Early Harvest Research Articles

Fruit ripening and postharvest changes in very early-harvested tomatoes.

It is well known that if a fruit is harvested extremely early its development and function are interrupted, and it may never attain full maturity and optimal quality. Reports revealing insights regarding the alterations of maturation, ripening and postharvest quality in very early picked fruits are rare. We examined the effects of early harvesting on tomatoes by characterizing different accessions at the molecular, physiological, and biochemical levels. We found that even very early-harvested fruits could achieve postharvest maturation and ripening though with some defects in pigment and cuticle formation, and seeds from very early-harvested fruits could still germinate and develop as normal and healthy plants. One critical regulator of tomato cuticle integrity, SlCER1-2, was shown to contribute to cuticle defects in very early-harvested fruits. Very early fruit harvest still allowing ripening and seed development indicate that the genetic and physiological programs of later maturation and ripening are set into motion early in fruit development and are not dependent on complete fruit expansion nor attachment to the plant.

Bioactive Compounds in the Oils of the Autochthonous Slovenian Olive Varieties 'Buga', 'Črnica' and 'Drobnica'.

The adaptation of autochthonous olive varieties to local soil and climatic conditions can lead to a unique chemical composition and characteristics of olive oils that may differ from the generally accepted quality standards set out in the International Olive Oil Council strategy documents and EU regulations. Therefore, the fatty acid composition, biophenol, tocopherol, sterol and triterpenic dialcohol content and composition of the autochthonous Slovenian olive varieties 'Buga', 'Črnica' and 'Drobnica' were studied for a three-year period with the aim of valorising the characteristics of the three olive varieties. Standardised and accredited analytical methods in accordance with SIST EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 were applied. The results of the investigation showed that the highest average amount of oleic acid (75.75%) was found in the oils of the 'Črnica' variety, followed by the 'Drobnica' (72.06%) and the 'Buga' (68.73%). All three varieties are a good source of total biophenols ('Buga' 616 mg/kg, 'Drobnica' 569 mg/kg and 'Črnica' 427 mg/kg) and α-tocopherol ('Buga' 378 mg/kg, 'Drobnica' 279 mg/kg, and 'Črnica' 243 mg/kg). 'Buga' and 'Drobnica' are characterised by high amounts of total sterols, 2468 mg/kg and 2391 mg/kg, respectively, while 'Črnica' oils, in comparison, showed a lower average value of total sterols (1351 mg/kg). Due to their exceptional chemical composition, 'Buga', 'Črnica' and 'Drobnica' show great potential for the further cultivation and valorisation of traditional olive oil production in the region, thus contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and local traditions. The quality parameters of olive oil from the autochthonous Slovenian olive varieties 'Buga', 'Črnica' and 'Drobnica' also fulfil the limits for extra virgin olive oil according to the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104, despite local climatic influences. However, accelerated growth due to climatic changes affecting early harvest can lead to them falling outside these limits, which was observed in particular for the 'Buga' variety in terms of the linoleic acid content. This study emphasises the importance of timing the harvest to achieve optimum maturity and meet EU quality standards, taking into account the genetic makeup of the varieties and their response to the current climatic conditions.

Effects of grass species and harvest date on cell wall components and feed efficiency of dairy cows

