Cultural Management Practices Research Articles

Corporate Social Responsibility and Service Innovation: Job Attitudes as a Mediator

This paper explores the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and service innovation in Beijing’s hotel sector, emphasizing the mediating role of job attitudes. The study proposes that CSR initiatives not only enhance a hotel’s reputation but also significantly influence employee job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and engagement, which in turn drive service innovation. The framework suggests that positive job attitudes are crucial for leveraging CSR efforts to foster a culture of creativity and innovation in service delivery. Practical implications highlight the need for hotels to integrate CSR into their organizational culture and human resource management practices to maximize its impact on innovation. Future research directions include empirical testing of the model across different hotel segments and regions to further validate the mediating role of job attitudes in the CSR-innovation nexus.

Effects of In-Row Spacing on Yield, Tuber Size Profiles, Bruise Damage, and Crop Values for Cultivars Alturas, Clearwater Russet and Ranger Russet in the Columbia Basin

AbstractVariety selection and cultural management practices are the most common considerations for improved profitability in potato production systems. Planting density investigations have led to both within and between-row spacing recommendations to maximize profitability for commonly grown potato cultivars. Planting density can significantly alter tuber set, tuber size distribution, yield and profitability depending on end-use of the crop. However, rarely have such investigations included an assessment of the residual effects of changes in tuber size distribution on tuber bruising (blackspot and shatter bruise) and associated financial returns. The physics of impact injury suggests that larger tubers are more prone to tuber bruising than smaller tubers when dropped from a similar height. In this study we varied the in-row spacing of seed to investigate the extent to which the associated changes in tuber size distribution affect tuber bruising and crop values. The results demonstrated that: (1) the extent of tuber bruising was directly correlated with total marketable yield as altered by in-row spacing; (2) marketable yields decreased as in-row spacing increased; (3) while the absolute yield (MT ha−1) of bruised tubers increased with closer in-row spacing, the spacing-induced shifts in tuber size distribution had no effect on the percentage of bruised tubers as a proportion of total yield; (4) larger tubers were more prone to bruising; and (5) closer in-row spacing significantly improved financial returns for both processing and seed contracts despite the increase in bruise yield.

Convergence and Innovation of Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Strategic Planning: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Research Directions

In the contemporary digital era, the swift evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has not only revolutionized various sectors but has also become an indispensable asset in corporate strategic planning, decision-making processes, and operational efficiency. This paper delves into the multifaceted applications of AI across a myriad of industries, providing a comprehensive analysis of its integration into corporate strategy and its profound impact on business operations. This study adopts a comprehensive research methodology that merges qualitative case studies with quantitative data analysis to scrutinize the practical use of AI in strategic planning. It delves into the interdependent relationship between AI and conventional digital frameworks, such as Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. The research aims to illuminate how the fusion of these technologies can substantially enhance corporate competencies and optimize operational workflows. The study's findings indicate that while AI has the potential to offer transformative solutions, its integration into strategic planning is not without challenges. Ethical considerations, legal ramifications, and societal implications must be carefully navigated. Additionally, the study reveals a notable void in existing literature concerning the enduring strategic ramifications of AI and its effects on corporate culture and talent management practices. This gap highlights the need for further exploration into how AI shapes the long-term strategic direction and internal dynamics within organizations.

Partial replacement of inorganic fertilizer with organic inputs for enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, grain yield, and decreased nitrogen losses under rice-based systems of mid-latitudes

In the rice-based system of mid-latitudes, mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizer serves as the largest source of the N cycle due to an insufficient supply of N from organic sources causing higher N losses due to varying soil and environmental factors. However, aiming to improve soil organic matter (OM) and nutrients availability using the best environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable cultural and agronomic management practices are necessary. This study aimed to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and grain yield in rice-based systems of mid-latitudes by partially replacing inorganic N fertilizer with organic inputs. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed to evaluate the effects of sole mineral N fertilizer (urea) and its combinations with organic sources—farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry compost—on different elite green super rice (GSR) genotypes and were named as NUYT-1, NUYT-2, NUYT-3, NUYT-4, NUYT-5, and NUYT-6. The study was conducted during the 2022 and 2023 rice growing seasons at the Rice Research Program, Crop Sciences Institute (CSI), National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, one of the mid-latitudes of Pakistan. The key objective was to determine the most effective N management strategy for optimizing plant growth, N content in soil and plants, and overall crop productivity. The results revealed that the combined application of poultry compost and mineral urea significantly enhanced soil and leaf N content (1.36 g kg− 1 and 3.06 mg cm− 2, respectively) and plant morphophysiological traits compared to sole urea application. Maximum shoot dry weight (SDW) and root dry weight (RDW) were observed in compost-applied treatment with the values of 77.62 g hill− 1 and 8.36 g hill− 1, respectively. The two-year mean data indicated that applying 150 kg N ha⁻1, with half provided by organic sources (10 tons ha⁻1 FYM or poultry compost) and the remainder by mineral urea, resulted in the highest N uptake, utilization, and plant productivity. Thus, integrated management of organic carbon sources and inorganic fertilizers may sustain the productivity of rice-based systems more eco-efficiently. Further research is recommended to explore root and shoot morphophysiological, molecular, and biochemical responses under varying N regimes, aiming to develop N-efficient rice varieties through advanced breeding programs.

