This study investigated the physiological and pathological responses of juvenile Danube sturgeon to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Fish were intraperitoneally injected with 0.1 mL of A. hydrophila suspension (1 & times;108 CFU mL-1). The experiment was conducted with three replicates per group (infected and control), each containing 10 fish. Based on the challenge test results, mortality in the infected group began on day 3 and continued progressively until day 13. Additionally, swim bladder deflation, hyperemia, and hemorrhaging in the visceral organs were observed. Hematological analysis revealed that LYM, HGB, MCH, and MCHC values were significantly higher in the control group, whereas WBC and MCV levels were elevated in the infected group. Histopathological examination of liver tissues revealed prominent melanomacrophage centers and signs of necrosis. According to a semi-quantitative scoring model, regressive changes and inflammation were significantly higher in the infected group compared to the controls (P< 0.01). In conclusion, Aeromonas hydrophila demonstrates a highly pathogenic potential for juvenile Danube sturgeon, inducing rapid systemic deterioration and significant tissue damage. The findings confirm that this bacterium is capable of causing disease and lethal outcomes within a week, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive strategies in conservation and aquaculture management of this endangered species.
The red scale insect, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is a major pest of guava trees. This study investigated the population abundance, preference, and dispersal patterns of A. aurantii in a guava orchard in the Armant District, Luxor, Egypt, over two consecutive years (2022/2024). Monitoring was conducted biweekly, revealing that A. aurantii infested guava leaves year-round at varying densities. The pest exhibited a strong preference for the upper surface of leaves in the basal layer of the southeastern quadrant, where population density remained consistently high throughout the study period. Using preference and dispersal indices, we evaluated sixteen canopy quadrant-layer-leaf surface combinations. The upper surface of the basal leaves in the southeastern quadrant had the highest quantity ratio, preference index, relative abundance establishment rate, and dispersal index, confirming its suitability for A. aurantii compared to other canopy positions. These findings provide critical insights for optimizing sampling and targeted control strategies, supporting the development of an effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program against A. aurantii in guava orchards.
The effectiveness and Return On Investment (ROI) of agricultural training programs have always been among the most significant challenges for experts and managers in agricultural extension and development. Based on this, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of beekeeping training courses using the ROI technique. This study is applied and quasi-experimental research, conducted by collecting data in two phases: before and after the training course. The data collection tool was a semi-structured, researcher-made questionnaire. Additionally, the ROI calculation was carried out through a nine-step process, enabling the assessment of ROI for both participants of the beekeeping training courses and the Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO). In this process, along with tangible and/or monetary effects, intangible and non-monetary impacts were also quantified. The findings indicated that, on average, beekeeping training courses had a 1302% return on investment for participants. Furthermore, these courses yielded an average ROI of 770% for AREEO. The results provide strong evidence supporting the enhancement and expansion of beekeeping training courses and similar programs conducted by AREEO. Moreover, the findings serve as a starting point for further research on evaluating the impacts of agricultural training programs, ultimately supporting decision-making and investment development in training farmers and agricultural beneficiaries.
Root architecture plays a key role in optimizing water uptake and sustaining yield under drought stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of vertical root distribution in determining the performance of three irrigated wheat cultivars under Terminal Water Stress (TWS). A field experiment was conducted during the 2021-2022 growing season at Shiraz University, evaluating three bread wheat cultivars: Pishgam, Torabi, and Sirvan. The low-cost "pasta strainer" method was adapted and employed to assess wheat mature root architecture in this context. To assess vertical root distribution, roots protruding through the side perforations of strainers were counted at three defined depth intervals: Shallow (2-8 cm; SRN), middle (8-10 cm; MRN), and deep (10-13 cm; DRN). The results revealed significant differences in root architecture among cultivars. Compared to Sirvan and Torabi, Pishgam exhibited a more uniform root distribution across SRN, MRN, and particularly DRN. A significant interaction between irrigation and cultivar was observed for root weight, root volume, shoot biomass, and Grain Yield (GY). Pishgam appeared to be superior in most of the measured traits. GY showed a positive association with MRN and DRN, which was further supported by principal component analysis aligning GY with root weight, root volume, MRN, and DRN. Despite the advantages and limitations of the pasta strainer method, our results demonstrated that cultivar with deeper rooting type, exhibited better drought performance.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of organic and chemical fertilizers on the forage quality and quantity of borage (Borago officinalis L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in an intercropping system. This experiment was conducted in a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of the Kurdistan University, during 2021 and 2022. The treatments included fertilizer (control, organic, and chemical) and cropping patterns (sole cropping of borage, sole cropping of peanut, 50%, and 100% additive intercropping). The results indicated that intercropping enhanced the quality traits of borage forage. The fertilization treatments improved the yield and qualitative traits of peanut fodder. Organic fertilizer increased crude protein in borage and peanut fodder by 29 and 20.4%, respectively, compared to the control. Intercropping increased the protein yield of borage by 16.6% compared to sole cropping. The Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), dry matter digestibility, and ash content in borage fodder in the 100% intercropping with organic fertilizer increased by 46, 46, 30, and 58.4%, respectively, compared to sole cropping without fertilizer. Overall, this study suggests that, with appropriate agricultural management in the additive intercropping systems, there is potential to enhance the quality of borage and peanut fodder for livestock feeding.
