Garden Area Research Articles

Assessment of diversity of plant species, composition, structure and regeneration status in Gondar Zuria District, Ethiopia

This study assesses the composition, arrangement, and state of regeneration in Gondar Zuria District. The two transect lines over the gradient were set up using a systematic random sample strategy in order to gather the number of species and their diameter for tree species in DBH (cm). The distance between the sample plots was 50 m, and the transect lines were 50 m apart. 12 circular plots were used in the total sample area of the botanical garden, and the sizes of the circular plots were 6.5 m for trees, 4.5 m for saplings, and 2.5 m for seedlings. Using the important value index and the diameter at breast height, the pattern of plant structure displays an inverted J shape. A review of the botanical garden’s plant species’ regeneration status revealed that, of the tree and shrub species, 6.25% had fair regeneration status and 25% had poor regeneration quality. While 56.25% of plant species that were only available as saplings or seedlings were regarded as “new” at the botanical garden, a total of 25% of plant species were not regenerating at all. At the study site, the species diversity as determined by the Shannon-Weiner (H’) index was 1.58. But this value shows the species diversity is included in the low biodiversity range unless they are well managed from disturbance. The species composition of the site shows a few species; only 16 plant species were found. A high number of individual species are found in the Leguminosae family.

Влияние экологических условий на анатомо-морфологические показатели листьев Weigela

Abstract. The anatomical features of the leaves are susceptible to environmental factors and, therefore, are very plastic in their development. However, how these indicators differ depending on the influence of environmental factors remains unclear, especially with regard to plants growing in agrocenoses. The purpose of our research is to study the variability of anatomical and morphological parameters of Weigela leaves depending on the growing conditions. We have studied the anatomical structure of Weigela leaves in various ecological growing conditions: in the botanical garden "Tree of Friendship" of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Subtropical Botanical Garden of Kuban (SBGK), according to a set of anatomical and morphological parameters (leaf blade thickness, development of the palisade and spongy parenchyma, upper and lower epidermis). To do this, the leaves of different ecotypes were studied: those growing in a well-lit (average illumination of 53,000 lux) area of the botanical garden "Tree of Friendship" and under the canopy of trees (illumination of 28,000 lux) in the Subtropical Botanical Garden of Kuban (SBGK, Sochi). Our results showed that the anatomical features of weigela leaves vary in varieties depending on their growing places. It is shown that the highest values (thickness: leaf, palisade and spongy parenchyma, lower and upper epidermis) in various environmental conditions were noted in the variety 'Mont Blanc', and the lowest in 'Eva Ratke'. It is noted that the palisade parenchyma is most developed in the 'Mont Blanc' variety, both in conditions of full illumination (84.7±2.9 microns) and in shading (62.2±2.6 microns). The lowest values were obtained for the ‘Eva Ratke’ variety, while a decrease in the thickness of the front garden fabric was noted in full light conditions (33.7±2.4 microns) and an increase in shade (36.3±3.1 microns). Key words: Weigela, anatomical parameters, leaves, illumination, mesophyll cells, palisade parenchyma, stomata

Awareness and Practices Related to Menstrual Hygiene and Associated Problems in Adolescent Girls Residing in Tea Garden Areas of Jorhat, Assam, India

Awareness and Practices Related to Menstrual Hygiene and Associated Problems in Adolescent Girls Residing in Tea Garden Areas of Jorhat, Assam, India

