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Abstract: Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is a serious weed capable of piercing polyethylene (PE) plastic mulch used in horticulture. A biodegradable plastic, PE and four different papers were tested for 2 years in fields highly-infested with C. rotundus in Zaragoza (Spain). All four papers were able to withstand all weed species. C. rotundus plants penetrated the biodegradable plastic mulch most, possibly because this material had least resistance to slow perforation. Differences in weed biomass between mulching materials were lower because of small size and weight of C. rotundus. Therefore all mulching treatments had a similar impact on weed biomass reduction 63 days after transplanting; biodegradable plastic had most biomass and papers the least, the differences being significant some years, only. Tomato yield was very similar for all mulching treatments and significantly higher than in the non-mulched plots. No effect of treatment was observed on fruit quality parameters. Commercial paper used as mulch without special additives can satisfactory control C. rotundus in processing tomato provided that climate is appropriate to maintain the paper dry during most of the time. Also the crop needs to cover the soil fast enough before the buried part of the mulch degrades allowing wind to lift and tear the mulch. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This review paper focuses on the impacts of soil diversity on a variety of horticultural crops in India. Different soil types of India have been discussed in this paper with their preferable horticultural crops those grow best on them. Major horticultural crops including fruits, vegetables, flowers, plantation crops, spices and medicinal crops with their appropriate soil types have also been highlighted. Important measures can be taken both scientifically and economically for the improvement of soil health that will eventually lead to increase in horticultural crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the fascinating his of the Muslim’s contribution to the present day regarding science and technology is the exploration and the missing account of the glorious past of the Muslims. Islam opened a new epoch for the history among the Arabs. Muslims became the ruler of Arabian Peninsula to Spain in west and China in the east. During their advancement they emphasized on scientific knowledge. With the creation of the universe, the evolution of humanity began and from time immemorial, the pursuit of livelihood led man to various incentives for employment, as a result of which man became active for his own well-being. An important aspect of human endeavor is agriculture, trees, plants, fruits and vegetables. While irrigation is also very important component of crops and gardens. If we look to this field, it is clear that Muslims also paid special attention to this area of life. This paper primarily deals the contribution of Muslims in the field of agriculture and related productions not only but also informed the land reforms, well and canal system. But there is a common perception that Muslims had no role in this discipline and they were illiterate and non-agrarian. Usually it is thought in colonial regime that Muslims were behind the other nations in this field especially the western researchers and their thoughts are totally different against the Muslims contribution which they had been playing from the early days to their climax. They did not only confine to their religious studies but they incorporated their contribution in agriculture. They are recognized as the founder of agriculture, horticulture and different crops. Like other branches of science, Muslim scientists played a vital role in botany and horticulture and promoted irrigation systems along with agriculture in agriculture. This research paper illustrates the role of Muslims and highlights the contribution of Muslims in this field not only but its impact on the western nations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gardens are unique ecosystems with the potential to deliver an array of important environmental and health benefits, particularly for urban populations. A large body of research has established that contact with nature and activities within green spaces (including gardening) are beneficial for our physical, mental and social health. An adjacent body of research has explored whether and how pro-environmental behaviours are also linked to positive outcomes for human health and wellbeing. But published research has not yet established whether pro-environmental behaviour in the context of gardening ("sustainable horticulture") further increases the health and wellbeing benefits that gardeners derive. This paper uses evidence from a nationally representative UK survey (n=2086) conducted in August 2021 to explore this question. We used multiple regression analysis to quantitatively demonstrate that a positive association between gardening more sustainably and perceived health benefits from gardening exists at the population level amongst UK adults. This finding implies the possibility that promoting environmentally-minded gardening techniques may lead to an increase in the health and wellbeing benefits that gardeners can derive from their actions. The paper puts forth a range of potential mechanisms that could explain the identified positive association between sustainable gardening and perceived health benefits and identifies related policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores New Zealand fresh fruit and vegetables import survival from 1989 to 2019 and identifies the key determinants. We find that around 58% of trade relationships survived only 1 year. Significant factors influencing the hazard rate of import survival are the number of entries, distance, per capita gross domestic product, production, import prices, and the number of import origins and export destinations. However, the estimated impacts of the phytosanitary treatments covered in New Zealand Import Health Standards are mixed and associated with exporting countries' level of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the labour experiences of Pacific Islander people living in the Greater Shepparton Region in south-eastern Australia, and the forms of both intergenerational belonging and exclusion that are produced at the intersection of racialised labour and place-making in the settler-colonial state. Shepparton's Pacific Islander community, which has been resident in the area for over thirty years, is heavily involved in seasonal horticultural labour, forming part of an industry workforce that also includes workers from other settled migrant-background communities, refugees and asylum seekers, as well as large number of temporary migrant workers. Nevertheless, Pacific