Due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, essential oils are used as natural preservatives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial activity of emulsion and nano-emulsion forms of Salvia officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, Dracocephalum moldavica, and Syzygium aromaticum essential oils. The agar well-diffusion assay results obtained from the experiment suggested that nano-emulsion of Dracocephalum moldavica essential oil had the maximum antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic microorganisms drawn in the experiment. The inhibition zone diameters of the nanoemulsion of this essential oil against Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus cereus were 11.0, 11.8, 13.0, 13.1, 13.1, 13.6, and 14.1 mm, respectively. In contrast, the inhibition zone diameters of this essential oil against S. dysenteriae, S. Typhimurium, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. coli, and B. cereus were 9.6, 10.3, 10.8, 11.8, 11.3, 11.1, and 11.2 mm, respectively. The major components of Dracocephalum moldavica essential oil included geraniol (27.24%), geranial (10.75%), alpha-copaene (8.16%), alpha-pinene (7.37%), carvacrol (7.41%), limonene (6.86%), and nerol (6.45%). The nanoemulsion form possessed a significantly greater antioxidant potential compared to their emulsion form. Also, the nanoemulsions exhibited significantly lower IC50 compared to the emulsions. The nanoemulsion form of D. moldavica had the lowest IC50 and EC50 values of 22.1 and 4.51 & micro;g mL(-1), respectively.
This study investigates customer loyalty in Iran's chain stores, with a particular emphasis on fresh food consumers. The research utilizes a combination of K-means clustering and a weighted Recency, Frequency, Monetary (RFM) model, and ordinal logistic regression to analyze customer behavior. Using real transaction data from 9,014 customers alongside questionnaire responses, the analysis categorizes customers into four distinct groups: very loyal, loyal, at-risk, and disloyal. The weighted RFM model indicates that recency is the most significant predictor of loyalty. Further, the ordinal logistic regression identifies several key factors influencing loyalty: age, marital status, income level, perceived food quality, preference for modern stores, and brand image. These all have positive effect on loyalty; on the contrary, the importance of price and a preference for packaging-free products negatively impact loyalty. These findings provide actionable insights for retail managers, enabling them to develop cluster-specific strategies that enhance customer loyalty and strengthen competitiveness in Iran's dynamic retail sector.
This study employs thematic map clustering and Social Network Analysis (SNA) to analyze global Agri-startup trends, utilizing bibliometric data from the Scopus database. The research identifies key contributors, collaboration networks, and key thematic clusters that drive innovation in the agricultural sector. Findings reveal a significant upward trend in Agri-startup research, with sustainability, entrepreneurship, and technology integration emerging as the central themes. The study highlights the critical roles of prominent regions, institutions, and journals in shaping the field, underscoring the importance of precision agriculture and digital technologies in advancing agriculture. These insights offer actionable recommendations for stakeholders to foster innovation, promote sustainable development, address global agricultural challenges, and enhance food security, bridging academic research with practical applications in innovation ecosystems.
