Organic Production Research Articles

Selection of tomato genotypes for organic production systems

ABSTRACT The development of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) varieties adapted to organic production systems is crucial for meeting the demand for organic food and for supporting the sustainable agricultural sector. This study aimed to rescue, evaluate genetic diversity and select tomato genotypes suitable for growing under organic production conditions. To achieve this, the work involved assessing nine table tomato genotypes from different varietal groups in two environments (greenhouse and open field organic conditions). Morpho-agronomic and physical-chemical quality characteristics were evaluated. The experimental design used was a randomised block design with four replications. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, means tests, and Spearman’s correlations. Furthermore, hierarchical dendrograms and principal component analysis were performed to assess morphological variability between genotypes in each of the environments. Dissimilarity dendrograms revealed different clustering patterns under greenhouse and field conditions. In general, the genotypes grown in the greenhouse showed higher commercial yields and organoleptic quality, as well as an earlier crop cycle. The Jumbo, Santa Clara and Kada Gigante genotypes exhibited characteristics that were considered to make them suitable for organic cultivation in both environments, especially in the open field. Gaúcho Marmande presented characteristics (vegetative and physico-chemical) that made it suitable for the open field, while Coração-de-Boi, Bocaina and Roquesso were recommended only for greenhouse cultivation.

Rice-pigeon pea biochar influences nutrient cycling, microbial dynamics, and onion performance in organic production system: insights from Alfisols of the Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

Rice-pigeon pea biochar influences nutrient cycling, microbial dynamics, and onion performance in organic production system: insights from Alfisols of the Eastern Plateau and Hill Region of India

What lies ahead? Consumer expectations and wishes for organic animal farming: analyzing improvements to boost confidence in organic livestock farming

IntroductionTo meet the policy target of increasing the share of organic farming in the EU to 25% by 2030, it is also essential to increase consumer demand for organic products. For many consumers, animal welfare is one of the main reasons to buy organics. Trust is inherently important when purchasing organic food, as most of the standards on which organic farming relies, such as more space, cannot be verified by the consumer. Consumer trust in organic animal farming is therefore an important factor in the expansion of the market share of organic products. The aim of this study is to identify specific trust-building “changes” in organic livestock husbandry to strengthen consumer trust in the long term.MethodA total of eight regulations or practices, e.g. early cow-calf separation or regulations on the use of antibiotics, were assessed in terms of consumer awareness. Further described changes to these practices or regulations were ranked regarding their potential to improve trust in organic animal husbandry.ResultsThe results show that most of the regulations and practices mentioned were not known to consumers, confirming a low level of consumer knowledge about specific aspects of organic farming. All eight possible changes would increase consumer trust, at least somewhat.DiscussionThe ranking shows that, in particular, the practice of dam rearing and an even stronger limitation of flock sizes for poultry have the highest potential to increase consumer trust in organic animal husbandry and can therefore be recommended as important strategies to meet consumer demands in the future.

Production and Subsequent Application of Different Biochar-based Organic Fertilizers to Enhance Vegetable Quality and Soil Carbon Stability

Production and Subsequent Application of Different Biochar-based Organic Fertilizers to Enhance Vegetable Quality and Soil Carbon Stability

Innovative organic nutrient management and land arrangements improve soil health and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in an organic farming system

