High-value Crops Research Articles

Monitoring the susceptibility of Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) to afidopyropen, cyantraniliprole, dinotefuran, and flupyradifurone in south Florida vegetable fields.

Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) is a significant pest that damages a wide range of high-value vegetable crops in south Florida. This pest has demonstrated the ability to develop resistance to various insecticide groups worldwide. Monitoring the resistance levels of MEAM1 populations and maintaining baseline susceptibility data are crucial for the long-term effectiveness of insecticide management strategies. We conducted serial dilution bioassays on 15 field populations of MEAM1 collected in south Florida to assess their resistance to 4 key insecticides: afidopyropen, cyantraniliprole, dinotefuran, and flupyradifurone. To quantify resistance levels, resistance ratios (RR) were generated by comparing the LC50 values of field populations to those of a known susceptible MEAM1 colony reared in the laboratory. Our findings reveal that all field-collected populations were susceptible to dinotefuran (RR 1-8) and flupyradifurone (RR 2-8). While over 80% of the populations tested were susceptible to afidopyropen (RR 1-9), 2 populations exhibited low (RR 38) and moderate resistance (RR 51), respectively. In contrast, most of the populations (57%) showed low to moderate resistance to cyantraniliprole (RR 21-78), and the remaining populations were susceptible (RR 3-10). The 2 populations with resistance to afidopyropen also exhibited moderate resistance to cyantraniliprole. Further research in this direction can aid in refining insecticide resistance management programs in Florida and other regions where B. tabaci MEAM1 is a major pest. Exploring the implications of these findings will be essential for insecticide use and integrated pest management strategies in south Florida.

Climate change and agriculture in a mining context of Odisha, India

The paper investigates the changing agricultural patterns of crops in the state of Odisha, especially in the Sundargarh district over 15 years. It addresses the question, of how climate change affects agriculture particularly the cropping patterns in the mining context of Odisha, India. The changes in cropping patterns directly impact the livelihoods of the population, who depend on agriculture. The study covered the major crops in the district from 2004-05 to the 2018-19 seasons by utilizing secondary data and intersecting it with primary data gathered from farmers in the district. The data was analyzed using descriptive methodology and primary data was collected through the Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) tool in the Hemgiri Block of the Sundargarh district. The results revealed several factors that directly contributed to changes in cropping patterns, including climate change, government projects, mining activities, and market dynamics. A decline in paddy crop area was observed with a shift toward the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, and fruits such as mango and cashew. Overall, these findings indicate a significant change in agricultural preferences and a shift among farmers toward high-value economic crops.

Agricultural diversification and enhancing farm income: Learning from grassroots

Enhancing the income of farmers is a national priority to address the agrarian issue of distress and improving farmers’ welfare. In this context, a network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) was engaged to make interventions on farmers’ field. This study carried out in Madhya Pradesh, presents the quantitative assessment on the impacts of KVKs’ initiatives in terms of different interventions made to contribute in farmers' income (doubling farmers income, DFI). The structured sampling method was followed using multi-stage random sampling. This has covered selecting 11 agro-climatic regions of the state and 25% of KVKs from each region. Further, 2 treatment (DFI) and 2 control (non-DFI) villages were taken. Finally, from each village, a total of 20 farm households were taken. The results indicated that average treatment effect on the treated (ATT), which is the difference between matched DFI and non- DFI households after accounting for counterfactual, was positive and significant. The value of ATT implies that net income of DFI households was more than that of non-DFI households by 111%. The net income of DFI households has increased by 156% during 2016–17 (the year of launch of KVKs' DFI scheme) to 2020–21. Households with male heads, without any other source of income, owning smaller livestock and land holdings were observed to get benefit from participation in the interventions on DFI made by the KVKs. Recognition and response to the heterogeneity treatment effect can help in optimizing resource allocation, enhancing programme effectiveness and maximizing the potential impact of the KVKs’ DFI initiatives. Agricultural diversification shifted to high value crops (e.g., like vegetables, dairying, etc.), has been crucial in enhancing income of DFI households.

