Use Of Synthetic Pesticides Research Articles

Bioefficacy of Some Botanical Extracts against Brinjal Fruit and Shoot Borer [Leucinodes orbonalis (Guenee); Lepidoptera, Pyrallidae)

Plant-based biopesticides such as extracts of neem and eucalyptus are gaining increasing attention as potential alternatives to synthetic pesticides due to their reduced toxicity to non-target species and the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora Hook.) as biopesticides against the brinjal fruit and shoot borer (BFSB) (Leucinodes orbonalis), a major pest of brinjal (eggplant) crop. Experiments were conducted to determine the lethal concentration of both neem and eucalyptus extracts against BFSB larvae. The biopesticides were applied to brinjal fruit and their efficacy was evaluated by monitoring the mortality of BFSB larvae and pupae. The results showed that both neem and eucalyptus extracts were effective in controlling BFSB larvae, with the neem extract being slightly more toxic than the eucalyptus extract. A 5% concentration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of neem caused 82% and 64% mortality of BFSB 3rd instar larvae, while the same concentration of eucalyptus extracts caused 73% mortality with 60% mortality, respectively. BFSB 5th instar larvae showed a decreased mortality as compared to 3rd instars. It concludes that the use of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of neem and eucalyptus could help to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides to control brinjal fruit and shoot borer. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of these biopesticides in controlling BFSB and protecting brinjal crops.

Effect of pre-sowing seed treatment with biologics on the spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield in the Lower Volga region of Russia

The biologization of crop production involves reducing the use of synthetic organic pesticides in the production cycle of harvesting, increasing the use of biological methods of plant protection that solve the problems of environmental pollution and agricultural products. The basis for the biologization of plant protection systems is the wider use of biological products that make it possible to obtain environmentally friendly, economically sound yields of major agricultural crops. In this regard, studies were conducted in the arid zone of the Lower Volga region, Federal Scientific Center for Agroecology, Russia from 2018 to 2020 to study the influence of pre-sowing seed treatment with chemical, biological protectants and physiologically active substances as well as an economic assessment of the impact of this agricultural to increase the yield of spring barley. The objects of research in field experiments were chemical seed protectant (Inshur Perform, CS), biological fungicide (BSKa-3), and organic fertilizers (Fertigrain Start, BP and potassium humate, BP). The maximum values for such indicators as field germination – 86%, plant survival for harvesting – 61%, productive bushiness – 1.04% were recorded in the variant of the use of biological preparations. There was also the highest number of grains in the ear – 14.5 pcs., the mass of 1000 seeds – 32.1 g. In comparison with the yield with the variants without treatment (control) and with the use of only chemical preparations, the yield in the variant with the use of biological preparations was, respectively, 25.7% more.

Effects of conventional vs. organic farming practices on raptor nestling health: Neither black nor white

Agricultural intensification is one of the main threats to biodiversity. Farmland bird specialists such as Montagu’s harrier, Circus pygargus, are particularly at risk and declining. Conventional farming (CF) production systems usually involve landscape homogenisation, mechanisation, and the use of synthetic pesticides that may have direct and indirect effects on individuals. By contrast, organic farming (OF) systems typically promote agro-ecosystem health, which benefits biodiversity and the reproductive success of birds. However, the potential effects of agricultural systems on life history traits of Montagu’s harrier chicks have not been investigated. Still, altered life history traits could impair chick survival and future reproductive success, which may in turn impact population dynamics. Here, we investigated the effects of OF (measured as a percentage around nests at different buffer sizes from 100 m to 2000 m) on a set of life history traits covering the behaviour, physiology (haematological, immune and nervous systems) and body condition of 380 chicks from 137 nests monitored between 2016 and 2021. At a local scale (<2000 m), only the H/L ratio (indicative of physiological stress) and carotenoid-based ornaments were clearly related to OF percentage. At 600 m around the nest, a higher OF percentage increased the H/L ratio, suggesting that chicks experienced greater stress due to either increased human disturbance or higher intra-/interspecific negative interactions around OF crop plots. Carotenoid-based ornaments were more strongly coloured with increasing OF around the nest at 1500 m. Considering the role of carotenoids in both detoxification processes and expression of secondary sexual traits, this result may indicate that CF would lead either to a difference in nestlings’ diet and/or to a trade-off between organism’s maintenance and sexual characters. These findings suggest that farming practices at a local scale surrounding nest locations may have subtle effects on chick development, but also on trade-offs between important physiological functions. This study highlights the importance of a multi-trait approach when assessing adverse and beneficial effects of both OF and CF on individuals.