Fifteen years of findings: Advancements in spring dead spot research from 2009 to 2024

AbstractSpring dead spot (Ophiosphaerella spp.; SDS) is one of the most detrimental diseases to warm‐season turfgrasses, particularly bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.), growing in climates where cold temperatures induce dormancy. The pathogen can infect the crowns, stolons, rhizomes, and roots of bermudagrass most of the year, but infection in the fall predisposes the turf to winter injury and plant death. Symptoms typically appear the following spring, making management of SDS challenging. Moreover, the biology, epidemiology, and management of SDS are not fully understood. Ample research has been conducted on SDS which was thoroughly summarized before 2009 by Tredway et al. Since then, 18 new research papers have been published over the last 15 years that have further clarified the biology, epidemiology, and management of SDS. This review seeks to compile, update, and summarize research developments on SDS from 2009 to 2024. Research developments over the last 15 years include an increased understanding of the biology and infection mechanisms of the Ophiosphaerella species that cause SDS, a greater knowledge of the epidemiology of the disease and factors that affect its distribution, as well as improved cultural and chemical management practices for SDS.

Production and management practices and technologies used for growing potatoes and tomatoes

Purpose. The aim of this study was to assess production and management practices and technologies used by farmers for tomato and potato production, as well as their productivity. Methodology / approach. This research was conducted in Ziway-Dugda and Tiyo districts of Arsi Zone in Oromia National Regional State of Ethiopia during 2022 cropping season. Data were collected from 400 households in 10 kebeles (local administrative unit) of both districts using Kobo toolbox from respondents through face-to-face interview and descriptive analysis using SPSS version 22. Results. The results of the study showed that farmers in the study areas used different pre-harvest practices. These include cultivation tools and methods, planting locations, tomato staking, potato hilling and irrigation practices to successfully grow vegetables and increase land productivity by rotating different crops on their land. Various diseases, weeds and insects have been observed on their farms, which were managed by cultural, agronomic, mechanical and chemical management practices on tomato and potato farms during the last cropping years in the study districts. Thus, majority farmers in the study areas have used insecticides and fungicides on tomato and potato farms; but most of the weeds were removed by hand weeding. Most tomato and potato farmers have determined the type of chemical and its use from their own previous experience, in consultation with salespeople and extension agents in their regions. However, the study results showed that there are unused production and management practices for tomato and potato cultivation by some farmers. There are many production and management practices and technologies used by farmers to improve vegetable productivity in the study areas, although some farmers did not adopt improved production and management technologies, resulting in reduced production, which requires future interventions to increase their capacity through training and technology adoption. Originality / scientific novelty. This study stands out in the field of production and management practices and technologies used by smallholder tomato and potato producers due to its innovative approach and unique contribution to existing knowledge and skills. While previous studies have examined the relationship between production and management practices and technologies in an agricultural context, particularly focusing on state farms, our study focuses on small-scale tomato and potato producers. Through our thorough case study research and interview structure, we not only deepened our understanding of production and management practices in the agricultural sector, but also provided practical recommendations for improving the efficiency and sustainability of small-scale tomato and potato producers on different farms/fields. Practical value / implications. The findings of this study can be used to develop recommendations for policy makers and researchers on how to improve labour productivity in the future Thus, the policy focuses on developing strategies for producers to adopt modern production and management practices and technologies, raising farmers’ awareness of available technologies, improving management practices and increasing crop productivity in the study area.