There is a balance between DM yield and feed value when choosing types of grasses on a farm depending on the acreages of farmland and types of ruminants to be fed. Therefore, optimisation of the harvest strategy for grass silage is important for profitable dairy farming. Tall fescue has high DM yield and can replace traditional grasses, such as timothy, in Northern Europe in a changing climate as it has been shown to be more drought tolerant. As differences in climate responses previously have been related to differences in cell wall structure between grass species and, consequently, in digestibility, it is highly relevant to compare these species at similar maturity stages and to investigate if a very early harvest date will diminish potential differences between the species. This study evaluated the effects of harvest date and forage species on the concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids in silages and its relationship to feed efficiency of dairy cows. Tall fescue and timothy were harvested at very early date on May 25 or at early date on May 31 in the spring growth cycle. Forty lactating dairy cows were used in a block design. Cows received 1 of 4 treatments: (1) tall fescue harvested at very early date, (2) timothy harvested at very early date, (3) tall fescue harvested at early date, and (4) timothy harvested at early date. Diets were formulated to have the same forage-to-concentrate ratio (49:51 on DM basis). Tall fescue silages showed greater concentrations of DM, ash, and CP than timothy silages. Grasses harvested at early date showed greater concentrations of NDF, ADL, and cell wall than grasses harvested at very early date. Tall fescue silages showed greater concentration of p-coumaric acid and lower in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) compared to timothy silages. Milk production and composition were not affected by treatments but cows fed tall fescue-based diets showed lower milk protein yield and greater milk urea nitrogen than when timothy-based diets were fed. Furthermore, cows receiving timothy-based diets showed greater feed efficiency compared to cows receiving tall fescue-based diets. Thus, the lower concentration of p-coumaric acid and the higher IVOMD was associated with greater feed efficiency of cows fed timothy-based diets compared to tall fescue-based diets.

600 years of wine must quality and April to August temperatures in western Europe 1420–2019

Abstract. This study investigates the validity of wine must quality as an April-to-August temperature proxy between 1420 and 2019 based on expert ratings and quality measurements from Germany, Luxembourg, eastern France, and the Swiss Plateau. This is highly relevant as uncertainties remain on past climate variations during this period. The evidence was reviewed according to the best practice of historical climatology. Expert ratings tended to agree with Oechsle density measurements that gradually replaced them from the 1840s. A statistical model calibrated to predict wine must quality from climate data explains 75 % of the variance, underlining the potential value of wine must quality as a climate proxy. Premium crops were collected in years of early harvest involving high insolation during maturation, while poor crops resulted from very late harvests in cold and wet summers. An analysis of daily weather types for high- and low-quality years after 1763 shows marked differences. On a decadal timescale, the average quality was highest from 1470 to 1479, from 1536 to 1545, and from 1945 to 1954. Poor crops were collected in periods with prevailing cold and wet summers such as 1453 to 1466, 1485 to 1494, 1585 to 1614, 1685 to 1703, 1812 to 1821, and 1876 to 1936. In the period of enhanced warming after 1990, high quality became the rule.

Low-Alcohol and Nonalcoholic Wines: From Production to Cardiovascular Health, along with Their Economic Effects

This review aims to create a communication tool for low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wine production, catering to scientists, educators, students, and wine producers in the field. With health concerns regarding alcohol consumption, the need for information on low-alcohol wines is essential. This paper outlines the methods for the pre-fermentation (leaf area reduction, early grape harvest, grape must dilution, filtration of grape juice and addition of glucose oxidase), mid-fermentation (employing non-saccharomyces yeasts, using genetically modified yeasts through metabolic engineering, and controlling yeast nutrition), and post-fermentation (nanofiltration and reverse osmosis, osmotic distillation, pervaporation, spinning cone column, vacuum distillation, and multi-stage membrane-based systems) stages and their effects on wine quality. It also presents evidence of the impact of alcoholic, low-alcohol, and nonalcoholic wines on cardiovascular health. Finally, the potential market for low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines is discussed. Key findings indicate a shift toward low-alcohol alternatives due to health, economic, and social factors and consumer interest in healthier lifestyles. Low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines offer health benefits, particularly cardiovascular health, presenting an opportunity for winemakers to cater to a health-conscious market. From an economic perspective, the low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wine market is poised to grow and diversify its revenue streams. The development of high-quality low-alcohol and nonalcoholic wines, which can command premium prices, enhances profitability. The changing regulatory landscape in Europe, with a focus on transparency in alcohol labeling and nutritional information, aligns with the new consumer preferences and regulatory standards.

