Losses In Agricultural Production Research Articles

Sea urchin-like nanocarrier for enhancing pesticide retention and rain fastness on hydrophobic and hydrophilic crop foliage

Foliar washoff by rainfall is a major factor inducing the inefficient utilization of pesticides. Enhancing the adhesion and retention of pesticide on plant foliage has long been of interest. The presence of waxy platelets on most plant foliage surfaces renders them rough and hydrophobic. This reduces the area of contact between pesticide particle and plant foliage, which decreases the adhesion. In this study, we developed a pesticide nanocarrier (PANI/HACC) with sea urchin-like surface morphology based on polyaniline (PANI) doped with biodegradable 2-hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC). Then, azoxystrobin (AZOX) loaded nanoparticles (AZOX@PANI/HACC) was synthesized by physical adsorption. It exhibited retention rates of 61.4% on rice leaves and 64.6% on cucumber leaves, which were higher than that of commercially available azoxystrobin water dispersible granules (AZOX-WDG, 42.1% and 24.5%, respectively) and suspension concentrates (AZOX-SC, 23.1% and 58.8%, respectively). Additionally, pot experiments demonstrated that the control efficacy of AZOX@PANI/HACC on rice against Rhizoctonia solani was 1.64-fold and 3.0-fold of that of AZOX-WDG and AZOX-SC, respectively. The higher retention performance of AZOX@PANI/HACC was attributed to the stable adhesion by fitting nanometer-sized spikes into the spaces between the waxy platelets. Overall, the pesticide nanocarrier with spiky surface morphology provides an effective strategy for improving pesticide retention and reducing pesticide loss in agricultural production.

Machine learning-based potential loss assessment of maize and rice production due to flash flood in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Flash floods in mountainous regions like the Himalayas are considered to be common natural calamities. Their consequences often are more dangerous than any flood event in the plains. These hazards not only put human lives at threat but also cause economic deflation due to the loss of lands, properties, and agricultural production. Hence, assessing the impact of such hazards in the existing agricultural system is of utmost importance to understand the probable crop loss. In this paper, we studied the efficiency of the remotely sensed microwave data to map the croplands affected by the flash flood that occurred in July 2023 in Himachal Pradesh, a mountainous state in the Indian Himalayan Region. The Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Sirmaur districts were identified as the most affected areas, with about 9%, 6%, 5.74%, and 3.61% of the respective districts' total geographical area under flood. Further, four machine learning algorithms (random forest, support vector regressor, k-nearest neighbor, and extreme gradient boosting) were evaluated to forecast maize and rice crop production and potential loss during the Kharif season in 2023. A regression algorithm with ten predictor variables consisting of the cropland area, two vegetation indices, and seven climatic parameters was applied to forecast the maize and rice production in the state. Amongst the four algorithms, random forest showed outstanding performance compared to others. The random forest regressor estimated the production of maize and rice with R2 more than 0.8 in most districts. The mean absolute error and the root mean squared error obtained from the random forest regressor were also minimal compared to the others. The maximum production loss of maize is estimated for Solan (54.13%), followed by Una (11.06%), and of rice in Kangra (19.1%), Una (18.8%) and Kinnaur (18.5%) districts. This indicated the utility of the proposed approach for a quick in-season forecast on crop production loss due to climatic hazards.

Assessment of the Economic Consequences of Riverbank Erosion: The Case of the South Morava River, Serbia

