Organic Production Systems Research Articles

Hydroalcoholic extracts of Parkinsonia aculeata: a sustainable alternative for the biocontrol of Fusarium oxysporum


 Fusarium, caused by Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht, generates significant losses in important crops in the Northwest Mexico, mainly in the State of Sonora. Given the need to reduce polluting loads due to the use of commercial fungicides, the use of sustainable ecological biotechnological alternatives such as plant extracts for disease biocontrol is a partial solution in both organic and traditional production systems. The present work aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of hydroalcoholic extracts from leaves and stems of Parkinsonia aculeata L., Sp. Pl. (palo verde) for Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht biocontrol. Plant samples were taken from two semi-arid ecosystems (Bahía de Lobos, Site 1, and Tesopaco, Site 2). This samples were used to obtain and apply two volumes of hydroalcoholic extracts (300 and 500 ppm) in the culture medium prepared for the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. As a control, distilled water was used to evaluate the free mycelial growth (dependent variable) and the commercial fungicide (TIABENDAZOL) for the total control of the fungus. These extracts were added to culture media using the poison culture medium technique. The treatments were placed in a growth chamber, following a completely randomized experimental design with a trifactorial arrangement. The extracts of Parkinsonia aculeata L., Sp. Pl. from both sites and volumes (300 ppm, and at 500 ppm) showed effectiveness for mycelial growth inhibition. There was a highly significant interaction between the three established factors. The source of variation with the greatest contribution to the total variability found was the volume in the culture medium. The minimum inhibitory volume of the hydroalcoholic extract was 289 ppm and the lethal least squared volume was 444 ppm in the culture medium. The obtained results confirm the viability of using hydroalcoholic extracts of Parkinsonia aculeata L., Sp. Pl.as a sustainable alternative for Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht biocontrol of in the agricultural production systems of northwestern Mexico. 

Nutritional values of forage-legume-based silages and protein concentrates for growing pigs

In organic pig production systems, one of the main challenges is to meet the demand for resources rich in protein. Among the resources available, temperate green plants, such as forage legumes, are potential sources of energy and protein. The aim of the study was to determine the nutritional value of silages (S) from the whole plant of lucerne (L) and red clover (R) and protein pastes (PPs) obtained from L and R leaves. In a first trial, 30 pigs were used in a factorial design to determine the total tract digestibility (TTD) of dietary nutrients and energy in five dietary treatments. The control group was fed a control diet (C1). The lucerne silage (LS) and red clover silage (RS) groups were fed a 78%:22% mixture (on a DM basis) of the C1 diet and LS or RS. The lucerne protein paste (LPP) and the red clover protein paste (RPP) groups were fed an 81%:19% mixture (on a DM basis) of the C1 diet and LPP or RPP. In the second trial, five pigs were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to evaluate the standardised ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AAs) in the four legume products. The control diet (C2) was formulated with casein as the sole protein source. The LS and RS groups were fed an 85%:15% mixture (on a DM basis) of the C2 diet and LS or RS. The LPP and RPP groups were fed an 80%:20% mixture (on a DM basis) of the C2 diet and LPP or RPP. Regardless of the plant species, silages obtained from L and R leaves contained less AA and more fibre than protein pastes. While the fresh forages contained the same percentage of protein N in total N (63.6%), lucerne lost more protein N during ensiling than red clover (−75.5 vs −33.8%). The calculated TTD coefficient of energy was higher in silages than in protein pastes and lower in R than in L products (72.8, 71.5, 67.7, and 61.3 for LS, RS, LPP and RPP, respectively). The SID of total essential AA was higher in LPP than in RPP (87.2 vs 79.2%) whereas it was lower in LS than in RS (33.2 vs 56.8%). The lower SID values in silages were explained by the protein degradation during the ensiling process and a high proportion of AA linked to the NDF fraction. The results of the present study show that protein pastes obtained from lucerne and red clover are valuable protein sources for pig. In contrast, legume silages have to be considered as an energy source rather than a protein source.

