the M and MC systems was 86% and 132% higher than in YCM/L. Soil nitrogen stocks followed a similar trend, with MC and M systems showing 94%–199% higher values than YCM/L at both depths. SOM decomposition rates for green and rooibos tea in the MC and ML systems were statistically similar after 90 days of incubation (p > 0.05). This study, the first to use the tea bag protocol in Ghanaian soils, revealed that mature cashew and sustainable practices, such as adding maize stover, can enhance SOC and N stocks in highly weathered tropical soils. These findings underscore the potential for specific cropping systems to improve soil health on smallholder farms.

The Determination of Capitalization Rate by the Remote Segments Approach: The Case of an Agricultural Land Appraisal

In the absence of comparative real estate data in the market segment of the property to be estimated, the appraiser may resort to income capitalization to estimate the market value. Often, however, the choice of which rate to apply is affected by subjective and arbitrary assessments. The estimation result can therefore be inaccurate and rather unclear. However, the Remote Segments Approach (RSA), through appropriate adjustments on the original values, prices, and incomes detected in the remote segments, makes it possible to arrive at an appraisal result consistent with estimative logic and real estate valuation standards. The proposed application illustrates the estimation of the market value of a specialized fruit orchard of avocado, which is to be considered new in relation to other fruit species already present in the reference area. The adjustments required by the RSA are solved with the General Appraisal System (GAS), defining the difference matrix based on relevant characters common to all segments considered. The application is carried out by comparing the segment in which the orchard being estimated falls (subject) with other remote market segments in which prices and incomes constituted by other tree crops are collected. The market value of the subject is derived by making adjustments to the prices and incomes observed in the remote segments of comparison with a comparison function constructed through relevant characters common to the segments considered. The comparison function makes it possible to arrive at the determination of the capitalization rate to be used in estimating the value of the fruit orchard by income approach. While it is based on the comparison of segments, the approach followed allows for a value judgment consistent with the estimation comparison and capable of providing a solution less conditioned by the appraiser’s expertise in the presence of particularly pronounced limiting conditions.

Enhanced Estimation of Crown-Level Leaf Dry Biomass of Ginkgo Saplings Based on Multi-Height UAV Imagery and Digital Aerial Photogrammetry Point Cloud Data

Ginkgo is a multi-purpose economic tree species that plays a significant role in human production and daily life. The dry biomass of leaves serves as an accurate key indicator of the growth status of Ginkgo saplings and represents a direct source of economic yield. Given the characteristics of flexibility and high operational efficiency, affordable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been utilized for estimating aboveground biomass in plantations, but not specifically for estimating leaf biomass at the individual sapling level. Furthermore, previous studies have primarily focused on image metrics while neglecting the potential of digital aerial photogrammetry (DAP) point cloud metrics. This study aims to investigate the estimation of crown-level leaf biomass in 3-year-old Ginkgo saplings subjected to different nitrogen treatments, using a synergistic approach that combines both image metrics and DAP metrics derived from UAV RGB images captured at varying flight heights (30 m, 60 m, and 90 m). In this study, image metrics (including the color and texture feature parameters) and DAP point cloud metrics (encompassing crown-level structural parameters, height-related and density-related metrics) were extracted and evaluated for modeling leaf biomass. The results indicated that models that utilized both image metrics and point cloud metrics generally outperformed those relying solely on image metrics. Notably, the combination of image metrics obtained from the 60 m flight height with DAP metrics derived from the 30 m height significantly enhanced the overall modeling performance, especially when optimal metrics were selected through a backward elimination approach. Among the regression methods employed, Gaussian process regression (GPR) models exhibited superior performance (CV-R2 = 0.79, rRMSE = 25.22% for the best model), compared to Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) models. The common critical image metrics for both GPR and PLSR models were found to be related to chlorophyll (including G, B, and their normalized indices such as NGI and NBI), while key common structural parameters from the DAP metrics included height-related and crown-related features (specifically, tree height and crown width). This approach of integrating optimal image metrics with DAP metrics derived from multi-height UAV imagery shows great promise for estimating crown-level leaf biomass in Ginkgo saplings and potentially other tree crops.

