Use Of Chemical Pesticides Research Articles

Fumigant activity and transcriptomic analysis of two plant essential oils against the tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukii Matsuda.

Introduction: The tea green leafhopper, Empoasca (Matsumurasca) onukii Matsuda, R., 1952 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is currently one of the most devastating pests in the Chinese tea industry. The long-term use of chemical pesticides has a negative impact on human health, impeding the healthy and sustainable development of the tea industry in this region. Therefore, there is a need for non-chemical insecticides to control E. onukii in tea plants. The essential oils from plants have been identified for their potential insecticidal ability; however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the effect of plant essential oils on E. onukii and its gene expression. Methods: In order to address these knowledge gaps, the components of Pogostemon cablin and Cinnamomum camphora essential oils were analyzed in the present study using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The fumigation toxicity of two essential oils on E. onukii was tested using sealed conical flasks. In addition, We performed comparative transcriptome analyses of E. onukii treated with or without P. cablin essential oil. Results: The 36-h lethal concentration (LC50) values for E. onukii treated with P. cablin and C. camphora essential oils were 0.474 and 1.204μLmL-1 respectively. Both essential oils exhibited the potential to control E. onukii, but the fumigation activity of P. cablin essential oil was more effective. A total of 2,309 differentially expressed genes were obtained by transcriptome sequencing of E. onukii treated with P. cablin essential oil. Conclusion: Many of differentially expressed genes were found to contain detoxifification genes, indicating that these families may have played an important role when E. onukii was exposed to essential oil stress. We also found differential expression of genes related to redox-related gene families, suggesting the upregulation of genes associated with possible development of drug and stress resistance. This work offers new insights for the prevention and management of E. onukii in the future.

Invasion of fall armyworm led to the succession of maize pests in Southwest China

The invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) invaded Asia in 2018, colonizing the tropical and southern subtropical regions as well as migrating with the monsoons into Northeast Asia during spring and summer. This has resulted in widespread infestations, with significant impacts on maize production in various Asian countries. Previous studies have shown that the invasion of this pest can alter the species relationships of maize pests, but the actual impact on maize pest management is still unclear. This study investigated the changes in maize pest occurrence and pesticide use in the annual breeding areas of S. frugiperda in Yunnan Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China during 2017–2021, based on surveys and interviews with small farmers in maize production. The results showed that S. frugiperda has emerged as the dominant species among maize pests after invasion and colonization, replacing traditional pests such as Ostrinia furnacalis, Spodoptera litura, Agrotis ypsilon, and Rhopalosiphum maidis. The variety of pesticides used for maize pest control has changed from chlorpyrifos, lambda-cyhalothrin, and acetamiprid to emamectin benzoate-based pesticides with high effectiveness against S. frugiperda. Furthermore, the frequency of maize pest chemical applications has increased from an average of 5.88 to 7.21 times per season, with the amounts of pesticides used in summer and autumn maize being significantly higher than in winter and spring maize, thereby increasing application costs by more than 35%. The results of this study clarified the impact of S. frugiperda invasion on maize pest community succession and chemical pesticide use in tropical and south subtropical China, thereby providing a baseline for modifying the regional control strategies for maize pests after the invasion of this relatively new pest.

Allocative Efficiency Of Rice Farming Under Landscape Integrated Pest Management Program In Klaten District

The research aims to (1) identify the factors that influence rice production of landscape IPM and non-landscape IPM farming, (2) analyze the allocative efficiency of rice production factors use under landscape IPM and non-landscape IPM farming, (3) analyze the factors that influence rice farming income of landscape IPM and non-landscape IPM farming, and (4) analyze of IPM field school on the use of chemical pesticides. This research was conducted in December 2018 - July 2019. The basic method of this research was survey. The research location was in Klaten District as one of the landscape IPM program sites. The sample consisted of 30 landscape IPM rice farmers and 30 non-landscape IPM rice farmers who determined by simple random sampling. Data were analyzed by using multiple linear regression equation and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method with Cobb-Douglas production function. The results of the study are as follow: (1) farmers in Klaten District who applied the principle of landscape IPM had higher rice productivity and farm income, (2) the use of land size and seed on landscape IPM farmers and land use in landscape IPM has not been efficient so that it can still increase land size and seeds to increase rice production (3) increasing in seed prices and wages of hired labor can reduce rice farming income. Meanwhile, the expansion of land size can increase rice farming income, (4) IPM field school has the effect of using fewer chemical pesticides by farmers.

