Department Of Agriculture Research Articles

The relative importance of herbicide use for conservation tillage adoption by U.S. corn and soybean producers

Herbicide use is widespread in agricultural production to control weeds prior to and after planting and to “burndown” weeds in the spring for conservation tillage. Whether conservation tillage adoption leads to higher herbicide usage has been a question of policy relevance for decades in the United States. Older U.S. studies using standard statistical and economic techniques have not consistently demonstrated higher herbicide usage levels among producers practicing conservation tillage, but these studies did not fully account for other practices, economic, or agronomic factors. To provide a more timely and comprehensive understanding of the importance of herbicides to conservation tillage, this study achieves two objectives with the most recent, nationally representative data from the US Department of Agriculture. First, it describes trends and compares conservation tillage and herbicide usage among field corn and soybean producers, similar to previous studies using standard economic techniques. Second, a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) model is employed—a novel methodology relative to previous studies that offers distinct advantages over traditional regression modeling—to evaluate the importance of herbicide use for conservation tillage adoption while accounting for other factors. Pairwise mean comparisons for field corn and soybeans indicated that herbicide usage pre-emergence was significantly higher with conservation tillage, but there was no consistent, significant differences in herbicide usage post-emergence. The CART analysis (with prediction accuracy ranging from 68–72%) also showed that pre-emergent use of glyphosate was the strongest predictor (with predicted probabilities from 0.83–0.86) of conservation tillage for field corn in 2016 and soybeans in 2018. Other factors such as the use of crop rotations, highly erodible land, region, and farm size were also strong predictors of conservation tillage. These findings highlight the importance and complexity of herbicide use in the adoption of conservation tillage for U.S. field corn and soybeans.

U.S. climate-smart agricultural and forestry incentives: from offsets to clean energy credits

Abstract Climate-smart agricultural and forestry (CSAF) practices prevent greenhouse gas emissions from occurring or increase carbon sequestration. I examine how the development of U.S. CSAF incentives shifted from offset markets to biofuel regulations over time. My perspective is informed by two professional roles I had in developing these standards. First, as an economist at the Chicago Climate Exchange, I developed CSAF offset protocols between 2007 and 2010. Second, between 2022 and 2024, I was an economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) when USDA developed a climate-smart agriculture pilot protocol for the sustainable aviation fuel blender’s tax credit. Twenty years ago, there were no U.S. biofuel mandates and CSAF incentives were conceptualized as occurring through offset markets. I explain how, in contrast to cap-and-trade programs, greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural and forestry practices are already included in the baseline of biofuel regulations. This implies that additionality issues, which have impeded the development of CSAF offset standards, are not as applicable to biofuel programs. Specifically, I examine the development of agricultural soil carbon, livestock digester, and forest carbon protocols as case studies. I conclude by discussing how CSAF crediting may evolve in the future.

Caffeine: A Multifunctional Efficacious Molecule with Diverse Health Implications and Emerging Delivery Systems

Natural caffeine is found in many plants, including coffee beans, cacao beans, and tea leaves. Around the world, many beverages, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some soft drinks, have this natural caffeine compound. This paper reviewed the results of meta-studies on caffeine’s effects on chronic diseases. Of importance, many meta-studies have shown that regularly drinking caffeine or caffeinated coffee significantly reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. Based on the health supplements of caffeine, this review summarizes various aspects related to the application of caffeine, including its pharmacokinetics, and various functional health benefits of caffeine, such as its effects on the central nervous system. The importance of caffeine and its use in alleviating or treating cancer, diabetes, eye diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular diseases is also discussed. Overall, consuming caffeine daily in drinks containing antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, such as coffee, prevents progressive neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Furthermore, to effectively deliver caffeine to the body, recently developed nanoformulations using caffeine, for instance, nanoparticles, liposomes, etc., are summarized along with regulatory and safety considerations for caffeine. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that healthy adults consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day or 5~6 mg/kg body weight. Since a cup of coffee contains, on average, 100 to 150 mg of coffee, 1 to 3 cups of coffee may help prevent chronic diseases. Furthermore, this review summarizes various interesting and important areas of research on caffeine and its applications related to human health.