Influence of planting dates and fertilizer modules on yield of chrysanthemum and soil health

BackgroundOptimum planting date and appropriate fertilizer module are essential facets of chrysanthemum cultivation, to enhance quality yield, and improve soil health. A field-based study was undertaken over multiple growing seasons in 2022 and 2023, where six different planting dates, viz., P1:June 15, P2:June 30, P3:July 15, P4:July 30, P5:August 15 and P6:August 30 and two fertilizer modules, FM1:Jeevamrit @ 30 ml plant−1 and FM2:NPK @ 30 g m−2 were systematically examined using a Randomized Block Design (factorial), replicated thrice.ResultsP6 planting resulted in early bud formation (44.03 days) and harvesting stage (90.78 days). Maximum plant height (79.44 cm), plant spread (34.04 cm), cut stem length (68.40 cm), flower diameter (7.83 cm), stem strength (19.38˚), vase life (14.90 days), flowering duration (24.08 days), available soil N (314 kg ha−1), available P (37 kg ha−1), available K (347 kg ha−1), bacterial count (124.87 × 107 cfu g−1 soil), actinomycetes count (60.72 × 102 cfu g−1 soil), fungal count (30.95 × 102 cfu g−1 soil), microbial biomass (48.79 µg g−1 soil), dehydrogenase enzyme (3.64 mg TPF h−1 g−1 soil) and phosphatase enzyme (23.79 mol PNP h−1 g−1 soil) was recorded in P1 planting. Among the fertilization module, minimum days to bud formation (74.94 days) and days to reach the harvesting stage (120.95 days) were recorded with the application of NPK @30 g m−2. However, maximum plant height (60.62 cm), plant spread (23.10 cm), number of cut stems m−2 (43.88), cut stem length (51.34 cm), flower diameter (6.92 cm), stem strength (21.24˚), flowering duration (21.75 days), available soil N (317 kg ha−1), available P (37 kg ha−1) and available K (349 kg ha−1) were also recorded with the application of NPK @300 kg ha−1. Maximum vase life (13.87 days), OC (1.13%), bacterial count (131.65 × 107 cfu g−1 soil), actinomycetes count (60.89 × 102 cfu g−1 soil), fungal count (31.11 × 102 cfu g−1 soil), microbial biomass (51.27 µg g−1 soil), dehydrogenase enzyme (3.77 mg TPF h−1 g−1 soil) and phosphatase enzyme (21.72 mol PNP h−1 g−1 soil) were observed with the application of Jeevamrit @ 30 ml plant−1.ConclusionEarly planting (P1) and inorganic fertilization (NPK @ 30 g m−2) resulted in improved yield and soil macronutrient content. The soil microbial population and enzymatic activity were improved with the jeevamrit application. This approach highlights the potential for improved yield and soil health in chrysanthemum cultivation, promoting a more eco-friendly and economically viable agricultural model.

Kachri melon (a non-dessert form of Cucumis melo) diversity, germplasm utilization and varietal development under hot arid climate: Approaches and realization

The native crop plants genetic resource is very essential for nature’s resilient, region and season-specific varietal development and is also used in breeding programmes for resistance towards abiotic and biotic factors. Kachri and mat-kaachr or kachri melon (a non–dessert form of Cucumis melo var. callosus and agrestis) is an un-tapped arid zone cucurbit vegetable. Their vine plants are annual and short-duration in growth habit, and bearing 10.2–220.5 g weight fruits which are edible at maturity and unique in taste with ripening stages. It is wild and weedy types or semi-domesticated land-races and pre-dominantly grown mixed with the traditional farming in the north-western part of India. Intensive explorations and surveys were conducted in the state of Rajasthan from the year 1994 to 2001, and about 625 accessions were collected and studied over the period (1994 to 2012), and out of them, 68 germplasm lines were maintained for the conservation of regional diversity. The germplasm is evaluated repeatedly and characterized and categorized based on the plant morphology, maturity, utility of fruits and size, shape and skin colour of the mature fruits. On the basis of horticultural traits, fruit size, quality and yield components under the heat-stressed arid environment, the genotypes AHK-5, AHK-13, AHK-26, AHK-40, AHK-43, AHK-99, AHK-109, AHK-119, AHK-155, AHK-200, AHK-202, AHK-356, AHK-411, AHK-564 and AHK-572 were found the most promising and utilized in breeding programme. Unique quality, better fruit yielding, early harvesting and multiple stresses tolerating varieties, namely AHK-119 and AHK-200, developed for commercial cultivation. The development and recommendations of kachri melon production technology by ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner resulted in uniform and higher fruit yield (95–110 q/ha) as rainy and summer season harvest and now, its cultivation become much profit-making among the growers as a climate-smart crop. With the HBCPSMA concept, khejri and kachri technology exhibited high productivity of resources and family employment, and also returns @ Rs. 75,000–2,25,000 in comparison to the conventional cropping systems (Rs. 23,000–42,000) per ha/year under rainfed farming.