Unoccupied-Aerial-Systems-Based Biophysical Analysis of Montmorency Cherry Orchards: A Comparative Study

With the global population on the rise and arable land diminishing, the need for sustainable and precision agriculture has become increasingly important. This study explores the application of unoccupied aerial systems (UAS) in precision agriculture, specifically focusing on Montmorency cherry orchards in Payson, Utah. Despite the widespread use of UAS for various crops, there is a notable gap in research concerning cherry orchards, which present unique challenges due to their physical structure. UAS data were gathered using an RTK-enabled DJI Mavic 3M, equipped with both RGB and multispectral cameras, to capture high-resolution imagery. This research investigates two primary applications of UAS in cherry orchards: tree height mapping and crop health assessment. We also evaluate the accuracy of tree height measurements derived from three UAS data processing software packages: Pix4D, Drone2Map, and DroneDeploy. Our results indicated that DroneDeploy provided the closest relationship to ground truth data with an R2 of 0.61 and an RMSE of 31.83 cm, while Pix4D showed the lowest accuracy. Furthermore, we examined the efficacy of RGB-based vegetation indices in predicting leaf area index (LAI), a key indicator of crop health, in the absence of more expensive multispectral sensors. Twelve RGB-based indices were tested for their correlation with LAI, with the IKAW index showing the strongest correlation (R = 0.36). However, the overall explanatory power of these indices was limited, with an R2 of 0.135 in the best-fitting model. Despite the promising results for tree height estimation, the correlation between RGB-based indices and LAI was underwhelming, suggesting the need for further research.

Waking the “sleeping giant?” Mid- to Late-Holocene environment and fire history in the Aitape area, northern Papua New Guinea

The coastlines of the southwestern Pacific are dynamic environments that have been repeatedly reshaped by tectonic forces as well as changing global climate and sea level. It has been theorized that much of the north coast of New Guinea was sparsely inhabited until stabilization of coastal flats fallowing the Mid-Holocene Thermal Maximum and resulting marine high stand. We report on environmental proxy indicators measured in core samples taken near modern day Aitape, Papua New Guinea. These cores record the formation of a large lagoonal system on the modern coastal flats by 5800 cal BP. This lagoon infilled over the next several 1000 years as sea level dropped, with the modern coastal flats stabilizing by 1400 cal BP. A charcoal record spanning the period between 6200 and 1400 cal BP documents substantial increases in influx between ~6200 and 6000 cal BP and particularly from ~3000 to 2600 cal BP. Comparison to regional charcoal and ENSO records suggests that increasing aridity and ENSO intensity may drive regional patterning in fire records, however, localized charcoal records are also heavily influenced by human activity. Between 3000 and 2600 cal BP, forest management practices in the Aitape area, currently focused on tree crops and horticulture characterized by long fallowing and limited burning, shifted to a regime characterized by large scale forest clearance and shorter fallowing. We hypothesize that increasing population driven by abundant Mid-Holocene lagoonal resources may have been difficult to maintain as lagoons infilled and climate became more variable, leading to horticultural intensification.

Future Agricultural Water Availability in Mediterranean Countries under Climate Change: A Systematic Review

Warming and drying trends in the Mediterranean Basin exacerbate regional water scarcity and threaten agricultural production, putting global food security at risk. This study aimed to review the most significant research on future water availability for the Mediterranean agricultural sector under climate change (CC) scenarios published during 2009–2024. Two searches were performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, to which previously identified significant studies from different periods were also added. By applying a methodology duly protocoled in the PRISMA2020-based guideline, a final number of 44 particularly relevant studies was selected for review. A bibliometric analysis has shown that most of the published research was focused on Southwestern European countries (i.e., Spain, Italy, Portugal) and grapevine and olive tree crops. Overall, the reviewed studies state that future Mediterranean water reserves may not meet agricultural water demands, due to reduced reservoir inflows and higher irrigation demands under future CC and socioeconomic scenarios. Regarding adaptation measures to improve water-use management in agriculture, the majority of the reviewed studies indicate that the use of integrated modelling platforms and decision–support systems can significantly contribute to the development and implementation of improved water/land-management practices.

