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The increase in the frequency and magnitude of environmental stresses poses a significant risk to the stability of food supplies. In coastal areas of the Mediterranean, brackish water has long been considered a limitation on horticultural production. In this scenario, the use of biochar in agriculture could be considered a valuable tool to cope with the deleterious effects of salt stress. This work aimed to investigate, in a protected environment, the effects of different concentrations of biochar (0, 1, and 2% v/v) obtained from poplar (Populus L.) biomass on the yield and quality of dwarf San Marzano ecotype tomatoes irrigated with saline water at different concentrations of NaCl (0, 40 and 80 mM). The increase in salt concentration from 0 to 80 mM NaCl reduced the total yield (−63%) and the number of fruits (−25%), but improved the main quality parameters such as dry matter (+75%), total soluble solids (+56%), and polyphenol content (+43%). Compared to control conditions, biochar supplementation improved the total yield (+23%) and number of fruits (+26%) without altering the functional and organoleptic characteristics of the fruits. The promising results underscore the potential of biochar as a sustainable solution to amend soils in order to improve tomato production under unfavorable conditions such as high salinity. However, there is a need to clarify which adaptation mechanisms triggered by biochar amending improve production responses even and especially under suboptimal growing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchids comprise one of the largest, most diverse, and most broadly distributed families of flowering plants and contribute significantly to habitat biodiversity. One key aspect of orchid growth and development is the formation of mycorrhizal symbioses with compatible endophytic fungi, which are maintained throughout the life of the plant. Substantial efforts to identify the fungi that form mycorrhizal symbioses across a range of orchid species have often also uncovered numerous nonmycorrhizal, endophytic fungi. These fungi could also have significant effects on orchid growth and development and are beginning to be analyzed more closely, particularly in wild species. The role of endophytic fungi in the production, distribution, and continued growth by the hobbyist of orchids is not known. As an initial step toward characterizing nonmycorrhizal endophytic fungi associated with cultivated orchids, we undertook a survey of fungi residing within roots of Phalaenopsis plants growing in home environments. Sequence analysis of ITS regions amplified from total DNA isolated from roots allowed rapid identification of endophytic fungi to the class level and may offer a useful initial screening method for beneficial species, for example, in horticultural settings. ITS‐PCR sequences subsequently obtained from individual fungi cultured from surface‐sterilized orchid roots corroborated the findings of the initial screen, while also providing a more complete characterization of the array of fungal taxa that were present. Although lower in diversity than has been reported for orchids growing in the wild, these endophytes have the potential to substantially enhance the growth and disease resistance of horticultural orchids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Belgium, the mandatory inspection of field crop, orchard and vineyard sprayers was already started up in 1995. Furthermore the inspection of horticultural/ornamental sprayers, soil-disinfection machines and fogging equipment was implemented respectively in 2011, 2014 and 2023 (Figure 1). So Belgium can look back on more than 28 years of experience with the inspection of sprayers (Declercq et al., 2009 and Declercq et al., 2018). At the end of the eighties, the execution of voluntary inspections was started up to gain the necessary experience. It soon became clear that a number of thoughtful choices had to be made at the start of the mandatory inspections. In order to guarantee the impartiality, professionalism and efficiency of the inspections, a centralized organization and implementation by region was chosen. Furthermore, the analytical inspection method (mainly based on pressure and nozzle flowrate measurements) was chosen because of the mobility of the test equipment that could be used. The benefits of the Belgian system are obvious. There are only ten experienced inspectors and two regional contact points for the inspection of all Belgian sprayers, and the inspections are carried out efficiently and at a fair price. The two regional Belgian inspection services are also accredited according to ISO17020, guaranteeing the highest quality standard of the inspections that are carried out. Until now, all horticultural and ornamental sprayers (ISO 16122-4) have been inspected four times (three year cycle). The inspections were started up with a “light” inspection protocol, and the protocol was adapted throughout the different cycles based on the experiences from the inspection services. The “light” start-up protocol allowed owners to gradually adapt their sprayers to the inspection requirements or -if necessary- replace their existing sprayer. This paper presents the actual inspection results from the horticultural and ornamental pesticide application equipment and the evolution of the defects throughout the different inspection cycles. Furthermore some obstacles that were encountered and solved will be discussed. Finally, there is still some PAE that is hard to inspect completely due to its specific usage or construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the frequency and magnitude of environmental stresses poses a significant risk to the stability of food supplies. In coastal areas of the Mediterranean, brackish water has long been considered a limitation on horticultural production. In this scenario, the use of biochar in agriculture could be considered a valuable tool to cope with the deleterious effects of salt stress. This work aimed to investigate, in a protected environment, the effects of different concentrations of biochar (0, 1, and 2% v/v) obtained from poplar (Populus L.) biomass on the yield and quality of dwarf San Marzano ecotype tomatoes irrigated with saline water at different concentrations of NaCl (0, 40 and 80 mM). The increase in salt concentration from 0 to 80 mM NaCl reduced the total yield (−63%) and the number of fruits (−25%), but improved the main quality parameters such as dry matter (+75%), total soluble solids (+56%), and polyphenol content (+43%). Compared to control conditions, biochar supplementation improved the total yield (+23%) and number of fruits (+26%) without altering the functional and organoleptic characteristics of the fruits. The promising results underscore the potential of biochar as a sustainable solution to amend soils in order to improve tomato production under unfavorable conditions such as high salinity. However, there is a need to clarify which adaptation mechanisms triggered by biochar amending improve production responses even and especially under suboptimal growing conditions.