Potassium and harvest time interaction effect on alfalfa production and profitability

AbstractResearchers have extensively studied and documented the effects of potassium (K) fertility on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Yet, additional research is needed to determine how interactions of K, cultivar, and harvest management influence the K needs of alfalfa. To explore these interactions, we conducted 5 years of field research at the University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Lingle, WY. Treatments were (a) four K rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) applied before planting in the fall of 2016 and after the final harvest in the fall of 2017–2020, (b) two cultivars (Hi‐Gest 360 and AFX 457), and (c) two harvest times (early harvest, late bud to early [10%] bloom, and late harvest, 7 days after early harvest), arranged in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial under random complete blocks with four replications. At 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and early harvest, a consistently significant (p < 0.05) higher yield response was observed. The same response was seen at 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and late harvest. This occurred at a site with moderate‐to‐high soil K levels throughout the study period. There was a linear (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.66) and quadratic (p = 0.006, R2 = 0.61) response of forage accumulation to K rate at early and late harvest, respectively. Similar trends were also seen for stem count, relative water content, root uptake of K, and tissue K. Time of harvest showed immense potential for optimizing K's effect for a consistent high‐yield response. However, fertilizing alfalfa with 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 gave the most profitable production under both harvest times. If K fertilizer prices drop over time, high profits could be attained with higher K fertilization rates. After 3 years of production, average forage accumulation increased under an early harvest system and decreased under a late harvest system. Growers in Wyoming and similar regions are encouraged to consider fertilizing alfalfa with moderate K rates (∼112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) on soils testing moderate‐to‐high in soil test K, implement a late harvest system for the first 3 years after planting, and transition to an early harvest system after the initial 3 years to maximize alfalfa profits.

Exploring crop maturity times as a conservation tool for improving resilience to human-elephant conflict: elephant crop-raiding

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to alleviate negative impacts of elephant crop-raiding faced by smallholder farmers around the Okavango delta. Although many studies have identified the relationship between crop-raiding and climatic factors, little attention was paid to aligning cropping duration to high rainfall. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how crop maturity duration influences farmers’ vulnerability to elephant crop raiding and food loss. An experimental plot consisting of early and late maturing varieties of maize, sorghum and cowpea was set up and monitored in farms adjacent to corridors. Early maturing varieties yielded more (mean = 0.35 tha−1) than later maturing varieties (mean = 0.25 tha−1). The prolonged stay of crops in fields exposed them more to elephants (p < 0.001). Unlike late varieties, early varieties served as an evasion strategy by allowing earlier harvesting when there was adequate rainfall and elephants rarely frequented farms. Late maturing varieties were harvested at 16–19 weeks when elephants frequented the fields. This harvest timing significantly influences the vulnerability of crops to debilitating elephant raiding. This outcome suggests that policy reviews should incorporate more climate action into smallholder farming systems to strengthen SDG 1: no poverty and SDG 2: zero hunger, ease hostility toward elephants and improve elephant conservation.