Advancing multiple ecosystem service assessment in the tropics: Evidence from Barekese and Owabi watersheds in Ghana

Watershed ecosystems are important for the provision of multiple ecosystem services (ES) that are critical to human welfare. Few studies particularly in the tropics assess the multiple ecosystem services, economic value, and effect of land use change on economic value. This paper provides evidence of the quantitative. economic value and effect of land use change on the economic value of watershed ESs from Barekese and Owabi in Ghana. Geospatial analysis and the stated preference method were used for the study. Primary and secondary data were collected from households, institutions, and other sources to quantify and estimate ecosystem services. The geospatial analysis showed that forest degradation and deforestation have increased over the last three decades in the watershed with settlements and cropland being the major land use changes. The two watersheds provide many ecosystem services, including provisioning services (water, fuelwood, bushmeat, fish), regulating services (carbon sequestration, water supply, water purification, soil fertility), and cultural services (ecotourism). An aggregated economic value for the ESs of GH₵ 707.701 x 106 ($144.428 x 106) was estimated for the two watersheds. For the different sites, the economic value for the Barekese and Owabi watersheds were $110.645 x 106 ($6609.06/ha/yr) and $33.783 x 106 ($5857.76/ha/yr) respectively. Our analysis showed that conversion of forest to other land uses resulted in a significant reduction in the value of ecosystem services. Conversion of the watershed to Tree Crop, Food Crop, Grassland or Settlement could reduce the economic value of ESs by 4%–80 %. The study demonstrates that ecosystem services assessment could provide important information for conservation and development policies related to watershed management in the tropics. To ensure ecosystem service supply, the risks of land use change should be considered in watershed conservation strategies including land use zoning and adaptive management systems.

Nitrogen deficiency differentially affects lignin biosynthesis genes and flavanols accumulation in tolerant and susceptible tea genotypes (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze)

The mechanisms of the nitrogen deficiency (ND) response are complex and not sufficiently studied in evergreen tree crops. The aim of this study was to investigate the nitrogen deficiency response in two contrasting tea genotypes to reveal molecular crosstalk between tea quality and tolerance to ND. The transcriptional response to two- and four-month nitrogen deficiency was analyzed in tolerant (cv. Karatum) and susceptible (cv. Kolkhida) tea genotypes. Both GO and KEGG analyses indicated that phenylpropanoid pathway was significantly enriched under nitrogen deficiency in both cultivars. Most of the transcription factor DEGs were related to ABA-mediated stress responses; the following transcription factors were upregulated in both genotypes and in both stress periods: TEAK026346 (bZip23), TEAK015869 (RADIALIS-like 3 isoform X1), TEAK022547 (bHLH78) and one was downregulated TEAK030189 (MYB family transcription factor EFM like) indicating their important role for regulation of nitrogen deficiency response. Gene network of phenylpropanoid pathway DEGs indicated the abandoned edges in lignin biosynthesis DEGs. Generally, the results suggest greater stability of the cell wall metabolism and secondary metabolism in tolerant genotype under long term nitrogen deficiency. The revealed lignin biosynthesis genes can be new candidates for molecular breeding to develop tolerant tea genotypes.

Enhancing Sustainability through Weather Derivative Option Contracts: A Risk Management Tool in Greek Agriculture

This paper investigates the efficacy of weather derivatives as a risk management tool in the agricultural sector of Naousa, Greece, focusing on tree crops sensitive to temperature variations. The specific purpose is to assess how effectively weather derivative options can mitigate financial risks for farmers by providing strategic solutions. The study assesses the strategic application of Heating Degree Days (HDD) index options and their potential to alleviate economic vulnerabilities faced by farmers due to temperatures fluctuations. Employing different strike prices in Long Call and Straddle options strategies on the HDD index, the research offers tailored risk management solutions that cater to varying risk aversions among farmers. Moreover, the study applies the Value at Risk (VaR) methodology to quantify the financial security that weather derivatives can furnish, revealing a significantly reduced probability of severe financial losses in hedged scenarios compared to no-hedge conditions. Results show that all implemented strategies effectively enhance financial outcomes compared to scenarios without hedging, highlighting the exceptional utility of weather derivatives as risk management tools in the agricultural sector. Strategy 4, which exhibits the lowest VaR, emerges as the most effective, providing substantial protection against adverse weather conditions. This research supports the notion that weather derivatives can substantially contribute to the economic sustainability of rural economies, influencing policy decisions toward enhancing financial instruments for risk management in agriculture.

