Successive Crops Research Articles

Biochar Coating as a Cost-Effective Delivery Approach to Promoting Seed Quality, Rice Germination, and Seedling Establishment.

The application of high-quality seeds ensures successful crop establishment, healthy growth, and improved production in both quantity and quality. Recently, biochar-based seed coating has been recognized as a new, effective, and environmentally friendly method to enhance seed quality, seedling uniformity, and nutrient availability. To study the impact of biochar coating on the surface mechanical properties of coated seeds, rice emergence and growth, and related physical and physiological metabolic events, laboratory experiments were performed on two water-saving and drought-resistance rice (WDR) varieties (Huhan1512 and Hanyou73) using biochar formulations with varying contents (20%-60%). The results showed that the appropriate concentration of biochar significantly improved emergence traits and seedling performance of the two rice varieties, compared to the uncoated treatment, and that the optimal percentage of biochar coating was 30% (BC30). On average, across both varieties, BC30 enhanced emergence rate (9.5%), emergence index (42.9%), shoot length (19.5%), root length (23.7%), shoot dry weight (25.1%), and root dry weight (49.8%). The improved germination characteristics and vigorous seedling growth induced by biochar coating were strongly associated with higher water uptake by seeds, increased α-amylase activity and respiration rate, and enhanced accumulation of soluble sugar and soluble protein. Moreover, the evaluation results of mechanical properties related to seed coating quality found that increasing the proportion of biochar in the coating blend decreased the integrity and compressive strength of the coated seeds and reduced the time required for coating disintegration. In conclusion, biochar coating is a cost-effective strategy for enhancing crop seed quality and seedling establishment.

Respiration rates and microbiological development in yellow-dent maize seeds stored between 12% and 14% moisture content

Understanding microbial development under the typical storage conditions of maize seeds is crucial for maintaining seed quality and ensuring successful crop establishment. In this study, the respiration and microbial growth of yellow-dent maize seeds stored at 12%, 13%, and 14% moisture content (corresponding to 65%, 70%, and 75% relative humidity, respectively) and 25 °C were investigated. Two maize seed lots (hybrids KM4500 and KM4580) with different initial fungal loads were used in the experiments. To calculate the respiration rates, seeds were stored in hermetically closed jars and the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations were monitored for 180 days. The microbial load (colony forming units and percentage of infected seeds) was measured prior and after storage at the three humidity levels. At 65% and 70% relative humidity, respiration rates were close to zero in both seed lots, indicating minimal microbial activity. However, at 75% relative humidity, respiration rates showed a bell-shaped pattern, suggesting the onset of microbial activity in both seed lots. The seed lot with higher initial fungal load (KM4500) presented a higher respiration rate. The microbial load decreased at 65% and 70% relative humidity and the decreasing trend reverted at 75% relative humidity. This work indicates that 70% relative humidity is a safe storage moisture to prevent microbial activity at 25 °C in the studied yellow-dent maize seeds, independently of their initial fungal load. Hermetic storage, also, would make sense for seed storage only above 75% r.h. (14% m.c.) This study provides valuable insight for preserving seed quality during long-term commercial storage.

Screening of potential donors for anaerobic stress tolerance during germination in rice.

