Small Plots Research Articles

Six-year monitoring of pesticide resistance in the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) during a neonicotinoid restriction period.

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB; Leptinotarsa decemlineata) is an important potato pest with known resistance to pyrethroids and organophosphates in Czechia. Decreased efficacy of neonicotinoids has been observed in last decade. After the restriction of using chlorpyrifos, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam by EU regulation, growers seek for information about the resistance of CPB to used insecticides and recommended antiresistant strategies. The development of CPB resistance to selected insecticides was evaluated in bioassays in 69 local populations from Czechia in 2017-2022 and in 2007-2022 in small plot experiments in Zabcice in South Moravia. The mortality in each subpopulation in the bioassays was evaluated at the field-recommended rates of insecticides to estimate the 50% and 90% lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90, respectively). High levels of CPB resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos were demonstrated throughout Czechia, without significant changes between years and regions. The average mortality after application of the field-recommended rate of lambda-cyhalothrin was influenced by temperature before larvae were sampled for bioassays and decreased with increasing temperature in June. Downwards trends in the LC90 values of chlorpyrifos and the average mortality after application of the field-recommended rate of acetamiprid in the bioassay were recorded over a 6-year period. The baseline LC50 value (with 95% confidence limit) of 0.04 mg/L of chlorantraniliprole was established for Czech populations of CPBs for the purpose of resistance monitoring in the next years. Widespread resistance to pyrethroids, organophosphates and neonicotinoids was demonstrated, and changes in anti-resistant strategies to control CPBs were discussed.

Satellite Imagery Analysis for Crop Type Segmentation Using U-Net Architecture

Analyzing satellite images plays a critical role in surveying and monitoring agricultural areas, enabling various applications such as precision agriculture, land use planning, and yield estimation. One of the crucial steps in these applications is accurate crop-type segmentation from satellite imagery. This task becomes challenging in the scenarios of smallholder farms due to their irregular field shapes, frequent cloud cover, small plot sizes, and a severe shortage of training data, which make it difficult to apply conventional machine learning methods effectively. In this research work, a technique for segmenting the crop types from the difficult scenario of smallholder farms based on fully convolutional encoder-decoder semantic segmentation architecture, U-Net, has been proposed and its performance has been compared with the traditional machine learning techniques. To evaluate the proposed approach, experimental assessments were conducted on the Kenya satellite imagery crop dataset. The proposed technique achieved an accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score of 95.3%, 80.2%, 68.1%, and 73.6%, respectively. The results demonstrate that the U-Net model surpasses conventional image classification methods in accurately segmenting different crop types.

Stability yield indices on different sweet corn hybrids based on AMMI analysis.

Currently, sweet corn is considered an important crop due to its high sugar content and low starch content. Important sugars in sweet corn include sucrose, fructose, glucose, and maltose. The purpose of the present study was to use the yield indices of the eight examined sweet corn hybrids and the correlation of the yield indices together. Concentration is important for consumers in terms of yield indices. The research site was located at the Látókép Experimental Station of the University of Debrecen. The small plot experiment had a strip plot design with four replications. The previous crop was sweet corn; the plant density was 64 thousand/ha. The obtained result indicates that Biplot AMMI based on IPCA1 showed that the DB, NO, GS, and GB hybrids had stability and high performance in terms of yield indices. At the same time, fructose and glucose had stable parameters for the hybrids involved in the study. IPCA1 AMMI biplot showed that the ME hybrid had stability and high performance in terms of iron and zinc as well. IPCA2 AMMI biplot showed that DE, GB, and GS hybrids had stability and the highest performance on yield parameters in the scope of the research. Fructose, glucose, and sucrose had stable parameters on hybrids based on IPCA2. The DB and SE hybrids had desirable performance in Lutein and Zeaxanthin based on the biplot. The DE hybrid had a maximum performance on iron and zinc parameters.

