Use In Organic Production Research Articles

Alternative and Emerging Mulch Technologies for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture in the United States: A Review

Plastic mulches made from nonbiodegradable polymers (e.g., polyethylene) provide an essential service in commercial horticultural production systems by enhancing crop productivity through weed suppression, soil moisture conservation, and moderating soil and canopy temperature conditions. Plastic mulches are particularly important in organic agriculture because weed management options are limited. Nevertheless, there is increasing concern about addressing the negative environmental impacts of plastic mulch waste. Soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) films that are designed to biodegrade in soils after incorporation are promising alternatives to nonbiodegradable plastic mulch. However, although the US organic standards technically permit the use of BDM films, no commercially available products meet National Organic Program (NOP) requirements for 100% biobased content and 90% degradation after 2 years following soil incorporation (7 Code of Federal Regulations, section 205.2). Other concerns about biodegradable film mulches include high perceived cost, esthetics, and uncertainties regarding the impacts of soil incorporation. New mulch technologies have emerged to diversify sustainable mulch options and overcome barriers associated with BDM film use in organic production. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of alternative and emerging mulch technologies, with an emphasis on biodegradable mulches, including water-based sprayable mulches such as hydromulch and foam mulch, and biobased agrotextiles. Information about how these mulch technologies contribute to organic and sustainable agriculture is provided, along with definitions, opportunities, challenges, and recommended areas for future research.

Chitosan as A Plant Pathogen Control Agent: A Review

Pathogen attacks can cause decreased yields, even crop failure. Proper control can suppress pathogens' development and maintain yields. The concept of integrated pest management emphasizes the application of several techniques, one of which is the use of organic products as vegetable pesticides. Chitosan is a natural product obtained from crustacean shells or skins which can be used in various fields, including agriculture. Indonesia is one of the countries producing raw products from crustacean animals (shrimp, crab, lobster, and squid). This also has an impact on the amount of shell or skin waste produced. The processing of crustacean animal skin waste into chitosan can go through several stages, namely deproteinized, demineralization, and deacetylation. Chitosan application can be done by seed treatment, foliar spraying, soil application, and post-harvest products. The mode of action of chitosan against pathogenic fungi is binding to phospholipids in the plasma membrane of fungal cells, causing changes in hyphal morphology, degrading fungal enzymes, increasing levels of phenolics, sugar, and proline, and activating antimicrobial compounds and defense-related enzymes. The modes of action against pathogenic bacteria are interfering with gene expression, causing cell lysis, destroying bacterial biofilms, increasing defense enzyme activity, inducing systemic resistance, damaging and changing cell membranes, and causing cell wall permeability. The mode of action against pathogenic viruses is to increase the expression of genes related to defense, inhibit systemic viral multiplication and hypersensitivity response. The utilization of chitosan products is very important to study, especially in suppressing the use of chemical products and maintaining ecosystem sustainability.

Assessment of products of anaerobic fermentation of organic raw material from poultry last by microbiological indicators