The rising cost of transplanting rice has made direct seeding an affordable alternative for rice establishment, particularly in Africa. However, direct seeding, while cost-effective, faces crop establishment challenges due to flooding. Uncontrolled water, driven by erratic rains in low-lying areas or uneven fields, limit germination. Rice possesses the unique ability of anaerobic germination, enabling it to sprout and emerge in oxygen-deprived conditions. Understanding rice's response to anaerobic stress during germination is crucial for resilience breeding. Africa, although relying on direct seeding, has made limited progress in addressing flooding during germination compared to Asia. Anaerobic stress tolerance ensures successful crop emergence even in oxygen-limited environments and can help suppress weeds, a significant challenge in direct-seeded rice cultivation. This study aims to contribute by screening for potential rice donors exhibiting anaerobic stress tolerance. We screened 200 rice genotypes at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro, Tanzania, primarily focusing on landraces with untapped potential. Using an alpha lattice design, we conducted two anaerobic experiments in September and October 2022, adding 7cm of standing water immediately after dry seeding for flooded and maintaining a 2cm water level after germination in the control for duration of 21 days. We identified potential donors based on selection index computed from genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) using eight variables: germination at 14 DAS, germination at 21 DAS, seedling height at 14 DAS, seedling height at 21 DAS, shoot dry matter at 21 DAS, root dry matter at 21 DAS, culm diameter at 21 DAS, and root length at 21DAS. Ten genotypes emerged as the most promising, exhibiting at least 70% germination in floodwater at 21 DAS and greater selection indices. These genotypes were like: Afaa Mwanza 1/159, Rojomena 271/10, Kubwa Jinga, Wahiwahi, Magongo ya Wayungu, Mpaka wa Bibi, Mwangaza, Tarabinzona, IB126-Bug 2013A, and Kanamalia with respective percentages of 75, 74, 71, 86, 75, 80, 71, 80, 70, and 73. These findings contribute to global efforts to mitigate the impacts of flooding during germination. These donors, will be potential to enrich the gene pool for anaerobic germination, providing valuable resources for breeding for flooding tolerance.

PSIII-21 Effects of Supplementing Carinata Meal Compared with Cottonseed Meal on Performance, Intake, and Digestibility in Backgrounding Beef Heifers Consuming a Corn Silage-Based Diet

Abstract The value of carinata, a non-food oilseed crop, has been demonstrated as a high-quality jet fuel alternative and successful cover crop in the southeastern U.S.; however, research is limited regarding carinata as an alternative for commonly used protein sources in livestock. Eighty-four Angus crossbred heifers were used in a generalized randomized block design to evaluate the effects of supplementing carinata meal compared with cottonseed meal on performance, intake, and digestibility in a backgrounding corn silage-based diet. Treatments included: corn silage only (CS), corn silage + Brassica carinata meal (BCM) at 10% (BCM10) or 20 % (BCM20) inclusion, or corn silage + cottonseed meal at 10% inclusion (CSM). Protein sources were mixed with corn silage prior to delivery and provided ad libitum, with individual intake measured using the GrowSafe system. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix of SAS. An effect of treatment was observed (P < 0.01) for final body weight (BW), average daily gain, and gain to feed ratio, where CS was least. Dry matter intake (DMI; kg/d) was greatest (P = 0.01) for BCM10 compared with CS, yet BCM20 and CSM did not differ from CS or BCM10. No effect of treatment was observed on DMI as a percentage of BW (P = 0.35) or residual feed intake (P = 0.94). Heifers receiving CSM had the greatest (P < 0.01) intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Intake of crude protein (CP; P < 0.01) was least for CS and greatest for BCM20 and CSM, with BCM10 intermediate. Digestibility of all nutrients was least (P < 0.01) for CS, and greatest (P < 0.01) for BCM20 in CP and NDF, only, where BCM10 and CSM did not differ. Digestibility of DM, OM, and ADF was less (P < 0.01) in BCM10, greater in BCM20, while CSM did not differ between BCM10 and BCM20. Carinata supplemented at 10% diet DM performed similarly to cottonseed meal in backgrounding beef heifers fed a corn silage-based diet, thereby enhancing its value in the southeastern U.S.

365 Effects of Supplementing Carinata Meal Compared with Cottonseed Meal on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Sensory Attributes in Beef Steers Consuming a Finish Diet