IntroductionSoil health is vital for ecosystems, but excessive use of fertilizers, chemicals, and irrigation harms soil fertility, leading to reduced yields and degradation. Thus, exploring innovative land arrangements and nutrient management for staple crops such as wheat is essential. Organic farming offers a promising solution. This study hypothesized that an appropriate land arrangement, combined with split applications of farmyard manure (FYM) and liquid organic fertilizer, can enhance wheat productivity while also improving soil health. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different sowing methods and organic nutrient management practices on the productivity of wheat and soil health.MethodsThis study aimed to examine the impact of sowing methods and nutrient management practices on soil health and organic wheat productivity during the winter seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Organic Farming Unit (Agronomy), Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design, with three land arrangements/sowing methods in the main plot and eight nutrient management approaches in the subplots.ResultsConcerning different land arrangements, the furrow irrigated raised bed sowing (FIRB) method resulted in the maximum wheat yield (4.34 t ha−1) compared with flat row sowing and zero tillage sowing. With respect to nutrient management practices, 75% of the recommended dose of N (RDN) through the FYM was basal + 25% RDN with the 1st irrigation + Jeevamrut application at 500 L ha−1 during sowing, and the 1st irrigation + Panchagavya spraying at 5% during the booting stage resulted in the highest grain yield (4.47 t ha−1). Both the zero tillage and FIRB land arrangements resulted in better soil biological activities and microbial counts than did flat sowing. The results indicate that sowing wheat via the FIRB method, with the recommended nitrogen dose applied through split applications of FYM along with liquid organic manures such as Jeevamrut and Panchagavya, can be an excellent option for organic wheat cultivation. This approach can enhance both yield and soil health.ConclusionSeventy-five percent RDN through FYM as a basal + 25% RDN during the 1st irrigation + Jeevamrut at 500 L ha−1 during sowing and the 1st irrigation + spraying of Panchagavya at 5% during the booting stage effectively increased the growth and yield of organic wheat. With respect to land arrangements, both FIRB and zero tillage resulted in better growth, yield, and soil biological properties. The practical utility of this study is the optimization of split applications of FYM and land arrangements for organic wheat cultivation.

Utilizing Dairy Waste Processing for Organic Agricultural Production: A Sustainable Approach to Producing Organic Goods

Resources are limited. Thus, farmers worldwide are trying to use their waste to best extract value that can promote environmentally friendly farming. Recycling dairy waste for organic cultivation seems to be one of the alternative approaches to pursuing environmentally friendly agriculture. This study investigates whether or not dairy waste treatment could improve organic crop production and promote a circular economy. This endeavor examines the credible benefits, obstacles, and consequences of incorporating dairy waste into organic farming practices. Using System Dynamics and case study approaches, including field trials, agricultural evaluation of data, and discussions with stakeholders, the research strategy advocates investigating how dairy waste-derived fertilizers influence soil fertility, crop productivity, and product quality. Interaction with stakeholders helps evaluate the viewpoints of growers, dairy producers, legislators, and consumers regarding adopting dairy waste treatment for organic agricultural growth. This study demonstrates how dairy waste processing can serve as a significant source of biofertilizer for organic farming. The beneficial impact of organic fertilizer derived from farm waste improves the nutritional value of organic crops, crop yield, and soil health. The crop production information collected in the study demonstrates that dairy waste-derived fertilizers are nutrient-dense and could substitute for manufactured/chemical fertilizers economically and environmentally. This study emphasizes the need for creative ideas to improve agricultural sustainability. The present study advances the understanding of sustainable agriculture and offers practical advice to those looking to use greener methods of operation.

Impact of Exopolysaccharides from Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis Ls5 on the Quality of Mantou: A Comparative Study of Fermentation Conditions

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and their exopolysaccharides (EPS) have the potential to enhance the quality of flour-based products. This study investigated the effect of EPS produced by Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis Ls5 on the quality of Mantou. LAB strains with high EPS production were isolated from traditional fermenters, and their characteristics and EPS properties were examined. Four different fermentation conditions (Blank, Yeast, Ls5-Yeast, and EPS-Yeast) were compared in terms of their effects on the physicochemical properties, in vitro digestion characteristics, and shelf-life of Mantou. The incorporation of Ls5 and its EPS into Mantou resulted in a lower dough fermentation pH, increased organic acid production, and enhanced fermentation activity. Additionally, the incorporation of Ls5 and its EPS led to significant improvements in the quality of the Mantou, including the extension of shelf-life, improved sensory evaluation, and a reduction in the sugar content. Additionally, there was an increase in resistant starch content during digestion in both types of Mantou, which could offer potential benefits to human glycemic health.