Regulation of 5-Aminolevunilic Acid and Its Application in Agroforestry

The review briefly introduces the natural occurrence, physicochemical properties, and biosynthesis of 5-aminolevuinic acid (ALA) and highlights a variety of applications in the planting industry and its possible mechanisms. It has been known that ALA can be used as biological pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides when the concentrations are higher than 838 mg L−1 (about 5 mmol L−1). When ALA concentrations are 100–300 mg L−1, it can be used to thin surplus flowers in the spring of orchards and promote fruit coloration before maturation. When the concentrations are lower than 100 mg L−1, especially not higher than 10 mg L−1, ALA can be used as a new plant growth regulator to promote seed germination, plant (including root and shoot) growth, enhance stress tolerance, increase crop yield, and improve product quality. In photosynthesis, ALA is involved in the regulation of the whole process. In stress tolerance, ALA induces plant preventive and protective systems through the NO/H2O2 signaling network. In secondary metabolism, ALA regulates many gene expressions encoding transcription factors or function proteins to promote anthocyanin and flavonol biosynthesis and accumulation. In general, ALA promotes plant health and robustness, reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides—which is conducive to improving the ecological environment, human production, and living conditions—and has a broad application prospect in agroforestry production. As a new plant growth regulator with multiple and powerful functions, the underlying regulatory mechanisms need more study.

Genetic diversity and population structure analyses in barley (Hordeum vulgare) against corn-leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch).

Corn-leaf aphid (CLA), Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a serious economic pest of barley worldwide. Breeding for aphid resistance in plants is considered a cost-effective and environmentally safe approach for aphid control, compared to the use of chemical pesticides. One of the challenges in breeding for aphid resistance is the identification of resistant plant genotypes, which can be achieved through the use of molecular markers. In the present study, a set of aphid specific 10 simple-sequence repeats (SSR) markers were used to investigate genetic diversity and population structure analyses in 109 barley genotypes against R. maidis. Three statistical methods viz., multivariate hierarchical clustering based on Jaccard's similarity coefficient, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and the Bayesian approach were utilized to classify the 109 barley genotypes. The analyses revealed four subpopulations i.e., SubPop1, SubPop2, SubPop3 and SubPop4 with 19, 46, 20 and 24 genotypes including admixtures, respectively and represented 17.43%, 42.2%, 18.34% and 22.01% genotypes of the total population size, respectively. The studied SSR markers produced 67 polymorphic bands, with an average of 6.7 and ranging from 3 to 12 bands. Heterozygosity (H) was found to be highest in SSR28 (0.64) and lowest in SSR27 (0.89). The observed genetic diversity index varied from 0.10 to 0.34 (with an average of 0.19). Major allele frequency varied from 74.08% to 94.80%. On an average, 87.52% of the 109 barley genotypes shared a common major allele at any locus. Based on the Aphid Infestation Index (AII), only 2 genotypes were found to be resistant against CLA. SubPop2 also had lowest mean aphid population (28.83), widest genetic similarity index (0.60-1.00) and highest genetic similarity coefficient (0.82), which highlighted its potential for inclusion in future CLA resistance breeding programs.