Potential of endophytic fungi as a pathogenic biocontrol agent and growth promoters in corn seedlings

BackgroundUse of endophytic fungi, as pathogen control of Bipolaris maydis and Curvularia sp., is an alternative method of control without the use of synthetic pesticides that are more environmentally friendly. This study aimed to determine the potential of endophytic fungi in controlling the growth of pathogens B. maydis and Curvularia sp. in vitro and in spurring the growth of corn plants. It was consisted of three types of testing three endophytic fungal species (Aspergillus_1, Fusarium_2, and Trichoderma_11), namely (1) testing the antagonistic activity of endophytic fungal against pathogens by double culture method, (2) physiological characterization of endophytic fungal as phosphate solvents and chitinase producers, and (3) testing of corn seed vigor with the blotter test method.ResultsThe results of testing endophytic fungal isolates against B. maydis pathogens showed that the three isolates were able to suppress the development of B. maydis, whereas the Trichoderma_11 isolate showed higher suppression results than others. The isolate that showed the best ability to dissolve phosphates is Fusarium_2 with a dissolving index of 1.9 and their effectiveness up to 91.5%. Meanwhile, Trichoderma_11 was able to produce the highest chitinase activity index of 1.9 with an effectiveness of 90.6%. The best corn root lengths and plant height were shown on Fusarium_2 treatment. Similar outcomes were observed when Curvularia sp. was tested. The whole isolates were able to suppress the growth of the pathogen by 16.43–40.44% on the 4th day after incubation. Trichoderma sp. isolate was 72.50% more effective at suppressing than the other two isolates. On day 11, the isolate of Aspergillus sp. was suppressed by 62.50%, while Fusarium sp. showed the lowest suppression of 59.17%.ConclusionsTrichoderma_11 isolate was potentially the best biocontrol agent against maydis leaf blight and Curvularia leaf spot in vitro. Meanwhile, the Fusarium_2 isolate had promoted the growth of the corn seedlings.

Recent advances in cowpea IPM in West Africa

Cowpea is an important and climate-resilient grain legume for human and livestock nutrition worldwide. Its grains represent a valuable source of protein for rural families in Sub-Saharan Africa while its haulms offer nutritious fodder for livestock, especially, in the Sahel regions. Cowpea production, unfortunately, faces substantial challenges of field and storage insect pests which can cause up to 100% losses. The use of synthetic pesticides, although providing farmers with a good level of pest control, has underscored the critical need for the development of integrated pest management (IPM) alternatives, due to their detrimental effects on humans, animals and the environment. This review examines recent advances in West Africa in cowpea IPM approaches, highlighting research on host plant resistance, biological control, biopesticides, good cultural practices, and on-farm participatory research and training undertaken to support sustainable cowpea production. Numerous IPM options have been developed, tested and validated for combating cowpea insect problems in West Africa by research institutions and disseminated through farmer field schools (FFS), field demonstrations, training sessions, and community-based education. Reviewing these environmentally safer and scalable IPM innovations will provide cowpea stakeholders with insights into workable, sustainable solutions for minimizing crop pest problems, reducing reliance on harmful pesticides and ultimately ensuring the long-term viability of cowpea production and its contribution to food security.

Economic, health, and environmental burden of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in tomato production in Kenya and Uganda.