Landscape transformation, degradation and destruction are caused by fluvial processes as the predominant erosive processes in Serbia. The loss of arable land due to riverbank erosion is permanent, and the economic consequences are, therefore, especially pronounced. The primary aim of this study was to quantify the intensity of riverbank erosion in the lower part of the South Morava River (Serbia) during period 1924–2020, evaluate its economic consequences, and conduct a cost benefit analysis of revetment investments. The economic effects of riverbank erosion were analyzed by means of land loss and reduction in the quantity of agricultural production. An interdisciplinary research approach was applied using specific methodological procedures to calculate the riverbank erosion and soil (land) loss intensity (geographic information system-GIS), the economic consequences of riverbank erosion (ECRE), and the results of an investment decision-making model. The results showed that 202.6[Formula: see text]ha of arable land was lost during the observed period, the value of arable land loss was almost 622,000[Formula: see text]USD, and the loss in agricultural production was 7.5 million USD (discount rate 3.7%). The model is seen as the main research output and can be used for the assessment of long-term capital-intensive infrastructure projects in developing countries. The analysis identified the river segments that are economically viable for investments in riverbank revetments to preserve the largest area of fertile agricultural land. The results are especially valuable for river channel management, environmental planners and policy-makers, who deal with decisions regarding planning and the protection of bank erosion in areas of particular interest.

Impact of Hillslope Agriculture on Soil Compaction and Seasonal Water Dynamics in a Temperate Vineyard

Major losses of agricultural production and soils are caused by erosion, which is especially pronounced on hillslopes due to specific hydrological processes and heterogeneity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of agricultural management on the compaction, infiltration, and seasonal water content dynamics of the hillslope. Measurements were made at the hilltop and footslope, i.e., soil water content and potential were measured using sensors, wick lysimeters were used to quantify water flux, while a mini-disk infiltrometer was used to measure the infiltration rate and calculate the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K_unsat). Soil texture showed differences between hillslope positions, i.e., at the hilltop after 50 cm depth, the soil is classified as silty clay loam, and from 75 cm onward, the soil is silty clay, while at the footslope, the soil is silt loam even at the deeper depths. The results show a higher K_unsat at the footslope as well as higher average water volumes collected in wick lysimeters compared to the hilltop. Average water volumes showed a statistically significant difference at p < 0.01 between the hilltop and the footslope. The soil water content and water potential sensors showed higher values at the footslope at all depths, i.e., 8.0% at 15 cm, 8.4% at 30 cm, and 27.3% at 45 cm. The results show that, even though the vineyard is located in a relatively small area, soil heterogeneity is present, affecting the water flow along the hillslope. This suggests the importance of observing water movement in the soil, especially today when facing extreme weather (e.g., short-term high-intensity rainfall events) in order to protect soil and water resources.

Investigation on the Biology of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Chickpea under Laboratory Condition

The Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is a polyphagous pest that is found throughout the world. Due to its damaging nature, it causes quantitative as well as qualitative loss and finally overalleconomic loss in agricultural crop production. So, the present investigation was done by rearing of H. armigera on chickpeas under laboratory conditions. The study revealed that this pest has four distinct stages i.e., egg, larva, pupa, and adult for completing its life cycle. The total life cycle of males and females were completed in 49-50 days and 52.30-53.00 days, respectively. The wholelife period was divided asthe incubation period takes 4-5 days, larval stage was completed in 20.00-20.50 days by passing through six instars under laboratory conditions at a temperature of 27±10C with 70±5 % relative humidity in 12 hours of light. The last larval instar did not molt and it contracted into a grub-like pre-pupal stage which lasted for 2-3 days and a pupal period of 13-14 days. The adult period of male and female insects was completed in 8.50-9.00 and 12.00-12.50 days, respectively. The female moths had a pre-oviposition period of 3-4 days that included a sexual maturity period. The oviposition and post-oviposition periodsrecorded were 5-6 days and 2 days, respectively. A single female produced on average 992.50-1085 eggs throughout her entire life span. The average hatching percentage of eggs recorded on 63.00-67.50 percent.