Assistance in Proposing Prima3 Food Safety Certification to Business Actors and Farmers in the Sembalun Area

So far, in the Sembalun area, business actors or agribusinesses of fresh food from plants such as vegetables and fruit have not yet made maximum efforts to obtain safe products for consumption, because they are very dependent on excessive chemical inputs. Likewise, few people in general care about Prima3 or Prima2 certification, because there has not been any socialization of the importance of this certification. Therefore, in this activity, it is necessary to provide assistance in preparing applications for Prima 3 and Prima 2 PSAT food safety certification, so that the number of people doing PSAT and domestic product businesses (rice, corn and other foods in storage) increases. The method used in this activity is the Action Research Method by applying a Participatory Action Program approach from participants through discussion and group work in all activities. The stages in this activity include preparation stages, including problem identification, then a basic survey using exploratory descriptive methods. The activity results show that farmers' assistance in preparing to apply for PSAT, Prima3 and Prima2 food safety certification in the Sembalun area is felt to be very important. Farmers and business groups feel motivated to develop alternative techniques for healthy agricultural cultivation to obtain PSAT products that are safe for consumption. Good horticultural practices to produce safe PSAT products for consumption are considered very important in the Sembalun area. Farmers actually understand the need for efforts to reduce the use of synthetic chemical inputs, both fertilizers and pesticides, in horticultural cultivation to produce products that are safe for consumption. For the continuation of extension activities and its follow-up, it is necessary to continue to provide assistance to farmers and groups of fresh plant origin food (PSAT) entrepreneurs from the Food Security Service, so that the number of prima 3 and prima 2 certificates will increase in the Sembalun area.

From genes to policy: mission-oriented governance of plant-breeding research and technologies.

Mission-oriented governance of research focuses on inspirational, yet attainable goals and targets the sustainable development goals through innovation pathways. We disentangle its implications for plant breeding research and thus impacting the sustainability transformation of agricultural systems, as it requires improved crop varieties and management practices. Speedy success in plant breeding is vital to lower the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, increase crop resilience to climate stresses and reduce postharvest losses. A key question is how this success may come about? So far plant breeding research has ignored wider social systems feedbacks, but governance also failed to deliver a set of systemic breeding goals providing directionality and organization to research policy of the same. To address these challenges, we propose a heuristic illustrating the core elements needed for governing plant breeding research: Genetics, Environment, Management and Social system (GxExMxS) are the core elements for defining directions for future breeding. We illustrate this based on historic cases in context of current developments in plant phenotyping technologies and derive implications for governing research infrastructures and breeding programs. As part of mission-oriented governance we deem long-term investments into human resources and experimental set-ups for agricultural systems necessary to ensure a symbiotic relationship for private and public breeding actors and recommend fostering collaboration between social and natural sciences for working towards transdisciplinary collaboration.

Konsentrasi pencemar timbal (Pb) pada sayur lalapan di pasar tradisional dan supermarket di Kota Yogyakarta

Lalapan is a popular food consumed. The increase in population, industrial activities, transportation, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to lead (Pb) pollution in the environment, contaminating vegetables that are to be consumed and posing health risks. Therefore, research was conducted regarding the analysis of Pb pollutant concentrations in lettuce, basil and cucumber sold in traditional markets and supermarkets in the city of Yogyakarta. Samples were extracted using 65% HNO3 and 37% HCl, and then the concentration of Pb in the samples was analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The research results showed that all types of vegetables sold in traditional markets and supermarkets have been contaminated with Pb with concentrations ranging from 0.418 to 1.575 mg/kg, with the highest Pb concentration was found in basil with an average of 1.5156 mg/kg. The average concentrations of Pb in lalapan sold in traditional markets and supermarkets, when compared to the quality standard set by SNI regulation (2009) for cucumber sold in supermarkets N, are still below the safe limit of 0.5 mg/kg for , while the rest have exceeded the quality standard limit. There are significant differences in the concentration of Pb pollutants in vegetables sold in markets and supermarkets, as well as based on sales location, type of vegetable, and vegetable source. The consumption pattern of vegetables ranges from 62-97 g/day and poses health risks as the RQ value is greater than 1. Additionally, it has the potential to cause cancer because ECR > E-4.