Influences of collaborative culture and knowledge management on product and process innovation: the moderating role of information technology utilization

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of collaborative culture on product and process innovation via mediating role of knowledge management and moderating role of information technology utilization.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used structural equation modeling to examine the level of how collaborative culture and knowledge management practices (KMC) affect two types of innovation capabilities, namely, product innovation and process innovation, using data collected from 313 participants in 128 manufacturing and service firms.FindingsThe research findings highlight positive mediating role of KMC between collaborative culture and two specific forms of innovation. In addition, the paper first confirms the moderating role of information technology utilization in the relationships between KMC and process innovation capability. The results underline the necessity of building a collaborative culture to enhance KMC for promoting innovation capabilities in an organization.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should explore the influence of potential benefits and values of collaborative culture on other strategic or behavioral factor to produce better innovation competence for firms.Practical implicationsThis paper offers CEOs/leaders a deeper understanding of the effects of key antecedents, mechanisms and processes to promote product and process innovation in their firms.Originality/valueThis paper is unique in the attempts to provide a prospective solution for firms to pursue and improve innovation by its meaningful insights on the mediating role of KMC and moderating effect of information technology utilization in the relationship between collaborative culture and specific dimensions of innovation capability.

Management and breeding for rust resistance in legumes

AbstractRust diseases are a major concern in legume production worldwide causing heavy losses especially in developing countries that depend on grain legumes as staple food. Fungal species from Uromyces, Phakopsora and Puccinia genera are the main causal agents of the various legume rust diseases. They induce up to 100% yield losses on susceptible cultivars and are emerging as a substantial threat to global food security. Developing durable resistance to rust has thus become a critical breeding objective alongside efforts to improve cultural and disease management practices. This review specifically focuses on the recent advances in understanding and enhancing genetic rust resistance across diverse legume crops. Key topics covered include: (i) the diversity and host range of the rust species affecting legumes; (ii) the disease management strategies from cultural practices to chemical control; (iii) the available screening methods for identifying new sources of resistance; (iv) the genetic basis of resistance, encompassing both major resistance genes and quantitative trait loci; (v) insights into gene regulation and effector molecules leading to legume-rust interactions; and (vi) emerging genomic-assisted breeding techniques that can accelerate the development of durable rust resistance in legumes. Overall, this review highlights the progress made to date and the remaining challenges in sustainably managing rust diseases across diverse legume crops through integrated approaches spanning pathogen biology, advanced phenotyping, genetic resistance, and molecular breeding.

Cultural versus herbicidal weed management practices in green onions

Cultural versus herbicidal weed management practices in green onions

Knowledge Management Maturity Model of Higher Education Based-on Quality Culture and Human Resource Management Practices

There are 2 main important things to improve knowledge management maturity (KMM), namely organizational culture and proper HR management. There are no studies on human resource culture and management that are specific to increasing KMM in tertiary institutions. Empirical research on the influence of higher education quality culture as a goal of implementing the Internal Quality Assurance System (SPMI) on all tertiary institutions in Indonesia and the influence of HR management on KMM is still very limited. This study aims to develop a model for improving KMM in Indonesian universities through the implementation of a quality culture and human resource management. The analysis was carried out with a structural equation model (SEM). The results showed that quality culture had a positive and significant effect on human resource management practices, but had no direct effect on knowledge management maturity. Human resource management practices have a positive and significant effect on knowledge management maturity. The results of this study prove the importance of the quality culture of higher education in developing mature knowledge management, through human resource management practices.

Post-genomic analysis of Monosporascus cannonballus and Macrophomina phaseolina - potential target selection

Monosporascus cannonballus Pollack & Uecker and Macrophomina phaseolina Tassi (Goid) are phytopathogenic fungi responsible for causing "root rot and vine decline" in melon (Cucumis melo L.). Currently, cultural management practices are predominantly employed to control these pathogens, as the use of pesticides not only has detrimental environmental impacts but has also proven ineffective against them. These fungi have already undergone molecular characterization, and their genomes are now available, enabling the targeted search for protein targets. Therefore, this study aimed to identify novel target proteins that can serve as a foundation for the development of fungicides for effectively managing these pathogens. The genomes of M. cannonballus (assembly ASM415492v1) and M. phaseolina (assembly ASM2087553v1) were subjected to comprehensive analysis, filtration, and comparison. The proteomes of both fungi were clustered based on functional criteria, including putative and hypothetical functions, cell localization, and function-structure relationships. The selection process for homologs in the fungal genomes included a structural search. In the case of M. cannonballus, a total of 17,518 proteins were re-annotated, and among them, 13 candidate targets were identified. As for M. phaseolina, 30,226 initial proteins were analyzed, leading to the identification of 10 potential target proteins. This study thus provides new insights into the molecular functions of these potential targets, with the further validation of inhibitors through experimental methods holding promise for expanding our knowledge in this area.