Effects of Compost Application of Green Waste on Soil Properties: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: With the accelerating urbanization process, the garden area is gradually expanding, and the production of green waste is also increasing. Composting green waste can not only reduce environmental pollution caused by incineration and landfill and improve the utilization efficiency of resources but also improve the soil and increase soil productivity. The study aims to investigate the comprehensive impact of green waste compost (GWC) application on soil nutrient conditions. Through comprehensive data analysis, the impact of compost application of green waste on soil properties was revealed as a reference for compost application and fertilizer reduction. Methods: Based on meta-analysis, we quantitatively investigated the response of soil properties to the application of green waste, collected published experimental data, and integrated 25 domestic and international literature to analyze the effects of different soil properties on soil nutrients. Literature was used to analyze the impact of different application rates of GWC on the physicochemical properties of soils with varying pH levels. The results were compared to control conditions with no GWC application. Results: The application of significantly improved soil quality by reducing soil bulk density and increasing the levels of soil organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and dehydrogenase activity. The increases in available potassium and soil organic carbon were consistently significant across all subgroups. However, the effects on available phosphorus and organic matter varied in significance depending on initial soil pH. Soil bulk density was influenced by the GWC content, while dehydrogenase activity showed significant effects only when initial soil pH was ≥8. Total nitrogen levels were significantly impacted by GWC application in soil with an initial pH of <8 and at GWC contents of ≥50%. Conclusion: The application of green waste compost demonstrates a positive effect on soil improvement. This study provides a comprehensive database that supports the use of GWC in enhancing soil quality and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Investigation on Kinds of Infrastructure Available for Projects Implementation in Public Secondary Schools

The study was concerned with investigating the kinds of infrastructure available for projects implementation in public secondary schools in the West ‘A’ District of Zanzibar. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised teachers and heads of schools. Sample size for this study was 255 respondents. Structured questionnaires and semi- structured interviews were used for data collection. Collected quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviations) while qualitative data were analyzed on data deduction technique. The study reveals significant variability in the availability of infrastructure necessary for project implementation in public secondary schools. While some schools have essential resources like computer labs and garden areas, many lack crucial facilities such as sports areas and technological support. The absence of established project timelines highlights a need for better project management practices. It is recommended that the district prioritize the equitable distribution of essential facilities, such as sports areas and technological support, across all public secondary schools. Additionally, implementing structured project management practices, including established timelines and regular progress assessments, will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of infrastructure development and maintenance.

Exploring Floristic Diversity, Propagation Patterns, and Plant Functions in Domestic Gardens across Urban Planning Gradient in Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Urbanization degrades natural habitats and creates new urban ecosystems like domestic gardens. The plant composition of these gardens varies with socio-economic factors and urban planning levels. However, the diversity and impact of introduced species are often poorly assessed, causing potential ecological imbalances (disruptions in the natural functioning and stability of ecosystems), particularly in Lubumbashi (DR Congo). The objective was to analyze the spatial structure, plant diversity, propagation strategies, and ecological functions of domestic gardens. Three distinct neighborhoods were selected: a planned, unplanned, and residential neighborhood. Twenty avenues (with five plots per avenue) were chosen to represent the diversity within each neighborhood, and stratified random sampling of plots was conducted to analyze gardening practices. Gardens were classified into types, and their vegetation was evaluated based on species origin and ecological impact. The analysis of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi reveals significant variations across different neighborhood types. Residential neighborhoods exhibit larger average garden sizes (315.1 m2), higher species richness (22 species), and larger plot sizes (1032 m2) compared to unplanned and planned neighborhoods, where garden areas and species richness are notably lower. Rectangular gardens dominate in unplanned areas, while planned neighborhoods feature more intentional landscaping elements, such as flowerbeds and hedges. The use of gardens for food production is prominent in planned areas (40.7%), whereas residential neighborhoods prioritize ornamentation (51.4%). The study identified 232 taxa across 68 families, with a predominance of exotic species (80%) in all neighborhoods, particularly in unplanned areas (82.25%). The data revealed that Mangifera indica and Persea americana are abundant in all neighborhoods, illustrating their adaptability to different urban contexts. Herbaceous species are most common, followed by woody plants, with vines being sparse. Species dispersal is primarily driven by human activities (anthropochory), accounting for over 85% in all neighborhoods. These findings highlight the strong human influence on the composition and structure of domestic gardens in Lubumbashi, emphasizing the dominance of exotic species and the importance of anthropogenic factors in shaping urban green spaces. Urban policies should incorporate strategies to minimize the negative impacts of exotic species on native flora.