Driving factors for developing integrated farming: Multi-criteria decision-making analysis

Integrated farming (IF) by temporal and spatial mixing of crops, livestock, fishery, and allied activities in a single farm, is considered a critical multifunctional option for smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Indian agriculture, to ensure sustainable livelihoods, the productivity of agricultural enterprises, stability of farm income, food and nutritional security. However, the adoption of IF still remains low. To explore the critical factors of IF systems and prioritize them for stakeholders’ decision-making and development of strategies, the current research was undertaken to integrate SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) - AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) analysis. We used a multi-stage sampling to select 60 practicing IF adopters in West Bengal state of eastern India for the collection of pair-wise comparison data on 32 SWOT factors using a close-ended questionnaire and subjected to AHP analysis to understand the quantitative importance of each factor of SWOT. Results of the multi- criteria analysis showed the total priority weight of the opportunity component (0.450) was the highest, followed by strength (0.341), weakness (0.114), and threat components (0.095). Based on the global priority weight of all 32 SWOT factors, sustainable livelihood security” was the key driving factor (0.081) followed by promotion of organic farming (0.072), better risk management (0.063) and incorporation of high-value crops (0.063) of opportunity component. Increased farm production and productivity (0.058) and enhancement in income (0.055) of strength component also played as vital driving factors. There was no factor of weakness and threat components within the first 10 important factors. The insights of this study may help improve extension services to smallholder farmers for prioritizing strategies in the adoption process of IF. Additionally, it can also help policymakers to design targeted policies, remove barriers, foster innovation, and promote sustainable practices, contributing to food security and environmental sustainability.

Fertiliser supplementation with a PGR complex of chlormequat chloride (CCC) and paclobutrazol (PBZ) alters Cannabis sativa growth

ABSTRACT Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) is a high-value crop, wherein growth within controlled environments is common for the purposes of maximising yield, quality, and uniformity, however, uncontrolled-growth in proximity to artificial lighting can compromise yields. Within the floricultural industry it is common practice to apply plant growth regulators (PGRs) to retard plant growth and maximise yield and quality, with two well-established PGRs being chlormequat chloride (CCC) and paclobutrazol (PBZ). Accordingly, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of a PGR complex of CCC and PBZ for novel application to cannabis to control plant height. Treatment of cannabis with the PGR complex within an indoor hydroponic growth system resulted in a 91.1% reduction in post-treatment plant growth (p < 0.001) leading to plants with end-point height and internodal spacing (INS) 0.568-fold (p < 0.001) and 0.469-fold (p < 0.001) shorter than control plants, respectively. These results demonstrate the capacity of CCC and PBZ to beneficially halt the growth of cannabis. Accordingly, application of these PGRs in combination may be utilised to restrict cannabis height without compromising yield within commercial cultivation.

Beneficial ‘inefficiencies’ of western ranching: Flood-irrigated hay production sustains wetland systems by mimicking historic hydrologic processes

Ranching in the American West has long relied on riparian ecosystems to grow grass-hay to feed livestock in winter and during drought. Producers seasonally flood grasslands for hay production using stream diversions and low-tech flood-irrigation on riparian floodplains. Inundation mimics natural processes that sustain riparian vegetation and recharge groundwater. The recent doubling in use of more efficient irrigation approaches, such as center-pivot sprinklers, threatens to accelerate climate change impacts by unintentionally decoupling more inefficient, traditional practices that sustain riparian systems. To assess ecosystem services provided by flood-irrigation hay production, we developed an exhaustive spatial inventory of grass-hay production and combined it with monthly surface water distributions modeled from satellite data. Surface water data were classified by wetland hydroperiod and used to estimate the proportion of wetlands supported by grass-hay production in the Intermountain West, USA. Elevation and proportion of grass-hay relative to other irrigated lands were enumerated to examine differences in their positions and abundance within landscapes. Lastly, we overlaid the delineated grass-hay wetlands with LANDFIRE pre-Euro-American Settings layer to quantify the efficacy of flood irrigation in mimicking the conservation of historical riparian processes. Findings suggest that inefficient grass-hay irrigation mirrored the timing of natural hydrology, concentrating ∼93% of flooded grasslands in historical riparian ecosystems, affirming that at large scales, this ranching practice, in part, mimics floodplain processes sustaining wetlands and groundwater recharge. Despite representing only 2.5% of irrigated lands, grass-hay operations supported a majority (58%) of temporary wetlands, a rare and declining habitat for wildlife in the Intermountain West. Tolerance for colder temperatures confined grass-hay production to upper watershed reaches where higher value crops are constrained by growing degree days. This novel understanding of grass-hay agroecology highlights the vital role of working ranches in the resilience and stewardship of riparian systems.

