Garden Crops Research Articles

Plant Agrobiodiversity, Agricultural and Phytosanitary Practices of Market Garden Crops in the Centre‐East Region of Burkina Faso

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn West Africa, market gardeners use various agricultural practices to increase yields. However, many of these practices do not comply with agroecological standards and cause intoxication, pollution, soil degradation and biodiversity loss. This study characterizes the plant agrobiodiversity of market garden crops grown during the rainy season and the agricultural and phytosanitary practices used for their management.Materials and MethodsThe study was carried out in Burkina Faso. Plant agrobiodiversity was assessed in 100 market gardens. Agricultural and phytosanitary practices were characterized using semi‐structured interviews. A Sankey diagram was used to highlight the relationships among market garden crops, bioaggressors and diseases. Principal component analyses were applied to highlight the agricultural and phytosanitary practices used.ResultsThe results revealed rich agrobiodiversity, including 16 market garden crops, 15 local agroforestry species, 17 planted species and 37 weed species. The main market garden crops grown in the rainy season were cabbage (20.30%), lettuce (16.62%), tomato (11.69%), and amaranth (10.15%). The most frequent agroforestry species were Azadirachta indica (18.20%) and Mangifera indica (15.03%). The most common weeds were Eleusine indica (11.02%) and Cyperus reduncus (9.70%). Eleven pests were identified, and the most frequently recorded were caterpillars (39.06%). Sixteen diseases were reported, the most common being leaf yellowing (15.67%) and leaf wilt (11.67%). Numerous market gardeners use mineral fertilizers such as Yaramila (NPK 23‐10‐5), NPK (14‐23‐14), urea (46.00% nitrogen), and liquid fertilizer as well as compost and organic manure. The most common agricultural practice was crop rotation (79.00%). To protect crops, 89.00% of producers used synthetic chemical pesticides in an uncontrolled manner, most of which are purchased on the local market. Only 11.00% of the market gardeners practiced the natural phytosanitary treatments.ConclusionThis study provides important information that can be used for the sustainable management of market gardens. Agroecological standards should be popularized to ensure food security for market garden crops.

Review on the Glutinous Physiological Quality and SS Genes Polymorphism of Indian Pumpkin Germplasm Resources

Indian pumpkin, as one of the major cultivars of annual trailing herbaceous plants of the genus Pumpkin in the family Cucurbitaceae, is native to South America and widely grown in China, especially in Zhejiang Province, which is an important garden crop and food crop in China. Starch is an important component of pumpkin pulp and an important basis for the glutinous quality of pumpkin germplasm resources, and its synthesis is mainly determined by the SS (Starch synthases) gene in pumpkin. This review takes Indian pumpkin as an example to summarize the current progress of research on starch and explore its biosynthesis and regulatory processes, including the analysis of the physicochemical properties of the SS gene and the construction and analysis of the evolutionary tree, etc. Meanwhile, with the development of molecular marker technology, it has become possible to utilize bioinformatics tools to analyze the sequence and predict the physicochemical properties of the SS gene family members in Indian pumpkin, and the use of related technologies will promote pumpkin related results into life use.

Study on the rate of pesticide use in market gardening to promote more sustainable and healthier farming practices in the Médéa region, Algeria

This study was carried out in the region of Médéa with the aim of finding out the rate of pesticide use in market garden crops, which are widely consumed by people in Médéa. In fact, this work aims to raise awareness among all pesticide sellers, farmers and consumers to minimise as far as possible the use and consumption of products treated with pesticides because they are very harmful to human, animal and environmental health in the short and long term. To this end, a survey of 49 farmers was carried out in the field on 30 farms in eight major stations, namely Tablat, Bouchrahile, Chahbounia, Suaghi, Sidi naamane, Beni sliman, Sidi rabie and Si mahjoub, using an appropriate questionnaire. The results of this study show that the majority of farmers report the presence of fungal diseases, in particular scab and mildew. In addition, there were parasitic pests such as aphids, mites and caterpillars, unlike weeds, whose presence depended on the farm. Farmers also use pesticides incorrectly, failing to observe the safety period and not wearing protective equipment when applying these substances. Pesticide sellers, farmers and consumers also suffer from a number of illnesses, including cancer (various types), skin diseases, eye diseases, stomach pains and coughs.