The product of anaerobic microbiological transformation of bird droppings is a liquid suspended product (digestate), the composition of which is characterized by new chemical features acquired due to the activity of anaerobic microorganisms. This process takes place in biogas plants, and as a result of methane fermentation of bird droppings, biogas and residues of organic raw materials are formed, which are used as fertilizer. The international practice of using digestate as an organic fertilizer or soil improver for the farm’s own needs is similar to classic composts and does not require sanitary and microbiological certification, but there are voluntary certification standards, as well as various industry guidelines on the quality of organic fertilizers. The work analyzes international and national sanitary microbiological standards regarding digestates, products of processing by-products of animal husbandry and organic substances for application to the soil, in particular Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 of the European Parliament and the Council of June 5, 2019 «On establishing rules for placing fertilizers on the market EU», DSTU 7527:2014 «Poultry droppings. Technologies of biological processing. General requirements», DSTU 7938:2015 «Organic fertilizers. Agronomic requirements for the quality of fertilizers for use in organic production». Information from scientific articles, standards of individual countries and guidelines of international voluntary certification bodies regarding the assessment of digestate applied to the soil as an organic fertilizer or soil improver is summarized. It has been established that mandatory sanitary microbiological characteristics for such substances are Salmonella bacteria (Salmonellas spp.) and Escherichia spp. bacteria, as well as the standards of some countries and scientific literature recommend determining Coliform bacteria and Streptococ-cus faecalis bacteria, the presence of which indicates the possible presence of potentially dangerous strains of microorganisms. With the use of laboratory equipment, the granulation conditions of the solid fraction of the digestate were optimized to obtain granulated organic fertilizer from the sludge of the biogas plant. A microbiological analysis of granulated digestate from a biogas plant on bird droppings was carried out in order to establish its compliance with the sanitarybacteriological requirements for organic fertilizers. The presence of pathogens of infectious diseases in poultry droppings and the presence of phytopathogens in grain, which is used for the preparation of premixes, increases their probable migration into the composition of organic fertilizer in case of improper methane fermentation with violation of temperature and exposure conditions. Microbiological analysis of granulated digestate showed the absence of Salmonellas spp. and Escherichia spp. bacteria in the studied samples, but a high number of mold fungi 1.2·104±7.25·102 CFU/g was found, which may be a consequence of storage wet raw materials. In order to prevent microbiological contamination during the storage and transportation of raw materials and organic fertilizers, a necessary condition is compliance with sanitary requirements for all technological processes, starting from the conditions of keeping and feeding animals to the conditions of storage of finished products and application to the soil. The content of harmful microorganisms in the digestate of biogas plants operating on bird droppings or animal manure without litter or the addition of plant residues and chemicals depends mainly on the quality of the droppings and water. The quality of raw materials affects the quality of the digestate and is determined by the sanitary-epidemiological condition of animals and premises, microbiological contamination of feed, pre-treatment of raw materials for loading to the biogas plant. It was established that the granular digestate from bird droppings meets the requirements of Ukrainian standards DSTU 7527:2014 regarding organic fertilizers from poultry droppings and DSTU 7938:2015 regarding organic farming, which allows for further substantiation of optimal application technologies. To control the secondary bacterial contamination of organic raw materials during the storage process, the effectiveness of the use of commercial biological preparations was evaluated. The perspective of using commercial microbial preparations, in particular MycoHelp, to control mold fungi of the genus Penicillum spp. in the technologies of processing by-products of agriculture into organic fertilizers and preventing spoilage of finished products during storage.

Biorational Fungicides to Manage Cucurbit Powdery Mildew on Winter Squash in New York

Cucurbit powdery mildew (CPM) is one of the most common foliar diseases of winter squash grown in New York. Conventional fungicides remain the primary method for managing CPM. However, increasing consumer demand for organic produce and concerns about both environmental safety and fungicide resistance development have driven research to identify alternative management strategies. Biorational fungicides, including biologicals, botanicals, and minerals, are increasingly available for certified organic production but are generally considered less effective at managing CPM than conventional products. Copper-containing pesticides approved for use in organic production are effective, but concerns about nontarget effects are driving exploration of alternative biorational solutions for CPM. Further research is warranted to validate and expand management strategies for organic cucurbit production. In this study, we evaluated 9 and 10 biorational fungicides to reduce CPM on winter squash in field trials in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The treatment that consistently and most effectively reduced disease severity was Kocide 3000-O (copper hydroxide) followed by Theia ( Bacillus subtilis) and Regalia plus Stargus ( Reynoutria sachalinensis plus B. amyloliquefaciens). The developmental product Curezin (copper zinc) and the adjuvant Dyne-Amic (alkylphenol ethoxylate) also significantly reduced disease compared with the untreated control in 2022. No differences in yield were observed in either year. We conclude that copper-based biorational fungicides most effectively managed CPM compared with other biological and botanical products evaluated, followed by Theia and Regalia plus Stargus. Knowledge gained from this study can inform current CPM management practices and the development of future tools for IPM strategies.

