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This study analysed the performance of a hot-water pipe (HWP) and fan-coil units (FCUs) in controlling microclimate conditions in a net-zero energy greenhouse (NZEG). The performance of a previously developed TraNsient SYstem Simulation (TRNSYS) model for the NZEG was enhanced to include a crop model and several HWP emission standards, and the improved TRNSYS model was used to analyse heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for different greenhouse sizes in the Republic of Korea. Further, an economic analysis was conducted. The model validation showed excellent agreement between the measured and simulated values, with Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.98. The presence of crop in the simulation model reduced the total heating load by 14.5 MWh and increased the cooling load by 4 MWh. The capacity of the FCU was increased as the outside temperature rose from 33.4 ℃ to 36.4 ℃ in summer, and the diameter of the HWP was decreased from 25A to 10A as the outside temperature rose from −21.7 ℃ to −12.2 ℃ in winter to maintain the greenhouse at the desired temperature of 15 ℃. Notably, the payback period was reduced by 9 years when the annual savings in heating energy costs and revenue from carbon trading were considered as a part of the net economic cash flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse effects of abiotic components of the environment have led to noteworthy increases in drip global agricultural productivity. Among abiotic stresses, heavy metal (HM) stress is an important environmental factor with a significant negative impact on plants and requires serious attention due to its global presence. HMs are mostly found as key chemical components integrated into rock, particularly in industrial and urban areas. Rapid industrial development coupled with urbanization has amplified the accumulation of anthropogenic HMs in the environment. In comparison with organic substances, HMs cannot be decayed by biological interventions and thus remain in the environment for an extended period and subsequently pass through the food chain and subsequently accumulate in the bodies of humans and animals. This review provides a detailed account of the occurrence and behaviour of HMs in the environment, especially in the pedosphere, which affects the soil processes and physiology and biochemistry of plants. However, plants, particularly HM accumulators, are equipped with complex multilevel defense mechanisms to survive HM-induced stress. Here, we attempted to provide an explicit overview of these mechanisms at the cellular and molecular levels. Special emphasis has been given to the potential applications of these HM-tolerant traits in the transgenic development and phytoremediation of HMs, which might shape the future of research in the domains of plant science and agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pigeons (Columba livia) are mainly raised as a source of animal protein, racing, leisure and as an experimental animal. The present study investigated the morphology of the esophagus in the young and adult domestic pigeon, Columba livia domestica. Methods: Ten young and ten adult, normal, and healthy pigeons were collected from the local breeders. Samples from different parts of esophagus and crop were examined grossly, by stereomicroscopy, scanning and light microscopy. Results: The esophagus consisted of a long cervical part, a crop, and a short thoracic part. The crop was represented by a thin-walled outpouching with two lateral diverticula. The mucosa presented wavy fine folds in the cervical esophagus, irregular folds in the lateral diverticula giving it a corrugated appearance, and prominent longitudinal folds with several gland openings in the middle and lower parts of the crop, as well as in the thoracic esophagus. The density of gland openings was higher in adult pigeons than that in young pigeons. The mucosa of the esophagus was lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The shape, height, and branching of the mucosal folds differed between young and adult pigeons. Mucous-secreting alveoli were detected in the middle part of the crop as well as in the thoracic esophagus, but not in the cervical esophagus or lateral diverticula of the crop. Conclusion: The variations between the young and adult pigeons suggest a functional adaptation of adult pigeons to their diet compared to young pigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining a reasonable irrigation schedule for crops and a combination of irrigation technology elements is the basis for scientific management of agricultural water resources, which can effectively alleviate the contradiction of water scarcity and guarantee regional food security. In this study, the AquaCrop model was calibrated and validated based on the summer maize field experiments in Yangling (2022) and Wugong (2017), Shaanxi Province to optimize the irrigation schedule, and the irrigation schedule of summer maize under typical hydrological years (wet year, normal year and dry year) and the required irrigation depth were determined in the study area; the WinSRFR software was calibrated and validated using the Yangling (2022) irrigation experiment; and the soil infiltration parameters of F4, F7, and F5 were selected to be representative of high (k = 98.437 mm/hα, α = 0.824), moderate (k = 85.396 mm/hα, α = 0.659), and low (k = 55.416 mm/hα, α = 0.617) infiltration capacities, and 1.0‰, 2.0‰ and 3.5‰ were used as representative values of typical bottom slopes in the study area, respectively to optimize values furrow irrigation technology elements (discharge and cutoff time) under different soil infiltration capacities and bottom slope by using WinSRFR. Finally, evaluation the yield increasing ability of the optimized irrigation schedule and the irrigation technology elements for summer maize by using AquaCrop model, respectively. The results indicated that the AquaCrop model can accurately simulated the maize growth, the coefficient of determination and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient between simulated and measured values of canopy cover, aboveground biomass and soil water content ranged from 0.86 to 0.99 and 0.56 to 0.97, respectively, the root mean square error are 3.9 to 10.1%, 1.2 to 1.4 t/hm2 and 11.7 to 13.6 mm, respectively; The mean absolute value of the relative error between the simulated and measured values of yield were 1.85% and 7.47%, respectively; Summer maize in the study area must be irrigated once during wet year (during the grain-filling stage) and normal year (during the jointing stage) and twice during dry year (during the jointing and grain-filling stages), with the water quantity used in each irrigation event being 55 mm; the optimised k and α values were 55.416 to 98.437 mm/hα and 0.35 to 0.858, respectively, and the mean n value was 0.056; the optimal discharge and cutoff times were 2.2 to 3.3 L/s and 35 to 16 min, respectively, these values are suitable for meeting the requirement of the comprehensive irrigation performance indicator (Ci ) being ≥ 85%. Based on the irrigation schedules of optimization and the combination of irrigation technology elements of optimization for summer maize in 2022, the yield of maize simulated by AquaCrop model is 7.819 t/hm² ; compared with rain fed (5.972 t/hm² ), current condition (7.424 t/hm² ) and irrigation schedule of optimization (7.659 t/hm² ), summer maize yield increased by 1.847, 0.395 and 0.160 t/hm², respectively; and the percentage of summer maize yield increase by 30.9%, 5.3% and 2.1%, respectively, and saved irrigation water 59 mm. Therefore, the optimization of irrigation system and irrigation factor combination can effectively improve crop yield and save irrigation water; and it can be concluded that although irrigation is only used as a supplement to crop water requirements in semiarid and semihumid, it is important because it has substantive implications on maize yield. The research results can provide theoretical basis for furrow irrigation scheme design of the research region and technology support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Water is one of the most important factors for the production of agricultural products and as one of the vital things for life, it is very important. However, in many regions of the world, water resources are limited and due to population growth and climate change, the use of water resources has become a big challenge. Therefore, choosing the best irrigation method for the production of agricultural products is very important and necessary. Today, there are different irrigation methods for the production of agricultural products, each of which has its characteristics and advantages. For example, irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, subsurface irrigation, sprinkle irrigation, surface irrigation, and irrigation using smart systems are very popular and widely used today. To choose the best irrigation method, one should pay attention to various factors such as soil type, crop, weather conditions, and the amount of water needed for the crops. In addition, methods that are economical and less harmful to the environment should be used. The proposed irrigation method in the improvement plan, on the one hand, should have sufficient capabilities to supply water requirements and reduce operating and maintenance costs, and on the other hand, it should be designed and selected according to the technical, economic, and social conditions of the region. The factors that are effective in choosing irrigation methods include soil conditions, topography, slope, water quality, climatic conditions, irrigation efficiency, area of agricultural units and land use system, groundwater level, plant water requirement, investment, maintenance and operation costs, existing experiences, and socio-economic considerations. At the same time, irrigation methods can include the improvement of existing irrigation methods to completely advanced systems. Materials and Methods The area studied in this research was Tabriz Grand Park in the northwest of Tabriz city. This surface area includes 864 hectares, of which 328 ha are located in area one and 536 ha in area two. The only source of water in the area is a well, and surface water sources are not used in the agricultural lands of Tabriz Park. On the other hand, the source of water supply for the agricultural lands of Hokmabad is groundwater sources (agricultural