Agricultural Research Articles

Seasonal migration and youth social life in the Eastern Barienou district, Benin

This study investigated the relationship that exists between seasonal migration and social life of youth in the Eastern Barienou, Benin. Several young people from the Barienou district in the northern Benin leave their homes each year to work in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Migration is a strategy employed to improve their standard of living. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonal migration on social life of youth in the Eastern Barienou. This study employed a mixed-method research design that combines a correlation survey and a phenomenological study. The population of the study included 450 people. The sampling frame included not only a list of youth in the Eastern Barienou district but also a list youth’s parents and youth’s leaders. A total of 196 participants were sampled using stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected using a questionnaire, an interview guide and a focus group discussion guide. A multivariate regression analysis was run to assess the association between seasonal migration and social life. Seasonal migration has a significant negative relationship with youth social life (β=.-39, p<.001). QDA miner lite V3.0.6 was used for qualitative data analysis, SPSS 21 for descriptive analysis, and SPSS AMOS 26 for multivariate regression analysis. The study recommended that the Benin government enhance farming sector in the Eastern Barienou district and collaborate with the Nigerian government to improve working conditions for seasonal migrants.

Factors restraining youth involvement in fish farming business: Case study of Kamuthanga Village, Kenya

Fish farming serves as one of the important strategies for reducing unemployment and improving the standard of living for many households. However, in many African countries, including Kenya, a large number of young people tend to pursue administrative and white-collar jobs, resulting in a noticeable lack of youth participation in the fish farming sector. This trend underscores the challenge of attracting youth to agricultural enterprises like fish farming, despite its promising opportunities. This study explored the factors limiting youth participation in the fish farming business, targeting some individuals aged 18-35 in Kamuthanga village. The research follows a qualitative case study approach, with twenty-six (26) individuals interviewed. The study is grounded in the anthropological entrepreneurship theory, utilizing triangulation to ensure a holistic understanding. In-depth interviews and key informant interviews were employed to capture perceptions regarding barriers to youth involvement. The data was gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews and analyzed using Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Miner Lite software. Data organization, coding, and theme development were conducted systematically to align with the study’s objectives. The findings revealed several challenges hindering youth involvement in fish farming, including the semi-arid conditions of Kamuthanga village, which lead to water scarcity; limited access to capital; insufficient technical knowledge; inadequate support structures; and some cultural barriers. These findings shed light on the critical factors that must be addressed to foster greater youth involvement in fish farming and ultimately unlock its potential for economic development and unemployment reduction in Kamuthanga village.

FUNGSI KELOMPOK TANI DAN PENGGUNAAN SARANA PRODUKSI DALAM KEGIATAN USAHATANI JAGUNG DI DESA AMBESEA KECAMATAN LAEYA KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN

Farming in Ambesea Village still relies heavily on traditional methods passed down from generation to generation, from land cultivation to harvest. Corn farming in this village has not been carried out optimally due to farmers' limited knowledge, which has resulted in low corn production results. This research aims to evaluate the function of farmer groups and the use of production facilities in corn farming in Ambesea Village, Laeya District, South Konawe Regency. A total of 12 informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed qualitatively through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results show that farmer groups function as learning classes, with meetings that show member activities; as a vehicle for cooperation, with active cooperation between members; and as a production unit that provides agricultural production facilities. The use of production facilities in corn farming shows that farmers utilize all available facilities in their activities.

Hydroponic Cultivation of Spices and Aromatics: Techniques, Benefits and Challenges

The global shift towards urbanization, with 55% of the population residing in urban areas and an anticipated rise to 68% by 2050, presents challenges to traditional farming. The increasing world population, further intensifies the strain on available agricultural land due to urban expansion. Climate change combines with these issues, make conventional cultivation more challenging. Alternative agricultural practices, such as hydroponics, gain significance in addressing these concerns. Aromatic and spices have been used for centuries for their medicinal and culinary properties. They contain various essential oils, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals responsible for their distinctive flavour and aroma, as well as their health benefits. The rising global demand for natural products from herbs and spices has led to its market growth. Hydroponics, a technology for cultivating plants in nutrient solutions with or without an artificial medium such as sand, gravel, vermiculite, rockwool, peat moss, coir or sawdust, offers a promising solution. This paper explores the potential of hydroponic cultivation for planting material production, enhancing the yield, nutritional composition, essential oil content and medicinal properties of various spice and aromatic crops, including black pepper, saffron, ginger, garlic, coriander, mint, celery, fenugreek, parsley, thyme, rosemary, green mustard, basil and others. The main challenges in hydroponic production of these crops include high initial investment, precise monitoring and lack of technical knowledge. Hence by reviewing recent literature, this paper aims to provide insights into the classification of hydroponics and its different techniques, benefits and challenges of hydroponic cultivation, various growing media and nutrient solutions used, types of hydroponics utilized and their purposes in the production of diverse herbs and spices. Embracing hydroponic techniques could contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in urbanized environments where traditional farming faces constraints.