A sustainable rural entrepreneurship model developed by the organic farmers of India

Learning outcomes Teaching objective 1: To flourish and explore the current business model to get socioeconomic benefits from organic farming compared to conventional farming; in the context of hill farming. Teaching objective 2: To explore and design innovative entrepreneurship opportunities in the field of organic farming and how these opportunities can be seized by using managerial skills. Teaching objective 3: To analyze the economic benefits of organic farming compared to conventional farming. Case overview/synopsis Manj Gaon is a small village in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. This village serves as the Uttarakhand Organic Commodity Board’s training facility. Organic farming was the primary source of income for farmers in the late 1970s, but the Green Revolution in India had a negative impact on agriculture, the environment and the economy of the country. After the Green Revolution, the agriculture sector was completely dominated by conventional farming, and the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides affected the village to some extent. But farmers like Bhagchand Ramola paved the way for other farmers to grow and shine through organic farming. The organic farming model developed by Ramola was helping farmers and society in several aspects, such as the economy, health and the environment. A self-developed organic farming model had been generating fair revenue for the farmers and uplifting their socioeconomic status as compared to conventional farming. Complete adoption of organic farming in the village requires an analysis in terms of sustainable economic growth. However, there was a certain dilemma that was stifling the growth of the newly adopted business model because farmers were dependent only on Japanese buyers and input providers. So, there was a huge need to tie up with other consulates across the country. Secondly, expanding a business model requires more input and output in terms of manpower and revenue, so persuading conventional farmers to adopt the organic farming model was quite a challenge for Ramola. Complexity academic level The case can be taught to the MBA-level students. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

The Biosurfactants Mannosylerythritol Lipids (MELs) as Stimulant on the Germination of Lactuca sativa L.

The application of pesticides in agriculture leads to improved crop quality and promotes high productivity. However, the uninterrupted use of these chemicals is directly related to environmental impacts, affecting biodiversity and the health of ecosystems and humans. In this sense, mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are a promising alternative, as they are biosurfactants with antimicrobial, amphiphilic characteristics, and low toxicity. Thus, in search of a partial reduction in the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture, this work aimed to evaluate the biostimulant effect of one of the homologs of MELs–MEL-B on the germination of Monica lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa L.) and the influence on plant growth and root development. The seeds germinated in different concentrations of MEL-B. The incidence of germinated seeds, the germination index, and the average germination time were evaluated. MEL-B at 158 mg/L stimulated seed germination, growth, and seedling development parameters by 65%, while concentrations of 316 and 632 mg/L did not exceed 45% for these parameters. It was observed that MEL-B at 158 mg/L biostimulated the appearance of lateral roots and promoted only 7% of root stress, a difference of 47% for roots grown with MEL-B at 632 mg/L. Furthermore, MEL-B at 158 mg/L was the highest concentration at which there was no phytotoxic effect of MEL-B on seeds. The increase in enzymatic activity corroborates the phytotoxic effect and seed stress at concentrations of 316 and 632 mg/L, showing results of 47% and 54% of stressed roots. In an unprecedented way, this study proved that MEL-B has a biostimulant and phytotoxic effect related to its concentration.

An overview of black pepper: cultivation and challenges

Black pepper, renowned for its strong taste and medicinal properties, is a widely traded spice worldwide. This article provides an overview of black pepper farming, highlighting the challenges it faces and suggesting sustainable solutions. The pungent flavor comes from its main chemical component, piperine, typically present in concentrations below 9%. Over time, the plant trade that historically originated from India has experienced significant growth, with Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, India, and Malaysia emerging as major global producers. However, despite the expansion of pepper plantations in Indonesia, there has been a decline in both production value and productivity growth. This can be attributed to factors such as the use of subpar seeds, limited availability of suitable land, pest and disease infestations, less intensive farming methods, farmers' limited knowledge, and pesticide residues from excessive chemical pesticide use. To overcome these challenges, farmers can collaborate through groups, adopt intensive cultivation methods, grow pest and disease-resistant varieties, incorporate refuge plants, employ biopesticides for pest control (particularly for major pests like Lophobaris piperis, Dasynus piperis, Diconocoris hewetti, and Thrips sp.), use chemical pesticides sparingly and responsibly, and ensure effective post-harvest processing.