wells) and the common irrigation method in the agricultural lands of Tabriz Grand Park is the gravity irrigation method of the basin type. In this research, Charles Burt's scoring method was used to select the best irrigation method in the study area. By using this method, it is possible to easily identify the weak and strong points of irrigation systems and improve their efficiency. The criteria and features that were considered for scoring included the following items: Crop (corn, cotton in a wet place, cotton in a dry place, alfalfa, small grains, etc.), Water source (groundwater well, flexible surface water distribution, inflexible surface water distribution, etc.), Climate (temperature conditions, wind, rain, frost, etc.), Land (irregularly shaped land, obstacles in the land, steep slopes, steep rocky lands, etc.), and socio-structural conditions (access to parts, type of management, labor, user skill, etc.). Each irrigation system has a specific efficiency for each criterion, which is indicated by positive, zero, and negative signs. A positive sign means that this irrigation system is a suitable system according to this criterion and feature. The zero sign indicates that the criterion does not play a role in choosing the system, and the negative sign indicates that the irrigation system is not suitable for this specific feature. Results and Discussion What is important in choosing an irrigation method is to choose methods that can be implemented. The purpose of this research is to select the most suitable irrigation method for the agricultural lands of Tabriz Park based on effective physical factors such as crop, water source, land, climate, and socio-structural conditions and using Charles Burt's scoring method. To choose the appropriate irrigation system for the study area, the physical factorseffective in choosing the irrigation system in six areas of crop, water source, land, climate, and social-structural conditions have been examined and the results are presented below. According to Charles Burt's scoring method, in sprinkle irrigation, the classical fixed system received a score of one negative, which indicates that the system is not suitable for the study area due to these characteristics. Also, in surface irrigation and drip irrigation, the highest scores of three positive and two positives were observed, respectively, and this means that these irrigation systems will be a suitable system for the studied area according to these criteria and characteristics. The results showed that basin irrigation is the most appropriate in the agricultural lands of Hokmabad, Tabriz city. Conclusion In general, based on the scoring method of Charles Burt, among the options of sprinkle irrigation, the classic fixed system, the drip methods, the tape system, and the surface methods, the basin system was suitable for the agricultural lands of Hokmabad, Tabriz city. The results showed that the scoring method used, despite its simple instructions, is a practical method for choosing the most suitable irrigation system. The results showed that the basin system is suitable for the study area in terms of crop, climate, water source, and socio-structural conditions. In rain irrigation, the classic fixed system in terms of land, crop type, and socio-structural structure received a score of zero, which indicated that there is no relationship between the irrigation system and these factors in the region. Among the drip methods, the tape system received a score of one positive in terms of crop type, land, and water source, which showed that the system is suitable for the region due to its characteristics. However, due to the need for high management and skill and the possibility of vandalism, it has problems from a socio-structural point of view, but from the point of view of the crop, land, and water source, it is considered among the best options. Also, among the surface irrigation methods, the basin system is a suitable system from the point of view of the type of crop and land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in crop seeding density may affect the presence of phytophagous organisms, whose development is closely associated with host plants. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the abundance and species composition of thrips (Thysanoptera) collected in soybean plants of two different varieties cultivated in different plant arrangements (row spacing, seed density) at different phenological stages. The research was carried out at two locations in southwest Poland between 2015 and 2018. The herbivores that inhabited the plants were caught using an entomological net. The experiments were conducted using a complete block design with four replications. A total of 20 species of thrips were identified and their dietary specialization was determined with an emphasis on the possibility of feeding on Fabaceae plants. Thrips tabaci, Aeolothrips intermedius, and T. fuscipes were the dominant species within the collected material. The general linear model revealed no significant changes in the number of thrips caused by the row spacing, seed density or soybean variety. The significant factor was the phenological stage. The number of thrips increased significantly during the flowering period and shortly after flowering, making them an important threat to the plants. Therefore, it is crucial to develop innovative pest management strategies tailored to effective soybean cultivation to mitigate potential pest-related challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent electricity shortages in Pakistan, causing prolonged grid power load shedding, have adversely impacted various sectors, notably agriculture and the livelihoods of rural farmers. Literature suggests that adopting photovoltaic solar energy can mitigate these issues. This research aims to measure the impact of photovoltaic solar energy on the technical efficiency of food productivity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, applying data from 580 respondents. Addressing self-selective bias through ESR and stochastic frontier production function model is utilized to assess technical efficiency. The findings of this study reveal that farmers using solar energy experience a significant improvement in technical efficiency, with 15.8 percent of them achieving a 7.643 percent increase, after accounting for self-selection bias. Furthermore, the positive effects are more pronounced among larger farms and those with greater farming experience. This study underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches in implementing solar energy solutions, highlighting their potential to foster sustainability and equitable development at the grassroots level. The research culminates with policy recommendations that underscore the importance of promoting the photovoltaic solar energy use among farmers to improve food security and increase agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Strengthening future food security through the application of unsustainable levels of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizers to crop fields may exacerbate environmental damage. Coordination of N‐use efficiency (NUE) and plant growth is, therefore, crucial for sustainable agriculture. Auxin plays pivotal roles in developmental and signaling responses that affect NUE. Hence, a better understanding of these processes provides great potential to improve crop NUE. This review summarizes the effects of auxin on N‐related and root developmental processes that either directly or indirectly affect NUE in the model plant Arabidopsis and major crop species to highlight the potential of fostering sustainable agricultural development in the future through modulating auxin‐related processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Soil pollution with Cd resulted in enhanced toxicity of the metal. • TiO 2 nanoparticles efficiently alleviate the stress triggered by MPs and Cd. • TiO 2 NPs reduced MPs and Cd induced oxidative stress in maize plants. • TiO 2 NPs application resulted in the reduced absorption of Cd by the maize plants. Microplastic (MPs) and heavy metals (HMs) pollution present significant ecological and environmental threats due to their widespread production and release into natural ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the individual effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics (PVC-MPs) and cadmium (Cd) on various aspects of plant growth, as well as the potential ameliorative role of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) in mitigating their adverse impacts. The experiment involved exposing maize seedlings to different concentrations of PVC-MPs (0, 2, and 4 mg L−1) and Cd (0, 50, and 100 mg kg−1), along with varying levels of TiO 2 NPs (50 µg mL−1). Our findings showed that Cd toxicity in the soil significantly reduced growth, gas exchange properties, sugar content, ascorbate-glutathione (ASA-GSH) cycle activity, cellular composition, and proline metabolism in maize. In contrast, Cd contaminating greatly boosted oxidative stress indicators, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and gene expression in maize. Stimulatingly, the use of TiO 2 NPs caused in a significant development in growth of plant, plant biomass, gas exchange parameters, enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity, and gene expressions of antioxidants enzymes, lowering oxidative stress (MDA and H 2 O 2) and Cd absorption in maize plants. Furthermore, TiO 2 NPs increased cellular fractionation (cellulose and hemicellulose), altering proline metabolism and ASA-GSH cycle activity in maize plants. Overall, this work emphasizes the intricate interactions between MPs and Cd, and nanoparticles in plant systems, highlighting TiO 2 NPs as a possible strategy for increasing plant flexibility and minimizing the negative effects of environmental pollutants. These findings have crucial implications regarding the development of long-term agricultural management approaches in polluted areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the requirements of Tartary buckwheat breeding, it is necessary to develop a method for the rapid detection of functional substances in seeds. To ensure a diverse sample pool, we utilized the stable recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of Tartary buckwheat. The coefficients of variation of the total flavonoid, vitamin E (VE), and GABA contents of the RIL population were 15.06, 16.53, and 36.93, respectively. Subsequently, we