Impact of “consolidating small plots into a large field” policy on farmland large-scale management from three dimensions: Taking Yangshan County in Guangdong Province as an example

Impact of “consolidating small plots into a large field” policy on farmland large-scale management from three dimensions: Taking Yangshan County in Guangdong Province as an example

Penurunan Volume Sampah Dan Budidaya Hidroponik Sebagai Sarana Menanam Sayuran Sehat Di Kampung Menur Pumpungan RW 6 Surabaya Melalui Program Kampung Zero Waste

Vegetables have a nutritional source that is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and anti-cocids which really support overall body health. Eating vegetables regularly will have good benefits for the body, one of which is to protect the body from disease and maintain balanced nutritional levels in the body. We can get all the healthy benefits of eating vegetables if we really eat vegetables that do not contain chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. In this KKN service program, the University of 17 August 1945 Surabaya collaborated with the Surabaya City Environmental Service (DLH). With the contribution of 2 students in one team to help DLH in the MBKM Kampung Zero Waste (KZW) program. Zero Waste, which can be interpreted as 0 waste, is the government's hope that waste in Surabaya can be reduced, although it doesn't have to reach zero. So apart from collecting data on waste reduction in Menur Pumpungan Rw 6, students also created another work program, namely hydroponic cultivation. In Menur Pumpungan village, Rw 6, Surabaya, it is an urban area where there are very few opportunities to eat vegetables that do not contain chemicals. The benefit of this service activity is that the residents of Menur Pumpungan RW 6 can eat fresh vegetables without chemicals which can be planted on a small plot of land using hydroponics as a medium for growing vegetables. Hydroponics is a medium for growing plants without soil, only using water as a substitute for soil. So the work that students carry out in Menur Pumpungan RW 6 village is socializing waste management, reducing existing waste by calculating waste generation and hydroponic cultivation.

Pathways to well‐being in Tarumajaya, West Java: Post‐COVID 19 supporting better access to the commons through engagement and a critical systemic reflection on stories

AbstractThis paper explores the concept of community engagement, aligned with President Jokowi's mission to promote social enterprises, as a means to support the development of a re‐generative circular green economy in Tarumajaya, West Java. The primary focus is on enhancing farming, fishing, and forestry activities with villagers. The Covid‐19 pandemic presented significant challenges for the villagers, particularly in marketing their goods, resulting in financial hardships and an increased vulnerability to debt traps, particularly affecting women. Additionally, a major obstacle to achieving regenerative living is the limited access to land, with approximately 80% of the villagers either landless or owning small plots. Moreover, fishing restrictions imposed by the military to protect the Citarum River have further curtailed access to common grazing land for cattle. Preliminary analysis indicates that adopting intensive farming methods, such as rabbit breeding, mushroom cultivation, and fertiliser production, holds promise for reducing the community's carbon footprint. Overcoming these challenges and mapping pathways towards regenerative living are central objectives of this case study, providing insights and practical strategies to foster sustainable economic and environmental progress in Tarumajaya. Key components of the approach include finding markets for village products, extending access to common resources such as rivers, forests, and hillside terraces to villagers, and providing mentorship to women for supporting their small enterprises. The ongoing partnership with the village involves a community of practice consisting of universities and nongovernmental organisations, while private sector entities, including a gas company and tea and coffee plantations, are engaged in negotiations with the village head to secure additional land access. This study highlights the combination of challenges arising from the lack of access to common resources, limited market opportunities, and the influence of predatory financial institutions during the pandemic. By working closely with the villagers, the case study aims to identify opportunities and support the transition towards a green circular economy that moves away from business as usual and promotes regenerative living.

Fine-Scale Spatial Variability of Stand Structural Features under Selection Management and Strict Protection: An Example from the Dinaric Mountains

Small scattered plots of a few hundred square meters well reflect structural variability at stand level, but not at small spatial scales as the data between plots is missing. Information about structural similarities between managed and unmanaged stands, especially based on large sample plots, is still scarce. Our first objective was to quantify and illustrate structural variability of a selection-managed stand and a corresponding old-growth (OG) stand at small spatial scales. The second goal was to find out if there is a positive autocorrelation among neighboring patches in these stands regarding tree density (N) and basal area (BA). Tree positions and their diameters were recorded in 1.5 ha plots. Structural variation was examined at scales from 0.01 ha to 0.36 ha. Spatial correlation of N and BA was examined by applying experimental semivariograms. The variability of N was similar in both stands, whereas it significantly differed regarding BA (α = 0.05). Semivariance did not detect positive spatial autocorrelation of BA, while adjacent plots appeared to be more similar (autocorrelated) regarding N in both stands. Despite statistical difference regarding BA variability, the selection-managed stand exhibited many structural similarities to the OG stand, which makes it potentially suitable for modulating, if needed, to bring it step closer to an old-growth structure.