Association between public and private greenspace availability and electricity consumption

Natural environment including greenspace has been suggested to be beneficial for health and well-being of urban residents. Several mechanisms have been proposed, including mitigation of environmental stressors, such as air pollution, and thermal stress. However, the role of greenspace on reducing electricity consumption in the urban environments has not yet been reported using these mechanisms. The present study used the annual electricity consumption of Yazd city dwellers in the period (2016–2019) and examined its association with different greenspace indicators at their residential addresses. Different private and public greenspace indicators were defined, including private garden access and area, distance to the nearest park (regional and local), percentage of land covered with urban greenspace and residential surrounding greenness (by normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) at different buffer size around residential addresses. Different demographic, urban design and contextual variables were included as the covariates in the models. An inverse association was found between the increase of greenspace in a private garden and the amount of electricity consumption in all the included buildings. One-unit increase in NDVI was significantly associated with 2046.5 kWh/y lower electricity consumption (95 % CI: 1151.79: 2941.21). An increase of 1 m2 in the area of a private garden was associated to 1.2 kWh/y lower energy consumption. A stronger association was also found between the private garden area and lower electricity consumption in contemporary urban texture compared to two other urban texture (contemporary urban texture: β: −1.97, 95 % CI: −2.39 to −1.54, old urban texture: β: −1.21, 95 % CI: −1.97 to −0.46, and historical urban texture: β: −0.25, 95 % CI: −1 to 0.49). The results of this study can strengthen previous theories about eco-friendly cities and sustainable cities. Promoting availability and access to greenspace can help urban sustainability through lower energy consumption.

THE IMPACT OF MGNREGA ON TRIBAL POPULATION: A CASE STUDY OF JALPAIGURI DISTRICT IN WEST BENGAL

National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was passed in 2005 and went into effect on February 2, 2006, covering 200 districts across India. Later on, this scheme was renamed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2009.This act was passed to improve the stability of rural livelihoods by offering every household whose adult members agreed to perform unskilled manual labour 100 days of guaranteed pay employment in each financial year.The Ministry of Rural Development implements this scheme in partnership with state governments. The local governance bodies, such as Panchayati Raj Institutions, play an important role in the project development and implementation ofthis scheme in rural India. MGNREGS programs include water conservation, drought mitigation, land development, rural connection, and other rural infrastructure-building initiativeschosen according to local requirements and priorities.We selected the Jalpaiguri district for our study because it has several problems such as seasonal lockouts of tea plantations, shuttered tea gardens, unemployed laborers in isolated and closed forest villages, no heavy industry since independence, etc. In this paper we attempt to find out whether the implementation of the MGNREGA program in the Jalpaiguri district has improved the livelihood of the Tribal Population in the district and also how effective this program is in dealing with the unemployment problem among the ST population in the district.This study is based on both primary and secondary data from two blocks of Jalpaiguri district i.e. Mal and Nagrakata blockscovering the period 2017-18 to 2022-23. And from each block, I have chosen the two most populace GPs within the blocks.Although the MGNREGS is a good program for reducing rural poverty and unemployment, our primary survey reveals inadequate results in terms of job creation for tribal peoples and those living in the remote tea garden areas within the district. Furthermore, this scheme does not improve Scheduled Tribes (STs) standard of living by providing jobs and promoting their participation in village affairs, hence it is less effective as the participation of ST workers against active workers currently stands at only 12.86 percent.

