Sustainable Agriculture Research Research Articles

Integrating irrigation management and soil remediation practices for sustainable agricultural production: advances, challenges, and future directions

ABSTRACT Agriculture’s important role in human survival and its significant impact on the Earth’s ecosystem imply the need for sustainable practices. This study focuses on the critical components of irrigation management and soil remediation, essential for maintaining soil health and productivity. By integrating these components, the study assessed feasible soil remediation practices and explored various irrigation strategies in different contexts. It was observed that integrating soil remediation practices with suitable irrigation techniques and scheduling can improve crop yield, conserve water, and enhance the long-term health of marginal soils, addressing the challenges of climate change, hunger, and environmental sustainability. The study also advocates for incorporating indigenous knowledge with physical, chemical, and biological soil remediation techniques, integrated with irrigation practices. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, offering insights and paving the way for future research and development in sustainable agriculture. By making the link between irrigation management and soil remediation explicit, this study illustrates practical cases that address the complex challenges faced by marginal lands, global food security, and environmental sustainability.

Optimizing potassium applications and harvest strategies to boost productivity of depleting alfalfa stands

AbstractRejuvenating thinning alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) stands with additional forage species have been ineffective in boosting productivity. Research is needed to identify practical solutions to extend the life of declining alfalfa and increase forage production. A 2‐year field study at the University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Lingle, WY, investigated the interaction effect of K and harvest time on thin alfalfa stands. Treatments were (a) six K rates (0, 56, 112, 168, 224, and 280 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) applied to a ∼10‐year‐old alfalfa in the fall of 2019 and after the final harvest in the fall of 2020, and (b) two harvest times (early harvest, late bud to early [10%] bloom; late harvest, 7–10 days after early harvest), arranged in a 6 × 2 factorial under random complete blocks with four replications. Results showed a higher yield response to K at 224 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and early harvest, and at 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and late harvest particularly in soils with high soil test K levels (>300 mg kg−1). Harvest timing influenced alfalfa's K needs, with quadratic responses of forage accumulation to K rate observed at early (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.96) and late (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.84) harvests. The 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 increased stem density, increasing forage accumulation and profitability under both harvest systems. Stem density significantly impacts weed competition and stand productivity, with stem counts above 590 m−2 maintaining optimal yields. Alfalfa producers worldwide, particularly in Wyoming and similar environments, can rejuvenate depleting stands by applying moderate K rates (∼168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) and adopting early or late harvest strategies when stem densities fall below ∼430 m−2. However, when stem counts remain above this threshold and weeds are well managed, continued harvesting may be an efficient strategy.

Mechanisms of rhizosphere plant-microbe interactions: molecular insights into microbial colonization.

The rhizosphere, as the "frontline" of plant life, connects plant roots, rhizosphere microorganisms, and surrounding soil, plays a crucial role in plant growth and health, particularly in sustainable agriculture. Despite the well-established contribution of plant-microbe interactions to plant health, the specific molecular mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. This review aims to summarize the physiological adjustments and signal modulation that both plants and microorganisms undergo within this unique ecological niche to ensure successful colonization. By analyzing key processes such as chemotaxis, root attachment, immune evasion, and biofilm formation, we uncover how plants precisely modulate root exudates to either recruit or repel specific microorganisms, thereby shaping their colonization patterns. These findings provide new insights into the complexity of plant-microbe interactions and suggest potential directions for future research in sustainable agriculture.

