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Iron (Fe) and iodine (I) are essential microelements required for a healthy life, with Fe playing a vibrant role in oxygen transport, and I is vital for cognitive development and thyroid function. Global Fe and I deficiencies affect a significant portion of the population worldwide, leading to widespread health concerns, especially anemia, impaired cognitive function, and thyroid disorders. This review not only inspects the potential of agronomic biofortification to enrich Fe and I content in tomatoes, but also highlights its bright future for crop nutrition. It discusses the latest developments in agronomic biofortification methods focused on improving the enrichment of Fe and I in tomatoes, emphasizing practical approaches such as seed priming, soil application, and foliar spray. Notably, the review explores the promising impacts of Fe and I biofortification on growth, yield, and improved fruit quality in tomatoes. Moreover, it offers an in-depth investigation of the efficacy of agronomic biofortification in enhancing the nutritional contents of tomatoes by combining the most recent research findings. It highlights the impact of agronomic biofortification in mitigating micronutrient deficiencies worldwide and its capacity to encourage sustainable agriculture and improve community health by enhancing crop nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a high‐value halophytic crop, is a promising candidate to ensure food security in the scenario of increasing soil salinization due to climate change. In a 2‐year field study (during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020), 18 quinoa genotypes of different origins (Q‐4, Q‐6, Q‐9, Q‐7, Q11, Q‐15, Q‐22, Q‐24, Q‐27, Q‐45, Q‐50, Q‐51, Q‐52, Q‐76, Q‐81, Q82, Q‐124, and Q‐126) were grown at two different locations (salt‐affected and normal soil having electrical conductivity (EC) of 16.24 and 1.76 dS m−1, respectively). Morphological, physiological, and yield parameters were recorded to assess the impact of salinity on different genotypes of quinoa. All the tested genotypes performed better in normal soil (37% more yield) than salt‐affected soils. Under salt‐affected conditions, differential salt tolerance responses of quinoa genotypes were observed. Among tested genotypes, Q‐7 achieved the highest chlorophyll content index, biological mass (7905 kg ha−1), and seed yield (1916 kg ha−1) under salt‐affected conditions, it was followed by Q‐81. Salt stress caused up to 94% reduction of seed yield in the salt‐sensitive genotype (Q‐11), while the salt‐tolerant genotype (Q‐81) showed only 15% reduction in seed yield. Morphological characteristics of quinoa genotypes were differently influenced by salt stress. The salt‐tolerant accessions Q‐7 and Q‐81 exhibited similar morphological characteristics. Based on the findings of this study, salt‐tolerant quinoa genotypes can be successfully grown in salt‐degraded soils (with EC ≤ 16.24 dS m−1) in extreme winter seasons with arid climatic conditions. Core Ideas: Salt‐tolerant quinoa genotypes can be successfully grown in strongly salt‐degraded soils (electrical conductivity [EC] ≤ 16.24 dS m−1).Morphological characters (growth habit and main stem shape) of quinoa are associated with salt tolerance potential.Salt‐sensitive genotypes showed significantly higher yield losses (up to 94%) than salt‐tolerant genotypes (15%–45%).Quinoa genotypes show differential salt tolerance responses based on their origin and morphological characters. Plain Language Summary: Quinoa, a high‐value halophytic crop, emerges as a promising candidate to ensure food security amidst increasing soil salinization caused by climate change. In a 2‐year field study, 18 quinoa genotypes of diverse origins were cultivated in both normal and salt‐affected soils to evaluate the impact of salinity on different quinoa genotypes. Under salt‐affected conditions, distinct salt tolerance responses were observed among the quinoa genotypes. Morphological, physiological, and yield parameters of the quinoa genotypes were variably affected by salt stress. The salt‐tolerant accessions Q‐7 and Q‐81 exhibited robust responses, showing minimal yield reduction. Based on the findings of this study, salt‐tolerant quinoa genotypes can be successfully cultivated in salt‐degraded soils (with electrical conductivity ≤ 16.24 dS m−1) during extreme winter seasons characterized by arid climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine (I) is a beneficial micronutrient for crop plants and essential for human health, yet approximately two billion people worldwide suffer from I deficiency, resulting in significant health issues. Agricultural soils often lack sufficient I, resulting in crops with low I content. However, tomatoes have shown potential to accumulate I when supplemented externally, making them an ideal candidate for I biofortification, particularly as an alternative to iodized salt for individuals on low-sodium diets. This two-year greenhouse pot experiment evaluated the effectiveness of foliar application of potassium iodide (KI) in biofortifying two commercial tomato hybrids. Different concentrations of I (0, 1, 3, 6, and 9 mM/plant) were applied as foliar treatments to assess their effects on physiological parameters, yield attributes, and quality traits, especially I enrichment in tomato fruit. The results demonstrated that foliar application of KI significantly increased fruit I contents at concentrations that also promoted overall plant growth and development. These findings underscored the efficient translocation of I through the phloem in tomatoes. I enrichment in tomato fruits ranged up to 5.27 mg/kg, exceeding the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 150 μg/day. Even lower doses of 1–3 mM KI were effective in achieving significant I enrichment suitable for biofortification programs. In conclusion, tomato emerged as an excellent candidate for agronomic biofortification with I due to the practicality, and affordability of foliar application. The study highlights the potential of foliar I application as a feasible strategy for addressing global I deficiency, emphasizing its suitability for widespread adoption by farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron (Fe) is an important micronutrient required for healthy life. Malnutrition resulting from low Fe in plant-based foods has caused serious problems worldwide. We