Agricultural Practices Research Articles

Effect of Organic Farming Techniques on the Quality of Almond Fat

Almond fruit is characterized by a mature, hardened endocarp enclosing the seed. Despite being a drupe botanically, almonds are commonly referred to as nuts due to their low water content. The edible seed, known as the kernel, is the primary commercial product. Fatty acid composition was determined to value the quality of fat over four years in almonds of the Guara variety, from plots where the production system (organic and conventional), the irrigation system (intense irrigation, support irrigation and dry land), and the use of plant cover varied. The oil content and fatty acid composition were determined over four years in almonds of the Guara variety, using different sustainable agriculture techniques. Oil almond content ranged from 35% to 55% of total fresh weight of the kernel, with strong variability between years. Fatty acid composition was also highly variable, with significant differences depending on agricultural practices. Oleic acid, which ranged from 59% to 78%, was statistically higher with support irrigation. Plant cover also favored the synthesis of oleic acid. Linoleic acid, which ranged from 11% to 25%, had a statistically higher content in almonds from organic farming and dry land conditions. The atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and the value of health-beneficial fat was better in organically prod\uced almonds. The great variability observed in the quality of almond fat represents a very promising basis for establishing practices for adaptation to arid cultivation conditions, irrigation management, and organic and regenerative techniques, satisfying requirements for healthier and more sustainable diets.

Determinants of the adoption of biological control agents in Andhra Pradesh

This study, conducted in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India, in 2024, explored the factors influencing farmers' adoption of biological control agents (BCAs). Kurnool, an agriculturally significant region, was divided into four clusters: Kallur, Pathikonda, Kodumur and Panyam. A total of 120 farmers were selected using a convenience sampling method, chosen due to logistical constraints and the exploratory nature of the research. Data were gathered through semi-structured household interviews and supplemented by key informant discussions to provide additional context. The study examined adoption of BCAs as the dependent variable, with independent variables including age, gender, education, primary occupation, farming experience, farm income, farm size, training and membership in agricultural organizations. Analysis using a forward stepwise logistic regression model identified farm size, annual income and training as significant positive factors influencing awareness and adoption of BCAs. Results showed that 25 % of the sampled farmers were using BCAs. Key barriers to adoption included a lack of knowledge, reliance on chemical fertilizers due to entrenched agricultural practices, high costs and limited access to credit. To address these challenges, the study recommends implementing targeted education programs, enhancing access to affordable credit and fostering cooperative networks and public-private partnerships to strengthen collaboration between farmers and agricultural organizations. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive policy measures to support sustainable agricultural practices through the promotion of BCAs.

Optimizing Nano-DAP Application for Enhanced Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) Productivity

A field experiment was conducted at KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, India during Kharif 2023 to evaluate the effect of nano DAP on the growth and yield of groundnut. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with twelve treatments and replicated thrice. Various levels and methods of nano DAP treatments were evaluated, among the tested treatments application of 100 per cent recommended dose of N & P along with seed treatment of nano DAP 2.5 ml kg-1 of seeds and one foliar spray of nano DAP 4 ml l-1 at 30 DAS (T11) recorded higher plant height (58.50 cm), number of branches (15.92), number of effective root nodules at 30 and 60 DAS (47.43 and 85.27 respectively), the yield attributes like number of pods plant-1 (53.40), test weight (42.48 g), pod yield (3562.5 kg ha-1), kernel yield (2659.73 kg ha-1), haulm yield (4301.47 kg ha-1) and shelling percentage (74.69 %) were also found significantly higher in the same treatment. It also recorded higher gross returns (2,16,980 ₹ ha-1), net returns (1,41,716 ₹ ha-1), and B: C ratio (2.88) compared to the recommended dose of fertilizers, 12.4 per cent increased pod yield was noted with nano DAP application. This increase in yield can aid in ensuring food security, while the environmentally friendly properties of Nano DAP support the practice of sustainable agriculture.

