Local Vegetable Production Research Articles

Monitoring of plant diseases caused by Fusarium commune and Rhizoctonia solani in bok choy using hyperspectral remote sensing and machine learning.

Local vegetable production is susceptible to various fungal pathogens, the most common and lethal of which are Fusarium commune and Rhizoctonia solani. Early detection of these pathogens is challenging, and by the time visual symptoms appear, the pathogens may have already spread extensively, causing massive damage to the production. In this study, we explored the use of hyperspectral data for early detection of diseases caused by F. commune or R. solani in bok choy Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis by collecting hyperspectral data from healthy plants and plants inoculated with either fungal pathogen in a controlled experimental set-up. Based on the collected data, we employed various tree-based, distribution-based, geometric, neural networks and ensemble learning algorithms to train detection models. Among the trained models, Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) models performed the best with overall accuracy reaching 95.9 ± 0.26%. MLP models could differentiate between healthy and infected plants with 99% precision after 1 day of infection, and distinguish between different fungal pathogens with 99% precision after 2 days. During this period, no visible symptoms of fungal infection could be observed. Further analysis into trained MLP models and general reflectance profiles of plants also revealed a high correlation of the spectral regions 445-460, 560-595, 606-620 and 719-728 nm with fungal infection in bok choy plants. Our findings highlight the potential of hyperspectral imaging as a highly precise early detection tool for fungal diseases in plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of urbanisation on urban residents’ perception of vegetable production in Yaoundé, Cameroon

In the context of rapid and unplanned urbanisation in many Sub-Saharan African cities, the social and political context of urban and peri-urban vegetable production is becoming unfriendly despite its multifunctionality in achieving human development. This paper aims at measuring the effects of urbanisation on urban residents’ perception of vegetable production in urban and peri-urban areas of Yaoundé, Cameroon. Data from a survey conducted by the World Vegetable Centre among urban residents living within and around vegetable production areas was employed for the study. The results show that urban residents agree with vegetable production in their vicinity, but depending on the extent of urbanisation, the magnitude of their positive perception varies significantly from one production area to another. More specifically, while proximity to the city centre increases the likelihood of urban residents’ ability to agree with local vegetable production, the density of the population decreases this positive perception instead.

Spatial Distribution and Driving Forces of the Vegetable Industry in China

Based on the ArcGIS geostatistical analysis method, this study offers a visualization of the spatial distribution pattern and spatial trend of vegetable production in China. The research also examines the degree of spatial agglomeration patterns of vegetable production by using the standard deviation ellipse technique and exploratory spatial data analysis method. In addition, we employ the spatial regression model partial differential method to explore the driving factors leading to the changing layout of vegetable production. The findings unveil that vegetable production in China exhibit strong spatial non-equilibrium characteristics, with “high-high” and “low-low” types as the main agglomeration patterns. Furthermore, the location distribution shows a northeast–southwest orientation with the center of gravity of distribution gradually directed toward the southwest. Regarding driving factors, the results show that the effective irrigated area of natural factors had a facilitating effect on the layout of vegetable production, while the affected area had an inhibiting effect on it. Climate indicators such as temperature, precipitation and light show different degrees of influence on the layout of vegetable production. The level of urbanization and transportation conditions have a negative impact on the layout of production in the region. Market demand has a positive spillover effect on the layout of local vegetable production, while it has a negative spillover effect on other regions. Technological progress shows positive spillover effects on the layout of vegetable production in the region and other regions. Financial support policy also shows positive effects from an overall perspective.

Implementation of the New European Bauhaus Principles as a Context for Teaching Sustainable Architecture

Due to the presentation of the European Green Deal (EGD) on 11 December 2019, it is important to introduce a new context for the education of architects corresponding to the objectives set by the European Union. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, designing buildings in accordance with the principles of the circular economy, using renewable energy, as well as promoting ecological food and protecting biodiversity. As part of the design course Environmentally Friendly Housing Architecture, inspired by, among others, the design of the New European Bauhaus and the former Bauhaus art school, both of which are compared in the first part of this article, we identify a number of new, assessed design indicators related to the achievement of the above objectives, in line with the trend of sustainable architecture. The indicators are divided into four main categories: energy, environment, indoor climate, and society, where, for example, the environmental category includes the following criteria: embodied energy (MJ/m2), embodied carbon footprint (CO2eq/m2), use of rainwater and gray water (% of demand), use of mains water (% of demand), local production of vegetables and fruit (% of demand). During the design process, changes were made to achieve better indicators, and the final designs were described using radar charts. The paper presents a statistical summary of the achieved values for individual indicators, the progress achieved, exemplary design solutions, and the assessment of the methodology used. The design course Environmentally Friendly Housing Architecture was assessed by the participants by means of a questionnaire.