established prediction models for the functional substance contents in Tartary buckwheat using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometrics. The Kennard–Stone algorithm divided the dataset into training and test sets, employing six different methods for preprocessing spectra. The Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling algorithm extracted the characteristic spectra. The best models for total flavonoid and VE were normalized using the first derivative. The calibration correlation coefficient (Rc) and prediction correlation coefficient (Rp) of the total flavonoid and VE prediction models were greater than 0.94. The optimal GABA prediction model underwent preprocessing via normalization combined with the standard normal variate, and the Rc and Rp values were greater than 0.93. The results demonstrated that the NIRS-based prediction model could satisfy the requirements for the rapid determination of total flavonoids, VE, and GABA in Tartary buckwheat seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Base editing represents a cutting-edge genome editing technique that utilizes the CRISPR system to guide base deaminases with high precision to specific genomic sites, facilitating the targeted alteration of individual nucleotides. Unlike traditional gene editing approaches, base editing does not require DNA double-strand breaks or donor templates. It functions independently of the cellular DNA repair machinery, offering significant advantages in terms of both efficiency and accuracy. In this review, we summarize the core design principles of various DNA base editors, their distinctive editing characteristics, and tactics to refine their efficacy. We also summarize their applications in crop genetic improvement and explore their potential contributions to forest genetic engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: With growing World population, the demand for higher-yield crops becomes more evident. The genetic diversity, which is crucial for breeding superior cultivars, can be shown by using molecular techniques such as start codon targeted (SCoT) markers. Aims: The motivation of this study was to unfold the genetic diversity of Turkish germplasm. Methods: Ninety-four pea samples (90 landraces, 3 pea breeding materials, and 1 registered variety), were assessed for their diversity by using SCoT markers. Key results: Eight SCoT markers produced a total of 84 scorable bands, of which 74 (88.1%) were polymorphic. There was an average of 9.25 polymorphic bands per primer. The range of diversity indices evaluated, such as polymorphism information content (0.13–0.38), effective numbers of alleles (1.22–1.69), Shannon's diversity index (0.21–0.54), and gene diversity (0.13–0.38), showed great genetic variation in the germplasm under this study. STRUCTURE algorithm suggested the presence of two populations. Polymorphism percentage was 87% and 74%, whereas fixation index was 0.21 and 0.01 for population A and population B respectively. According to analysis of molecular variance, most of the difference was found to lie within population (99%) rather than between populations (1%). In contrast, principal coordinates analysis suggested separation into three populations. Conclusions: The Nei's genetic distance of 94 Turkish pea samples revealed that Antalya_2 and Canakkale_2 are genetically the most diverse and can be utilised as parental lines for breeding purposes. Implications: The wide range of pea varieties found in the Turkish germplasm can serve as a valuable genetic resource for the overall pea breeding efforts. Ensuring universal food security is a crucial concern for all of humanity. Pea, as one of the most important legumes, faces many growing challenges in the light of changing climate, whereas growing superior cultivars is a key strategy to meet the ever-growing demands. Turkish pea germplasm encompasses a rich diversity that can be utilised in breeding programs, particularly among the more diverse samples, to generate cultivars adapted to new changing environments. This article belongs to the Collection Plant breeding- and genetics-based tools for food security under changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Drought poses a significant challenge to plant growth and productivity, particularly in arid regions like northern Kazakhstan. Dehydration-responsive element-binding (DREB) transcription factors play an important role in plant response to drought and other abiotic stresses. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the DREB subfamily consists of six groups, designated DREB1 to DREB6. Among these, DREB2 is primarily associated with drought and salinity tolerance. In the chickpea genome, two DREB genes, CaDREB2c and CaDREB2h, have been identified, exhibiting high sequence similarity to Arabidopsis DREB2 genes. We investigated the nucleotide sequences of CaDREB2c and CaDREB2h genes in several chickpea cultivars commonly grown in northern Kazakhstan. Interestingly, the CaDREB2h gene sequence was identical across all varieties and corresponded to the sequence deposited in the GenBank. However, the CaDREB2c gene sequence exhibited variations among the studied varieties, categorized into three groups: the first group (I), comprising 20 cultivars, contained a CaDREB2c gene sequence identical to the GenBank (Indian cultivar CDC Frontier). The second group (II), consisting of 4 cultivars, had a single synonymous substitution (T to C) compared to the deposited CaDREB2c gene sequence. The third group, encompassing 5 cultivars, displayed one synonymous substitution (C to T) and two non-synonymous substitutions (G to T and G to A). Furthermore, we assessed the gene expression patterns of CaDREB2c and CaDREB2h in different chickpea varieties under drought conditions. Chickpea cultivars 8 (III), 37 (I), 6 (III), and 43 (I) exhibited the highest drought resistance. Our analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between drought resistance and CaDREB2h gene expression under drought stress. Our findings suggest that the chickpea's adaptive responses to water deprivation are associated with changes in CaDREB2 gene expression. To further elucidate the mechanisms underlying drought tolerance, we propose future research directions that will delve into the molecular interactions and downstream targets of CaDREB2 genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Commercial/chemical pesticides are available to control Fusarium wilt of chickpea, but these antifungals have numerous environmental and human health hazards. Amongst various organic alternatives, use of antagonistic fungi like Trichoderma, is the most promising option. Although, Trichoderma spp. are known to control Fusarium wilt in chickpea but there are no reports that indicate the biocontrol efficacy of indigenous Trichoderma spp. against the local pathogen, in relation to environmental conditions. Methods: In the present study, biological control activity of Trichoderma species formulations viz., Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma harzianum (strain 1), and Trichoderma harzianum (strain 2), either singly or in the form of consortia, was investigated against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, the cause of Fusarium wilt in chickpea, in multiyear pot trials under open field conditions. The antagonistic effect of Trichoderma spp. was first evaluated in in vitro dual culture experiments. Then the effects of Trichoderma as well as F. oxysporum, were investigated on the morphological parameters, disease incidence (DI), and disease severity (DS) of chickpea plants grown in pots. Results: In dual culture experiments, all the Trichoderma species effectively reduced the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum. T. asperellum, T. harzianum (strain 1), and T. harzianum(strain 2) declined the mycelial growth of F. oxysporumby 37.6%, 40%, and 42%. In open field pot trials, the infestation of F. oxysporum in chickpea plants significantly reduced the morphological growth of chickpea. However, the application of T. asperellum, T. harzianum (strain 1), and T. harzianum (strain 2), either singly or in the form of consortia, significantly overcome the deleterious effects of the pathogen, thereby resulted in lower DI (22.2% and 11.1%) and DS (86% and 92%), and ultimately improved the shoot length, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight by 69% and 72%, 67% and 73%, 68% and 75%, during the years 1 and 2, respectively, in comparison with infested control. The present study concludes the usefulness and efficacy of Trichoderma species in controlling wilt disease of chickpea plants under variable weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the applications of fast breeding technologies in crop improvement and functional genomics studies. These technologies, including molecular selection, gene mapping, haploid induction, and genome editing, have greatly expedited the process of modifying crop traits and mapping genes. Examples of these technologies being used include the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to modify crop traits and the development of new haploid inducer lines in various plants. The article also highlights specific research papers on genetic improvement in melon, potato, wheat, rice, and tomato crops using these technologies. Additionally, the document discusses various research papers in the field of plant science, covering topics such as stress tolerance in tomatoes, doubled haploid plants in maize and wheat, and gene exploration in different crops. These papers provide valuable insights into breeding materials, marker development, and the cloning of new genes, contributing to the development of new germplasms and varieties in crops. [Extracted from the article]

Development interventions are commonly piloted by organizations with strong community ties. Reminding beneficiaries that a pilot is being evaluated may prompt them to take costly actions that reflect favorably on the implementer. We test for this form of desirability bias in an evaluation of an unsuccessful agricultural extension pilot that ultimately drove treated farmers away from the target crops. Making the evaluation salient during endline data collection led participants to neutralize this negative treatment effect by altering input purchases and cultivation patterns. Participants’ desire to support implementers can help explain why promising pilot results frequently fail to replicate at scale.