Conflicting Consumer Beliefs Influencing Eco‐Innovation Adoption: Motives and Barriers for Accepting the Laser Marking of Organic Products

ABSTRACTIn response to regulatory requirements and consumer demand for sustainable products, producers of organic products are beginning to use laser marking to reduce packaging and, thereby, packaging waste. However, the consumer responses to this “high‐tech” eco‐innovation remain unexplored. Using a mixed‐method approach, we collected qualitative and quantitative data on responses to the laser marking of organic products from 328 French participants. Guided by the theory of consumption values and innovation resistance theory, we conducted a thematic analysis of answers to an open‐ended question which probed consumers' motives for and barriers to adopting laser marking. The most frequently stated motive was ecological benefits, and the most reported barriers were risks and tradition. Structural equation modeling revealed that attitudes toward laser‐marked organic products are positively impacted by social, emotional, and functional values and are negatively impacted by barriers related to images and emotions. Consumers' attitudes toward laser‐marked organic products strongly affect their willingness to buy such products. To increase the acceptance of laser marking, managers and policymakers should mitigate false‐negative consumer perceptions, including doubts about its eco‐friendliness and safety, thereby facilitating greater acceptance of this eco‐innovation.

Bridging the gap: exploring consumer knowledge, perceptions, and willingness to pay for aquaponics products across the UK

AbstractAquaponics (a sub-field of integrated agri-aquacultural practices (IAAS)) has emerged as a novel approach to combat global food security, reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss, and mitigate agronomic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, little remains known of potential consumer markets. Despite recent research throughout Europe, Central America, Australia, and the Middle East, this work represents the first large-scale evaluation of UK consumer understanding, assessment, and willingness to pay (WTP) for aquaponic products. Following analysis of 588 survey responses, we identify environmental awareness and green consumption, recognition of common UK eco-labels and sector-specific certification schemes, and consumer perceptions of aquaponics compared to conventional, locally sourced, and organic food production. Initially, 44% of survey respondents were familiar with aquaponics, with familiarity positively influenced by age and level of education. After presenting a definition of aquaponics (detailing its use and commonly cited socio-environmental benefits), consumer perceptions were mixed, with respondents broadly favourable to the practice despite uncertainty. Over 43% of consumers were willing to pay an associated price premium for aquaponic produce (valued, on average, as a 23% price increase over conventional alternatives). This willingness to pay was statistically in line with the organic market premiums and independent of prior familiarity with aquaponics as a food production system. These findings suggest a sizable consumer market for aquaponic produce and public interest in its sustainability benefits. Tailored marketing strategies could position aquaponic produce competitively alongside organic and environmentally friendly alternatives (irrespective of certification/eco-labelling), ensuring the long-term economic viability of the emerging aquaponics industry.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Apple Scab Sanitation Practices for ULO-Stored Apple Fruit in Integrated and Organic Production Systems

ABSTRACT The economic viability of orchard sanitation practices, is crucial for sustainable apple production. However, our knowledge in this area is limited, particularly after the fruit is stored in the high-energy-consuming ultra-low oxygen (ULO) storage system. The objective of this 3-year study was to investigate the cost-benefit ratios of five sanitation treatments (lime sulfur-Lime-S, leaf collection-Collect-L, mulching-Mulch-C, lime sulfur + leaf collection, leaf collection + mulching) in integrated and organic apple orchards, considering the sale of apples after 6-month ULO storage. Cost-benefit analyses determined cost, total revenue, revenue for class 1 fruit (fruits without scab infection) and income surplus. Costs of ULO storage were twice higher in the integrated orchard (mean 3,064 EUR ha−1) than in the organic one (mean 1,512 EUR ha−1). Direct costs of the two combined sanitation treatments were significantly higher than the Lime-S and Collect-L treatments across all years and orchard systems. Analysis of variance for total revenue, revenue for class 1 fruit and income surplus revealed significant differences among years, sanitation treatments, and orchard systems. The total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit were significantly higher in the integrated orchard (10,787 and 10,557 EUR ha−1, respectively) than in the organic one (8,713 and 7,742 EUR ha−1, respectively). The lowest total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit were obtained in the non-sanitized control, while highest were recorded in the Collect-L or Collect-L + Mulch-C treatments. Collect-L and Collect-L + Mulch-C treatments provided the highest income surplus in all years and orchard systems. Kernel density estimations and frequency distributions indicated the widest variability for total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit in the integrated orchard system. Correlation and linear regression analyses revealed significant relationship between total revenue and revenue for class 1 fruit in both orchard systems. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that Collect-L and Collect-L + Mulch-C treatments offer the greatest economic benefit after 6-month ULO storage regardless of the orchard system employed.