ВЫБОР ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ ЭКСТЕМПОРАЛЬНОЙ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ ФОРМЫ ИЗ СЫРЬЯ СМОРОДИНЫ ЧЕРНОЙ (RIBES NIGRI CORMUS)

When studying a new type of raw material, a rational choice of dosage form plays an important role in order to obtain a pronounced pharmacological effect. Black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) belongs to the family Grossulariaceae – gooseberries. This is one of the most common berry crops both in industrial gardens and in private plots. Black currant shoots, as easily accessible raw materials, are of interest for study in order to establish the possibility of their use in scientific medicine. The article presents the results of the choice of technology for obtaining an extemporal dosage form from black currant shoots. The content of biologically active substances (BAS) in raw materials – black currant shoots, as well as the yield of BAS: flavonoids, polysaccharides, tannins and ascorbic acid in the infusion and decoction of currant shoots was investigated. The content of flavonoids was determined by differential spectrophotometry on the SF-2000 spectrophotometer, polysaccharides by gravimetric method, tannins and ascorbic acid by titrimetric method using pharmacopoeial techniques. The content of BAS in the raw materials – black currant shoots: for flavonoids - 2.64%, polysaccharides – 27.85%, tannins – 8.98% and ascorbic acid – 0.8%; in the infusion: flavonoids – 1.98%, polysaccharides – 25.67%, tannins – 7.89%, ascorbic acid – 0.6%; and in decoction of currant shoots: flavonoids – 1.65%, polysaccharides – 23.88%, tannins – 8.89%, ascorbic acid – 0.4%. Based on the conducted research, it was concluded that the infusion is the optimal extemporal medicinal form of black currant shoots, since it contains the largest amount of biologically active substances, and is promising for further study for use in medical practice.

The Diversity of pollinator insects in vegetable gardens, Kabawo District, Muna Regency

Pollinator insects play an important role in pollination to increase the productivity of flowering plants. The aim of this study was to analyze the abundance, diversity, and specific taxon of insect pollinators among different vegetable crops in local farmers' gardens. Insects were sampled from four gardens, namely polyculture long bean (KKP), eggplant polyculture (KT), curly chili monoculture (KCK), and Indofood chili monoculture (KCI) used nets and light traps. The results showed that the abundance and diversity of pollinator insects varied between gardens. The pollinator insect community in KCI was most similar to that in KCK; KT was similar to the KCI and KCK groups, while KKP were separate from the KT, KCK and KCI groups. The richest genus occurs in KKP, while chili plantations are the poorest. The apis genus in KKP and KT, and the Nomina genus in KCK and KCI were dominant. The specific pollinator insect genus in KKP is the richest. It concluded that plant species and cropping patterns contribute to the composition and diversity of the pollinator insect community.

Carbon budget of diversified cropping systems in southwestern China: Revealing key crop categories and influencing factors under different classifications

Cropping systems are considered the largest source of agricultural GHG emissions. Identifying key categories and factors affecting cropping systems is essential for reducing these emissions. Most studies have focused on the carbon budget of cropping systems from the perspective of a single crop or crop category. Comprehensive studies quantifying the carbon budget of diversified cropping systems, including farmland and garden crops, are still limited. This study aims to fill this gap by quantifying the carbon budget of diversified cropping systems, clarifying their carbon attributes, and identifying key crop categories and influencing factors within different classifications of the system. This study analyzed the carbon budget of a diversified cropping system consisting of 19 crops in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, using a crop-based net greenhouse gas balance methodology based on the “cradle-to-farm” life cycle idea. Crops were categorized into three levels of categories to assess the potential impact of categorization within the cropping system on its carbon balance. Results showed that Yunnan's diversified cropping system is a significant carbon sink, with net sequestration of 33.1 Mt CO2 eq, total emissions of 37.4 Mt CO2 eq, and total sequestration of 70.5 Mt CO2 eq. Cereals, vegetables, and hobby crops were the main contributors to carbon emissions, accounting for 41.61%, 21.87%, and 15.37%, respectively. Cereal crops also made the largest contribution to carbon sequestration at 53.18%. Bananas had the highest emissions per unit area (11.45 t CO2 eq ha−1), while walnuts had the highest sequestration (20.64 t CO2 eq ha−1). In addition, this study highlights effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as reducing nitrogen fertilizer use, minimizing reactive nitrogen losses, and controlling methane emissions from rice fields. By elucidating the impact of carbon dynamics and crop categories, this study provides insights for sustainable agricultural practices and policies.