Abstract Background Pigeons (Columba livia) are mainly raised as a source of animal protein, racing, leisure and as an experimental animal. The present study investigated the morphology of the esophagus in the young and adult domestic pigeon, Columba livia domestica. Methods Ten young and ten adult, normal, and healthy pigeons were collected from the local breeders. Samples from different parts of esophagus and crop were examined grossly, by stereomicroscopy, scanning and light microscopy. Results The esophagus consisted of a long cervical part, a crop, and a short thoracic part. The crop was represented by a thin-walled outpouching with two lateral diverticula. The mucosa presented wavy fine folds in the cervical esophagus, irregular folds in the lateral diverticula giving it a corrugated appearance, and prominent longitudinal folds with several gland openings in the middle and lower parts of the crop, as well as in the thoracic esophagus. The density of gland openings was higher in adult pigeons than that in young pigeons. The mucosa of the esophagus was lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The shape, height, and branching of the mucosal folds differed between young and adult pigeons. Mucous-secreting alveoli were detected in the middle part of the crop as well as in the thoracic esophagus, but not in the cervical esophagus or lateral diverticula of the crop. Conclusion The variations between the young and adult pigeons suggest a functional adaptation of adult pigeons to their diet compared to young pigeons.

【Objective】 Soil water is not only a resource to plants but also controls microbial activity and biogeochemical processes which are essential for ecosystem functions. Its spatiotemporal dynamics is controlled by a multitude of biotic and abiotic processes. In this paper, we investigate the response of soil water dynamics to rainfall events in the seasonal drought regions in Southwest China. 【Method】 The study was based on in-situ observations and rainfalls and soil water content measured from April to October 2023 across the region. Using these data, we analyzed the response of soil water content in paddy and corn fields to rainfall events with different intensities. 【Result】 ① Rainfall intensities affected penetration depths of the rainfall water. Rainfall events less than 2 mm/h affected the soil water mainly in the 0-20 cm soil layer, while rainfall events with intensity greater than 2 mm/h but less than 8 mm/h affected soil water in the 0-50 cm soil layer. ② The responses of soil water to rainfall events varied with crops. For the corn and paddy fields, the mean effective recharge efficiency were 0.72%/h and 1.07%/h, the mean effective recharge lag time were 0.88 h and 5.38 h, and the mean regression rates were 0.04%/h and 0.02%/h, respectively, during the experimental period. ③ Compared with the corn fields, the paddy fields were more sensitive to rainfall, probably due to the difference in canopy interception of the crown leaves and water uptake of the roots between the two crops. The initial soil water content also affected the response of soil water to rainfall events. 【Conclusion】 Heavy rainfall events can effectively recharge soil water. Irrigation is needed for both crops during dry periods or periods in which rainfalls were less than 2 mm/h.

Potatoes are crops that have economic value and are rich in benefits because they contain good and relatively beneficial substances. In the production of the Granola L potato variety, tissue culture propagation is used. Many factors affect the growth and development of potato plants, one of which is light. Light is needed by plants to perform photosynthesis, and the photosynthate will be distributed to all parts of the plant through the transport network. The purpose of this research is to see the effect of various light conditions on the growth of Granola L potato explants. The design used is a Completely Randomized Block Design with variance analysis and further testing using Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The treatments used are neon light (1000 lux) (A), room light (250 lux) (B), and no light (C). The variables observed were the number of living explants, plant height, number of leaves, and root length. Observations showed that the number of living explants is strongly influenced by the planting media and the environment, which must be sterile. For the variables of plant height and root length, the highest data were shown by treatment C compared to treatments A and B. This is because the explants experienced etiolation, leading to stem and root elongation. For the number of leaves, the highest data were shown by treatment A, followed by treatment B, and the lowest by treatment C. Therefore, for good growth, Granola L potato explants require light.

Abstract Global crop production is severely affected by environmental factors such as drought, salinity, cold, flood etc. Among these stresses, drought is one of the major abiotic stresses reducing crop productivity. It is expected that drought conditions will further increase because of the increasing global temperature. In general, viruses are seen as a pathogen affecting the crop productivity. However, several researches are showing that viruses can induce drought tolerance in plants. This review explores the mechanisms underlying the interplay between viral infections and the drought response mechanisms in plants. We tried to address the molecular pathways and physiological changes induced by viruses that confer drought tolerance, including alterations in hormone signaling, antioxidant defenses, scavenging the reactive oxygen species, role of RNA silencing and miRNA pathway, change in the expression of several genes including heat shock proteins, cellulose synthase etc. Furthermore, we discuss various viruses implicated in providing drought tolerance and examine the range of plant species exhibiting this phenomenon. By applying current knowledge and identifying gaps in understanding, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of virus-induced drought tolerance in plants, paving the way for future research directions and practical applications in sustainable agriculture.

Lysimeters have been used to obtain accurate information for developing calibrating, and validating crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficients for many plants and crops. Lysimeters are also an unique equipment for studying the transport of solutes when saline waters are used, and therefore, for assessing alkalization and salinization hazards. Three main types of lysimeters are used: constatnt water-table lysimeters, drainage lysimeters, and weighing lysimeters. The weighing lysimeters provide scientist the basic information for research related to the evapotranspiration, and they are commonly divided into two types, continuous weighing and intermittent weighing. Lysimeters are foremost devices, typically tanks or containers, that define a specific boundary to contain soil water and permit measurement of either the soil-water balance or the volume of water percolating vertically and its quality. The limitations are expense which depends on design, variable experimental conditions such as climatic/environmental factors which are usually not controlled, the spatial variability is normally less, they are not appropriate for every plant species and even every soil type. The main goal of lysimeter is defining the crop coefficient (Kc) which used to convert Etr to equivalent crop ET (Etc) values, and determining agronomical parameters of crops which are planted on the field of lysimeter. All weather data like air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and potential evaporation should be obtained onsite, and the frequency and time of measurements should be at least daily. For crop products, the management such as fertilization, sowing tillage, seed bed preparation, and harvest of the lysimeter including its surrounding area is carried out on the basis of good agricultural practice. it may be required to complement natural precipitation by irrigation. The main purpose of this literature review is to give a brief summary about lysimeters, and survey the impacts of lysimeter studies and crops production. The information provides is obtained from randomized control experiments, review articles, and analytical studies and observations which were gathered from numerous literature sources such as Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar,and Science Direct.