Role and Importance of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in Modern Day Agriculture by Improving Soil Rizosphere: Review

The expanding human population necessitates more food production, but this must be done in the face of worsening climate change and a limiting supply of farmland. Today's challenge is to increase agricultural production demand while lowering the use of synthetic chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Growing need for agricultural production while reducing the usage of synthetic chemical fertilisers and pesticides has become a major problem in recent years. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) plays a vital part in the agriculture industry's sustainability. PGPR has been shown to be an ecologically friendly method of improving agricultural yields by stimulating plant development via a direct or indirect process. PGPR regulates hormonal and nutritional balance, induces resistance against plant diseases, and solubilizes nutrients for easier absorption by plants, among other things. Furthermore, PGPR exhibits both synergistic and antagonistic interactions with microorganisms in the rhizosphere and in bulk soil, which improves plant growth rate indirectly. PGPR regularly establish mutualistic interactions with host plants related to nutrient absorption (N fixation, P and K solubilization, and siderophore production), enhanced stress resistance (abiotic and biotic), and regulation of plant development and physiology through signal compound production, including phytohormones and specific inter-organism signal compounds, could be used as a more sustainable agricultural approach. Root exudates, which are released into the rhizosphere by host plants as a reduced carbon supply for phytomicrobiome members, also aid in providing a stable environment for microbe development. Given the benefits of PGPR in terms of biofertilization, biocontrol, and bioremediation, all of which have a favourable impact on crop yield and ecosystem functioning, its use in agriculture should be encouraged. With the advancement of technology in the establishment of effective research and development, PGPR utilisation will undoubtedly become a reality and will be helpful in critical processes that assure the stability and productivity of agro-ecosystems, bringing us to a perfect agricultural system.

Heterologous production of the insecticidal pea seed albumin PA1 protein by Pichia pastoris and protein engineering to potentiate aphicidal activity via fusion to snowdrop lectin Galanthus nivalis agglutinin; GNA)

BackgroundNew bioinsecticides with novel modes of action are urgently needed to minimise the environmental and safety hazards associated with the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and to combat growing levels of pesticide resistance. The pea seed albumin PA1b knottin peptide is the only known proteinaceous inhibitor of insect vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase) rotary proton pumps. Oral toxicity towards insect pests and an absence of activity towards mammals makes Pa1b an attractive candidate for development as a bioinsecticide. The purpose of this study was to investigate if Pichia pastoris could be used to express a functional PA1b peptide and if it’s insecticidal activity could be enhanced via engineering to produce a fusion protein comprising the pea albumin protein fused to the mannose-specific snowdrop lectin (Galanthus nivalis agglutinin; GNA).ResultsWe report the production of a recombinant full-length pea albumin protein (designated PAF) and a fusion protein (PAF/GNA) comprised of PAF fused to the N-terminus of GNA in the yeast Pichia pastoris. PAF was orally toxic to pea (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and peach potato (Myzus persicae) aphids with respective, Day 5 LC50 values of 54 µM and 105 µM derived from dose–response assays. PAF/GNA was significantly more orally toxic as compared to PAF, with LC50 values tenfold (5 µM) and 3.3-fold (32 µM) lower for pea and peach potato aphids, respectively. By contrast, no phenotypic effects were observed for worker bumble bees (Bombus terristrus) fed PAF, GNA or PAF/GNA in acute toxicity assays. Confocal microscopy of pea aphid guts after pulse-chase feeding fluorescently labelled proteins provides evidence that enhanced efficacy of the fusion protein is attributable to localisation and retention of PAF/GNA to the gut epithelium. In contact assays the fusion protein was also found to be significantly more toxic towards A. pisum as compared to PAF, GNA or a combination of the two proteins.ConclusionsOur results suggest that GNA mediated binding to V-type ATPase pumps acts to potentiate the oral and contact aphicidal activity of PAF. This work highlights potential for the future commercial development of plant protein-based bioinsecticides that offer enhanced target specificity as compared to chemical pesticides, and compatibility with integrated pest management strategies.