Environmental impact assessment of local decoupled multi-loop aquaponics in an urban context

Fresh vegetables available on Northern European markets usually originate from a high number of sources. Environmental impacts for these goods typically arise from the resources used in production and the long-distance transport in air-conditioned trucks. As such, environmental impacts are mainly attributed to direct energy consumption, water use and nutrient supply. The aim of this paper was therefore to investigate and evaluate possible solutions to reduce the environmental impacts of vegetables available on urban markets in Northern Europe. We hypothesise that for the production of lettuce and tomatoes in Northern Europe, a 4-step solution, i.e. 1) local production, 2) climate-controlled efficient greenhouses, 3) decoupled aquaponics, and 4) combined building architecture with waste heat and green waste reuse, will enable a low environmental impact. We defined the metropole Berlin as case example, and used simulation results from a proven greenhouse simulator as input to a comparing life cycle assessment of fresh lettuce and tomato. The assessment included a list of 12 midpoint environmental impact categories, e.g. global warming potential with 100 year horizon (GWP100; kg CO2 eq.), depletion of fossil fuel reserves (FRS; kg oil eq.), and water use (WCO; m3 water). Most impact categories decreased systematically when increasing the complexity of the local vegetable production. Compared to the mix of vegetables from different locations available on the market, the complete 4-step solution reduced WCO from water consumption to water saving: i.e. from 14.2 L or 3.3 L to −10.1 L or −0.21 L per package of 500 g tomatoes or 150 g lettuce, respectively. GWP100 and FRS were below the values of the available market mix, e.g. GWP100 decreased with 8.7% in tomatoes and 49.9% in lettuce. In conclusion, with the right set-up, local vegetable productions in urban regions can surpass the imported mix on environmental performance in Northern Europe.

Food Security in Arctic Uluses; Issues of Local Agricultural Production

This paper analyzes economically the food security of a local population as well as the local farming of potatoes, milk, meat, fish, and eggs. Data was collected from statistical reports for 2012-2019; the goal of the study was to analyze the food security in the Arctic municipalities of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The study has shown that only fishing is a well-performing industry to date. Local potato farming is naturally limited, while vegetables are imported. Compared to the City of Yakutsk, some municipalities have 2 to 6 times higher food prices, or even 7 times higher. Gross production of eggs has risen by 131%, still not enough to be significant. The paper identifies the key issue of the agricultural market in the region. It discusses issues and makes proposals with regard to the development of the agroindustrial complex (AIC). In particular, the paper proposes establishing poultry and rabbit farming as well as local production of vegetables and potatoes.

STUDY OF ACTIVE FARMLAND USE TO SUPPORT AGENT-BASED MODELING OF FOOD DESERTS

Abstract. Food desert (FD) is the area that has limited access to affordable and nutritious foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods. FDs are important socio-economic problems in North Carolina (NC), potentially contributing to obesity in low-income areas. If farmland is available, local vegetable production could potentially help alleviate FDs. However, little is known about land use and land-use transitions (LUTs) in the vicinity of FDs. To fill this knowledge gap, we study the farmland use in three NC counties, Bladen, Guilford and, Rutherford, located in Coastal, Piedmont, and, Mountain regions of the state, respectively. The analysis combines the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2015 FD/NFD delineation of census tracts, and geospatial soil productivity and 2008–2019 land cover data. The understanding of farmland use is expected to contribute to the development of LUT components of FD Agent-Based Models (ABM).

STUDY OF THE RAPHANUS SATIVUS L. (SMALL RADISH) BIODIVERSITY UNDER CONDITIONS OF INTENSIVE LIGHT-CULTURE AND IDENTIFICATION OF DONORS OF ECONOMICALLY LUABLE CHARACTERS FOR BREEDING