Sustainability assessment of commercial Brazilian organic and conventional broiler production systems under an Emergy analysis perspective

This study aimed at assessing and comparing the sustainability of a Brazilian production unit representing the production of broilers reared in an organic system (UPrO) with a handling unit for the production of broilers reared in a conventional system (UPc) based on Emergy analysis. The analysis was carried following four steps: (i) definition, location, and data collection of broiler production units; (ii) Emergy diagram drawing; (iii) Emergy table construction; and (iv) result assessment according to the Emergy indicators in the graphical tools. According to the results, UPrO showed better environmental performance than UPc while UPc showed better productive efficiency. However, the Emergy Sustainability Index (ESI) results indicated that UPrO is sustainable in the short term, while UPc is unsustainable. Also, it is possible that the best environmental performance by UPrO is at the limit for systems specialized in the broiler production with a high-intensification degree. Since the corn and soybean meal were the inputs that most contributed to the total Emergy for both systems, and the yield comes from less concentrated sources of energy, the decision-making should be focused on to improve the environmental performance of the commercial broiler production systems being directed towards the reduction of the environmental load, from the use of ingredients with higher renewability(R%), i.e. organic corn and soybean feed usage.

Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Physiology and Yield of Eggplant in Organic Soilless Production System

Recent studies suggest that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have the potential to improve the growth and yield of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under soil-based organic production systems. However, the application of AMF in organic soilless vegetable production in a greenhouse has not been well studied, creating an important knowledge gap. Therefore, two greenhouse experiments [Experiment 1 (E1) and Experiment 2 (E2)] were conducted to investigate the effect of AMF (Glomus spp.) on the growth, gaseous exchange, and yield of eggplant fertilized with various liquid organic fertilizers (OFs) and inorganic fertilizers (IFs) in a soilless greenhouse production system. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with four replications in which liquid OFs [OF1 (5N–1P–1K), OF2 (0N–5P–5K and 3N–3P–3K), OF3 (3N–1P–1K), OF4 (5N–1P–2K), OF5 (3.7N–2.7P–3.7K), and OF6 (3N–3P–5K)], and IFs [IF1 (6N–4P–4K) and IF2 (4N–0P–1K and 1N–3P–5K)] were randomized as main plot factor, and AMF [inoculated and uninoculated (control)] as a subplot factor. Results indicate that AMF inoculation had no significant effect on the growth, gaseous exchange, and yield parameters of eggplant. Among different OFs, the eggplant fertilized with OF6 resulted in a 4.3% and 3% reduction of leaf area compared with top-performing IF1 treatment in E1 and E2, respectively. Further, the OF6 treatment resulted in a 12% and 15% reduction in total yield per plant compared with IF1 in E1 and E2, respectively. The differences in plant gaseous exchange parameters were also nonsignificant for eggplants fertilized with different OF and IF treatments in both E1 and E2. These results conclude that Glomus spp. were not associated with a significant increase in the yield of eggplant in the soilless production system. However, OFs were performing similar to IFs in terms of growth and yield, which could be due to a higher nutrient availability of these OFs, which are highly useful for the production of eggplant in greenhouse soilless production systems.

Organic spelt production systems: Productive and financial performance in three orographic regions