Abstract The value of carinata, a non-food oilseed crop, has been demonstrated as a high-quality jet fuel alternative and successful cover crop in the southeastern U.S.; however, research is limited regarding carinata as an alternative for commonly used protein sources in livestock. Thirty-two Angus crossbred steers were used in a generalized randomized block design to evaluate the effects of supplementing carinata meal compared with cottonseed meal on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat sensory attributes in a finishing diet. Treatments included: either 90% basal diet + 10% inclusion of Brassica carinata meal (BCM) or 90% basal diet + 10% inclusion of cottonseed meal (CSM), on a dry matter (DM) basis. The basal diet consisted of 40% cracked corn, 35% soyhull pellets, 5% gin trash, 5% bermudagrass hay, and 5% vitamin-mineral supplement. Treatments were premixed before delivery and provided ad libitum, with individual intake measured using the GrowSafe system. Data were analyzed using Proc Glimmix of SAS. Protein source did not affect (P > 0.05) final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, gain to feed ratio, or residual feed intake. Protein supplementation did not affect (P > 0.05) initial or final evaluations of longissimus muscle area (LMA), rib fat thickness (RF), and intramuscular fat performed via ultrasound during the performance portion of the experiment. Hot carcass weight (P = 0.10) dressing percentage (P = 0.61), LMA (P = 0.33), RF (P = 0.42), yield grade (P = 0.47), and marbling score (P = 0.89) were not affected by protein source. No effect of protein source was observed (P > 0.05) on slice shear force, juiciness, beef flavor, tenderness, connective tissue, off-flavor, crude fat, thaw loss, cook loss, lightness, redness, or yellowness. The frequency of Prime (P = 0.76), upper 2/3 Choice (P = 0.71), low Choice (P = 0.46), and Select (P = 0.34) USDA quality grades did not differ with protein source. carinata meal inclusion at 10% of the diet DM performed similarly to cottonseed meal in steers fed a finishing diet, thereby enhancing its value in the southeastern U.S.

Optimizing the photon ratio of red, green, and blue LEDs for lettuce seedlings: a mixture design approach

BackgroundLight control technology has been developed and studied for decades in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) for successful crop production. The effects of the light spectrum on plant growth can vary because plants have spectral specific responses, and mixed light elicits interactive combination effects. Response surface methodology (RSM) can be utilized with the design of experiments to optimize a response influenced by multiple inputs with limited data. In this study, we aimed to identify the optimal photon ratio in combination of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for growing lettuce seedlings using RSM and a seedling-indicating parameter by performing a similarity analysis of response surfaces that elucidated the response tendency of different factors, such as light quality.ResultsThe highest shoot fresh weight was obtained from the R treatment (red LED 100%) at the end of the seedling stage. However, the RGB141 (photon ratio of R:G:B = 1:4:1) treatment during the seedling stage resulted in the highest shoot fresh weight at the final harvest. The value of the leaf area multiplied by the leaf chlorophyll concentration (SPAD) was selected as the seedling-indicating parameter. The optimal RGB photon ratio that maximized this parameter was R:G:B = 30.6:44.0:25.4, and this ratio was verified by conducting identical cultivation experiments. During the first 6 days after transplanting, SPAD gradually increased in R-treated seedlings, while the optimal treatment maintained the value at a higher constant level, which supported our result of shoot fresh weight at harvest.ConclusionsThus, we confirmed that the mixture design method allowed us to optimize the combined RGB photon ratios for the seedling stage in order to maximize the growth index of mature lettuce plants and to select an appropriate seedling-indicating parameter that represents the final harvest results to benefit crop production in CEA.

Towards inoculant development for Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean (L.) Verdc) pulse crop production in Namibia.

The globally expanding population, together with climate change, poses a risk to the availability of food for humankind. Bambara groundnut (BGN) (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) is a neglected, relatively drought-tolerant native legume of Sub-Saharan Africa that has the potential to become a successful food crop because of its nutritional quality and climate-smart features. Nitrogen fixation from root nodule symbiosis with climate-adapted rhizobial symbionts can contribute nitrogen and organic material in nutrient-poor soil and improve yields. However, high soil temperature and drought often reduce the abundance of native rhizobia in such soil. Therefore, the formulation of climate-smart biofertilizers has the potential to improve the farming of BGN at a low cost in a sustainable manner. The effect of seven Bradyrhizobium spp. strains native to Namibia, including B. vignae and B. subterraneum, were tested on three Namibian BGN varieties (red, brown, cream) in greenhouse pot experiments in Namibia, using soil from the target region of Kavango. Each variety was treated with a mixed inoculant consisting of seven preselected strains ("MK") as well as with one promising single inoculant strain. The results revealed that in all three varieties, the two inoculants (mixed or single) outperformed the non-inoculated cultivars in terms of shoot dry weight by up to 70%; the mixed inoculant treatment performed significantly better (p < 0.05) in all cases compared to the single inoculant used. To test whether the inoculant strains were established in root nodules, they were identified by sequence analysis. In many cases, the indigenous strains of Kavango soil outcompeted the inoculant strains of the mix for nodule occupancy, depending on the BGN variety. As a further preselection, each of the individual strains of the mix was used to inoculate the three varieties under sterile conditions in a phytotron. The agronomic trait and root nodulation response of the host plant inoculations strongly differed with the BGN variety. Even competitiveness in nodule occupancy without involving any indigenous strains from soil differed and depended strictly on the variety. Severe differences in symbiont-plant interactions appear to occur in BGN depending on the plant variety, demanding for coupling of breeding efforts with selecting efficient inoculant strains.