Horticultural plant products are daily-consumed need. These plants have developed with various cultivation techniques, i.e the selection of fertilization type. In additional to anorganic synthetic fertilizer, farmers also use the organic fertilizers in their farm. In the digital 4.0 era, information about agricultural cultivation are available in various media, such as via cell phones. Sipindo Apps is one of the specific location-based for agricultural application. The cultivation information of certain crops in Sipindo application can be used to implement sustainable land management. The aim of this activity is to disseminate the information about sustainable land management and the use of the Sipindo application to the community, students, farmers, and practitioners. This activity was delivered through structured training and field practices. The results obtained from this activity are increase participants’ ability related to making organic fertilizers and understanding sustainable land management, and participants are able to understand about the Sipindo and the use of fertilizer information contained in the application. In detail, 69% participants were able to well-understand the training material. Based on the benefit aspect, 70% of participants stated that the training was very useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Orchids comprise one of the largest, most diverse, and most broadly distributed families of flowering plants and contribute significantly to habitat biodiversity. One key aspect of orchid growth and development is the formation of mycorrhizal symbioses with compatible endophytic fungi, which are maintained throughout the life of the plant. Substantial efforts to identify the fungi that form mycorrhizal symbioses across a range of orchid species have often also uncovered numerous nonmycorrhizal, endophytic fungi. These fungi could also have significant effects on orchid growth and development and are beginning to be analyzed more closely, particularly in wild species. The role of endophytic fungi in the production, distribution, and continued growth by the hobbyist of orchids is not known. As an initial step toward characterizing nonmycorrhizal endophytic fungi associated with cultivated orchids, we undertook a survey of fungi residing within roots of Phalaenopsis plants growing in home environments. Sequence analysis of ITS regions amplified from total DNA isolated from roots allowed rapid identification of endophytic fungi to the class level and may offer a useful initial screening method for beneficial species, for example, in horticultural settings. ITS‐PCR sequences subsequently obtained from individual fungi cultured from surface‐sterilized orchid roots corroborated the findings of the initial screen, while also providing a more complete characterization of the array of fungal taxa that were present. Although lower in diversity than has been reported for orchids growing in the wild, these endophytes have the potential to substantially enhance the growth and disease resistance of horticultural orchids.

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Hortícolas is the property of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Horticolas 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.)

Complementary horticultural therapy has the potential to improve gross motor skills in children. This therapy also provides hands-on experience and trains children's gross motor movements. Stimulated motor development in the form of movements of the hands, fingers, feet and limbs. The purpose is to carry out community service regarding the Implementation of Holticultural Complementary Therapy for Preschool Age Children at Nurul Ikhsan Integrated PAUD. The implementation method is carried out using Guided Training, FGD and Role Play techniques. The implementation of this community service activity was carried out for 2 days directly. The number of PAUD students involved in the activity was 32 people. Community Service Activities are carried out through 3 stages consisting of the preparation stage, implementation stage and evaluation stage. The results of community service activities show that the implementation of community service activities are carried out properly according to the plan. Evaluation of the results of the average value in the group given complementary horticultural therapy, namely pre-test 8.38 and post-test 11.06 and the average value in the group not given complementary horticultural therapy, namely pre-test 8.94 and post-test 9.06. These results can be concluded that there is an increase in gross motor skills in children.