Efficiency of auxiliary products in organic millet production

Millet is recognized as one of the key crops in Ukrainian agriculture and has numerous advantages that increase its value for the agricultural sector. A particular advantage is its resistance to droughts and high temperatures, which makes it ideal for cultivation in dry regions. At the same time, millet processing products are universal and can be used in various industries, which contributes to the efficient use of resources. The use of millet in human consumption and as animal feed, as well as in industry, makes it extremely versatile. However, the production of vegetable protein remains an urgent problem for Ukraine, and in this context, millet cultivation becomes an important initiative. Improving the elements of millet cultivation technology is a very relevant area today, as there is no single recommended approach to growing this crop in organic production in Ukraine. With the adoption of legislation in the field of organic production, circulation and labeling of organic products, the issue of providing seed material for the main agricultural crops arises. Therefore, the research was aimed at the studying of the influence of auxiliary products approved for use in organic production on the formation of the of millet plants productivity. The research was conducted during 2022–2023 on the basis of the T.H. Shevchenko PAE (private agricultural enterprise), village Trostinka, Vasylkiv district, Kyiv region. The scheme of the experiment included the study of varietal characteristics of millet («Omriyane» and «Bila Altanka») and the action of biological preparations: «Biocomplex-BTU», «Organic-balance», and the conditions of their use. The treatment of seeds with auxiliary products («Biocomplex – BTU» and «Organic-Balance») had a significant effect on yield formation; under these conditions the yield indicators were at the level of 2.70–2.79 t/ha, which is 0.20–0.30 t/ha ha higher compared to the control options. It was found that the maximum millet yield indicators were obtained under the conditions of the complex application of biological preparations «Biokomplex-BTU» and «Organic-balance» (seed treatment + spraying of plants II, III, VIII stages) – 3.64–3.70 t/ha. Under these conditions the protein accumulation was (10.96–11.24 % on dry weight). Key words: millet, variety, biological preparations, productivity, organic production.

Building Agricultural Knowledge of Soil-biodegradable Plastic Mulch

The use of polyethylene (PE) mulch causes environmental pollution where incomplete removal leaves fragments susceptible to escape to ecosystems, such as the ocean, where they can cause ecological harm. PE mulch is generally nonrecyclable due to contamination with soil and crop debris after use, leaving growers with few end-of-life options for used PE mulch. Research studies have shown that soil-biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) is comparable to PE mulch in terms of performance, soil health, and overall economics and is preferred from an environmental perspective, but the adoption of BDM by producers is still low. Previous research has shown that the primary barriers to BDM adoption are insufficient knowledge about BDM, high purchase cost, and unpredictable breakdown of BDM in the soil. The high purchase cost of BDM compared with PE mulch is offset by the costs for PE mulch removal, transport, and disposal fees. This project was conducted to develop BDM training materials, to educate and assess BDM knowledge gained by extension personnel and other agricultural professionals through trainings and webinars, and to educate producers about BDM through hands-on experience. Thirty-six research and extension publication outputs from two previous US Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Research Initiative BDM projects were reviewed and transcribed into 45 new extension publications that included 11 slide presentations, 5 lecture slides, 10 fact sheets, and 3 videos. All the training materials are posted on a public university website. Professional development trainings were conducted at local, regional, national, and international levels to provide agricultural professionals the current, science-based information on BDM and resources for information. Survey results showed that at a local level, the greatest change of knowledge among participants was observed for “BDM use in organic production” (60%), and the lowest reported change of knowledge was observed for “limitations to PE mulch disposal” (19%). At a regional level, out of 58 participants, 23% to 35% of participants learned “a lot” and 35% to 51% learned “some new information” regarding BDM from the webinar. At the national level, out of 30 participants, 48% responded that they learned “a lot” and another 48% learned “some new information” on BDM from the training. Growers were trained about BDM via field days and on-farm demonstrations where five strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) growers volunteered to participate in BDM trials. The participant growers observed no difference in weed control and fruit yield between the PE mulch and the BDM. Growers expressed concerns about slow biodegradation of BDM after soil incorporation, potential impacts on soil biological activity, food safety concerns with BDM fragments and that BDM is not currently permitted for use in organic production.