The negative effects of pest infestation on agricultural production cannot be underestimated. There have been several efforts to control these pests, chiefly through the use of synthetic pesticides. However, the continuous use of the chemicals causes pest resistance and resurgence and presents high human and environmental risks. This study examines the economic, health, and environmental impacts of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917), an economically important pest in tomato production, among smallholder farmers in selected counties in Kenya and Uganda. Economic Impact Quotient and gross margin analysis were used on data obtained from a random sample of 316 and 345 tomato growers in Kenya and Uganda, respectively. The results show a significant impact of T. absoluta on tomato production in both countries. On average, the tomato growers earned a gross income of $38,123 and $11,627 in Kenya and Uganda, respectively, with synthetic chemicals for the management of T. absoluta contributing 66-78% of the cost of production. The opportunity cost lost due to forgoing pesticide for management of the pest, and instead replacing it with an integrated pest management package was valued between $8 and $646 in Kenya and $895 in Uganda, respectively, using net present value through the most pessimistic scenario, while benefit-cost ratio was $1 and $5 in Kenya and Uganda, respectively.

Bioactive Compounds with Pesticide Activities Derived from Aged Cultures of Green Microalgae.

The excessive use of synthetic pesticides has caused environmental problems and human health risks and increased the development of resistance in several organisms. Allelochemicals, secondary metabolites produced as part of the defense mechanisms in plants and microorganisms, are an attractive alternative to replace synthetic pesticides to remediate these problems. Microalgae are natural producers of a wide range of allelochemicals. Thus, they provide new opportunities to identify secondary metabolites with pesticide activities and an alternative approach to discover new modes of action and circumvent resistance. We screened 10 green microalgae strains belonging to the Chlorophyta phylum for their potential to inhibit the growth of photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic organisms. Bioassays were established to assess microalgae extracts' effectiveness in controlling the growth of Chlorella sorokiniana, Arabidopsis thaliana, Amaranthus palmeri, and the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. All tested strains exhibited herbicidal, nematocidal, or algicidal activities. Importantly, methanol extracts of a Chlamydomonas strain effectively controlled the germination and growth of a glyphosate-resistant A. palmeri biotype. Likewise, some microalgae extracts effectively killed C. elegans L1 larvae. Comprehensive metabolic profiling using LC-MS of extracts with pesticide activities showed that the metabolite composition of Chlamydomonas, Chlorella, and Chloroidium extracts is diverse. Molecules such as fatty acids, isoquinoline alkaloids, aldehydes, and cinnamic acids were more abundant, suggesting their participation in the pesticide activities.

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.

Physicochemical Space of Synthetic and Natural Pesticides – A Meta-Analysis

The first commercial use of synthetic pesticides for crop protection dates back to the 1940s, followed by a fast spread of their use and the development of a large number of compounds. In contrast to synthetic pesticides that are now designed with the help of artificial intelligence, which includes computational science and combinatorial chemistry, natural pesticides are the results of long evolutionary processes involving specific host-pathogen, predator-prey, and competitor interactions. For these reasons, natural pesticides are often more specific and less harmful to the environment. Natural pesticides are very diverse and can be found in various living organisms. In the present study, we investigated differences in the physicochemical space occupied by synthetic and natural pesticides. In this respect, we measured the mean and breadth of synthetic and natural pesticides, as well as the overlap between these groups in a reduced physicochemical space derived from a set of 44 physicochemical variables. We showed that physicochemical space strongly differs between synthetic and natural pesticides and could be determined with 93 to 100% certainty, a result comparable to differences observed in drugs. Importantly, the physicochemical space occupied by synthetic pesticides was 2.6-fold smaller than that of natural pesticides, and toxicity potential was lower in the latter. In conclusion, our work showed that the design of commercialized synthetic pesticides is underexploiting the possible physicochemical space of known natural pesticides, likely due to specific constraints. Such limitations should trigger the development of efficient natural pesticides, avoiding as much as possible detrimental effects on nontarget organisms. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Plant Essential Oils as Biopesticides: Applications, Mechanisms, Innovations, and Constraints.