Vertebrates and flying insects provide biocontrol services to Australian urban food gardens

Biocontrol by wild insects and other organisms is an important service provided to agriculture, but few studies have linked the role of this service to urban garden crop production. In 15 urban food gardens in Sydney, Australia, we assessed predation and parasitism of two sentinel prey species, recorded pest control activities undertaken by gardeners and the produce yielded by garden crops. We observed substantial removal of sentinel prey (mean removal 22% for Tenebrio molitor larvae and 59% for Helicoverpa armigera) but no parasitism. Vertebrate predators primarily consisted of urban adapted birds and mammals common throughout Australian cities. We measured a range of local and landscape scale environmental variables including plant richness and abundance, light, canopy cover, building density and distance to remnant vegetation. We found that gardeners undertook only basic pest control activities with little chemical use, yet high amounts of produce were harvested. Pest control services were poorly explained by environmental variables. Low active pest control activities, and high predation rates suggest pests are either well controlled or in low numbers in the surveyed urban food gardens. Given the vertebrate predators were generalist birds and mammals common to many parts of urban Australia, the provision of predation services to urban gardens by these taxa could be widespread across the continent.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of agricultural and built-up areas in the Niaye area of Pikine urban wetland (Dakar, Senegal)

The Niaye area of Pikine, a wetland with favorable physical and climatic conditions, is a rich and varied ecosystem that guarantees a supply of water and fertile soil, conducive to market gardening. This plays an important socio-economic role in the Dakar region. However, this sensitive and fragile ecosystem is often affected by poor farming practices. The aim of the study was to analyze the spatial evolution of agricultural areas and built-up areas in order to identify related environmental problems. Interview guides, aerial photographs from 1966 and 1978 and Digital Globe Over view 2 satellite images from 2004 and 2022 were used. The interview guides were used to obtain data on the management of the market gardening activity, and also to identify the environmental problems it generates. Satellite data processing revealed, through cartographic analysis, a progressive market gardening dynamic of +5.07%. In addition, the built-up area around the lake has increased by over 200%, resulting in a 68.4% decline in upland vegetation and a migration of market gardeners to the lake. This situation leads to the destruction of market garden crops in the rainy season as the water rises. What's more, the intensification of market gardening in response to the population's growing demand for vegetables has not failed to encourage bad practices, including the use of pesticides and sewage, which is a public health problem and a threat to the future of this wetland.

Vermicompost as an alternative substrate to peat moss for strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) in soilles culture

BackgroundConsecutive droughts and quantitative and qualitative reduction of surface and underground water resources have caused an increase in greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation for most garden crops, including strawberries, in Iran. On the other hand, most of the inputs of greenhouse crops in Iran are imported. To possibility of replacing vermicompost with peat moss under hydroponic cultivation, an experiment was done in a split plot based on randomized complete blocks design in three replications in Isfahan (Iran) Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in 2019. The main treatment was substrate at four levels included different levels of vermicompost (30 and 50%) and peat moss (30 and 50%) in combination with perlite and sub-treatment were Selva and Camarosa cultivars.ResultsThe results showed that Camarosa cultivar and Selva cultivar in (perlite/ peat moss 50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite / vermicompost 70:30) had maximum yield.Leaf number and chlorophyll index were maximum in Camarosa cultivar in peat moss substrates. Strawberry cultivars had the highest root fresh weight, the content of vitamin C and total soluble solids (TSS) in substrates containing vermicompost. Camarosa cultivar in (perlite / peat moss50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite /vermicompost 50:50) had maximum root dry weight. Also, the highest number of inflorescences was related to substrates containing peat moss and (perlite /vermicompost 70:30). Maximum amount of fresh and dry weight of shoots were observed in (perlite/ peat moss70:30). Selva cultivar had more inflorescences (16.5%) than Camarosa cultivar and Camarosa cultivar produced more fresh and dry weight of shoots (16.5%, 23.01%) than Selva cultivar.ConclusionExpriment results highlighted the importance of considering both main and sub-treatments in agricultural research, as they interacted to influence various growth and yield parameters. 50% vermicompost treatment combined with perlite had a positive impact on plant growth and in quality index such as vitamin C content and TSS was highest. while the choice of cultivar affected different aspects of plant development. Selva cultivar was known to be more tolerant to salinity caused by vermicompost. Vermicompost is local and more economical, also salt resistant cultivars are recommended in a controlled (30%) amount of vermicompost.

