The risks of rapidly growing human population, unsustainable environmental destruction, consequent food scarcity and destabilization of the global geopolitics were early recognized by Prof. Lester R. Brown, an environmentalist and enthusiast raising voice for future generations and emphasizing the costs, consequences and realities of our modern lifestyle. This short review was written to honour his lifelong work and determination to a great cause, discussing recent achievements of agricultural microbiology and how they may contribute to the goal of sustainable agricultural development.
Ruminant livestock are responsible for non-CO2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, namely methane from enteric fermentation and nitrous oxide, as indirect emissions from manure management. Reduction measures of GHG must be taken by all sectors to reach the European greenhouse gas production targets of 55% of net reduction by 2030 and of neutrality by 2050 (European green deal, Paris agreement). It has to be highlighted that livestock partly exploit resources, which are not in competition with humans, and enteric methane is a physiological need of ruminants; therefore, its production can be reduced but not eliminated. Despite this evidence, in the last decades, several feeding strategies have been proposed, which overall are pointing toward the improvement of animal efficiency and the reduction of their methane emission. Among these approaches, good practices in grazing management, forage harvesting and preservation strategies, together with the inclusion of concentrate of dietary fats, might help in mitigating the environmental impact of ruminants. Furthermore, several in vitro studies have reported the potential of including various feed additive types, either as pure or as a mixture, but confirmations in vivo are required.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is an annual autogamous diploid plant belonging to Asteraceae and amongst the top ten most profitable crops worldwide. Nevertheless, one of the major problems for extensive lettuce cultivation is represented by fertiliser exploitation in soil and extra soil system. In this context, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi could help reduce the impact of fertilisers, particularly phosphorus (P), improving plant nutrition and contributing to growing healthier plants. In our work, we collected lettuces (cv. Salinas) inoculated with the AM fungus Funneliformis mossae and grown in soilless culture with a P-deficient nutrient solution. Gene expression profile of leaves was analysed. Overall, 1,458 genes were differentially regulated by mycorrhizal symbiosis. Interestingly, the pattern of differentially expressed genes showed regulation of photosynthesis and starch sucrose metabolism. These data are coherent with biochemical and physiological results recently reported in the literature and suggest the possible exploitation of AM symbionts for lettuce soilless cultivation with beneficial effects on plant growth.
Plant factory with artificial lights (PFALs) could be useful to produce more food of high quality and reduce the use of agrochemical and transportation costs.PFALs is a complete controlled indoor farming system, mainly dedicated to the production of edible plants with small size and a short cultivation, that allows to provide a reliable production of high-quality vegetables.The development of PFALs was possible thanks to the steady price decline of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights along with the rapid improvement of their photon efficacy.In typical PFALs with LED lights, electricity, labour, and depreciation are the three major components of the production costs.The energy-efficiency must be improved to an ecologically friendly development of PFALs.The reduction of energy consumption and the increase in production and commercial value can be achieved by improving the digital control of the cultivation and by applying models to predict both crop growth and development.
Pheromone-based mating disruption (MD) is an important strategy for managing a number of pests of agricultural importance, including key insects of grapevine. MD relies on synthetic pheromone dispensers which, when placed in the agroecosystem, delay and/or reduce the mating activity of the target pest. Through the years, the MD strategy has evolved by developing new dispensers. Earlier MD programs mainly relied on passive-release dispensers which need to be applied at 250-500 units per hectare. Today, active release dispensers are available, which can be applied at 2-4 units per hectare. These devices protect the pheromone blend from atmospheric agents, allow a reduction in installation labour costs for dispenser deployment, and optimize the pheromone release, thanks to the programmability of spraying according to the flight pattern and biology of the target pest. This contribution outlines the field efficacy of the newly developed experimental aerosol dispensers MISTER (R) L, evaluating their performances at different densities (i.e., 2, 3 and 4 units/ha) in comparison with untreated controls (i.e., vineyards where no target-specific control measures were applied) and the grower's standard (i.e., commercial passive-release MD devices Isonet((R)) L TT).
Agroecological approaches based on cropping system diversification can provide win-win strategies to tackle climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well to open new market opportunities and improve the sustainability of the agri-food sector. In this mini-review, we aimed to frame the theory behind the contribution of cropping system diversification to global challenges and to provide an operational example from the case study of camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), an oilseed crop largely studied in our Agronomy and Crop Science group at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the University of Pisa, that can be introduced in crop rotations thus cascading on many ecosystem services of high importance for farmers, rural areas and the whole society.