Beauty and Personal Care Products Market Size, Share and Trend Analysis Report by Type (Conventional, Organic), by Product (Skin Care, Hair Care), by Distribution Channel, by Region and Segment Forecasts, 2022-2030

The personal care and also the global beauty products in the market are increasing and expected to reach “USD 937.1 billion by 2030” and the organic and natural substitutes are establishing and attract the consumer and also make the awareness of using chemicals on the skin. In the coming years, the use of organic products will increase incredibly to the demands of the consumers. Beauty products are available in a variety that attracts people and influences them to purchase the products. It has been noticed that in the markets there are different types of beauty products everywhere and many new products are coming continuously. For several years it has been that various companies focused on this market and enhanced the options by launching new products. Multiple companies investing in beauty products and making new products for skin and body care that are in high demand.

СТРАТЕГІЯ СПОЖИВЧОЇ ПОВЕДІНКИ ЯК СКЛАДОВА ЗАГАЛЬНОЇ МАРКЕТИНГОВОЇ СТРАТЕГІЇ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА

Each company develops a strategy that guides its marketing activities. When developing a strategy, environmental factors that can influence the process of the enterprise's functioning are taken into account. These can be factors of the internal environment, which are caused by the internal conditions of existence. Recently, the number of external factors has increased, including new digital technologies, the geopolitical situation, migration, changes in climatic conditions, the demographic situation, and the financial crisis. As the company operates in an uncertain competitive environment, it must monitor all factors that may affect its activities both positively and negatively. A component of the general marketing strategy is the strategy of consumer behavior. Consumer behavior is a set of consumer actions when purchasing a product. Based on the changes occurring in the consumer environment, consumer behavior strategies also change. New strategies are emerging that reflect today's realities. We describe new strategies of consumer behavior. The strategy of needing to manage one's expenses is related to inflation and a decrease in purchasing power. The strategy of establishing a life balance is based on the trend towards a healthy lifestyle. It promotes the use of products without preservatives, gluten, dyes, food additives. There is also an orientation towards the use of organic products that are natural and beneficial for health. The emergency situations in which the country lives have contributed to the emergence of a strategy to reduce contact between consumers and sellers. This became possible due to the development of online trade. The change in the rhythm of life has caused interest in packaged products and those manufactured and sold by supermarket specialists. The strategy of increasing awareness of purchases made requires consumers to think before making a purchase, to refrain from impulse buying. Buyers are increasingly trying to buy goods on promotions. They are cheaper, which makes them attractive to the consumer. Recently, there has been a tendency to buy innovative products. This happens when their superiority among other goods is proven. The appearance of the listed strategies makes it necessary to review the overall marketing strategy.

Awareness Of Eco-Friendly Products And Their Effect On The Environment: A Survey Based Analysis

Green consumerism is linked to sustainable development or sustainable consumer behaviour. It is a way of living that safeguards the environment for both the current generation and the one to come. It holds consumers accountable or shares accountability for addressing environmental issues through the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, such as the use of organic products, clean energy, and the decision to purchase goods made by businesses with little to no environmental impact. The promotion of sustainable economic growth is anticipated to be fueled by green development. "Green consumerism" is the term used to describe the consumer demand for goods and services that were created in a way that was ecologically friendly, particularly one that involved recycling and safeguarding the planet's resources. Or, to put it another way, green consumerism is the creation, promotion, and usage of goods and services based on their favorable effects on the environment. The two main factors influencing consumers' green purchase behaviour have been identified as their environmental concern and the functional qualities of the products. The primary predictors of consumers’ green purchase behaviour are discussed in the article with the help of data collected and analyzed. In this research study, a total number of 521 usable questionnaires were collected from the respondents around the world and mostly from India. A total of twenty-one questions were asked from the month of February 2023 to April 2023. Data analysis, utilizing the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, highlights the predictors of consumers' green purchase behavior, contributing valuable insights to the understanding of sustainable consumer choices.