Assessing the Role and Capacity of Water Management Organizations for Ensuring Delta Food Security in Bangladesh

The coastal zone, consisting of one-third country's area, is the most climate-vulnerable region of Bangladesh. The country has invested significantly in coastal zone through the construction and rehabilitation of polders. Despite vast opportunities, land productivity in the polders is very low due to poor water governance and management. To improve in-polder water management, the responsibility of operation and maintenance of the polder water infrastructure has been transferred to Water Management Organizations (WMOs) since 2001. WMOs are currently voluntary organizations but are very important for micro-level agricultural water management. A study was conducted in 2017 and 2018 in a medium saline polder; with a major focus on organizational behaviour: hierarchy in decision-making, transparency, financial accountability, leadership, internal communication, and motivational incentives of the WMOs. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 192 respondents of randomly selected eight Water Management Groups (WMGs – the lowest tier of WMOs), out of 40 WMGs of the polder. The results revealed that the WMGs operations are not fully participatory in principle yet. Even the transparency, financial accountability, leadership, and internal communications within WMGs are not strong enough to take the organizational responsibility to address future challenges in food security of the climate-vulnerable polder communities. Improving drainage through efficient water management showed a yield gain of at least 1.5 t/ha in the wet season only. In addition, improved drainage fosters sustainable year-round cropping with high-yielding, high-value and nutrition-rich crops with 2 to 3 times higher productivity than the traditional cropping system. Therefore, investment in water governance particularly in improving drainage in the polders could be a major game-changer in sustaining the food security of the climate-vulnerable polder communities of Bangladesh. The study identified the knowledge gap as a significant concern that demands the need for capacity building of the WMOs.

Mitigating Emerging and Reemerging Diseases of Fruit and Vegetable Crops in a Changing Climate.

Fruit and vegetable crops are important sources of nutrition and income globally. Producing these high-value crops requires significant investment of often scarce resources, and, therefore, the risks associated with climate change and accompanying disease pressures are especially important. Climate change influences the occurrence and pressure of plant diseases, enabling new pathogens to emerge and old enemies to reemerge. Specific environmental changes attributed to climate change, particularly temperature fluctuations and intense rainfall events, greatly alter fruit and vegetable disease incidence and severity. In turn, fruit and vegetable microbiomes, and subsequently overall plant health, are also affected by climate change. Changing disease pressures cause growers and researchers to reassess disease management and climate change adaptation strategies. Approaches such as climate smart integrated pest management, smart sprayer technology, protected culture cultivation, advanced diagnostics, and new soilborne disease management strategies are providing new tools for specialty crops growers. Researchers and educators need to work closely with growers to establish fruit and vegetable production systems that are resilient and responsive to changing climates. This review explores the effects of climate change on specialty food crops, pathogens, insect vectors, and pathosystems, as well as adaptations needed to ensure optimal plant health and environmental and economic sustainability.