Reducing nitrogen and deficit irrigation is a practical solution for optimal forage barley production in semi-arid cropping systems

Given the scarcity of arable land and water resources in semi-arid regions, it becomes imperative to achieve maximum yield and early maturity for winter grains. In this regard, the present research was conducted to synchronize grain and shoot maturity in high-yielding barley (cv. Behrokh) by reducing nitrogen and deficit irrigation. The experimental factors included three levels of nitrogen (50, 75, and 100% plant nitrogen requirement; PNR) and three levels of irrigation (full irrigation, cutoff irrigation in the milk stage, and dough stage). Results showed that cutoff irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer caused early ripening. The interactions of irrigation and nitrogen were significant for the number of grains/spike, grain yield, straw yield, aboveground biomass, and protein yield. Grain yield in cutoff irrigation in the dough stage plus reducing 25% PNR was similar to full irrigation plus 100% PNR. In full and cutoff irrigation in the dough stage, reducing 25% PNR did not cause a significant change in straw yield. Cutoff irrigation in the dough and milk stages did not cause a significant difference in the grain protein content. In general, it is concluded that to maintain grain, straw yield, and protein quality, it is more appropriate to use 150 kg/ha of nitrogen in the conditions of cutoff irrigation in the dough stage, which could reduce the cost of fertilizer and water in addition to early ripening of the crop and minimize the environmental consequences of consuming these inputs. Early harvesting of barley also helps to prevent summer crops from encountering late-season chilling.

Phytochemical compositions and antioxidant activity of green and purple basils altered by light intensity and harvesting time

Ocimum basilicum L. is one of the most important medicinal and vegetable crops due to its essential oil, pleasant aroma and taste. In this study, we evaluated the impact of different light intensities, including 100 %, 50 %, and 30 % of natural sunlight, on the growth, phytochemical compositions, and antioxidant activity of green and purple basil cultivars at two different harvest times: early morning and noon. The height of the plant, number of leaves per plant, length of the petiole, diameter of the stem, and fresh and dry weight of the shoot were all reduced by decreasing light intensity in both basil cultivars. When the plants of both cultivars were grown under full light intensity and were sampled at noon, they showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents. The highest antioxidant activity was detected in purple basil cultivars grown under 30 and 50 % of sunlight in both harvests. The green basil cultivar showed the highest antioxidant activity when exposed to 30 % sunlight and harvested in the early morning. The highest essential oil content and yield in both basil cultivars were obtained under full sunlight in the early morning harvests. In summary, light intensity and harvest time influence the phytochemical yield, composition, and growth of two studied basil cultivars. Optimal results, particularly for medicinal purposes, were achieved by morning harvesting to maximize the essential oil yield of basils.

Farmers Perceptions of Climate Change Issues in Tetritskaro Municipality, Georgia

Agriculture is the traditional and leading field of economy of Tetritskaro Municipality, but faces the challenge of changing climate. The study investigates male and female farmers’ perception of climate change issues in Tetritskaro, their main source of information, adaptation measures choosen and their needs. Climate change data available in Tetritskaro focused on characteristic extreme weather events coupled with face-to-face interviews from 254 farmers (male - 53%, female - 47%) was analyzed. The study revealed that men and women have more or less similar perceptions of climate change issues. For male farmers, the main source of information on climate, seasonal prediction and weather forecast is conversations with fellow farmers, and for female farmers it is indigenous knowledge of the local environment. Male and female farmers, have adapted to the changes in climate similarly applying measures such as pesticides, fertilizer and irrigation, early sowing, and earlier harvest, while the exchange of information between fellow farmers, use of various hail protection products and crop diversification techniques is more frequent among male farmers. Farmers expressed the need for low interest loans to purchase agricultural products, equipment and restore/create windbreak zones. Most of the male farmers indicate the need for introduction new technologies, while female farmers are more in need of information and training in agricultural activities. The study shows the need for development of climate change adaptation policies and interventions in Tetritskaro. Obtained results can be used not only in other agricultural regions of Georgia, but in other countries with the same problems.

Features of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere of Gastrodia elata cultivated in greenhouse for early harvest.