Child obesity is a major global public health issue. This study sought to identify means to improve children's dietary behaviors through horticultural activities and effectively enhance their health and quality of life. The 129 participants were children in third grade through sixth grade in Hsinchu City, Taiwan. A quasi-experimental design was adopted as an intervention for school horticultural activities. The 68 students in the intervention group engaged in 40-minute horticultural sessions for 6 weeks. The pretest and post-test scores of both groups were measured using the Physical Questionnaire for older Children, the Connection to Nature Index, the Willingness to Taste Fruits and Vegetable Scale, and the Children's Quality of Life Scale, as well as questionnaire items. The qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed through a parallel mixed-method approach. The findings showed that the intervention group's physical activity levels, nature connectedness, and overall health were higher than those of the control groups. There were no significant differences in willingness to taste fruits and vegetables. This study demonstrates that engaging in natural school spaces and participating in horticultural activities improved the physical and mental health of children. Natural elements should be incorporated into the campus design, and children should be encouraged to participate in school horticultural activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agribusiness Forum / Forum Agribisnis is the property of IPB University 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.)

This paper examined the World Trade Organization (WTO) trade dispute settlement between Indonesia and the United States of America on the horticultural issue in 2018. The WTO aims to encourage free trade mechanisms by eliminating trade barriers, providing a negotiation forum for international trade disputes, and as a mediator to international negotiation forums on trade dispute settlement. The USA reported Indonesia to the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the WTO because Indonesia was considered to have implemented a number of policies on imports of agricultural products that created trade barriers to the USA's products. This research will explain the causes of Indonesia's loss in the dispute by using Susan Strange's concept of structural power. This research used qualitative methods and obtained data sources through primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was obtained directly through field study by interviewing related parties in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade of The Republic of Indonesia. Secondary data was collected by conducting literature reviews of journals, books, news, and other sources. It showed that Indonesia was defeated in the dispute because it violated the quantitative restrictions rules in article XI. I GATT 1994. The USA used its knowledge structural power, such as the existence of scientific studies and research, to strengthen its case. Indonesia could not match the knowledge structure that the USA had. This was seen in Indonesia's weaknesses in a legal capacity and inability to show facts based on research and scientific studies regarding Indonesia's actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation explores the intricate relationship between postharvest quality losses in fruit and vegetables and the dynamic interplay of transpiration and respiration activities. It underscores the profound impact of inherent produce properties and postharvest environmental conditions on transpiration, inducing changes in both external appearance and internal quality, notably wilting. Despite their common use, produce-specific transpiration coefficients encounter limitations due to diverse assumptions in calculations. Surface conditions intricately link produce and air properties, necessitating a comprehensive understanding. Horticultural products, with high water content, undergo continuous water loss through transpiration, driven by the water potential difference between the product and ambient air. Transpiration encompasses tissue and boundary layer resistances, influenced by plant tissue properties and external factors. Fruits experiencing drought stress exhibit elevated tissue resistance, serving as a protective mechanism. Concurrently, boundary layer resistance, influenced by external parameters, significantly shapes postharvest behaviour. To address these complexities, a novel method developed allows separate analysis of produce properties, climate, and flow conditions. This innovative approach enhances the understanding of transpiration behaviour, providing a foundation for improved postharvest practices, technical configurations, and quality maintenance strategies.•Direct method for tissue resistance and boundary layer resistance determination for fruit and vegetables.•Non-destructive method to optimize postharvest by using produce as a sensor to ensure quality., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Production systems, consumption habits evolution and food distribution allowed many benefits to actual Society. However, several problems have been emergerd and need to be faced, among them wastage and loss of food along the production chain. The reason for this disorder is the poor structure and lack food production chain mapping, wich evidencing the necessity for planning and strategies to mitigate losses and wastage in all its links. This paper aims to identify the main causes of wastes in the horticultural industry of a wholesaler located in the Southeast region of Brazil and the impact on financial losses in relation to sales revenue. The results showed that the financial wastes impact on sales was 3.5% and that the main cause of the wastes was food deterioration, with 90% of occurrences, evidencing the necessity for better planning, quality and shelf-life of horticultural products.