A two-year field trial was conducted to study the effects of biohumus, biofertiliser, and soil conditioner application on spelt grain yield in different regions (plain, hilly, and mountainous regions) in Serbia. An analysis of economic efficiency indicators of spelt production in organic farming systems was also performed. The field experiment had a randomised complete block design with three replicates in each of the three regions. One winter spelt cultivar was also studied. The largest differences in spelt yield compared to control were found in the plain region in the biohumus + biofertiliser treatment (28.0%) and the hilly region in the organic fertiliser + zeolite treatment (28.8%). The differences in grain yield between control and treatment conditions in the mountain region were insignificant. Analysis of the economic effects of organic spelt production found a significantly lower gross margin in treatments with expensive organic fertilisers (3955.05 and 1104.75 € ha–1) than the control (5094.31 and 1833.85 € ha–1), leading to the conclusion that their application was not economically justified despite the increases in grain yield. The highest production costs (3569.71 € ha–1) were observed in treatments in the hilly region, resulting in the lowest benefit-cost ratio (0.1), while the greatest benefit-cost ratio was recorded in treatments in the mountainous region (2.1). Following the economic analysis results, a significant negative correlation between the benefit-cost ratio and the total production costs (r= –0.91**) was determined and a positive correlation between the gross margin and grain yield (r=0.66*). These results lead to the conclusion that the management strategy of spelt production in organic farming systems should be harmonised with the soil and agro-ecological characteristics of the region and directed at decreasing the costs and share of external inputs. In this case, organic spelt production can be economically profitable. Highlights - Organic fertilisers and soil conditioners affect spelt grain yield. - The analysis of the economic effects of organic spelt production concluded that fertiliser application was not economically justified despite the increases in grain yield. - Treatments in the plain region displayed the best production results compared to mountain region treatments, but these did not have the best benefit-cost ratio. - Knowledge of production costs is an important element in improving the economic efficiency of organic farming systems.

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increase predation of Belenois solilucis (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) eggs in organic agriculture production systems: a multiple-site field study at Rashad, Sudan

Organic farming is becoming more popular as there is a greater demand for pesticide-free food. Pest control in organic agricultural production requires a set of skills, including the identification of effective predators and land-use practices. Predation by selected Coleopteran, Dipteran, and Hemipteran insects and Araneae is well established, whereas the predatory role of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) has received little attention in the Rashad district, Sudan. This study was carried out to assess the predation rates of Belenois solilucis eggs and the impact of the land use type around the properties on these rates. An experimente involving predation tests on Belenois solilucis eggs and fauna sampling were conducted in 18 areas of organic agriculture in the Rashad district. The study showed that ants can reduce the eggs population by 26.8% per day. At the same time, other predator taxa, primarily Coleoptera, from Coccinellidae and Staphylinidae families, removed only 13% of the eggs. Ant species with the most significant recruiting power were Axinidris acholli, Tapinoma carininotum, and Technomyrmex moerens. Ant genera such as Linepithema, Dorymyrmex, and Camponotus ants were also frequently observed. The proportion of the planted area within a 500-meter radius, in addition to the interaction of other landscape categories, had a minor influence on predation, but only when the predators were not ants. The landscape does not affect predation by predators in general, including ants, or on ant predation in particular.

Prebiotics and Probiotics: It’s Impact on Host as Internal Healers

The regular or continuous use of antibiotics or chemotherapeutic agents to cure disease have led to problems of drug resistance towards various microorganism. The use of prebiotic and probiotic can solve this problem somehow due to their preventative and ecofriendly approaches, particularly in light of new trends toward organic production systems. Probiotics and Prebiotics deal with gastrointestinal lining and improve health benefits of human as well as animals. The components of these should be a part of our foods, or it may be including in our diet to increase health benefits at the nutritional and therapeutic levels. Prebiotics, being indigestible carbohydrates available in thousands of different plant foods, stimulate the beneficial probiotic microorganisms to grow and multiply and help to improve host intestinal probiotic balance. Probiotics are a diverse group of living organism having non-pathologic bacteria that are functionally beneficial for improving health due to their ability to prevent inflammation that takes place in intestine. Action mechanism of both these in relation to each other as well as their intestinal interactions has been discussed. The beneficial effects include disease treatment and prevention as well as improvement of digestion and absorption in the host. The alarming increase in inappropriate use of antibiotics and development of bacterial resistance makes prebiotic & probiotics a very interesting field for research. In the present scenario, both have shown a number of beneficial effects in a variety of disease related to gastrointestinal as well as non-gastrointestinal such as colon cancer, ulceration in intestine.

Chemical Composition of the "Galo de Barcelos" (Barcelos Rooster Raw Meat).

