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Societal Impact Statement: Over the last 50 years, the practice of 'intercropping' (planting a mixture of several crops on the same field) has drawn growing attention in crop science. Given its high yields but low requirement for fertiliser or pesticides, it offers considerable advantages over conventional 'industrial' agriculture. Nevertheless, although research on intercropping has been conducted since the late 19th century, that work became largely invisible after 1945 as the rapid rise of industrial agriculture erased alternative approaches from view. Since the 1970s, however, intercropping and other alternatives have reappeared on the research agenda as the damaging impacts of industrial agriculture have become evident. Summary: Intercropping has long been of interest in agro‐ecology. Indeed, as the first generation of (English‐speaking) agro‐ecologists saw it, research on intercropping began in the 1970s and 1980s just as the field was beginning to emerge. Although the evidence confirms a rapid increase in such work from the 1970s, however, what nearly all agro‐ecologists then overlooked was the existence of two older traditions of work dating from the late 19th century. The aim of this paper is to explain why early agro‐ecologists were unaware of previous work. The history of research on intercropping in both the English‐ and German‐speaking worlds was traced using the journal literature as well as textbooks of agronomy. What this survey revealed is that in Europe and North America, agronomists had been working on intercropping since the 1890s, and during the interwar period and into the 1950s, the practice attracted considerable attention from colonial agronomists. Although this early work was in the public domain during the 1970s, however, few agro‐ecologists noticed it. There are various reasons why the first generation of agro‐ecologists might have known about but chose to ignore earlier work on intercropping. But more likely is that most members of that generation were simply unaware of the older work. For the forgotten history of intercropping, research appears to be just one aspect of a more general phenomenon during the 20th century in which a wide variety of 'alternative' cultivation practices were marginalised after 1945, only to re‐emerge from the 1970s as the social and environmental consequences of industrial agriculture came under attack. Over the last 50 years, the practice of 'intercropping' (planting a mixture of several crops on the same field) has drawn growing attention in crop science. Given its high yields but low requirement for fertiliser or pesticides, it offers considerable advantages over conventional 'industrial' agriculture. Nevertheless, although research on intercropping has been conducted since the late 19th century, that work became largely invisible after 1945 as the rapid rise of industrial agriculture erased alternative approaches from view. Since the 1970s, however, intercropping and other alternatives have reappeared on the research agenda as the damaging impacts of industrial agriculture have become evident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles within the issue on topics including the history of crop science, food security, agricultural economy and development, and the global food system.

Societal Impact Statement: Maize is the world's second most important agricultural crop. The cereal was unknown to Europeans before the end of the 15th century, but since its arrival in Europe, it has changed agriculture, food and landscapes. Terraces where maize was cultivated in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula contributed to the formation of local cultures and identities. The history of maize and maize landscape are mementos that help to recover traditional practices, fostering identities, and are crucial for the successful implementation of sustainable policies to provide prosperous futures. Summary: Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Iberian Peninsula embodies a history of landscape changes where the concepts of 'exotic', 'traditional' and 'hybrid' help to understand the engagements between landscape, farmers, agronomists (since the 19th and 20th centuries) and seeds. Today, landscapes reveal biophysical and ecological changes that reflect a panoply of intentions. A multitude of agents, and their interactions, acted upon those territories over time.Using historical sources from the leading institutions dedicated to agricultural research in the Iberian Peninsula, this paper aims to (1) contribute to a better understanding of the maize landscape and culture in the Iberian Peninsula and (2) interrogate how landscape changes (and the landscape history of maize) can frame local or regional heritage and identities reflecting customs or ways of life.The analysis unveils networks of knowledge, agricultural technologies and seed exchange. Politicians, economists, engineers, agronomists, farmers, governmental officials and agricultural industries planned and transformed traditional rural practices into modern and industrialised ones. Experts and politicians, willing to improve agricultural practices and seeds, using hybrid seeds or building new irrigation systems, led to deep social and landscape changes, allowing maize to cover territories far away from its traditional domains. Moreover, despite farmers' resistance, hybrid maize substituted landraces, eroding agrobiodiversity. Nowadays, the south and east regions of the Iberian Peninsula are the main producers of maize (hybrid), whereas in the Northwest maize is an occasional crop, being replaced by vineyards for economic reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Studies that show how empire influenced the development of plant genetics add to the established history of genetics and 20th‐century agricultural science. One approach to broadening this history is to consider the contributions of students studying abroad and their greater careers back home. Research agendas differed between and within institutions, much as they do today. This article explores the postgraduate education of an Indian groundnut breeder. It highlights the structural challenges faced by researchers at agricultural departments who sought promotion through education and examines the consequences for plant breeding and for farmers. Summary: Through the biography of V.K. Badami, this article contributes to debates about genetics and plant breeding in the history of science. Badami, an accomplished breeder in the Mysore Department of Agriculture, took a leave to study genetics at the University of Cambridge. His professors nearly failed him, yet Badami's groundnut breeding experiments proved influential for Indian farmers as well as advances in crop science. This history adds to the thesis that academic genetics varied in support of professional plant breeding by comparing institutional expections between Mysore and Cambridge.The argument is developed by reading Badami's student records along with his groundnut breeding experiments in South India.The study connects the disciplinary history of genetics to plant breeding for the British empire.Badami's experience at Cambridge is indicative of the power relationship between academic genetics and imperial plant breeding in the early 20th century. In this case, his commitments as an Indian agricultural officer conflicted with the discipline's devotion to quantitative analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Era studies are key to estimate the historic rate of genetic gain for commercial traits of a crop. We evaluated for the first time nearly all maize hybrids released (269) in five relative maturity markets (95, 100, 105, 110, and 115) from Bayer Crop Science Dekalb brand over the last 20 years. We focused on grain yield, plant height, moisture, and test weight. We then compared the predicted gains derived from the genome‐wide prediction models with the estimated ones. We found that genetic gain was positive and significant for grain yield across the five relative maturities, ranging from 0.077 to 0.147 Mg ha−1 year−1, while it was negative (desirable) and significant for plant height, with a decrease from −0.259 to −0.456 cm year−1. We did not find significant changes for grain harvest moisture and test weight. The genetic gain estimates were consistent with predictions using the company's genomic estimated breeding values. We concluded that breeding has delivered increased yield and decreased plant height over this period for Dekalb hybrids, and the company's genomewide prediction model can be used to predict the direction of future maize genetic gains. This era study includes a larger number of hybrids, broadens the range of relative maturities, and incorporates comparisons with genomewide predictions compared to previous era studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of agronomy and crop science plays a crucial role in ensuring global food security and sustainable agricultural practices. In the realm of scholarly publications, bibliometric indicators have emerged as invaluable tools for quantifying and comparing the impact, reach, and significance of such contributions. Various bibliometric indicators were employed for the study, including Impact Factor, Eigenfactor Score, Cite Score, and h-index. To accomplish this, we compiled a roster of 90 agronomy and crop science journals using the Journal Citation Report (JCR) within the Web of Science (WOS), journal metrics from the Scopus database (Cite Score and SNIP), and h5-index from Google Scholar. The SCImago Journal Ranking (SJR) was obtained from its official website. Subsequently, we conducted Bivariate Pearson's (r) and Spearman's (ρ) correlation coefficient tests to assess ranking correlations. The study revealed notable positive correlations particularly, a strong Pearson's (r) correlation evident between the Impact Factor (JIF) and both the Cite Score (CS) and SCImago Journal Rank (SJR) indicators, yielding values of (r = 0.962) and (r = 0.932), respectively. Interestingly, despite the distinct mathematical foundations underpinning the various citation-based bibliometric indices scrutinized, our findings underscored their robust correlations when it comes to ranking agronomy and crop science journals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Thanks to Reviewers, Crop Science, 2023" expresses gratitude to the volunteer reviewers who have contributed to maintaining the quality of research reported in Crop Science. The article acknowledges the critical comments and helpful suggestions provided by these reviewers, which have helped to uphold the editorial standards of the scientific journal. The list of reviewers is extensive and may not be complete due to difficulties in collating the information. The article extends apologies to any reviewers whose names may have been inadvertently excluded. [Extracted from the article]