Correlation between the Seasonal Incidence of Aphids and Coccinellids on the Indian Mustard in Different Varieties and Sowing Dates

Ecological engineering plays an important role in Integrated Pest Management. Considering this, a field experiment was conducted at the Students’ Instructional Farm (SIF), Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during the rabi season of 2020-21. The severity of the mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) in mustard (Brussica juncea L.) crop and its period of occurrence were not uniform in two successive crop seasons. The highest aphid intensities of 120.8 aphids per plant, 138.0 aphids per plant, 148.7 aphids per plant, and 176.1 aphids per plant were recorded on mustard varieties Varuna, Varuna, Azad Mahak, and Ashirwad, respectively, during mid-February (6th MSW) when the mustard was planted on 13th November, 23rd November, 25th November, and 10th December 2020. A negative correlation was established between the average temperature (r = -0.3599) and the actual intensity of aphids, as well as the weekly increase of aphids (r = -0.5838). On the other hand, average relative humidity had a positive influence on aphid incidence. The potentiality of predatory beetles (coccinellids) in the mustard ecosystem was found to be weather-dependent. The weather factors favourable for aphid multiplication did not support the enhancement of the population of predatory ladybird beetles.

Integrating Association Mapping, Linkage Mapping, Fine Mapping with RNA Seq Conferring Seedling Vigor Improvement for Successful Crop Establishment in Deep Sown Direct-Seeded Rice

BackgroundOngoing large-scale shift towards direct seeded rice (DSR) necessitates a convergence of breeding and genetic approaches for its sustenance and harnessing natural resources and environmental benefits. Improving seedling vigour remains key objective for breeders working with DSR. The present study aims to understand the genetic control of seedling vigour in deep sown DSR. Combined genome-wide association mapping, linkage mapping, fine mapping, RNA-sequencing to identify candidate genes and validation of putative candidate genes were performed in the present study.ResultsSignificant phenotypic variations were observed among genotypes in both F3:4:5 and BC2F2:3 populations. The mesocotyl length showed significant positive correlation with %germination, root and shoot length. The 881 kb region on chromosome 7 reported to be associated with mesocotyl elongation. RNA-seq data and RT-PCR results identified and validated seven potential candidate genes. The four promising introgression lines free from linkage drag and with longer mesocotyl length, longer root length, semi-dwarf plant height have been identified.ConclusionThe study will provide rice breeders (1) the pre breeding material in the form of anticipated DSR adapted introgression lines possessing useful traits and alleles improving germination under deep sown DSR field conditions (2) the base for the studies involving functional characterization of candidate genes. The development and utilization of improved introgression lines and molecular markers may play an important role in genomics-assisted breeding (GAB) during the pyramiding of valuable genes providing adaptation to rice under DSR. Our results offer a robust and reliable package that can contribute towards enhancing genetic gains in direct seeded rice breeding programs.