Simple SummaryThe assessment of traditional products is important for the sustainability of agricultural systems and the preservation of a unique gastronomic heritage. The present study aims to determine the chemical composition of “Galo de “Barcelos”” (“Barcelos” Rooster) raw meat, used in the preparation of the typical Portuguese dish “Roasted Rooster from “Barcelos””, in order to evaluate and protect this gastronomic and cultural tradition. The influence of the genotype on the final product was verified, concerning total protein, and fat contents, and a favorable ratio of n-6/n-3 fatty acids of the Sasso line was compared to the “Amarela” breed, contributing to the promotion of its gastronomic potential.Ten roosters produced according to “Barcelos Confraria” rules and ten roosters of autochthonous “Amarela” breed, reared on a similar traditional production system, were analyzed, and the chemical profile of two of the most significant meat portions, breast and drumstick, was determined. The results demonstrated that the “Barcelos” rooster raw meat is rich in proteins (22.3%) and fat (4.31%), particularly in monounsaturated fatty acids (39.1%). Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were observed, with the breast having a higher protein content (25.1 vs. 19.7%) and less fat (1.9% vs. 6.7%), compared to the drumstick. The fatty acid profile revealed (SFA 30.0%, MUFA 39.1%, and PUFA 24.6%) a similar composition to the roosters reared in the traditional or organic production systems, such as the “Amarela” autochthonous rooster. The “Barcelos” rooster can be regarded as a highly nutritional meat, with an interesting chemical profile ensuring a high-quality traditional product to consumers.

Evaluation of Traditional Varieties of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Yield under Organic Production System

Background: Organic farming seems to be one of the best options to offer healthier food and environment in the present situation. However, non availability of promising varieties is a major constraint which inevitably makes us to shift towards traditional varieties. Rice being the major crop grown and consumed in Tamil Nadu, an attempt was made to study the yield potential of different traditional varieties of rice under organic cultivation. Methods: The experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2020-2021 at wetland farms of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in RBD with twelve varieties replicated thrice under SRI method. The treatments consisted of twelve traditional varieties viz., Athur Kichili samba, Garudan samba, Illuppaipoo samba, Milagu samba, Poonkar, Sorna masuri, Thooya malli samba, Thanga samba, Kuzhiadichan, Kullakar, Anaikomban and Thulasi vasa samba. Result: The investigation revealed that significantly higher plant height, number of productive tillers, panicle weight, panicle length, fertility percentage were observed in Kuzhiadichan and Anaikomban which eventually led to higher grain and straw yield. The aforementioned varieties have also fetched higher net returns of Rs. 96,476 ha-1 and Rs. 73,893 ha-1, respectively indicating their suitability under organic production system.

Commercial layer hybrids kept under organic conditions: a comparison of range use, welfare, and egg production in two layer strains

Outdoor range areas provide laying hens with improved opportunities to perform natural behaviors and increase the available space per bird, however, birds are also exposed to potentially stressful factors including weather and predators. Ability to cope with challenging environments varies between different strains and must be considered to ensure good welfare. The aim of this study was to determine how suitable 2 hybrids, the Dekalb White (DW) and the Bovans Brown (BB), are for organic production with special emphasis on ranging behavior. A total of 1,200 hens were housed according to organic regulations across 12 flocks of 100 birds. Range and shelter use, effect of weather, vegetation cover, egg production and quality, and mortality were assessed in addition to a range of clinical welfare indicators. Initially a greater proportion of DW hens accessed the range. However, after approximately 2 mo, a greater proportion of BB were using the range and venturing further from the house. DW hens were more likely to use the shelters than BB hens (P < 0.001). Vegetation was also worn away to a greater extent in the BB ranges. Weather affected the proportion of hens that went outside, the distance ranged from the popholes, and shelter use. BB hens were found to have better plumage condition (P < 0.001), fewer footpad lesions (P < 0.001), fewer comb wounds (P < 0.001), and lower mortality rates (P = 0.013). Both hybrids experienced keel bone fractures, though DW hens had more at the cranial portion (P < 0.001) and BB at the caudal portion (P < 0.001). DW hens had an earlier onset of lay and higher egg production than BB hens (P < 0.001), though BB hens laid heavier eggs (P < 0.001) with thicker shells (P = 0.001). Overall, BB hens seemed to perform superiorly or equivalently to the DW hens for all variables apart from egg production. These results demonstrate the importance of considering the strain of bird selected for organic production systems in order for the birds to reap the potential benefits that are offered by outdoor access.