Societal Impact Statement Maize is the world's second most important agricultural crop. The cereal was unknown to Europeans before the end of the 15th century, but since its arrival in Europe, it has changed agriculture, food and landscapes. Terraces where maize was cultivated in the Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula contributed to the formation of local cultures and identities. The history of maize and maize landscape are mementos that help to recover traditional practices, fostering identities, and are crucial for the successful implementation of sustainable policies to provide prosperous futures. Summary Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Iberian Peninsula embodies a history of landscape changes where the concepts of ‘exotic’, ‘traditional’ and ‘hybrid’ help to understand the engagements between landscape, farmers, agronomists (since the 19th and 20th centuries) and seeds. Today, landscapes reveal biophysical and ecological changes that reflect a panoply of intentions. A multitude of agents, and their interactions, acted upon those territories over time. Using historical sources from the leading institutions dedicated to agricultural research in the Iberian Peninsula, this paper aims to (1) contribute to a better understanding of the maize landscape and culture in the Iberian Peninsula and (2) interrogate how landscape changes (and the landscape history of maize) can frame local or regional heritage and identities reflecting customs or ways of life. The analysis unveils networks of knowledge, agricultural technologies and seed exchange. Politicians, economists, engineers, agronomists, farmers, governmental officials and agricultural industries planned and transformed traditional rural practices into modern and industrialised ones. Experts and politicians, willing to improve agricultural practices and seeds, using hybrid seeds or building new irrigation systems, led to deep social and landscape changes, allowing maize to cover territories far away from its traditional domains. Moreover, despite farmers' resistance, hybrid maize substituted landraces, eroding agrobiodiversity. Nowadays, the south and east regions of the Iberian Peninsula are the main producers of maize (hybrid), whereas in the Northwest maize is an occasional crop, being replaced by vineyards for economic reasons.

This article discusses the importance of roots, tubers, and cooking bananas (RTBs) in the diets of tropical populations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights the challenges faced by growers due to limited genetic diversity, pests, diseases, and climate change. The article emphasizes the need for breeders to prioritize consumer preferences and post-harvest quality traits when developing new varieties. The RTBfoods project aims to address these challenges by identifying key traits desired by farmers, processors, and consumers through consultations and testing, while also incorporating a gender-intentional approach to ensure diverse perspectives are included. The article also discusses a special issue focused on RTBs and their breeding methods, providing information on quality traits and methods for analysis, processing, evaluation, and genetic studies. The goal is to identify promising genotypes with preferred traits for future release to farmers and stakeholders, with an emphasis on understanding user preferences to improve varietal adoption within RTB value chains. [Extracted from the article]

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops in the world. Drought is recognized as a major challenge limiting alfalfa production and threatening food security. Although some literature reviews have been conducted in this area, bibliometric reviews based on large amounts of published data are still lacking. In this paper, a bibliometric analysis of alfalfa drought stress from 1998-2023 was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database in order to assess global trends in alfalfa drought stress research and to provide new directions for future research. The results showed that the annual publication output maintained an increase in most years, with China and the United States contributing significantly to the field. Most of the journals published are specialized journals in botany, environmental science, soil science and crop science, as well as related agribusiness journals. "plant growth" and "yield" were the most frequently used keywords, reflecting the important purpose of research in this field. And two main research directions were identified: research on drought response mechanism of alfalfa and exploration of drought-resistant technology. In addition, physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of drought tolerance and high yield in alfalfa, transgenics, and microbial fertilizer research have been hot research topics in recent years and may continue in the future. The ultimate goal of this paper is to provide a foundational reference for future research on alfalfa's drought resistance and yield optimization mechanisms, thereby enhancing the crop's application in agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘KM3’ is an F1 hybrid maize developed by the maize breeding team at the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), for the Southeast Asian seed market. This hybrid was obtained by crossbreeding two inbred lines— 14K26 and 15VL027. The hybrid was evaluated in a crop-year yield trial in Cambodia, followed by country adaptability trials in Cambodia and Indonesia in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The flint-like seed type of ‘KM3’ makes it suitable for both food and feed, demonstrating its adaptability to Southeast Asia. ‘KM3’ exhibited early maturity, high grain yield as an F1 hybrid, and resistance to downy mildew. The silking date of ‘KM3’ was two days earlier than that of the leading cultivar ‘CP888’ in Cambodia, with a grain yield of 913 kg/10a, outperforming ‘CP888’ by 26% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KM5,’ a high grain yielding maize hybrid, was developed