Impact of climate change on food security of smallholder farmers in Shashogo district, central Ethiopia

Climate variability/climate change has become the biggest challenge to food security. Objective of this study is to determine the impact of climate change/variability on food security. The study utilized primary and secondary data sources obtained through household surveys. The result shows that rainfall in Belg varies greatly, suggesting that seasonal harvests in Belg are failing, leading to a decline in production levels in certain quantities and limited food availability. Rainfall in Kiremt fluctuates moderately, while annual rainfall has the lowest fluctuations. Crop prices increase every year in recently. This change in agricultural crop yields was due to climate change manifested in price volatility. Consumers have been adversely affected by an increase in crop prices. As reported FGD group that crop yields have been declining from year to year consequences of this are fluctuations in upcoming and late season rainfall, an unusual rise in temperature, flooding and the spread of the American warm, which the community to shift their livelihood to non-agricultural activities. Next to crop farming, raising livestock is one of the main sources of income for rural communities; nevertheless, the productivity and stocks of livestock may be impacted by climate change. Food stability is impacted not only by climate variability but also by increasingly frequent and intense extreme climate events that affect availability, access, and use. Stakeholders who would take steps to combat a loss of agricultural production in the Belg season were presented with the study’s results.

Assessing the Socio-economic Impact of Lightning Strikes in Bangladesh: Challenges and Solutions

"Lightning strikes pose a significant threat to both human lives and economic stability, particularly in regions with high vulnerability such as Bangladesh. This study aims to comprehensively assess the socio-economic impact of lightning strikes in Bangladesh, identifying the challenges faced by communities and proposing effective solutions to mitigate the adverse effects. The research employs a multi-disciplinary approach, combining narrative review paper, socio-economic indicators, and Focus group discussion. Preliminary findings indicate a disturbingly high incidence of lightning strikes in Bangladesh, leading to substantial loss of life, property, and agricultural productivity. The impact is particularly pronounced in rural areas where communities lack adequate infrastructure and awareness. Challenges in addressing the socio-economic consequences of lightning strikes are diverse. They include inadequate early warning systems, limited access to lightning-resistant infrastructure, and insufficient community preparedness. Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive data on lightning-related incidents, hindering the formulation of targeted policies and interventions. The proposed solutions encompass a multi-faceted strategy involving improved meteorological forecasting, the development of lightning-resistant infrastructure, and community-based education programs. Collaborative efforts between governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities are crucial for implementing and sustaining these solutions. Furthermore, the integration of modern technology and traditional knowledge can enhance the effectiveness of early warning systems and preparedness initiatives. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on the oftenoverlooked socio-economic ramifications of lightning strikes in Bangladesh. The findings and proposed solutions have practical implications for policymakers, disaster management agencies, and community leaders, offering a roadmap for reducing vulnerability and building resilience in the face of this natural hazard. Ultimately, addressing the socio-economic impact of lightning strikes requires a holistic and collaborative approach that encompasses meteorological, engineering, and social perspectives."

Integrated Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis Reveals That Cell Wall Activity Affects Phelipanche aegyptiaca Parasitism.

Phelipanche aegyptiaca can infect many crops, causing large agricultural production losses. It is important to study the parasitism mechanism of P. aegyptiaca to control its harm. In this experiment, the P. aegyptiaca HY13M and TE9M from Tacheng Prefecture and Hami City in Xinjiang, respectively, were used to analyze the parasitical mechanism of P. aegyptiaca by means of transcriptome and proteome analyses. The parasitic capacity of TE9M was significantly stronger than that of HY13M in Citrullus lanatus. The results showed that the DEGs and DEPs were prominently enriched in the cell wall metabolism pathways, including "cell wall organization or biogenesis", "cell wall organization", and "cell wall". Moreover, the functions of the pectinesterase enzyme gene (TR138070_c0_g), which is involved in the cell wall metabolism of P. aegyptiaca in its parasitism, were studied by means HIGS. The number and weight of P. aegyptiaca were significantly reduced when TR138070_c0_g1, which encodes a cell-wall-degrading protease, was silenced, indicating that it positively regulates P. aegyptiaca parasitism. Thus, these results suggest that the cell wall metabolism pathway is involved in P. aegyptiaca differentiation of the parasitic ability and that the TR138070_c0_g1 gene plays an important role in P. aegyptiaca's parasitism.

Potential impacts of pandemics on global warming, agricultural production, and biodiversity loss

Potential impacts of pandemics on global warming, agricultural production, and biodiversity loss

Bioactivity of Raphanus Species against Agricultural Phytopathogens and its Role in Soil Remediation: A Review.