Agronomy, Chemical Analysis, and Antidiabetic Activity of Basil (Ocimum Species)

The use of natural products as potential preventive and therapeutic interventions for diabetes has drawn worldwide attention. Ocimum species have a multitude of applications in foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The antidiabetic activity of Ocimum has previously been reported; however, the active compound(s) associated with such activity remains elusive. In an effort to identify both an accession that is the most effective against diabetes and the compound(s) that may be associated with its antidiabetic effects, 16 Ocimum accessions representing six different species were investigated. Fourteen compounds from diverse groups, viz., flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids, were quantified utilizing a liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight (LC/DAD/Q-ToF) method. The results from the method validation demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99) and sensitivity as evident by the limit of detection (LOD) (0.04–0.6 μg/mL) and limit of quantification (LOQ) (0.08–1 μg/mL). Likewise, the method was found to be precise (RSD < 6%) with recoveries between 87.7% and 103.5%. The antidiabetic potential of methanol extracts of all samples was explored via an α-glucosidase inhibitory assay. Data from dose–response studies suggested that the methanol extract of O. gratissimum from Zambia (AR-XLVI-01-13) was comparable to the antidiabetic drug, acarbose. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid present in O. gratissimum were reported for the first time to be responsible for the antidiabetic properties of this plant species. In addition, the plants of this accession were taller, with an average of 21 branches per plant and produced a significantly greater amount of leaf and above ground biomass than other accessions. The reported analytical and biological methods could be employed to evaluate the chemical composition and agronomic performance of Ocimum. Overall, this project provided scientific information necessary for the development of sustainable organic production systems, which enable commercial cultivation of Ocimum varieties with known bioactivity.

Barriers and levers of enhancing animal welfare in organic and low-input outdoor production: Insights from a supply chain survey

Animal welfare is an essential part of the sustainability of animal production. While low-input farming, such as organic animal production, is often considered animal-friendly, several ways to enhance animal welfare in low-input animal production exist. However, currently there is little information on how farmers and other supply chain actors view different innovations and tools which may influence animal welfare in low-input outdoor and organic production systems. The aim of this study was to examine farmers’ and experts’ reactions to new approaches to pig and poultry production, with special attention to their animal welfare-related measures. The reactions were tested formally in by using a quantitative survey instrument in nine European countries (Finland, UK, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Romania). In the survey, respondents’ views on production practices and novel measures were asked. These included aspects such as applicability and advantages and disadvantages of various measures such as avoiding mutilations, using dual-purpose or local breeds, or in-ovo sexing. The data included altogether 218 responses from nine countries. Differences between countries were tested and groups of respondents were identified. The results suggest that supply side stakeholders foresee the welfare benefits and some disadvantages of welfare improving measures proposed to them. However, they also indicate that several measures were considered inapplicable despite their benefits. Inadequate financial provisions to adopt a measure was considered as one of the most important reasons for inapplicability of a measure. This may imply either high costs of implementing measures of low market incentives or perceived low demand for animal-friendly products. Other barriers for adopting welfare-friendly measures included farm-specific factors such as limitations imposed by housing. The respondents indicated a high relative preference for feeding, breeding, shelter from predators and the use of vaccines and anti-parasitic treatments to the provision of enrichments and nesting material to pigs, and to mutilations. Farmers agreed that environmental enrichments are important welfare-improving levers and preferred their use in low-input pig and poultry production. Animal breeding-related measures in pig production were perceived quite favorably by supply side stakeholders. Despite their welfare benefits, farmers in some countries had quite high preference towards maintaining castration and tail docking in pig and beak trimming in broiler production as part of their production method.