A total of 480 seven-day-old male Arian broiler chickens were divided into five treatment groups with six replicates each. The treatments were offered to the birds for three weeks (days 7 to 28) and included a control group, 10% Raw Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L) supplementation (RH), 10% RH with Enzyme addition (RHE), 10% Heat-treated Hempseed (HH) in the diet, and 10% HH with Enzyme supplementation (HHE). A completely randomized design with a 2 & times;2 factorial arrangement (raw vs. heat-treated hempseed, with vs. without enzyme supplementation), plus a control group, was used. While dietary treatments (hemp supplementation) significantly increased body weight and feed intake, the heat processing decreased weight gain. Hemp supplementation significantly lowered Coliform and increased Lactobacillus content in the ileum, while processing increased Lactobacillus and enzyme addition decreased E. coli (P< 0.05). Digestibility parameters were positively affected by enzyme addition (P< 0.05), but protein digestibility was reduced by heating. There were no significant interaction effects (enzyme supplementation and heat treatment), except for the total Aerobes count of intestinal micro flora (P< 0.05). In conclusion, hempseed addition in the diet of broiler chickens during 7-28 days of age improved broiler performance and enzyme supplementation improved microbiology and, more profoundly, digestibility parameters.
The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of Iranian consumers' intention to consume fresh fruit and vegetable. This study investigated the relationship among attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, health involvement, subjective health, and Iranian consumption intention by using the Theory of Planned Behavior. The Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling was applied to estimate the model. The results revealed that subjective health (beta= 0.463; P< 0.001) as a self-rating of overall health was an important predictor of Iranian consumers' intention to eat fresh fruit and vegetable. Consumers' health involvement (beta= 0.198; P< 0.001) that shows the importance of health issues for individuals, had significant effect on consumption intention. Other variables such as subjective norms (beta= 0.175; P< 0.001), positive attitude towards fresh fruit and vegetable consumption (beta= 0.125; P< 0.01), and perceived behavioral control (beta= 0.110; P< 0.001) were significant predictors of consumption intention, respectively. The results provide useful and important information about the main determinants of consumption intention for policy-makers to create effective and well-functioning public health policies aimed at increasing the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetable.
A major goal of this study was to document how renewable and non-renewable energy consumption is related to human development in Iran. For this purpose, all variables were tested for structural breaks using the breakpoint unit root test. Additionally, long-run relationships are examined using the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test. The outcomes of the diagnostic tests showed that the panel ARDL model parameters were stable, predictable, and reliable in the long term. Significant positive and negative relationships were found between renewable and non-renewable energy consumption and the Human Development Index (HDI), respectively. Additionally, the elasticity of renewable energy consumption was lower than that of non-renewable energy consumption. Human development in Iran has also been enhanced by CO2 emissions. Conversely, economic growth and increased trade transparency would lower the HDI in Iran. To improve human development in Iran, energy consumption as well as clean energy production and consumption should be considered.
In their early stages, germination of bean is not externally visible, requiring invasive methods such as physically breaking the seed for detection. This study proposes a non-invasive and automated approach that combines laser speckle imaging with deep learning to identify early-stage germinated defects in beans. Speckle images were captured under coherent laser illumination (lambda= 633 nm) for samples subjected to germination periods of 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Two contrast analysis techniques were evaluated: Laser Speckle Spatial Contrast Analysis (LASCA) and the more advanced Laser Speckle Temporal Contrast Analysis (LASTCA), the latter using temporal intensity fluctuations across 120 video frames. From the resulting contrast maps, regions of interest (50 & times;50 pixels) were extracted and used to train a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for binary classification. The proposed system achieved high performance, with an accuracy of 92.33% and sensitivity of 98.21%, successfully detecting germinated defects invisible to conventional inspection. By integrating temporal bio-speckle analysis with deep learning, this method offers a scalable solution for intelligent, non-destructive grain inspection-addressing a critical gap in current computer vision systems and contributing to the advancement of Agribusiness 4.0.
During our studies on the family Pteromalidae in northern and southern areas of Iran, two genera and three species were recorded for the first time from Iran: Hemitrichus oxygaster Bou & ccaron;ek, 1965 (Guilan Province), Platygerrhus affinis (Walker, 1836) (Guilan Province) and Rohatina monstrosa Bou & ccaron;ek, 1954 (Guilan Province). Diagnostic characteristics are provided for the newly recorded species, as well as the recently reported species, Psilocera crassispina (Thomson, 1878) (Fars, Qazvin, and Guilan). In addition, a key to the Hemitrichus species in the Middle East and geographical distribution for all reported species in Iran are presented.