Perceptions of Chemical Pesticides Use among Vegetable Growers in Bangladesh: Implications for Sustainable Pest Management

The majority of farmers in Bangladesh regularly use chemical pesticides to combat insect and pest attacks on their vegetable crops, even though doing so may have negative impacts on the environment and human health. The present study was conducted to assess the socioeconomic characteristics of the vegetable growers, examine the current pest management practices, identify the farmers’ perception of different aspects of chemical pesticide use and the factors that determine their perception towards pesticide use. A total of 120 vegetable growers were interviewed face to face from two unions of Gouripur upazila in Mymensingh district using a semi-structured questionnaire and following a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the descriptive analysis shows the socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents. The result shows that most of the respondents use chemical pesticides in vegetable cultivation and they have a positive perception of chemical pesticide use. The result of the correlation coefficient found that education, farming experience, extension media contact, and knowledge about insect pest management have positive and signification correlations with the farmers' perception. This research emphasized the requirement for prompt implementation of highly stringent pesticide use rules and suggested training courses for pest control specialists, farmers, and pesticide sellers.

Allelopathic Interactions of Solanum stramonifolium Jacq. Might Be Used for Meloidogyne incognita Management

The root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita infects a large host range causing enormous agricultural losses. Although the control of this pest is mainly based on the use of chemical pesticides, natural alternatives are currently being largely considered, especially the use of plant-derived molecules, as allelochemicals and plant extracts. Solanum stramonifolium is a plant of the Solanaceae family and has been studied for its potential to control RKN, either by the use aqueous extracts of its seeds, or due to its immunity to nematode penetration. Our studies demonstrate that S. stramonifolium has an efficient defense mechanism against RKN completely preventing its penetration into its root system. Additionally, the compounds exuded by this plant in the soil can affect nematode infection in nearby grown Nicotiana benthamiana (-89% biomass for treatment I respectively, and -61% and +57% of galls for the treatments and Solanum lycopersicum (-79% biomass for treatment I, and -83% of galls for the treatments I and II). Herein, external (ED, < 3.5 kDa) and internal (ID, > 3.5 kDa) dialysates were prepared from the extract of S. stramonifolium seeds. Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 inoculated with RKN treated with the dialysates showed a reduced gall diameter in 45% and 35% for ED and ID respectively. Additionally, a significant reduction in biomass was observed in germinated seeds after treatment with ID. In addition, Arabidopsis roots showed changes in their ploidy levels when treated with ED and ID, compared to the untreated control, indicating its effect on endoreduplicating cells. Finally, a partial identification of glycoalkaloids present in the ED and root extracts may help to explain plant immunity to root-knot nematode infection. Results obtained shed light on the defense mechanisms of S. stramonifolium against M. incognita, its allelopathic potential in co-cultivated plants and its biotechnological potential of dialysates obtained from its seeds, representing a strong alternative to the management of RKN in conventional agriculture.