Potential use of Annona (Annonaceae) by-products to Palpita forficifera management: Lethal and sublethal toxicities and residual effect in olive plants

Looking for alternatives for the management of the olive tree moth, Palpita forficifera Munroe (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), this study evaluated the lethal toxicity of three formulations prepared from ethanol extracts from seeds of pre-selected species of Annonaceae (Annona mucosa Jacq., Annona muricata L. and Annona sylvatica A. St.-Hil) compared to a synthetic insecticide based on spinosyn (spinetoram 75 mg L−1, Delegate™ 250 WG). At the concentration of 2,000 mg L−1, the formulation based on A. mucosa extract (major compound = acetogenin rolliniastatin-1) was the most promising treatment, presenting ovicide and larvicide effects comparable or superior to the synthetic insecticide used. In addition to lethal toxicity, P. forficifera third instar larvae fed on olive leaves treated with the formulation based on A. mucosa extract (LC50 = 11.91 mg L−1) showed a significant reduction in larval viability (−52%), larvae weight (−21%), pupal weight after 24 h (−11%) and total female fecundity (−17%) compared to the negative control. In semi-field conditions (greenhouse), the promising results obtained in the laboratory were confirmed, with the formulation of the aqueous emulsion of A. mucosa extract [(a at LC90 previously estimated at 24 h (987.11 mg L−1)], presenting a residual effect (≥80% mortality of third instar larvae) within approximately 7 days. Given the results, the formulation based on the ethanol extract of A. mucosa seeds is a promising alternative for the control of P. forficifera larval populations, especially in organic and/or ecological-based production systems.

Evaluation of 12 Sweetpotato Clones in Coastal South Carolina for Yield and Insect Resistance Using Organic and Conventional Cultural Practices

The yield and insect resistance of 12 sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) clones grown in two different production systems (organic black plastic mulch and conventional bare ground) were evaluated in 2016 and 2017 in coastal South Carolina. Significant differences in total storage root yield, marketable storage root yield, U.S. No. 1 storage root yield, and percent of U.S. No. 1 storage roots in all trials were found, except for percent of U.S. No. 1 storage roots in 2017 for the organic black plastic mulch trial. In the organic black plastic mulch trials, ‘Bonita’ and USDA-04-136 consistently produced high marketable yields, whereas ‘Ruddy’ and USDA-W388 consistently produced the lowest marketable yields. ‘Averre’, ‘Beauregard’, ‘Covington’, and USDA-09-130 exhibited variable performance, with marketable yields among the highest in a single year. For the conventional trials, USDA-04-136 consistently produced high marketable yields, whereas ‘Ruddy’ and USDA-W-388 consistently produced the lowest marketable yields. ‘Averre’, ‘Bonita’, ‘Covington’, and USDA-09-130 exhibited variable performance, with marketable yields among the highest in a single year. For the organic black plastic mulch, significant differences were detected in the percent of uninjured roots and percent white grub (primarily Plectris aliena) damage in 2016 and in wireworm (Elateridae)-cucumber beetle (Diabrotica)-flea beetle (Systena) severity index (WDS severity index) in 2016 and 2017. USDA-04-136 and USDA-W-388 consistently had the lowest WDS severity index, whereas ‘Covington’ consistently had the highest WDS severity index. For the conventional trials, significant differences were found among clones in both years for all insect rating variables, except for percent sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius elegantulus) damage. ‘Ruddy’, USDA-04-136, and USDA-W-388 consistently yielded the highest percent of uninjured roots, whereas ‘Averre’, ‘Bonita’, SC-1149-19, and USDA-09-130 consistently had the lowest percent of uninjured roots. The research reported here for yield and insect resistance under conventional and organic production systems will be useful for producers in the selection of cultivars suitable for growth in South Carolina.