A study on the farmers' perception on the organic cultivation for the selected horticultural crops viz.; pineapple, potato and cabbage was undertaken during the period 2018 to 2020 in the state of Nagaland and Manipur. The analysis of the data from the selected districts reveal that the total cultivated area is found maximum in Nagaland as compare to Manipur. The total overall land holding in Nagaland is recorded as 106.25 ha; while in Manipur it was recorded as 92.18 ha. While in Manipur state, maximum ploughing is recorded at marginal farmers with 2 ploughing, followed by small and medium farm size group, as 3 times ploughing is concerned, marginal farmers are maximum followed equally by small and medium, whereas 4 ploughing is concerned, very few are doing 4 & above ploughing in Nagaland for the pineapple crop. For the potato crop, 3 to 4 ploughing are found maximum in both the state. Very few are adopting 5 & more ploughng for potato crop in Manipur whereas it is found maximum in medium farm size group. In case of cabbage, maximum is found with 3 & above ploughing on medium farm size. The extent of adoption of (FYM) farm yard manure (in t/ha) across the different farm size group of Nagaland and Manipur shows that maximum FYM is used by the medium adopters, followed by low adopter and very few are found in the high adopter of Nagaland state. With respect to the state of Manipur, maximum are medium rate adopter followed by low rate and it is least on high adopter of pineapple crop. As for potato crop is concerned, medium farms were found maximum for medium rate adopter of FYM followed by low rate and very few are under high rate of adopter in Nagaland state. As Manipur is concerned, it is also found in the same trend with maximum on medium, followed by low and least on high rate adopter of FYM for potato crop. As cabbage crop is concerned, it is also following the same trend of pineapple and potato with maximum on medium rate, followed by low rate and least on high rate on cabbage in Nagaland state. Even the Manipur also follow the same trend for cabbage crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Horticultural therapy is a professional practice that is increasingly used in a lot of mental health rehabilitation programs. This therapy was introduced in the Comunitary Rehabilitation Service of INAD, considering its beneficial results in patients with severe mental disorder in combination with the usual rehabilitation program. Objectives We would like to study the benefits of this therapy compared to the usual in our patients. Methods This is an explanatory study for the purpose of establishing the association between the application of a Therapeutic Horticulture Program and the Clinical Symptomatology of Schizophrenia. A research with an experimental design Pre and Post-Test was carried out, by applying a Horticulture Program and evaluating with PANSS after 6 months its effects on the Clinical Symptomatology. The participants of the experimental group were selectively chosen. The only selection criteria were to attend the orchard at least once a week and be diagnosed with a schizophrenic disorder. The control group was chosen according to the number of members that made up the other group, with the criterion that they did not perform any outdoor activities and also had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Results The comparison of the Pre and Post-Test measures in the case of the experimental group reports the presence of statistically significant differences in the scale of positive symptomatology composite scale and general scale. Conclusions This psychopathological improvement of those participants open a door to possible applications of this therapy as a psychosocial treatment.

The development of the agriculture to the food production in the urban and periurban areas has been redefining the space use providing transformation in the social relation, environmental and economic modifying the landscape and the production dynamics. The demand increase for the quality food has made possible the agricultural activity permanence in the urban areas. The lifestyle pointed out in the way to produce different beginning to be appreciated for developing a private production system and local specificity. In this perspective, it can happen horticultural cultivation in periurban areas in Santa Maria city (Rio Grande do Sul). The horticultural production is considered an entrance of income to the families because of weekly the products are sold in supermarkets, fairs and in the houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upstream watersheds in Sumani, is a large horticulture farming area widely cultivated by vegetables, such as cabbage, onions, potatoes etc. Due to intensive farming business activities, which tend to have an impact on the level of erodibility inherent soils, a large portion of land is destroyed by rain leading to erosion. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to determine the erosion level and determining erodibility factor on farm lands on the upstream of Sumani Watershed. The research method adopted is purposive random sampling. Furthermore, soil samples were taken in order to analyze its physical properties (texture, organic matter, structure, permeability) at a depth of 0-20 cm. The samples were analyzed in the soil Department laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture Andalas University. Data analysis was processed using the soil erodibility equation and to determine the factors, the principal component analysis (PCA) was utilized. The results of the analysis showed the value of soil erodibility against rainfall which was determined by using its organic matter, structure and permeability. The soil was also prepared by applying the conservation method. The resh organic material of the harvest is capable of improving its durability damaged by rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to enlighten students about the effects of apical bud pruning on the growth of axillary buds, as well as determine if this learning model can be implemented in the learning process for horticulture courses in IKIP Saraswati. A fully randomised design method was used to evaluate the effect of apical bud pruning on the growth of axillary buds in spinach plants. The samples were assigned to the following groups: the first group (J0) served as the control for the experiment while the experimental groups had varying lengths of pruned apical buds (J1- 3cm, J2- 6cm, J3-9cm and J4- 12 cm). Each test was replicated four times to reduce variability in the experimental results. The findings of the study showed that the pruning of apical buds led to an increase in the formation of leaves and the growth of axillary buds. Although the numbers of axillary buds in spinach plants from each treatment group were significantly different, the most notable disparity was observed in J1 plants with an average axillary bud growth of 66. The use of this experiment-based learning approach enhanced the students' ability to use their cognitive, social, psychomotor, and problem-solving skills in the acquisition of knowledge, as well as the analysis and interpretation of data. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the practical experiment on the effect of apical bud pruning on axillary bud growth should be implemented in the learning process for horticulture courses in IKIP Saraswati. Despite the benefits of the experimental based learning approach, there are certain limitations to its successful implementation in the education system. Some of these include the integration of the experimental learning method to the existing curriculum for horticulture courses, the need to develop new assessment methods in order to evaluate the efficacy of this method, and the insufficient support of teachers and administrators at different tiers of government. This paper also provides recommendations on effective ways to address these challenges and maximize the benefits provided by the experimental based learning methods in the education system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agro Productividad is the property of Colegio de Postgraduados 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.)