Growth and Export Performance of Pineapple from India: An Economic Analysis

The present study was undertaken to know the growth and export performance of pineapple. Pineapple (Ananas Comosus) is a tropical fruit belonging to the Bromeliaceae family, and it is commercially cultivated worldwide as a high-value crop. India is the sixth largest producer in the world. The objective of the study was to elucidate the growth and export performance of the Pineapple from India.The secondary data for analysis was collected from AGMARKNET, National Horticultural Board (NHB) and Agricultural and Processed Food products Export Development (APEDA). The results of the growth rate revealed a positive and increasing trend in pineapple exports from India during the study period, with an annual growth rate of 9.78 percent in quantity and 6.39 percent in value, which is significant at a five percent level of probability. The results of the Cuddy Della Valle index indicated that pineapple exports from India exhibit moderate instability, with values of 17.17 and 19.90 percent in quantity and value terms, respectively. It reveals that the average Nominal Protection Coefficient (NPC) value for pineapple was 0.53, indicating a moderate level of export competitiveness. Throughout the entire period, it is evident that India did not demonstrate competitiveness in pineapple exports, as indicated by the Revealed Comparative Advantage Index (RCA) values consistently being below unity and the Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) values being negative. The direction of the Indian pineapple trade was conducted using the Markov chain framework. Among the major importers, the United Arab Emirates stood out as one of the most stable markets with a high probability of retention at 0.624. Overall, Indian pineapple stands out as a reliable and competitive player in the global market, with a strong performance and potential for growth. Therefore, efforts should be focused on enhancing the quantity of exports while ensuring they meet the quality standards and align with the consumer preferences of other countries.

Sustainability concern in Indian agriculture: needs science-led innovation and structural reforms

Agriculture in India is facing several challenges which together are manifested into the sustainability issues. The broad contours of the agricultural production system in the country have been defined by the need to achieve food security which calls for close attention to rice–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system of the Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP) whose sustainability is under threat. Degradation of natural resources, severe biotic and abi otic stresses specially drought, floods, pest infestations with accompanying impacts on biodiversity and agricultural productivity are the major constraints to agricultural development. Further, climate change has gained significant global attention over the past decade due to concerns of deleterious long-term impacts on agriculture, water sup ply, human welfare, regional and political stability. All the related issues need to be addressed on priority, with par ticular emphasis on soil-carbon through a holistic approach. As the strategy brings focus on income of farmers, the agricultural technology needs to move from “Production oriented-Green Revolution” to “Farmer’s Income oriented Revolution” and environmentally sustainable farming. Therefore, for long-term sustainability in agriculture, 4 pil lars/ components (good agricultural practices, climate-change mitigation and adaptation, diversification of high value crops and biodiversity management) needs to be addressed properly, more importantly good agricultural practices (GAP). The GAPs are based on the principles of risk prevention, risk analysis, sustainable agriculture, and integrated crop management (ICM), which are of utmost importance in present time. The GAPs for agricultural sustainability are reduced tillage, conservation agriculture, resource-conservation technologies (RCTs), erosion control measures, diversified cropping system, micro-irrigation, balanced fertilization, manuring, watershed man agement, organic farming, and integrated farming systems etc. Now that the vision is to impart income security to the farmers of the country, diversification of the system across all the sub-sectors of agriculture assumes impor tance which is, indeed a de-risking mechanism capable of negotiating both endogenous and exogenous risks as sociated with the system. The effective and efficient management of agro-biodiversity is also essential through management of genebanks, science-led innovations; livelihood, food and nutrition security though crop diversifica tion, use of lesser-known crops and wild relatives in crop improvement; dealing appropriately with quarantine, bio safety and bio-security.

DEVELOPMENT OF ENHANCED AGRICULTURAL GREENHOUSE SYSTEMS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

DEVELOPMENT OF ENHANCED AGRICULTURAL GREENHOUSE SYSTEMS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Saffron In Vitro Propagation: An Innovative Method by Temporary Immersion System (TIS), Integrated with Machine Learning Analysis

The propagation of Crocus sativus L. relies exclusively on corm multiplication. As underground storage organs, corms are susceptible to a wide range of pathogens, environmental stresses, and diseases, making traditional propagation methods often ineffective with the loss of valuable material. In vitro propagation offers an alternative for the saffron culture under controlled conditions. In particular, the innovative application of the Temporary Immersion System (TIS) represents a technological advancement for enhancing biomass production with a reduction in operational costs. The current study utilized the Plantform™ bioreactor to propagate in vitro saffron corms from the ‘Abruzzo’ region (Italy), integrating machine learning models to assess its performance. The evaluation of saffron explants after 30, 60, and 90 days of culture showed a marked improvement in growth and microcorm production compared to conventional in vitro culture on semisolid medium, supported by the machine learning analysis. Indeed, the Random Forest algorithm revealed a predictive accuracy with an R2 value of 0.81 for microcorm number, showcasing the capability of machine learning models to forecast propagation outcomes effectively. These results confirm that applying TIS in saffron culture could lead to economically viable, large biomass production within a controlled environment, irrespective of seasonality. This study represents the first endeavor to use TIS technology to enhance the in vitro propagation of saffron in conjunction with machine learning, suggesting an innovative approach for cultivating high-value crops like saffron.