Canadian Organic Wheat Breeding with On-farm Selection: A Case Study using Landrace and Modern Parents

Participatory plant breeding (PPB) has the potential to be an alternative to a centralized breeding model for niche markets that are historically underserved. Our objectives were to evaluate the performance of two parental cultivars from a Canadian PPB program: a modern spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar (5602HR) and a landrace (Red Fife) - with the progeny of the cross when selected by two farmers located 1800 km apart (denoted Farm1 and Farm2) and evaluate progeny differences from each other under organic conditions. Red Fife was 18 cm taller, matured 5 days later, had greater lodging susceptibility, greater seed mass, and 3.5% lower protein concentration than 5602HR. Farmer genotypes were similar to 5602HR in protein concentration and lodging severity, and similar to Red Fife in plant height (14 cm taller than 5602HR) and seed mass. Farmer genotypes did not yield differently from either parent. Farmer genotypes did not differ from each other in most parameters measured, however, Farm1 had greater lodging resistance under high fertility conditions than Farm2 despite similar plant height. This research provides a proof of concept for the role that farmer selectors can play in selecting for positive traits for organic production and provide insight into organic farmers’ preferences. The research also demonstrated that using an older landrace (ie., Red Fife) allowed positive features such as tall stature to be incorporated into the resulting progeny.

Grocery retailers’ CSR: the role of claim type

PurposeThis study examines how substantive and/or associative claims about the local origin of organic products moderate the determinants and consequences of a grocery retailer’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).Design/methodology/approachAn experiment with four different conditions – no claim, substantive claim (i.e. number of kilometres), associative claim (i.e. photograph of the producer) and a combination of substantive and associative claims – was carried out in a laboratory store in France with 249 consumers who were randomly divided into four independent samples (a between-subjects design). To analyse the data, partial least squares structural equation modelling was mobilised using XLSTAT (2022) software.FindingsThe study indicates that using claims about the local origin of organic products via in-store signage is an appropriate tool for grocery retailers. For the three types of claims considered, the ethics of the offering influences the retailer’s CSR, which has an indirect impact on consumers’ actual purchases of local organic products via two routes: trust and affective commitment and trust and preference for the retailer. However, grocery retailers should favour a combination of substantive and associative claims to create a stronger impact on purchases.Originality/valueThis research extends the use of substantive and associative claims to sustainable products.

Analyzing Factors Influencing Customer Satisfaction with Organic Coffee in E-Commerce