for the Southeast Asian seed market in 2018 by the maize breeding team of the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA). ‘KM5’ was bred by crossing two inbred lines—14K23 and CL59. After a 1-crop year yield trial in Dong Trieu and Vietnam, country adaptability trials were performed in 2017 and 2018 in three different countries—Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. The seed type is flint-like and suitable for both food and feed. ‘KM5’ adapted well to northern Vietnam, northwestern Cambodia, and Central Java in Indonesia. It is an early maturing, high grain yield F1 hybrid that is also resistant to downy mildew. The silking date of ‘KM5’ in Vietnam is 74 days, which is the same as that of LCH9— a leading cultivar in Vietnam. ‘KM5’ produced a grain yield of 695, 764, and 678 kg/10a in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, respectively, thus demonstrating a higher yield than the leading cultivar in each country. ‘KM5’ produced 2%, 27%, and 8% more grain than the respective control varieties in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia, respectively [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bibliometric analysis explores large volume of scientific data, revealing trends and insights in a specific research field. Consistently, a bibliometric analysis of 30 years (1990–2020) was performed within the US corn (Zea mays L.) production using the Scopus database and VOSviewer. Search query was performed within the article title, abstract, and keywords indicative of management practices in corn. Exclusion criterion based on subject area and journals generated a total of 7468 publications. The data analysis revealed contributions from 7327 authors and 47 organizations documented in 69 journals. The top five organizations leading the investigation were United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Iowa State University, University of Nebraska, University of Illinois, and Purdue University. The most prolific authors were Dr. Rattan Lal (Ohio State University, Columbus, OH), Dr. Douglas L. Karlen (USDA‐ARS, Ames, IA), Dr. Kenneth G. Cassman (University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE), Dr. Lajpat Rai Ahuja (USDA‐ARS, Ft. Collins, CO), and Dr. John Walsh Doran (USDA‐ARS, Lincoln, NE). Journals with most publications were Agronomy Journal; Soil Science Society of America Journal; Soil and Tillage Research; Crop Science; and Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. Furthermore, author keywords differed from queried keywords, and no‐till, nitrogen, cover crop, soybean, irrigation, phosphorus, conservation tillage, yield, and water quality were most prominent. Moreover, there was an evident shift in keywords and an observed trend between 1998 and 2020. Overall, these findings allow researchers to explore network maps via the hyperlinks present in papers, identifying research gaps and advancing original studies to bridge gaps in the literature. Core Ideas: There has been a consistent increase in corn research in last 30 years.United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA‐ARS) was the top funding sponsor and leading investigator.Queried keywords differed from author keywords, and a trend was observed in their use.The top journal with most publications on corn production was Agronomy Journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat is the main grain crop in our country, and the traditional wheat yield estimation method is time-consuming and laborious. By estimating wheat yield efficiently, quickly and non-destructively, agricultural producers can quickly obtain information about wheat yield, manage wheat fields more scientifically and accurately, and ensure national food security. Taking the Xinxiang Experimental Base of the Crop Science Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences as an example, hyperspectral data for the critical growth stages of wheat were pre-processed. A total of 27 vegetation indices were calculated from the experimental plots. These indices were then subjected to correlation analysis with measured wheat yield. Vegetation indices with Pearson correlation coefficients greater than 0.5 were selected. Five methods, including multiple linear regression, stepwise regression, principal component regression, neural networks and random forests, were used to construct wheat yield estimation models. Among the methods used, multiple linear regression, stepwise regression and the models developed using principal component analysis showed a lower modelling accuracy and validation precision. However, the neural network and random forest methods both achieved a modelling accuracy R2 greater than 0.6, with validation accuracy R2 values of 0.729 and 0.946, respectively. In addition, the random forest method had a lower cross-validation RMSE value, with values of 869.8 kg/hm−2, indicating a higher model accuracy. In summary, the random forest method provided the optimal estimation for wheat yield, enabling the timely and accurate pre-harvest wheat yield prediction, which has significant value for precision agriculture management and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the challenges facing agriculture in Africa, such as low productivity, climate change, and issues of obesity and undernutrition. The African Potato Association (APA) is working to address these challenges by promoting research, production, and utilization of potatoes and sweet potatoes in Africa. The article highlights the 12th Triennial African Potato Association Conference, which focused on using potato and sweet potato innovations to create resilient and healthier agri-food systems. The conference covered topics such as breeding, sustainable seed systems, pest and disease management, and policies for achieving impact at scale. Collaboration and dissemination of research findings are emphasized as crucial for ensuring that technical innovations have a meaningful impact on food and nutrition security. The article also mentions a special issue of the African Potato Association's journal, which covers various aspects of potato and sweet potato production in Africa, including seed systems, pest management, marketing, and policies. The document expresses gratitude to the authors, editor, and technical editor for their contributions to the special issue. The next triennial meeting of the African Potato Association will take place in Kampala, Uganda in 2025. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides a list of individuals who have received awards in the field of crop science, highlighting their contributions to research, teaching, mentoring, and service. It also profiles various individuals involved in agricultural research, including undergraduate and graduate students, who are pursuing degrees or working in fields related to agronomy, plant science, soil science, and related disciplines. These individuals come from diverse backgrounds and are passionate about improving agricultural practices, sustainability, and crop productivity. Their research focuses on topics such as plant breeding, soil health, water resources, and crop management. [Extracted from the article]

Understanding historical changes in root depth attributes is needed for crop productivity and sustainability assessments, but such information is rare. We explored whether newer maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids grow roots faster and deeper than older hybrids and quantified the role of management and environment on root trait expression. We measured root front velocity (RFV) and maximum root depth in 11 Bayer Crop Science legacy hybrids released from 1983 to 2017 across five environments in the US Corn Belt during 2021 and 2022. Root depth was measured weekly during vegetative stages with manual probes and the maximum root depth at crop harvest with a Giddings probe. Results indicated that the RFV and maximum root depth slightly increased with the year of hybrid release (0.13% per year, p = 0.1) at 8.7 plants m−2. Historical increases in plant density from 4.7 to 8.7 plants m−2 lowered RFV and maximum root depth, but the new hybrids compensated for this loss, resulting in 4% higher RFV and 3% higher maximum depth when comparing systems from 1983 to 2017. The environment strongly influenced root trait expression (>41%). Rain anomaly and soil bulk density explained a portion of this variation. We found a linear relationship between root depth and leaf number (R2 = 0.95) and a nonlinear relationship between RFV and maximum root depth (R2 = 0.77), which can stimulate crop model improvements. Faster and deeper roots were not correlated with maize yields in our environments. This study enhances our understanding of maize breeding impacts on root traits. Core Ideas: We studied root front velocity (RFV) and maximum root depth in maize hybrids released from 1983 to 2017.RFV and maximum root depth increased by 0.13% per year, a 10‐fold lower increase than grain yield genetic gain.Root depth and collared leaf number were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.95).The environment had the strongest influence on the root depth traits.Faster and deeper roots did not necessarily translate into higher yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Research in crop science is usually conducted in studies with a small number of plants and crops. The aim of this project was to investigate whether near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can contribute to the analysis of such small data sets. For this purpose, NIR spectra of a small sample set of whole‐grain wheat flours of two winter wheat cultivars harvested from greenhouse and field experiments with different fertilization management were analyzed. Findings: Principal component analysis (PCA) facilitated the discrimination of samples based on fertilization, baking volume, and growing conditions for each wheat cultivar. In addition, PCA allowed the differentiation of wheat cultivars in a data set containing both cultivars. Spectra–structure relationships were also established. Accurate calibrations with R2 of.98,.98, and.54 were obtained for fertilization, crude protein concentration, and baking volume, respectively, even for a small data set of 10 samples of wheat cultivar Discus. Conclusion: The NIR spectra of whole‐grain wheat flour samples provided high‐resolution information on various parameters such as fertilization, baking volume, wheat cultivar, and growing site. This study demonstrates that NIRS is a valuable and efficient tool for the analysis of small data sets in crop science. This illustrates the effectiveness of the elegant NIRS method. Significance and Novelty: In this study, small data sets of whole‐grain wheat flour from crop science experiments were analyzed by NIRS. Characteristic changes of the NIR spectra based on applied fertilizer amount, crude protein concentration, baking volume, growing site, and wheat cultivar were revealed. The detection of cause‐and‐effect relationships between spectra and chemical properties of samples contributes to a better understanding of NIR spectra of wheat flours in an interpretative way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture constitutes a sector with a considerable environmental impact, a concern that is poised to increase with the projected growth in population, thereby