61 A Multifaceted Approach to Improving Fish Farming in Kenya’s Lake Victoria Region

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: This project adopts a multifaceted approach to improving aquaculture management practices in Kenya’s Lake Victoria region by identifying fish pathogens, measuring algal toxin levels in commonly consumed fish, surveying fish farming practices, and educating the public. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Limited existing data on the state of floating cage culture in Kenya influenced our decision to begin this portion of the project with a brief literature review of potential Nile tilapia pathogens. Databases were screened for mention of disease in either wild or caged Nile tilapia, with emphasis given to those in Lake Victoria. Results were compiled into a spreadsheet and analyzed for frequently occurring pathogens. The next portion involved creating an interview style survey to assess current cage culture management practices in the region. Editing was done to ensure questions remained unbiased, non-leading, culturally sensitive, multilingual and relevant to the situation. Data went through a quality control screening and analysis was conducted through the R programming language. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Beginning with mortality, of the 93 farms surveyed, data analysis revealed that there is a higher probability that farms will have a mortality of approximately 20%, over the course of a production cycle. For biosecurity and fish health practices, data shows that 97% of farms do not disinfect scooping nets or other fish handling materials when moving from one cage to another. During the 2022-2023 production cycle, 44% of farms experienced fish kills of over 50 fish. 73% of the 93 farms do not contact any organization when a fish kill occurs. In a qualitative answer, it also appears that many farm workers dispose of their dead fish within the lake, feed it to livestock or dogs, or eat it. Algae blooms have been experienced at 80% of the farms surveyed and 43% of farms say they have seen fish gasping at the surface for air. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: While farms are implementing good management practices in the areas of cage design, stocking, and feeding practices, there is room for improvement in fish health, biosecurity, and managing algal blooms. The findings provide insight into the areas that should be considered when taking action to improve the welfare of the region.

Accelerating Digital Supply Chain Management Practices, Customer Development, and Firm Performance: Organizational Culture Matters

Firms and suppliers are now using new digital technologies to make decisions for successful strategies. Firms are struggling with the supply chain dynamics needed to increase revenue and mitigate risk, and improve resilience after COVID-19. With the setting of strong competition and firms' business models shifting to digital transformation, this study examines the link between organizational culture (OC) and digital supply chain management practices (DSCMP) in generating a positive impact on firm performance (FP), including both direct and indirect influences via customer development (CD). Smart PLS 3.3.3 was used to analyze data from 326 respondents who registered as business managers who operate their supply chains using digital technologies. The findings indicated that DSCMP, CD, and OC had a favorable impact on FP, while DSCMP and OC had a beneficial impact on CD. It was also determined that DSCMP and CD played a mediating role in both of the above-mentioned associations. DSCMP and OC are two essential enablers for developing a firm’s customer base and improving performance efficiency in digital supply chains. Based on the Resource Dependence Theory (RDT), this study found that digitalization-related capabilities in supply chain management practices must be developed inside the company to improve the firm’s efficiency. Firm culture, accompanied by dominant characteristics, organizational leaders, organizational glue, and strategic emphasis should become essential components of DSCMP in organizations.

Incorporating sustainability in organizational strategy: a framework for enhancing sustainable knowledge management and green innovation

PurposeThis study investigates the crucial link between sustainable practices and organizational development, focusing on sustainable knowledge management (SKM), green innovation (GI) and corporate sustainable development (CSD) in diverse Pakistani organizations.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a comprehensive research methodology involving advanced statistical techniques, such as confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling. These methods are instrumental in exploring the complex interrelationships between SKM, GI, moderating factors and CSD.FindingsThis research generates significant findings and actively contributes to sustainable development. The following sections (Sections 4 and 5) delve into the specific findings and in-depth discussions, shedding light on how industry regulation, organizational sustainability priorities, workplace culture collaboration and alignment between green culture and knowledge management practices influence the relationships between SKM, GI and CSD. These findings provide valuable insights for the research community and organizations striving for sustainability.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings have practical implications for organizations seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts and embrace a socially and environmentally conscious approach to organizational growth.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on sustainable practices and organizational development. Researchers and business people can learn a lot from it because it uses advanced econometric models in new ways and focuses on the link between knowledge management, GI and sustainable corporate development.