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in interest in sustainable products, particularly organic goods, driven by the push for sustainable societies. However, Japan’s organic market lags behind the global trend, representing just 0.3% of total farmland in 2021. To tackle this issue, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries introduced the “Green Strategy,” with the goal of raising the organic share to 25% by 2050. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant lifestyle changes, such as increased remote work and reduced outdoor activities, leading to a surge in the E-commerce market and an increased need for analyzing consumer satisfaction. To enhance Japan’s organic market, it is crucial to familiarize consumers with organic products like coffee, tea, and snacks. This study proposes a model using E-commerce customer reviews to predict consumer satisfaction. The aim is to improve services and develop new strategies based on customer preferences, promoting sustainable growth and enhancing customer satisfaction. This study delves into the impact of factors derived from latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) on consumer satisfaction with organic coffee, utilizing three years of data from Rakuten Marketplace customer reviews (2017–2019). A total of 1444 review texts were analyzed, including 154 low-rated reviews (ratings 1–3) and 1290 high-rated reviews (ratings 4–5). To build a satisfaction prediction model using regression analysis, a survey was conducted using question items explored through factor analysis to assess the reliability of items in conveying the consistent meanings of high frequency words extracted by LDA: “taste,” “aroma,” “gift,” “sales/discounts,” “freshness,” and “decaffeinated.” The results of the regression analysis revealed that “gift,” “sales/discounts,” and “decaffeinated” significantly impact consumer satisfaction. Insights derived from these factors illuminate marketing strategies that focus on delivering happiness through products, adding value through pricing strategies, and introducing benefits and consumption methods that effectively meet customer needs. These findings underscore the potential of customer reviews to enhance consumer satisfaction and inform strategic marketing decisions, thereby contributing to the growth and success of the organic coffee market.

Impact of Organic Farming in Economic Development in Agriculture

Organic farming is valued for its self-sustaining, environmentally friendly methods that protect surrounding ecosystems of plants and animals. It reduces weed growth through techniques like crop rotation and integrates traditional knowledge alongside natural processes. This approach optimizes inputs, strengthens regenerative abilities, and ensures effective conservation of resources and nutrients. The cost-benefit ratio in sustainable agriculture is notably better, as it requires fewer primary inputs compared to conventional methods, which often incur high costs for fertilizers and pesticides, lowering profit margins. Additionally, conventional farming's heavy reliance on chemicals can lead to significant health risks, both mental and physical. Organic farming, by following natural principles and using non-synthetic, traditional practices, creates a balanced environment that allows crops to thrive. This approach helps counteract the negative impacts of chemical-dependent agriculture, increasing production sustainably and supporting population growth without harming the ecosystem. Core principles of organic farming include health, ecology, fairness, and care. The benefits range from natural pest and disease resistance, specialization potential, healthier soil, support for pollinators, no GMO concerns, safer work conditions for farmers, and on-farm input production. Farmers and companies must meet stringent, government-approved standards, undergo regular certification, and comply with inspections to ensure the high quality of organic products produced with renewable resources. This paper aims to delve into the origins of organic farming, its environmental, social, economic, and agricultural advantages, and underscore its importance for the future. Similarly, on a larger scale, it can provide rural populations with greater earnings, better resource management and more chances to generate revenue Keywords: Organic Farming, Sustainability, Farmers, Health, Ecology.

Identification of Bacterial Pathogens in Organic Food of Animal Origin in Poland

The consumption of organic food has increased in recent years. In organic rearing animals are exposed to outdoor conditions, which may increase their risk of infection from various pathogens. In the present study the occurrence of the most significant foodborne pathogenic bacteria in organic meat and ready-to-eat organic meat products was assessed. Out of 100 raw organic meat samples tested, 72 were contaminated with bacterial pathogens. The highest percentage of contaminated samples was observed in poultry meat (92.5%) followed by pork meat (66.7%). Furthermore, 50.0% of beef origin samples were positive for the bacteria tested. L. monocytogenes was found in 39.0% of samples, S. aureus was identified in 37.0%, Campylobacter in 20.0%, Salmonella in 8.0% and Shigatoxin-producing E. coli in 4.0% of raw meat samples. In 31.0% of samples a co-occurrence of two (83.9%) or three (16.1%) pathogens was observed. Among 100 samples of organic meat products tested, only L. monocytogenes was found in 5.0% of samples. The result of the present study indicated that organic food may be a source of harmful microorganisms that may pose foodborne infections to consumers.

