Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) offers a sustainable approach to managing plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.), which cause severe root damage and yield loss in crops including Capsicum spp. This research investigated the effect of Pleurotus spp. The SMS on chili root-knot disease and the dynamic of the soil bacterial community of six treatments which are sterile soil with Meloidogyne spp. inoculation (SN), sterile soil control (SC), live soil with nematode inoculation (LN), live soil control (LC), live soil mixed with 15% SMS and nematode inoculation (MN), and live soil mixed with 15% SMS control (MC). Before treatment application, the antagonistic activity of Pleurotus spp. was evaluated, revealing RKN-inhibitory effects, with about 40% immobilization of second-stage juveniles (J2) by mycelium after 24 h and up to 67.5% paralysis caused bythe fungal culture filtrate. Pleurotus SMS-amended soil treatments reduced root gall formation by approximately 85%-90%. Regarding changes in the bacterial community, it was found that bacterial communities profiling revealed that the application of SMS had no negative impact on soil bacterial diversity. Bacterial community composition differed markedly between sterilized and live soils, while SMS-amended soil treatments closely resembled live soils, with higher relative abundances of Actinobacteriota (41%-48%) and detectable Acidobacteriota (3%-4%), groups associated with soil health and plant growth promotion. In contrast, sterilized soil treatments were dominated by Bacilli (49%-56%). These findings indicated that SMS play a crucial role in promoting plant growth and assisting in RKN control without affecting the indigenous soil bacterial community.
High planting density is a key strategy for increasing maize (Zea mays L.) productivity. Therefore, this study evaluated 17 newly developed yellow maize single-cross hybrids under three planting densities (59 524, 71 429, and 89 286 plants ha(-1)). The hybrids were evaluated at two contrasting locations in Sakha in the Nile Delta and Sids in Middle Egypt. Earliness, vegetative traits, ear morphology, and grain yield were recorded at both locations. Combined ANOVA revealed highly significant effects (p < 0.01) of location, planting density, hybrids, and all interactions for most traits. This indicates strong environmental sensitivity and wide genetic variability. Increasing planting density enhanced grain yield by approximately 12.15% at Sakha (from 9.71 to 10.89 t ha(-1)) and 15.97% at Sids (from 8.39 to 9.73 t ha(-1)). Otherwise, increasing planting density reduced ear leaf area (5.87% at Sakha and 11.15% at Sids), number of rows per ear (3.91% at Sakha and 6.83% at Sids), and number of kernels per row (7.34% at Sakha and 10.01% at Sids), while grain yield increased at both locations. This confirms that higher number of plants per unit area compensated for the per plant reduction in ear traits. The assessed maize hybrids exhibited highly significant genetic variation for earliness, vegetative growth, and yield-related traits. The hybrids, Hib-6, Hib-11, Hib-7, Hib-16, and Hib-17 produced yields up to 13.6 t ha(-1) and maintained stable performance across environments. Hib-6 exhibited the highest mean productivity (12.66 t ha(-1) at Sakha and 10.46 t ha(-1) at Sids) and the highest stress tolerance index (1.75 and 1.18, respectively), indicating strong adaptation to high-density stress. Multivariate analyses, including cluster analysis, heatmap classification, AMMI, GGE biplot, and tolerance indices, effectively summarized the complex data structure. These analyses distinguished broadly adapted, high-performing hybrids from poorly adapted hybrids. The obtained results demonstrated that breeding for yield potential and tolerance to high planting density is feasible and provides a set of promising hybrids.
In southern Montenegro, Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is an important Citrus pest. A field experiment was conducted in a Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marcow.) orchard to evaluate the efficacy of chemical treatments for A. spiniferus control and to assess impact induced by this pest in plant leaves using portable chlorophyll meter-SPAD. Two insecticide applications were carried out, the first in June and the second in August in 2024 and 2025. During the first treatment in each season among all tested insecticides, deltamethrin, spirotetramat, pyriproxyfen and acetamiprid, the last mentioned showed the highest efficacy 7 d after treatment for larvae. During 2024, in the second treatment, pyriproxyfen showed highest efficacy of more than 91% 7 and 14 d after treatment, while acetamiprid showed the highest efficacy of more than 95% during the second trial in the second year. Spirotetramat showed high efficacy towards eggs in all except the first assessment during the first season. After both assessments in 2025, SPAD value was measured representing the chlorophyll content in mandarin leaves. In comparison to the control variant (49.9 SPAD units), the increase in chlorophyll content ranged from 38.2% to 48.6% (69.1-74.2 SPAD units) across all tested variants. The greatest positive impact was observed in the variant with spirotetramat (48.6%). Acetamiprid (45.6%) and pyriproxyfen (47.6%) values were also highly positive, while the smallest effect was recorded for deltamethrin (38.2%). The obtained results are consistent with high insecticide efficacy, i.e., the decreased chlorophyll levels within the control variant were caused by the higher pest infestation.