This study examined the viability, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory qualities of kiwifruit juice containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei B31-2. To analyze the data, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) models were used to predict various factors, including pH, acidity, viable cell counts of L. paracasei B31-2, color differences (Delta E), and overall acceptance. Probiotic L. paracasei B31-2 was added to the kiwifruit juice at different concentrations (0, 1 and 2%) and stored at 4 degrees C. The probiotic juices showed fewer changes in pH, acidity, and color compared to the control juice during storage at room temperature. The sample with a 2% probiotic concentration exhibited the highest viable cell count (7.98 log CFU mL-1) and received the most sensory scores among the tested samples. A strong correlation between the predictions made by the GPR model and the actual observed data further validated its effectiveness in similar experimental contexts. This suggests that GPR could offer strategic benefits by lowering laboratory costs and improving analytical efficiency. The GPR model's precision in closely matching real-world data demonstrates its potential as a cost-effective and expedited tool for scientific inquiries. Overall, these findings indicate that kiwifruit juice serves as a promising substrate for carrier of L. paracasei B31-2.
Raisins are a key export commodity due to their nutritional value and global demand. This study evaluates the worldwide raisin industry's competitive advantages and market structure using data from the International Trade Center (2004-2023). Employing Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA), Concentration Ratio (CR), Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), and Trade Competitiveness Index (TCI), the analysis identifies Turkey, the United States, Iran, and Chile as leading exporters, accounting for 64.5% of the market share. Results indicate an oligopolistic market structure with concentrated competition among a few nations. Turkey, the United States, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran exhibit strong RSCA values (near 1), reflecting expertise in raisin exports, while Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Argentina show high TCI scores, indicating robust competitiveness. The study highlights shifts in market dynamics, with emerging exporters like Afghanistan challenging traditional leaders. To enhance their global position, exporters should improve production efficiency, diversify markets, and invest in branding. These findings contribute to understanding trade competitiveness and market evolution in agricultural exports, offering strategic insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
The concept of rural entrepreneurship ecosystems has attracted significant attention among practitioners, policymakers, and researchers during the past decade. However, the research concerning rural entrepreneurship ecosystem has been largely focused on empirics from developed regions. In this study, in order to explain the drivers of rural entrepreneurship ecosystem in a developing region, the data was collected from 103 rural entrepreneurship practitioners through a survey in northern area of Iran. The data was then analyzed using the exploratory factor analysis method. The research team considered the rural entrepreneurship ecosystem supporters in three pillars: policymaking, institution, and society. According to the results of exploratory factor analysis, each triple supporter pillar of the rural entrepreneurship ecosystem was divided into two components. The components extracted from the policy pillar included "rules and regulations" and "infrastructure." The components extracted from the institutional pillar included "networking and informing" as well as "services and support." In addition, "tendencies and characteristics of the people" and "financial participation" were assumed as the society components. These results were discussed and provided agenda for future practical and professional works.
This study aimed to evaluate the capability of the halophyte A. littoralis in symbiosis with Rhizophagus intraradices and Nocardia halotolerans, an indigenous bacterium of saline soils, on phyto-extraction of Na under saline conditions. Salinity treatments included 0 (S0), 100 mM NaCl (S1), 200 mM NaCl (S2), 100 mM NaCl+50mM K2SO4 (S3), and 200 mM NaCl+50mM K2SO4 (S4) levels. Plant fresh and dry weight and chlorophyll content decreased as salinity increased up to S2 level and increased thereafter. Plant root colonization in the inoculation and co-inoculation of AMF+SR-PGPB (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Salt-Resistant Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria) were similar. Compared to the S0 treatment, root colonization in the AMF group decreased by 23.5, 32.6, 13.5, and 26.7% under S1, S2, S3, and S4 treatments, respectively. In the Bacteria+AMF group, the reduction was smaller, with decreases of 2.8%, 3.4%, and an increase of 6.8 and 1.4% under S1, S2, S3, and S4 treatments, respectively. These results indicate that co-inoculation with PGPB mitigated the negative effects of salinity on root colonization. The root and soil glomalin contents increased as salinity increased. Root glomalin in plants inoculated by AMF+SR-PGPB was more than in a single inoculation of AMF under salt stress. This study highlights the potential application of salt-tolerant bacteria and AMF as effective strategies for enhancing plant growth and productivity in saline environments, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices in affected regions.