Seed priming enhances seed germination and plant growth in four neglected cultivars of Capsicum annuum L.

Priming is basically a water-based technique inducing controlled seed rehydration to trigger the metabolic processes normally activated during the early phase of germination. It is regarded as an ecofriendly approach alternative to fertilizers in traditional agriculture, but also a method to synchronize off-field crops and resume stored seeds, improving vigor, and allowing for a rapid, uniform seedling emergence. In this work we tested several methods of seed priming (i.e., hydro-priming, halopriming by KNO3, and acid priming with HCl) in four ancient and neglected cultivars of Capsicum annuum L., a crop species belonging to Solanaceae family cultivated worldwide. We followed germination performance, seedling growth and selected morphological traits, antioxidant production in the leaves, and protein content of the seeds. Apart from acid priming, which inhibited root emergence, both hydropriming and halopriming decreased the mean germination time in all cultivars. The best treatments were KNO3 6% for 96 h > KNO3 4% for 48 h > hydropriming for 24 h. In particular, KNO3 6% for 96 h in all four cultivars significantly increased plant growth, simple vigor index, development germination index, leaf antioxidant concentration and protein content in the seeds, in comparison to control and other priming treatments, indicating the prompt activation of pre-germinative processes.

Impact of Different Technology Interventions on Agronomical Traits of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The study conducted over three consecutive Rabi seasons (2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23) in the Lalburra block of Balaghat sought to promote advanced chickpea production techniques among farmers. A total of 15 demonstrations spanning 6.0 hectares showcased the benefits of adopting improved agricultural practices. This included the use of the high-yielding chickpea variety JG-16, soil test-based nutrient management, and targeted pest and disease control measures. Over the past three years, the demonstration plots achieved an average yield of 11.98 q ha⁻¹, while traditional farming methods produced only 8.01 q ha⁻¹. This leads to a remarkable yield enhancement of 47.48%. Additionally, the study recorded an average technology gap of 6.07 q ha-1, an extension gap of 3.86 q ha-1, and a technology index of 33.36%. The study underscores the effectiveness of advanced chickpea production techniques, increased yield while highlighting the need to bridge technology and extension gaps for enhanced productivity in the Lalburra block.

The evolution of spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall erosivity in Henan Province, central China

With the advancement of urbanization, there has been a significant reduction in cultivated land, accompanied by soil erosion. Concurrently, the regularity of rainfall in recent years has been erratic, adversely impacting the grain economy and agricultural development in certain regions. Henan Province, spanning the basins of the Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Huaihe River, and the Haihe River, possesses complex hydrological conditions and serves as a pivotal agricultural zone in China. Therefore, this paper utilizes daily rainfall data collected over 54 years (1969–2022) from 112 rain measuring stations in Henan Province to calculate the rainfall erosivity using the Zhang model and the erosivity model from the first national water survey. Meanwhile, spatial analysis was performed using the Kriging interpolation method in the ArcGIS Geostatistical Wizard, resulting in detailed spatial distribution maps of rainfall and rainfall erosivity. The study also employed Wavelet and Mann–Kendall tests to analyze the abrupt changes, trends and periodicity of rainfall and rainfall erosivity within the target region. The findings indicate that the average rainfall (1969–2022) in Henan province was 718.26 mm, while the average rainfall erosivity (R) was 3213.46 MJ mm/(hm2 h). R values are positively correlated with rainfall intensity and volume, displaying an annual upward trend. Spatially, R values increase gradually from northwest to southeast, closely aligning with topographical variations. Additionally, the analysis revealed a predominant periodic cycle of 54 years in the precipitation patterns. These results offer valuable insights for environmental and agricultural management in other regions of central China.