Potential of silk proteins in cosmetics

Synthetic and inorganic chemical ingredients in cosmetic products pose serious health impacts on skin and hair. Much emphasis has been laid on the development of cost-effective, eco-friendly and user-friendly cosmetic products from time to time. Manufacturing cosmetics using natural ingredients is considered as a viable alternative to overcome the side effects of synthetics. Silk is a natural biopolymer obtained from cocoons of sericigenous insects like silkworms. It constitutes two proteins, viz., fibroin and sericin. Fibroin is the central core protein glued with sericin protein forming silken cocoons together. Both the proteins possess remarkable attributes viz, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-tyrosinase activity, efficient UV resistance, kinase activity, excellent release and absorption of moisture. The silk protein attributes are advantageous for body skin, hair and nails. It possesses a wide range of cosmetic applications such as facilitation of hair growth, improvement in softening and lustre of hair, rejuvenation of body and skin cells, UVB protection, prevention of chapping and brittleness of nails, and skin brightening. Due to its low molecular weight, easily penetrates the hair strands and skin cells, binds the keratin in hair and forms a protective layer to prevent moisture loss. A wide range of products have been developed for use in cosmetics viz., SILKPRO, SILKALL, SILKPRO 1000. These products are used as natural ingredients due to their potent applications in cosmetics. The cosmetic industry can be developed by proper utilization of silk in its organic products while promoting value addition to sericulture industry.

Winter Cover Cropping in Sustainable Production Systems: Effects on Soybean and Synergistic Implications for Rhizosphere Microorganisms

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of winter cover crops (CCs) on soybean agronomic performance and their implications for different physiological groups of rhizosphere microorganisms in two sustainable production systems. The production techniques for rye, peas, and oats are well known, but their suitability as CCs for soybean (organic and low-input) production needs to be examined. After two years of trials, soybean yields among the two tested winter CCs (peas and oats (P + O) and rye (R)) were statistically significant only for P + O. The soybean yield in succession to P + O as winter CCs was 3.0 t ha−1, whereas in succession to R, it was 2.7 t ha−1, and in the control plot, it was 2.6 t ha−1. The average soybean grain protein content was in the range of 40 to 41% dry matter (DM), while the oil content ranged from 20 to 22% DM. Protein and oil content primarily depends on the selected soybean variety and it is confirmed through this study that, in the studied system, we can obtain adequate grain nutritional quality. The results indicate an increase in the abundance of total bacteria, ammonifiers, and free N2-fixing bacteria in the rhizosphere, depending on the selected CCs, and differences between the tested production systems. According to this study, winter cover crops (CCs), including peas and oats (P + O) and rye (R), can be included in crop rotation for soybean. CCs can be the answer to agro-biodiversity empowerment in less diverse soybean cropping systems, along with other benefits that CCs can provide at the level of crop rotation. In addition, in almost all aspects of the study, organic production was ahead of low input. Low input is an adequate production system if there are no opportunities for organic certification and for producers who are aware of the advantages of sustainable systems, and it can also represent a transitional path towards regenerative agriculture or organic production.

The effects of physical form, moisture, humic acids, and mixtures on the photolysis of insensitive munitions compounds

The explosive formulations IMX-101 and IMX-104 are replacing conventional explosives in munitions, making them safer to transport and handle. However, munitions manufacturing and military training can lead to the environmental release of constituent insensitive munitions compounds (IMCs) such as 2,4-dinitroanisole (DNAN), 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one (NTO), and nitroguanidine (NQ). These IMCs absorb ultraviolet light and transform photochemically into products with potentially greater toxicity. This study explores the effects of physical form, moisture, humic acids, and compound mixtures on the photolysis of solid and dissolved IMCs under UV-A (350 nm) and UV-B (300 nm) light. Irradiation of dry vs. moist solid IMC crystals yielded few measured products, and while photolysis rates were not significantly different, they were orders of magnitude slower than for aqueous IMCs. There was no significant difference in photolysis rates for aqueous IMCs irradiated with 0, 0.4, and 4 mg L-1 humic acids, but 40 and 400 mg L-1 humic acids inhibited NTO and enhanced NQ photolysis. In two- and three-component aqueous mixtures, DNAN photolysis was enhanced by NQ (at 300 and 350 nm) and NTO (at 350 nm); NTO photolysis was inhibited by DNAN and enhanced by NQ (both at 300 nm); and NQ photolysis was inhibited by both DNAN and NTO (both at 300 and 350 nm). The average quantum yields of the IMCs irradiated alone in solution were: 8.29 × 10–5 (300 nm) and 6.26 × 10–5 (350 nm) for DNAN; 5.76 × 10–4 (300 nm) and 1.74 × 10–4 (350 nm) for NTO; and 1.01 × 10–2 (300 nm) and 1.14 × 10–4 (350 nm) for NQ. Although organic and inorganic products were detected in the mixtures, an average of 15–35 % of the theoretical starting IMC masses (as nitrogen) was not accounted for. Overall, aqueous IMCs transformed 4–48 times faster than the solid IMCs, but the environmentally-relevant conditions tested were found to play a minor role in IMC photolysis.