Supply of the domestic fresh vegetables commodity to the population of Northern regions of Russia is one of the most priority tasks of the national economy. Lack of the local, high-quality and adopted breeding material is highly problematic for breeding programs. Generation of the new, highly productive vegetable cultivars for the glass-covered ground, including light culture, will promote to expand significantly the volume of local production of vegetables in protected ground, especially in regions with a cold climate. One of the most prospective crops for protected ground is small radish, an early ripening crop with a valuable biochemical composition. А strategy for creation of the new, highly productive forms of small radish, beard predictable complex of economically valuable characters for growing in conditions of intensive light culture, has been developed in the Agrophysical Research Institute (SaintPetersburg). At the first stage, represent interspecific set of 26 small radish cultivars from different regions, was investigated in controlled conditions (artificial light, climate cell) to reveal a complex of economically valuable properties (early maturity, productivity, morphological traits). The plants were grown in original plant grooving light equipment (lamps DNaZ-400, photoperiod 12 hours, irradiation 15-20 klk), in a small volume of substrate (peat with mineral additives). It was observed that the small radish varieties have significant diversity in precocity, productivity, resistance to bolting, also they vary in a number of morphological features of roots and leaves. Bov, Estella, Rocco (Netherlands), Nobo Chind Criollo (Peru) were the most productive cultivars. They can produce yield of commercial roots during 30 days of vegetation up to 3.5 kg/m2. In addition, cultivars – genetic resources of economically valuable properties (compact rosette, glabrous leaf, resistance to bolting) were revealed for a breeding. Parent pairs for crossing were selected. It is planned to obtain offspring small radish forms with a complex of economically valuable properties, more productive than the parents. In all matched hybrid combinations, F1 hybrids were obtained. They have a degree of hybrid superiority in roots weight from 110 to 230% over the best of the parent form. They will become the ancestors of the original forms of small radish, intended for cultivation in conditions of intense light culture.

Development of a modified QuEChERS method for multi-class pesticide analysis in human hair by GC-MS and UPLC-MS/MS

The present study assessed the suitability of using QuEChERS procedure for the simultaneous determination and quantification of 37 multi-class pesticides in human hair. Matrix co-eluted material had a large influence on instrumental response sensitivity. Purification was needed although dSPE cleanup sorbent selection critically influenced analyte recovery. Optimized protocol using Z-Sep+ sorbent successfully achieved recovery of 28 pesticides with high sensitivity, precision, and accuracy. Limits of detection ranged from 0.2 to 86.6 pg mg−1 and from 0.5 to 6.3 pg mg−1 for GC and UPLC amenable substances respectively. Pyrethroid pesticides were the most influenced by matrix effects which explained the higher limits of quantification retained for these substances. On the contrary, high sensitivity was achieved for UPLC amenable substances (LOD < 1 pg mg−1 for atrazine, deisopropylatrazine, desethylatrazine, and imidacloprid). Suitability for monitoring pesticide exposure was assessed by application of the proposed protocol to samples collected on the field. Hairs of the volunteers were found positive to 8 pesticides with every sample containing at least one residue. Among these pesticides, only 3 were reported as used in local vegetable production, which suggested other sources of exposure. The developed method offers a sensitive, robust, and accessible tool for biomonitoring of human exposure.

Sugarcane Field Residue and Bagasse Allelopathic Impact on Vegetable Seed Germination

The chemical interaction between plants, which is referred to as allelopathy, may result in the inhibition of plant growth and development. The objective of this research was to determine the allelopathic impact of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) var. ‘HoCP 96-540’ field residue and sugarcane bagasse extracts on the germination of three vegetable crops. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. alboglabra Bailey), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seeds were treated with 4 extract concentrations (0, 16.7, 33.3, and 66.7 g/L) from either sugarcane field residue or sugarcane bagasse extracts. Germination of the tomato, Chinese kale, and cucumber seeds decreased as concentration of sugarcane field residue extracts increased. At the highest residue concentration (66.7 g/L), germination decreased by 44%, 82%, and 88% for tomato, Chinese kale, and cucumber, respectively. These results would indicate that sugarcane field residue would not be a suitable natural mulch or soil amendment for local vegetable production, especially where the vegetables were direct-seeded. If evaluated correctly, the sugarcane field residue may be an effective natural mulch for perennial ornamental plants in landscape applications, serving as a physical and chemical barrier to germinating and emerging weed species. Sugarcane bagasse extracts did not inhibit Chinese kale and cucumber germination, and only inhibited tomato germination by 13% at the greatest concentration (66.7 g/L) in 1 experiment. As the first documented bioassay implicating bagasse as allelopathic active, further research should investigate the subject using higher concentrations, and additional sugarcane and tomato varieties. Except for the one instance with tomato germination, it appears that sugarcane bagasse has potential as a natural mulch for vegetable production, although the mulch would only be a physical barrier to weed establishment and not a allelopathic chemical barrier. Future research should determine the allelopathic active compounds in sugarcane field residue and if the concentration of allelopathic chemicals vary by sugarcane variety.