Clinical assessment of nutritional status among school going children aged 6-15 years in tea garden area of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India

Background: Malnutrition (undernutrition) is a spectrum of disorder caused by various intervening factors which results in formation of ‘web of causation’ and prevalence is very high in developing countries like India which may lead to deficient physical growth as well as suboptimal mental achievement. The present study was designed to assess the nutritional status among school going children in remote tea garden area of Darjeeling district by clinical assessment. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 768 students covering both, the hilly areas and plains of Darjeeling district, and recommended anthropometric parameters and indices of world health organization (WHO) were applied. The data was compiled with MS excel and suitable statistical test were done using SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: Out of 768 school going children aged between 6-15 years, wasting was prevalent among 13% with 1% prevalence of severe wasting, thinness was prevalent among 40%, 25% students suffered from stunting, with 4.6% prevalence of severe stunting. The study revealed a statistically significant (p<0.05) difference of mean weight between boys and girls belonging to age groups of 6+ years, 7+ years, 8+ years and 13+ years, and also of mean height of the boys and girls belonging to the age groups of 6+, 7+, 8+, 13+ and 14+ years. Pallor was also prevalent among 30.5% of the children. Conclusion: Malnutrition was common among the school age children of Darjeeling district in the age group of 6-15 years.

Transformation of traditional home garden (Pekarangan) spatial structure in rural Javanese garden houses compound, Indonesia

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the home garden (Pekarangan) Physical structure in the current condition of Javanese agricultural villages. The discussion mainly focused on home garden layout, spatial elements, and vegetation characteristics. The study of Traditional Javanese village home gardens is summarized from the study of relevant literature. Current conditions were identified from the results of observation and field studies in three villages selected based on the distance of the urban area. A spatial analysis of the home garden’s layout and forming elements was carried out to determine the current condition of the home garden structure and its transformation. The result revealed that the typical Javanese home garden structure in the village still exists and is utilized by people. Some home gardens were also transformed into new structures based on their original form. Home garden spatial structure transformation can be seen in the changes in home garden spatial structure, land size, area coverage, and vegetation characteristics. Furthermore, the composition of the home garden’s spatial structure transformation influences the village’s spatial development.

Kajian Rencana Pengembangan Desain Kebun Raya Tinjomoyo Kota Semarang

Semarang City has a fairly complete biodiversity ranging from genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. In addition, some of the plants identified are related to the historical value and local wisdom of Semarang City. However, the existence of some of these plants is currently threatened by the massive development of Semarang City and the reduction of green spaces. One of the solutions to conserve plants and maintain green spaces in Semarang City is through the development of Tinjomoyo Botanical Garden. The purpose of the study is to develop a design for the development of Tinjomoyo Botanical Garden in accordance with the ecoregion of Semarang City which is included in the East Java Rainforest with the concept of techno park. The design of the Tinjomoyo Botanical Garden is done through zoning arrangements that refer to the Semarang City Ecoregion which is included in the East Java Rainforest. The study results show zone IV with an area of about 10.04 hectares which is the zone with the highest level of suitability for the development of Tinjomoyo Botanical Garden. The arrangement of the botanical garden area, including the reception zone, management zone, collection zone, and recreation zone. In the collection zone 135 plant species as the initial collection of Tinjomoyo Botanical Garden, with a total of 1,834 individuals or collections divided into 8 categories, including historical plants, fruit plants, rare plants, endemic plants, aromatic plants, medicinal plants, forest zones and ornamental plants. Tinjomoyo Botanical Garden is planned to be built within the next 5 years in stages according to the urgency of development in each zone. Suggestions given in the development of Tinjomoyo Botanical Garden needs involvement, coordination, and cooperation with various sectors in order to develop and continue.