Development of a Robotic System for Agricultural Pest Detection: A Case Study on Chili Plants

Chili peppers, a key agricultural commodity in Indonesia, are highly susceptible to pest infestations and diseases, leading to significant economic losses and challenges in sustainable farming. This study presents the design and implementation of a real-time pest detection system that integrates robotics, computer vision, and deep learning to enhance agricultural productivity. The system is built on a Raspberry Pi 5 and Arduino Mega Pro Mini, utilizing a camera for image capture and ultrasonic sensors for navigation. A ResNet-based model was trained on a dataset of 2,703 chili leaf images, categorized into healthy and diseased classes, achieving a detection accuracy of 91%. The system provides early warnings to farmers through a web-based interface, allowing timely intervention and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. While promising, the system faced challenges such as environmental variability, which influenced image recognition accuracy. By automating pest detection and promoting precision farming, this innovation addresses the need for sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to global food security and reducing environmental impact.

Hidden hunger: from a plant biologist's perspective.

In recent years, changes in dietary patterns from an omnivore diet to a moderate-to-restrictive diet that includes more plant food are becoming popular for various reasons and the associated health benefits. Despite the increased consumption of plant food as recommended by these seemingly healthy diets, micronutrient deficiency is still prevalent particularly among the health-conscious populations. The aim of this review is to help guide interventions by understanding micronutrient deficiency trends from a dietary habit and plant physiology context. In this review, the author discusses how modern agricultural practices coupled with climate change, and with particular emphasis on the extreme dietary habits that lack variation and excessive consumption, may contribute to an increased ingestion of antinutrients which in turn potentially exacerbate vitamin and mineral deficiencies. While plants possess a wide range of secondary metabolites that exert beneficial health effects, some of these compounds are also antinutrients that interfere with the digestion and absorption of nutrients and micronutrients. Furthermore, the article also raises questions concerning the fate of antinutrient traits in future crops that were to be redesigned with improved stress tolerance, and the impacts it may have on human nutrition and the environment. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of Sustainable Agricultural Practices on Farm Productivity, Yield, and Climate Resilience Among Smallholder Farmers in Zambia

This study investigated the impact of sustainable agricultural practices on farm productivity, crop yield, and climate resilience among smallholder farmers across Zambia. A mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods was used to collect responses from 244 farmers. To ensure a diverse representation across different types of farming and regions, stratified random sampling was used. Key findings reveal that the majority of farmers (75%) adopted conservation agriculture, including practices like minimum soil disturbance, crop rotation, and permanent soil cover, which significantly enhanced soil health, water retention, and resilience to climate variability. A notable 53% of farmers also engaged in soil fertility management practices, such as composting and green manure, further contributing to increased yields and long-term productivity. In terms of farm size, 44% of farmers managed small plots (1-5 hectares), with the majority (51%) practicing mixed farming. This diversification of crops and livestock contributed to increased climate resilience. The study also highlighted the role of education, with 38.5% of respondents holding tertiary qualifications, which enabled the adoption of innovative, climate-smart practices. These findings highlight the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in boosting productivity, enhancing farm resilience, and mitigating climate change effects, particularly for smallholder farmers in Zambia.

Bioremediation of Soil Pollution: An Effective Approach for Sustainable Agriculture

Soil pollution, primarily caused by the excessive use of pesticides, heavy metals, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff, is a significant global environmental challenge. Traditional methods of soil remediation, such as chemical treatments and physical excavation, are costly, disruptive, and environmentally unsustainable. In contrast, bioremediation has emerged as a promising, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to restore contaminated soils. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of bioremediation techniques, their mechanisms, applications in agriculture, and their role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, it examines the potential benefits, challenges, and future prospects of bioremediation in addressing soil pollution while ensuring long-term soil health and agricultural productivity.

Integrating MODFLOW and LSTM models for enhanced groundwater management in the coastal plains of Lattakia Governorate

ABSTRACT Effective groundwater management is vital for ensuring the sustainability of water resources, particularly in regions with significant agricultural and residential demands. This study focuses on the coastal plain of Lattakia Governorate, a 140-km2 area southeast of Lattakia city, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Al-Kabir Al-Shamali River, and the Al-Sanobar River. The objective was to evaluate the performance of the MODFLOW model, within the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS), for simulating groundwater levels and to assess the predictive capabilities of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for forecasting temporal changes in groundwater levels. The methodology involved data collection from thirty observation wells, preprocessing for model calibration, and the integration of MODFLOW and LSTM outputs to create a hybrid framework. Findings indicate that MODFLOW effectively simulates physical groundwater processes, while LSTM captures nonlinear and temporal dynamics. The integration of these models reduced prediction errors by up to 20% compared to standalone approaches, enhancing prediction accuracy and reliability. This study provides a novel approach to groundwater management, offering actionable insights for sustainable agricultural practices, residential water security, and pollution mitigation. The proposed framework demonstrates scalability and adaptability to similar hydrological settings globally, contributing to the advancement of integrated groundwater management strategies.