WATER FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES USED FOR THE IRRIGATION OF VEGETABLES TO BE MARKETED: RESEARCH ON Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., AND COLIFORMS IN PARANA, BRAZIL.

SUMMARYThe aim of this work was to compare, from a parasitological ( Cryptosporidiumspp. and Giardia duodenalis), bacteriological (total and thermotolerants coliforms) and physicochemical perspective, water sources used for drinking and irrigation of vegetables intended to be sold for human consumption. From January 2010 to May 2011, samples of different water sources from vegetable producing properties were collected; 100 liters for parasitological analysis, 200 mL for bacteriological analysis, and five liters for physicochemical analysis. Water samples were filtered under vacuum with a kit containing a cellulose acetate membrane filter, 1.2 µm (Millipore(r), Barueri, SP, Brazil). The material retained on the membrane was mechanically extracted and analyzed by direct immunofluorescence (Merifluor(r)kit). From 20 rural properties investigated, 10 had artesian wells (40 samples), 10 had common wells (40 samples), and one had a mine (four samples), the latter contaminated by Cryptosporidiumspp. In samples from artesian wells, 90 to 130 meters depth, 42.5% were positive for total coliforms and 5.0% were identified to have abnormal coloration. From the samples of common wells, 14 to 37 meters depth, 87.5% were contaminated with total coliforms, 82.5% were positive for thermotolerant coliforms, and 12.5% had color abnormalities. We did not detect the presence of Giardiaspp. or Cryptosporidiumspp. in artesian and common wells. The use of artesian or common wells is an important step in the control of the spreading of zoonoses, particularly Cryptosporidiumspp. and Giardiaspp., as well as artesian wells for coliform control in local production of vegetables to be marketed.

Consuming local vegetables from our local growers

In recent years, consumers increasingly are seeking out locally grown foods, due to concern for freshness, food safety, and the carbon footprint associated with food sourced from distant places. This 5-page fact sheet promotes local vegetable consumption by pointing out some of the advantages, benefits, and business opportunities associated with local vegetable production and consumption. Written by Qingren Wang, Edward A. Evans, Margie Pikarsky, and Teresa Olczyk, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, September 2014.&#x0D; HS1251/HS1251: Consuming Local Vegetables from Our Local Growers (ufl.edu)

A quantitative assessment of vegetable farming on vacant lots in an urban fringe area in Metro Manila: Can it sustain long-term local vegetable demand?

The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess vegetable production and consumption in an urban fringe area in Metro Manila, the Philippines. We conducted field investigations into vegetable production at a farm within a subdivision, monitored customers for 1 week at the farm's vegetable stand, interviewed customers of the stand, and conducted household monitoring and interviews to identify purchasing behavior. We also conducted an object-based WorldView-2 image analysis of a larger area to identify current and potential future vegetable farming plots and a spatial analysis using GIS to visualize the vegetable production/consumption ratio. We found that about one-third of current vegetable demand could be supplied by greater promotion of vegetable farming in vacant lots and by setting up more vegetable stands at spatial intervals less than 1-km. Subdivision regulations also influenced vegetable farming because of the level of social acceptance of caretakers of vacant lots. The current planning and institutional framework does not consider social contexts in land use and planning. We suggested that a new framework is necessary; it should consider balancing the formation of social capital and formalize planning and institutional procedures to support sustainable local vegetable production.

Sustainability aspects of vegetable production in the peri-urban environment of Bogotá, Colombia

Although the peri-urban region around Bogotá, Colombia contains a diversified horticulture sector, local vegetable production suffers from a critical lack of research and availability of un-biased, scientifically validated information on crop management. In this study, we identify current trends and deficiencies in fertilisation and pest management for local vegetable production. We relate pesticide type with target pests, evaluate temporal patterns in pesticide and fertiliser use for a key crop (i.e. spinach) and conduct basic nutrient budget accounting. Personal interviews with vegetable growers were combined with a detailed follow-up of management activities and soil nutrient profiles on pilot farms in two different peri-urban municipalities. Most (84%) vegetable growers relied on personal experience, and indicated a lack of unbiased information on fertiliser effectiveness and pesticide action spectra. The majority of farmers used pesticide mixtures on a calendar basis and commonly applied products below recommended doses. Soil nutrient accounts indicate insufficient fertilisation and a progressive depletion of key nutrients. Extraction rates for the principal vegetable crops exceeded by 33.6%, 20.5% and 93.0% soil nutrient availability of N, P and K, respectively. Organic products are included in local fertilisation schemes, with chicken manure as the principal source, at an average application rate of 6 t ha−1. Our findings could help policymakers and local institutions set a research and extension agenda to promote sustainable peri-urban vegetable production and help secure peri-urban livelihoods while ensuring healthy and safe horticultural production.