Evaluating factors influencing youth participation in agricultural enterprises: Implications for food security and agribusiness

Background: Agriculture is crucial for economic growth, yet youth engagement in agricultural enterprises is declining due to concerns related to perceived profitability, resource access, and social stigmas. Understanding these determinants is vital for fostering youth interest in agriculture and promoting sustainable rural development and food security.Aim: This study examines the factors affecting youth engagement in agricultural enterprises in Umzimvubu Local Municipality, South Africa, and their implications for food security and agribusiness.Setting: Addressing youth unemployment and enhancing agriculture’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) require understanding barriers to youth participation. This study was conducted in Umzimvubu Local Municipality, South Africa.Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 210 youths through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics and a univariate probit regression model were used for analysis.Results: Findings indicate male dominance in agriculture, with educational background positively correlating with participation. Single youths showed greater interest than married counterparts. Challenges like land availability and a lack of financial support hinder engagement. Significant determinants include age, education, farming skills, social group membership, and household revenue, while factors like household size, gender, and limited access to credit negatively impact willingness to participate.Conclusion: Addressing financial barriers through improved access to loans is essential to enhance youth involvement. Policies should cater to youth-specific traits and environmental challenges to build a resilient agricultural sector driven by young innovators.Contribution: The study emphasises the need for a comprehensive policy framework collaboratively developed by the government, the Department of Agriculture, and non-governmental organisations.

Developing Guidelines for Azolla microphylla Production as Compost for Sustainable Agriculture

Azolla is a substitute compost that has the potential to enhance nutrient cycling in agricultural systems for sustainable development. In this study, four experiments were conducted to compare the Department of Agriculture (DOA, Thailand) ‘s methodology for determining the suitable type and rate of animal manure and the optimal light intensity for the growth and yield of Azolla (Azolla microphylla). The results revealed that applying 100% pig manure gave the highest yield of Azolla compared to the other manures. However, there was no discernible (p > 0.05) difference in yield across the various doses (20.16, 30.16, and 40.16 gN m−2) of pig manure treatments, for which the minimal pig manure dosage of 20.16 gN m−2 was chosen. For further experimentation in the optimal light intensity, the 40% shading gave the highest yield of Azolla compared to no shading or 20 and 60% shading (p ≤ 0.01). When compared with the DOA Thailand methodology (1.27 kg m−2 of cow manure and covered with a size 32 mesh net), the findings indicated that the modified method (20.16 gN m−2 of pig manure + 40% shading) gave a 16% greater Azolla yield than that under the DOA Thailand methodology. The current finding method can produce a monthly fresh biomass of A. microphylla of 40.7 t ha−1 year−1 with higher contents of total N (4.92%) and lower C:N ratio (≤10:1) that could release minerals relatively rapidly. Its use can be encouraged by farmers to produce their own ecofriendly biofertilizer or soil amendment for sustainable agriculture.