Volunteer rapeseed infestation and management in corn

AbstractThe study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different termination timings for rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cover crop on biomass production, termination efficiency, and volunteer infestation in the successive cash crop (corn, Zea mays), and control of volunteer rapeseed with herbicides. Delaying termination from 28 days before planting corn (DBP) to 14, 5, or 1 DBP, increased rapeseed biomass by 85%, 148%, and 158%, respectively. Rapeseed termination efficiency was greatest 28 DBP (99%) followed by 14 DBP (92%) and 5 DBP (89%) with the combined use of a roller‐crimper and 2,4‐D [2,4‐dichlorophenoxy acetic acid] + glufosinate [2‐amino‐4‐(hydroxymethylphosphinyl) butanoic acid]. The sole use of roller‐crimper 1 DBP provided only 56% termination efficiency. Zero volunteer plants were observed in successive cash crops with the 28 DBP termination treatment; however, at 14, 5, and 1 DBP termination, the number of volunteer rapeseed plants m−2 were 5, 12, and 22, respectively. Regression analysis showed that variation in volunteer rapeseed density can be explained better by termination efficiency (R2 = 0.80) as compared to rapeseed biomass at termination (R2 = 0.46). Among pre‐emergence (PRE) herbicides, mesotrione [2‐(4‐mesyl‐2‐nitrobenzoyl)‐3‐hydroxycylohex‐2‐enone], rimsulfuron [N‐[[(4,6‐dimethoxy‐2‐pyrimidinyl)amino]carbonyl]‐3‐(ethylsulfonyl)‐2‐pyridinesulfonamide], and flumioxazin {2‐[7‐fluoro‐3,4‐dihydro‐3‐oxo‐4‐(2‐propynyl)‐2H‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐6‐yl]‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydro‐1H‐isoindole‐1,3(2H)‐dione} provided more than 95% volunteer rapeseed control, and 92%–94% control with PRE‐application of atrazine [6‐chloro‐N‐ethyl‐N9‐(1‐methylethyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4‐diamine], isoxaflutole [(5‐cyclopropyl‐4‐isoxazolyl)[2‐(methylsulfonyl)‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐phenyl]methanone], metribuzin [4‐amino‐6‐(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐3‐(methylthio)‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5(4H)‐one], and pyroxasulfone [3‐[[[5‐(difluoromethoxy)‐1‐methyl‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐4‐yl]methyl]sulfonyl]‐4,5‐dihydro‐5,5‐dimethylisoxazole]. Among post‐emergence (POST) herbicides, atrazine and glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl) glycine] provided 99% control of rapeseed followed by glufosinate (89%). Results indicate that ineffective or delayed termination of rapeseed can result in volunteer infestation in successive crops, which can be controlled by tested PRE and POST herbicides at an early stage.

Grazing hinders seed dispersal during crop failure in a declining oak woodland

Masting, the synchronized production of variable quantities of seeds, is a global phenomenon in diverse ecosystems, including treed grazing systems where trees and grazing animals coexist. This phenomenon can be interspersed with years of extreme crop failure, whose frequency and unpredictability are increasing. Yet, the combined impact of crop failure and grazing on seed dispersal and seed-to-seedling transition remains poorly understood. To address this concern, we investigated rodent-mediated cork-oak (Quercus suber) acorn predation, dispersal, and seedling emergence in cattle grazed and non-grazed areas in central Portugal during years with contrasting masting seasons. We found that the acorns supplied in the crop failure year were dispersed more rapidly and over longer distances than those supplied in the crop success year when other acorns were naturally available. The crop failure year also had 83 % more dispersal events and 84 % more predated acorns than the reproductive success year. However, the higher acorn predation was offset by a 2.4-fold higher percentage of unpredated dispersed acorns recruiting into seedlings. Both years ended up recruiting a similar number of seedlings. Acorns emerged seedlings 3.4 times farther in the crop failure year than in the crop success year. Cattle grazing was the main constraint on seed dispersal distance by rodents, reducing it by 53 %. Our study provides empirical evidence that cattle grazing modulates how an extreme crop failure year can surprisingly be an opportunity for the few existing acorns to have seedlings established farther apart than in a crop success year. If we are to better manage and preserve the high conservation and socio-economic value of Mediterranean cork oak woodlands in the face of climate change, we must prioritize fecund trees and carefully manage seed dispersal factors such as cattle grazing, particularly during years of crop failure.