• Upgrading of bio-char and bio-oil was optimized via catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass. • N-doped biochar production by co-pyrolysis of household and agricultural wastes. • The Optimum municipal (household) to horticultural ratio was obtained 0.7. • N-containing bio-oil (Pyrrole, Pyridine, and Indole) and aromatic compounds. • Cyclization reaction of amodari compounds with oxygen is generated N-doped char. Pyrolytic biochar is a promising approach to the withdrawal of CO 2 and reduction of Green House Gases. One of the effective techniques to improve the properties of biochar with desired characteristics is co-pyrolysis of types of biomass. Among the types of biochar, biochar from nitrogen-rich biomass pyrolysis has various applications, including soil amendment and removal of organic pollutants. The aim of this study is co-pyrolysis nutrient-rich municipal (household) and horticultural wastes for N-doped biochar production and provide optimal conditions for the production of pyrolytic products. A series of experiments were designed with municipal and horticultural wastes at different mass ratios in a fast catalytic reactor at 550 °C with varying catalyst amounts (0–15 %) and waste blend ratios (0–100 wt%) were designed using the response surface methodology. The yields of bio-oil, biochar, and biogas were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. Statistical analysis showed that that the horticultural-to-household wastes ratio has the most critical effect on the biochar yield. The optimum N-doped biochar yield (26 wt%) was achieved at the household-to-horticultural wastes ratio of 1.5 without using the catalyst. Also, the result showed that adding municipal waste increased bio-oil yield significantly from 18 % to 58 %. Moreover, increasing the catalyst amount raised gas yield to 37 %, and horticultural waste favored biochar formation (53 %). The optimized product showed carbon enrichment and oxygenated compound reduction the result is bio-oil production with a higher heating value. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of volatile products indicated that the co-pyrolytic oil was rich in N-containing compounds (Pyrrole, Pyridine, and Indole)which is widely used in pharmaceutical and polymer industries. Synergistic interactions between municipal and horticultural wastes significantly reduced the amount of carboxylic acids, alcohols, ketones, and esters, whereas phenols formation as valuable chemicals were increased. Therefore, this study shows that co-pyrolysis is a suitable approach for household and horticultural waste management that can increase the production of N-doped biochar and also be a sustainable source for the extraction of nitrogen-containing biochemical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to assess the financial liquidityof fruit and vegetable producer groups and organizations.Based on static liquidity ratios, the analysis was used for a preliminaryassessment of the financial condition of the abovementionedeconomic operators in the context of forecastingtheir further market activity. Financial statements from 2012–2015 served as research material. The survey extended to 78groups and organizations of fruit and vegetable producers. Asshown by the results, most of the operators surveyed failed tomeet all the criteria of financial liquidity management. Theaverage and median values of current, quick and cash ratiossuggest that the operators face quite a high liquidity risk. Thiswas confirmed by the results of detailed studies which showedthat the liquidity ratios reported by ca. 60% of the operatorswere below the recommended optimum. Therefore, in the reportingperiod considered, such operators could be unable tomeet their liabilities as they fall due. This may pose a severethreat to their continued existence and further development.