Comparison of different substrates for organic seedling production

Propagation from seedlings is generally applied in the horticultural sector and it has many advantages including earlier harvest and more efficient resource (land, time, energy and seeds) utilization, as well as healthy and homogenous plant production. In conventional large-scale horticulture, seedling cultivation has already become a separate sector. The basis of successful seedling production is the use of the suitable substrate. The physical and chemical quality of the growing medium is crucial. There can be significant differences among the growing media available at the domestic market. For own substrate, farmers put different mixtures of peat, perlite and nutrients together according to a unique recipe. According to the Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products, only organic seed and seedling can be used for organic plant production. Therefore, seeds, fertilizers, plant protection and disinfection substances are allowed to be applied only when authorized for use in organic production by the regulations. Recently there are only a few professional organic seedling producers in Hungary. Most of the organic farmers produce their own seedlings. For this purpose, commercially available certified organic growing media, or home mixed substrates are used. In this study, two commercially available organic substrates (Florasca Bio B and Klasmann KKS Proline) are compared with two typical farmer mixtures: peat with pelleted cattle manure and peat with compost. The physical and chemical properties of the substrates are investigated and presented.

Matured Manure and Compost from the Organic Fraction of Solid Waste Digestate Application in Intensive Apple Orchards

In intensive fruit growing systems, the recovery and maintenance of soil fertility play a crucial role in both environmental protection and sustainable support to plant productivity. The circular economy approach adopted at the EU level strongly promotes the use of organic products instead of mineral fertilizers. This work focuses on two different soil improvers, compost from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste digestate (CO) and "matured" manure, produced after a fast and controlled aerobic treatment in an aerated pile (MM), which were applied in three apple orchards with different soil tillage. The soil improvers have been characterized for amendment and fertilizing properties. After the amendment, the soils were sampled twice a year (Spring and Autumn) for three years. Each sample has been characterized for texture, pH, cation exchange capacity, nutrients, soil organic matter, and micronutrients. The amendments obtained differed on C, N, P, and K contents, but had similar biological stability. The main effects on soils were the increasing of N and soil organic matter after compost application, while the use of matured manure mainly act on available P and exchangeable K. The treatments showed significant effects among fields with a linear increasing trend only for compost. Matured manure showed more effects in earlier times. The data collected aim to improve the knowledge about sustainable management of soil organic matter and organic nutrients in intensive fruit-growing agriculture by using local products.

Sustainable development of clothing brands based on LPP S.A. Analysis

Purpose of the study: The subject of consideration is the actual actions of clothing brands in pro-environmental areas. The main purpose of the article is to describe the sustainability and pro-environmental behavior of companies selling private label clothing.
 Methodology: This article was prepared with the use of analyses of LPP S.A. reports, rankings of environmentally conscious brands and other articles.
 Findings of the study: Sustainable development is influencing the increased use of organic products. By adopting pro-environmental solutions, brands are gaining the support of an increasingly environmentally conscious society, which is pushing companies to use eco-friendly solutions in production, transport and low-impact cultivation. Unfortunately, companies often use the growing trend of sustainability to maximize profits, which leads to creating a phenomenon such as greenwashing.
 Application of the study: This article presents the behavior of LPP S.A. in the areas of ecological, sustainable development. Using an analysis of the company’s reports and rankings, it can be seen that companies are paying more and more attention to pro-ecological behavior.
 Originality/Novelty of the study: The concept of sustainability is overlooked in terms of clothing brands that have high environmental impact.

Assessment of Pesticide Residues in Organic Rice Production in The Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Organic rice production has been developed in Mekong Delta to reduce toxicity risk for humans and the environment, however, some models have failed due to pesticide residues that were not investigated in advance. So, it is important to test for prohibited residual pesticides in organic farming. The rice samples in ten districts of six provinces in Mekong Delta, Vietnam, were sampled and analyzed to check the presence of 854 substrates that are prohibited for use in organic production. A total of 18 active ingredients were detected. Based on the contamination rates, they are divided into three groups. The high presence group includes only tricyclazole (62.5%). The medium presence group includes difenoconazole (32.5%), chlorpyrifos-ethyl (30%), isoprothiolane (25%), propiconazole (20%), azoxystrobin (17.5%), hexaconazole (15%), chlorfenapyr (15%), cypermethrin (10%). The low presence group includes paclobutrazol (7.5%), tebuconazole (5%) and the seven remaining ingredients niclosamide, chlorfenson, fipronil, fipronil-desulfinyl, fenoxanil, metalaxyl & metalaxyl-M, and chlorfluazuron with the same contamination rate (2.5%). Based on the present period, they are divided into four groups. The four-year presence group includes tricyclazole, difenoconazole, and propiconazole. The three-year presence group includes chlorpyrifos-ethyl, isoprothiolane, hexaconazole, chlorfenapyr, and cypermethrin. The two-year presence group includes azoxystrobin and paclobutrazol. The one-year presence group includes the eight active ingredients with the lowest contamination rate as tebuconazole, niclosamide, chlorfenson, fipronil, fipronil-desulfinyl, fenoxanil, metalaxyl & metalaxyl-M, and chlorfluazuron. Among 18 detected active ingredients, there were 8 substances used for disease control, 8 substances used for insecticides, 1 substance used for killing snails, and 1 substance used for growth regulation. This finding is useful for developing organic rice zones in the Mekong Delta.