Evaluation of shoot-growth variation in diverse carrot (Daucus carota L.) germplasm for genetic improvement of stand establishment.

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a high value, nutritious, and colorful crop, but delivering carrots from seed to table can be a struggle for carrot growers. Weed competitive ability is a critical trait for crop success that carrot and its apiaceous relatives often lack owing to their characteristic slow shoot growth and erratic seedling emergence, even among genetically uniform lines. This study is the first field-based, multi-year experiment to evaluate shoot-growth trait variation over a 100-day growing season in a carrot diversity panel (N=695) that includes genetically diverse carrot accessions from the United States Department of Agriculture National Plant Germplasm System. We report phenotypic variability for shoot-growth characteristics, the first broad-sense heritability estimates for seedling emergence (0.68 < H2 < 0.80) and early-season canopy coverage ( 0.61 < H2 < 0.65), and consistent broad-sense heritability for late-season canopy height (0.76 < H2 < 0.82), indicating quantitative inheritance and potential for improvement through plant breeding. Strong correlation between emergence and canopy coverage (0.62 < r < 0.72) suggests that improvement of seedling emergence has great potential to increase yield and weed competitive ability. Accessions with high emergence and vigorous canopy growth are of immediate use to breeders targeting stand establishment, weed-tolerance, or weed-suppressant carrots, which is of particular advantage to the organic carrot production sector, reducing the costs and labor associated with herbicide application and weeding. We developed a standardized vocabulary and protocol to describe shoot-growth and facilitate collaboration and communication across carrot research groups. Our study facilitates identification and utilization of carrot genetic resources, conservation of agrobiodiversity, and development of breeding stocks for weed-competitive ability, with the long-term goal of delivering improved carrot cultivars to breeders, growers, and consumers. Accession selection can be further optimized for efficient breeding by combining shoot growth data with phenological data in this study's companion paper to identify ideotypes based on global market needs.

Peanut Smut in Argentina: An Analysis of the Disease, Advances, and Challenges.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally high-value food crop, with Argentina ranking third in global peanut exports. However, Argentine peanut production faces a severe threat from a fungal disease, peanut smut, caused by Thecaphora frezzii. This disease is particularly prevalent in the Córdoba Province, where recent surveys have documented a gradual increase in the prevalence and incidence of peanut smut, becoming a significant challenge to peanut production. First identified in Brazil in the 1960s in wild peanut and later in Argentina in 1995 in commercial peanut fields, the disease has rapidly spread owing to its distinctive pathogen characteristics, including the lack of visible symptoms on aerial plant parts, spore spread, and survival, and with a lack of proactive efforts to develop and apply management strategies. This results in the gradual accumulation of teliospores of T. frezzii in soil, further exacerbating the problem in subsequent growing seasons by increasing the intensity of the disease and driving a reduction in crop yield and quality. This review summarizes recent research on peanut smut, focusing on disease assessment, molecular characterization, diagnosis and detection, epidemiology, host range and environmental conditions, and the latest advancements in management approaches, including fungicide spraying, breeding programs, cultural management, and biological control, aimed to enhance understanding and support effective disease management strategies in peanut production systems.