Endophytic microbes play a crucial role in plant growth and health. Specifically, endophytic bacteria can be isolated from Reutealis trisperma (Blanco) Airy Shaw, a non-edible oil-producing plant prevalent across various Indonesian agroecosystems. This study aimed to select potential endophytic bacteria from R. trisperma in various Indonesian agroecosystems as plant-growth-promoting (PGP) through in vitro assays. Plant tissues were collected, and endophytic bacteria were isolated from five different R. trisperma planting areas. The bacterial colonies underwent biosafety testing; the surviving isolates were then evaluated in vitro for their ability to promote rice seedling growth, along with phytohormone analysis. The potential bacterial isolates were sequenced using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results indicated that 234 isolates passed the biosafety tests; 11 isolates were selected such as Serratia marcescens (BTB3, BNB2, KTA1, KTA5), Serratia sp. (NNB30), Klebsiella sp. (NKB2, SNA11, NTB22, GKB20), Citrobacter sp. (GKB21), and Lysinibacillus sp. (NNB25). However, isolates NTB22, NKB2, NNB30, and GKB20 have the highest potential as PGP.
Fusarium wilt seriously threatens Cucurbita pepo L. production worldwide. Plant-based nanotechnology antifungals offer a promising and eco-friendly control strategy. This study investigated the antifungal efficacy of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.-mediated Ag nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) against Fusarium oxysporum. Biogenic Ag-NPs were synthesized using A. vera leaf extract with an average crystallite size of 15.22 nm and a surface plasmon resonance peak at 413 nm. In vitro, Ag-NPs at 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg L-1 generated dose-dependent inhibition zones (0.5-2.0 cm). The concentration 15 mg L-1 produced the largest inhibition zone (2.0 cm) and the greatest reduction in colony diameter. In vivo greenhouse trial, Ag-NPs were tested at 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 mg L-1 by foliar spray or soil drench (pre-planting) on Fusarium-inoculated plants vs. uninoculated and inoculated controls. Fusarium infection severely reduced plant growth (47%-155%), photosynthetic pigments (47%-58%), and mineral elements (30%-80%) compared to the uninoculated control (T1). However, Ag-NPs applications displayed strong antifungal agents and plant biostimulants. In particular, 15 mg L-1 foliar Ag-NPs (T5) displayed the significant improvement in leaf number (43.1%), shoot length (42.9%), biomass (68.0%-154.5%), chlorophyll a and b (112.5% and 100%), phenols (40.0%), sugars (14%), and minerals Ca/Mg/Na/K (42.9%, 150.0%, 150.0%, and 42.9%) compared to the inoculated control. Moreover, increasing Ag-NPs concentration mitigated oxidative stress in infected plants by enhancing activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase. Multivariate analyses (principal component analysis and heatmap) showed that highdose Ag-NPs were associated with improved growth and mineral traits, antioxidant and osmoprotective metabolites.