Agribusiness in the UAE: Challenges and Technological Advancements, A Review

This review comprehensively analyses the agribusiness landscape in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting the challenges and strategic responses that shape the sector. The UAE’s agribusiness is pivotal for economic diversification and reducing oil dependency. However, it faces significant obstacles due to the harsh desert climate, limited arable land, and freshwater scarcity. Soil salinity and water constraints necessitate innovative agricultural practices. Technological innovations such as vertical farming and hydroponics, alongside government initiatives like the ‘National Food Security Strategy 2051’, are crucial for sustainable agriculture. The paper examined the UAE’s reliance on food imports and the associated risks, including supply chain disruptions and market volatility. It outlines resilience strategies such as crop diversification, supply chain improvements, and continuous innovation. Through case studies of pioneering enterprises like Pure Harvest Smart Farms and Al Dahra, the paper showcases successful applications of climate-resilient crops and advanced farming techniques. These firms demonstrate the potential for successful agribusiness despite environmental challenges. The paper concludes that addressing these challenges is vital for the UAE’s food security, ensuring a stable food supply, and supporting a diversified, sustainable economy. Investment in AgriTech, research, innovation, and strategic policy implementation are key to the future of agriculture in the UAE.

Managing soil to support soil biodiversity in protected areas agroecosystems: a comparison between arable lands, olive groves, and vineyards in the Conero Park (Italy).

Sustainable soil management is essential to conserve soil biodiversity and its provision of vital ecosystem services. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 highlights the key role of organic farming and land protection in halting biodiversity loss, including edaphic biodiversity. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed measures, a 1-year study was conducted in spring 2022 to determine the soil quality of three organically managed agroecosystems and four sites for each: arable lands, olive groves, and vineyards in the Conero Park, using the arthropod-based Biological Soil Quality Index (QBS-ar) and also considering soil chemical-physical characteristics. Soil microarthropods are sensitive indicators of the impact of agricultural practices on soil quality. Given the diversity of the agronomic practices applied in these agroecosystems, the study aimed to compare the soil quality and identify the system with the least impact on soil biodiversity conservation, with the goal of laying the basis for identifying soil quality benchmarks within each system to be used in monitoring activities in land protected areas. Results showed that organic farming combined with land protection had a positive impact on soil quality. The overall soil quality was excellent, with the highest levels found in arable lands. This is consistent with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH), which states that slightly disturbed habitats (i.e., arable land with minimum tillage) tend to have higher organism diversity than stable ones. The composition of microarthropod communities in arable land differed from those in stable arboreal crops. Olive groves showed a higher abundance and diversity of microarthropods compared to vineyards, which showed lower values. Promoting the use of QBS-ar, identifying benchmarks for prevalent agroecosystems, and ensuring continuous monitoring of protected areas are thus crucial issues.

Mechanisms of drought tolerance in Moringa: Strategies for mitigation and adaptation – Review

Moringa oleifera, often called the "miracle tree," is renowned for its resilience to harsh environmental conditions, particularly drought. This review explores the mechanisms by which Moringa tolerates drought stress, making it a vital crop in arid and semi-arid regions. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular adaptations attribute the tree's drought tolerance. Key mechanisms include an extensive root system that enhances water uptake, efficient water use through stomatal regulation, and the accumulation of Osmo protectants such as proline. Additionally, Moringa activates antioxidant enzymes that mitigate oxidative stress under drought conditions, safeguarding cellular integrity. Molecular responses play a significant role as well, with the upregulation of drought-responsive genes and stress-related proteins that enhance the tree’s ability to cope with water scarcity. These adaptive traits not only contribute to Moringa's survival but also improve its productivity under water-limited conditions. Beyond its environmental resilience, Moringa holds significant socioeconomic value. Its rich nutritional content, medicinal properties, and potential for income generation make it a critical crop for addressing food security and poverty, especially in developing regions. This review highlights the importance of promoting Moringa cultivation as a sustainable agricultural practice in drought-prone areas. In conclusion, understanding and leveraging Moringa's drought tolerance mechanisms can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Expanding its cultivation could lead to more resilient agricultural systems, providing both environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Continued research is essential to optimize its use and ensure its widespread adoption in vulnerable regions.