Pembibitan dan Kultivasi Tanaman Pekarangan dengan Teknik Makropropagasi Sebagai Pembinaan Kelompok Tani Desa Suling Wetan Bondowoso

Social independence and alternative efforts to improve the village economy are joint or collaborative efforts through community service activities. The form of community service activities can be in the form of information transfer, education and technology or other planned activities. One of these fields can be agricultural activities, namely plant breeding or cell multiplication which functions to meet the need for seeds, especially for home gardens, ornamental plants, plantations, food and horticulture, all of which can be done independently for sale or to meet one's own needs. Cultivation of garden and horticultural crops in Suling Wetan Village still uses conventional methods which greatly affect overall production results. The macropropagation technique is an effort to obtain quality seeds that have viability, disease resistance and superior characteristics and are able to maintain the same characteristics as their parents. The service activities received a very good response from the Suling Wetan village farmer group and the general public. Farming groups or the general public can utilize macropropagation technology to support agricultural production at low costs and become an alternative source of income.

Identification and Characterization of Market Garden Crops Grown Near Landfills in Abidjan District

Abstract: Market garden crops constitutes an important source of food and is one of the most income-generating activities in Côte d'Ivoire. In the Abidjan district, several market gardening sites are located near illegal landfill sites, therefore representing a danger for consumers.
 Aims: This study was carried out to map these different sites, inventory the plant species cultivated and characterize the cultivation practices with a view to highlighting the constraints and identifying prospects for improvement.
 Methodology: Semi-structured individual interviews were carried out in 4 communes of Abidjan (Abobo, Bingerville, Cocody and Port-bouët) to collect information from 400 residents including 280 men and 120 women. The statistical analysis of the survey results was carried out using Google Form and Excel software.
 Results: The results revealed six (6) market garden sites with landfills distributed in four (4) different communes (Abobo - Akeikoi village; Bingerville - Bingerack city; Cocody - M'pouto village and M'badon village; Port-bouët - 4th bima and Mafiblé village). Thirteen (13) market garden species which are divided into eight families. Lettuce and basil are grown on all identified sites and represent the most cultivated species (40%). Market garden crops is practiced by young people aged 10 to 30 (70%) with a relatively low level of education. Pests (insects, rodents, fungi) and heavy metals from illegal dumps constitute the main obstacles to production and are vectors of frequent diseases.
 Conclusion: It would be wise to adopt an integration policy for market gardening, in urban development plans, and to combat the proliferation of uncontrolled landfill sites, this will help to improve the quality and yield of market garden crops in Abidjan.

Interspecies Kinship of Liuran: Rethinking Marshall Sahlins’s Mutuality of Being

<p>The anthropological discussions regarding the concept of mutuality of being by Marshal Sahlins have focused on the idea that kinship only occurs between humans through certain rituals or traditions. This idea is limited in considering non-human species that also potentially form interspecies kinship. Through a multispecies ethnographic approach, this article discusses interspecies kinship in the context of joint agricultural care without exchanging exact amount of payment (liuran) by female farmers in Kampung Laut District, Cilacap Regency, Indonesia. In this study, the data were collected through participant observation techniques and in-depth interviews with four female farmers as key informants who have been involved in liuran for years. The findings showed that the interspecies kinship between female farmers and rice and garden crops is like mother and child because there has been an emotional-ecological bond in the process of caring for sedimentation farming over decades, primarily through taboo practices. The process of caring for rice and garden plants together also forms a socio-economic support system among female farmers, which helps strengthen their interspecies kinship. Considering non-human species as part of the family members places them in an equal relationship with humans in contributing to the sustainability of living ecosystems.</p>