Emergence of Streptococcus suis infection from Goa, India

Abstract Streptococcus suis is an emerging zoonotic bacterium that causes severe invasive disease in humans. In India, only two human case reports have been recorded till now. In the present report, we described the clinical case report along with an epidemiological investigation of the first S. suis case from Goa, India. The clinical presentation and detailed history regarding the potential exposure factors for the infection were recorded and to trace the source of the infection, the meat markets and the backyard piggeries in the vicinity of the patient’s residence were investigated. Case definitions were formulated and enhanced surveillance was initiated in the State to identify any additional cases. The case-patient was a co-morbid 63-year-old female, who was provisionally diagnosed with meningitis and septicaemia and S . suis infection was detected using automated microbial identification systems. The epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient was involved in handling raw pork one day prior to the symptom onset. Based on the active case finding, no additional case of S. suis was detected in the area. The present case was a sporadic case of S. suis in Goa, India and case-patient may have been exposed to the bacteria by handling raw pork while cooking. One Health impact statement Our investigation described the 3rd case of Streptococcous suis from India. This is significant because despite the abundance of the source of infection across the country i.e. high prevalence in the pig population, there are unusually low number of human cases, which can be attributed to very low clinical index of suspicion and lack of diagnostic tests in humans, as evidenced in the present case. A multi-disciplinary One Health approach has been applied for the present case investigation as the Human Health, Animal Health and Food Safety aspects were investigated in collaboration with the State Health & Animal Husbandry departments along with the academia. The findings of the present investigation will aid in enhancing the clinical index of suspicion among clinicians and awareness among high-risk groups like veterinarians for S. suis infection in humans and animals. The multi-disciplinary One Health approach aided us in tracing the source of the infection, which would help in generating evidence for designing preventive interventions.

Personal Protective Equipment Use by Dairy Farmworkers Exposed to Cows Infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses - Colorado, 2024.

The risk for transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from dairy cows to humans is currently low; however, personal protective equipment (PPE) use during work activities on dairy farms has not been well described. PPE use can protect farmworkers when they are working with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1)-infected cows. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) offered PPE to all Colorado farms before or during an A(H5N1) outbreak in cows in 2024. CDPHE surveyed 83 dairy workers from three farms with a confirmed bovine A(H5N1) outbreak. Frequently reported farm worker activities included milking cows or working in the milking parlor (51%), cleaning cow manure (49%), and transporting cows (46%). Frequently reported PPE items available to workers before A(H5N1) outbreaks included gloves (88%), eye protection (e.g., safety glasses or goggles) (76%), rubber boots or boot covers (71%), and head covers (69%). N95 respirator use was low among workers who were exposed to ill cows after detection of A(H5N1) virus (26%). PPE use while working with ill cows increased a mean of 28% after detection of A(H5N1) virus on surveyed farms; use of eye protection while milking cows increased the most (40%). Public health PPE distribution, education, and collaboration with CDA might have increased PPE use on dairy farms with A(H5N1) virus-infected cows and mitigated risk for farmworkers acquiring A(H5N1) virus.

The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network: Cross-site transdisciplinary science to support a sustainable and resilient agriculture.

The Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network is a collaborative initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, aimed at advancing sustainable, resilient agriculture through coordinated research conducted on croplands, grazing lands, and integrated crop/livestock systems. Here we provide an overview of the LTAR network, highlighting its vision, mission, initiatives, recent network activities, and future directions. Network-level research is critical for developing contextually relevant solutions to the challenges faced by agricultural producers. Long-term data collection, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of scientific knowledge are needed to enhance agricultural productivity and its resiliency, environmental quality, profitability, and social well-being into the future.

Response of Nutrient Spray and Pruning on Growth, Yield and Quality of Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Department of Agriculture (Horticulture), Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during summer season of 2023-24 to response of nutrient spray and pruning on growth, yield and quality of bitter gourd variety “Arka Harit ‟ was used in this study. The result revealed that the both levels maximum vine length (192.29 and 187.26 cm), number of branches per plant (8.98 and 8.79), minimum appearance of first female flower (44.43 and 44.75 days) and yield parameter such as maximum number of fruit per plant (17.04 and 16.67), length of fruit (13.14 and 13.09 cm), girth of fruit (4.24 and 4.29 cm), average fruit weight (85.04 and 84.26 g), fruit yield (10.79 and 10.74 t/ha) and quality parameters such as leaf chlorophyll content (1.24 and 1.24 mg/g), TSS (2.67 and 2.65 0Brix), Vitamin C (69.20 and 68.93 mg/100 g) recorded with treatment combination of 3% spray and pruning at 9 nods. Therefore, it was concluded that the application of 3% spray and pruning at 9 nods found superior to all treatment.

Construction of Freezing Injury Grade Index for Nanfeng Tangerine Plants Based on Physiological and Biochemical Parameters.