Light intensity and spectral composition regulate plant photomorphogenesis, with far-red light (FR) playing a vital role in shade avoidance. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), a globally significant crop, is vulnerable to canopy shade, which decreases the red/far-red (R/FR) ratio and causes adaptive responses. We explored how FR supplementation modifies soybean seedling responses under shade stress using morphological, physiological, and transcriptome analysis. Four light treatments were applied: Normal light (NL, R = 125.62 & micro;mol & centerdot;m(-2)& centerdot;s(-1), FR = 91.68 & micro;mol & centerdot;m(-2)& centerdot;s(-1)), normal light + FR (NF, R = 124.57 & micro;mol & centerdot;m(-2)& centerdot;s(-1), FR = 161.77 & micro;mol & centerdot;m(-2)& centerdot;s(-1)), shade (SL, R = 4.62 & micro;mol & centerdot;m(-2)& centerdot;s(-1), FR = 4.58 & micro;mol & centerdot;m(-2)& centerdot;s(-1)), and shade + FR (SF, R = 4.58 & micro;mol & centerdot;m(-2)& centerdot;s(-1), FR = 16.35 & micro;mol & centerdot;m(-2)& centerdot;s(-1)). Key characteristics assessed included plant height, stem thickness, chlorophyll concentration (SPAD), soluble sugars, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase SOD, peroxidase POD, catalase CAT), and transcriptome profiles at 7 and 15 d post-treatment. Results demonstrated that SF caused the most significant shade avoidance phenotype, with the highest plant height (22.7 cm), hypocotyl elongation (7.75 cm), and stem thinning (1.46 mm), associated with reduced chlorophyll concentration (SPAD: 25.3). The NF enhanced soluble sugar accumulation (2.66 g) and antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD: +38%, CAT: +29%), whereas SL/SF decreased these features compared to NL treatment group. Transcriptomic study showed 15 762 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under SF, largely enriched in photosynthesis-antenna proteins, porphyrin-chlorophyll metabolism, and phytohormone signaling (abscisic acid, ethylene). These data indicate that FR possibly amplifies shade avoidance by coordinating photoreceptor signaling, hormonal dynamics, and photosynthetic repression. Shade avoidance is often characterized by stem and hypocotyl elongation, leaf expansion, and reduced chlorophyll content. These molecular insights are crucial for developing shade-resilient soybean cultivars.
Drought stress (DS) significantly threatens crop productivity and global food security. The intensity of DS is continuously soaring due to climate change, which is causing a substantial reduction in plant productivity. Coated fertilizers emerged as an excellent strategy to improve crop productivity and reduce the toxic effects of abiotic stresses. Thus, this study determined the role of coated urea fertilizers in mitigating DS in rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants. The experiment comprised different DS levels: Control (100% field capacity: FC), 70% FC, and 50% FC; and different types of coated urea: Control, normal urea (NU), Zn-coated urea (ZCU), S-coated urea (SCU). Drought stress decreased grain yield by 43.7%, enhanced electrolyte leakage, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (+151%, +105% and +217%, respectively), and reduced chlorophyll-a, total soluble proteins and free amino acids by -84%, -85% and -69%, respectively. However, SCU application in DS augmented grain yield by similar to 46%, boosted ascorbic acid activity (+119%) and agronomic N use efficiency (67.12%). Therefore, applying SCU could be an effective strategy for mitigating the adverse impacts of drought and enhancing rice productivity.
Cultural management practices in vineyards ( Vitis spp.) significantly influence soil quality. Nevertheless, the impact of these practices on soil quality within Chile's heritage vineyards remains largely unexplored. This study sought to assess the effects of two distinct management practices-organic and conventional-on soil quality in vineyards located in the Itata Valley, & Ntilde;uble Region. The investigation focused on microbiological variables, including microbial biomass, basal respiration, and enzymatic activities associated with the C, N, P, and S cycles, as well as chemical variables such as pH, organic matter, available nutrients, and total soil trace elements. Additionally, the study examined the influence of varying durations of organic management (2 to 11 yr) on soil quality parameters. Organic management was found to significantly enhance soil biological activity, as indicated by increased basal respiration, microbial biomass, and key enzymatic activities related to the C, N, P, and S cycles, with improvements ranging from two-to 3.2-fold (P < 0.05) compared to conventional management. Conversely, conventionally managed vineyards exhibited higher soil nutrient availability, including nitrate (58%) and sulfate (95%), than their organically managed counterparts. Soil quality has improved with extended periods of organic management. Over the span of 2 to 11 yr of organic management, there were significant increases in pH and Ca (P < 0.05), while Cd levels decreased by 25%. Consequently, organic management is superior for the sustainability of heritage vineyards, as it increases soil biological activity by up to 3.2-fold and reduces heavy metals such as Cd by 25% after 11 years of implementation.