Fanya Juu terraces improve soil properties of cultivated land in erosion-prone semi-arid area of Ethiopia

Soil erosion is a major process that affect soil fertility and agricultural productivity. To reduce soil erosion by water, physical soil and water conservation measures such as Fanya juu have been widely introduced. However, the study on the performance of those measures against its target is limited. Objective of this study was to assess the effects of physical soil and water conservation (SWC) measures (e.g., Fanya juu) on selected soil physico-chemical properties. Soil samples were collected at 0–20 cm depth of fields treated with Fanya juu and non-treated (without any physical SWC) and analyzed following standard laboratory procedures. Paired sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze data. The results of the analysis revealed that clay, silt, sand, soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorous (Pav.), and available potassium (Kav.) differed significantly (p < 0.05) between 8-years conserved and non-conserved land. This could be due to the positive effect of conservation measures in reducing erosion. In addition, in the intra- Fanya juu areas clay, sand, Kav., TN, and SOC were significantly varied (p < 0.05), with greater clay, SOC and nutrients at above Fanya juu (deposition area) than below Fanya juu (loss zone), which can be due to the downward movement of organic matter and surface soil and the protection ability of Fanya juu against erosion. In erosion-prone areas, lacking physical SWC measures could degrade essential soil properties as compared to farm fields with physical SWC measures. The spatial variation in intra-Fanya juu area should be amended by integrating additional soil fertility management practices for better effect.

Advances in Nanotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review of Climate Change Mitigation

Currently, one of the main challenges is the mitigation of the effects of climate change on the agricultural sector. Conventional agriculture, with the intensive use of herbicides and pesticides to control weeds and pests, and the improper use of mineral fertilizers, contributes to climate change by causing increased greenhouse gases and groundwater pollution. Therefore, more innovative technologies must be used to overcome these problems. One possible solution is nanotechnology, which has the potential to revolutionize the conventional agricultural system. Active nanoparticles can be used both as a direct source of micronutrients and as a delivery platform for bioactive agrochemicals to improve crop growth, yield, and quality. The use of nanoparticle formulations, including nano-pesticides, nano-herbicides, nano-fertilizers, and nano-emulsions, has been extensively studied to improve crop health and shelf-life of agricultural products. Comprehensive knowledge of the interactions between plants and nanoparticles opens up new opportunities to improve cropping practices through the enhancement of properties such as disease resistance, crop yield, and nutrient use. The main objective of this review is to analyze the main effects of climate change on conventional agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. It also focuses on how the introduction of nanoparticles into conventional practices can improve the efficiency of chemical pest control and crop nutrition. Finally, this review examines in depth the last 10 years (2014–2024) of scientific literature regarding the use of nanoparticles in agriculture to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Influence of land-use types and topographic slopes on the physico-chemical characteristics of soils in Northwestern Ethiopia

AimsThis study examines the effects of land-use types and slope position on selected soil physico-chemical properties in the Ageza Watershed, Northwestern Ethiopia, focusing on soil fertility depletion and its impact on agricultural productivity.Materials and methodsThe experiment utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, involving three land-use types and slope positions. A total of 27 soil samples (both disturbed and undisturbed) were collected, prepared, and analyzed for selected physico-chemical properties following standard laboratory procedures. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA with SAS software.ResultsSignificant variations in most soil physico-chemical properties were observed across land-use types and slope positions. Soil bulk density, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Av. P), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable bases significantly (P ≤ 0.001) differed among the land-use types and slope positions. The main effects showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in sand, silt, and clay contents across the land-use types. However, pH did not show significant differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Soil bulk density, silt content, Av. P, exchangeable bases, and CEC all showed significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences among the slope positions. Forest land had the highest values for clay (46.11%), OC (6.08%), Av. P (20.60 mg/kg), CEC (33.89 cmol (+) kg-¹), and exchangeable cations: Ca²+ (23.72 cmol (+) kg-¹), Mg²+ (4.40 cmol (+) kg-¹), K+ (1.18 cmol (+) kg-¹), and Na+ (0.77 cmol (+) kg-¹). Grazing land exhibited higher silt and bulk density, while cultivated land had higher sand content. Lower slope positions recorded the highest values for clay (47.33%), silt (20.77%), pH (4.90), Av. P (16.61 mg/kg), Ca²+ (20.10 cmol (+) kg-¹), Mg²+ (3.73 cmol (+) kg-¹), K+ (1.00 cmol (+) kg-¹), Na+ (0.66 cmol (+) kg-¹), and CEC (28.71 cmol (+) kg-¹), while bulk density was higher in the upper slope position.ConclusionLand-use types and slope positions significantly influence variations in soil physico-chemical properties and overall soil fertility status. Forest preservation and management are essential to improve the soil fertility in this region.