Islanders in the region often feel themselves, and their labour, unrecognised within the context of established narratives that discursively construct localness as white. Here, we pay particular attention to the experiences of Pasifika youth who, in reflecting on the labour of their parents, offer potent perspectives on the kinds of precarious belonging this labour produces. These contrast sharply with the celebrated forms of intergenerational belonging and claims to place that adhere to the labour of white farmers, and that have their origins in the colonial dispossessions on which the region's industry is founded. Still, Pasifika people in the region do make place for themselves and for their youth, both through the waged labour they perform as well as through diverse forms of community labour that also situate them in relation to, and with, Indigenous community. Attention to these diverse forms of labour expands the terms through which the work and labour experiences of migrant and other non-white people are usually figured, and highlights the complex, intergenerational entwining of colonialism and racialisation in white-majority rural places. • Pasifika workers' labour produces rural landscapes within which they are marginalised. • Racialized imaginaries in Australian rural places construct local-ness as white. • Pasifika youth value the labour of their parents in ambivalent terms. • Understandings of work should expand to encompass diverse forms of place-making. • Labour in rural Australia reflects the entwining of racialisation and colonisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current scenario agro textiles products plays a vital role in agriculture from production and quality point of view. Agro textiles known for its excellent environmental resistance, mechanical properties, easy Process ability and environmental durability characteristics. Agro textiles prevent the soil from drying out thereby increasing the crop yield, and improving product quality. Different types of the shade net observed with the great influence on the productivity quality and quantity of products. Among all the twelve sectors of the technical textile, agro textiles is playing crucial role and proves to be an emerging sector. Agro textile basically covers all the sectors like horticulture, fishery and animal husbandry and so on. Applications of agro-textiles products have shown great extent of outcomes and it has positive impacts on growth and production of various crops, vegetables irrespective of climatic conditions. The main purpose of this paper is to deliver an overview and importance of agro-textiles and to indicate the prospect of agrotextiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental upgrading is becoming increasingly important in terms of leveraging sustainability in global value chains (GVCs). Existing research focuses on environmental upgrading as a process, while the drivers and outcomes often remain unclear. We address this limitation through a qualitative case study of the South African fruit industry based on interviews and documents, where we investigate the drivers and outcomes of environmental upgrading strategies with a focus on irrigation water use and sustainability. We share three important findings in our paper, which contribute to the literature. First, we identify environmental risk as an important driver for environmental upgrades that has so far been overlooked. Second, we question the current focus of environmental upgrading strategies on technological interventions. Focusing on technological interventions alone, however, is insufficient to address local and global challenges regarding water resources sustainability. Our third finding emphasises the need to consider the wider environmental and political economic context within which environmental upgrading takes place. This is because environmental upgrading strategies can actively contribute to the development of environmental risks for other actors, within or beyond value chains, and therefore have clear limits in their contribution to increasing sustainability. • Research in South Africa's fruit industry offers insights into processes of environmental upgrading around water management. • Environmental risk is an important driver for environmental upgrades in fruit value chains. • Technological interventions alone are insufficient to address the sustainability of local and global water resources. • Environmental upgrading strategies can actively contribute to the development of environmental risks for other actors. • The GVC approach emphasises how global dynamics touch down locally and interplay with local institutions and governance regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental horticulture firms supply products and services related to the design, installation, and maintenance of commercial and residential landscapes. An important issue in the environmental horticulture sector is the reduction and utilization of horticultural waste including plastic containers, trays, plastic greenhouse covers and field covers, and plastic bags. Using data collected through a survey in 2013, this paper identifies factors that influence the sector’s decision to participate in waste recycling programs in Georgia, USA. The study employs a decision model. Results indicate that significant determinants of the recycle decision include the firm size, motivation for recycling, current recycling situation, as well as owner/manager education level. To help firms to recycle, local governments, the environmental horticulture sector, and environmental protection organizations need to focus on lower-revenue and small size firms, broadly disseminate recycle program information, and enhance the local recycler’s services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For more than a decade actors in Europe, North America and Australasia have been warning of crises with horticultural skills, highlighting shortages of specialists, educational programmes and traineeships. Related warnings predict worsening shortages of skilled workers essential for production of horticultural crops. Analysis of recent strategies from the UK finds these problems poorly defined and characterised, without articulating what horticultural skills comprise, tending to misconstrue problems and causes. This paper aims to characterise food growing knowledge systems and challenges they face. The result is a new definition of and conceptual framework for horticultural skills to enhance understanding of the sector's problems and formulation of solutions. The framework valorises knowledge of workers often portrayed as unskilled, and demonstrates how skills and labour challenges are wholly inter-linked. Knowledge flows are found to be affected by multiple impediments which contribute to a sense of crisis. Unresolved questions regarding this