A Comprehensive Review of CRISPR/Cas9 Based Strategies in Horticultural Crop Modification

The introduction of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology represents a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of horticulture. It provides a precise and effective means for making targeted genetic alterations in a wide range of plant species. This abstract delves into the diverse applications of CRISPR/Cas9 within the domain of horticultural crops, with a particular emphasis on its crucial role in tackling issues related to climate change. This review paper outlines the diverse applications of CRISPR/Cas9 in horticulture, including trait improvement for enhanced stress tolerance, disease resistance, and yield optimization. It highlights specific examples of successful CRISPR-edited horticultural crops and their contributions to climate adaptation. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in accelerating the development of new crop varieties tailored to thrive in changing climatic conditions. Additionally, the ethical and regulatory considerations surrounding the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in horticulture are addressed, as they play a crucial role in determining the broader adoption of this technology. Balancing the benefits of climate-resilient crop development with potential environmental and societal implications remains a critical aspect of its application. In conclusion, the transformative potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in horticultural crop improvement and its role in addressing climate-related challenges. By harnessing the power of genetic editing, horticulturalists can create more productive crops and better equipped to withstand the uncertainties of a changing climate. However, this technology's responsible and ethical use is imperative to ensure its long-term sustainability and benefit to society.

Identification and description of relationships between actors involved in crop diversification experiences across Europe

Agriculture can benefit from crop diversification to facilitate its transition to more sustainable agrifood systems. However, these practices remain rare in Europe. One major barrier is the existence of sociotechnical lock-ins. To clarify the dynamics at work, we analyzed the relationships between actors involved in 23 crop diversification experiences across 11 European countries. The novelty of this paper lies in the systemic analysis of the network of actors involved in crop diversification experiences. Using data from qualitative interviews and cognitive mapping approaches, we identify and describe the role of actors and the key relationships in crop diversification and detect relationships that are currently missing. Our study shows that in the different European countries, similar relationships act as levers or barriers to crop diversification, with farmers and researchers playing a crucial role. The most important cognitive factors that influence the choice of farmers to diversify are environmental and health concerns and the desire to make profit and innovate. We relate the cognitive factors to organizational, technical, economic, and political factors and suggest levers for crop diversification based on successful crop diversification experiences.

Combining shape and crop models to detect soybean growth stages

Accurately monitoring soybean growth stages (SGSs) is crucial for successful crop management and the development of agricultural information systems. This study focused on 18 states that accounted for over 95% of the soybean area in the United States from 2013 to 2020. We proposed an SMFs-APTT method that integrates crop data layers (CDLs), time-series of VIIRS data, and meteorological data. It combines a shape-model function in separate meteorological stages (SMFs) with a crop model that relies on an accumulated photothermal time (APTT). This approach provides both full-season and within-season monitoring of four soybean growth stages (SGSs); i.e., emergence, blooming, pod-setting, and leaf-dropping. Based on the results obtained from the SMFs-APTT method, a long short-term memory (LSTM) model was employed to predict SGSs early. The dates of the detected and predicted SGSs were compared with National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Crop Progress and Condition Report (CPR) statistical data for analysis and verification. Our results show the following. (1) For the full-season extraction of SGSs, the average root mean square error (RMSE) derived using the SMFs–APTT method was 0.86–3.06 days and that obtained using the SMFs method was 1.56–3.26 days. (2) For the within-season monitoring of SGSs, the SMFs–APTT method was also able to accurately track the growth stages as early as ∼30 days after they reach 50% completion with an average RMSE of 2.1 days. (3) For the early prediction of SGSs, the LSTM model that was trained based on the SMFs–APTT results achieved an RMSE of ∼4.3 days at the state scale and could approximately predict SGSs ∼30 days in advance. Our findings suggest that the SMFs–APTT method provides accurate and reliable extraction of SGSs for full-season and within-season monitoring, which is of benefit to crop modeling and management. Furthermore, the LSTM model successfully forecast SGSs, indicating its potential for making early predictions.