Pendampingan Kelompok Tani Desa Caraka Jaya dalam Memenuhi Kebutuhan terhadap Pupuk Organik

The main objective of community service (PKM) is to empower the community and assist them in solving their problems. A situation analysis of the Caraka Jaya Village farmer groups conducted by the PKM Team of the Civil Engineering Study Program at Lambung Mangkurat University concluded that they need to be assisted in doing something new. The farming community complained about the reduced fertility of their soil compared to before and the presence of new crop pests that were not there previously. They suspect continuously use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides causes this. In order to overcome the situation, other efforts are needed, such as using organic fertilizers and pesticides to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. To introduce and encourage them to use organic materials and fertilizers, the PKM Team collaborates with an expert partner of an organic fertilizer consultant to socialize and encourage them to start using organic fertilizers. The socialization was carried out in mid-June 2023 and was attended by more than 20 farmer group members. The socialization went well, and the participants looked enthusiastic, marked by questions about how to apply it and the benefits and weaknesses. At the end of the socialization, it was discovered that some farmers were willing to use the fertilizers and pesticides brought by the PKM Team to their vegetable gardens. At the end of the application, it is hoped that there will be an improvement in vegetable yields and a change in the direction of soil and plant fertility on an ongoing basis, even though it is slow.Keywords: organic fertilizer, empowering, vegetable land, farming groups

Mixed Use of Chemical Pesticides and Biopesticides among Rice–Crayfish Integrated System Farmers in China: A Multivariate Probit Approach

Biopesticides are perceived as a feasible alternative to chemical pesticides, providing an effective approach to pest management while mitigating the undesirable effects of chemical pesticide overuse. Yet, due to the distinctive attributes of the two types of pesticides, farmers often adopt a combination of both. This study aimed to probe the interdependent relationship underlying the mixed use of chemical pesticides and biopesticides by farmers in the rice–crayfish integrated system (RCIS) in Hubei province, China. We also sought to identify influencing factors and associated consequences of this practice. Given that the adoption of chemical pesticides and biopesticides by farmers is not mutually exclusive, a multivariable probit model was utilized to estimate simultaneous pesticide applications. Survey data from 736 RCIS farmers revealed that 10.50% of the sample farmers employ a combination of chemical pesticides and biopesticides. A substitution relationship was observed between the adoption of chemical pesticides and biopesticides by farmers, whereas no significant complementary relationship was found in the application of the two types of pesticides. The primary motivation for the mixed use of pesticides by farmers is to achieve superior pest control efficacy. Notably, when integrating the use of pesticides, farmers pay less attention to factors such as resource endowments and multiple production objectives. Further analysis indicated that farmers display significant concern for pesticide attributes including insecticidal efficacy, toxicity, insecticidal spectrum, and validity period. The mixed use of pesticides has resulted in a decreased frequency of pesticide application but has escalated the cost. While the mixed use of pesticides elevated the selling price of rice, no significant improvement was observed in yield and output value. The insights garnered from this study offer strategic implications for policymakers on how to enhance the judicious adoption of pesticides by farmers.

PTS and PTSO, two organosulfur compounds from onion by-products as a novel solution for plant disease and pest management

BackgroundOver the past decade, the great impact of agricultural crop diseases has generated considerable economic losses and has compromised the production of edible crops at a time when the world population is only expected to rise, leading to the search for new pest management strategies. Besides that, the environmental impact resulting from the continued use of chemical pesticides has led to the search for natural and sustainable alternatives. One of the existing solutions that currently stands out for its effectiveness is the use of bioactive plant extracts. This study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of propyl propane thiosulfinate (PTS) and propyl propane thiosulfonate (PTSO), two organosulfur compounds (OSCs) derived from Allium cepa, against a wide range of target bacteria and fungi. To this end, various in vitro procedures were conducted as well as soil sanitization tests using sterile substrate inoculated with soil-borne pathogens. In addition, this study also evaluates the pesticidal activity of both compounds through in vitro mortality and repellence tests.ResultsPTS and PTSO revealed inhibition activity on all the pathogens tested, belonging to different taxonomic groups. Moreover, both significatively reduced the population of bacteria and fungi in soil. The quantification of active substances in soil carried out in parallel to the microbial quantification showed that their use reduces the risk of residue accumulation since they break down quickly when applied. The set of antimicrobial tests performed demonstrated that the antifungal effect of both compounds is higher than the bactericidal effect. Lastly, PTS and PTSO showed a concentration-dependent significant biocidal and repellent effect against aphids.ConclusionsThe results presented in this work demonstrate that both PTS and PTSO have a significant antimicrobial and pesticidal activity against the great majority of phytopathogens tested, being a promising tool to improve pest management in crops.Graphical