Pineapple, a popular tropical fruit with diverse culinary and health applications, has gained significant attention due to its economic importance, health benefits, and scientific exploration. Abiotic stress has been shown to have detrimental effects on physiological aspects of pineapple, such as photosynthesis rate and internal browning. However, physical and physiological parameters are inadequate in providing accurate assessment, early detection, and enabling marker-assisted breeding for pineapple under abiotic stress. Genetic markers provide valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and stress tolerance, enabling the identification of key genes and pathways involved. The aim of this review was to discuss the potential of genetic markers as a reliable tool for studying abiotic stress in pineapple. It focuses on genes involved in stress response and their utility as genetic markers, while also discussing physiological changes. The responsiveness of several gene families, including CPK, CBL, CYS, Dof, TALE, SBP, WRKY, ZIP, R2R3-MYB, and DREB, to abiotic stress has been known before. Therefore, harnessing the potential of these genes can yield valuable insights for comprehending and effectively managing abiotic stress in pineapple. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic response to abiotic stress in pineapple is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and developing stress-resistant varieties.

Abstract Environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals pose significant obstacles to achieving sustainable food security, necessitating the development of universally applicable and cost-effective solutions to ameliorate soil under stress. Biochar, an eco-friendly material to increase crop yield, has been researched for almost two decades and has great potential for global use in enhancing stress resistance. However, there hasn't been comprehensive research on the impact of biochar application on soil properties, and root and crop growth. To optimize and promote biochar application in agriculture under stress, this study integrates over 100 peer-reviewed articles to explain how biochar promotes crop growth by enhancing soil resistance to stress. Biochar's distinctive properties, such as porous structure, alkaline nature, enriched surface functional groups, and nutrient content, are responsible for the following soil environment benefits: improved soil physiochemical properties, increased nutrient cycling, and boosted microbial growth. Moreover, the research emphasizes that the enhanced stress resistance of biochar optimizes nutrient absorption, alleviates soil pollutants, and thereby enhances overall crop productivity. The study discusses the roles and mechanisms of biochar on soil under stress, as well as the challenges linked to the sustainable and economical implementation of biochar in extreme soil conditions. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the widespread and cost-effective use of biochar in improving soil under stresses, thereby enhancing soil health and food security. Graphical Abstract

China’s crop structure has undergone significant changes in the last two decades since 2000, with an increase in the share of cereals, vegetables, and fruit, squeezing out other crops. As a result, land productivity, nutrient supply, and carbon emissions have changed. How to reallocate limited farmland among crops to achieve the multiple goals of agrifood systems becomes an important issue. This study explores the sources of land productivity and nutrition supply growth and carbon emissions reduction, and identifies the multiple roles of crop structural change from 2003 to 2020 based on a decomposition analysis. The results reveal that the growth within crops is still the primary driver in land productivity and nutrition supply and the reduction in carbon emissions. However, structural change also plays various roles at different periods. From 2003 to 2010, crop structural change increased the total calorie supply but lowered land productivity and contributed at least 70% of the total growth of carbon emissions. The crop structure was relatively stable, and their effects were modest from 2010 to 2015. From 2015 to 2020, the crop structural change began to play a greater role and generate synergistic effects in improving land productivity, micronutrient supply, and reducing carbon emissions, contributing to approximately a quarter of the growth of land productivity and 30% of total carbon emissions reduction. These results suggest that strategies for crop structural change should comprehensively consider its multiple impacts, aiming to achieve co-benefits while minimizing trade-offs.

Brazil, as a global player in soybean production, contributes about 35% to the world's supply and over half of its agricultural exports. Therefore, reliable information about its development becomes imperative to those who follow the market. Thus, this study estimates three phenological stages of soybean crops (sowing, beginning seed, and harvesting dates), identifying spatial–temporal patterns of soybean phenology using phenological metric extraction techniques from Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time-series data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor. Focused on the state of Paraná, this study validates the methodology using reference data from the Department of Rural Economics (DERAL). Subsequently, the model was applied to the major Brazilian soybean area cultivation. The results demonstrate strong agreement between the phenological estimates and reference data, showcasing the reliability of phenological metrics in capturing the stages of the soybean cycle. This study represents the first attempt, to the best of our knowledge, to correlate the vegetative peak of soybeans with the beginning seed stage at a large scale within Brazilian territory. Amidst the urgent need for the accurate estimation of agricultural crop phenological stages, particularly considering extreme weather events threatening global food security, this research emphasizes the continual importance of advancing techniques for soybean monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article comments on: Turc B, Sahay S, Haupt J, de Oliveira Santos T, Bai G, Glowacka K. 2024. Up-regulation of non-photochemical quenching improves water use efficiency and reduces whole-plant water consumption under drought in Nicotiana tabacum. Journal of Experimental Botany 75, 3959–3972. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global crop production is severely affected by environmental factors such as drought, salinity, cold, flood etc. Among these stresses, drought is one of the major abiotic stresses reducing crop productivity. It is expected that drought conditions will further increase because of the increasing global temperature. In general, viruses are seen as a pathogen affecting the crop productivity. However, several researches are showing that viruses can induce drought tolerance in plants. This review explores the mechanisms underlying the interplay between viral infections and the drought response mechanisms in plants. We tried to address the molecular pathways and physiological changes induced by viruses that confer drought tolerance, including alterations in hormone signaling, antioxidant defenses, scavenging the reactive oxygen species, role of RNA silencing and miRNA pathway, change in the expression of several genes including heat shock proteins, cellulose synthase etc. Furthermore, we discuss various viruses implicated in providing drought tolerance and examine the range of plant species exhibiting this phenomenon. By applying current knowledge and identifying gaps in understanding, this review aims to provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of virus-induced drought tolerance in plants, paving the way for future research directions and practical applications in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better promote the research and development of regional crop yield simulations, we review related research on regional crop yield simulations over the past ten years, summarize the research progress on regional crop yield simulations at home and abroad from the three aspects of crop growth models, remote sensing technology, and data assimilation technology, and propose three future development directions for regional crop yield simulations: (1) Based on the agronomic mechanism of crop yield estimation, it is necessary to fully consider crop growth characteristics and yield formation mechanisms. (2) With respect to the remote sensing mechanism of crop yield estimation, we can consider combining radar stereo lateral view measurement technology to determine crop characteristics and remote sensing information. (3) From the perspective of combining agronomy and remote sensing, the crop yield spatiotemporal simulation assimilation algorithm should be optimized, and the yield simulation unit should be extended. It is expected that these considerations can provide new ideas for regional crop yield simulations with high accuracy, a large scale, and full coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intent detection and slot filling have been two of the most vital tasks