Two aspects of earthworm bioturbation: Crop residue burial by foraging and surface casting in no-till management

In no-till agroecosystems, presence of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. can be a key driver in the replenishment of soil organic matter stocks post-harvest, through surface residue foraging and incorporation. The impact on such systems under different climatic conditions is, however, still unquantified. A field experiment was designed to determine incorporation of cereal harvest residues at three no-till agricultural sites in boreal conditions (SW Finland) focusing on L. terrestris impacts over the period from autumn harvest to spring sowing. Either spring barley, wheat or oats were cultivated at the sites. Following the harvests, representative masses of residues were applied on small experimental plots (0.25 m2) with cleaned soil surfaces in areas of inherently high (LT+: 10.6 ± 2.1 ind. 0.25 m-2) and low (LT-: 1.8 ± 0.7 ind. 0.25 m-2) L. terrestris density within the fields. Residues were covered with metal mesh caging and left until spring sowing, when changes in residue mass were recorded and plots sampled for earthworms. The reduction of straw residue mass varied between sites, from no difference between the LT+ and LT- treatments to 19 % and 59 % higher mass reduction in LT+. Amount of earthworm castings on the residues was also quantified and findings indicated a positive correlation with earthworm (also endogeic) density. For L.terrestris, earthworm species abundance relationships indicated competitive interaction with epigeics and positive interaction with endogeics. Results showed that L. terrestris foraging can enhance the incorporation of cereal surface residues outside of the boreal growing season and that earthworm surface casting also has a role in residue burial. However, the increase of incorporation by L. terrestris activity, interrupted by winter conditions, was moderate and did not lead to marked exposition of the soil surface by experimental end, even at those plots with the highest L. terrestris foraging. The incorporation rate estimates may have been unrepresentative due to the exceptionally late harvest during the study period. Investigations covering the whole year from multiple growing seasons are needed for a comprehensive assessment of earthworm impacts on crop surface residue dynamics.

In This Issue: Organic research networks and more!

First paragraphs: This fall 2023 issue of JAFSCD (volume 13, issue 1) includes open-call papers on a wide range of topics spanning the three main domains of a food system: production, marketing, and consumption. It also includes additional articles in response to our special call for papers on “Fostering Socially and Ecologically Resilient Food and Farm Systems Through Research Networks,” sponsored by INFAS, eOrganic, and USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture. On our cover we see Michael Gavin, owner and operator of Root and Regenerate Urban Farms, using a seeder to plant a spring crop in one of the SPIN (Small plot IN-tensive) back yard plots in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He collaborated with co-author Chelsea Rozanski, who is Ph.D. candidate in anthropology at the University of Calgary, on the article in this issue mentioned below. We begin the issue with John Ikerd’s Economic Pamphleteer column. In this first in a new series of columns he has titled “Perspectives on Agriculture, Food Systems, and Communities,” Ikerd calls for reforms requiring “changes in culture that prioritize resourcefulness, resilience, and regeneration over extraction, exploitation, and extermination.” I have more to say about John’s new series at the end of this editorial. . . .

Design Development and Performance Evaluation of Two-Row Corn Seed Planter

One of the main requirements for small-scale cultivators is that they can be used in small plots of land and have simple design and technology. However, many planting tools on the market today are not suitable for narrow land conditions. Therefore, this study aims to design and develop a corn seed planter that can be operated in narrow areas and can improve seed planting efficiency and accurate seed placement. The research parameters observed were the distance between plants, the depth of the planting holes, the number of seeds per planting hole, and the efficiency of using the tool. The results of the research show that the planting tools that have been designed and developed are very easy and practical to operate by farmers on narrow land. The distance between plants varies between 21.3 – 24.2 cm. The depth of the planting hole ranges from 5.4 – 7.1 cm. The distribution of the number of holes filled with 0 seeds was 3.00%, filled with 1 seed was 90.38%, and filled with 2 seeds was 6.62%. Planter efficiency data is 85.61%. This data shows that this cultivator meets the minimum standards for the manually operated cultivator category. Keywords: Distance between seeds, Efficiency, Empty hole, Land productivity, Planting hole.