Preliminary study of molecular identification of Mycobacterium bovis from cow’s milk in Lorestan (Iran)

Bovine tuberculosis is one of the most important common infectious diseases between humans and livestock. Cow’s milk can be investigated as one of the transmission reservoirs of the disease. Our study was conducted to investigate the presence of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) DNA in cow’s milk from different regions of Lorestan province using Touch-down PCR (TD-PCR) method. So, 100 milk samples from industrial and traditional cattle farms were collected and evaluated according to the animal breed, the average age of the animal and the region where the animal was kept. Seven (26.9%) out of the 26 cow’s milk samples contaminated with Mycobacterium spp., were diagnosed as M. bovis positive. The cattle with an average age of more than 5 years were most infected with Mycobacterium. Also, the crossbred cattle with an average age of 3 to 5 years, which were kept and raised in tropical areas, showed the highest rate of M. bovis infection. Based on our knowledge, this is the first study regarding the presence of Mycobacterium in cow’s milk in Iran.

The carbon emission reduction benefits of the transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land in China

The transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land has an important impact on agricultural carbon emissions (ACE). However, the existing research on the impact mechanisms of the transformation of intensive use of cultivated land on carbon emissions is not clear. In view of this, this study constructs the impact mechanism of the transformation of intensive use of cultivated land on carbon emissions from the perspective of production factors substitution based on the theory of induced technological change and the theory of marginal returns. Using the Cobb-Douglas production function, this study identifies the transformation patterns of intensive use of cultivated land in China from 1980 to 2021. Furthermore, this study simulates the carbon emission reduction benefits brought about by the transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land by considering the cost of agricultural production. The results show that, first, from 1980 to 2021, the price of agricultural labor increased by 224.10%, while the price of other agricultural production factors significantly decreased. China’s intensive use of cultivated land methods has undergone four stages: agricultural labor–intensive (ALI), yield–enhancing factor–intensive (YEFI), labor–saving factor–intensive (LSFI), and innovation factor–intensive (IFI). In 2021, most of China’s provinces were in the YEFI or ALI stages. Second, between 1993 and 2021, the transformation of China’s intensive use of cultivated land brought about an 87.48% increase in carbon emissions, while the spatial clustering effect of carbon emissions weakened. Furthermore, the results show that, the transition of the use of cultivated land from ALI to YEFI and YEFI to LSFI will reduce carbon emissions by 7.89%, and input factors costs will increase by 23.85%. If all regions, except for those in the IFI stage, transition to the LSFI model, it will result in a 17.56% reduction in carbon emissions, with a corresponding increase of 33.40% of the input factors input costs. This research enriches the theoretical foundation of literature about the transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land. It also expands the research perspective on agricultural carbon emissions. This research also helps provide references for the direction of the transformation of the intensive use of cultivated land in China and the achievement of the dual carbon goals.

Burp tax: Regulation and revenue potential in Indonesia

The increasingly urgent phenomenon of climate change requires concrete actions from various sectors, including the livestock sector which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. This study explores the potential of implementing Burp Tax in Indonesia as a regulatory mechanism to reduce methane emissions from beef and dairy cattle farms. By referring to New Zealand's experience as a Burp Tax pioneer, this study analyzes the policy scheme that includes tax subjects, tax objects, tariffs, and fair and efficient collection mechanisms. In addition, this study identifies various obstacles that may be faced in the implementation of Burp Tax in Indonesia and provides recommendations to support the national commitment in achieving the Zero Emission target in 2045/2060. The research used qualitative methods with literature study data collection techniques. The research concludes that there is great potential for the imposition of Burp Tax, so that in addition to being a form of effort to reduce methane emissions from beef and dairy cattle farms, Burp Tax can also increase the portion of state revenue from the taxation sector. The specific tariff scheme is IDR30/KgCH4 with tax subjects in the beef and dairy cattle farming sector, including individuals with 30 cows and business entities. However, it is important to note that the imposition of Burp Tax may have an economic impact on livestock business actors and affect the price of meat and milk commodities. Therefore, further studies are needed regarding the potential and impact of Burp Tax implications in Indonesia. The results of this study are expected to make a significant contribution to the development of sustainable taxation policies that are responsive to the challenges of climate change.