to question the crop diseases and pests using knowledge graph. Among them, intent detection is to determine the user's intention or purpose from the text entered by the user in the crop pest field. Slot filling is to identify and extract specific information from the user's text, especially for the slot, for example, "what is the control of tomato bacterial wilt?". The task identifies the semantic slot "tomato bacterial wilt" (head entity) and the intention "control " (relation) to form a triple (tomato bacterial wilt, control, -). Where"-" represents the semantic slot and the intention to find the answer from the knowledge graph. A graph convolution encoder has been proposed to capture the spatiotemporal semantic features of conversation discourse in recent years, in order to learn the co-occurrence relationship between intention detection and slot filling. The slot decoding context has improved the accuracy of intention detection. In turn, the target of intention detection can be optimized to further improve the performance of slot filling. The best performance has been achieved in the experiments on public data sets. Sub word attention adapter (SAA) has also been used to effectively extract the context features from complex tags, and then retain the overall discourse information. In addition, an intention attention adapter (IAA) has been proposed to obtain the comprehensive sentence features, in order to predict the users’ intention. In experiments, the knowledge question and answer have been focused mainly on the pipeline in the existing agricultural research. The named entity recognition has been firstly used to identify the head entity in the question. The text classification can be then used to classify the question for the intention. However, such a pipeline can be vulnerable to error propagation that caused by word segmentation errors. It is very necessary to make full use of the correlation between intent detection and slot filling in the agricultural field. In this study, a joint model of intent detection and slot filling was proposed to fully utilize the semantic information using CNN-Transformer (CDPCT-IDSF). According to the semantic complexity of crop pest text, the CNN network and multi-layer Transformer were designed to emphasize the local useful information. The semantic loss was alleviated to introduce the alignment guarantee one-to-one relationship between input and output in the Transformer decoder. As such, the model was improved to identify the correct slot labels. In addition, a question-and-answer dataset was constructed for the agricultural pest knowledge, including 20 intention categories, 12 slot categories, and 11242 labeled samples. Comparative experiments show that the slot-filling F1 value of the CDPCT-IDSF model on the corpus was 94.36%, the intent detection accuracy was 92.99%, and the overall recognition accuracy was 87.23%, which was better than other comparison models. The improved model was also performed better for the intent detection and slot filling in crop diseases and pests. The finding can provide the theoretical support to knowledge question and answer research on crop diseases and pests. Moreover, the experiments were also carried out on two public datasets. CDPCT-IDSF was also suitable for English corpus scenarios. On ATIS datasets, the slot filling F1 value was 95.43%, intent detection accuracy was 97.95%, and overall recognition accuracy was 87.68%. On SNIPS datasets, the slot filling F1 value, intent detection accuracy and overall recognition accuracy of CDPCT-IDSF were 95.70%, 98.57% and 89.96%, respectively. At the same time, the better generalization and robustness were achieved in the rest corpus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop diseases pose significant threats to agriculture, impacting crop production. Biotic factors contribute to various diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Recent advancements in deep learning present a novel approach to the detection and recognition of these crop diseases. While considerable research has focused on identifying and recognizing crop diseases, fungal disease-affected crops have received relatively less attention and also detecting disease on different region datasets. This paper is about spotting fungal diseases in crops across different regions with diverse climates. It emphasizes the need for tailored detection methods, addressing the risk of mycotoxin production by fungi, which can harm both humans and animals. Detecting fungal diseases in apple, guava, and custard apple crops such as spot, scab, rust, rot, leaf spot, and insect ate. In the proposed work, the modified ResNeXt variant of the convolution neural network (CNN) technique was employed to predict 3 major crop classes of fungal disease. Initially, using Inception-v7 and ResNet for fungal disease in crops did not yield satisfactory results. A modified ResNeXt CNN model was proposed, showing improved fungal disease prediction. The novel model underwent a comparison with established methodologies. The suggested model draws upon a benchmark dataset consisting of 14,408 images capturing fungal diseases, categorized into three distinct classes: apple, custard apple, and guava. Experimental outcomes show that the proposed mutated ResNeXt model outperformed the state-of-the-art approaches. The model achieved 98.92% accuracy and high performance across recall, precision, and F1-score (above 99%) for the benchmark dataset, which gained encouragement and was comparable with the state-of-the-art approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is one of the most critical threats to crop productivity and global food security. This review addresses the multiple effects of drought on the process of photosynthesis in major food crops. Affecting both light-dependent and light-independent reactions, drought leads to severe damage to photosystems and blocks the electron transport chain. Plants face a CO2 shortage provoked by stomatal closure, which triggers photorespiration; not only does it reduce carbon fixation efficiency, but it also causes lower overall photosynthetic output. Drought-induced oxidative stress generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage cellular structures, including chloroplasts, further impairing photosynthetic productivity. Plants have evolved a variety of adaptive strategies to alleviate these effects. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) mechanisms help dissipate excess light energy as heat, protecting the photosynthetic apparatus under drought conditions. Alternative electron pathways, such as cyclical electron transmission and chloroplast respiration, maintain energy balance and prevent over-reduction of the electron transport chain. Hormones, especially abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene, and cytokinin, modulate stomatal conductance, chlorophyll content, and osmotic adjustment, further increasing the tolerance to drought. Structural adjustments, such as leaf reordering and altered root architecture, also strengthen tolerance. Understanding these complex interactions and adaptive strategies is essential for developing drought-resistant crop varieties and ensuring agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed inoculation with symbiotic bacteria is a commonly employed practice in soybean cultivation. As a result, nodulation proceeds properly and plants self-supply atmospheric nitrogen, requiring either minimal or no additional nitrogen fertilization. The aim of the study was to investigate the response of soybeans to the application of the recommended or double dose of commercial inoculants (HiStick® Soy or TURBOSOY®) and/or mineral nitrogen fertilization compared to the untreated control. It was demonstrated that a double dose of the tested preparations had the most favorable effect on nodulation. However, the impact of weather conditions modified their effectiveness during the study years, which was especially visible in 2022. Sowing seeds without inoculation (control) resulted in the formation of sparse root nodules and consequently the lowest leaf area index (LAI) and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) measurements. In addition, the values of SPAD and LAI indices varied across the years of the study, indicating that weather conditions modified nitrogen uptake by plants. Overall, seed inoculation and/or nitrogen fertilization positively influenced the chemical composition of seeds compared to the control. The only decrease observed was in the oil content, while the double dose of HiStick® Soy preparation reduced the polyphenol content. The double dose of the tested inoculants had the most favorable impact on yield components and seed yield. However, applying inoculation at the recommended dose or in combination with nitrogen fertilization yielded similar or slightly worse results, depending on the year. Therefore, soybean seed inoculation should be recommended, although the effectiveness of the procedure will depend on various factors, including the type of inoculant, dosage, nitrogen fertilization, and weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Journal of Irrigation & Drainage Editorial Office 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.)