skills system present avenues for research to better understand the future prospects of food production skills, and demonstrate the value critical social science can bring to this topic. • Profiles the importance of knowledge and skills as part of a sustainable food system. • Proposes a definition of skills required for food growing. • A new conceptual framework for knowledge flows in horticultural systems. • Highlights critical social science questions regarding skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar photovoltaics (PV) is a popular method of green energy-based electricity generation for regions with rich solar radiation. In this paper, we introduce a conceptual framework where PV can be used for multi-purposes: electricity generation and frost prevention, specifically for frost prevention of apricot orchards. After introduction of the conceptual framework, the system modelling, optimization, and control/automation research challenges for such a multi-purpose use are summarized. This paper targets at opening a new application area and the associated research rooms for PV systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Entreprises et Histoire is the property of Editions ESKA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The main problem addressed in this paper is the low adoption rate of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) knowledge into practice. Many IPM research leaders believe this low adoption rate is due to bottlenecks in knowledge supply. Consequently, they have asked for research, education and extension efforts that will lead to more widespread use of flexible, locally adapted and practical IPM. In our opinion, however, the bottleneck is a lack of attention for the motivations and framework conditions of the end-users. Therefore, in this paper we shift the focus from technology push to market pull. This paper is based on interviews with Dutch greenhouse growers about the adoption of a new cultivation concept and on export data of tomatoes and apples from Eurostat's Comext database. The two data sources were combined to get understanding of the interactions between entrepreneur types, economic drivers and adoption of new IPM methods. The motivations of the greenhouse growers were captured in mind maps. The export data were analysed for differences between market segments. The main motivations of the growers for adopting innovations such as IPM were getting access to high market segments and achieving better crop growth and lower crop losses. Thus, the challenge for IPM research is integrating tasteful cultivars and product types, advanced agronomy, adequate crop management, attractive packaging and low pesticide residue levels in an inclusive product concept (e.g. residue-free snack tomatoes in a transparent plastic cup). This can be achieved by capturing innovative production strategies from market-oriented entrepreneurs, further developing these strategies in in-situ experiments with input suppliers, crop-oriented entrepreneurs and advisers, and co-creating guidelines for integrated production strategies with these partners for both crop-oriented and costs-oriented entrepreneurs. The costs-oriented interviewees often had financial problems and/or plans to sell their business. Consequently, knowledge investments in this specific subgroup will, in many cases, not lead to adoption of new crop protection solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Indonesian, Horticulture is one part of agriculture that is very important for the survival of the Indonesian people. Crops are useful to meet people's food needs. The cultivation of agriculture crop very dependent on climate, weather and external factors. The optimal environment will provide optimal plant growth results, so people must really pay attention to the condition of these crops. To maintain plant growth so that crops can grow well, it is necessary to monitor the crops. To find out how plant growth, which needed a system to monitor plant growth. This paper will discuss about the implementation of a plant growth monitoring system. This system will check the climate, weather, and external factors like air, soil, light, and others, which will affect the crops. Internet of Things (IoT) assumes a significant job in a large portion of the fields. The utilization of IoT expanded in view of the different preferences we can get from that. The horticulture is where a great deal of progress is required because that is one of the fundamental needs and a huge area of individuals is associated with that. All this information is sent by Arduino Uno dev boards to the Ubidots IoT (Internet of Things) cloud platform. Data in Ubidots will be sent to the user's smartphone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polimery is the property of Industrial Chemistry Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recently, horticulture farming, especially in Indonesia, are facing various obstacles, including the lack of young farmers regeneration, agricultural land decreasing, and climate change. Climate change increase extreme and uncertain weather for horticulture cultivation. Farmers frequently face frequent damage to crops and decreasing in quantity and quality of plants. The development of a monitoring system that can help farmers grow crops is a crucial issue. In this paper, a study for a system for monitoring the performance of indoor micro-climate horticulture is presented. An electronic sensors Internet-of-Things (IoT) board is implemented to monitor the cultivation process. The sensor reading is collected into a database. The database is also integrated with the Indonesian Meteorological Agency data which consists of weather data and daily at the cultivation location. For our future work, the collected data are expected to be used for training machine learning models for the development of intelligence automated indoor micro-climate horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea within this paper originates from the concept Territory Social Responsibility (TSR), the cornerstone upon which is based the rediscovery of those shared values that the stakeholders of a territory know how to consolidate. This is done by means of solid territorial networks, which aims, first and foremost, at the well-being of the individual in their environment, considering environmental, social and economic sustainability. In this contest, we focused on how urban areas can be redeveloped through urban horticulture practices and, in particularly, on the management of public green areas, in the province of Naples, which is based on policies aiming at the redevelopment of disused spaces. Therefore, in order to assess the benefits, a cluster analysis, involving sustainability actions in its threefold aspect, has been carried out on territorial regeneration through urban