The Effects of Tomato Intercropping with Medicinal Aromatic Plants Combined with Trichoderma Applications in Organic Cultivation

To increase biodiversity in tomato cultivation, two herbal aromatic plants, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), were introduced as companion plants. Their role was to improve crop plant growth and stress resistance. Moreover, the effect of the soil application of Trichoderma microbial preparations on tomato growth parameters and yield, in combination with companion plants, was studied. Ligno-cellulose multi-layer microcapsules with Trichoderma atroviride TRS14 spores (MIC14) and the commercial preparation Trianum G (TG) were used as microbial preparations. This experiment was carried out in a certified organic field. Tomato plants were intercropped with thyme or basil in the arrangement of two tomato rows alternating with one herbal row. In all intercropping arrangements and in the control (tomato plants grown without herbs), subplots were sectioned. The soil in the subplots was amended with the MIC14 and TG preparations used at a concentration of 104 spores g−1 of the soil and planted with tomato transplants. No control measures were applied during tomato growing, and the plants were naturally infected with late blight. Tomato plant growth parameters and yield were assessed, and late blight severity was monitored. The degree of soil colonization by Trichoderma fungi and the effect of these applications on soil microbial activity and biodiversity (dehydrogenases activity, EcoPlates AWCD, and Shannon index) were evaluated. The results clearly showed a significant influence of thyme and basil on tomato growth and yield in organic production. The cultivation of thyme adjacent to tomatoes had a beneficial effect on the development of the root system and the number of flowers and fruits on the crop plants. Basil, on the other hand, clearly decreased tomato yield and adversely affected the effect of Trichoderma applications by reducing root system development. Moreover, basil as a companion plant increased late blight symptoms. Both Trichoderma strains colonized soil, but they had no significant effect on the microbial activity or metabolic potential measured on the EcoPlates with the use of the BIOLOG system. However, a decrease in dehydrogenases activity was noted. In organic cultivation, the Trichoderma preparations used had no significant effect on tomato yield, opposite to its increase in integrated tomato production.

AI-based autonomous UAV swarm system for weed detection and treatment: Enhancing organic orange orchard efficiency with agriculture 5.0

Weeds significantly threaten agricultural productivity by competing with crops for nutrients, particularly in organic farming, where chemical herbicides are prohibited. On Spain’s Mediterranean coast, organic citrus farms face increasing challenges from invasive species like Araujia sericifera and Cortaderia selloana, which further complicate cover crop management. This study introduces a swarm system of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with neural networks based on YOLOv10 for the detection and geo-location of these invasive weeds. The system achieves F1-scores of 0.78 for Araujia sericifera and 0.80 for Cortaderia selloana. Using GPS and RTK, the UAVs generate KML files to guide diffuser drones for precise, localized treatments with organic products. By automating the detection, treatment, and elimination of invasive species, the system enhances both productivity and sustainability in organic farming. Additionally, the proposed solution addresses the high labor costs associated with manual weeding by reducing the need for human intervention. A comprehensive economic analysis indicates potential savings ranging from 1810 to 2650 € per hectare, depending on farm size. This innovative approach not only improves weed control efficiency but also promotes environmental sustainability, offering a scalable solution for organic and conventional agriculture alike.