Diversitas dan Komposisi Flora Paku (Pteridophyta) di Perkebunan Teh Nirmala Citalahab, Kecamatan Kabandungan, Sukabumi, Jawa Barat

Pteridophytes are able to live in a variety of habitats resulting in high species diversity. However, in monoculture vegetation such as tea plantations, species diversity can be reduced. This study aimed to compare the composition of the pteridophytes on the edge of the main road and the area in the tea garden at the Nirmala Tea Plantation, Kabandungan District, Sukabumi, West Java. Samples were collected using the exploratory method, then identified and observed for their morphological characteristics, and then the data were analyzed descriptively. The diversity of pteridophytes in the tea garden area (18 species) was lower than the main roadside tea plantation (25 species). Some species in the tea plantations were only found in the tea garden area (7 species) or on the side of the main roadside (14), and there were also species found in both locations (11 species). Pteridophytes in the study area is dominated by terrestrial ferns and the Polypodiaceae family. Soil moisture and wind speed are more influential factors on the diversity of pteridophytes than other abiotic factors measured. This result is new information on the diversity of fern in the Tea Plantation.

Microplastic exposure reduced the defecation rate, altered digestive enzyme activities, and caused histological and ultracellular changes in the midgut tissues of the ground beetle (Blaps polychresta)

Concerns about microplastic (MP) pollution in terrestrial systems are increasing. It is believed that the overall amount of MPs in the terrestrial system could be 4–23 times higher than that in the ocean. Agricultural ecosystems are among the most polluted areas with MPs. Terrestrial organisms such as ground beetles, will be more vulnerable to MPs in various agricultural soil types because they are common in garden and agricultural areas. Therefore, this work aims to assess for the first time the potential adverse effects of chronic exposure for 30 days of ground beetles to a field-realistic concentration of 2 % (w/w) of three different irregularly shaped MPs polymers: Polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide 6 (PA; i.e., nylon 6) on their health. The results showed no effect on beetle survival; nevertheless, there was a decrease in beetle defecation rate, particularly in beetles exposed to PS-MPs, and a change in the activity of midgut digestive enzymes. The effects on digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase, and α-glucosidase) were polymer and enzyme specific. Furthermore, histological and cytological studies demonstrated the decomposition of the midgut peritrophic membrane, as well as abnormally shaped nuclei, vacuolation, disordered microvilli, necrosis of goblet and columnar cells, and necrosis of mitochondria in midgut cells. Given the importance of ground beetles as predators in most agricultural and garden settings, the reported adverse impacts of MPs on their health may impact their existence and ecological functions.

ORCHID DIVERSITY (Orchidaceae) IN TWO URBAN SITES IN THE STATE OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Knowledge of urban orchids and their phorophytes is essential for conservation and education initiatives in these areas. The objective of this study was to assess the diversity of epiphytic orchids and identify their phorophytes at Postgraduate College Campus Córdoba (CPCC) and Paso Coyol Ecological Park (PEPC) in order to better understand the differences in their composition. The hypothesis was that the diversity of naturally established orchids would be higher in the less urbanized area, while the phorophytes would be mostly introduced trees. Orchids growing on phorophytes of the garden area (12 000 m²) of both sites were quantified from November 2019 to December 2021. The origin (endemic, native, or exotic) of the orchids and their phorophytes were determined. Simpson and Shannon-Weaver diversity indices were applied, and Whittaker curves were developed. A total of 13 419 orchid individuals were recorded, divided into 31 species, with 26 species reported in the CPCC and 17 in the PEPC. The Simpson and Shannon-Weaver indices showed that the diversity of epiphytic orchids was higher in the CPCC (1-D = 0.78) than in the PEPC (1-D = 0.41). In contrast, species dominance was lower in the CPCC (H = 2.6) than in the PEPC (H = 1.16). Whittaker curves showed that Catasetum integerrimum was the most abundant species in the CPPC and Platystele stenostachya in the PEPC. The CPCC had a greater level of diversity. Fifteen species of phorophytes were recorded in the CPCC and 10 in the PEPC, with a predominance of exotic species, while introduced species accounted for 70 % of the phorophytes found.

Livelihood and Food Security in the Context of Sustainable Agriculture: Evidence from Tea Agricultural Heritage Systems in China.