Oral exposure of mice to formulations of organophosphorous pesticides: gestational and litter outcomes

The purpose of this study was to examine gestational and litter outcomes in mice models from oral exposure to a mixture of formulations of organophosphorous pesticides used in local vegetable production. Male and female mice were exposed to premating and preconception, respectively, to a mixture of organophosphorous pesticide formulations for a period of 7 weeks. The pregnant dams were monitored during gestation and delivered by Caesarean section pre-partum. The percentages of resorptions and the resorptions/implantations ratios, in all the exposed groups, were significantly higher than the reference and the control groups. Percentages of litters with one or more lost embryos were observed in all the exposed groups and were significantly higher than the comparison groups. Fetal weights were significantly lower and the maternal weight gains per live fetus were significantly higher in the medium-dose-exposed groups than the control group. Percentages of fetuses with intra-uterine growth retardation at one standard deviation were significantly higher in all the exposed groups than the comparison groups.

Mercado de hortaliças frescas no município de Mineiros-GO

A comercialização racional e eficiente de hortaliças necessita de estudos constantes nos mercados para fornecer informações que possam servir de suporte à elaboração de estratégias e execuções de ações para melhorias em todo contexto mercadológico. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar levantamento do mercado de olerícolas in natura no município de Mineiros (Goiás) a fim de fornecer informações de mercado que possam auxiliar em ações específicas ao setor. Para isso, foram realizadas pesquisas em estabelecimentos comerciais (equipamentos varejistas: supermercados, quitandas e feira-livre) entre dezembro de 2005 e janeiro de 2006 mediante aplicação de questionários em cada equipamento. Dentre as hortaliças relacionadas pela pesquisa, o tomate, melancia, cebola e batata inglesa foram as comercializadas semanalmente em maior volume. Os resultados demonstraram que os supermercados e as quitandas são os principais responsáveis pelo comércio de olerícolas em Mineiros. A deficiência na produção local de hortaliças em Mineiros pôde ser evidenciada, pois 81,8% dos produtos comercializados no município são oriundos de fornecedores distantes e apenas 18,2% de produtores locais. O agronegócio olericultura em Mineiros é incapaz de servir ao município em suas necessidades.

The Export Model for Local Vegetable Production and Poverty Reduction

"The Export Model for Local Vegetable Production and Poverty Reduction." The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 80(2), p. 161 Additional informationNotes on contributorsJill LennéJill LennéJill Lenne has 28 years’ experience in tropical agricultural research with B.Agr.Sci. (Hons), Ph.D. and D.Agr.Sci. degrees from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Melbourne, Australia. She has held positions as Principal Plant Pathologist, ClAT, Colombia; Programme Leader (Strategy), DFID-Crop Protection Programme; Director, Crop Protection Division and Deputy Director General - Research, ICRISAT, India; and non-Executive Director, Board of Horticulture Research International, UK. Jill has authored/edited more than 150 research publications, and is currently Co-Editor-in-Chief, Field Crops Research and a consultant with strong interest in horticultural development in East Africa.

Risk, Diversification, and Vegetables as an Alternative Crop for Midwestern Agriculture

AbstractA quasi‐spatial substitution model is developed to investigate the opportunities for Iowa to substitute local vegetable production for that of current distant suppliers. This quasi‐spatial equilibrium approach determines not only if crops can be grown profitably at current prices, but whether they would remain profitable after equilibrium price adjustments. Thirteen fresh vegetable crops are studied as alternatives to current row crops such as corn and soybeans. The results indicate that although more than half of these crops could be grown profitably within the state of Iowa, they would replace only about 3,900 acres of current corn and soybean acreage.

Ipomoea aquatica as a vegetable crop in Hong Kong

The aquatic plant Ipomoea aquatica is grown in southeastern Asia as a summer leaf vegetable. It is particularly common in south China and Hong Kong, where it has a very ancient history. Two methods of cultivation are used in Hong Kong: the dry-land method utilizing raised beds and the wet-land method on flooded paddy-fields. During the summer months I. aquatica supplies up to 15% of local vegetable production.