Short-Term Impact of a Zero Concentrate Supplementation on Organic Dairy Production

This study investigates the short-term economic impact of a zero-concentrate supplementation in organic dairy production systems with Holstein cows. Based on experimental data and using prices recorded in 2018 in Switzerland, the study calculates the difference in profits between two annual herbage-based feed rations: one supplemented with 750 kg and the other containing 0 kg concentrates per cow and lactation. The cut in concentrates led to a considerable increase in the average culling rate (14.4 percentage points). If it is assumed that the culling rate cannot be lowered by means of breeding or management adjustments, a zero-concentrate supplementation leads to a 375 CHF drop in profit per cow and year, which is equivalent to a 14% decrease in the remuneration of labor input. If the culling rate could be decreased to the status quo, then not feeding concentrates leads to a smaller, non-significant decrease in profits of 141 CHF per cow and year. Overall, it is concluded that there is a short-term trade-off between profitability and a reduction in concentrates. A zero-concentrate supplementation would be economically feasible only if the culling rate can be kept under control, for instance, by using adapted cow breeds. However, high-quality roughage is a prerequisite and may be more difficult to produce in alpine regions with less favorable production conditions.

Life Cycle Assessment Perspective for Sectoral Adaptation to Climate Change: Environmental Impact Assessment of Pig Production

Growing demand for sustainably driven production systems, especially pork, requires a holistic or system thinking approach. Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) offers a robust methodological background as one of the approaches to achieving system analysis for a product along its lifecycle. On the other hand, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can perform state-of-art system analysis characterising its sustainability fronts as a compelling set of tools. Pork, as the most consumed meat across Europe (circa 34 kg per capita per year), compounded with the sector’s contribution to global greenhouse gases (GHG) doubling over the past decade necessitated this research. Our objective was to map hotspots along the value chain and recommend the best available practices for realising the sectoral contribution to carbon neutrality and climate change adaptation. To achieve the objective, we compared organic and conventional production systems by basing our analysis on Recipe midpoint 2016 (H) V1.13 as implemented in OpenLCA 1.10.2 using AGRIBALYSE® 3.0 datasets for eleven indicators. We found that producing 1 kg of pig meat under an organic production system had almost double the environmental impact of conventional systems for land use, water consumption, acidification, and ecotoxicity. Feed production and manure management are the significant hotspots accounting for over 90% of environmental impacts associated with 1 kg pig meat Liveweight (LW) production. Similarly, efficient conventional systems were less harmful to the environment in per capita unit of production and land use compared with organic ones in ten out of the eleven impacts evaluated. Implementing increased efficiency, reduced use of inputs for feed production, and innovative manure management practices with technological potential were some of the best practices the research recommended to realise minimal impacts on the identified hotspots.

Biopesticides in Organic Agriculture

Summary The central issuses in organic agricultural production are related to the plant protection sector. As the use of synthetic pesticides is not allowed in the organic system of agricultural production, biopesticides are considerd a natural, safe and environmentally friendly alternative. The purpose of this study is to identify the most important biological agents used as biopesticides in organic agriculture through a review of the relevant literature. Biopesticides are compounds made from microorganisms and various natural materials of plant and animal origin. Biological protection also includes the use of extracts of different plant species (such as essential oils) that have toxic effects on plant pathogens. This paper accounts for the most important types of biopesticides based on bacteria, fungi and viruses, which are licensed for use in the Republic of Serbia according to the Law on Organic Agriculture. Their mechanisms of action, possibilities of application and efficiency are described in the present study. The bacterium Bacillus subtilis is the most studied bacterial species used in biological protection, whereas the species Bacillus thuringiensis is predominantly used for the control of harmful insects. There is no doubt about the need for alternative protection systems in the future, which necessitates further scientific research. A sound application of biopesticides in combination with preventive protection measures would meet the requirements of safe agricultural production.