Sustainable Smart Agriculture Farming for Cotton Crop: A Fuzzy Logic Rule Based Methodology

Sustainable agriculture is a pivotal driver of a nation’s economic growth, especially considering the challenge of providing food for the world’s expanding population. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of many nations’ economies, so the need for intelligent, sustainable farming practices has never been greater. Agricultural industries worldwide require sophisticated systems that empower farmers to manage their crops efficiently, reduce water wastage, and optimize yield quality. Yearly, substantial crop losses occur due to unpredictable environmental changes, with improper irrigation practices being a leading cause. In this paper, we introduce an innovative irrigation time control system for smart farming. This system leverages fuzzy logic to regulate the timing of irrigation in cotton crop fields, effectively curbing water wastage while ensuring that crops receive neither too little nor too much water. Additionally, our system addresses a common agricultural challenge: whitefly infestations. Users can adjust climatic parameters, such as temperature and humidity, through our system, which minimizes both whitefly populations and water consumption. We have developed a portable measurement technology that includes air humidity sensors, temperature sensors, and rain sensors. These sensors interface with an Arduino platform, allowing real-time climate data collection. This collected climate data is then sent to the fuzzy logic control system, which dynamically adjusts irrigation timing in response to changing environmental conditions. Our system incorporates an algorithm that generates highly effective (IF-THEN) fuzzy logic rules, significantly improving irrigation efficiency by reducing overall irrigation duration. By automating the irrigation process and precisely delivering the right amount of water, our system eliminates the need for human intervention, rendering the agricultural system more dependable in achieving successful crop yields. Water supply commences when the environmental conditions reach specific thresholds and halts when the requisite climate conditions are met, maintaining an optimal environment for crop growth.

Temporal dynamics of wild herbaceous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under crop succession: Rice-bean-amaranth-okra-eggplant

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are ubiquitous symbionts that colonize approximately 80% of wild and cultivated plants, with the exception of a few botanical families such as Amarantaceae, Brassicaceae, Cyperaceae, and Chenopodiaceae, which mycorrhizae less or not at all. These symbioses are important because they improve the hydro-mineral nutrition of plants. During a succession of crops on a plot, it is possible to observe the diversity of AMF in the soil; this work fits into this framework. The experiment was carried out in pots in a completely randomized block design with 5 crops, including rice-beans-amaranth-okra-eggplant, repeated 5 times. The temporal dynamics of AMF were assessed during crop succession on the same soil. The results show a high species richness for rice, with 23 AMF species compared to 9 AMF species found on amaranth. Spore density and root colonization frequency show the same trend, respectively 5 to 38 spores per 100 g soil for rice compared to 3 to 10 spores per 100 g soil for amaranth. The colonization frequency ranged from 79 to 80% in rice and bean, while amaranth was only colonized to 13%. The introduction of amaranth during crop succession contributes to a decrease in species richness, spore density and AMF colonization frequency, in contrast to other crops.

Comparative analysis of microbial community structure in different times of Panax ginseng Rhizosphere microbiome and soil properties under larch forest

BackgroundPanax ginseng cultivated under the forest is popular because its shape and effective ingredients are similar to wild ginseng. The growth of P. ginseng in the larch forest is generally better than in the broad-leaved forest, and the incidence rate of diseases is low. Therefore, the selection of forest species is one of the basic factors in the successful cropping of P. ginseng.MethodsIllumina HiSeq high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the 16S rRNA/ITS gene sequence of P. ginseng rhizosphere soil under larch forest to study the rhizosphere microbiome's diversity and community composition structure.ResultsThe species classification and richness of rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities in the same-aged P. ginseng were similar. Consistent with the soil system of commonly cultivated crops, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Acidobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota, Chloroflexi, and Basidiomycota, Ascomycota were the dominant phylum of bacteria and fungi, respectively. Compared with the soil without planting P. ginseng, the diversity of microorganisms and community structure of continuous planting for 2 years, 5 years, and 18 years of P. ginseng rhizosphere soil had little change. The accumulation levels of Ilyonectria, Fusarium, Gibberella, and Cylindrocarpon were not significantly increased with planting P. ginseng and the increased age of cropping P. ginseng.ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that the soil function of the larch forest was good, which provided a theoretical basis for the land selection and soil improvement of cultivating P. ginseng under the larch forest.