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ ЗАПИЛЕННЯ ПЛОДОВО-ЯГІДНИХ КУЛЬТУР САДУ ІЗ ЗАЛУЧЕННЯМ РІЗНИХ ВИДІВ КОМАХ

The purpose of the research – to study the mutual existence of different types of insects competing for food sources and involved in garden crops. Methods and materials. The research was carried out on garden crops (cherry plum, apricot, cherry, pear, domestic apple) using honey bees, bumblebees, and osmium under the influence of temperature on the efficiency of pollination in the forest-steppe of the Kyiv region. Results. The organization of pollination of the main garden crops by insects begins with cherry plum, apricot, and cherry, the honey productivity of which is 40 kg/ha. Temperature fluctuations and unfavorable weather conditions do not allow honey bees to pollinate effectively, so other insect species more adapted to abnormal climate changes were used. The use of osmia, bumblebees, and honey bees for pollination was more effective since they complement each other due to different flight modes and different food requirements. Bumblebees and osmia fly out to collect food before honeybees, and they can also collect nectar with a sugar content within 4%, and bees prefer nectar with a content of 50-60%, but not less than 16-18%. When weather conditions improve, more flowers bloom, the nectar thickens, and as a result, the mobilization of the honey bee increases, which with its numbers covers the plant’s need for pollination. Conclusions. The simultaneous use of honey bees, osmia and bumblebees for the pollination of fruit and berry crops makes it possible to obtain an ovary on cherry plum of 86.8%, which is 11.2% more than when using only bees as pollinators; on apricot - 39.2% ( + 10.8%), cherries – 35.7% (+23.3%), pears – 64.8% (+29.2%), plums – 78.4% (+36.1%), domestic apple trees – 78.9 (+16.7%). Keywords. Honey bee, bumblebee, osmia, pollination, cherry plum, apricot, cherry, pear, plum, domestic apple tree.

Електросапа – культиватор «Мрія»

In this article, we propose the design of a universal electric hoe - a cultivator with a balancing drive wheel for inter-row cultivation of row crops. Currently, chemical methods and mechanical loosening are widespread in modern agriculture, but concerns about the use of herbicides, especially in "organic farming," leave no choice. We propose a machine that allows for inter-row cultivation of any row crops, even by a child. The proposed device is to be equipped with an electric motor with an electric battery, which will allow for greater mobility, low noise and vibration levels, as well as a set of tools to perform all technological operations when growing row crops. Ninety percent of manual labor in the cultivation of garden crops is spent on sowing and subsequent cultivation of row spacing. Therefore, the device must have a certain set of tools, such as a "hiller paw" for cutting furrows and hilling; a "one-sided paw" for removing weeds from the row spacing; a "lancet paw" for deep loosening and crust destruction. As can be seen from the above, manual weeding is the most effective method of weed control for working on a personal plot. However, due to the high labor intensity of the work, the task of creating a device for processing both inter-row and intra-row weeding is now being addressed. Field tests have shown that this device performs all the tasks in full, and the battery capacity, subject to continuous processing, is enough for 400 m2. The next step in improving the functional characteristics of the proposed design is to equip the electric chopper-cultivator with a device for inter-row cultivation. Inter-row cultivation is a method of weed control that involves removing weeds from the internal space between plants in one row. This process can be an important step in crop care and is aimed at reducing competition between weeds and crops. It is important to perform inter-row weeding in a timely manner, especially in the early stages of crop growth when weeds are just beginning to gain weight. It is economically feasible for the operator to control the machine manually. After a short practice, the control accuracy can reach several centimeters.

Influence of reasoned organic and inorganic fertilization on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) growth, productivity, and profitability on degraded sandy soil in South Togo