The advent of the "Green Revolution" was a great success in significantly increasing crop productivity. However, it involved high ecological costs in terms of excessive use of synthetic agrochemicals, raising concerns about agricultural sustainability. Indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides resulted in environmental degradation, the development of pest resistance, and possible dangers to a variety of nontarget species (including plants, animals, and humans). Thus, a sustainable approach necessitates the exploration of viable ecofriendly alternatives. Plant-based biopesticides are attracting considerable attention in this context due to their target specificity, ecofriendliness, biodegradability, and safety for humans and other life forms. Among all the relevant biopesticides, plant essential oils (PEOs) or their active components are being widely explored against weeds, pests, and microorganisms. This review aims to collate the information related to the expansion and advancement in research and technology on the applications of PEOs as biopesticides. An insight into the mechanism of action of PEO-based bioherbicides, bioinsecticides, and biofungicides is also provided. With the aid of bibliometric analysis, it was found that ~75% of the documents on PEOs having biopesticidal potential were published in the last five years, with an annual growth rate of 20.51% and a citation per document of 20.91. Research on the biopesticidal properties of PEOs is receiving adequate attention from European (Italy and Spain), Asian (China, India, Iran, and Saudi Arabia), and American (Argentina, Brazil, and the United States of America) nations. Despite the increasing biopesticidal applications of PEOs and their widespread acceptance by governments, they face many challenges due to their inherent nature (lipophilicity and high volatility), production costs, and manufacturing constraints. To overcome these limitations, the incorporation of emerging innovations like the nanoencapsulation of PEOs, bioinformatics, and RNA-Seq in biopesticide development has been proposed. With these novel technological interventions, PEO-based biopesticides have the potential to be used for sustainable pest management in the future.

Chemical compositions and larvicidal effectiveness of Rhododendron ponticum essential oil on Neodiprion sertifer larvae

In many countries throughout the world, the European pine sawfly, Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy, 1785) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae) is known as a significant forest pest that damages pine needles. As a result of the insect damage, young pine trees, especially, might dry up totally. Mechanical, biotechnical, biological, and chemical approaches are applied in research to keep it under control. Due to the increasing danger of chemical contamination associated with the use of synthetic pesticides to control insects, alternative control strategies have been sought, and studies on essential oils have been prioritized. In this research, in addition to determining the chemical analysis of Rhododendron ponticum L. (Ericales; Ericaceae) essential oil by GC–MS, the larvicidal effects of R. ponticum on N. setifer in the six larval stages were also investigated. The research was conducted in the Artvin Çoruh University Central Laboratory under laboratory settings (25 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% RH, and 14L:10D h photoperiods) during 2020–21. 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (38.41%), Phenylethy alcohol (10.07%), Linalool (8.01%), Myrtenol 5.68%), β-Pinene (4.26%), Citronellol (4.05%), α-Pinene (3.02%) were found to be the major components of R. ponticum oil. The administration of R. ponticum essential oil at 10, 15, and 20 μL/Petri doses, as well as controls at the 24th, 48th, 72nd, and 96th hours, produced various rates of death (19.6–100%) on six larval stages of N. sertifer. According to LD50 and LD90 values, the highest toxicity was determined as L1 (0.58 μL/larva) and the lowest toxicity was as L6 (10.44 μL/larva). In conclusion, R. ponticum essential oil showed high toxicity against L1 and L2 larval stages of N. sertifer.

The potential of entomopathogenic nematodes for the management of the mirid bugs Lygus rugulipennis (Poppuis), Liocoris tripustulatus (Fabricius) and Macrolophus pygmaeus (Rambur)

Mirid bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae) represent a significant challenge for greenhouse cash crops like cucumber, tomato and eggplants, leading to huge economic losses. This study investigated the potential of the entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) Steinernema carpocapsae as biological control agent of the mirid bug species Lygus rugulipennis, Liocoris tripustualtus, and Macrolophus pygmaeus through aerial spray application under laboratory and greenhouse conditions (only for L. rugulipennis and M. pygmaeus). The laboratory trials showed a significant effect of S. carpocapsae on the average survival rate of the three mirid species. The highest efficacy was found for subadults of L. rugulipennis (50%), followed by M. pygmaeus (25%) and L. tripustulatus (15%). Microscopic dissections showed that EPNs can infect all studied mirid species and life stages. Under greenhouse conditions, a significant difference was observed between developmental stages, with no significant effect for adults, but an efficacy of 19% and 32% for nymphs of L. rugulipennis and M. pygmaeus, respectively. These results highlight the potential of EPNs in the control of problematic mirid bugs in greenhouse vegetable production, which could lead to a reduction in the use of synthetic pesticides and promote more sustainable agricultural practices.