A Sustainable Approach Based on Sheep Wool Mulch and Soil Conditioner for Prunus domestica (Stanley Variety) Trees Aimed at Increasing Fruit Quality and Productivity in Drought Conditions

In the context of extreme climate change, experts in fruit production face a significant challenge in developing new strategies aimed at increasing the productivity of fruit tree crops. In order to investigate the changes in various horticultural indices (production, tree growth, and development) as well as the quality of plum fruits, sheep’s wool mulch, a cornstarch-based soil conditioner, and a combination of the two were applied in a Stanley plum orchard. In parallel, an experimental control variation was used. The results showed that the methods used had a substantial impact on fruit yield, size, and weight, with the best results obtained when mulching with sheep’s wool and soil conditioner. Plum fruits from mulching with sheep wool + soil conditioner exhibited the greatest total phenol concentration (1.30 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g dw), followed by the reference sample at 1.16 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g dw. The antioxidant capacity assessed using the three different methods provided favorable results for the experimental variant, sheep wool + soil conditioner. The results indicate that using the three experimental versions increased the fruit yield with 27% (sheep’s wool mulch) and with, 37% (sheep wool + soil conditioner) on average compared to that of the control group, while also improving the fruit quality. The fruit weight increased with 17.26% (cornstarch-based soil conditioner) and with 48.90% (sheep wool + soil conditioner) compared to that of the control, and the fruit size increased with 5% in two experiments (sheep’s wool mulch and a cornstarch-based soil conditioner) with 19% (sheep wool + soil conditioner), compared to the control group.

Children's perceptions shape primate conservation message in rural communities of the Barú District, Southwestern Panama.

Panama is a habitat for nine primate species, and most of them are threatened. This has shown a fundamental concern in primate conservation by Panamanian-based conservation projects. Among them is the project Conservación del Mono Cariblanco en Agroecosistemas (COMOCA) which initiated a primate conservation education program in Southwestern Panama in 2022. The first stage of this program consisted of evaluating the perceptions that 102 children aged 8-12 years old have about primate habitat. Ianalyzed drawings made by these children exploring three different themes: (1) description of primate species, (2) primate habitat, and (3) food related to primates. The results indicate that children are more familiar with the white-faced capuchins and squirrel monkeys. Despite 89.2% of the children drawing trees, most of them painted tree crops. Thus, the top three most mentioned foods eaten by monkeys were mango, plantain/banana, and apple. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the relationship between primates and native trees in the content of the conservation education program. Additionally, the study illustrates how children's depiction of their reality has implications for the management of human-primate interfaces.

Sub-national scale mapping of individual olive trees integrating Earth observation and deep learning

The olive tree holds great cultural, environmental, and economic significance in the Mediterranean region. In particular, Morocco has been making dedicated investments over $10 billion since 2008 to fuel the transition from cereal to olive production. Understanding the spatial extent of this large-scale land conversion is critical for a variety of socioeconomic purposes. In response to this demand, we conducted a study to map individual olive trees in northern Morocco using satellite imagery and deep learning techniques at a sub-national scale. This study utilized cloud-free, very-high-resolution DigitalGlobe imagery collected between 2018 and 2022 to identify each individual olive tree in six northern Morocco provinces. We compared various deep learning models, including both transformer-based and CNN-based models, to generate patch-level spatial constraints and pixel-level tree identification. We found that transformer-based models outperformed CNN-based models in both tasks. Additionally, spatially constraining the pixel-level results improved olive tree mapping accuracy to varying degrees, depending on the initial performance of the model. The evaluation of the olive map generated from this study shows high accuracy in both surveyed and unsampled regions. This research represents the first-of-its-kind individual olive tree mapping at the sub-national scale that can help monitor the large-scale land conversions such as about 110,000 ha of olive plantings in the six Moroccan provinces studies here. Meanwhile it demonstrates a cost-effective and efficient prototype approach that can be adapted to identify similar tree crop expansion occurring in other parts of the world.