Reasoned fertilization practices promote fertilizers formula adjusted to the crop’s needs and increase production and income. In this study, two agronomic tests were carried out on two sites named Tabligbo (site 1) and Djikame (site 2) on degraded sandy loam soils situated in the south of Togo using inorganic and organic fertilizer quantities obtained from reasoned fertilization. An indigenous variety of Abelmoschus esculentus was used and five treatments were applied: T2: mineral fertilizer (667 kg/ha), T3: waste compost (6126 kg/ha at Tabligbo and 7260 kg/ha at Dzikame), T4: mineral (333.50 kg/ha) + compost fertilizers (3063 kg/ha for site 1 and 3630 kg/ha for site 2), control (T0) and smallholder farmers’ old fertilization practices (T1). At Tabligbo, treatments T2 and T4 stimulated quick growth (74,5 ± 03.50 cm) and the highest number of fruit was obtained on T4 treatment (102 ± 09). At Djikame, treatments T2 and T3 presented the highest growth (65.82 ± 2.51 cm) and the T4 treatment gave the best number of fruits (72 ± 4.00). Economic Efficiency and Cost-Value Ratio were high on the T4 formula on Tabligbo soil (53.48% and 1.85). At Djikame, treatment T2 presents the highest value of economic parameters (24.52% and 01.35). Among treatments tested, T4 (compost + mineral fertilizer) is the effective treatment on Tabligbo sandy loam soil for okra production while the T2 (mineral fertilizer) option is the best for okra production on site 2 due to the low content in nitrogen increasing C/N ratio. The effective fertilizer formulas discovered in this study will be shared with farmers in the study areas in order to improve market garden crop production in South Togo.

Isotopic Signatures of Nitrogen in Selected Soils from Croatia

The mobility of nitrogen (N) in the environment is conditioned by its cycling between atmospheric, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems. It is a key element for global biogeochemistry, and although isotope analysis has been an integral part of many studies over the past eighty years, the complexity of the nitrogen cycle hinders a correct and detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind its processes. It could be argued that the interpretation of the isotopic signatures of nitrogen in soils is still in its infancy. In Croatia, such research has recently begun and is driven by a need for the comprehensive study of nitrogen isotopes in terrestrial ecosystems. The aim of this study was to compare the abundance of the 15N isotope in soils from continental and coastal parts of Croatia with different types of land use (arable land/crop production, meadows, forests, orchards, ski slopes, urban soil/city roads) and to authenticate the nitrogen origin in soils in relation to different soil management practices. This research was based on 27 soil samples collected at 11 locations in Croatia. The samples differed according to soil type, land use, applied mineral and organic nitrogen fertilization, and climatic condition at each specific location. The determination of δ15NT (T—total nitrogen) values in bulk samples was performed in duplicate with the IRMS (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) method using an IsoPrime100-Vario PYRO Cube (OH/CHN Pyrolyser/Elemental Analyzer). The results reveal that the mean δ15N abundance in soils according to different land use declines in the following order: crop production (+5.66 ± 1.06‰) > apple orchard (+5.60 ± 0.10‰) > city road (+4.33 ± 0.38‰) > meadow (+3.71 ± 0.85‰) > ski slope (+2.20 ± 0.10‰) > forest (+2.15 ± 1.86‰). The individual values were in the range from 0.00 ± 0.10‰ in the forest soil in continental Croatia to +7.19 ± 0.07‰ in the vegetable garden (crop production) soil in coastal Croatia. Among the investigated soil properties and weather conditions, PCA analysis identified close correlations between P2O5 content and δ115N abundance in arable soils, as well as between soil reaction (pH) and mean annual temperatures, while high C/N ratio values explained the isotopic distribution in non-arable soils (city roads and forests). Despite the long-term application of mineral nitrogen fertilizers, the results represent nitrogen of organic origin in the arable soils (crop production), which partly confirms the sustainable management of those agroecosystems.