Evaluation of the meat quality of chickens of the egg-meat direction of productivity, for promising use in organic production

Purpose: studying the features of the formation of signs of meat productivity in chickens of the egg-meat direction in the juvenile period in ontogenesis and fixing the most informative age for early assessment of meat qualities.Materials and methods. Young grew in group cells of a 3-tier cellular battery. The dynamics of growth and the development of exterior and interior indicators, characterizing meat productivity in ontogenesis in the young of the Pushkin breed of chickens, which refers to an egg-meat type on productivity through periodic (every 2 weeks) weighing and taking protections of the physique in 100 heads of young people. On 21 heads, an anatomical cutting was carried out at which the mass of the heart, liver, two parts of the stomach (muscular, iron), the sum of the muscles (femur, crus, metatisium) took into account. The development of meat forms of the physique to determine the age and individual characteristics was determined using exterior articles of industrial (the length of the body, the length of the keel, the gripping of the chest, the length of the leg, hips, plus). Prombs were taken from the entire experienced livestock, together with weighing, every 2 weeks. In order to find the most informative age for an early estimate of meat quality, which would characterize meat productivity at an older age, the correlation was calculated between the industrial over the age periods and the mass of muscles at 16 weeks.Results. The dynamics of the average daily growth of the living mass and the mass of the carved carcass in the roosters was uneven. Until 8-week age, the average daily increase increased, then began to decline until 14 weeks of age, during 16-week aged an average increase increased dramatically. The dynamics of average daily growths in the roosters of individual muscles was similar, namely, from 4 to 8-week age, high rates of average daily growth were noted, and from 8 to 14 months of age there is a decrease, and then again activation of growth. Studies have shown that the growth of the skeleton is slowed down by 14 weeks. The dynamics of the average daily growth of internal organs in the roosters in the juvenile period occurs asynchronously. The greatest intensity of the growth of the heart, liver and stomach was observed on a 8-week age. Studies have shown that the stomach is most intensively developing up to 8 weeks, then development is braked sharply.Conclusion. Based on the data obtained, it can be concluded that for the preliminary selection of chickens of the egg-meat direction of cultivation with the best genetic potential for meat productivity, it is possible at 8 weeks old, but the final rating should be carried out no earlier than 14-week age. The estimation of meat qualities in a 14-week age should be carried out on the basis of live masses and industrial, namely, the oblique length of the body, the girth plus, the length of the leg, the preliminary estimate can be done in such a precursor, as the slanting the length of the body, the length of the leg and girth plus.

Complementary resource use in intercropped faba bean and cabbage by increased root growth and nitrogen use in organic production