Red onion (Allium cepa L.) is economically vital in Ecuador, yet yields remain suboptimal. This study evaluated the morpho-agronomic response of red onion to foliar biostimulants (fulvic acids, seaweed extract, amino acids, and Si) applied at two doses every 15 d. Plant height, leaf number, bulb size, yield, and thrips incidence were assessed. The seaweed extract (5 mL L-& sup1;) elicited the best performance, followed by amino acids (1.5 g L-& sup1;) and fulvic acids (5 mL L-& sup1;). These treatments caused significant increases (p < 0.05) in vegetative growth, improving plant height by up to 9.22% and leaf number by 10.68%. Harvest variables similarly improved, with bulb diameter and yield increasing by 6.37% and 6.95% over the control. Notably, while growth promoters enhanced yield, only Si treatments significantly reduced thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) incidence. These results validate biostimulants as a sustainable management strategy to enhance onion productivity and resilience under Andean conditions.
Drought stress significantly impacts the agronomic and nutritional properties of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), affecting agronomic traits, content of bioactive compounds and their antioxidant activity. This study evaluated the effect of two water regimes-no drought (ND) and terminal drought stress (DS)-on 20 bean genotypes and commercial cultivars over two growing seasons. Productive and quality traits were assessed, including grain yield (GY), number of grains per pod (NGP), hundred-grain weight (HGW), hydration capacity (HC), cooking time, crude protein content, total phenolic content, and DPPH-based antioxidant activity. Results showed a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in GY (-22.3%) and NGP (-61.3%) under DS, while HC increased for most genotypes (+1.9%). Some genotypes, such as 464, 483, and 478, maintained high GY (> 3600kg ha(-1)) despite reduced NGP. A positive correlation was observed between seed weight and protein content (r = 0.4) under ND and DS conditions. Under DS, most genotypes exhibited increased phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity, highlighting their potential for stress resilience. The study highlights the intricate relationship between productivity, grain quality, and drought resistance in common beans. These findings provide valuable information that could contribute to improving the genotype selection process and development of common bean cultivars, highlighting the importance of selecting genotypes for both high yield and grain quality under water-limited conditions, while enhancing the sustainability and resilience to climate variability in this important crop.
Mepiquat chloride (MC) is an inhibitory plant growth regulator (PGR), pivotal to optimizing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growth architecture, stress resilience, and yield-quality parameters. In this research, we conducted a randomized complete block (RCB) design, evaluating four diverse cotton genotypes (SD217, XLZ74, SD1068, and AY161) under field conditions, consisting of three replicates. The treatments included various concentrations of MC (40, 80, and 120 mg L-1) applied during three key growth periods: Squaring, flowering, and bolling stages. Our results indicated that the relationship between MC insensitivity and MC sensitivity was established by analysing the effects on photosynthetic characteristics, chlorophyll fluorescence, cotton yield, yield components, agronomic traits, and fibre quality. Across the four upland cotton materials, under MC treatments (40, 80, and 120 mg L-1), SPAD values were significantly enhanced by 7.11%-38.05%, transpiration rate, net photosynthesis rate (P-N), stomatal conductance increase by 5.72%-35.03%, 25.56%-54.21% and 1.35%-61.58% respectively in most cases, seed index increased by 0.56%-10.16%, but Lint percent decreased by 0.44%-11.83% in most cases .Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, including quantum efficiency of photosystem II, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, minimal and maximal chlorophyll fluorescence, and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP), also tended to increase in most treatments, whereas nonphotochemical quenching coefficient decreased. In addition, MC treatment also improved fibre quality and single boll weight. These results collectively demonstrate that MC treatment enhances PN and reduces the nonphotochemical quenching coefficient by increasing chlorophyll content, thereby improving cotton yield.
Soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr.) mealisthe predominant protein supplement in dairy production, but its high cost and considerable C footprint have encouraged the search for alternative protein sources. This study evaluated the effects of replacing soybean meal (S) with ground pea (Pisum sativumL.) grain (P) on productive and metabolic parameters in the diet of dairy cows. Twelve multiparous Holstein Friesian cows (152 +/- 18.6 d in milk; milk yield 26.0 +/- 1.9 kg d(-1)) were used; following a 3 & times; 3 Latin square design, replicated in four balanced squares to account for residual effects. Animals were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments: 55% grass silage, 9% alfalfa hay, 17.5% concentrate, 10% ground corn, and 8.5% S(100S-0P); 55.5% grass silage, 9% alfalfa hay, 11.5% concentrate, 4.5% ground corn, 5% S, and 14.5% P(50S-50P); 56% grass silage, 9% alfalfa hay, 7% concentrate, 2.5% ground corn, and 25.5% P(0S-100P). Replacing S with P did not affect DMintake, which averaged 22.3 kg DM d(-1). However, milk yield decreased linearly from 23.96 to 22.61 kg d(-1) with total replacement of soybean meal (p< 0.05), whereas milk fat concentration increased from 4.99% to 5.17% (p= 0.04).Feed costs decreased from 6.55 to 5.90 USD cow-1 d(-1)(p< 0.0001) as the inclusion of peas increased. In the rumen, butyric acid concentration increased from 13.6 to 14.0 mol 100 mol-1, while acetate proportion decreased (p< 0.05). Urinary N excretion tended to decrease from 279.3 to 256.6 g d(-1), and Nuse efficiency showed a quadratic trend, being greatest in cows fed 0S-100P. Partial replacement (50%) of Swith Pmaintained milk production while reducing feed costs and potentially improving the environmental sustainability of dairy systems.
Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L. f. spontanea Roshev.), a pervasive weed in rice cultivation systems, exhibits significant genetic and phenotypic diversity, particularly between its two major subspecies-japonica and indica weedy rice. Seed germination characteristics play a critical role in the establishment, persistence, and competitive ability of weedy rice in agricultural ecosystems. This study aimed to compare the germination behavior of japonica and indica weedy rice under varying environmental conditions, including temperature, pH, NaCl stress, seed buried depth and moisture regimes. The combination of seed morphology comparison and PCR-based methods has enabled accurate identification of two subspecies of weedy rice. Among the ten populations selected for this study, only one was identified as japonica weedy rice. Seeds of both subspecies were subjected to controlled laboratory experiments to evaluate germination rates in response to environmental factors. Results revealed distinct differences between japonica and indica weedy rice, with japonica weedy rice exhibiting lower germination rates, while indica weedy rice demonstrated higher germination rates and adaptability to a broader range of conditions under all treatments. Weedy rice germination responses to environmental factors were population-specific, especially for indica weedy rice. Meanwhile, the germination behavior of indica weedy rice and japonica weedy rice often corresponded to that of indica cultivated rice and japonica cultivated rice, respectively. These findings suggest that weedy rice prioritizes rapid establishment to outcompete coexisting cultivated rice. The study highlights the importance of understanding subspecies-specific germination traits for developing targeted weed management strategies. The research provides valuable insights into the ecological success of weedy rice and offers practical implications for managing its impact on rice production systems.
Leaf intracellular nutrient metabolism plays a critical role in determining plant stress tolerance. Selenium(IV) supplied as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3; SeO32-) has been reported to enhance plant resistance to polyethylene (PE, microplastics), yet its effects on intracellular nutrient metabolism under PE stress remain unclear. Plantain (Plantago asiatica L.) was exposed to PE (1500 mg kg(-1)) and supplemented with Se(IV) at 0, 1.25, 2.5, 12.5, and 25 mg kg(-1) (as Na2SeO3). Growth traits, photosynthetic performance, and leaf electrophysiological characteristics were measured, and the membership function method was used to comprehensively evaluate intracellular water-holding capacity (IWHC), nutrient transport capacity (NTC), and metabolic activity (MA). The Se(IV) dose 2.5 mg kg(-1 )produced the strongest overall mitigation of PE stress, increasing IWHC and MA by 173.95% and 24.70%, respectively, while maintaining a high NTC (129.69% above the PE-only treatment). When Se(IV) exceeded 2.5 mg kg(-1), mitigation weakened: At 12.5 and 25 mg kg(-1), IWHC, NTC, and MA increased by 77.01%, 105.01%, and 2.24%, and by 89.06%, 105.31%, and 16.22%, respectively, compared with the PE-only treatment, indicating that excess Se(IV) did not further improve plant performance. Overall, plant electrophysiological techniques provide a rapid and non-destructive approach to evaluate Se-mediated alleviation of microplastic stress and support the rational use of Se in agriculture.
Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. is an important medicinal and leafy vegetable widely used in Vietnam, yet no plastome data from Vietnamese populations have been available to support species authentication, conservation, or breeding. Here, we assembled and analyzed the complete chloroplast genome of T. paniculatum collected in southern Vietnam. The plastome is 156 929 bp and exhibits a typical quadripartite structure, comprising an 86 556 bp large single copy (LSC), an 18 230 bp small single copy (SSC), and two inverted repeats (IRs) of 26 071 bp. A total of 129 genes were identified, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and eight rRNAs, with 19 genes containing introns. Codon usage analysis revealed a pronounced AT bias, and 348 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were detected, mostly A/T mononucleotides. Comparative genomics showed > 99% similarity among Talinum plastomes, while IR boundary variation distinguished the Vietnamese plastome from previously published accessions. Phylogenomic reconstruction confirmed the monophyly of Talinum and clearly separated T. paniculatum from T. fruticosum (L.) Juss. This plastome provides a Vietnamspecific genomic reference that can support molecular authentication, germplasm monitoring, and the development of genetic tools for improving T. paniculatum cultivation and conservation in Vietnam.
Dairy manure management is a major contributor to greenhouse gases (GHG), and its quantification under warm climatic conditions is essential for improving mitigation strategies and emission inventories. The GHG emissions, including methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), were quantified in a free-stall dairy farm housing 1300 lactating cows under warm-climate conditions in & Idot;zmir, T & uuml;rkiye. In situ measurements were conducted over a 1 yr period using the flux chamber method across five emission source areas (ESA): Barn floor, paddock, slurry manure storage (SMS), solid manure pile (SMP), and liquid manure lagoon (LML). The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test to evaluate seasonal variations (p < 0.05). The highest CH4 flux in SMP in summer (210 & micro;mol m(-2) s(-1)) was 5.1 times higher than winter. The CH4 flux in LML in summer (36.35 & micro;mol m(-2) s(-1)) was 4.8 times higher than winter. In SMS, the highest CH4 flux occurred in autumn (38 & micro;mol m(-2) s(-1)), which was 5.9 times higher than spring. The highest CO2 flux was 1126 & micro;mol m(-2) s(-1) in SMP in summer. The annual contribution of LML (31.3 t CH4 yr(-1)) in all ESA is 61.85%. The farms annual emission factors for CH4 (EFCH4) and CO2 (EFCO2) are 39.59 and 979.11 kg hd(-1) yr(-1), respectively. The highest EFCH4 is 0.117 kg CH4 hd(-1) d(-1) during summer in LML. Additionally, it is understood that the combination of rubber mats and scraper systems may comparatively reduce in-barn CH4 formation relative to barns where other bedding materials are used. These results indicate that, particularly in dairy farms located in warm climate regions such as T & uuml;rkiye, high emissions occur from liquid manure stored in open-air conditions at high temperatures and development of liquid manure management strategies priority for emission mitigation.
A correct nutritional management of cherry crops has shown to be a contribution in achieving good fruit production and quality objectives, requiring nutritional standards that consider effects of rootstocks and cultivars. This study was conducted in sweet cherry (Prunus avium (L.) L.) 'Sweet Aryana', 'Santina', and 'Regina' commercial orchards, on three rootstocks, sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.), 'Gisela 6' hybrid (Prunus cerasus L. & times; Prunus canescens Bois), and 'Maxma 14' hybrid (Prunus mahaleb L. & times; Prunus avium), evaluating firmness, size and weight of fruits, and nutrient concentration in leaves. Fruit quality attributes of 'Sweet Aryana' and 'Santina' were not affected by rootstock, while 'Regina' fruit weight was 13.8% higher with 'Maxma 14'. Fruit quality in different cultivars did not differ when using rootstock 'Gisela 6', while with 'Maxma 14' fruit weight of 'Regina' was 14.8% higher than 'Santina'. 'Sweet Aryana' had higher concentrations of N (2.7%), P (0.27%), S (0.13%), and Cu (9.5 mg kg(-1)) with 'Gisela 6' compared to sour cherry. 'Santina' had the highest K concentrations (3.33%) and B (70 mg kg(-1)) with sour cherry, while with 'Gisela 6' had higher P concentrations (0.31%) and Cu (10.5 mg kg(-1)), and with 'Maxma 14' had the highest Zn concentration (19.1 mg kg(-1)). 'Regina' achieved the highest Cu concentration (9.7 mg kg(-1)) with 'Maxma 14', and the highest Mn concentration (41.4 mg kg(-1)) with 'Gisela 6'. The greatest nutritional contrasts were obtained between 'Santina' and 'Regina', on 'Gisela 6'. This recompilation of data is a valuable argument to be considered in the development of successful fertilization programs for these cultivars in commercial orchards.