A methodological proposal of the Sustainolive international research project to drive Mediterranean olive ecosystems toward sustainability

Mediterranean olive growing characterizes, identifies, and can sustain the socioeconomic viability of rural areas, not only through the production of primary products but also through the management of renewable natural resources, and the conservation of landscape and biodiversity. However, high levels of mechanization, monocultures, intensive farming techniques, and the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are threatening the environment and affecting rural communities in turn. In the last years, the agroecological discourse emerged as a transdisciplinary science merging agronomy, ecology, and socioeconomic sciences with the purpose of responding to socioeconomic and environmental concerns, responding to the globalized industrial food processing and intensive agriculture. In this context, the research project Sustainolive, guided by an international consortium of stakeholders from academia and the productive sector, has the aim of promoting sustainability in the olive oil sector through the implementation and promotion of innovative and technological solutions based on agroecological concepts. Through an innovative, transdisciplinary, and multi-actor approach, Sustainolive combines different types of knowledge (e.g., scientific, empirical, and traditional), disciplines (ranging from engineering to the humanities), and methodological approaches (e.g., Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, Social Agrarian Metabolism and multicriterial analysis tools) to provide practical solutions that address the complexity of the olive sector. The results from the application of this methodology are expected to highlight which agroecological practices are more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable and uncover how Mediterranean societies use agrarian biophysical resources.

Estimating the infection severity and infection percentage by aphids on eggplant varieties

Finding a new source of resistance is important to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides, which can meet the global need of suppressing pollution. In this study, the resistance of eight eggplant cultivars to Aphis gossypii was evaluated. Results of the current study highlighted that the cultivar Long-Green has a very strong resistance after 14 days post infestation whereas Pearl-Round and White-Casper cultivars were susceptible. The rest of the tested cultivars (Green-oblong, Purple-panter, Paris, Ashbilia, and Barcelona) had mild resistance. Also, the study found significant differences between the infested and non-infested plants among the tested cultivars in the plant’s height, fresh-, and dry-weight. The susceptible cultivars lost about 30% of their height, fresh- and dry-weight after the infestation compared with the cultivars that had mild resistance. Pearl-Round and White-Casper showed a very strong susceptibility among the evaluated cultivars which may be used as an element in the pest control program against A. gossypii.

Insecticidal activity of fermented Calatropis gigantea L and Crescentea cujete L. extract combination against rice pests and natural enemies

Farmer’s use of synthetic pesticides on rice is still high and therefore needs to be reduced. The study aims to examine the insecticidal activity of fermented C. gigantea and C. cujete extract mixture against pests and natural enemies and its impact on rice production. The extracts mixture was applied to the rice crop eight times with concentrations of 1%, 2.5%, 4.0% 5.5% and 7.5%. The results showed that all concentrations significantly reduced the S. Innotata and C. medinalis population and their damage intensity compared to the farmers’ treatment. However, these extracts did not adversely affect natural enemies, like Coccinellidae, Aranea, Zygoptera and Paederinae families, and tended to increase rice production. Therefore, these data showed that the application of fermented two-extract combinations was effective in controlling rice pests without any impact on natural enemies.

Hierarchical forecasting models of stink bug population dynamics for pest management

In recent decades, the intensification of agricultural production, accompanied by an increasing pressure from pests in various crops, has resulted in a substantial increase in the use of synthetic pesticides. Integrated pest management (IPM) provides a framework for the development and use of sustainable control strategies, which include the monitoring of the crop pest complex and the use of decision tools such as predictive models. In this study, an empirical modeling approach based on a hierarchical Bayesian model with a state-space structure was developed to perform stink bug (Pentatomidae) density forecasts to assist in deciding when to carry out pest control interventions, thus increasing the efficacy and efficiency of IPM. Using stink bug abundance and crop phenology data, along with meteorological data from eight different sites in Argentina, we made 1-week forecasts of population density, evaluated the predictive capacity of different models using Leave-One-Out-Cross-Validation, and analyzed how the uncertainty in the predictions vary as a function of the number of vertical beat sheet samples. The forecasts made with our best model showed a reasonable degree of accuracy. We found that i) the observation error of the vertical beat sheet method was much larger than expected, and ii) the uncertainty analysis suggested a sample size of 40 to obtain a good balance between precision and sampling effort, which is in stark contrast to the average sample size usually taken by advisors. Our approach provides advisors with a tool to make better-informed decisions about when and if to carry out pest control interventions.