Insects pollinating parsnip Pastinaca sativa l. (Apiaceae) in Moscow province

The purpose of the study was to test the ability of Pastinaca sativa , as one of the plants whose sap contains furanocoumarins, to attract the same types of insects as the most dangerous weed - Sosnowsky’s hogweed, which is widely spread in Russia. As a result, 46 species of pollinating insects from the orders Hymenoptera (3 species), Hemiptera (2 species), Coleoptera (10 species) and Diptera (31 species) have been recorded on P. sativa . Among the latter, representatives of Tachinidae (6 species), Anthomyiidae (6 species), Calliphoridae (4 species), and Syrphidae (4 species) predominated. About 50% of insects pollinating P. sativa are found on other species of umbrella plants, including native species Anthriscus sylvestris , Aegopodium podagraria , Angelica sylvestris ; on horticultural crops: Anethum graveolens , Petroselinum crispum , Carum carvi , Coriandrum sativum , Levisticum o cinale , and on the invasive hogweed Heracleum sosnowskyi . It was not possible to detect any preference of insects for yellow (parsnip, lovage, dill) or white (kupyr, goutweed, angelica, hogweed, parsley, cumin, coriander) corolla color, plant height (from 30 cm to 2 m) or umbrella diameter (from 8 to 30 cm). Among all the captured insects, the following groups can be distinguished: those found on P. sativa and on wild-growing species of Apiaceae - 6 species; on P. sativa and garden crops - 4 species; on P. sativa and Heracleum sosnowskyi - 4 species; found on many species of Apiaceae - 10 species; found only on P. sativa - 24 species.

Market garden efficiency and farmer empowerment in the urban and peri-Urban area of San Pedro for food security in Côte d'Ivoire

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of market garden crops in the urban and peri-urban area of San Pedro, Côte d'Ivoire, and to determine their contribution to the empowerment of market gardeners and to food security in the region. The sample was carried out on 50 market gardeners spread over 5 production sites, with a cumulative cultivated area of 16.6 hectares. The results show that thirteen (13) crops are grown, of which four are specifically grown by women, six are specifically grown by men and three are grown jointly by women and men. Short cycles are predominantly managed by women, while long cycles are dominated by men. The best gross margins were observed for eggplant cultivation in periods of scarcity and abundance. The study also revealed constraints linked to market gardening practices, as well as to fertilizer types and use. These results could be useful for improving market gardening practices in the region and boosting food security. This should help public policy-makers to make the right decisions.

European ground squirrels in backyard gardens: Identifying and mitigating agricultural conflicts with an endangered species

The European ground squirrel faces potential extinction in various countries, with populations decreasing throughout the entire range. Particularly in the Czech Republic, the mosaic landscape of private backyard gardens is now a vital habitat for the species. However, information regarding crop risks and effective, non-invasive measures for conflict mitigation are almost inexistent. To address this, we conducted field experiments examining the risk of damage for 18 common crops in backyard gardens, and tested non-invasive physical barriers to protect small plots. Our research reveals that simple fences are highly effective in safeguarding susceptible crops, particularly in areas with a high squirrel density. These findings contribute to the development of more species-specific, ecologically-based management plans and help create a sustainable future for the European ground squirrel.

Identification of Salmonella in Market Garden Products and Irrigation Sources in the City of N'djamena

Objective: Irrigation of market garden crops in the city of N'Djaména is done through wastewater often heavily soiled by human and animal faeces. The aim of this study was to identify salmonella in market garden products and irrigation sources in the city of N'Djaména. Methodology and Results: Samples of water and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) were taken from market gardens in 16 sites covering 7 districts (1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) of the city of N'Djaména. Microbiological analysis was done according to ISO 6579:2002. Salmonella strains were isolated according to the standard microbiology method and confirmed by the Api 20 E bacterium. Market gardening is practiced by 87.87% of men and 12.12% of women, most of whom are illiterate (53.03%). However, 84.84% of producers have no knowledge of biosafety; 80.30% do not know what salmonellosis is; 78.78 recognize that the use of wastewater in market gardening constitutes a danger to the health of producers and consumers. The rate of contamination of water by salmonella by district was: 94.44% in the 1st ; 91.66% in the 9th; 81.57% in the 7th; 80% in the 10th; 78.26% in the 3rd; 69.69% in the 5th and 68.96% in the 8th. According to the seasons: the prevalence was 85% in the dry season, 76% in the rainy season. The prevalence of salmonella in the different types of irrigation water was: 88.48%; 86.40%; 83.33% and 35.71% in pond water, wastewater, river water and borehole water respectively. The contamination rate in lettuce was: 93.10% in the 9th; 92.10% in the 1st; 92.% in the 7th; 91.66% in the 3rd; 90.90% in the 10th; 88.88% in the 5th, and 86.95% in the 8th. According to the seasons, salmonella contamination was 92.59% in the dry season and 89% in the rainy season. For fertilizers, the prevalence was 88% for simple dung, while for dung associated with synthetic fertilizer, it was 86%.