Low-temperature freezing stress constitutes the most significant meteorological disaster during the overwintering period in the Nanfeng Tangerine (NT) production area, severely impacting the normal growth and development of the plants. Currently, the accuracy of meteorological disaster warnings and forecasts for NT orchards remains suboptimal, primarily due to the absence of quantitative meteorological indicators for low-temperature freezing stress. Therefore, this study employed NT plants as experimental subjects and conducted controlled treatment experiments under varying intensities of low-temperature freezing stress (0 °C, -2 °C, -5 °C, -7 °C, and -9 °C) and durations (1 h, 4 h, and 7 h). Subsequently, physiological and biochemical parameters were measured, including photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, reactive oxygen species, osmoregulatory substances, and antioxidant enzyme activities in NT plants. The results demonstrated that low-temperature freezing stress adversely affected the photosynthetic system of NT plants, disrupted the dynamic equilibrium of the antioxidant system, and compromised cellular stability. The severity of freezing damage increased with decreasing temperature and prolonged exposure. Chlorophyll (a/b) ratio (Chl (a/b)), maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), soluble sugar, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were identified as key indicators for assessing physiological and biochemical changes in NT plants. Utilizing these four parameters, a comprehensive score (CS) model of freezing damage was developed to quantitatively evaluate the growth status of NT plants across varying low-temperature freezing damage gradients and durations. Subsequently, the freezing damage grade index for NT plants during the overwintering period was established. Specifically, Level 1 for CS ≤ -0.50, Level 2 for -0.5 < CS ≤ 0, Level 3 for 0 < CS ≤ 0.5, and Level 4 for 0.5 < CS. The research results provide valuable data for agricultural meteorological departments to carry out disaster monitoring, early warning, and prevention and control.

Development of an older adult Nutrition Equity Index (NEI) and association with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) in older Black and White U.S. adults

ObjectivesWe developed a novel measure for older U.S. adults called the Nutrition Equity Index (NEI), which includes functional ability. We compared both the NEI and food insufficiency with Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores. DesignThe Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study is a prospective, longitudinal cohort of Medicare-eligible, community-dwelling Black and White men and women. SettingPittsburgh, PA and Memphis, TN. ParticipantsParticipants (N = 2468, aged 74.7 ± 2.9 years) had baseline (1997−98) and 1-year follow-up NEI data; and 1 year follow-up for food insufficiency, key covariates, and the HEI (diet quality measure) from a 108-item interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire. MeasurementsFood insufficiency was defined from a modified validated question on ample food amount/variety from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NEI was constructed from 8 questions in three subdomains: food insecurity (food insufficiency, hunger, anxiety about limited food, limited money for food), food access (groceries), and food acquisition (difficulty shopping, preparing meals, carrying groceries). Final NEI categories were low nutrition equity (0), moderate nutrition equity (1), and high nutrition equity (2). Multivariable linear regression compared both NEI and food insufficiency with HEI, adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and comorbidity factors. ResultsOf participants, 13.5% had food insufficiency, 12.1% had low NEI, and 32.5% had moderate NEI. Participants with food insufficiency (vs. food sufficiency) or low NEI (vs. high NEI) were more likely to be Black and have < high school education (both p < 0.0001). In minimally adjusted models, food insufficiency was associated with 2.2 point lower HEI score (p = 0.001), low NEI with 2.6 point lower HEI score (p = 0.001), and moderate NEI with 1.0 point lower HEI score (p < 0.05). Adjusting for race attenuated NEI associations with HEI to non-significance. After multivariable adjustment, food insufficiency was associated with 1.5 point lower HEI score (p = 0.03). ConclusionFood insufficiency was associated with lower dietary quality in this sample of older Black and White U.S. adults. NEI performed similarly to food insufficiency for HEI associations prior to multivariable adjustment and identified more older adults with nutrition inequity, who may be at risk for poor health outcomes.