Protective covers impact honey bee colony performance and access to outside resources

Protective crop covers are used extensively to protect high-value crops from bird and hail damage, however, these structures may present challenges for honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), the main pollinators in these systems. Some studies have indicated that protective covers result in declines in colony size and resource storage, but few replicated field trials exist. To determine the impact of protective cropping structures on honey bee brood production and resource storage, 14 honey bee colonies were placed inside and outside of protective covers on four blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum and V. virgatum) farms in northern New South Wales, Australia. We measured changes in brood production, pollen and honey storage, hive weight and ambient hive temperature fortnightly over a 12-week period. Brood production, pollen and honey storage, and hive weight all displayed greater reductions within four weeks of placement under net cover, compared to hives outside of net cover. Although brood and honey metrics gradually increased in all hives during the remainder of the 12-week monitoring period, hives located under protective netting had relatively smaller gains in brood production and pollen storage when compared to hives located outside the protective covering. Hives under protective netting that were in the shade and/or whose entrances were facing south were most impacted by the end of the monitoring period. Our findings highlight the need for protected crop management strategies to consider pollinator health as well as crop pollination needs so that both bee health and pollination services are maintained in these systems.

Collaboration in agricultural value chains: a scoping review of the evidence from developing countries

PurposeCollaboration in agricultural value chains (AVCs) has the potential to increase smallholders’ participation in international value chains and increase their benefits from participation. This scoping review explores existing collaboration models among stakeholders of AVCs in developing countries, examines enablers and constraints of collaboration and identifies policy gaps.Design/methodology/approachWe systematically searched three databases, CAB Abstracts, Econlit (EBSCO) and Agricola, for studies published between 2005 and 2023 and included 59 relevant studies on AVC collaboration.FindingsThe primary motivations for collaboration are to enhance market access and improve product quality. Key outcomes of collaboration include improvements in farmers’ welfare, market participation and increased production; only a few studies consider improved risk management as an important outcome. Robust support from government and non-governmental entities is a primary enabler of collaboration. Conversely, conflicts of interest among stakeholders and resource limitations constrain collaboration possibilities. Collaboration involving high-value crops prioritizes income increases, whereas collaboration involving staple crops focuses on improving household food security.Research limitations/implicationsThis study may have publication bias as unsuccessful instances of collaboration are less likely to be published.Originality/valueThis study is unique in highlighting collaboration models’ characteristics and identifying AVC policy and programmatic areas where private firms, farmers’ groups, local governments and donor agencies can contribute.

Performance evaluation of the Bilate and Furfuro irrigation schemes in Silti Zone, southern Ethiopia

Many irrigation schemes are performing poorly for a number of reasons, and this should be improved to increase the efficiency and productivity of the schemes. This study attempted to determine the performance of the Bilate and Furfuro irrigation schemes in Silti Zone, southern Ethiopia. For field data measurements, three farmers’ fields were selected at the head, middle, and tail end of each scheme. Average conveyance efficiencies were 53% and 56.1%, average field application efficiencies were 55.9% and 58.0%, average water storage efficiencies were 53% and 46.5%, irrigation uniformity was 91.03% and 92.9%, and overall irrigation efficiency was 28% and 32% for Bilate and Furfuro schemes respectively. This implied that the two schemes were performing inefficiently and inadequately, but water was distributed uniformly. The reason might be most canal sections had unreasonable losses of water in two schemes. Additionally, relative water supply was 0.68 and 0.79, relative irrigation supply was 0.61 and 0.77, output per unit irrigated area was 4140.4 and 1781.5 ($/ha), output per unit command area was 4510.3 and 1968.5 ($/ha), output per unit irrigation supply was 0.94 and 0.28 ($/m3), output per unit water consumed was 0.99 and 0.39 ($/m3), sustainability of irrigation area was 1.05 and 1.02, and irritation ratio was 1.11 and 1.09 for Bilate and Furfuro schemes respectively. This revealed that the applied water was not satisfied the crop water demand, but their irrigated lands were expanded for two irrigation schemes. Furfuro scheme was better than Bilate in terms of relative water supply and relative irrigation supply, but their results obtained were below acceptable values. However, Bilate scheme had significantly better land and water productivity than Furfuro scheme. This may be use high value crops, better agricultural inputs, and removal of grass cover and sedimentation from canal systems. Hence, Bilate irrigation scheme was better performing than Furfuro scheme. Therefore, adopt the best practices learned from Bilate irrigation scheme for the Furfuro scheme.