Effect of the Root Endophytic Fungus Piriformospora indica on Strawberry Growth, Fruit Quality and Physiological Traits Under Elevated Electrical Conductivity

Strawberries are sensitive to abiotic stresses such as salinity, high levels of electrical conductivity, and nutrient imbalances. The mutualistic endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica has significant potential to be used in improving crop production under adverse conditions, with a large host range. However, greenhouse production requires novel tactics to improve the efficiency of saline water irrigation in areas with limited freshwater resources. This study was conducted at the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah), KSA, to investigate the impact of P. indica colonization on the growth, photosynthesis traits, productivity, and fruit quality of Fragraria × ananassa Duch cv. Festival strawberry grown in pots and irrigated with two electrical conductivity (EC) nutrient solutions of 1.5 and 3.0 dS/m. The results showed that higher-EC-nutrient solution clearly reduced growth and early yield and improved vitamin C, TSS, and anthocyanin of strawberry in comparison to low-EC-nutrient solution. On the other hand, P. indica colonization significantly increased plant height, shoot fresh weight, root length, and early yield of plants grown under high-EC-nutrient solution with no impact on fruit quality. Obviously, the symbiosis between strawberry roots and P. indica enhanced chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate, as well as antioxidant activity such as proline, malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase under higher-EC-nutrient solution. Our study indicated that P. indica might be used as a sustainable tool for strawberry production in arid and semiarid zones, to mitigate the negative impacts of higher-EC-nutrient solution.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Sustainable Agriculture Research, Vol. 13, No. 2

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 13, Number 2 Adewale Ogunmodede, Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom Hans Rolland Yemadje, Ministry of Natural resources and Forestry, Canada Iranzi Emile Rushimisha, Shantou University, China Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Nepal Jose Antonio Estrada-Godinez, Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa, Mexico Jose Luis Arispe Vázquez, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Mexico Kassim Adekunle Akanni, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Minfeng Tang, Kansas State University, USA Murtazain Raza, Hamdard University, Pakistan Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Salma Hashem Abu Hafsa, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Egypt

Impact of CO2 Enrichment on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of F1 Hybrid Strawberry Grown under Controlled Greenhouse Condition

Carbon dioxide enrichment inside a greenhouse is a sustainable approach to increasing crop production worldwide. Recently, the F1 hybrid strawberry became an alternative to runner-propagated cultivation as an innovative method to shorten the production period and increase strawberry production. This work aims to present CO2 enrichment as a sustainable tool that improves the yield in a controlled greenhouse and addresses the efficiency of three F1 hybrid strawberry varieties grown under Saudi Arabian conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted at the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah), KSA, to study the impact of two CO2 levels (400 ppm (“ambient”) and 600 ppm (“enrichment”)) on the growth, photosynthesis traits, fruit yield and fruit quality of three F1 hybrid strawberry varieties grown under soilless culture conditions. The results show that CO2 enrichment significantly improved the phenotyping of strawberry growth traits at 60 days post-transplanting. The physiological response of the varieties to CO2 enrichment reveals a significant increase in the photosynthetic rate (129.7%) and intercellular CO2 (43.7%) in the leaves of strawberry exposed to CO2 enrichment rather than in ambient conditions, combined with a significant increase in the number of fruits per plant (27.5%) and total fruit yield (42.2%). A similar pattern was observed with varieties D and S in terms of fruit number, length and diameter. However, CO2 at 600 ppm promoted total soluble solid accumulation and vitamin C for the tested varieties. In contrast, CO2 enrichment significantly decreased nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium accumulation in the leaves of the exposed plants in comparison to 400 ppm of CO2. These results suggest that increasing CO2 enrichment could contribute to an increase in strawberry yield and nutritional value and demonstrate that understanding the response of each variety to CO2 enrichment is important to support selecting suitable greenhouse strawberry varieties to improve crop yield.

Efficiency and Driving Factors of Agricultural Carbon Emissions: A Study in Chinese State Farms