Different Fertility Approaches in Organic Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Production Alter Floral Biomass Yield but Not CBD:THC Ratio

Industrial hemp is once again legal in the United States but agronomic practices are not well characterized, especially for organic production systems. Many producers are concerned that while increased fertility may increase biomass yield it will also disproportionally increase that rate of total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) accumulation, making their crop more likely to be noncompliant at harvest. We measured the effect of four organic fertility treatments: (1) no fertility (NA); (2) manure-based compost (CM); (3) an industry-standard organic fertilizer blend (ST); and (4) an intensive fertility treatment designed for cannabis production (BQ), on biomass yield and cannabinoid accumulation over multiple timepoints and two years. We found that higher fertility (ST and BQ) led to increased biomass but did not influence the ratio of cannabidiol (CBD) to THC over time. We also found the ST treatment yielded the most consistently across years, whereas CM and BQ were less predictable and more costly, respectively. Our results show that fertility recommendations can be made to increase biomass yield without increasing the chance of noncompliance. Additional research addressing specific fertility requirements in organic cropping systems for hemp will be needed to meet consumer demand while remaining profitable and sustainable for growers.

Triacylglycerides and Cholesterol in Organic Milk from Chiapas, Mexico.

Simple SummaryThe profile of triacylglycerides and sterols in fat of raw cow’s milk produced under organic conditions in Tecpatán, Chiapas, Mexico was determined. The triacylglyceride values described a bimodal behavior, with maximums at C38 in the first mode and, between C50 and C52, the second mode. Cholesterol presented the highest percentage (96.41%) of sterols.The study of milk fat composition is a priority topic at the international level; however, there are few studies on the composition of triacylglycerides (TAG) and sterols in cow’s milk produced in organic production systems. The objective of this study was to determine the profile of TAG, cholesterol, and other sterols in the fat of raw cow’s milk produced under organic conditions in the municipality of Tecpatán, Chiapas. Every month for one year, milk samples were obtained from three production units (PU 1, 2 and 3) and from the collecting tank (CT) of the municipality (12 months × 4 = 48 samples), in accordance with Mexican regulations. Milk fat was extracted by detergent solution and TAG and sterol analyses were performed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector and capillary columns. Chromatographic analyses identified and quantified 15 TAG in all milk fats, from C26 to C54, with a bimodal behavior; the maximum value (% w/w) for the first mode was located at C38 (14.48) and, for the second mode, C50 and C52 were considered with values of 11.55 and 11.60, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s test only yielded significance (p < 0.05) for C26; most TAG values over time showed homogeneous variability. Cholesterol, brassicasterol, and campesterol were also determined; ANOVA did not show statistical significance (p ≥ 0.05) between them in the production units and collecting tank. Cholesterol had the highest percentage of the sterols with a mean value of 96.41%. The TAG and cholesterol profiles found in this study were similar to those reported in other countries.

Agronomic performance of normal‐leafed and semi‐leafless pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes

AbstractPea (Pisum sativum L.) is a major pulse crop important as feed and food. Due to the symbiosis with N‐fixing bacteria, it is a valuable component of low‐input cropping systems. The traditional cultivation of peas was limited by their high susceptibility to lodging. This problem was reduced, though not completely solved, by a semi‐leafless mutant. Almost all modern cultivars carry this mutant. It is still an open question as to whether the lack of leaflets may have impaired the productivity. In organic farming, there is still interest in normal‐leafed peas as they can better compete with weeds. To compare the two leaf types, 24 normal‐leafed and 30 semi‐leafless genotypes were evaluated in three environments. Semi‐leafless genotypes had a higher seed (51%) and straw (40%) yield, but most normal‐leafed genotypes were older or less adapted than the semi‐leafless ones. Some newer normal‐leafed cultivars achieved the same yield level, but their cultivation is only possible in mixtures with a supporting crop. Nitrogen content in seed (10%) and in straw (30%) was lower in semi‐leafless genotypes. A negative correlation of yield and N content was observed in both leaf types. However, semi‐leafless peas had a higher N yield in seed and in straw. No correlation between N yield in seed and straw was found, so it is possible to combine a high seed yield with a high N yield in the straw. This is particularly important in organic production systems, where peas are also grown to provide N to the following crop.