Smart sprayer a technology for site-specific herbicide application

Reducing the use of chemical-synthetic herbicides with site-specific application technology will play an important role in agricultural research and practice in the coming years and decades. This paper presents a sprayer for site-specific weed control in row crops using weed detection technology based on image analysis and spot application using weed detection data. Two small plot trials in sugar beet and maize in 2021 and seven On-farm field trials in sugar beet, sunflower and maize in 2022 are presented. A pair-wise comparison of broadcast application, untreated control and spotting application were realized. A zero-tolerance strategy for weeds was used as a spotting application in all experiments. Herbicide savings from 10% to 55% were realized without a significant decrease in efficacy in weed control for the spotting application compared to the broadcast application. The weed control efficacy for broadcast application varied from 70 to 100%, while for the spotting application 72–99%. Weed control between broadcast and spotting did not differ significantly within a trial, except one experiment. Application mistakes caused the partly observed weed control of under 80%. Yield tends to be higher for all spotting treatments compared to broadcast application. The presented system provides a robust spotting technology for effective weed management with lower environmental risk and a positive effect on biodiversity.

Pre-Extension Demonstration of Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Varieties at Midland Agro Ecologies of Guji Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Livestock products like meat and milk are highly demanded for household consumption. However, the shortage of quality and quantity of feed is affecting livestock production in midlands of Guji zone which needs research and development solutions. Hence, to get maximum livestock products demonstration and use of improved forage technology such as elephant grass, which can generate a bulky of biomass for livestock is important in the study areas. Zehone-02 and Zehone-03 varieties were demonstrated to evaluate the performance and to assess farmers’ feedback on elephant grass varieties. Adola and Wadera districts were selected based on their suitability for monitoring and appropriate for elephant grass production. The varieties were demonstrated on 5mx5m plots of 14 experimental farmers. Training and mini-field day was used as promotion approach in study areas. The results of the demonstration showed that both elephant grass varieties were well performed on all experimental farmers. Despite numerical variation in plant height, number of tillers/plant and survival rate there was no significant difference between varieties. However, there was a significant difference at 5% on fresh biomass between varieties. Farmers preferred both varieties based on palatability, regeneration and drought tolerant traits of the grasses. Demonstrated elephant grasses can supply sustained and secured feed throughout the year from small plots; hence, small landholder farmers can benefit from producing the grasses. Therefore, either Zehone-02 or Zehone-03 elephant grass should be largely produced on farmers’ lands to solve feed shortage in the midland areas of Guji zone. Further studies should focus on the effect of grazing elephant grass on improvement of livestock production in the study areas.

Comparing the yield of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids in organic and conventional agriculture

The European Green Deal was published by the European Commission in 2019. The main aim of the program is to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, making Europe the first climate-neutral continent in the world. To achieve this, criteria are also set for agriculture: increasing the share of land under organic farming to 25%, reducing the use of fertilisers and pesticides. However, the benefits of organic farming are widely debated. The aim of our study was to compare the yield of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids bred in Martonvasar in two different cropping environments. The silage yields of 20 different maize hybrids were evaluated in a three replicate small plot experiment in an organic field and an adjacent conventional field. The average green mass yield of the hybrids was 36,58 t ha-1 in the organic field and 43,03 t ha-1 in the conventional. The green mass yield in the organic area was 20% lower than in the conventional area, and the dry matter yield and digestible dry matter yield were about 18% lower. Hybrids of different maturity groups responded differently to organic cultivation. The yields of early hybrids decreased more and late hybrids less in the organic farming compared to the conventional production.

Analysis of sugarcane × Saccharum spontaneum progeny for sugar and biomass traits

AbstractSugarcane production benefitted from useful genes imparted from Saccharum spontaneum L. Interspecific hybrids were evaluated for sugar and biomass traits in three environments, including two plants and one ratoon crop. The objective was to estimate genetic parameters for traits in this population and to develop appropriate breeding strategies and germplasm for use in variety development in both the sugar and bioenergy industries. Heritability was highest with all three environments considered; however, the increase was minimal compared with estimates from the first ratoon crop, suggesting resources will be better spent selecting in the first ratoon crop. Significant differences (p < 0.05) found among families for sucrose content‐related traits warrant selecting first among families before selecting among genotypes within families for these traits. The same was not true for cane yield and its components. Heritability was low to moderate (> 0.3 < 0.47) for cane yield and its components and high (> 0.7) for all other traits, suggesting early selection in small plots could emphasize sucrose content‐related traits. Selecting intensely for a highly heritable trait in one stage can influence genetic variation of another trait in subsequent stages. Therefore, multivariate selection methods were employed that identified groups of genotypes with characteristics distinct to both industries. The S. spontaneum parents dominated trait variation in the hybrid population. Consequently, although genotypes with potential for the sugar industry would have to undergo rounds of backcrossing to recover good sugar characteristics, genotypes with immediate potential in the bioenergy industry were easily identified in this population.