Male Factor Infertility and the Rural—Urban Continuum

OBJECTIVETo examine the association between male factor infertility and the Rural—Urban continuum. MATERIALS AND METHODSSingle institution retrospective cohort study using the Utah Population Database (UPDB), which combines demographic, medical, and residential data for patients residing in Utah and links to the Subfertility Health Assisted Reproduction and Environment (SHARE) database, which houses fertility data from 1998-2017. The data was divided by metropolitan (metro-) [large, medium, small], and non-metropolitan (non-metro-) [urban, rural] status, based on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural-urban continuum codes (RUCC). RESULTSNon-metro urban/rural males were less likely to be a racial/ethnic minority (91.3% non-Hispanic white vs 85.7%), or use assisted reproductive technology (ART) (13.4% vs 18.5%). Multivariate regression controlling for race/ethnicity, age, semen analysis category (oligozoospermic vs normozoospermic), previous successful fertility outcome, and use of ART, demonstrated complete rurality was associated with decreased likelihood of successful fertility outcome (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.63, 95% CI 0.44–0.91, n=65). Non-metro urban individuals trended towards lower likelihood of successful fertility outcome ([HR] 0.93, 95% CI 0.85–1.01). Complete rurality was associated with longer time for 50% cohort successful fertility outcome (>60 months vs approximately 34 months both metro). All comparisons p<0.001. CONCLUSIONSAcross the rural—urban continuum, residing in a metro area was associated with higher rates of racial/ethnically diversity, fertility treatment utilization, and successful fertility outcomes (live births). Given approximately 18% of the United States resides with a rural community (12% in Utah), these findings can provide more informed infertility care.

Native bee Pollination Ecosystem Services in Agricultural Wetlands and Riparian Protected Lands

Many freshwater wetlands and riparian systems are protected within agricultural landscapes. Yet, pollinator ecosystem services are seldom considered key ecosystem services provided by these conservation easements. The purpose of this study is to explore the extent of protected aquatic lands to provide pollination ecosystem services by assessing pollinator abundances, crop yield changes, and value estimations of increased soybean yields from a subset of common native solitary bees. We created a novel geodatabase of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation easements and used this database in the InVEST crop pollination model to model wild solitary bee pollination. We then estimated the monetary value of yield increases provided by pollinators. We found that wetland uplands provided the greatest potential for pollination services for ground nesting bees, followed by herbaceous and forested riparian respectively. Stem nesters preferred forested riparian, then upland habitats. In soybeans fields, we found wild pollinators can provide up to 5.5% yield response from current private aquatic conservation lands. The current landscape is not optimized to use wetlands and riparian conservation lands as pollinator habitat, but these results suggest protected aquatic lands can sustainably increase wild pollination services to agricultural crops if landscapes are managed, protected, and optimized with pollinator services as co-benefit.

Self-Reported Difficulty with and Assistance Needed by People with Spinal Cord Injury to Prepare Meals at Home