Dimensionality of food safety and hygiene training programs for food handlers in Lusaka, Zambia

Globally, foodborne illnesses pose a substantial threat to public health, contributing significantly toillness and death. The behaviors, awareness, and attitudes of food handlers are critical determinantsof food safety. This research aimed to investigate the comprehensiveness and scope of food safetyand hygiene training initiatives targeting food handlers in Lusaka, Zambia. To this end, weconducted a two-phase qualitative analysis and evaluation of available training materials. Thisincluded interviews with 18 food establishment managers/ Human resource officers" should not becapitalized unless it is part of a proper noun. The analysis was conducted manually to identifyemerging themes and understanding the materials to assess the entry requirements for participants,duration of training, qualifications of trainers, topics covered and the delivery methods used. Thestudy found no uniform format for the training materials which also lacked important topics on foodsafety systems and Good Agricultural Practices and Good Agricultural Practices topics.Additionally, the study found poor uptake of the training due to a lack of awareness of legalrequirements, high attrition, training costs, and a lack of established institutions offering the trainingon a regular basis. This study recommends the standardization of food safety and hygiene trainingprograms in Zambia, tailored to the local context. Specifically, the development of a Participant'sHandbook and a Facilitator's Manual is recommended. These resources should outline qualificationsand competencies required for trainers, duration and format of training and entry requirements andprerequisites for trainees

Escherichia coli O157:H7, a Common Contaminant of Raw Milk from Ecuador: Isolation and Molecular Identification

Escherichia coli (E. coli), especially the Shiga toxin-producing O157:H7 strain, poses severe health risks. In rural Ecuador, raw milk consumption heightens contamination risks. This study analyzed 633 raw milk samples from Pichincha and Manabí to assess E. coli O157:H7 prevalence. The samples were enriched using BHI broth, and then specific culture media were used to isolate E. coli O157:H7. The pathogen in the enriched raw milk was identified, and the isolates were specifically confirmed through the application of a newly designed qPCR assay. The novel qPCR assay demonstrated remarkable sensitivity, capable of detecting up to one copy of genetic material, and specificity (no amplification of other bacteria). An extremely high E. coli O157:H7 prevalence of 0.63 (n = 401) was detected, where the province with the highest number of positive samples was Manabí with 72.8% (n = 225/309) and 54.3% (n = 179/324) for Pichincha. In both provinces, the presence of E. coli O157:H7 contamination exhibited a favorable correlation with small-scale farms and elevated temperatures. This research provides valuable data on the microbiological contamination of E. coli O157:H7 present in raw milk, in addition to an improved method that has been demonstrated to be faster, more sensitive, and more specific than conventional and previously published methods, highlighting the associated risk of food-borne infections and pointing out potential shortcomings in the regulation of agricultural practices and the need for periodic monitoring of bacterial contamination levels with updated methods.

CsPHYB–CsPIF3/4 Regulates Hypocotyl Elongation by Coordinating the Auxin and Gibberellin Biosynthetic Pathways in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Hypocotyl length is closely related to quality in seedlings and is an important component of plant height vital for plant-type breeding in cucumber. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of hypocotyl elongation are poorly understood. In this study, the endogenous hormone content of indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellin (GA3) showed an increase in the long hypocotyl Csphyb (phytochrome B) mutant AM274M compared with its wild-type AM274W. An RNA-sequencing analysis identified 1130 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 476 and 654 were up- and downregulated in the mutant AM274M, respectively. A KEGG enrichment analysis exhibited that these DEGs were mainly enriched in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. The expression levels of the pivotal genes CsGA20ox-2, in the gibberellin biosynthesis pathway, and CsYUCCA8, in the auxin biosynthesis pathway, were notably elevated in the hypocotyl of the mutant AM274M, in contrast to the wild-type AM274W. Additionally, GUS staining and a dual-luciferase reporter assay corroborated that the phytochrome-interacting factors CsPIF3/4 can bind to the E(G)-box motifs present in the promoters of the CsGA20ox-2 and CsYUCCA8 genes, thereby modulating their expression and subsequently influencing hypocotyl elongation. Consequently, this research offers profound insights into the regulation of hypocotyl elongation by auxin and gibberellin in response to light signals and establishes a crucial theoretical groundwork for cultivating robust cucumber seedlings in agricultural practice.