Promoting low-carbon agriculture is vital for climate action and food security. State farms serve as crucial agricultural production bases in China and are essential in reducing China’s carbon emissions and boosting emission efficiency. This study calculates the carbon emissions of state farms across 29 Chinese provinces using the IPCC method from 2010 to 2022. It also evaluates emission efficiency with the Super-Slack-Based Measure (Super-SBM model) and analyzes influencing factors using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method. The findings suggest that the three largest carbon sources are rice planting, chemical fertilizers, and land tillage. Secondly, agricultural carbon emissions in state farms initially surge, stabilize with fluctuations, and ultimately decline, with higher emissions observed in northern and eastern China. Thirdly, the rise of agricultural carbon emission efficiency is driven primarily by technological progress. Lastly, economic development and industry structure promote agricultural carbon emissions, while production efficiency and labor scale reduce them. To reduce carbon emissions from state farms in China and improve agricultural carbon emission efficiency, the following measures can be taken: (1) Improve agricultural production efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in all links; (2) Optimize the agricultural industrial structure and promote the coordinated development of agriculture; (3) Reduce the agricultural labor scale and promote the specialization, professionalization, and high-quality development of agricultural labor; (4) Accelerate agricultural green technology innovation and guide the green transformation of state farms. This study enriches the theoretical foundation of low-carbon agriculture and develops a framework for assessing carbon emissions in Chinese state farms, offering guidance for future research and policy development in sustainable agriculture.

Adaptive gene loss in the common bean pan-genome during range expansion and domestication

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a crucial legume crop and an ideal evolutionary model to study adaptive diversity in wild and domesticated populations. Here, we present a common bean pan-genome based on five high-quality genomes and whole-genome reads representing 339 genotypes. It reveals ~234 Mb of additional sequences containing 6,905 protein-coding genes missing from the reference, constituting 49% of all presence/absence variants (PAVs). More non-synonymous mutations are found in PAVs than core genes, probably reflecting the lower effective population size of PAVs and fitness advantages due to the purging effect of gene loss. Our results suggest pan-genome shrinkage occurred during wild range expansion. Selection signatures provide evidence that partial or complete gene loss was a key adaptive genetic change in common bean populations with major implications for plant adaptation. The pan-genome is a valuable resource for food legume research and breeding for climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture.

Optimizing Nutrient Management for Pearl Millet: Insights from a Long-term Field Experiment

The study investigates the impact of integrated nutrient management strategies on the yield and nutrient uptake of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), a vital crop in arid and semi-arid regions. Pearl millet is a significant source of dietary energy and essential nutrients for rural populations in India. However, its productivity remains low compared to other millet-producing countries. This research aims to enhance pearl millet yield through a combination of organic manures, biofertilizers, and chemical fertilizers, addressing the need for sustainable agricultural practices. The experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwavidyalaya during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023. Twelve treatment combinations were tested, including 100% NPK along with farmyard manure (FYM) and seed treatments with biofertilizers. Results indicated that the treatment combining 100% NPK with FYM at 10 t/ha/year and biofertilizers significantly improved biological yield, nutrient uptake, and soil organic carbon content. Specifically, the highest biological yield recorded was 8026 kg/ha, with notable increases in total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium uptake. This study underscores the importance of integrated nutrient management in enhancing pearl millet productivity while maintaining soil health. By adopting these practices, farmers can improve crop yields and contribute to food security in regions reliant on pearl millet. The findings provide a framework for future research and practical applications in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the need for balanced nutrient supply systems to optimize crop performance and soil fertility.

Enhancing Corn Yield and Soil Quality in Irrigated Semiarid Region with Coal Char and Biochar Amendments

Sustainable use of croplands is facing a challenge to maintain organic carbon (C) in soil. Pyrolyzed coal or coal char (CC) is a porous C material produced from the pyrolysis of coal containing high organic C, large surface area, and low bulk density like biochar (BC). This study evaluates corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield and selected soil properties in soil amended with CC and BC at two rates (22 and 44 Mg ha−1) with farmyard manure (FM) (66 Mg ha−1) and without FM addition. This field experiment was performed in sandy loam soil at the University of Wyoming’s Sustainable Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SAREC), Lingle, WY, USA. Two years of field study results indicated CC and BC applied at 22 Mg ha−1 with FM resulted in significantly greater average corn grain yields (13.04–13.57 Mg ha−1) compared to the no char’s treatment (11.42 Mg ha−1). Soil organic matter (SOM) content was significantly greater in the higher application rates of CC and BC than in treatments without chars. Overall, soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) were found significantly greater in CC and BC co-applied with FM treatments. Soil water-holding capacity (WHC) significantly improved in sandy loam soil (up to 27.6% more than the no-char treatment) at a greater concentration of char materials. This study suggests that char materials applied at a moderate rate (22 Mg ha−1) with FM can improve soil properties and crop yield.