Phytopathogens and weeds represent around 20-40% of global agricultural productivity losses. Synthetic pesticide products are the most used to combat these pests, but it reiterates that their use has caused tremendous pressure on ecosystems' self-cleansing capacity and resistance development by pathogens to synthetic fungicides. In the last decades, researchers have demonstrated the vast biological properties of plants against pathogens and diseases. Raphanus species (Brassicaceae) possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, insecticidal, nematicidal, allelopathic, and phytoremediators properties. These are due to the presence of structurally diverse bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and glucosinolates. In this review, we have provided an update on the biological properties of two Raphanus species (R. sativus and R. raphanistrum), detailing the type of natural product (extract or isolated compound), the bioassays displayed, and the results obtained for the main bioactivities of this genus cited in the literature during the last 30 years. Moreover, preliminary studies on phytopathogenic activities performed in our laboratory have also been depicted. We conclude that Raphanus species could be a source of natural bioactive molecules to treat phytopathogens and weeds that affect crops and remediate contaminated soils.

Modern trends in the development of plant production under agrarian crises

Modern trends in the development of plant production under agrarian crises

Leveraging Biotic Interaction Knowledge Graph and Network Analysis to Uncover Insect Vectors of Plant Virus

Background: Insect vectors spread 80% of plant viruses, causing major agricultural production losses. Direct insect vector identification is difficult due to a wide range of hosts, limited detection methods, and high PCR costs and expertise. Currently, a biodiversity database named Global Biotic Interaction (GloBI) provides an opportunity to identify virus vectors using its data. Objective: This study aims to build an insect vector search engine that can construct an virus-insect-plant interaction knowledge graph, identify insect vectors using network analysis, and extend knowledge about identified insect vectors. Methods: We leverage GloBI data to construct a graph that shows the complex relationships between insects, viruses, and plants. We identify insect vectors using interaction analysis and taxonomy analysis, then combine them into a final score. In interaction analysis, we propose Targeted Node Centric-Degree Centrality (TNC-DC) which finds insects with many directly and indirectly connections to the virus. Finally, we integrate Wikidata, DBPedia, and NCBIOntology to provide comprehensive information about insect vectors in the knowledge extension stage. Results: The interaction graph for each test virus was created. At the test stage, interaction and taxonomic analysis achieved 0.80 precision. TNC-DC succeeded in overcoming the failure of the original degree centrality which always got bees in the prediction results. During knowledge extension stage, we succeeded in finding the natural enemy of the Bemisia Tabaci (an insect vector of Pepper Yellow Leaf Curl Virus). Furthermore, an insect vector search engine is developed. The search engine provides network analysis insights, insect vector common names, photos, descriptions, natural enemies, other species, and relevant publications about the predicted insect vector. Conclusion: An insect vector search engine correctly identified virus vectors using GloBI data, TNC-DC, and entity embedding. Average precision was 0.80 in precision tests. There is a note that some insects are best in the first-to-five order. Keywords: Knowledge Graph, Network Analysis, Degree Centrality, Entity Embedding, Insect Vector

Common Ragweed—Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.: A Review with Special Regards to the Latest Results in Biology and Ecology

Weeds are responsible for a significant proportion of agricultural production losses. Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) has become the dominant weed in much of the northern hemisphere over the last century and is projected to further expand northward with climate warming. Not only does it cause damage to agriculture, but it also poses a significant human health risk. With the increasing number of Ambrosia artemisiifolia, around 44 million more people will suffer from ragweed pollen-induced pollinosis in the future just in Europe. The following review provides an overview of the most important and recent research findings on the spread, morphology, life cycle, importance and damage, allelopathic effects, habitat and environmental requirements of common ragweed. These characteristics of the species may explain its success and, based on this knowledge, allow the development of methods for its control.