Damage reduction of Acromyrmex lobicornis in Pinus ponderosa using mixed pine species in combination with push–pull tools

Abstract Leaf‐cutting ants (LCAs) cause significant damage to forest plantations and are mainly managed by broad‐spectrum synthetic insecticides. In Patagonia, Pinus ponderosa (Pinales: Pinaceae) (Douglas 1836) and Pinus contorta (Pinales: Pinaceae) (Dluglas 1838) are the predominant pine species in forest plantations. Previous research has shown that dehydrated citrus pulp is an LCAs attractant, and tea tree essential oil acts as an LCAs repellent. We evaluated the use of dehydrated citrus pulp and tea tree oil to manage LCAs behaviour in a push–pull setting, using mixed pine species in small plot fields, to reduce the LCA Acromyrmex lobicornis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) (Emery, 1888) damage in young P. ponderosa plants. We combined the treatment with attractant and repellent in a mono‐specific plantation design (three ponderosa plants surrounded with pulp and three sprayed with tea tree extract) or mixed plantation designs (three contorta plants with pulp and three ponderosa plants with tea tree). The combination of both mono‐specific and mixed plantations with push–pull stimuli delayed discovery and decreased the damage in pines sprayed with the repellent. Mono‐specific as well as mixed species designs were equally effective, reducing ant damage and increasing ~50% the survival probability of P. ponderosa when push–pull stimuli were applied. The use of a push–pull strategy with plant‐based compounds provides potential as a management tool that reduces and delays LCA damage in pine trees.

Effects of the application of biochar on the soil erosion of plots of sloping agricultural and with silt loam soil

Abstract The application of biochar is considered to be a beneficial strategy for improving soil ecosystem services. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the differences in the soil erosion of silt loam soil with or without the application of biochar and to compare the impact of the application of biochar on soil erosion for different agricultural practices, namely, bare soil, silage corn, and sown peas. Specifically, the physically-based EROSION 3D model was used to estimate the soil erosion of small plots of sloping agricultural land. In considering various combinations of agricultural practices and rainfalls with different durations and intensities, several scenarios were used to assess the impact of the application of biochar on soil erosion. The results of this study demonstrate that the highest mean values of mean soil erosion in the case study area were simulated without using any biochar on bare soil. The values of the mean soil erosion were reduced with the use of biochar. The effect of the application of biochar was shown for all types of agricultural practices; above all, it reduced soil erosion that occurred above high values (over 30 t ha–1). Although the application and reapplication of biochar showed promise in reducing soil erosion, further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of its total effects.

Improving mango production using partial root drying technique and organic fertilisation: Field and modeling study

ABSTRACT The decreasing in water availability due to climate change can affect agricultural production. The water shortage problem led to the development of several water saving techniques. One of the waters saving techniques in irrigation is the partial root-zone drying (PRD) method. Tow field experiments accompanied by a modeling study were carried out during seasons 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, respectively, using four deficit irrigation strategies [FI (100% of full irrigation), DI1 (0.75FI), DI2 (0.5FI) where water was supplied to both sides of the mango trees and DI3 (Partial Root-zone Drying, PRD = 0.5FI) where water was supplied to a single side of each tree in an alternating manner)]. The four irrigation methods were designated as the study’s major plots. Then, for the purpose of adding compost, each main plot was divided into four smaller plots [NC (No-Compost), C12 (12 ton ha−1), C18 (18 ton ha−1) and C24 (24 ton ha−1)] to investigate the effects of such treatments on increasing water productivity, yield, and the quality of mango fruits. The results indicated that adding compost with PRD irrigation method decreased water stress throughout the root zone and increased the yield, water productivity and fruit quality. Compost addition C24 (24 ton ha−1) with PRD irrigation increased the amount of soil organic matter and microorganism activity when compared to other treatments. Additionally, C24 treatment improved mango quality under both FI and PRD treatments, the PRD technique enhanced fruit yields by 3.8% and 7.3% and water productivity by 51.6% and 53.8% for 2021 and 2022 seasons, respectively, compared to FI, while reducing the applied irrigation water by 50% for each season. In comparison to other irrigation strategies, the PRD strategy had shown superior outcomes in enhancing the yield, water productivity, and quality of mango yield. With the use of compost “C24” as organic matter fertilizer, PRD proved to be an effective dual technique to save water and increase productivity. Under both current and future water scarcity caused by climate change, it could be a successful adaptation technique. The SALTMED model produced accurate simulations of the soil moisture content, mango production, and water productivity during the two seasons.