In this study, we investigated the genetic mapping of root biomass and root/shoot ratio. We utilized a large (n = 345) bi‐parental recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from the 'Penny' × 'Yecora‐Rojo' cross to investigate the partitioning of biomass above‐ and belowground and to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) that influence root biomass and root/shoot ratio. Genotyping of 345 RILs by using genotyping by sequencing produced 2918 single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers by which a genome‐wide map of 3507 cM was constructed. Phenotyping was conducted in an augmented design with large pots in controlled environment. We identified two significant QTL regions, QRt.peye‐5A and QRt.peye‐5B, which control root biomass and the root/shoot ratio. QRt.peye‐5A, marking a 3.15 Mbp region on chromosome 5A, explained 11% of variations in root biomass and 9.5% of variations in root/shoot ratio, with the narrow region harbouring 28 genes. QRt.peye‐5B, marking a 12.2 Mbp region on chromosome 5B, explained 7% of variations in root/shoot ratio and harbours 104 genes. The root/shoot ratio enhancing alleles at QRt.peye‐5A and QRt.peye‐5B come from 'Penny' and 'Yecora‐Rojo' respectively. These QTL regions contains genes such as the two MADS box transcription factors on the 5A QTL that are candidate genes for Vrn1 locus, and other genes previously postulated for root traits such as a COBRA‐like COBL2 and landmark hormonal responses genes such as IAA16, IAA4 and BRI1, DREB2A‐INTERACTING PROTEIN2 (DRIP2) and bHLH92 which has a role in amelioration of stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouses were known for their benefits in creating a stable and warm environment for plants to grow healthy. Meanwhile, air ventilation as well as optimal roof height of greenhouses is not well established in the literature as they are chosen based on only few experiences. As a remedy to this problem, the present work builds new correlations relating the roof height and the air velocity of ventilation on the temperature and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) thereby allowing a better control of these parameters for an optimal crop production. To achieve this goal, the study utilizes an experimental setup and a numerical model. The numerical model considers various elements, such as polyethylene, air, crops, and soil in combination, to evaluate their impact on the indoor climate. This paper presents a detailed analysis of how the greenhouse height ratio, designed as 'k,' can directly affect the microclimate within a polyethylene greenhouse, using a combination of numerical and experimental data. The study establishes strong correlations to capture the variations resulting from changes in the greenhouse height. In fact, a series of numerical simulations were conducted to assess the inlet velocities and height ratio on indoor temperature, velocity, and VPD. The comparative analysis reveals that the optimal conditions for the plant are only achieved in the lower part of the greenhouse for all considered greenhouse heights, where VPD = 2.2 for k = 1 and VPD = 1.8 for k = 4. Therefore, this study illuminates the impact of greenhouse height on greenhouse climates and underscores the significance of precise modeling and control to enhance agricultural practices in Tunisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted in the agricultural fields of mustard of Haridwar district, Uttarakhand, India, where a heavy population of Zeldia was recovered. The morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic characterization confirmed the nematode as Zeldia punctata. The phylogenetic analysis based on 18 and 28S rDNA placed the studied population of Z. punctata close to other populations of the same species. The principal component analysis (PCA) data revealed the high intraspecific and interspecific variations between the populations of Zeldia punctata from different geographical regions. The result indicated a variation between the Indian populations of Z. punctata. Additionally, the selected ecological factors indicated an impact of EC, temperature, and phosphorus on Z. punctata during the flowering and podding time of mustard crops in India. However, the PCA revealed no effect of ecological factors on the nematode diversity indices. In conclusion, Z. punctata, with its high individual numbers on mustard, may affect crop production due to activating the bacterial community of the soil and less space for plant-parasitic nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contributing to the growing interest in understanding the impact of farmer cooperatives on rural household welfare, we add new empirical evidence to the current literature and debate. In particular, this study investigates the impact of farmer cooperatives on sales per hectare of land and crop diversification, which have been largely overlooked. We apply the Propensity Score Matching method to the Cambodia Inter-Censal Agricultural Survey 2019, with its large sample size of 16,000 small-scale producers. Additionally, we perform a robustness check to ensure our findings are unbiased. Results indicate that Cambodian farmers perceive the cooperatives as a risk-sharing mechanism or knowledge-sharing platform that provides technical know-how to cope with natural calamities. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) outputs show a significantly positive impact of participating in the cooperatives on sales and the crop diversification index. This study thus advocates increasing technical support and implementing policies by the government to help cooperatives thrive and expand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of the use of a diet containing 30% triticale grain. In an experiment lasting 28 days, 180 one-day Ross-308 chickens (sex ratio 1:1) with an average initial body weight in treatment of 44.6 g were randomly assigned to 30 metabolic cages/replications, 6 birds in each. To compare the results between treatments, a one-way ANOVA was used with uneven replication numbers. The control group (I) received a standard diet containing maize and soybean meal. In the other treatments, 30% of different cereals were used: II—wheat, III—barley, and IV—triticale. Significant differences in body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed on the 4th day of the life of broiler chickens (p < 0.05). Differences were determined between the control group (90.7 g BW and 1.32 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and birds receiving barley (93.0 g BW and 1.29 kg of feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR), compared to chickens fed diets with a 30% share of wheat grain (86.2 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR) and triticale (86.6 g BW and 1.53 kg feed/kg BWG in the case of FCR). Later, the differences in performance of birds between treatments did not occur (p > 0.05). In the nutrition of broiler chickens, control or 30% of the triticale diet caused a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of the number of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the crop of broiler chickens (0 log cfu/g), compared to birds obtaining feed with 30% of wheat (1.78 log cfu/g). The diet containing triticale also reduced the number of E. coli (p < 0.05) within the ileum (0.78 log cfu/g) compared to chickens obtaining barley grain in the diet (2.12 log cfu/g). As a result of the use of triticale grain (p < 0.05), the total length of the bird intestines (199.64 cm) was compared to 30% of barley grain (209.76 cm). The increase in the length of the large intestine of broiler chickens in treatments was positively correlated (r = 0.613, p < 0.05) with the number of Lactobacillus sp. in the ileum. Triticale increased the pH in the crop of broilers chickens. The research results indicate that triticale, after longer storage, can be used in amounts of 30% of the diet without significant effect on the performance of broiler chickens, with a reduction in E. coli in crop in comparison with wheat and in ileum with barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-derived smoke is known as a potent agent to promote plant growth at different developmental stages. The application of plant-derived smoke elicits germination and post-germination stages of plant species. On the other hand, abiotic stresses, such as salinity, heavy metals, and flooding, are known to weaken plant growth and development. Abiotic stresses have negative effects on growth attributes of crops, such as maize, rice, wheat, and soybean. The positive/alleviating effect of plant-derived smoke solution was observed at morphological, physiological, and molecular levels of plant under abiotic stresses. Presently, the role of plant-derived smoke in alleviation of various stresses including salt, heavy metal, temperature, and flooding stress has been comprehended and the mechanism of alleviation via regulation of cellular activities at molecular level has been discussed. The amelioration of negative effects of abiotic stresses by plant-derived smoke involves the regulation of stress-related genes that provokes the antioxidant system of plants, activating cell wall proteins and metabolic pathways that might block the uptake of salt/heavy metal ions through plant roots. This review might provide an in-depth role of plant-derived smoke to exploit new avenues enabling plants to cope with abiotic stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric dryness (i.e., high vapor pressure deficit, VPD), together with soil moisture stress, limits plant photosynthesis and threatens ecosystem functioning. Regions where rainfall and soil moisture are relatively sufficient, such as the rainfed part of the U.S. Corn Belt, are especially prone to high VPD stress. With globally projected rising VPD under climate change, it is crucial to understand, simulate, and manage its negative impacts on agricultural ecosystems. However, most existing models simulating crop response to VPD are highly empirical and insufficient in capturing plant response to high VPD, and improved modeling approaches are urgently required. In this study, by leveraging recent advances in plant hydraulic theory, we demonstrate that the VPD constraints in the widely used coupled photosynthesis‐stomatal conductance models alone are inadequate to fully capture VPD stress effects. Incorporating plant xylem hydraulic transport significantly improves the simulation of transpiration under high VPD, even when soil moisture is