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience an increased risk for obesity and cardiometabolic disease. Recommendations to prevent and treat obesity for those with SCI follow those of the US Department of Agriculture to adopt a healthy eating pattern that includes eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein, plus limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Yet, people with SCI eat too many calories, fat, and carbohydrates and too few fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. The study is based on secondary analyses of SCI participants (n = 122) who enrolled in a weight loss study to determine how SCI may impact their ability to prepare food at home. We hypothesize those with higher-level spinal injuries (specifically, those with cervical versus those with thoracic or lumbar/sacral injuries) experience significantly greater difficulty and are more likely to rely on others’ assistance to perform meal preparation tasks. Physiologic (weight, BMI, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c) and self-reported data (demographic plus responses to the Life Habits Short Survey and meal prep items) were collected at baseline and qualitative data were obtained from a subsample after the intervention during phone interviews. Participants’ average age was 50 ± 14.7 years old, they lived with SCI for an average of 13.0 ± 13.1 years, and their average BMI was 32.0 ± 6.5. Participants were predominantly white (76.1%) men (54.1%) who had some college education (76.3%), though only 28.8% worked. A substantial proportion of respondents (30% to 68%) reported difficulty across the 13 tasks related to purchasing and preparing meals, with a proxy reported as the most common assistance type used across all tasks (17% to 42%). Forty-nine percent reported difficulty preparing simple meals, with 29% reporting a proxy does the task. More than half reported difficulty using the oven and stove, though between 60% to 70% reported no difficulty using other kitchen appliances (e.g., coffee machine, food processor, can opener), the refrigerator, or microwave. There was a significant difference in kitchen function by injury level. Those living with cervical-level injuries had significantly greater limitations than those with thoracic-level injuries. Spouses, other family members, and caregivers were most likely to serve as proxies and these individuals exerted both positive and negative influences on respondents’ dietary intake, based on qualitative data obtained during interviews. The results suggest that many people living with SCI experience functional and environmental barriers that impact their ability to prepare food and use kitchen appliances. Future research should examine how SCI-related functional limitations, transportation access, accessibility of the kitchen, ability to use appliances, availability of financial resources, and assistance by others to prepare foods impact people’s ability to follow a healthy eating pattern.

Optimizing Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) genetic testing of seeds using real-time (quantitative) PCR

Abstract The Amaranthus genus contains numerous agronomic weedy species that are widely distributed across the United States. The seeds of many Amaranthus species are morphologically indistinguishable. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture declared Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) a prohibited noxious weed seed in 2016. Any Amaranthus spp. seeds that are identified as contaminants during routine seed testing require genetic testing to determine whether A. palmeri is present. This research aimed to validate and optimize the molecular detection of A. palmeri in seed. We refined the DNA extraction from pools of Amaranthus spp. seeds ranging in size from 1 to 100 seeds to improve sample testing throughput. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) using primers developed by Murphy and colleagues correctly identified the presence of A. palmeri genetics in 84 samples containing 0, 1, 2, 25, or 50 A. palmeri seeds in samples containing up to 100 seeds. The method specificity was examined using 17 Amaranthus species and 4 hybrids of unknown genetics. The Murphy regular qPCR cycle amplified Watson’s amaranth (Amaranthus watsonii Standl.), spleen amaranth (Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell.), and spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus L.), which would result in false-positive calls; however, the fast cycle only identified A. watsonii as a potential false positive. Examination of the Murphy primer binding site revealed an identical sequence for A. palmeri and A. watsonii. Additional markers were evaluated and optimized for use in qPCR to eliminate the risk of a false positive. The additional markers did eliminate the amplification of A. dubius and A. spinosus but did not eliminate the amplification for A. watsonii. Currently, A. watsonii is not known to be distributed outside of its limited native range and is not expected to be encountered in samples.

Sustainable agriculture impacts in urban settings make the case for federal investments [Policy brief

Urban agriculture has flourished in American cities under the care of communities, but its growing popularity faces a number of challenges related to scant funding, insecure land tenure, and environ­mental pollution. Both local and national policy in the U.S. have struggled to adequately address those challenges and meet the demand for fresh food, local production spaces, and resilient communities. In this policy brief, we explore an emerging apparatus to support urban agriculture in the U.S. Department of Agriculture: The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. We describe the relation­ship between urban agriculture’s many bene­fits and future funding, technical assistance, and data collec­tion initiatives through this office. Specifically, we call for consistent, permanent funding that is not subject to the annual federal budget process, which could power more tailored technical assistance programs, reformed granting initiatives, and expanded data collec­tion to inform future policy and practice. Urban agriculture has the potential to transform communities and the future of farming, and federal policy has the potential to provide important support for this transforma­tion. The policies outlined here offer a roadmap for this support.