propose that Fe biofortification of tomato through seed priming would be an innovative approach to address the problem Fe deficiency. This research was conducted to find the impact of Fe seed priming on germination, morphology, physiology, growth, yield, and final enrichment of Fe in fruit of tomato in two commercial hybrids. Tomato seeds were primed with different concentrations of iron sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4.7H2O) in the range of 1–15 mg L−1, resulting in differential accumulation of tomato fruit Fe contents. We observed a marked improvement in tomato seedling traits, yield contributing traits, fruit quality, biochemical attributes and physiological parameters. Interestingly, the Fe treatment concentration of 10 mg L−1 demonstrated improved tomato growth with a significant increase in fruit Fe contents to of 2.04 and 2.37 which are very much higher as compared to control having Fe contents of 1.47 and 1.49 ppm respectively. Fe seed priming of tomato represents as a cost effective and user-friendly strategy for tomato biofortification which triggers Fe acquisition and its final enrichment in tomato fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds cause significant reduction in palatability and nutritive value of fodders. Evaluation of critical weed control period is important to insure high yield and quality of fodders. A field study was conducted to determine the effects of weed competition on fodder maize sown at different seed rates. Two factors i.e. seed rate (100 kg ha-1and 125 kg ha-1) and weeds competition period (zero competition, competition for 2 weeks after emergence (WAE), competition for 3 WAE, competition for 4 WAE, competition for 5 WAE and competition for full season) were considered. The maximum number of weeds (201.81 plants m-2) was recorded when maize fodder was sown at seed rate of 100 kg ha-1 and weed competition with maize was until5 WAE. However, more weed-dry weight was recorded when maize fodder was sown using seed rate 100 kg ha-1 and full season weed competition was allowed. The more leaves per plant (16.18), green fodder yield (74.72 t ha-1), dry matter yield (16.62 t ha-1), crude protein (8.38%) were recorded when maize fodder was kept weed free throughout the growing season, while maximum crude fiber (35.96 %) was recorded when weeds were allowed to compete with maize fodder throughout the growing season.As far as seed rate was concerned, maximum leaves per plant (14.18), green fodder yield (57.77 t ha-1), dry matter yield (12.96 t ha-1) and crude fiber (35.06 %)were recorded when maize fodder was sown using seed rate 125 kg ha-1. In conclusion, weeds must be controlled till four weeks of crop emergence for better maize fodder production with seed rate of 125 kg ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field trial was conducted to check the feasibility of using urea as an adjuvant with formulated carfentrazone ethyl + clodinafoppropargyl + metsulfuron- methyl (FMC X100) herbicide against the weeds of wheat. The experiment comprised of eight treatments namely, weedy check (control), hand weeding (two times), carfentrazone ethyl + clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron-methyl @ 500 g ha-1(commercial product dose) and@ 375 g ha-1 each with 1 and 2% urea solution. All weed control treatments showed significant effect in reducing the individual, total weed density and weed dry weight. However, maximum reduction in total weed density and weight was recorded with hand weeding and reduced dose (375 g ha-1) of herbicide with 2% urea as an adjuvant, respectively. The yield and yield components like spike bearing tillers, number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight were significantly increased with different herbicide treatments compared with weedy check. More wheat grain yield (4.08 t ha-1) was obtained from carfentrazone ethyl + clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron @ 375 g ha-1+ 2% urea treated plot and the manual hoeing (3.99 t ha-1) than the weedy check (3.13 t ha-1). Maximum increase in wheat grain yield was 30.35% by the use of carfentrazone ethyl + clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron-methyl @ 375 g ha-1 + 2% urea solution. It is concluded that carfentrazone ethyl + clodinafop-propargyl + metsulfuron-methyl can be applied @ 375 g ha-1 + 2% urea solution to get maximum weed control and grain yield of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have extensively studied the significant biomass production of weeds, which competes with the main crops. The utilization of weeds, particularly aquatic ones like alligator weed, as organic nutrient sources, as compost and an organic mineral source could be beneficial in cropping systems. The hypothesis of this study suggests that by using alligator weed compost as a natural source of nutrients, garlic production can become less dependent on synthetic fertilizers, improve yield quality, and facilitate optimization of inorganic nutrients. The experiment included various combinations of alligator weed compost and nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers, including the recommended NPK, 250 kg ha−1 and 500 kg ha−1 compost, and these compost amounts were combined at 75%, 50%, and 25% of the recommended NPK dose. Nitrogen and potassium were applied in three splits, a full dose of phosphorus was applied at sowing while compost was applied before sowing. The combination of 500 kg ha−1 compost application and 50% recommended NPK showed the most promising results. Garlic bulb yield and quality significantly increased in all compost and NPK combinations, particularly with this specific mix. Bulb yield was increased by 41% over the recommended NPK usage during both study years. Additionally, the ascorbic acid and pyruvic acid contents in the bulbs increased by 99% and 6%, respectively, compared to the recommended NPK. Likewise, in plant phenology, the same compost and NPK combination increased the plant height at maturity and leaf length at maturity by 18% and 10%, respectively, over the recommended NPK. In summary, the use of alligator weed organic fertilizers presents a viable alternative to NPK fertilizers due to its ability to retain applied nutrients and supply essential nutrients. As we look ahead to changing climates, utilizing alligator weed compost could be a sustainable approach in cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]