Symbiotic microbes are essential for developing and growing Gastrodia elata, an achlorophyllous orchid of high medicinal value. Recently, the cultivation of G. elata in greenhouses has been adopted in Korea to produce mature tubers in a short time. However, no studies have been conducted on the microbial community structure of G. elata cultivated in greenhouse environments. Therefore, we analyzed the temporal features of bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere of G. elata at the juvenile [JT; 2 months after sowing (MAS)], young (YT; 6 MAS), and mature (MT; 11 MAS) tuber stages using culture-dependent and high-throughput sequencing technology. The richness and diversity of the bacterial and fungal communities decreased with tuber growth of G. elata. The symbiotic fungi Mycena sp. and Armillaria sp. as well as tuber extract inhibited the growth of various soil-inhabiting fungal and bacterial strains, indicating that G. elata and its symbiotic fungi play important roles in the selection of rhizosphere microbes. Mortierella rishikesha was the most abundant fungal species in the rhizosphere. We also identified the microorganisms potentially beneficial for G. elata development during greenhouse cultivation. Tubers and symbiotic fungi actively exert selective pressure on rhizosphere microbes, influencing the diversity and abundance of bacterial and fungal communities as G. elata grows. This study is a first report on the temporal microbial community structure of G. elata cultivated in greenhouse. The results on the associated microbiome of G. elata will help understand their beneficial interactions with G. elata and contribute to improvement in cultivation.

On-farm harvest timing effects on alfalfa weevil across the Intermountain West region of the United States.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an economically important commodity in the Intermountain Western United States. A major concern for alfalfa producers in this region is the alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica Gyllenhal). Insecticide resistance development coupled with regulatory changes in pesticide use has resulted in renewed interest by producers in non-chemical control methods such as cultural control. One such cultural control method is early harvest, which consists of producers timing their harvests early in the season to decrease alfalfa weevil damage. This method is thought to be effective by exposing weevil larvae to adverse conditions before significant damage occurs. Still, early harvest can be difficult to employ because recommendations are often vague. To better understand how early harvest impacts both alfalfa weevils and their natural enemies and how producers are using this method across the Intermountain Western United States, we conducted a study in alfalfa production fields in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming over three growing seasons. We determined that the timing of the initial alfalfa harvest spanned more than 1 month across fields, and alfalfa plant stage at harvest ranged from late vegetative to early bloom. Harvest was more impactful on reducing alfalfa weevil densities the earlier it was implemented. Removing windrows in a timely manner is likely useful to further decrease alfalfa weevil densities. Harvest timing was not associated with parasitism rates of alfalfa weevil, but higher parasitism rates were associated with lower post-harvest alfalfa weevil densities. This work has increased our understanding of early harvest in an on-farm setting and to improve recommendations for producers across the Intermountain Western United States.

A Case Study from the Overexpression of OsTZF5, Encoding a CCCH Tandem Zinc Finger Protein, in Rice Plants Across Nineteen Yield Trials

BackgroundDevelopment of transgenic rice overexpressing transcription factors involved in drought response has been previously reported to confer drought tolerance and therefore represents a means of crop improvement. We transformed lowland rice IR64 with OsTZF5, encoding a CCCH-tandem zinc finger protein, under the control of the rice LIP9 stress-inducible promoter and compared the drought response of transgenic lines and nulls to IR64 in successive screenhouse paddy and field trials up to the T6 generation.ResultsCompared to the well-watered conditions, the level of drought stress across experiments varied from a minimum of − 25 to − 75 kPa at a soil depth of 30 cm which reduced biomass by 30–55% and grain yield by 1–92%, presenting a range of drought severities. OsTZF5 transgenic lines showed high yield advantage under drought over IR64 in early generations, which was related to shorter time to flowering, lower shoot biomass and higher harvest index. However, the increases in values for yield and related traits in the transgenics became smaller over successive generations despite continued detection of drought-induced transgene expression as conferred by the LIP9 promoter. The decreased advantage of the transgenics over generations tended to coincide with increased levels of homozygosity. Background cleaning of the transgenic lines as well as introgression of the transgene into an IR64 line containing major-effect drought yield QTLs, which were evaluated starting at the BC3F1 and BC2F3 generation, respectively, did not result in consistently increased yield under drought as compared to the respective checks.ConclusionsAlthough we cannot conclusively explain the genetic factors behind the loss of yield advantage of the transgenics under drought across generations, our results help in distinguishing among potential drought tolerance mechanisms related to effectiveness of the transgenics, since early flowering and harvest index most closely reflected the levels of yield advantage in the transgenics across generations while reduced biomass did not.