Lead is a hazardous heavy metal causing various health issues in plants, animals and human beings. This study deals with the removal of lead by chemical sorbents such as lime and single super phosphate (SSP) from contaminated waters through a batch incubation experiment. The effect of sorbent dosage, initial Pb 2+ concentration, and incubation time intervals on Pb adsorption and desorption was studied, and the data were fitted to various kinetic models. A higher Pb adsorption rate from contaminated water was observed with SSP (75.2%) than with lime (65.5%), which increased with increasing sorbent dosage and time intervals. The adsorption rate decreased with increasing initial Pb concentration in the water. The pseudo second -order kinetic model described the Pb adsorption precisely followed by intraparticle diffusion. Chemisorption was the dominant mechanism operating in the Pb-contaminated aqueous solution system. Hence, it could be concluded that SSP is an effective sorbent which can be effectively used for the removal of Pb from wastewater.
Agroforestry, specifically bamboo-based systems, presents a promising approach for achieving ecological stability and economic efficiency in farming. A study was conducted to establish a Dendrocalamus brandisii (Burma bamboo) agroforestry model with varying spacing regimes and nutrient dosages. This model incorporated two intercrops and followed a split plot design approach. For the successful establishment of such agroforestry system, it is crucial to understand how bamboo cultivation affects soil nutrient status and performance. To gain insights into the soil nutrient dynamics in bamboo-based agroforestry, soil samples were collected and analysed annually. Parameters investigated included soil moisture content, bulk density, and various chemical properties such as soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur. The study findings showed that bamboo-based agroforestry systems positively influenced soil properties over a two-year period. Notably, improvements were observed in soil bulk density and nutrient status, including organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This research highlights the potential of bamboo-based agroforestry in enhancing soil conditions and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Edible oils are lipids rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, mak-ing them susceptible to oxidation and requiring supplementation with synthetic or, more interestingly, natural antioxidants. The present inves-tigation aimed to evaluate the use of phenolic compounds extracted from bay leaves for enhancing the thermo-stability of soybean oil. Soybean oils prepared with different concentrations of a phenolic extract (20, 40 and 60 mg/l) and the control oil were evaluated during heat treatment (170 degrees C, every 24 h for 3 days) by monitoring UV absorption coef-ficients, acidity, peroxide value, iodine value as well as total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the phenolic compounds of bay leaf reduced the incidence of thermo-oxidation of soybean oil, as manifested by lower UV absorption coefficients, acidity, and peroxide value, and protected the double bonds better. This protec-tion was more efficient when the phenolic concentration increased, and this was related to their antioxidant activity. The phenolic compounds of bay leaves, especially at 60 mg/l, demonstrated the best efficiency in enhancing the protection against thermo-oxidation of soybean oil during heat treatment, which opens some perspectives for their use in the oil industry.
Vanadium (V) shows either positive or negative effects on crops. We determined the effect of V -enriched irrigation water (concentrations 0, 5, 1 and 20 mg V l -1 ) on sunflower and soybean, in greenhouse. Complementarily, we verify the V accumulation in soils, sampling areas subjected to 0, 4, 12 and 17 years of irrigation. Water containing more than 5 mg V l -1 significantly decreased sunflower aerial and grain and soybean biomasses but did not affect soybean grain production. The aerial biomass of both crops showed a marked accumulation of V after irrigation but the V concentration in grains did not increase. The concentration of V in the irrigated soils profiles initially increased but then remained stable . Our results indicate that in most cases of irrigation, V has no significant effects on the crops or soils and the limit of V established in the water quality standards is appropriate.
The experiment was conducted near a paper mill industry to evaluate the influence of combining treated wastewater and sludge from paper mills on soil quality and productivity of Ragi ( Eleusine coracana ) also known as finger millet. The study examined soil microbiota, soil enzymes, and yield characteristics of Ragi across different treatments. Among the treatments, the application of effluent treatment plant (ETP) sludge vermicompost at 5 t ha -1 with drip irrigation using treated effluent (T 8 ) resulted in a notable increase in bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes populations (29.49 x 10 6 , 15.50 x 10 4 and 9.75 x 10 2 colony -forming units (CFU) ml -1 , respectively) at harvest stage. Enzymatic activities in the post -harvest soil, including amylase and invertase (0.99 and 1.49 mg reducing sugars g -1 soil 24 h -1 , respectively), cellulose (38.50 mu g reducing sugars g -1 soil 24 h -1 ), phosphatase (18.93 mu g phenols g -1 soil 24 h -1 ) and dehydrogenase (48.19 mu g triphenyl formazan g -1 soil 24 h -1 ) were also significantly higher in the T 8 treatment. Plant height, number of tillers, grain and straw yields were all notably higher in T 8 . The addition of vermicompost sludge enhanced soil microbial activity, thereby stimulating soil enzyme production. As a result, applying ETP sludge vermicompost at 5 t ha -1 , along with treated effluent through drip irrigation, significantly enhanced soil health and ragi yield.