Integrating organic fertilization and soil tillage techniques to enhance the nutritional attributes of “Royal” grapes (Vitis vinifera L. cv.)

AbstractIn the context of global efforts to improve food quality against the backdrop of climate change and increasing demands for food, this study sought to investigate the influence of tillage and fertilization methods on essential nutritional components. Thus, this extensive investigation into the variability of organic acid, sugar, and vitamin content within berries over the years 2020 to 2022 shows the critical influence of agricultural practices on the nutritional quality of grape. Our findings revealed significant fluctuations in the levels of various organic acids, with oxalic and propionic acids seeing a notable increase in 2022, while tartaric, citric, and maleic acids decreased. Similarly, a significant rise in sucrose, glucose, and fructose levels was documented by 2022, alongside a variable trend in vitamin content. The PCA results revealed a clear impact of tillage and organic amendments on the biochemical composition of Royal grapes. Heatmap findings confirmed the results obtained from PCA and showed that certain treatments resulted in high organic acid content, while others resulted in high sugar content. However, disc harrow and olive blackwater 2021 followed by disc harrow and Antep radish 2021 and no‐tillage broccoli 2020 were the best treatments with a balanced distribution of organic acids, soluble sugars, and vitamins among all treatments. On the other hand, chisel and olive blackwater '20 was the treatment with the lowest ratio of organic acids, sugars, and vitamins, followed by chisel and Antep radish 2020. These results show that the concentration of organic acids, soluble sugars, and vitamins in grapes is more affected by the tillage method than the type of organic fertilizer used. To sum up, our study holds valuable implications for viticulture and agriculture at large, highlighting the potential to tailor farming practices for enhanced nutritional outcomes. Such advancements not only promise to elevate the quality of agricultural produce but also contribute to the broader objective of achieving food security and nutritional adequacy, thus offering a roadmap for future research and practice in sustainable agriculture and viticulture.

Potassium and harvest time interaction effect on alfalfa production and profitability

AbstractResearchers have extensively studied and documented the effects of potassium (K) fertility on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Yet, additional research is needed to determine how interactions of K, cultivar, and harvest management influence the K needs of alfalfa. To explore these interactions, we conducted 5 years of field research at the University of Wyoming James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Lingle, WY. Treatments were (a) four K rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) applied before planting in the fall of 2016 and after the final harvest in the fall of 2017–2020, (b) two cultivars (Hi‐Gest 360 and AFX 457), and (c) two harvest times (early harvest, late bud to early [10%] bloom, and late harvest, 7 days after early harvest), arranged in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial under random complete blocks with four replications. At 168 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and early harvest, a consistently significant (p < 0.05) higher yield response was observed. The same response was seen at 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 and late harvest. This occurred at a site with moderate‐to‐high soil K levels throughout the study period. There was a linear (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.66) and quadratic (p = 0.006, R2 = 0.61) response of forage accumulation to K rate at early and late harvest, respectively. Similar trends were also seen for stem count, relative water content, root uptake of K, and tissue K. Time of harvest showed immense potential for optimizing K's effect for a consistent high‐yield response. However, fertilizing alfalfa with 112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1 gave the most profitable production under both harvest times. If K fertilizer prices drop over time, high profits could be attained with higher K fertilization rates. After 3 years of production, average forage accumulation increased under an early harvest system and decreased under a late harvest system. Growers in Wyoming and similar regions are encouraged to consider fertilizing alfalfa with moderate K rates (∼112 kg K2O ha−1 year−1) on soils testing moderate‐to‐high in soil test K, implement a late harvest system for the first 3 years after planting, and transition to an early harvest system after the initial 3 years to maximize alfalfa profits.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Sustainable Agriculture Research, Vol. 13, No. 1