The distribution of insect pests and the associated loss of stored sorghum in the Kena district of Konso Zone, South-Western Ethiopia.

Sorghum is a staple crop grown in the poorest and most food-insecure regions of Ethiopia. But storage insect pests are its key constraints that have been causing considerable loss. Accordingly, an assessment of the prevalence of insect pests and the associated loss of sorghum stored under farmers' traditional storages was done in randomly selected major sorghum-growing kebeles of Kena District using a nested design between November 1, 2019 and December 30, 2020. It was conducted through the sampling of one kg of grain from a total of 360 randomly selected farmers' storages. Pests' abundance was determined by dividing the total number of individual species by the total number of samples. A count and weight method was used to estimate percent grain damage and weight loss by pests. Sitophilus zeamais, Sitophilus oryzae, Sitotroga cereallella, Tribolium castaneum, Tribolium confusum, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Cryptolestes pusillus, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Plodia interpunctella were the pests identified from grain samples. When compared to mid-latitude, where they were found in the range between 2.36± 0.21 and 17.50±0.98 mean number of species, all of these pests had a considerably (p < 0.05) larger distribution in low-land kebeles, where they predominated in the range between 5.44±2.00 and 23.61±1.75 amean number. During the nine-month storage period, the degree of pest infestation, percentage of grain damage, and weight loss were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the bamboo bins when no management measures were implemented in the mid-land and low-land kebeles, respectively, than in the barn. Consequently, bamboo bin storage was considered ineffective for sufficient sorghum grain protection against pests and the associated loss over a longer storage period. But barn storage and the use of cultural pest management practices performed better in protecting stored sorghum from pests. Therefore, improving the bamboo bin storage method is needed to improve its grain protection efficacy.

Untangling the Link Between Digital Transformation and Information Security Management

Digital transformation is considered a source of competitive advantage and improved organisational performance. Within the public sector, leaders anticipate digital transformation to help them improve transparency and accountability, and stakeholders’ participation in public decision-making. At the same time, the accelerated adoption of digital technologies within the sector has also made information an important asset. Thus, the effectiveness of the information security management put in place determines whether an organisation can realise the benefits of successful digital transformation. Adopting a mixed-method approach (13 interviews and an online survey with 128 information security experts), this study identified various antecedents of effective information security management, i.e., leadership skills and attitudes, organisational culture, organisational structure, IT governance, IT alignment, and human resource management practices. Partial Least Structural Equation Modelling technique was adopted to test the proposed theoretical model and hypothesised causal relationships.

Flexible Work Arrangements in the Banking Sector of Bangladesh: A Human Resource Perspective

Whilethe developed nations are applying the flexible work arrangements (FWAs) as an alternative sustainable employee retention strategy, possibility of approaching FWAs in many developing nations, particularly in Bangladesh has remained unexplored. The study aims to investigate the Human Resource (HR) perspectives on whether FWAs are possible in banks in Bangladesh. To explore the state of current and possible potential practices of FWAs, the study conducted 9 (nine) in-depth interviews with HR managers of different categories of banks operating in Bangladesh. This study covered three patterns of bank ownership: private commercial, public commercial, and the bank regulator (central bank). The results of this study revealed that currently banks are informally using FWAs to a limited extent due to a lack of formal regulations and guidelines. The results also revealed that banks are thinking to practice FWAs-namely flex time, flex career, flex place, flex leave and job sharing in near future to match customer demand and to adapt to global banking standards. Additionally, the study disclosed thatthere is an urge to introduce standard regulations on FWAs in the banking sector. Theoretically, this study contributed by raising a new dimension of working arrangements in the banking sector ina developing country context and by underlining the importance of further research on FWAs because the implication of FWAs depends on socio-cultural context. For policy-making purpose, this study has identified the need to reform the existing regulations and to re-examine the organizational culture and human resource management practices of banks in Bangladesh to ensure a healthy work environment for work-life balance.