Variability of temperature, rainfall and reference evaporation of catolé do Rocha-PB municipality, semi-arid region of Brazil

The state of Paraíba, specifically in the alto sertão of Paraíba, is characterized by the spatial and temporal variability of rainfall, of temperature and evapotranspiration, coming from the semi-arid climate that is inserted in the region, and yet, the performance of different meteorological systems. The objective was to quantify the rainfall, temperature and reference evaporation (mm/ month and mm/year) comprised in the experimental period between 2016 to 2020, in the municipality of Catolé do Rocha-PB, in order to determine the history of the rainy and dry season, and thus, minimize agricultural production losses due to environmental factors. The daily rainfall, temperature and reference evaporation data were obtained by means of a rain gauge and the indirect method of the class A tank, respectively. The rainfall (mm year-1) was analyzed by the nonparametric Friedman test, the Conover test and reference evaporation (mm year-1) applied the parametric test of the ANAVA and the test of Tukey HSD. Both parametric and non-parametric tests were analyzed by Real Statistics. Temperature data was compiled from the website (www.inmet.gov.br) in order to control, statically collecting and decision-making in the process of building scientific knowledge regarding meteorological data (climate - Temperature). Were also analyzed pearson's correlation matrices and elementary principal components analysis for the rainfall variables, Eto and Temperature in the studied experimental period. Were also studied the principal component analysis between the years 2016 to 2020 and its significance by the t test. The average reference evaporation between 2016 and 2020 was 2.1 times greater than rainfall. Mean rainfall and reference evaporation in Catolé do Rocha-PB between 2016 and 2020 were 827 mm ano-1 and 1704 mm year-1 and are compatible with historical averages of 800 mm year-1 and 1700 mm year-1, respectively. Inglesa.

Evaluation of Agricultural Productivity Loss of Vineyards Through Water Erosion in Türkiye

Evaluation of Agricultural Productivity Loss of Vineyards Through Water Erosion in Türkiye

Endophytic Streptomyces sp. NEAU-DD186 from Moss with Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity: Biocontrol Potential Against Soilborne Diseases and Bioactive Components.

Soilborne diseases cause significant economic losses in agricultural production around the world. They are difficult to control because a host plant is invaded by multiple pathogens, and chemical control often does not work well. In this study, we isolated and identified an endophytic Streptomyces sp. NEAU-DD186 from moss, which showed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against 17 soilborne phytopathogenic fungi, with Bipolaris sorokiniana being the most prominent. The strain also exhibited strong antibacterial activity against soilborne phytopathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum. To evaluate its biocontrol potential, the strain was prepared into biofertilizer by solid-state fermentation. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the fermentation conditions for maximizing spore production and revealed that the 1:1 ratio of vermicompost to wheat bran, a temperature of 28°C, and 50% water content with an inoculation amount of 15% represented the optimal parameters. Pot experiments showed that the application of biofertilizer with a spore concentration of 108 CFU/g soil could effectively suppress the occurrence of tomato bacterial wilt caused by R. solanacearum and wheat root rot caused by B. sorokiniana, and the biocontrol efficacy was 81.2 and 72.2%, respectively. Chemical analysis of strain NEAU-DD186 extracts using nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and mass analysis indicated that 25-O-malonylguanidylfungin A and 23-O-malonylguanidylfungin A were the main active constituents, which showed high activity against R. solanacearum (EC50 of 2.46 and 2.58 µg ml-1) and B. sorokiniana (EC50 of 3.92 and 3.95 µg ml-1). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Streptomyces sp. NEAU-DD186 can be developed as biofertilizer to control soilborne diseases.

Estimation of agricultural productivity loss due to soil loss in Buayan-Malungon River Basin, Philippines: A foundation for watershed protection and agricultural development

The Buayan-Malungon River Basin (BMRB) is currently experiencing intolerable soil loss due to improper agricultural practices, and unsustainable land uses. This problem disrupts important ecosystem services such as provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting. This article provides an estimate of the agricultural crop productivity losses due to soil loss. The study estimates productivity losses through regression analysis by using nitrogen (N) fertilizer as a proxy for soil quality. The result revealed that N-fertilizer had a significant effect on corn yield. The predicted soil loss in BMRB in 2020 reached 41,308 tons/ha. Hence, the total soil loss cost in the river basin reached PhP 218,023,624 in 2020. This cost can be minimized if farmers practice a contour farming system as it helps to improve soil quality and control soil loss, which leads to sustainable farming and environmental sustainability.