We evaluated the fumigant toxicity, behavioral, and ovipositional repellent properties of essential oils derived from cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), and lavender (Lavandula officinalis Chaix) against adults (aged 1-3 d old, undifferentiated by sex) of the housefly, Musca domestica L., under laboratory conditions. Adult specimens were obtained from cattle barns and subsequently maintained in controlled environments. Different concentrations of each essential oil were tested to assess their impact on housefly mortality and repellency. The main components in each oil included cinnamaldehyde (76.1%) in C. zeylanicum, thymol (37.9%) and p-cymol (21.09%) in T. vulgaris, linalool (31.06%), and linalyl anthranilate (21.9%) in L. officinalis. The bioassays indicated that essential oils of T. vulgaris (LC50 = 46.7 mL L-1 air) and L. officinalis (LC50 = 144.5 mL L-1 air) did not cause more than 50% mortality in fumigant activity against houseflies. In behavioral tests, houseflies treated with C. zeylanicum and T. vulgaris at 20% and L. officinalis at 20% and 40% concentration remained longer in the untreated or intermediate zones than in the treated areas. Lastly, in oviposition trials, L. officinalis showed no oviposition at any of the tested concentrations. These results suggest that essential oils from cinnamon, thyme, and lavender could be viable alternatives to traditional chemical insecticides for controlling houseflies in livestock and urban settings.
Using straw derivatives to prevent plant nematodes disease is an effective and environmentally friendly technology. To investigate the effect of different types of straw derivatives (CK, no addition; A, rice straw ploughing; B, rice straw biochar; C, rice straw compost; H, biochar-based compost) on soil nematode community, a long-term field study was conducted under two cropping systems (maize [Zea mays L.] continuous cropping and maize-rice [Oryza sativa L.] rotation) in northeast China. Soil samples were collected at depth of 0-5, 5-10 and 10-20 cm at ripening stage, 2025. The results showed that bacterivores were the dominant genera in the C and H treatments. Treatment H had the highest abundance of fungivores and omnivore-carnivores and the lowest plant nematode disease incidences in comparison with CK. The average values of plant parasite index and channel index were 46.9% and 55.7% higher in compost involved input plots than in CK. Average 76.6% of microbial biomass C was accumulated in 0-5 cm. Biochar involved amendments showed slow release of available NPK. Overall, straw and its derivatives returning improved soil biological quality as evidenced by pushing the soil ecosystem entered into a more mature and less disturbed state.
Rainfed land in Indonesia is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and is constrained by low soil fertility. External inputs such as biochar-coated urea and livestock manure can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rainfed land, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Anthropogenic CO2 and N2O emissions from rainfed fields contribute to global warming. The research aims to determine the effect of urea-coated biochar-enriched consortia microbes and manure on flux dynamics of CO(2 )and N2O under sorghum growth (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) in a rainfed field. A field experiment was conducted using a two-factor randomized complete block design with three replicates and two-factor treatments. The three levels of first factor treatment were no manure, cow manure, chicken manure, and the four levels of second factor treatment was farmer's recommended dose, prilled urea, biochar-coated urea, biochar-coated urea with microbial enrichment. Observed parameters included plant height, biomass yield, N2O flux, and CO2 flux. Only manure application significantly affected plant height, but its interaction with N input was nonsignificant for either plant height or sorghum biomass yield. The N2O flux pattern is high at the beginning of sorghum growth and decreases towards harvest, while the CO2 flux pattern is irregular. Manure treatment and N input significantly affect N2O emissions, but not CO2 emissions. Biochar-coated urea from corn biomass, either without or with microbial enrichment, can reduce N2O emissions by 20.8%-40.5% or 15.3%-36.4%, respectively. The combination of biochar-based fertilizer with organic manure can potentially mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in rainfed fields.