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated. Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org Reviewers for Volume 13, Number 1 Adewale Ogunmodede, Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom Chaterina Agusta Paulus, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Indonesia Jiban Shrestha, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Nepal Jose Luis Arispe Vázquez, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Mexico Luciano Chi, Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal Minfeng Tang, Kansas State University, USA Murtazain Raza, Hamdard University, Pakistan Nehemie Tchinda Donfagsiteli, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon Omnia Mohamed Mohamed Helmy Arief, Benha University, Egypt Patrice Ngatsi Zemko, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India Roberto José Zoppolo, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (Uruguay), Uruguay Waqar Majeed, University of Agriculture, Pakistan

Mapping the Progress and Direction of Sustainable Agriculture Research in Indonesia: A Bibliometric Analysis Perspective

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis aimed at mapping the progress and direction of sustainable agriculture research in Indonesia. With a focus on addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges while ensuring food security and agricultural productivity, sustainable agriculture has emerged as a critical area of focus globally. In Indonesia, a country rich in agricultural diversity and natural resources, sustainable agricultural practices are paramount to mitigate the impact of climate change, preserve biodiversity, and enhance the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. Through systematic collection and analysis of relevant publications from academic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, this study identifies key thematic areas, trends, collaboration networks among researchers, and potential research gaps within sustainable agriculture research in Indonesia. The analysis spans from 1982 to 2023, covering a wide range of topics such as agroecology, organic farming, precision agriculture, and sustainable resource management. Results reveal a significant impact of Indonesian research contributions, highlighting collaborative efforts and interdisciplinary approaches towards addressing complex agricultural sustainability challenges. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to prioritize areas for further development, formulate evidence-based policies, and foster interdisciplinary partnerships in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Indonesia.

Integrating genes and metabolites: unraveling mango's drought resilience mechanisms

BackgroundMango (Mangifera indica L.) faces escalating challenges from increasing drought stress due to erratic climate patterns, threatening yields, and quality. Understanding mango's drought response mechanisms is pivotal for resilience and food security.ResultsOur RNA-seq analyses unveil 12,752 differentially expressed genes linked to stress signaling, hormone regulation, and osmotic adjustment. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis identified three essential genes—WRKY transcription factor 3, polyamine oxidase 4, and protein MEI2-like 1—as drought defense components. WRKY3 having a role in stress signaling and defense validates its importance. Polyamine oxidase 4, vital in stress adaptation, enhances drought defense. Protein MEI2-like 1's significance emerges, hinting at novel roles in stress responses. Metabolite profiling illuminated Mango’s metabolic responses to drought stress by presenting 990 differentially abundant metabolites, mainly related to amino acids, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, contributing to a deeper understanding of adaptation strategies. The integration between genes and metabolites provided valuable insights by revealing the correlation of WRKY3, polyamine oxidase 4 and MEI2-like 1 with amino acids, D-sphingnosine and 2,5-Dimethyl pyrazine.ConclusionsThis study provides insights into mango's adaptive tactics, guiding future research for fortified crop resilience and sustainable agriculture. Harnessing key genes and metabolites holds promise for innovative strategies enhancing drought tolerance in mango cultivation, contributing to global food security efforts.

Utilization of endophytic bacteria for liquid biofertilizer production with a newly designed prototype fermenter for sustainable agriculture