amplifying implications for public health. Effectively mitigating and managing this impact demands the implementation of intelligent technologies and data-driven methodologies collectively called precision agriculture. While certain methodologies enjoy widespread acknowledgement, others, despite their lesser prominence, contribute meaningfully. This mini-review report discusses the prevalent AI technologies within precision agriculture over the preceding five years, with a specific emphasis on crop yield prediction and disease detection domains extensively studied within the current literature. The primary objective is to give a comprehensive overview of AI applications in agriculture, spanning machine learning, deep learning, and statistical methods. This approach aims to address a notable gap wherein existing reviews predominantly focus on singular aspects rather than presenting a unified and inclusive perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of the CRISPR/CasΦ2 system for gene editing in wheat and rye plants. The researchers made modifications to the CasΦ2 protein and optimized the expression of crRNA to improve the efficiency of gene knockout and base editing. They successfully demonstrated the functionality of CRISPR/CasΦ2 in plants, with high specificity and low off-target effects. The findings suggest that CRISPR/CasΦ2 could be a valuable tool for future research on genome modifications in wheat and rye crops. [Extracted from the article]

In a growing world population scenario, greater demand for food and in turn agricultural input is expected in the coming decades. The development of innovative sustainable amendments and fertilizers such as hydrogels (HGs) relies on this context. HGs are defined as 3D polymeric networks with the ability to absorb and retain a large amount of water (i.e., swellability). HGs swellability makes them ideal platforms for water- and nutrient-controlled release. The literature reflects a notable diversity in HGs composition, properties, and impacts on agroecosystems, resulting in the dissemination of information across multiple publications. Within this context, the primary aim of this scientific review is to systematically compile, critically evaluate, and synthesize the latest findings and relevant literature pertaining to the application of HGs in agroecosystems. We found that this class of materials was consistently found on soil bulk density, crop available water, soil electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity and main cereal or legume crops performances particularly under moderate water deficit conditions, suggesting their effectiveness for arid and semi- arid areas. Encouraging results were also found on pesticide, agrochemicals, and microorganisms delivering. Thus, the delivery of agronomic inputs with loaded-HG may play a key role in forthcoming agriculture that would minimize the agronomic impact on the environment. Nevertheless, some critical issues still remain open, concerning: (i) the decreased of HG effectiveness following wetting and drying cycles, (ii) the impact of Na+ contained in HG on crop cells, (iii) the HG effect on soil saturated hydraulic conductivity and pH, and (iv) HG biodegradability and their fate into the environment. In conclusion, HGs seem a promising technology to reach/maintain food security and soil health, but future research should address the development of well-defined protocols for producing biowaste-derived HG that will ensure their biodegradability and non-toxicity and will disclose new insights into a circular economy approach agronomy. One of the biggest challenges would be the synthesis of “smart” HG able to respond to environmental stimuli triggering molecule(s) release in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal vegetables play a crucial role in both nutrition and commerce in Bangladesh. Recognizing this significance, our research introduces the 'SeasVeg' dataset, comprising images of ten varieties of seasonal vegetables sourced from Dhaka and Pabna regions. These include Carica papaya, Momordica dioica, Abelmoschus esculentus, Lablab purpureus, Trichosanthes cucumerina, Trichosanthes dioica, Solanum lycopersicum, Brassica oleracea, Momordica charantia, and Raphanus sativus. Our dataset encompasses 4500 images, 1500 original and 3000 augmented, meticulously captured under natural light conditions to ensure authenticity. While our primary focus lies in leveraging machine learning and deep learning techniques for advancements in agriculture science, particularly in aiding healthcare aspects with seasonal vegetables and nutrition's, we acknowledge the versatile utility of our dataset. Beyond healthcare, it serves as a valuable educational resource, facilitating children's and toddlers' learning to identify these vital vegetables. This dual functionality broadens the dataset's appeal and underscores its societal impact beyond the realm of healthcare. Besides, the research culminates in the implementation of machine learning models, achieving noteworthy accuracy. We get the highest 99 % accuracy with the ResNet50 pre-trained CNN model and a good 94 % accuracy with the InceptionV3 pre-trained CNN model when it comes to the computer-aided vegetable classification. However, the 'SeasVeg' dataset represents not only a significant stride in healthcare innovation but also a promising tool for educational endeavors, catering to diverse stakeholders and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