Impact of tree planting on household well-being: evidence from the central highlands of Vietnam

Household land use decisions in the tropics have a wide range of outcomes and impacts on economic development, environmental conservation, and social development. This study seeks to contribute to this debate by examining the effects of tree planting on poverty alleviation and welfare improvement in Vietnam. We employ a combination of multinomial endogenous treatment effect and propensity score matching, using survey data collected from 239 households in 11 communes in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region. We find that households engaged in tree planting can increase their income and alleviate poverty compared to non-engaging households. Specifically, long-term cashew plantations provide early harvests and have proven to be a preferred crop for households dealing with immediate livelihood needs. However, short-term acacia timber crops contribute insignificantly to poverty reduction and may be more suitable for households with greater financial resources. The policy implication underscores the importance of interventions tailored to support impoverished households with urgent livelihood needs. Prioritizing immediate necessities is crucial before households can invest in long-term tree planting.

Effect of Transplanting Date and Harvesting Period on Bulb Production of Winter Onion (Allium cepa L.)

Climate change has brought about unpredictable temperature fluctuations and altered rainfall patterns, which directly impact onion cultivation. Adjustment in planting and harvesting schedules in the context of changing climate and environmental factors is not only academically significant but also holds practical implications for agriculture, resource management, climate adaptation, economic development, and food security in Bangladesh. The present study was carried out to observe the influence of the transplanting and harvesting time on maximizing onion production. The experiment followed a RCB design with three replications, involving the cultivation of BARI Piaz-1 as the test crop with varying transplanting dates on November 1st, November 15th, and December 1st, and harvesting periods at 120, 130, and 140 days after planting (DAP). The study's results indicated that the choice of transplanting date and harvesting period had significantly influenced onion yield and yield attributes. Improved performances, including increase in plant height, number of leaves per plant, neck diameter, bulb diameter, bulb length, bulb weight, and overall yield were observed when onions were transplanted on November 15th and harvested after 130 days from planting. The highest yields, specifically 10.32 t/ha in 2018 and 11.33 /ha in 2019, were achieved under this conditions. Conversely, the lowest yields 6.28 t/ha in 2018 and 6.70 /ha in 2019 were obtained when onions were transplanted on December 1st and harvested after 120 days from planting. Additionaly, early planting (November 1st) exhibited a higher incidence of bolting, while late planting (December 1st) showed a higher disease incidence. Therefore, optimizing transplanting dates to align with November 15th and a 130-day harvesting period proved to be the most effective strategy for maximizing onion yield and other attributes, while late planting and early harvesting adversely affected these key attributes.