Dietary composition of Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis Przewalski, 1876 (Aves: Gruiformes: Gruidae) in its winter habitat: insights from fecal analysis in Bumdeling, Trashiyangtse, Bhutan

Gaining comprehensive insights into the dietary habits and food preferences of the Black-necked Crane (BNC) is crucial for developing effective conservation plans to safeguard this globally near-threatened species. The choice of habitats by these birds is primarily influenced by the availability of diverse food sources and overall environmental security. This study was conducted in 2019–2020 in Bumdeling, one of three wintering sites for BNC in Bhutan. It was prompted by concerns over a declining crane population, largely due to habitat alteration that threatens food sources. This study aimed to examine the dietary preferences of cranes by collecting and analyzing fecal samples from foraging and roosting sites. Results revealed that paddy-fields were the primary foraging areas. The presence of domestic grains after harvest, herbaceous plants, and invertebrates are crucial components of the food structure of cranes. Fecal samples contained 79 species from domestic crops, herbaceous plants, and invertebrates. Fecal dry weight exhibited significant differences from December to February compared to March, suggesting a decline in rice intake and an increase in invertebrate consumption, resulting in lower fecal weight. These results also showed that as the months progress rice decreases with a shift to a protein-rich diet of invertebrates before cranes migrate back to their summer grounds. Traces of plastics were found in feces from all feeding sites, highlighting the need for better waste management. Changes in agricultural practices have had significant impacts on the availability of food sources for cranes in Bumdeling. Collaboration among conservationists, local government, and communities is recommended to enhance winter habitats and provide food supplements when rice supplies start to diminish.

Six Decades of Rural Landscape Transformation in Five Lebanese Villages

During the last six decades, Lebanon’s landscapes have undergone significant regime shifts whose causes are under-investigated. Using land cover maps from 1962 and satellite imagery from 2014 and 2023 in five randomly selected villages across Lebanon’s major agroecological zones (AEZs), we identified salient trends in the urbanization-driven transformation of land use and land cover (LULC). Household socio-economic characteristics and environmental pressures were analyzed as independent variables influencing land use decisions. Logistic regression (LR) was employed to assess the significance of these variables in shaping farmers’ choices to transition toward “perennialization”—namely fruit tree monocropping or protected agriculture. The LR results indicate that education reduced the likelihood of “perennialization” by 45% (p < 0.001). Farm size positively influenced “perennialization” (p < 0.01), suggesting that land availability encourages this agricultural practice. In contrast, water availability negatively affects “perennialization” (p < 0.01), though farmers may still opt to irrigate by purchasing water during shortages. Our findings underline the complex interplay of socio-economic and environmental dynamics and historical events in shaping Lebanon’s rural landscapes and they offer insights into similar transformations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Sustainability Benefit Evaluation and Optimization of Rural Public Spaces Under Self-Organization Theory

Agriculture-oriented rural areas represent one of the forms of specialized agricultural practices and economic development. Public spaces serve as critical carriers within the rural spatial system. Rural public spaces are divided into two forms: explicit spaces and implicit spaces. The interaction between these forms significantly influences the morphological evolution of rural public spaces. This study takes the ancient village cluster in Anyi, Nanchang City, China as a case study. By collecting POI (Point of Interest) data and conducting surveys on visitors’ landscape preferences, it employs a life circle spatial division method and the VEISD (Village Evaluation Indicators for Sustainable Development) entropy model to evaluate the sustainability benefits of rural public spaces. Based on the evaluation results, the study proposes a control and guidance method for public spaces under self-organization theory. This method leverages the interference effects of explicit rural public spaces on implicit spaces to optimize rural public spaces. The study focuses on the planning and renovation of public space nodes in Luotian Village. By adjusting the sub-indicator “Village Public Environment Construction D22”, it validates the scientific robustness of the systems analysis theory and the VEISD framework. By adjusting the spatial layout and attributes of a critical spatial node—the Ancient Camphor Tree Square in Luotian Village—within rural public space planning, the study advances the guidance and control of public spaces during the self-organization evolution of rural areas. It enhances the openness of spatial forms and the functional integration of public space nodes. The results demonstrate that this method can analyze the vitality characteristics of factors within subsystems through the layout and indicator system of rural public spaces. It also validates the findings via correlation tests with the demands for POI and landscape preferences, ultimately constructing the VEISD framework for rural public spaces. This research provides theoretical support for optimizing the resource transformation and utilization of rural public spaces, offering a reference model for the sustainable development of rural areas.