AbstractIntercropping can improve yield and nitrogen use efficiency in organic vegetable production by pairing crops with complementary resource use. An intercrop field experiment was conducted to determine yield, root growth and nitrogen (N) dynamics using faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grown as a vegetable and pointed cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata cv. conica). Both crops were grown in monocropping (MC) and intercropping systems (IC). Minirhizotrons were used to measure root growth. Yield of pointed cabbage per metre row was 28% higher under the IC system than under MC, whereas faba bean yield as fresh seeds did not differ. The land equivalent ratio was 1.06, showing that improved yield under IC resulted from efficient land resource use. Even though MC cabbage had the highest aboveground biomass, total N accumulation was higher under IC and MC faba bean systems. Both root frequency and intensity were greater under IC faba bean rows compared with MC faba bean because of the presence of cabbage roots in faba bean rows. Monocropped cabbage had the highest root intensity and the lowest amount of soil mineral N in the 0–1.5 m depth after harvest. Monocropped cabbage was efficient in assimilating N, whereas MC faba bean was efficient in exporting N as harvestable yield. The nitrogen use efficiency using the IC system (75%) was higher than growing faba bean (44%) and cabbage (65%) alone. Thus, faba bean as an intercrop in organic cabbage production systems improves land and N use efficiency by complementary root growth.

Southern African Soap Plants and Screening of Selected Phytochemicals and Quantitative Analysis of Saponin Content

In southern Africa, several plants are used ethnobotanically as soap substitutes, however, this information resides in different literature sources. The foaming and cleansing properties of such plants are attributed mainly to the presence of saponins, but other compounds such as alkaloids and terpenoids are also implicated. This study aimed to compile a comprehensive list of plants used traditionally as soap substitutes in southern Africa and to assess the chemical properties of selected species. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was done using five solvents (ethanol, methanol, water, chloroform, and acetone) to determine the presence of saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids in selected soap plants. Quantitative analysis of the saponin content was done employing spectrophotometric tests of methanol extracts. There are thirty-seven (37) known southern African soap plants from twenty-four (24) different families, with the Fabaceae having the highest number of species (eight). Saponin concentrations of nine previously unstudied selected soap plants are reported for the first time in this study, whereby Calodendrum capense had the highest saponin concentrations are at 107.89 ± 4.89 mg/g, followed by Noltea africana (52.65 ± 6.81 mg/g), Crinum bulbispermum (35.43 ± 4.25 mg/g), and Merwilla plumbea (25.59 ± 0.83 mg/g). The knowledge of plant composition gives a better understanding of plant chemistry and possible use of plants medicinally, industrially and as soap substitutes. Furthermore, this allows the verification and the justification of traditional plant use. Soap plants have been used traditionally for many years, the potential to commercialise the use of these plants has been realised with the increase in the use of organic products by conscious consumers hence, the purpose of this investigation can have bearing on future projects and products.

Autonomous Processes in Concrete Matrix on Bio Products

Abstract In this paper are presented different approaches of microbiological type, on the concrete matrix, that has the ability to self-healing the micro-cracks in their early phase. Although the prevention of cracks in the concrete structure is not possible, there are many types of techniques that will lead to self-sealing. Thereby we can say the cracks represent the biggest enemy of the elements in the constructions, and if they are not observed and treated in the early phase, they can create real dangers, both for the constructions and for the people. The micro-cracks appeared in the concrete matrix are determined by a number of internal and / or external factors. The determination of the cause of the appearance of the micro-cracks is done by visual inspections and by direct measurements, using special equipment. The identification of the various biological compounds and their use in autonomous processes can represent a sustainable but also efficient alternative on the costs of concrete production. From the researchers’ reports, the application of chemicals and polymers represents a source of risks for human health, plus the fact that these methods are viable in the short term. The bio products exemplified in this paper are found in nature, are human friendly, and through the information provided by the researchers we can say that they increase the life of the construction. An important feature of the use of organic products in the concrete matrix is the fact that the concrete can self-healing, only needing water and oxygen. The two approaches of autonomous type presented in this paper are similar in terms of the result obtained but different from the point of view of the healing agents used. This paper will provide an overview of the bio approach through the production of calcium carbonate, will present the new challenges for sealing the micro-cracks and recommendations for future research.