This article explores the need for diversification in agriculture in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, emphasizing an agroecological approach. The consolidation of the agricultural industry, along with cultural diversity and environmental degradation, poses challenges for the region. The article suggests that academic agroecologists can contribute to diversification by engaging in civic arenas, supporting place-based projects, and addressing supply chain challenges. Examples of ongoing projects, such as sustainable aviation fuel development and hybrid hazelnut production, are provided. The text also discusses steward ownership in agriculture, collaborative efforts, and responsible innovation. Collaboration among different sectors and scales, reducing social and economic inequities, and working with dominant agricultural firms and organizations are highlighted as important factors in addressing the complex issue of agricultural diversification in the Upper Midwest. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the concept of agroecology and the importance of integrating different knowledge systems to achieve sustainable nutrient management and climate resilience in agriculture. It emphasizes the value of traditional ecological knowledge and farmer knowledge, alongside Western scientific research, in understanding and managing agroecosystems. The article advocates for collaborative approaches and the inclusion of diverse perspectives to develop effective agroecological practices. It also discusses the potential benefits of ecological approaches to nutrient management, such as enhancing internal nutrient cycling processes and increasing agroecosystem resilience. The article concludes by highlighting the need for an integrated and participatory approach to researching and understanding agroecosystems, which recognizes and respects the contributions of traditional knowledge and Indigenous practices. [Extracted from the article]

Unmanned aerial vehicle-based hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and machine learning (ML) techniques are applied for crop field data collection such as yield, nitrogen content, leaf chlorophyll, biomass estimation, leaf area index (LAI), and biotic and abiotic stress. It is very difficult to identify with certainty best practices for specific applications and for targeted crop species because the results are frequently contradictory; models or indices sometimes perform well, but other times they do not. ML and HSI are useful and sophisticated techniques, but treating them as first-option methods may be detrimental in the long term. Favoring HSI in situations where a multispectral sensor performs equally well only delays end-user adoption of technology owing to cost and complexity. The past few years have seen increased interest in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and machine learning (ML) in agricultural research, concomitant with an increase in published research on these topics. We provide an updated review, written for agriculturalists, highlighting the benefits in the retrieval of biophysical parameters of crops via UAVs relative to less sophisticated options. We reviewed >70 recent papers and found few consistent results between similar studies. Owing to their high complexity and cost, especially when applied to crops of low value, the benefits of most of the research reviewed are difficult to explain. Future effort will be necessary to distill research findings into lower-cost options for end-users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of environmental difficulties and water scarcity, maize production has been challenged in arid and semi - arid regions. A management strategy for stabilizing corn production under water shortage conditions involves the use of drought - tolerant hybrids and suitable irrigation regimes. The study was conducted in the Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir AKÇIN trial area of "Selcuk University, Agriculture Faculty, Crop Science Department, Konya, TÜRKİYE" during 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. The aim of the current work is determining the effects of deficit irrigation and grain colour factors on water shortage tolerance of maize in terms of bio - active compounds, quality traits and grain yield. The factors of the trial were irrigations [50% (I1), 75% (I2) and 100% (I3) of evaporation from Class A evaporation PAN] and genotypes [DKC 5783, red corn and Sakarya]. It was noted that DKC 5783 had the highest values at two (thousand grain weight, grain yield), Sakarya had at two (total phenolic compounds and grain crude oil) and red corn had at four (total anthocyanin content, total antioxidant activity, grain crude protein and starch) properties among eight under I1 during 2019 as well as red corn had at two (total anthocyanin content and total phenolic compounds), Sakarya had at two (grain crude protein and grain crude oil) and DKC 5783 had highest values at four (thousand grain weight, total antioxidant activity, starch and grain yield) features among eight under I1 during 2020. Thousand grain weight values of I3 were 6.71% and 0.57% more than I2 while starch was 9.19% and 3.96% more than I2 during 2019 - 2020. Red corn had better contents of bio - active compounds than other two varieties during both years of the trial. The mean yield of I3 was 6.87% more than I2 in 2019 and 9.05% more than I2 in 2020 which revealed that regulated deficit irrigation might help growers to cope with decline in water availability also 25% water restriction caused tolerable decreases in grain yield and some yield compounds of the current work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is an editorial that highlights recent advances in abiotic stress research for Asia. Abiotic stress, caused by climate extremes and industrialization, poses a significant threat to agriculture in Asia, particularly for smallholder farmers who produce a majority of the region's crops. The research topic aims to showcase achievements in abiotic stress research from within the region and promote collaboration to address food security challenges. The published articles cover various abiotic stresses, including acidic soil, osmotic stress, anaerobic conditions, heat, heavy metal pollution, and water logging. The research contributes to a better understanding of plant adaptation and strategies for improving abiotic stress tolerance. [Extracted from the article]