Cost-effective and eco-friendly approaches are highly desirable for sustainable agriculture. Endophytic bacteria are a promising source of sustainable agricultural production. The study aimed to develop a prototype fermenter and utilization of endophytic bacteria for liquid biofertilizer production. In this study, we developed a novel prototype fermentor for large-scale production of biofertilizers comprised of a consortium of plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria. The fermentor was designed to integrate a temperature control unit, a heating unit, a heated water circulation unit, and a microbial growth unit, ensuring precise control of temperature and agitation, providing a conducive environment containing an affordable medium for the proliferation of single endophytic bacterium, or consortium of endophytic bacteria. The capacities of the fermentor revealed that the temperature of the growth medium could be elevated from 29°C to 37°C within 50 minutes at varying rotation speeds of 60 rpm, 75 rpm, or 90 rpm, securing uniform temperature distribution for optimum growth of the consortia. Each consortium's average growth rate (2.25 OD) was recorded after 48 hours. Furthermore, the system efficiently returned to the initial temperature of 29°C from 37°C within 4.5 hours and maintained a temperature around 35°C to 37°C during a brief period (~70 minutes) of power outage. We present a novel fermentor, facilitating the large-scale production of plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria that presents new insights for enhancing sustainable organic agricultural research and industrial applications.

Measurement Model to Assess Sustainable Agriculture Potential of Sri Lankan Rice Farmers Derived Using Rural Livelihood Assessment Framework: Studied in Mahaweli-Block (H)

This paper describes a systematic method that identified constructs and indicators of a measurement model to assess rice farmers' Sustainable Agriculture Potential (SAP). The method used the Rural Livelihood Assessment Framework (RLAF) definition to define SAP's primary constructs. The capital assets defined in RLAF (human, social, financial, physical, and natural) were then explained using previous Sustainable Agriculture (SA) research findings. An initial 130 indicators were framed into five-point Likert scale questions to form a research questionnaire. The questionnaire was initially administered among 64 selected farmers in a dominant rice cultivation region (Mahaweli Block H) in Sri Lanka. The responses were analyzed using the measurement model analysis technique using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Based on this analysis, 87 questions were identified as effective measures of the farmers' SAP. The refined questionnaire was surveyed among 386 rice farmers randomly selected in the same region. The responses were analyzed using the PLS-SEM techniques for each capital asset in the form of measurement models. The analysis proved those 87 questions (indicators) are productive and can explain farmers' SAP compositely. The researcher believes the model will be helpful for future researchers in assessing the strengths of SAP and the nexus between SAP and other variables, such as their ability to adopt more organic-centric farming and resilience to other varying factors impacting their farming. Furthermore, the method used to maximize the variance explained in developing indicators and ruling out the less productive indicators could be insightful for researchers in future studies.

PSIX-28 Impact of Educational Workshops on the Adoption of Genomic Selection Tools Within the Dairy Industry

Abstract Genomic selection is a tool available to the dairy industry, capable of increasing economic returns through improved efficiencies and selection of superior animals. However, these tools are underutilized within the commercial sector, mostly due to a lack of information on how to effectively use them. The objective of this work was to provide producers and veterinarians with educational workshops that included information about genomic selection and evaluate the impact of these workshops on participant receptivity towards using genomic selection tools. Three workshops were held in both Washington and Idaho for industry personnel and veterinarians. Thirty-six individuals attended the workshops and completed a pre-workshop survey to capture their understanding of genomic selection and its uses, as well as information regarding their current usage or interest in the technology. After attending a discussion on the basics of genomic selection, various uses and benefits, and then applying the information to an example herd, participants were asked to complete the same survey. In addition to the initial questions, participants were polled to determine if their opinions surrounding genomic selection had changed and if the workshop was beneficial. A third survey on skills gained and applicability of information was also completed. Before the workshop, 59% reported that they have used genomic selection, 54% stated they would use genomics to select replacement heifers, and 73% would use genomics to make breeding decisions. When comparing pre- and post-workshop survey responses using a t-test, the mean score increased (P = 0.0027) from 83% to 94%. When gauging the success of the workshop, 87% stated they found the workshop helpful and 80% said they would like more information. All individuals stated they will either be using genomic selection in the future (57%) or would consider the technology (43%). Producers in attendance manage over 20,600 cows and 6,600 replacement heifers. Attending veterinarians provided consultations for > 56,000 cows and 30,800 heifers. Moreover, attendees estimated they would discuss the workshop with approximately 240 other individuals. These workshops provide a basis for establishing hands-on learning for industry members to gain information on technologies that can be used to improve their respective businesses. The use of genomic selection could grow exponentially if producers and supporting individuals are given access to educational events and materials to allow for better understanding of how to use the technology to its maximum ability. Funding for this project (# SW21-925) was provided by the Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Sustainable Agriculture Research, Vol. 12, No. 2

Sustainable Agriculture Research wishes to acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Their help and contributions in maintaining the quality of the journal are greatly appreciated.
 