The conservation of agricultural heritage systems (AHSs) has played a pivotal role in fostering the sustainable development of agriculture and safeguarding farmers' livelihoods and food security worldwide. This significance is particularly evident in the case of tea AHSs, due to the economic and nutritional value of tea products. Taking the Anxi Tieguanyin Tea Culture System (ATTCS) and Fuding White Tea Culture System (FWTCS) in Fujian Province as examples, this study uses statistical analyses and a multinomial logistic regression model to assess and compare farmer livelihood and food security at the tea AHS sites. The main findings are as follows. First, as the tea industries are at different stages of development, compared with agricultural and non-agricultural part-time households, the welfare level of pure agricultural households is lowest in the ATTCS, while welfare is the highest in the FWTCS. Second, factors such as the area of tea gardens and the number of laborers significantly affect farmers' livelihood strategies transformation from pure agricultural households to agricultural part-time households in the ATTCS and FWTCS. Third, the high commodity rate of tea products, combined with compound cultivation in tea gardens, provides local people with essential sources of income, food, and nutrients, so as to improve food security in the ATTCS and FWTCS. These findings are essential for designing policies to ensure farmers' livelihoods and food security through AHSs and other sustainable agriculture.

A study on spatio-temporal trend of rubber leaf fall phenomenon using planetscope multi-index vegetation imagery in relations to climatological conditions

Background: Rubber plants are one of the most important plantation commodities in Indonesia. However, rubber production has declined due to leaf fall disease caused by the pathogen Pestalotiopsis sp. This study aims to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of rubber plant leaf fall disease using multi-vegetation indices from PlanetScope imagery, as well as to analyze the influence of climatological conditions on the disease. Methods: The research was conducted at the Sembawa Rubber Research Center Garden, South Sumatra, using PlanetScope imagery data and climatological data in 2017 (before leaf fall) and 2023 (after leaf fall). Finding: Spatially, the 2023 leaf fall occurred in almost the entire garden area with poor to moderate levels. Blocks 2013D, 2012F, and 2009F experienced the most severe levels, with a total defoliated area reaching 396.76 ha. Analysis of monthly variations in vegetation index values revealed a decrease in values during leaf fall due to Pestalotiopsis sp., specifically in February, May, and September 2023. Statistical test results showed significant differences in vegetation index values between 2017 and 2023. Furthermore, based on Spearman's correlation analysis, there was a positive correlation between vegetation index values and humidity, but no significant correlation with rainfall and temperature. Conclusion: This research provides insights into mapping and monitoring rubber leaf fall disease using remote sensing data and climatological factors, which can be used for more effective rubber plantation management. However, the study has some limitations: monthly Planet data for 2017 is not fully available, several Planet image scenes from 2017 still have more than 50% cloud cover, and there may be biases as plants falling into the low health class are included in the high range of vegetation index values. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The study employs multi-vegetation indices derived from high-resolution PlanetScope imagery to detect and assess rubber leaf fall disease (LFD) within a plantation environment. By integrating spatial and temporal analyses with climatological data, the research provides a precise and comprehensive method for monitoring LFD and understanding its environmental determinants, thereby enhancing traditional rubber plantation management practices.

A STUDY ON INSTITUTIONAL ENVIROMENT OF THE MODEL SCHOOLS OF TEA GARDEN AREAS OF LAKHIMPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM

The National Policy on Education 2020 aims to transform the Indian education system by making it more inclusive, holistic and flexible. In continuations the Government of Assam launched a significant initiative in October 2020 to establish 119 Model Schools across major tea growing districts through Public-Private- Partnership (PPP). By May 2022, 97 of these schools were inaugurated marking a pivotal step towards providing quality education within tea garden community. The present study, through qualitative research methods , examined the institutional environment in enhancing Enrolment, Attendance and Community participation in the Model Schools in the Tea Garden areas of Lakhimpur district, Assam.

SEASONAL VARIATION AND ABUNDANCE, RESIDENTIAL AND IUCN STATUS OF AVIAN DIVERSITY IN FOREST COMMUNITY IN JASHPUR DISTRICT (C.G.)