Vegetation metrics, such as leaf area (LA), leaf area density (LAD), and vertical leaf area profile, are essential measures of tree-scale biophysical processes associated with photosynthetic capacity, and canopy geometry. However, there are limited published investigations of their use for horticultural tree crops. This study evaluated the ability of light detection and ranging (LiDAR) for measuring LA, LAD, and vertical leaf area profile across two mango, macadamia and avocado trees using discrete return data from a RIEGL VZ-400 Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) system. These data were collected multiple times for individual trees to align with key growth stages, essential management practices, and following a severe storm. The first return of each laser pulse was extracted for each individual tree and classified as foliage or wood based on TLS point cloud geometry. LAD at a side length of 25 cm voxels, LA at the canopy level and vertical leaf area profile were calculated to analyse tree crown changes. These changes included: (1) pre-pruning vs. post-pruning for mango trees; (2) pre-pruning vs. post-pruning for macadamia trees; (3) pre-storm vs. post-storm for macadamia trees; and (4) tree leaf growth over a year for two young avocado trees. Decreases of 34.13 m2 and 8.34 m2 in LA of mango tree crowns occurred due to pruning. Pruning for the high vigour mango tree was mostly identified between 1.25 m and 3 m. Decreases of 38.03 m2 and 16.91 m2 in LA of a healthy and unhealthy macadamia tree occurred due to pruning. After flowering and spring flush of the same macadamia trees, storm effects caused a 9.65 m2 decrease in LA for the unhealthy tree, while an increase of 34.19 m2 occurred for the healthy tree. The tree height increased from 11.13 m to 11.66 m, and leaf loss was mainly observed between 1.5 m and 4.5 m for the unhealthy macadamia tree. Annual increases in LA of 82.59 m2 and 59.97 m2 were observed for two three-year-old avocado trees. Our results show that TLS is a useful tool to quantify changes in the LA, LAD, and vertical leaf area profiles of horticultural trees over time, which can be used as a general indicator of tree health, as well as assist growers with improved pruning, irrigation, and fertilisation application decisions.

In general, the purpose of this study is to find out the level of success of the development program of horticultural based agribusiness administered by the Directorate General of Horticultural Plant Production Development. This study uses macro indicators including production development and productivity of horticultural commodity, development of national added value, and development of contributions to the national food self sufficiency; while the micro indicators include profitability level of the horticultural agribusiness, competitive level, and the issues and problems that must be faced while the PPAH program is in progress.

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Copyright of Geosaberes: Revista de Estudos Geoeducacionais is the property of GEOSABERES - Revista de Estudos Geoducacionais 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.)

This study presents a life cycle assessment of a crop sequence of cauliflower and tomato that is subjected to three different fertilization treatments; the crops were cultivated in a Mediterranean region. The main objective of this study is the assessment of organic and mineral fertilizers that are applied to a crop sequence of tomato and cauliflower. Two allocation procedures that are based on the crop cultivation time and the degree of nitrogen mineralization were implemented to allocate the compost burden to the crops. The results indicated that the crops fertilized with home compost achieved the best environmental performance in all impact categories, regardless of the allocation methods, with the exception of marine eutrophication and terrestrial acidification. The comparison of the impact (kg eq. of pollutant/day) on the entire horticultural cycle with the individual crops indicates that cycle yielded the least amount of impact among the assessed categories. The crops that were fertilized with the home compost using the allocation method, which is based on the degree of nitrogen in the soil, exhibited the least impact value among all categories. However, the allocation procedure based on the cultivation duration was considered to be the better attributional method given the high degree of uncertainty in the nitrogen degradation. This uncertainty is related to the complex interactions among the variables to metabolize the following nutrients (i.e., nitrogen) of fertilizers: variety of crops, crop management, soil type, weather conditions and fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus is the leading fruit of Pakistan and famous worldwide especially kinnow cultivar because of its pleasant taste and remarkable quality. The yield of citrus per hectare in Pakistan is almost half of potential due to non-adoption of recommended horticultural practices by citrus growers. Adopting a decision regarding the improvement of practices is usually influenced by various factors including farmers' socio-economic attributes. In order to determine the relationship between socio-economic aspects and the awareness and adoption of recommended citrus production practices the present study was carried out in Sargodha district from central Punjab, Pakistan. The Study was based upon cross sectional survey research design due to availability of sampling frame, probability (random sampling) was applied for sample selection. Through random sampling, 120 citrus growers were selected as sample. Structured questionnaire administered through interview was used as a research instrument. Analysis of the data collected from the targeted citrus growers revealed a highly significant influence of education on awareness and adoption. Moreover, significant association was found between citrus cultivation area and awareness and adoption of improved practices. Age also showed significant association with awareness and adoption. Moreover, dominancy of middle aged farmers and illiteracyin the study area strongly point the need of provision of formal and non-formal education and training program for farmers. Young generation needs to be focused and reorientation of youth clubs may help in better way to gain the utmost outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]