Fruit Peels as Biofertilizers and Biopesticides for Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture: A Review

The annual increase in global population of 1.1% necessitates increased agricultural yields to provide a sustainable food supply, which necessitates the extensive use of chemical fertiliser and pesticide. This practise, however, causes a number of environmental and health issues, which ultimately drives the creation of safer organic fertilisers and bio-pesticides. Organic fertiliser comprises various antioxidants and carbonaceous matter, which are inexpensive and safe elements utilised for plant growth. While inorganic fertiliser is typically made entirely, such as sulphate of ammonia, they may also be processed from quarries. One must need to develop other sustainable alternative to meet the demand of world's expanding population, thereby meeting the SDGs of poverty eradication, zero hunger, and climate action.One possible technique is to use fruit peels as biofertilizers and bio pesticides. Fruit peels are often discarded in the garbage and taken to a solid waste dumping facility. Because of the breakdown of peel material at the disposal location, this generates an odour problem. Ergothis is critical for establishing the peel as a significant bio resource in worldwide organic agriculture development, reducing solid waste accumulation in the environment with its attendant public health threat, and documenting a long-term management technique. Fruit peels are high in nutrients such as potassium, calcium, iron, zinc,calcium, citrate content, and other minerals.

Evaluation of Green Agricultural Development and Its Influencing Factors under the Framework of Sustainable Development Goals: Case Study of Lincang City, an Underdeveloped Mountainous Region of China

This study aims to assess the current status of green agricultural development and its influencing factors in Lincang City, a national innovation demonstration zone for sustainable development; it also seeks to enhance the potential and competitiveness of green agricultural development in underdeveloped border areas. To achieve this, an evaluation index system is constructed encompassing six dimensions. Using a coupled coordination and obstacle degree approach, this study explores the spatiotemporal differences in the level of green agricultural and sustainable development, as well as the power, coupled coordination degree, and factors that negatively impact green agricultural development in Lincang City from 2010 to 2019. The Liang-Kleeman information flow method is applied to uncover the key information flow factors that influence the coupled coordination degree in each county and district of Lincang City. The results reveal several insights: First, the comprehensive score of sustainable green agricultural development increased from 0.4405 to 0.5975 during the study period. Second, the coupling coordination degree of green agricultural development was relatively low, fluctuating between 0.1821 and 0.2816. Overall, the development has shifted from severe imbalance to mild imbalance. Third, the obstacle degree increased by 3.75%. From a systemic perspective, the “resource conservation” layer had the highest barrier level, with the maximum value being observed in Yun County at 25.5%. Further analysis of the indicators reveals that the use of outdated water-saving irrigation techniques has resulted in low irrigation efficiency and excessive water resource waste. This is the main cause of the high barrier levels in terms of water-saving irrigation intensity and effective irrigation area. Moreover, the excessive use of chemical pesticides to enhance vegetable production has contributed to high barrier levels for achieving yields of pollution-free vegetable production per unit area. Finally, the information flow values of the factors influencing the coordinated and harmonious development of green agriculture exhibit significant regional heterogeneity among counties and districts. The highest information flow value for the area of drought- and flood-resistant crop cultivation is in Zhengkang County at 1.86. Based on these results, local government departments and decision-makers should focus on promoting comprehensive improvements in the level of green agricultural development. It is crucial to tailor measures to the specific needs of each county to address the shortcomings in green agricultural development. Additionally, efforts should be made to strengthen the innovation-driven chain of green agricultural development, including production, processing and sales. Enhancing the green agricultural development system is essential for long-term progress.