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review for Optimizing Food Production and Environmental Conservation

Advances in sustainable agriculture are essential for simultaneously optimizing food production and preserving the environment. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth study of the current state and future possibilities of sustainable farming practices. With the ever-increasing global population, ensuring food security has become a paramount issue. Conventional farming techniques, though effective for mass food production, pose serious threats to environmental sustainability due to excessive resource utilization, pollution, and degradation of biodiversity. Sustainable agriculture promotes practices that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially equitable. This involves the application of advanced technologies, including precision farming, genetically modified crops for higher yield and disease resistance, and integrating renewable energy sources in farming practices. Importantly, the study also emphasizes agroecological practices which include crop rotation, organic farming, and agroforestry that contribute to enhancing soil fertility, reducing synthetic pesticide use, and promoting biodiversity. Additionally, sustainable agriculture supports the use of local resources and traditional knowledge to maintain ecological balance while ensuring food production. This review also highlights the crucial role of policy support and education in promoting sustainable farming. Farmer training and public awareness campaigns can increase understanding and acceptance of sustainable practices, leading to wider adoption. Overall, this review suggests that the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices is not just a choice but a necessity for ensuring food security and environmental conservation in the future.

Bioremediasi Lahan Tercemar Pestisida dengan Cara Pengomposan di Perkebunan Apel Batu

The use of unprocedural and ineffective intensive synthetic pesticides by farmers in Batu City has become commonplace and is common. An alternative treatment that can be done is to utilize the activity of microorganisms to degrade these pesticides, which is called bioremediation. Preliminary research was conducted to determine the quality of pesticide-contaminated soil by varying the C/N ratio and water content. The main research was carried out by calculating pesticide residues in the soil using the shaker method and then injecting them into Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). To determine the activity of microorganisms, we isolated microorganisms. The composting temperature is close to room temperature on days 25–28. The decrease in temperature causes the activity of bacteria to decrease. The C/N 30 treatment showed the lowest residue concentration compared to the C/N ratios of 35 and 40. The C/N 30 treatment consisted of soil, cow dung, organic matter residue, and sawdust. The reduction in pesticide residues (99%) was higher than the control and treatment, with a C/N ratio of 40. The variation in the C/N ratio in the bioremediation process affected the rate of degradation of the pesticide. Pesticide residues in the control, C/N 40, C/N 35, and C/N 30, respectively, decreased in concentration during the 28 days of the composting process as follows: 48.3%, 86.2%, 89.7%, and 99.3%. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the C/N 30 treatment had the highest pesticide degradation rate. The results of testing the growth of the population or colony of microorganisms showed that the increase in the number of colonies of microorganisms and the activity of microorganisms was followed by a decrease in pesticide residues. The reduction in pesticide residues at C/N 30 was 98%; this result showed a higher value compared to the control, C/N 40, and C/N 35.

Combined Application of a Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm and Life Cycle Assessment for Evaluating Environmentally Friendly Farming Practices in Japanese Rice Farms

When organic practices may have negative environmental effects, understanding the trade-offs between the economic and environmental outcomes of organic agriculture is essential in its promotion. This paper examines whether organic rice was planted in Japanese rice farms using the combined application of a multi-objective genetic algorithm and life cycle assessment. A modeled farm with 30 hectares (ha) of paddy fields is constructed using information from an agricultural management handbook. The planted crops considered are environmentally friendly rice with reduced use of chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides, organic rice, conventional wheat, and conventional soybeans. A bio-economic farm model with both economic and environmental objectives is created. The Pareto-optimal solutions indicate that the planted area of organic rice is 2.3 ha, at best, in the modeled farm. The cultivation of organic rice is likely to be constrained compared with that of environmentally friendly rice, and even though it produces an increase in income, it does not necessarily exert positive effects on the environment. The findings suggest that when organic farming has negative impacts, countermeasures against problems that emerge through its practice should be included in the essential requirements for subsidization.