gardens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Allotment gardening is a popular pastime which anecdotally contributes to health and wellbeing, although the extent of supportive research evidence is unclear. This systematic review investigates the question: Does allotment gardening contribute to health and wellbeing? Method: A systematic search was conducted, including the terms 'allotment', 'garden', 'health' and 'wellbeing'. Abstracts of identified papers were compared with inclusion criteria, and 10 papers were finally selected. Critical appraisal and data extraction were conducted simultaneously. Qualitative research papers predominated and were analysed thematically. Resultant themes were compared and integrated with the findings of quantitative research papers. Findings: Thematic analysis of the qualitative and quantitative papers' findings revealed five distinct health and wellbeing themes. Allotment gardening provides a stress-relieving refuge, contributes to a healthier lifestyle, creates social opportunities, provides valued contact with nature, and enables self-development. Conclusion: This review suggests that allotment gardening does indeed impact health and wellbeing. It is therefore recommended as occupational therapy for people with health problems, and as a health promoting occupation for the general population. Research particularly focused on the impact of group and therapeutic allotment gardening, so further investigations are recommended to explore the health promoting influences of everyday allotment gardening for individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban horticulture (UH), like other urban land-uses, influences urban dwellers' social lives, wellbeing and explicitly influences their perceptual understanding of nature in urban settings. This paper, based on a comprehensive literature review, highlights the research gap in UH and its relationship to food production and social wellbeing by understanding the use of perception-based studies. The systematic literature reviewed 136 papers concerning social responses towards UH (n = 57) and other urban landscape types (n = 79). The papers included were then categorized into three sub-groups by methods namely papers using textual questionnaires to explore public perceptions of UH, papers exploring public perceptual responses towards visual stimuli presenting future scenarios of UH in cities, and those exploring public perceptions of environmental contexts through mining textual or pictorial contents on social media. The results of this study show that UH studies have yielded scientific achievements and revealed the public preference for food production, food security, and esthetic values. However, they are still dependent on traditional methodologies and lack a wide geographical coverage when it comes to representing a broad spectrum of study sites across the world. Studies using photo-questionnaires and social media research show better geographical distributions and growing trends. The photo questionnaire provides an opportunity to explore the perceptions towards innovative ideas but only reveals perceptions within the scope of the predesigned questions. Social media research provides an opportunity to access data in an automated manner with specific locations and enlarged scalability. These approaches might offer a new dimension to the knowledge domain of UH and could potentially facilitate the scientific understanding of UH's concept and its relationship to social acceptability and food security in the longer run, particularly in the developing world. • Urban horticulture studies still use questionnaires and interviews. • The research gap arose from traditional study methods filled through novel methods. • Studies using photo questionnaires and social media research provide an opportunity to explore the perceptions towards innovative ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the implications of the reappearance in the mid twentieth century of the wild boar ( Sus scrofa ) in North West Italy after an absence of more than a century. Historical evidence is used to document reasons for its disappearance and attitudes to its absence. A case study based on oral history interviews of 50 farmers and hunters in the Val di Vara, eastern Liguria, is used to investigate when and how the wild boar reappeared in the valley and first memories of the animal. A strong link between rural depopulation, land abandonment, unplanned rewilding and the spread of the wild boar is established. The paper identifies that wild boar cause considerable damage to horticultural and agricultural crops through their habit of rooting over extensive areas. The research demonstrates that the reappearance of wild boar was actively encouraged by hunters. The rapid spread of the boar changed the culture of hunting in the valley. The research shows that a balance between controlling the wild boar population and the socio-cultural values of hunting has yet to be found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer review is not included in undergraduate horticultural curricula. Our research objectives in an 8-year study, which ranged from 2000 to 2007 in two sections (2000-2002 non-peer reviewed and 2003-2007 peer-reviewed) of Greenhouse Management students at the University of Minnesota were to determine whether iterative peer reviews would result in improved learning, enhanced writing, refined revision processes, and higher written paper/course grades for undergraduate and professional horticulture students, as well as the effects of double blinding, whether years affected any parameter and the validity/reliability of peer reviews. Both sections were assigned a semester-long, 3-phase writing-intensive assignment. Principle findings that emerged were: (a) after engaging in iterative structured peer-reviews, student final grades in the peer review group exceeded those in 2/3 of non-peer reviewed years; (b) students quickly identified superior papers; (c) while students grasped the peer review process and matched their editing skills with the instructor and teaching assistants by Phase II, a lag time (Phase III) occurred before it significantly increased their grades; (d) graded paper scores were not different across years; (e) anonymity of peer reviews had no effect; and (f) students were initially able to recognize writing issues in peers' drafts and address them in their own writing. Inclusion of more than 2 peer reviews into horticulture courses is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a case study of the authorship pattern and degree of collaboration in the field of horticulture based on a sample of 8437 journal articles and 1327 books citations appended to 80 doctoral dissertations of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV) and Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya (UBKV), West Bengal during 1991 to 2010. It shows that the horticulture scientists mainly used journal articles (77.796%) for collecting the required information. The study reveals that out of 8437 references cited, 1763 (20.695%) are single authored articles and 6665 (78.997%) are multi-authored articles. Team research is on the increase in the field of horticulture. Two authored (37.039%) are the highest in the cited journals followed by three authored (25.116%), single authored (20.896%) and four authored (11.332%) papers. The highest number of cited articles is in the year 2005 with 947 (11.236%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the fairy king in Sir Orfeo abducts Heurodis from the royal garden, he takes her from beneath a particular "ympe tre" or grafted tree. By examining the horticultural tradition of grafting, this paper will show that the grafted aspect of the tree is there to foreshadow the splitting and reunification both of the human body, but also of Orfeo's kingdom. By reading episodes of both dismemberment and unity, I will argue that the presence of the grafted tree in both kingdoms suggests that the center of royal competition between Orfeo and the fairy king lies in their ability to control the natural ecology of their kingdoms. While Orfeo initially loses control of his orchard and thus his wife, his ten-year exile in the wilderness teaches him vital survival skills so that he can return a changed and improved ruler. In the same way that grafting requires knowledge of ecology as well as the ability to both dismember and recombine, both Orfeo and the fairy king engage in transformative gardening within the space of their respective kingdoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a method for assessing the safety of tree branches subject to unorthodox climbing approaches and possible falls. The method entails finite element modeling of the tree branch, experimentally or analytically determining loads associated with an ascending or falling climber, and computing stresses and safety factor along the length of the branch using dynamic structural analysis. A case study example is presented for an Ulmus americana L. branch on the campus of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This tree and branch were climbed using an unorthodox and controversial method during a competition in 2014. Case study models demonstrate that during an ascent, a climber’s skill has a significant effect on branch stresses, and during a simulated fall, the climber’s mass and fall distance are the key determinants of branch stresses. For loads induced during an ascent, safety factors for branches ranged between 3 and 4; for loads induced during a fall, safety factors were as low as 1.2. These values are dangerously low given the uncertainty of branch material properties. Climbers should be extremely cautious when attempting unorthodox climbing techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent Five-Year Plans and No. 1 Central Documents have emphasised the need for Chinese agriculture to play multiple functions to enhance rural development, alleviate rural poverty and increase agricultural productivity. The concept of Chinese agriculture as multifunctional is explored, linking it to specific policy aims, with three key historical phases of the development of multifunctional agriculture (MFA) recognised. MFA has progressed rapidly in rural-urban fringes across China, and its recent evolution is investigated herewith within two case-study districts (Baqiao and Lintong) in the megacity of Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Since the economic reforms of the late 1970s, farmers in the area have greatly increased horticultural production to supply the substantial local urban market, displacing traditional grain cultivation, although much high-quality farmland has been lost to urban development, especially in Baqiao. The city has also supplied tourists for farm-based tourism activities (nong jia le), including pick-your-own fruit. A questionnaire survey of sample farm households in 17 villages in the two districts generated detailed information on land management, including farm-based enterprises, participation in co-operatives, marketing, and both recent and future planned changes to farms. Factor analysis of mixed (qualitative and quantitative) data (FAMD) and hierarchical clustering of principal components (HCPC) were used to examine typical characteristics of MFA in the peri-urban fringe. This yielded five principal dimensions of farming, with on-farm environmental actions as a key characteristic. There were also three different clusters of farmers, differentiated between commercial horticultural production, contrasting less intensive part-time farmers with farmers in co-operatives and/or producing for 'dragonhead' enterprises. Renewed government support for grain cultivation to increase food availability has led to a minor reversion to cereal production, while multifunctionality has been impacted negatively by the Covid pandemic, with reduced tourist numbers. Loss of revenue from tourism is prompting farmers to search for other income streams via increased agricultural outputs, new marketing outlets, and contributions to a more diversified rural economy involving value-adding to agricultural products. • Multifunctional agriculture (MFA) has featured in recent Chinese government policies. • The paper investigates Xi'an's peri-urban MFA using factor analysis of mixed data. • Pro-environmental land management by older farmers is a key dimension in local MFA. • Farm-based tourism and commercial horticulture benefited from key government supports. • Maintaining MFA offers potential for productivity and closer rural-urban integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this two-year study, four mulching methods and their effects on strawberry yield and Botrytis cinerea incidence were compared: Biodegradable plastic, paper wool, standard black plastic and standard straw. Biodegradable plastic and standard black plastic had comparable yield results, but biodegradable plastic was decomposed during the first season of growth. Paper wool caused a considerable delay in plant growth and, hence, a significant yield reduction in the first year. Compared with the standard use of straw, all three mulching materials proved possible as alternative weed management methods. However, both biodegradable plastic and paper wool are expensive alternatives and may only be feasible the first year of growth due to their quick decomposition. As for Botrytis, all treatments caused very low incidences in both years of trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary economic and social change in the agricultural sector in New Zealand in conjunction with a time of full employment has ensured that labour shortages are an increasing