 Sustainable Agriculture Research is recruiting reviewers for the journal. If you are interested in becoming a reviewer, we welcome you to join us. Please contact us for the application form at: sar@ccsenet.org
 
 Reviewers for Volume 12, Number 2
 
 Chaterina Agusta Paulus, Universitas Nusa Cendana, Indonesia
 
 Jose Luis Arispe Vázquez, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Mexico
 
 Lorelyn Joy Turnos-Milagrosa, University of Southern Mindanao, Philippines
 
 Luciano Chi, Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute, Belize
 
 Manuel Teles Oliveira, University Tras os Montes Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal
 
 Minfeng Tang, Kansas State University, USA
 
 Murtazain Raza, Hamdard University, Pakistan
 
 Nehemie Tchinda Donfagsiteli, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon
 
 Olabisi Omodara, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife, Nigeria
 
 Omnia Mohamed Mohamed Helmy Arief, Benha University, Egypt
 
 Patrice Ngatsi Zemko, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon
 
 Ram Niwas, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, India
 
 Roberto José Zoppolo, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (Uruguay), Uruguay
 
 Waqar Majeed, University of Agriculture, Pakistan

Aspartic Acid-Based Nano-Copper Induces Resilience in Zea mays to Applied Lead Stress Via Conserving Photosynthetic Pigments and Triggering the Antioxidant Biosystem

Heavy metal stress, including lead, adversely affects the growth and yield of several economically important crops, leading to food challenges and significant economic losses. Ameliorating plant responses to various environmental stresses is one of the promising areas of research for sustainable agriculture. In this study, we evaluated the effect of aspartic acid-functionalized copper nanoparticles on the photosynthetic efficiency and antioxidation system of maize plants under Pb toxicity. The ion reduction method was employed for the synthesis of CuNPs, using ascorbic acid as the reducing agent and aspartic acid as the surface functionalizing agent. Isolated experiments under laboratory and field conditions were performed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Seeds primed in water, 1.0, 5.0, and 10 µg/mL of Asp-CuNPs were sown under 0, 500, and 1000 mg/L Pb stress in laboratory conditions, while primed seeds along with foliar-applied Asp-CuNP plants were grown in a field under applied Pb stress, and the obtained data were statistically analyzed using TWANOVA. The laboratory experiment shows that Asp-CuNPs act both as a plant growth regulator (PGR) and plant growth inhibitor (PGI), depending upon their concentration, whereby Asp-CuNPs act as a PGR at a concentration of 1 µg/mL ≤ X ≤10 µg/mL. The field experiment confirms that seed priming and foliar spraying with Asp-CuNPs activate embryos and enhance plant growth in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, Asp-CuNPs (10 µg/mL) significantly increase chlorophyll content to 0.87 mg/g from 0.53 mg/g (untreated) when plants were exposed to Pb toxicity at 1000 mg/kg of soil. It is noteworthy that Asp-CuNPs induce resilience to Pb toxicity (1000 mg/kg of soil) in plants by reducing its root absorption from 3.68 mg/kg (0 µg/mL Asp-CuNPs) to 1.72 mg/kg with the application of 10 µg/mL Asp-CuNPs. Additionally, histochemical analyses with NBT and hydrogen peroxide revealed that ROS accretion in plants treated with Asp-CuNPs declined because of the augmentation of antioxidant enzyme (POD, SOD, APOX, etc.) activities under Pb toxicity. Our findings suggest that amino acid-functionalized copper nanoparticles regulate plant defensive mechanisms related to lead tolerance, which is a promising approach for the induction of resistivity to heavy metal stress.