Advancing the Conservation and Utilization of Barley Genetic Resources: Insights into Germplasm Management and Breeding for Sustainable Agriculture.

Barley is a very important crop particularly in marginal dry areas, where it often serves as the most viable option for farmers. Additionally, barley carries great significance in the Western world, serving not only as a fundamental crop for animal feed and malting but also as a nutritious food source. The broad adaptability of barley and its ability to withstand various biotic and abiotic stresses often make this species the sole cereal that can be cultivated in arid regions. The collection and utilization of barley genetic resources are crucial for identifying valuable traits to enhance productivity and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. This review aims to provide an overview of the management and exploitation of barley genetic resources. Furthermore, the review explores the relationship between gene banks and participatory breeding, offering insights into the diversity and utilization of barley genetic resources through some examples such as the initiatives undertaken by ICARDA. Finally, this contribution highlights the importance of these resources for boosting barley productivity, addressing climate change impacts, and meeting the growing food demands in a rapidly changing agriculture. The understanding and utilizing the rich genetic diversity of barley can contribute to sustainable agriculture and ensure the success of this vital crop for future generations globally.

Power performance of a tractor-seeder-fertilizer system as a function of furrower depth in no-till

The negative effect of the traffic of machinery and agricultural implements associated with little soil disturbance promotes an increase in the density and resistance of the soil to penetration. An alternative to minimize the degree of soil compaction is to increase its mobilization in the seeding row utilizing the depth of action of the shank. The effect of plowing depth on the performance and energy requirement of a tractor-seeder-fertilizer combination was analyzed using a completely randomized design. The agricultural soil was an Oxisol with a clayey texture, submitted to soybean and corn cultivation in a no-till crop succession system. Using a shank at a greater cutting depth causes an increase in tractive effort, power demand, fuel consumption and slip, and reduces tractive efficiency.

How agrometeorological and water deficit variations influence the growth and yield of sugarcane

Edaphoclimatic variables play a crucial role in shaping both the growth and yield of sugarcane. This study aimed to evaluate the intricate relationships among plant variables, agrometeorological factors, and water stress conditions in three successive crop cycles of sugarcane (cane plant, ratoon 1, and ratoon 2). The investigated plant variables included stem height, stalk diameter, number of tillers, leaf area, leaf area index, and stalk fresh yield, alongside growth rates (growth/time). Concurrently, climate variables, such as air temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, solar and net radiation, reference evapotranspiration, and degree-days, were monitored. Additionally, water stress parameters, including water deficit and water surplus, were quantified. Statistical models were skillfully fitted (r2 &gt; 0.90) to the biometric data, employing thermal time as a critical determinant. Surprisingly, no adverse agrometeorological or soil moisture conditions, as indicated in the literature, were detected when growth rates started to decline. This suggests that other unmeasured stress factors may have influenced the plants during that period. The analysis of the ratio between actual and maximum crop evapotranspiration (ETa/ETc) revealed the most pronounced sensitivity to water deficit during the vegetative growth phase (phase III). Moreover, the study identified that growth achieved satisfactory levels when at least 60% of the maximum crop evapotranspiration was met during the initial phases. A comprehensive cluster analysis encompassing height, leaf area, leaf area index, relative air humidity, soil moisture, and actual evapotranspiration rates provided valuable insights into the interrelated dynamics of these variables. Furthermore, a significant exponential reduction in yield was observed as the number of harvests increased. This decline in yield was attributed to the combined effects of 50% of biometric variables, 63% of agrometeorological variables, and 50% of water stress variables, all of which exhibited negative correlations with yield. Approximately 82%, 63%, and 71% of the correlations among biometric, agrometeorological, and water stress variables, respectively, were strong or very strong (r ≥ 0.70). As a result, this study highlights that: i) estimating sugarcane growth and tracking its developmental stages can be accomplished by employing appropriate models based on thermal time; ii) most biometric measurements exhibit correlations of r &lt; 0.70 with agrometeorological variables; iii) an integrated understanding of biometric, agrometeorological, and water stress variables can effectively explain the observed reductions in sugarcane yield