reality for many primary producers. Increasingly too, changes in land use within this sector, especially where viticulture and horticulture have replaced sheep and beef production in some areas, have increased the demand for temporary seasonal workers. This paper explores how New Zealand immigration policy is responding to these changes in the agricultural, horticultural and viticultural sectors, paying particular attention to the use of temporary migration as a means to address labour shortages in these sectors through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) policy. The paper draws on interviews with public sector stakeholders conducted in late 2007 and early 2008 where the objective was to explore the reasons for establishing the RSE policy, the process of policy development and anticipated outcomes. This paper outlines the intentions behind this scheme, observes current research in the area and highlights the need for further research on the use of temporary migration to meet labour needs in New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple is a fleshy fruit with a range of health benefits. It's a product of fruit-bearing deciduous small tree, growing up to 5-8 meters high. Apples in India are predominantly grown in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand; however, small percentage of apple production in India accrues to other regions like Nagaland, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nilgiri hills in Tamil Nadu. Kashmir is geographically blessed for the optimal growth of Apple and thus Kashmiri Apple is considered superior among all other region. It has a distinguished colour, shape and quality that make it unique and better than others. Kashmir is referred to as the fruit bowl of India and apples of the region have gained popularity among the people across the globe for its unique and delicious taste. This paper deals with the trends in area, production and productivity of apple, particularly in apple producing states of India from 2012-13 to 2014-15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Industria Textila is the property of Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Textile si Pielarie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many have suggested that a new form of sustainable agricultural productivism is needed in response to the challenges to food security posed by climate change and population growth. This paper employs elements of ecological modernisation theory and focusses on sustainability challenges and solutions, as well as the knowledge networks and production rationale to assess whether the intensive horticultural industry located in the Spanish province of Almería represents sustainable productivism. The Almerían horticultural industry, lauded as an example of neo-endogenous growth, manifests a range of sustainable technologies addressing environmental impacts. Yet, we argue that Almerían horticulture represents ‘weak ecological modernisation’ and its main sustainability challenges are posed by water scarcity, a demand led production rationale and the precarious situation of family farms that at present provide a degree of economic embeddedness in this highly industrialised production model. A competitive imperative yields marketing organisations huge sway in production decision-making, and while a cost-price squeeze has driven efficiency in the use of farm inputs and product innovation, it has paradoxically made further advances in sustainable water management very difficult to achieve. Transforming the Almerían horticultural industry into a truly sustainable model of productivism would require the concerted efforts of individual farmers and marketing organisations as well as regional and local water governance institutions and land use planning. A significant obstacle to this remains the dominant normative perception that justifies groundwater abstraction on the grounds of its high economic returns and the perceived inability of small farmers to invest in desalinated water or further technological solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baumer construct defines the Early and Middle Woodland periods in the lower Ohio Valley in the confluence region of the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers. Originally defined by University of Chicago investigations in the 1930s, Baumer remains a poorly understood cultural unit. This paper reports the botanical and environmental data from Baumer features excavated in recent work at Kincaid Mounds. These data demonstrate a stable plant food regime highlighted by a major emphasis on nut harvests as well as the cultivation of Eastern Complex seed crops. The Kincaid data show that Baumer and related Crab Orchard groups inhabiting large stream floodplains are more strongly committed to horticulture than their relatives living in small interior stream drainages in southern Illinois. Maize was also recovered but it is clearly of Mississippian origin. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This research paper examines the pressurised relationship between growers and retailers in the English horticultural supply chain and the associated impact on labour. Although there is some literature detailing the supply chain there is little current published data, despite the impact of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. Through the use of semi-structured interviews, this research aims to generate a modern evaluation of the retailer/grower relationship in English horticulture by investigating the lived experience of growers. The results showed the supply chain is highly pressurised with many growers fighting for survival and often risking capital to remain efficient and competitive. The effects of both the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit have further highlighted the faults and pressures within the system and the avaliabilty of labour has further been affected. Although some employers have been able to adopt certain methods to improve working conditions and reduce their need for seasonal labour, ultimately the sector has reached a cross-roads with an uncertain future. • The relationship between growers and retailers is highly pressurised with a heavily unbalanced supply chain with domestic growers fighting to survive • The Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit have shone a light on the faults in the current horticultural supply chain, there is little current published data reflecting growers experiences. • The research documents the lived experience of horticultural growers in England. • The horticulture sector has developed a heavy reliance on the social flexibility of migrant workers and has suffered as the availability of labour has dramatically reduced due to Brexit and the Covid −19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prisons are