This document is an editorial published in the journal Frontiers in Plant Science. It discusses the molecular and genetic mechanisms of plant architecture regulation. The establishment of plant architecture is influenced by regulatory networks involving miRNAs, phytohormones, transcription factors, and environmental factors. The editorial highlights several research articles and reviews that explore these mechanisms in diverse plant species, including Petunia, mulberry, sugar beet, rice, and Arabidopsis. The authors emphasize the significance of phytohormones in plant growth and development and suggest that understanding these mechanisms can optimize crop yield. [Extracted from the article]

A study published in the Journal of Integrative Plant Biology explores the use of CRISPR/Cas12i3 gene editing to enhance the aroma of soybeans. By knocking out the genes GmBADH1 and GmBADH2, researchers were able to increase the production of 2‐Acetyl‐1‐pyrroline (2‐AP), a compound responsible for the pleasant fragrance in crops. Soy milk made from the mutant seeds exhibited a much stronger aroma, which was preferred by consumers. This research has the potential to improve the taste quality of soy-based products. [Extracted from the article]

In this review the applications of isotopically labeled compounds are discussed and put into the context of their future impact in the life sciences. Especially discussing their use in the pharma and crop science industries to follow their fate in the environment, in vivo or in complex matrices to understand the potential harm of new chemical structures and to increase the safety of human society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the effects of seed size, soil-based and soilless media to determine the best condition for increased seedling production of African walnut was carried out at the green house of Department of Crop Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Seed size was categorized into 10.23 to 10.31g (for large seeds) and below 10.23g (for small seeds). Soil-based nursery medium was sawdust mixed with topsoil volume by volume (v/v) 1:1, while soilless was sawdust alone. The experiment was a 2×3 factorial in a complete randomized design with 6 replications. Data were collected on number of days to emergence, plant height at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after planting (WAP), and number of leaves at 4, 8, and 12 WAP. Data collected were tested with analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were separated with Fishers least significant difference at 5% level of probability. Result showed that large seeds planted on soil-based media performed best in all the assessed traits. The inference is that high quality seedlings of African walnut can be produced by planting large seeds in soil-based media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer AG, Crop Science Division submitted a request to the competent national authority in the Netherlands to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRL) and to set import tolerances for flupyradifurone and its metabolite difluoroacetic acid (DFA) in various plant commodities. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for flupyradifurone and DFA in avocados, mangoes, papayas, asparagus, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, sugar beet roots and chicory roots. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of flupyradifurone and DFA in plant matrices under consideration at the validated limits of quantification (LOQs) of 0.01 and 0.007 mg/kg, respectively. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of flupyradifurone and DFA residues resulting from the use of flupyradifurone according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Bayer AG Crop Science Division submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance propamocarb in honey. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for honey. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of propamocarb on the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of propamocarb according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Sorghum is an important crop in the livelihoods of Kunama and Tigrayan farmers in Northern Ethiopia and we present here a study of what factors have shaped the genetic diversity of the varieties cultivated in neighboring communities of the two ethnolinguistic groups. Using a combination of methods from crop science and cultural anthropology, we investigate patterns of historical and contemporary relationships between crop genetic diversity and cultural and social factors. The spatial genetic structure reveals patterns of ethnolinguistic differentiation and admixture that reflect deep affinities between cultures and crops, but the seed systems of the two communities are also open to exchange and gene-flow. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural factors for genetic resource conservation, as well as for plant breeding and seed system development efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]