Beyond Soil Health: The Microbial Implications of Conservation Agriculture

Conservation agriculture (CA) is a sustainable land management approach to improve soil quality while mitigating degradation. Although extensive information regarding the effect of CA on soil properties and microbiome is available, complete studies on the cumulative effect on specific interactions between soil parameters, crop productivity, and microbial communities over time are still lacking, mainly in arid regions. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of no-tillage and residue retention over long- and short-term (24 and 3 years, respectively) periods. Six treatments were established in a maize–oat–triticale system from 1995 in a semiarid region: P + H—plow + harrow; H—harrow; MP—multi-plow (short-term); NT—no-tillage; NT33—NT + 33% residue surface cover (long-term); NT66—NT + 66% residue surface cover. Results indicated that CA improved soil quality by increasing soil organic matter (SOM), total carbon, and glomalin; it also enhanced microbial abundance, particularly fungi, and β-galactosidase activity. Nevertheless, conventional tillage practices led to SOM degradation and reduced crop yields. Principal component analysis revealed distinct groupings of treatments based on soil properties and microbial communities. Furthermore, changes could be detected from the short term. These findings highlight the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to maintain soil health and ensure agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions.

Commodity Zoning and Identification of Agricultural Practices Using an Agroecological Approach in Selur Village

Selur Village is an agrarian village where most residents rely on the agricultural sector as their primary source of livelihood. However, this sector faces challenges such as limited irrigation access, suboptimal land management, and the impacts of climate change. Agroecology offers an integrative solution combining ecological, social, and cultural aspects to enhance agricultural sustainability. This study aims to delineate superior commodity zoning through agroecological maps tailored to the biophysical potential of the area and to understand local farming practices based on agroecological principles. The research employs a mixed-method approach, with primary data obtained through interviews with 18 farmers, analyzed using Deductive Qualitative Analysis (DQA) to describe current farming practices, which were then interpreted about agroecological principles. Secondary data, including slope, elevation, air temperature, rainfall, and soil type, were spatially analyzed using QGIS to produce agroecological zone maps. Land suitability assessment was conducted using the matching method, aligning land characteristics with crop growth requirements. The results indicate that the majority of land in Selur village is suitable for perennial crops and forestry. Key commodities such as rice, maize, turmeric, and horticultural crops exhibit high compatibility with land conditions. The findings emphasize the application of agroecological principles, including crop diversification, soil conservation, and resource recycling, but highlight the need for further interventions. The study concludes by recommending strategies such as sustainable intensification, land rehabilitation, and enhanced market access to optimize agricultural productivity and resilience in Selur Village.

Utilizing Olive Fly Ecology Towards Sustainable Pest Management

The olive fly (Bactrocera oleae, OLF) is a major pest of global significance that occurs in places where olive cultivation thrives. This paper highlights the economic and environmental damage caused by OLF infestations, including reduced olive oil yield and quality, disrupted supply chains, and ecosystem imbalances due to heavy insecticide use. Understanding olive fly ecology is crucial for developing effective control strategies. The review explores the fly’s life cycle, its relationship with olive trees, and how environmental factors like temperature and humidity influence population dynamics. Additionally, studying the role of natural enemies and agricultural practices can pave the way for sustainable control methods that minimize environmental harm. Climate change, intensive cultivation, and the development of resistance to insecticides necessitate a shift towards sustainable practices. This includes exploring alternative control methods like biological control with natural enemies and attract-and-kill strategies. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of OLF ecology, including its response to temperature and its ability to find refuge in diverse landscapes, is critical for predicting outbreaks and implementing effective protection strategies. By employing a holistic approach that integrates ecological knowledge with sustainable control methods, we can ensure the continued viability of olive cultivation, protect the environment, and produce high-quality olive oil.