Agricultural Productivity and Postharvest Loss Among Cassava Farmers, In Anambra State, Nigeria

Postharvest loss is one of the greatest challenges of agricultural productivity and its reduction is a key pathway to food security. Using Cassava production, this study tends to examine the socioeconomic characteristics of the cassava farmers; determine the effect of postharvest loss on cassava production; analyse the financial implication and mitigation strategies employ by the cassava farmers in the study area. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a random sample of 120 cassava farmers in the state. Descriptive statistics, mean threshold from five points Likert scale, Logit model, and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results showed that female farmers (51.7%) dominated the sector, with an average age of 41.91, 10.73 level of education, and 13.18 farming experience with 5.58 household sizes. The farmers have a 68.0% postharvest losses management index, and 32.0% postharvest loss among cassava farmers. The study found that the determinants of postharvest loss in the area are age, marital status, education, farming experience, household size, cooperative membership, access to credit, and extension contact. Postharvest losses come with a load of financial implications, and in that regard, the farmers designed a number of mitigation strategies like good agronomic practice adoption, processing immediately to chips, gari, and fufu among others. The study concluded that cassava farmers in Anambra State have high postharvest losses (32.0%). The study recommends the introduction of improved storage facilities and the provision of incentives to the farmers to increase their agricultural productivity and reduce postharvest losses.

On the First Kilometer Problem of Agricultural Products Cold Chain Logistics in Huaihua City Considering Green Development

Huaihua has vast land and is the largest prefecture level city in Hunan Province. With abundant natural resources, it is a city with a high output of agricultural products in Hunan Province. The loss and quality of agricultural products during transportation have always been a key concern for farmers and consumers.This article analyzes the problems that exist in the first one kilometer of agricultural product cold chain logistics in Huaihua City, proposes a mobile pre cooling mode to ensure the quality of agricultural products in the first one kilometer, and conducts a simple calculation of its operational return, aiming to solve the problems of high loss and difficult quality assurance in the transportation process of agricultural products.

PH-responsive bentonite nanoclay carriers control the release of benzothiazolinone to restrain bacterial wilt disease

Ralstonia solanacearum (R. solanacearum) is one of the most devastating pathogens in terms of losses in agricultural production. Bentonite (Bent) is a promising synergistic agent used in development of effective and environmentally friendly pesticides against plant disease. However, the synergistic mechanism of Bent nanoclays with benzothiazolinone (BIT) against R. solanacearum is unknown. In this work, acid-functionalized porous Bent and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were employed as the core nanoclays, and BIT was loaded into the clay to form BIT-loaded CT-Bent (BIT@CT-Bent) for the control of bacterial wilt disease. BIT@CT-Bent exhibited pH-responsive release behavior that fit the Fickian diffusion model, rapidly releasing BIT in an acidic environment (pH = 5.5). The antibacterial effect of BIT@CT-Bent was approximately 4 times greater than that of the commercial product BIT, and its biotoxicity was much lower than that of BIT under the same conditions. Interestingly, R. solanacearum attracted BIT@CT-Bent into the nanocomposites and induced cytoplasmic leakage and changes in membrane permeability, indicating an efficient and synergistic bactericidal effect that rapidly reduced bacterial density. In addition, BIT@CT-Bent significantly inhibited R. solanacearum biofilm formation and swimming activity, by suppressing the expression of phcA, solR and vsrC. Indeed, exogenous application of BIT@CT-Bent significantly suppressed the virulence of R. solanacearum on tobacco plants, with control effect of 75.48%, 72.08% and 66.08% at 9, 11 and 13 days after inoculation, respectively. This study highlights the potential of using BIT@CT-Bent as an effective, eco-friendly bactericide to control bacterial wilt diseases and for the development of sustainable crop protection strategies.