Transforming animal tracking frameworks using wireless sensors and machine learning algorithms

Conventional animal tracking systems such as physical human observation, animal ear tagging or notching raises serious concerns over the observation and animal handling techniques that may sometimes cause stress and disruptions to animal ecology. Wireless sensor networks on the other hand hold real promise for animal tracking due to their accuracy, scalability, and ethical consideration frameworks involved. To test machine learning algorithms in a wireless sensor framework, a simulation was carried out to illustrate the behavior of a Wireless sensor network to draw conclusions. Advanced data algorithms and Python features was adopted to emulate the behavior of a wireless sensor network from cattle datasets sourced from the repository of Ireland’s government Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine which contains 3,503 records of cattle in various areas in Europe. The capacities of different algorithms for location estimation and assessment of performance were also analyzed and the results demonstrates great potentials of a WSN for efficiency in farm monitoring, where parameters such as location and sensor accuracy can be monitored in real time.

Herbicide residue detection in cotton as influenced by time, drift rate, and sampling method

Abstract Herbicide drift to sensitive crops can result in significant injury, yield loss, and even crop destruction. When pesticide drift is reported to the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), tissue samples are collected and analyzed for residues. Seven field studies were conducted in 2020 and 2021 in cooperation with the GDA to evaluate the effect of (1) time interval between simulated drift event and sampling, (2) low-dose herbicide rates, and (3) the sample collection methods on detecting herbicide residues in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) foliage. Simulated drift rates of 2,4-D, dicamba, and imazapyr were applied to non-tolerant cotton in the 8- to 9-leaf stage with plant samples collected at 7 or 21 d after treatment (DAT). During collection, plant sampling consisted of removing entire plants or removing new growth occurring after the 7-leaf stage. Visual cotton injury from 2,4-D reached 43% to 75% at 0.001 and 0.004 kg ae ha−1, respectively; for dicamba, it was 9% to 41% at 0.003 or 0.014 kg ae ha−1, respectively; and for imazapyr, it was 1% to 74% with 0.004 and 0.03 kg ae ha−1 rates, respectively. Yield loss was observed with both rates of 2,4-D (11% to 51%) and with the high rate of imazapyr (52%); dicamba did not influence yield. Herbicide residues were detected in 88%, 88%, and 69% of samples collected from plants treated with 2,4-D, dicamba, and imazapyr, respectively, at 7 DAT compared with 25%, 16%, and 22% when samples were collected at 21 DAT, highlighting the importance of sampling quickly after a drift event. Although the interval between drift event and sampling, drift rate, and sampling method can all influence residue detection for 2,4-D, dicamba, and imazapyr, the factor with the greatest influence is the amount of time between drift and sample collection.

Manajemen Usahatani Jagung Lokal di Kabupaten Bangkalan

Farming business are important to implement management functions in order to get good results and be more efficient in managing so as to earn good income. The purpose of this study was to determine the management of local corn farming in Geger Sub-district, Bangkalan District. The sampling method of location done by purposive sampling. Determination of the sample with snowball sampling technique with a sample 20 farmer local corn. This study use a qualitative with descriptive method. Method of data collection using primary data and secondary data. The primary data were obtained from in-depth observations and interviews with field extension officer and farmer group leader. Meanwhile, secondary data was obtained from all relevant parties including the Department of Agriculture in Bangkalan, the Central Bureau Statistics (BPS), the Agricultural Extension Agency (BPP), as well as journals relevant to the research topic. The results showed that local corn farming in Bangkalan Regency was profitable because the R/C ratio was &gt;1. Management of corn farming in Bangkalan Regency has carried out activities that include farming management functions ranging from planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling.

First report of iris yellow spot virus infecting shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) in Australia

AbstractIn 2019, symptoms typical of infection by iris yellow spot virus (IYSV; family Tospoviridae, genus Orthotospovirus) were observed on shallot (A. cepa var. aggregatum) grown at the Gatton Research Facility, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland. Initial testing by DAS-ELISA was positive for IYSV, and subsequent specific RT-PCR amplifying part of the RdRp (L-segment) and sequencing of amplicons confirmed the IYSV infection. This is the first record of IYSV infection of shallot in Australia.