Occurrence of Multi-Drug-Resistant Bacteria in Rainbow Trout–Lettuce Bio-Integrated Culture Systems in Chile

In an aquaponic system, fish and plants are cultivated together in a symbiotic environment where they mutually benefit, using significantly less water than traditional farming methods. The main aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in two aquaponic systems implemented in two Chilean high schools using rainbow trout and lettuce cultures. When water samples (fish tank, biofilter, and plant raft) were analyzed over a three-month period, no resistance to oxytetracycline was detected, whereas the occurrence of resistance to florfenicol was rather small, ranging from 0.01% to 3.1% of bacterial culturable counts. Eighteen isolates were recovered from various sources as representatives of the florfenicol-resistant population, and all of them belonged to the Pseudomonas genus, showing a multi-drug-resistance phenotype and exhibiting simultaneous resistance to 7–13 antimicrobials. All isolates exhibited resistance to amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, florfenicol, and furazolidone and susceptibility to meropenem, oxytetracycline, oxolinic acid, flumequine, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin. Five and two isolates carried the amphenicol-resistance-encoding genes floR and cmlA, respectively, whereas no carriage of integrons or the fexA, fexB, pexA, optrA, and cfr genes encoding for florfenicol resistance was detected. Eleven isolates carried plasmids, but only two of them were able to transfer their plasmid content by conjugation. The knowledge of the microbiome associated with aquaponic systems is still scarce, and their role as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and related genes of these systems must be elucidated.

Unlocking the Potential of Teff for Sustainable, Gluten-Free Diets and Unravelling Its Production Challenges to Address Global Food and Nutrition Security: A Review

Sustainable diets, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organisation, aim to be nutritionally adequate, safe, and healthy, while optimising natural and human resources. Teff (Eragrostis tef), a gluten-free grain primarily grown in Ethiopia, has emerged as a key contender in this context. Widely regarded as a “supergrain”, teff offers an outstanding nutrition profile, making it an excellent choice for people with gluten-related disorders. Rich with protein, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fats, and fibre, and abundant in minerals like calcium and iron, teff rivals other popular grains like quinoa and durum wheat in promoting human health. Beyond its nutritional benefits, teff is a hardy crop that thrives in diverse climates, tolerating both drought and waterlogged conditions. Due to its resilience and rich nutrient content, teff holds the potential to address nine of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), and SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing), which are tied to improving food and nutrition security. However, teff production in Ethiopia faces significant issues. Traditional farming practices, insufficient storage infrastructure, and food safety challenges, including adulteration, hinder teff’s full potential. This review explores teff’s dual role as a nutritious, sustainable food source and outlines the key challenges in its production to conclude on what needs to be done for its adoption as a golden crop to address global food and nutrition security.

Development of agrivoltaic insect net house to enhance sustainable energy-food production: a techno-economic assessment

Agrivoltaics (AV) systems are the simultaneous land utilization for sustainable energy and food production. However, AV may not be suitable for some crops that require rigorous pest management. This study has applied an innovative approach, combining AV with an insect net house to cultivate capsicum. The 1.8 kW AV system has been installed at a 3-m elevation to facilitate unrestricted tractor manoeuvrability for various farming operations. The structure can withstand winds as high as 140.4 km/h. The system has a 3,612-kWh energy capacity and a 51.41 kg food production capacity. The system's energy and food conversion efficiency are 14.09% and 154.8%, respectively, compared to the traditional systems. Economic metrics like a 2.20 benefit-cost ratio and a 9.39-year payback period have been included in the findings. Further, the land equivalence ratio is 1.97, indicating a better system than traditional AV and agriculture approaches.

Simulation of water-salt transport and balance in cultivated-wasteland system based on SWAP model in Hetao Irrigation District of China