Birds are one of the most important units in the food chain on this planet. They play significant role in the environment. They are good indicators for understanding climate changing in the ecosystems. Birds attract peoples due to their fascinating colors, courtship behavior, sound and their beauty. The present study was carried out in Forest Community in Jashpur District (C.G.) between January to December 2021 with the objectives to explore the bird diversity and seasonal variation along with the factors affecting bird diversity in the study area. Mackinnon’s Listing Method and Point Count Method were used for bird survey during winter and summer seasons. In the present study, attempt has been made to collect the relevant information regarding the avian fauna of around the study site Jashpur (C.G.). The periodic survey of the study area, showed great deal of avian biodiversity. During the study period, a total of 102 bird species during the two year periods belonging to 15 orders and 39 families were reported were recorded. Various bird species recorded during the whole period of study in “Forest area near Sarudih tea garden area (Site A), nearly village Gamharia (Site B) and near Neemgoan dam (Site-C) Jashpur (C.G.).” were given the IUCN status (Table 5.9) so that the conservational measures could be suggested/adopted accordingly. A comparison of the recorded avian species was made with the recent Red Data List published by IUCN. Accordingly, these bird species were categorized into two IUCN categories, namely, Least Concern (LC) and Endangered (EN). According to Red Data Book of IUCN 102, “Globally threatened” species were also recorded from the study area. Out of 100 globally threatened species, and only 2 species was in endangered category.

Lightweight convolutional neural network-based plant disease identification for protection and landscape design

Plant diseases significantly impact landscape design, necessitating comprehensive consideration and effective management measures to ensure the health, aesthetics, and sustainability of landscapes. Early detection and timely control of plant diseases are crucial, but traditional monitoring methods, which rely on manual observation and sample collection, are inadequate for covering large garden areas and may delay necessary treatments. This study addresses these challenges by constructing a small Rosa chinensis disease dataset through field collection and data augmentation techniques. We propose MixResCoAtNet, an improved model based on the lightweight MixNet framework, to identify and categorize diseases from plant leaf images using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Comparison experiments with various classical convolutional network models demonstrate that MixResCoAtNet outperforms these models, offering more competitive performance. Additionally, due to its lighter structure, MixResCoAtNet shows greater potential for deployment on mobile devices, facilitating real-time and efficient plant disease monitoring and management in landscape design.

Are the Adivasi Rice Growers of Sub-Himalayan North Bengal Efficient Enough? Role of Machine Learning in Farm Business After COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown have disrupted the farming communities across the planet; however, the indigenous communities such as the Adivasi people of tea garden areas in India have been hit hard. It becomes more crucial when we talk about marginalized communities. In India, the Adivasi tribe found in the sub-Himalayan North Bengal cultivates folk rice that needs immediate energy-efficient measures as the production has been increased after receiving the geographical indication tag. Energy efficiency estimation often applied a two-step data envelopment analysis model in agricultural production. However, in most of the previous articles, the applications discussed the factors affecting energy use efficiency with rare studies on efficiency prediction. In this article, first, data envelopment analysis was used to estimate the energy efficiency of rice growers, and in the second stage, extreme gradient boosting, a state-of-the-art machine learning algorithm, was employed to derive the key leading efficiency determinants. The findings revealed wide variation among efficient and inefficient rice growers in the first stage and derived the most salient factors predicting energy efficiency in the second stage. The optimal use of energy inputs combined with effective education, better credit delivery mechanism, arable land availability and years of farming experience provided improvement for the future energy use efficiency of the Adivasi farmers. Further, the novel application of extreme gradient boosting as a machine learning algorithm in energy efficiency evaluation suggests decision-making solutions with a prediction accuracy of 80.91%. Moreover, this study aims to assist future researchers in examining and predicting the key leading determinants to affect energy utilization.