increasingly looking for localised, innovative and collaborative approaches to address rehabilitation and full recovery from substance misuse. This article presents the findings from an evaluation of the Master Gardener (MG) programme, a gardening intervention with substance misuse offenders at HMP Rye Hill. Whilst the extension of the MG programme to a prison setting recognises a range of positive outcomes associated with the role of horticulture in supporting wellbeing, it also reflects Rye Hill's move towards the development of a dedicated Recovery Unit, offering a suite of interventions to support substance misusing offenders. The MG programme at Rye Hill demonstrates an innovative and successful partnership, working with the charity Garden Organic, Public Health Northamptonshire and the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Team (DART), using horticulture as a means to address recovery. This paper sets out the evaluation's aims and objectives, methodological approach, key findings and conclusions which include a number of recommendations. The approach taken has allowed for an examination of the process and experiences from multiple perspectives of the MG programme within a prison setting. As well as focusing on the impacts of the programme, the article reflects on gardening as an embodied practice and the garden as a space that promotes humanisation and self-worth, community, a connection to nature and a longer term, holistic approach to recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermicomposting is a process in which red wiggler, white worms, or earthworms break down organic material and transform it into vermicompost, a valuable horticultural product, while diverting a significant amount of organic matter from the waste stream. The purpose of this study was to: 1) establish the vermicomposting system at Texas State University using red wiggler worms and cafeteria food waste as a primary feedstock, 2) determine the potential economic potential of the system to the university, and 3) determine the value of the system as a teaching tool and service learning opportunity for students. Twenty-five pounds of food waste were collected weekly from one cafeteria on campus and combined with shredded university paper waste. Vermicomposting bins and systems were initially reviewed and a layered bin system was constructed in a small shed using recycled five-gallon food service buckets from university cafeterias. Worms were checked two to three times weekly and rotated through the system in approximately three to four months. Vermicompost was harvested, weighed, and packaged in five-gallon zip lock bags. Worm castings were also integrated into the university gardens and greenhouse. Economic analysis results demonstrated the value of the operation to the university in terms of the product generated for use for sale as a fertilizer and the diverted cost of waste disposal versus the costs of operation. Students provided feedback as to the educational value of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is the outcome of a survey conducted at Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (DYSPUH&F). The aim of the survey was to assess the use of electronic information resources (EIRs) by the academic community of the university. Questionnaire method was used as a data collection tool. It was found that users of DYSPUH&F library prefer both print and electronic format of EIRs. In case of electronic version majority of them prefer online mode of access. The preference of users with regard to format and mode of access does not vary significantly from one type of users to another. AGRIS & CABI databases and the e-journals available through Consortium for Electronic Resources in Agriculture (CeRA) are the commonly used EIRs. The users yet do not use e-books and e-theses at a large scale. Though used by a small percentage of users CAB e-books and KrishiPrabha appear to be the leading e-books and e-theses collections, respectively. With regard to use of indexing and abstracting databases, e-journal and e-theses collections the choice among three types of users varies quite significantly; which however is not true for e-books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Renaissance & Reformation / Renaissance et Réforme is the property of Iter Canada and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The exploitation of managed pollinators is poorly developed in Africa and the review highlights how further investigations are needed, especially in Africa, to identify insects that are effective in tomato pollination, and to develop management strategies for their efficient exploitation in tomato production. This review discusses the current state of knowledge of tomato pollinators that contribute to fruit set and fruit characteristics. As part of the collaboration between the Trustees and Publishers of the Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, an annual monetary prize was established for the paper with the most impact published in the previous year. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Revue d'Economie Politique is the property of Editions Dalloz Sirrey and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Greenhouses are a typical example of peri-urban land-use, a phenomenon that many planning systems find difficult to address as it mixes agricultural identity with urban appearance. Despite its urban appearance, greenhouse development often manages to evade urban containment policies. But a ban on greenhouse development might well result in under-utilisation of the economic value of the sector and its potential for sustainability. Specific knowledge of the urban and rural character of greenhouses is essential for the implementation of planning strategies. This paper analyses Dutch planning policies for greenhouses. It concludes with a discussion of how insights from greenhouse planning can be applied in other contexts involving peri-urban areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Little research has been conducted on structural change within the UK horticultural sector. This paper examines long-term changes, over a 90-year period, in one particular part of the UK horticultural sector: strawberries. It follows its growth from being a minor crop in 1920 to becoming the biggest grossing horticultural crop in 2009. Using a combination of long-term continuous datasets of agricultural statistics and primary data gathered from a behavioural study of the sector, three distinct phases of change are identified. The last phase, in particular, witnessed the biggest changes with the introduction of protected cultivation, the industrialisation of strawberry production and the divergence of practices and marketing methods leading to the formation of two distinct farm types. This industrialisation removed the geographical