Water and salt transport among different use type land is important to irrigation management in arid area. In this study, a typical irrigation unit including cultivated land and wasteland in Hetao Irrigation District of China was selected to explore water and salt transport between cultivated land and wasteland system. Soil water-salt dynamics, groundwater depth and salinity were observed within the period of crop growing and autumn irrigation period in 2018 and 2019. Calibrated SWAP model was used to simulate water and salt flux of cultivated land and wasteland during the crop growing period and autumn irrigation period. Furthermore, water-salt transport exchange capacity was calculated between cultivated land and wasteland system in study area. Groundwater was recharged by soil water and soil salt was leached in cultivated land during the crop growing period. Soil water was recharged by groundwater and soil salt was accumulated in saline wasteland during the crop growing period. During the crop growing period, the total leaching of soil salinity was 15.64 t·ha−1 in cultivated land. Soil salt accumulation was 2.03 t·ha−1 in saline wasteland. During the autumn irrigation period, the total leaching of soil salinity was 14.93 t·ha−1 in cultivated land. Total leaching of soil salinity was 1.56 t·ha−1 in saline wasteland. Overall, saline wasteland had an important role to receive salt from cultivated land and maintain salt dynamic balance in arid irrigation area with shallow groundwater.

Exploring the Potential of Fungal Biomass for Bisphenol A Removal in Aquatic Environments

Bisphenol A is a plastic component, which shows endocrine activity that is detrimental to humans and aquatic ecosystems. The elimination of BPA from the environment is one of the solutions for BPA contaminant management. Adsorption is a cost-effective, easy-to-use method generating low harmful byproducts; nevertheless, contaminant sorbent treatment is a challenge that still needs to be addressed. Fungal fruiting bodies biomass is rarely studied sorbent but is promising due to its high polysaccharide content and availability. Our preliminary studies showed BPA sorption (100 mg/L) by 50 cultivated and wild fungi. The cultivated species: Clitocybe maxima (82%), Pholiota nameko (77%), and Pleurotus columbinus (74%), and wild fungi Cantharellus cibarius (75%) and Lactarius deliciosus (72%) were the most efficient. The biomass was able to sorb BPA over a broad range of temperature and pH levels, with an optimum at 20 °C and pH 7. Although saturation of sorbents was rapid, the regeneration process using ethanol was effective and allowed to recover up to 75% of sorbents’ initial efficiency. A single use of 1 g of sorbent would allow the treatment of 8.86 to 10.1 m3 of wastewater effluent, 16.5 to 18.7 m3 of surface water, and 411 to 469 m3 of drinking water, assuming the concentrations of BPA reported in the literature.

The Ecotoxicity of Pesticides Used in Conventional Apple and Grapevine Production in Austria Is Much Higher for Honeybees, Birds and Earthworms than Nature-Based Substances Used in Organic Production

It is debated whether the ecotoxicity of active substances (ASs) contained in synthetic pesticides applied in conventional agriculture (conASs) differs from nature-based ASs used in organic agriculture (orgASs). Using the official pesticide use statistics, we evaluated the ecotoxicity of ASs used in apple and grapevine production in Austria. In 2022, 49 conASs and 21 orgASs were authorized for apple production and 60 conASs and 23 orgASs were authorized for grapevine production in Austria. Based on the latest publicly available data on the actual use of pesticides in apple and grapevine production (from the year 2017), we evaluated their ecotoxicity based on information in the freely accessible Pesticide Properties and Bio-Pesticides Databases. The results showed that although the amount of ASs applied per hectare of field was higher in organic farming, the intrinsic toxicities of ASs used in conventional farming were much higher. The number of lethal toxic doses (LD50) of ASs applied in conventional apple orchards was 645%, 15%, and 6011% higher for honeybees, birds, and earthworms, respectively, than in organic apple production. In conventional vineyards, lethal doses for honeybees, birds, and earthworms were 300%, 129%, and 299% higher than in organic vineyards. We conclude that promoting organic farming would therefore contribute to the better protection of biodiversity on agricultural land and beyond.

White Rot Disease Occurs on Wild Individuals of the Economically Important Red Seaweed Halymenia durvillei (Rhodophyta)

Seaweed diseases have been reported in both wild and cultivated seaweed species worldwide. However, reports on tropical seaweed diseases are uncommon and are often focused on farmed species. In the Philippines, seaweed diseases have been reported in economically important species such as Eucheuma, Kappaphycus, and Halymenia. Regarding Halymenia, the occurrence of white rot disease has been reported on laboratory-reared and open sea-outplanted individuals. Here, I report for the first time the occurrence of white rot disease on Halymenia durvillei as observed in the wild. While the disease may have detrimental effects, I hypothesize that the disease and the subsequent breaking of branches may play a role in the dispersal and reproductive success of H. durvillei. Nonetheless, studies on the bio-ecology of its pathogen and the impacts of the disease should be conducted considering the commercial potential of H. durvillei farming.