Understanding the agronomic impacts of defoliation strategies in “Bulldog 805” Alfalfa + “Tifton 85” bermudagrass mixed stands

AbstractBackgroundThe incorporation of legumes, specifically alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), into bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.)‐based pasture systems in the southeastern United States has increased in recent years as an alternative to synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilization.MethodsA small plot evaluation was conducted in Shorter, Alabama, and Tifton, Georgia, USA, to evaluate the impact of harvest height (HH) and harvest frequency (HF) on agronomic characteristics of alfalfa+bermudagrass mixtures in southeastern United States.ResultsResults from both locations revealed that the longer the HF and the shorter the HH, the greater the alfalfa retention was in the stand (p < 0.01). HH did not impact any of the reported nutritive value parameters, while longer HF resulted in lower total digestible nutrients, lower crude protein, higher acid detergent fiber, and lower 48 h in vitro dry matter digestibility (p < 0.01). Both HH and HF impacted forage accumulation at both locations (p < 0.01). HH resulted in different trends at each location, while longer frequencies generally increased forage accumulation.ConclusionsThis research confirmed recent findings from comparable evaluations in the southeastern United States, in that increasing HH and decreasing HF improved alfalfa retention while having a negligible effect on nutritive value or forage accumulation.

Glycerin‐based dispensers of fir oil reduce response of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, to citrus odours

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, transmits the bacterial pathogen associated with huanglongbing, a fatal citrus disease. Alternatives to insecticides for D. citri management are being explored, given the development of insecticide resistance and the lack of efficient biological controls. Essential oils as pest repellents have shown some efficacy in laboratory and field evaluations; however, lack of an effective dispenser for field deployment has prevented their application. In this investigation, we evaluated glycerin‐based dispensers releasing fir (Abies spp.) oil as repellents for D. citri. In olfactometer tests, glycerin dispensers loaded with fir oil at 20% w/w repelled psyllids from citrus odours but did not cause repellency at lower loading dosages. Field evaluations were conducted with dispensers at the 20% loading dosage based on laboratory results. In open‐air cage bioassays, fewer psyllids alighted on trees treated with 2 dispensers per tree than on control trees. Similarly, fewer psyllids were found on mature lime trees in homeowner landscapes treated with 4 dispensers per tree compared to paired control trees. In small plot experiments in commercial grapefruit, psyllid infestation of young leaf flush shoots was reduced in plots treated with at least 250 dispensers/ha compared to untreated control plots. Our results indicate that these glycerin‐based fir oil dispensers can reduce infestation of citrus by D. citri. However, the efficacy observed within replicated small plots of citrus grown in monoculture was judged insufficient to manage this vector as a stand‐alone treatment. Larger scale evaluations at higher loading dosages of fir oil and/or in combination with other management tools are warranted based on the outcomes of these initial experiments.

MAPPING THE EXPANSION OF OIL PALM (Elais guineensis Jacq.) IN MEXICO — METHODOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENTS

Oil palm (Elais guineensis Jacq.), a high-yielding oil-seed crop, is associated with multiple socio-environmental impacts. The Mexican oil palm sector is emerging and stands out for its dynamism. This paper presents hitherto unpublished maps to facilitate an independent, transparent and publicly accessible monitoring of the progression of this crop at national level. A first map, with data from 2014 to 2019, satisfactorily captures established plantations (94 % of the areas officially reported for Chiapas), even in very small plots (the area of the smallest polygon being only 330 m²). In the second, with data from 2016 to 2022, both the quality of the mapping and the coverage of cultivated areas increased (70 % of the officially reported planted areas), especially in Tabasco and Campeche, the states with the largest expansion of oil palm cultivation in the country since 2012. Comparing both maps with data on land use, vegetation and protected natural areas (PNAs) highlights the contribution of oil palm to the deforestation of more than 7500 ha of conservation-relevant habitats between 2014 and 2022 (5 % of the total oil palm area). The existence of large areas of oil palm in La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve (Chiapas) and its presence in other PNAs is confirmed. High spatial resolution maps, such as the one presented here, are necessary for the calibration of surface and terrain models at the regional and global scales, which are used in environmental impact projections. Such projections can then advise public policies and conservation plans at the national level. This paper proposes alternatives for the verification and communication of statistical and spatial data, to support an informed debate on the benefits and impacts of oil palm in Mexico.