disadvantage of Scotland relative to England, encouraging growth of the Scottish strawberry industry and a spatial shift in the main production centres. Supermarkets have played a dominant role in the market for fresh strawberries and their importance in driving change is of high significance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The current paper is the result of the experiments which took place at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine from Cluj, Romania, concerning the language teaching approach conceived for teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) to students of Agriculture and Horticulture. The students' training starts from the current state and requiremets of global economy, which involve career-specific terminology in order to coordinate research and to deliver professional services. Technical universities require a special language teaching approach, which combines subject matter and English language teaching (ESP). Students approach the study of English through a domain which they have already studied. This approach is focused more on language in context than on teaching lexical structures and grammar. Students of agricultural universities need a good grasp of English in order to communicate a set of professional skills and to perform job-related functions both at home and abroad. ESP should be taught as a subject matter important to the students, integrated in their real world. Before starting an ESP course the students should acquire thorough professional knowledge taught during university lectures, laboratory sessions and seminars. Reinforcing professional notions, concepts, and ideas through English vocabulary and structures integrated in meaningful contexts increases the students' motivation. They start using what they learn in their ESP courses right away in their professional work and studies. The ESP-approach will enhance the students' interest in their domain, will motivate them to use professional publications in English and to interact with peers from other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The closed greenhouse is a recent innovation in the horticulture industry. Cooling by ventilation is replaced partly (in semi-closed greenhouses) or completely (in closed greenhouses) by mechanical cooling. Excess solar energy is collected and stored to be reused to heat the greenhouse. In temperate climates, this concept combines improved crop production with energy savings. This paper presents an overview of climate, crop growth and development, and crop yield in closed and semi-closed greenhouses. The technical principles of a closed greenhouse are described and the macroclimate and microclimate arising from this are studied. The consequences of the typical growth conditions found in closed greenhouses for crop physiology and crop yield are examined. Finally, the experiences of commercial growers are presented. In temperate climates, closed greenhouses can reduce the use of fossil fuel-derived energy by 25 - 35%, compared with open greenhouses. With high global radiation, the climate in closed greenhouses is characterised by high CO2 concentrations, high air humidity, improved temperature control, and a vertical temperature gradient. An annual increase in production of 10 - 20% is realistic, with reduced amounts of supplied CO2. The yield increase is primarily obtained through increased rates of photosynthesis due to the higher CO2 concentrations in closed greenhouses. To introduce this innovation into practice, knowledge transfer was a key factor for its implementation and the realisation of increased production levels. Future trends will require minimising the use of fossil fuels and increasing the level of control of the production process. Closed and semi-closed greenhouses fit seamlessly into this trend as they allow for a more controlled climate and higher levels of production, combined with savings in fossil fuel use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild flora of Romania includes many species presenting with decorative value, some of them being introduced already in culture and other could represent in the future, new and important horticultural resource. In Romania, only a few species from Centaurea genus were introduced as ornamental crops. This genus has many rare and vulnerable species with ornamental value, which are grown on very small areas. The red lists of vascular plants include 19 species from Centaurea genus and only six species are grown in the intra-Carpathian area (Transylvania area): Centaurea ratezatensis Prod., C. rarauensis Prod., C. maramarosensis (Jáv.) Dostál, C. pinnatifida Schur., C. kotskyana Heuff., C. reichenbachii DC. Other species like C. atropurpúrea W.et K., C. pugioniformis Nyar. or C. phrygia subsp. carpatica (Pore.) Dost, are not threatened but they can become vulnerable in the future due to habitats destruction and sheep pasturing. At the finally of this list is added Centaurea orientalis L. species which is frequently presents in extra-Carpathian area but it is very rare in Transylvanian area. Part of this species (C. atropurpurea W. et K., C. ratezatensis Prod., and C. orientalis L.) have been studied in situ between 2010-2012, and their decorative characters were observed in the garden conditions. Some decorative characters of both cultivated and spontaneous plants were analyzed and compared and the results were statistically interpreted. In conclusion, this paper presents the biological and ecological particularities of each Centaurea species, as well the frequency, endemic character, regional distribution and sozological category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soilborne pathogens are very destructive in vegetable crops and one of the most limiting factors to farmer's income. Their management worldwide has been based on pre-plant soil fumigation with methyl bromide, a compound whose phase-out procedure was initiated in the Montreal Protocol (1992) due to its hazardous effects on the environment. Since the adhesion to the Montreal Protocol, Romania government decided to phase out methyl bromide use beginning with 2005. During the last seven years, the research was focused on investigating methyl bromide alternatives for controlling soilborne pathogens, mainly in protected area vegetable crops. These substitutes have been based on using other registered chemical compounds, and non-chemical methods (soil steaming, solarization, cultural practices, plant resistance). All the current methyl bromide substitutes and control measures for controlling soilborne pathogens in protected area vegetables crops have limitations, compared with methyl bromide. The aim of this paper is to describe the current methyl bromide alternatives for controlling soilborne pathogens in Romania horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]