Seed priming is one of the potential physiological approaches to enhance seed germination under salinity stress. In the present study seed halopriming effects on the germination of two lentil ( Lens culinaris ) ecotypes exposed to salt stress was investigated. Seeds of the lentil ecotypes Kef and Nefza were soaked in NaCl (1%) for 12 hours and subjected to salinity stress (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM). The results show that salinity stress caused a significant decrease of the germination percentage in both ecotypes, but its impact was more pronounced on Nefza. In Kef ecotype this variation was associated with an increase in the lipid peroxidation and the antioxidative enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) as well as in the level of some antioxidative molecules (ascorbic acid, glutathione and total polyphenols). However, in Nefza the decrease in the germination level was associated with a significant increase in the level of antioxidative molecules compared to Kef, whereas the antioxidative enzyme activities were unchanged. Salt priming effectively alleviated the negative effects of salinity stress. The pretreatment showed that the best tolerance to salt stress in Nefza ecotype was due to a better oxidative status demonstrated by the reduction of the malondialdehyde content, the accumulation of ascorbic acid, and an increase in the antioxidative enzyme activities, especially superoxide dismutase. Results show that the antioxidative enzymes were more efficient than the antioxidative molecules in increasing seed resistance to NaCl exposure, and that seed halopriming improved their vigor in the more sensitive ecotype Nefza.
In specialty crops, the interest in developing autonomous machines for weed management has grown significantly because of the decreased availability of effective herbicides, labor shortages, and high labor costs. Small autonomous mowers with random path planning, despite relaying on simplified computational resources, obtained promising results when applied in agricultural contexts, including vegetable systems, orchards and vineyards, even when compared with conventional systems. The intensive mowing activity of these mowers allows to control weeds growth and seed production, limiting their spread. These machines achieved also encouraging results for the management of living mulch, whose growth needs to be controlled to prevent competition with the cash crop. In addition, the use of these small autonomous mowers with random path planning showed to reduce the primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions of the management system, contributing to improve the sustainability of floor management. Nevertheless, further improvement of these machines is needed for the mechanization of a professional farm.
Local food systems in the Osa Peninsula are influenced by both national food policies from the Government of Costa Rica, and local food governance, the latter as a response by cooperatives and associations of consumers and farmers in the territory. This paper describes initiatives that localize the food system as a solution to tradeoffs between national food policies such as import substitution and non-traditional export and centralized food procurement using a food system approach. In-depth interviews with main representatives of local associations and cooperatives were carried out, alongside a literature review to identify food policies. As a result of detrimental effects resulting from the reorientation of economic export strategies, centralized food-oriented policies, and shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic, new actors in the territory and local food system have arisen with the purpose of improving food and nutrition security.
Nowadays, the upcoming environmental and economic challenges arisen mainly from anthropogenic activities have led to several issues at a global scale. To face them, the key concept of "sustainability" must be the least common denominator for any possible solution to be proposed. In this optic, the agricultural chemistry team of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the University of Pisa is currently trying to address some of the agri-food-related problems with eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, that will be further described, in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals of 2030 Agenda by the United Nations.
Some ancient local apple cultivars show higher nutraceutical properties than commercial ones. However, more information is needed about their effective nutraceutical properties due to the high number of ancient local apple cultivars and the high trait variability traits among them. Three ancient local apple cultivars from Casentino Tuscany (Italy) (namely 'Rugginosa', 'Mora' and 'Chitignano'), were characterized for their pomological traits, organoleptic properties, polyphenol content, and antioxidant capacity. All the cultivars analyzed showed a higher polyphenolic content than some selected commercial apple cultivars. Fruits from the cultivar 'Rugginosa' also showed the highest content of flavonoids and antioxidant capacity. The data obtained in this work adds knowledge regarding the nutritional and nutraceutical characteristics of these ancient local cultivars, helping small producers to valorise these traditional products.
Constant use of chemical herbicides has led to environmental pollution, non-target impact on beneficial organisms, and evolution of herbicide resistance amongst weeds. The need to find new solutions has been growing and supported by restrictive policies, particularly through the search for natural candidates with herbicidal action to control weeds. Mycoherbicides (formulations containing plant pathogenic fungi), have been seen as an attractive replacement for chemical herbicide, and in the case of Ailanthus altissima, included in the list of invasive alien species of the European Union to counteract, represent a valid method for its control, otherwise problematic with other approaches. Specifically, Verticillium species, plant pathogens responsible for lethal wilt diseases in dicotyledonous are particularly effective. Considering the work of American, Austrian and Italian research teams, here the analyses for assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of Verticillium isolates as environmentally-friendly control agents against this invasive species are reported.