Optimising Sowing Density for Microgreens Production in Rapini, Kale and Cress

Microgreens represent a valuable agrifoods niche. Their cropping cycle is shorter than that of baby leaf greens, but the sowing density is typically much higher, and this has important cost implications for the grower. The current research demonstrates that the choice of sowing density strongly influences yield, as well as developmental stage and other quality parameters. Results also depended on the choice of the species and landrace. Considering the cost of seed, the option of accessing locally available landraces becomes particularly intriguing, again with relevant implications in choosing seed density. Rapini (landraces Cima grande and Fasanese), kale (landraces Barese and Altamura), and commercial cress were grown in an indoor environment. The effects of the three sowing densities (from 3 to 5 seeds∙cm−2) and the growing cycle (earlier harvest, 11 days from sowing, or later harvest, 14 days from sowing) on the microgreen yield and quality were studied. Sowing density affected yield (+19% at highest vs. lowest density), dry matter (but only with a longer cycle, and variable by landrace, with Fasanese rapini landrace 7% more than the Cima grande landrace), developmental stage, and soil coverage. The effects of sowing density can be modulated by cycle duration. Crop heights were 25% and 44% greater for the longer cycle of the Cima grande and Fasanese rapini landraces, respectively. In conclusion, the choices of the species/landrace and seed density must be carefully evaluated given costs and outcomes, with potential for the production of different final products (e.g., microgreens at earlier or later stages, other characteristics) and also for control over costs.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Nutrient Use Efficiencies and Economics of Baby Corn (Zea mays. L): A Review

A young, unfertilized, dehusked maize ear that has just started to multiply is called baby corn (the baby phase of the maize cob). It is usually harvested when the silk is between two and three cm long, two to three days following silking. Depending on the agro-climatic circumstances, baby maize can be grown three to four times a year after maturing for 60 to 75 days. As a pre-kharif crop with a brief growing phase, baby maize provides a distinct benefit by making use of fields that would otherwise stay fallow during the periods when rice and wheat are turning over. Higherearnings can be made from the early harvest and selling of baby maize ears. Additionally, untranslocated photosynthates remaining in the green stover can be used as a good source of nutrient-rich green fodder for live stock, which boosts the production of dairy products and meat.&#x0D; As the crop with the highest nutritional content, baby maize needs exceptionally high-quality nutrients to be used efficiently and to increase yield. Although the production of baby corn can be increased by applying artificial fertiliser, doing so will eventually compromise the sustainability of the expanding field. Furthermore, farmers' financial stability and soil health can be preserved by replacing a portion of chemical fertilisers with organic sources of nutrients. However, the replacement of 25% and 50% of the nitrogen with organic sources (FYM/Vermicompost/Poultry Manure) had a greater positive impact on the production of baby maize, the yield of fodder, the quality and economics of the nutrient uptake, and the soil fertility status.

The frequency and phenological stage of foliar application of nutrients and biostimulant can increase sugarcane yield and biomass and bioenergy productions

AbstractThe impacts of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) production include an extensive area of cultivation, high use of technology, and the generation of by‐products that must be utilized. Achieving higher productivity while reducing the expansion of cultivation is challenging. A potential strategy for increasing sugarcane yields and productivity is the foliar application of nutrients and biostimulants at different stages of sugarcane growth. The present study assessed the impact of the foliar application of nutrients (N, B, Cu, and Zn) and a growth regulator as biostimulant (indole butyric acid, gibberellic acid, and kinetin) on sugarcane metabolism, stalk and sugar production, and quality. Field experiments were performed at 17 sites during four growing seasons (2017–2018, 2018–2019, 2019–2020, and 2020–2021) using sugarcane with three harvest times (early, mid‐late, and late harvests). The treatments were as follows: (i) no foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients (control), (ii) foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients at the vegetative stage (VS) of sugarcane, (iii) foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients at the maturation stage (MS) of sugarcane, and (iv) foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients at both the vegetative and maturation stages (VMS). Foliar application did not increase ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase activity but increased phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. Peroxidase and catalase activities were higher, &gt;100% and 45%, respectively, in VMS, whereas superoxide dismutase activity increased by 54% in MS compared with control. Consistent with these results, sugarcane had low hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents in VMS. In addition, the plant biometric parameters were highest in VMS, which sugarcane produced 105, 92, and 86 Mg stalk h−1 in early, mid‐late, and late harvest seasons, respectively. In summary, the foliar application of the biostimulant and nutrients efficiently promoted the growth, productivity, and quality of early, mid‐late, and late harvest seasons. The positive effects of foliar application on the enzymatic and physiological responses of sugarcane can be achieved when applications are performed in both the VMS in all harvest seasons.