Extension Field Staff (EFS) is the group of people who are responsible for managing activities related to agricultural information dissemination and farming community is the recipient or audience of that knowledge by implementing this knowledge on farm. The present study was based on primary data, collected from agricultural EFS using interview schedule in cotton belt of Punjab Province. EFS workers (359) were selected from population of 540 by using Cochran sampling technique. Moreover, Borich Needs Assessment Model was implied to prioritize the training needs of EFS about climate adaptation. Our study found that the majority of the EFS seek trainings in specific areas regarding climate variability. These included skills to use meteorological instrument, ability to comprehend early warning system, serving and mapping of climatic variability areas, management of ICT tools for weather forecasting, disaster management skills, and integrated soil management skills. By acquiring these competencies, EFS can effectively and efficiently work for minimizing the consequences of climate variability on cotton crop. There was significant positive correlation of 0.608 between specialization and the possessed competencies regarding climate adaptation, which showed that specialized extension staff possessed competencies regarding climate adaptation. The findings suggests that the training needs of the extension workers should be assessed regularly and suitable training sessions be arranged for them in the cotton belt.
Biochar reduces composting problems and improves compost quality. However, Activated Biochar (AB) and its size are often overlooked. This research aimed to evaluate the impact of co-composting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) with different-sized biochar and AB on the quality of the resulting co-compost. The MSW were mixed thoroughly with different-sized (B2-4mm, B1-2mm and B0.5-1mm) and activated biochars (H2SO4-AB(0.5-1mm )and NaOH-AB(0.5-1mm)) and co-composted for 90 days until compost maturity. The results revealed that the activation of biochar with NaOH and H2SO4 caused the appearance of a mesh structure on the biochar surface, leading to improved stability and maturity, enhanced biodegradation and humification indices. Specifically, NaOH-AB (5%, w/w) showed the highest temperature (71.5 degrees C), germination index (130.9%), and total nitrogen content (1.37%) and the longest thermophilic period (7 days). The highest Organic Matter content (OM) (37.9%) and the lowest electrical conductivity (7.4 dS m(-1)) were recorded in B1-2mm (10%, w/w). Furthermore, the lowest nitrate concentration (254.4 mg kg(-1)) and the highest C/N ratio (18.1) were in H2SO4-AB (10%). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted the critical role of the C/N ratio and OM content during the composting. The study recommends the addition of biochar to MSW to achieve an appropriate C/N ratio and prevent nitrogen loss. Overall, incorporating NaOH-and H2SO4-activated biochars was found to be a valuable strategy for the composting of municipal solid wastes. Our findings provide valuable insights into the potential of biochar in optimizing the composting process.
Education and research are fundamental pillars of educational systems, including agricultural higher education institutions. However, an inadequate balance between these components can lead to a deviation from the primary goals of these institutions. This study aimed to conduct a pathological analysis of the equilibrium between education and research in the higher education system of agriculture in Iran. "Three-pronged pathology model" was utilized, comprising components of "context" (including knowledge, moral, individual-psychological, satisfaction, and the thematic nature), "behavior" (including planning, coordination, control, and monitoring), and "structure" (including demonstrative, diversity, consequence, and political). This quantitative study was applied in purpose non-experimental in design, retrospective in timing, survey-based in data collection, and descriptive-causal comparative in data analysis. The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire, with face and content validity confirmed by experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established using Cronbach's alpha for each variable (0.704 <= alpha <= 0.902). The statistical population comprised faculty members from agricultural departments of public universities in Iran (N= 3,335), with a sample of 307 selected. Results indicated a tendency among faculty members towards research activities. The greatest gap and imbalance between education and research were observed in the areas of context, followed by structure and behavior. This indicates that the existing context and structure push faculty members towards research activities for their sustainability and advancement in the agricultural higher education system. This poses a serious issue that must be addressed by policymakers and decision-makers.