A STUDY ON MAKING SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEM ECONOMICALLY VIABLE AND SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE IN BANGLADESH

&lt;p&gt;Solar power is at the forefront of sustainable development discussions due to the global movement toward renewable energy. In Bangladesh, where agriculture is vital to the economy, sustainable irrigation is crucial. This thesis investigates the economic viability and socio-economic acceptability of solar-powered irrigation systems (SPIS) in Bogra, Bangladesh. Several approaches have been proposed to make solar power irrigation in Bangladesh more profitable. High-value crops like summer tomatoes and hybrid vegetables highlight the economic benefits and increased profitability of solar-powered irrigation systems. Furthermore, it is imperative to decrease the expenses associated with these systems. Partnering with government agencies to make vital equipment affordable and accessible can achieve this goal. Researching new methods and localized production can also lower solar panel prices. A collaborative technique between marginal and large-scale farmers can help small-scale farmers afford solar power irrigation by distributing costs fairly. Government backing, expanded R&amp;amp;D, localized manufacture, training, and subsidies can also help solar-powered irrigation become economically sustainable. To improve socio-economic acceptability, solar power irrigation benefits must be promoted and communicated. Training, informed advertising, and successful case studies help build faith in the technology and motivate farmers to employ it. Community involvement and practical examples in Bogra can boost social approval as farmers see the benefits of solar-powered irrigation. Sharecroppers, a large part of Bangladesh's agricultural community, need subsidies or reasonable financing. This paper examines the economic viability and socio-economic acceptability of solar-powered irrigation systems in Bangladesh, specifically in Bogra. The goal is to sustainably enhance agriculture in the region by examining many options and strategic methods. This field addresses the critical need for environmentally friendly and sustainable irrigation solutions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/lit/0787/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Effectiveness of Nanoformulated Plant Growth Regulators in the Production and Propagation of High-value Crops and Ornamentals

Among the major classes of plant hormones, auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins are widely used for plant propagation. These hormones influence the physiological and developmental processes of plants such as root initiation, apical dominance, seed germination, leaf expansion, and development of buds, flowers, and fruits. Its exogenous application was found to significantly improve the growth of several important plants. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of plant growth regulators (PGRs) derived from naturally occurring plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) in the production and propagation of selected crops. In this study, indole- 3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA) were extracted from naturally occurring PGPB Bacillus sp. The extracted hormone was nanoformulated for controlled release and increased uptake in plants. The nanoformulated hormones were applied in the propagation of coffee and the production of eggplant and ornamentals. Results showed that the application of nanoformulated IAA (Nano-IAA) significantly increased the survival rate of coffee compared to the commercially available auxin. Nano-IAA increased the germination rate of eggplant in acidic soil and root emergence of Bougainvillea over the negative control (water) but was comparable to that of the commercially available auxin. The nanoformulated GAs and commercially available

Investing in the Pioneering Varieties as an Agreement to Attaining Economic Take-off on Smallholder Seed Firms in West Africa

Farmers everywhere depend on access to good quality seed, which is fundamental to their crop production systems. Most governments have made significant investments in strengthening national agricultural production capacities, yet farmers in developing countries still face difficulties in accessing the quality seed of the varieties that they require. Guaranteeing farmers’ access to quality seed can only be achieved through a viable seed supply system that can multiply and distribute seeds, which have been produced or preserved. This is better achieved by the private sector, but medium- to large-scale international seed companies concentrate on high-value crops and avoid dealing in the self-pollinating, open-pollinating and vegetative-propagated varieties on which most smallholder farmers depend for their food security as the biology of these crops makes it easy for farmers to keep their seeds for several seasons. However, smallholders are often seen as the driving force of economic growth, poverty reduction and food security. This is also true for smallholder seed enterprises, which, in the absence of large companies, provide a valid alternative for the production and distribution of food security crops. This paper reviews case studies on smallholder seed enterprise in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as relevant world literature in order to identify key issues that facilitate or constrain the development of the seed sector. The final section provides some guidelines on policy design and implementation to promote the development of sustainable seed enterprises at different stages in the evolution of national seed sectors. It provides examples of good practices and hence seeks to assist governments in identifying ways in which they can support the development of smallholder seed enterprises that will provide the most appropriate varieties to smallholder farmers in their efforts to boost food production.