Turf-Type Tall Fescue Brown Patch Resistance as Influenced by Morphological Characteristics

Brown patch (caused by multiple species of Rhizoctonia and Rhizoctonia-like fungi) is one of the major turfgrass diseases impacting turf-type tall fescue [ Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.] lawns during the summer season. Selection of tall fescue cultivars with brown patch resistance is an important cultural management practice to reduce disease severity and limit reliance on fungicides. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to quantify differences in brown patch resistance among 15 tall fescue cultivars and correlate disease resistance with plant morphological characteristics. Prior to R. solani inoculation, leaf blade width, sheath width and length, endophyte stem infection, and relative growth rate were measured. Disease resistance was determined as a percentage of the canopy blighted as measured using digital image techniques. Brown patch severity after 21 days in Experiments 1 and 2 ranged from 36.7 to 72.7% and 20.8 to 41.8%, respectively, among all cultivars. There were significant differences among morphological characteristics for the cultivars. Increased brown patch was associated with cultivars with a faster growth rate, wider sheath width, and decreased sheath length. This study demonstrates the importance of cultivar selection for reducing brown patch severity in tall fescue lawns. Additionally, tall fescue cultivars with higher shoot density and narrow leaves should not be avoided due to concerns of increased brown patch susceptibility.

Farmers’ Perception of Viral Diseases and Their Management in Pepper (Capsicum spp.) Production in Benin

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an important solanaceous cash crop in Benin; however, productivity is limited due to several key constraints, especially diseases caused by viruses. We sought to understand farmers’ perceptions of viral diseases, management strategies deployed, and to identify the virus population affecting pepper production in Benin. To assess farmers’ perceptions and management of viral diseases, a survey was carried out in four agroecological zones of Benin. A total of 144 pepper farmers were interviewed using the snowball method. A total of 52 pepper leaf samples with virus-like symptoms were collected and diagnosed by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or PCR. Pepper production systems varied across agroecological zones (P ≤ 0.001) with a predominance of farms practicing monoculture (82%). The majority of farmers (89%) indicated that pests and diseases were the main constraints to increased production. Cucumber mosaic virus (92% of the total samples), Pepper vein yellow virus (52%), and Pepper veinal mottle virus (50%) were the major viruses detected in pepper fields in Benin. There were both single (29%) and mixed (71%) infections of the viruses, suggesting that mixed infections are common for pepper in Benin, confounding efforts to reduce virus infections. Nearly 100% of the farmers surveyed were not aware of these viral diseases. They also could not directly relate symptoms of virus infection to the presence of aphids, whiteflies, or thrips. Farmers relied primarily on synthetic insecticides (93%) to control virus vectors. Interestingly, some farmers applied commercial (12%) and homemade (17%) biopesticides, with neem-based preparations being the most widely used. A total of 15% of farmers used companion cropping with maize, mint or basil and 43% of farmers used crop rotation as a cultural management practice to control viral disease and vector pressure in pepper fields. The implications of this work include the importance of training farmers and extension agents on diagnosis of viruses and their vectors causing viral diseases. This study provides baseline information for the development of host-resistant cultivars and deployment of integrated pest management strategies for pepper in Benin to reduce farmer losses.

Aquaculture activities influencing the generation of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol: a case study in the aquaculture regions of Hongze Lake, China.

Contamination by odor substances such as geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) was examined in the cultured water from aquaculture farming in the region of the Hongze Lake in 2022, and some factors influencing residual levels of them in the water were analyzed. Geographically, high concentrations of GSM were located mainly in the north and northeast culture areas of the lake, while those of 2-MIB were found in the northeast and southwest. Analysis of the water in the enclosure culture revealed significant differences in the concentrations of GSM and 2-MIB among the cultured species. The mean concentrations of GSM in culture water were ranked in the order: crab > the four major Chinese carps > silver and bighead carp, and silver and bighead carp > crab > the four major Chinese carps for 2-MIB. The concentration of GSM was significantly higher at 38.99 ± 18.93 ng/L in crab culture water compared to other fish culture water. Significant differences were observed in GSM concentrations between crab enclosure culture and pond culture, while 2-MIB levels were comparable. These findings suggest that cultural management practices significantly affect the generation of odor substances. The taste and odor (T&O) assessment revealed that the residual levels of GSM and 2-MIB in most samples were below the odor threshold concentrations (OTCs), although high levels of GSM and 2-MIB in all water bodies were at 30.9% and 27.5%, respectively. Compared with the corresponding data from other places and the regulation guidelines of Japan, USA, and China, the region in the Hongze Lake is generally classified as a slightly T&O area, capable of supporting the aquaculture production scale.