sufficient. Our results indicate that the limited water transport capability from the plant root to the leaf stoma could be a major mechanism of plant response to high VPD stress. We then introduce a Demand‐side Hydraulic Limitation Factor (DHLF) that simplifies the xylem and the leaf segments of the plant hydraulic model to only one parameter yet captures the effect of plant hydraulic transport on transpiration response to high VPD with similar accuracy. We expect the improved understanding and modeling of crop response to high VPD to help contribute to better management and adaptation of agricultural systems in a changing climate. Key Points: Coupled photosynthesis‐stomatal conductance models alone underestimate vapor pressure deficit (VPD) stress effects on crop stomatal conductance and transpirationLimited plant hydraulic transport capability could play a role in plant response to high VPDA simplified representation of plant hydraulic model for capturing VPD stress on plants is proposed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil quality is crucial for the fulfilment of food requirement of huge population of developing countries like India. The goal of the current investigation was to assess the impact of crop harvesting on soil with special reference to paddy crop. To meet the study's goals, fifteen locations were chosen from Mul tehsil in Chandrapur District (M.S.), India. The study used a systematic sampling and samples were chosen grid-wise based on how the population cluster used the rice that was grown. During the study, numerous markers connected with soil quality were inspected, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, water holding (WH), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron, and natural carbon (OC). The results obtained indicate that the soil of the study area was saline at more than 75% of the sampling sites. Greater soil fertility is found at more than 81% of the sites as indicated by OC values. The soil was observed from acidic to alkaline in nature. The soil's suitability for paddy crops is also indicated by the levels of iron, zinc, copper, and nitrogen. Most of the physical characteristics and micronutrient content dropped after the harvesting of rice crop except copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pineapple, a popular tropical fruit with diverse culinary and health applications, has gained significant attention due to its economic importance, health benefits, and scientific exploration. Abiotic stress has been shown to have detrimental effects on physiological aspects of pineapple, such as photosynthesis rate and internal browning. However, physical and physiological parameters are inadequate in providing accurate assessment, early detection, and enabling marker-assisted breeding for pineapple under abiotic stress. Genetic markers provide valuable insights into plant defense mechanisms and stress tolerance, enabling the identification of key genes and pathways involved. The aim of this review was to discuss the potential of genetic markers as a reliable tool for studying abiotic stress in pineapple. It focuses on genes involved in stress response and their utility as genetic markers, while also discussing physiological changes. The responsiveness of several gene families, including CPK, CBL, CYS, Dof, TALE, SBP, WRKY, ZIP, R2R3-MYB, and DREB, to abiotic stress has been known before. Therefore, harnessing the potential of these genes can yield valuable insights for comprehending and effectively managing abiotic stress in pineapple. A comprehensive understanding of the genetic response to abiotic stress in pineapple is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and developing stress-resistant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Experimental Technology & Management is the property of Experimental Technology & Management Editorial Office 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.)

Environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals pose significant obstacles to achieving sustainable food security, necessitating the development of universally applicable and cost-effective solutions to ameliorate soil under stress. Biochar, an eco-friendly material to increase crop yield, has been researched for almost two decades and has great potential for global use in enhancing stress resistance. However, there hasn't been comprehensive research on the impact of biochar application on soil properties, and root and crop growth. To optimize and promote biochar application in agriculture under stress, this study integrates over 100 peer-reviewed articles to explain how biochar promotes crop growth by enhancing soil resistance to stress. Biochar's distinctive properties, such as porous structure, alkaline nature, enriched surface functional groups, and nutrient content, are responsible for the following soil environment benefits: improved soil physiochemical properties, increased nutrient cycling, and boosted microbial growth. Moreover, the research emphasizes that the enhanced stress resistance of biochar optimizes nutrient absorption, alleviates soil pollutants, and thereby enhances overall crop productivity. The study discusses the roles and mechanisms of biochar on soil under stress, as well as the challenges linked to the sustainable and economical implementation of biochar in extreme soil conditions. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for the widespread and cost-effective use of biochar in improving soil under stresses, thereby enhancing soil health and food security. Highlights: Biochar's physicochemical properties help with stress resilience. Biochar's effect on multiple stresses mitigation promotes soil nutrients circulating. Biochar provides virtuous cycles for crop stress resistance and root growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the mechanisms by which wild bees survive in modified landscapes is important for their conservation and management as pollinators. Pollen is a critical resource for the completion of bee life cycles, so we investigated how the pollen loads carried by native bee communities change between natural forests and farms dominated by exotic crops and weeds in an agricultural region of south‐east Australia.We found that individual bees tended to carry higher proportions of exotic pollen on farms compared with forests (after accounting for whether they were captured on exotic or native flowers), and the diversity of pollen carried by bees did not differ significantly between native forest and farm sites or along native forest cover gradients. This suggests that the native bees found on farms, which are predominantly different species compared with those found in native forests, are not disadvantaged by the dominance of exotic plants in these habitats (though impacts on larval nutrition were not investigated).While some native bees carried crop pollen, others almost exclusively carried the pollen of agricultural weeds (e.g., Arctotheca and Brassica species), such that some native bee species may pollinate and benefit from crops, whereas others may only persist on farms if agricultural weeds are tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the adverse effects of climate change-induced frequent extreme disasters on agricultural production and supply stability, this study develops a comprehensive agricultural disaster prevention system based on current adaptation strategies for mitigating agricultural meteorological disasters. The primary goal is to enhance disaster preparedness and recovery through three core platforms: a fine-scale weather forecast service system, a crop disaster early warning system, and an agricultural information service platform for disasters. The results show that every major agricultural production township in Taiwan now has dedicated agricultural weather stations and access to refined weather forecasts. Additionally, a disaster prevention calendar for 76 important crops is established, integrating cultivation management practices and critical disaster thresholds for different growth periods. Utilizing this calendar, the crop disaster early warning system can provide timely disaster-related information and pre-disaster prevention assistance to farmers through various information dissemination tools. As a disaster approaches, the agricultural information service platform for disasters provides updates on current crop growth conditions. This service not only pinpoints areas at higher risk of disasters and vulnerable crop types but also offers mitigation suggestions to prevent potential damage. Administrative efficiency is then improved with a response mechanism incorporating drones and image analysis for early disaster detection and rapid response. In summary, the collaborative efforts outlined in this study demonstrate a proactive approach to agricultural disaster prevention. By leveraging technological advancements and interdisciplinary cooperation, the aim is to safeguard agricultural livelihoods and ensure food security in the face of climate-induced challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focused on the histogenesis of the crop in quail embryos. The developmental sequence was recorded from day 10 of incubation to the hatching day (17th day) by gross anatomy, morphometric analysis and by using light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Grossly, the crop was distinguished as an enlarged pouch of the cervical oesophagus on the 12th day of incubation. Histologically, the development of the crop began on the 10th day of incubation. The muscularis mucosae was observed as a small, thin layer of myoblast cells on the 10th day, then it appeared as longitudinally arranged smooth muscle fibres with progression of the developmental age till hatching day. The submucosal layer was also observed on the 10th day, while the lamina propria, muscular layer (inner circular and outer longitudinal layers of smooth muscle fibre) and glandular primordia were detected on the 12th day. The epithelial cells of crop revealed affinity for PAS stain and AB‐PAS on the 10th day of incubation till the 17th day, while the affinity for AB stain appeared on the 14th day of incubation. Additionally, the glandular cells showed the positive for AB, PAS and AB‐PAS on the 12th day of incubation. SEM sections showed variable sizes of the openings of the oesophageal glands. In conclusion, the present study provided a detailed overview of the histogenesis of the crop in quail embryos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]