Organic cultivation of two species of pitahaya (selenicereus undatus and selenicereus megalanthus) in the southeast of Mexico

Both species of Pithaya Selenicereus undatus and Selenicereus megalanthus, were established on the 25th of May and the 26th of June, 2019. Three hundred and forty-four cuttings were planted. The seedlings used were 30cm long, previously rooted at the ranch for three months with vegetable soil and worm-compost in a protective cultivation system using horticulture shadowed cloth with 70% sunlight penetration. The substratum that was used to plant was of organic existence enriched with worm-compost and mountain microorganisms. These plants were planted in rows of high density with a distance of 50cm interspersing between the two species. The organic products that were used to enrich the plants were created at Rancho Alegre by mountain microorganisms, cattle, sheep, and horse manure, vegetable carbon, wood ash, milk, molasses, saltwater, garlic, onion, habanero chile (Capisum Chinese Habanero Group), Neem tree leaves (Azadirachtaindica), soap, rock flour, yeast, Sulfur (S), Potassium hydroxide (KOH), vegetable oil, and Calcium oxide (CaO), the schedule is ongoing cyclically. Three hundred kilograms were produced in the first year, a total of 8 groups every 19 days, with fruit up to 960 grams, where the normal weight of pitahayas in the Southeast of Mexico is between 350-450 grams. It was concluded that the use of organic products demonstrated a significant difference between production and time of fruit bearing. A favorable result is observed between the use of products and the results obtained in this production of pitahaya, that, given the first year, greatly surpasses other reference production results.

Effect of biostimulant Banzaï and fertilizer on the yield of cocoa trees in the locality of N’gouanmoinkro, Central Côte d’Ivoire

In order to minimize production losses, and limit the use of chemicals, several organic products have been developed. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of biostimulant Banzai and fertilizer on cocoa tree productivity. Conducted in the department of Toumodi, this study took place in one device with a cocoa field that has received fertilizer in the last three years (DAE) and another that has received no fertilizer in the past three years (DSE). The results obtained showed that the plots that had been applied to Banzai produced significantly more pods than the control plots without application of the biostimulant. Compared to controls, the production rate of pods is greater than between 38 and 70% in the unprecedented fertilizer plots (DSE) and between 51 and 80% in plots with previous fertilizer (DAE). However, the production of pods in treated plots is more than three times high in the DAE than in the DSE. This study shows the positive impact of biostimulant use on cocoa yield. In addition, it shows that the use of fertilizers during the experiment could be abandoned with a view to greater use of organic products at the expense of chemicals that have a detrimental effect on the environment and on the long-term health of populations.

Impact of natural products on Acyrthosiphon pisum density on Pisum sativum L. and forage quality

A field trial was conducted at the Institute of Forage Crops (Pleven, Bulgaria) from 2015 to 2017. It studied the effects of natural products on Acyrthosiphon pisum density, as well as changes in the chemical composition, content of plant fibre components and enzyme degradability in forage pea. Treatments with the natural insecticides Madex and Agricolle, applied alone or in combination with the organic fertilizers Lithovit and Nagro were performed twice - at the beginning of the flowering stage and one week later. The fertilizers used in the trial are environmentally safe and approved for use in organic production. The synthetic products Kristalon, a foliar fertilizer, and Proteus 110 OD, an insecticide, were used for comparison. The application of natural products, either alone and in combination, resulted in a reduction in pea aphid density. Applying Agricolle with Nagro, followed by Lithovit with Agricolle, led to the highest aphid number decrease (70.0 and 51.1%, respectively). An optimal combination of decrease in the content of plant cell wall fibre components, cellulose and lignification degree with a significant increase in forage in vitro enzyme digestibility was established after applying Agricolle with Lithovit and Agricole with Nagro. Digestibility reached 71.8 and 69.8%, respectively, an increase of 8.2-5.2%, while ADF, cellulose and lignification degree decreased from 7.1 and 7.7%, 8.0 and 23.4%, amd 10.5 and 6.8% after applying Agricolle with Lithovit and Agricole with Nagro, respectively. In comparison, the synthetic products Kristalon and Kristalon with Proteus increased forage quality, but to a relatively lesser extent. A stronger linear relationship was found between aphid density and dry matter digestibility, compared to the content of neutral detergent fibres. Pea forage with low content of plant cell wall fibre components, cellulose and lignification degree, high protein content, and digestibility after treatment with the natural product Agricolle, and its combinations with Lithovit and Nagro, make it a very good complement to other forages in dairy cow rations.