Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) establishment in arid and semi-arid systems can be limited during germination by thermal and saline stress, yet accession-level variation remains poorly characterized. This study aimed to quantify germination and early-vigor responses of nine cumin accessions to temperature and NaCl and to identify material suitable for stress screening. Temperature and salinity were evaluated in independent completely randomized experiments with four replicates of 50 seeds per accession × treatment combination. Accessions were exposed to four alternating temperature regimes (10/0, 20/10, 30/15 and 40/25 °C) or five NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM). Final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of variation of germination time (CVt), and germination index (GI) were evaluated using Petri-dish replicates. Seedling vigor index (SVI) was retained as a descriptive supporting metric because the six seedling measurements per accession × NaCl combination could not be linked retrospectively to individual Petri-dish replicates. Mean FGP was 96.3% at 10/0 °C and 94.4% at 20/10 °C, declined to 80.3% at 30/15 °C, and was 0% at 40/25 °C. Under salinity, mean FGP was 81.5% in the control, 90.8% at 50 mM, 87.5% at 100 mM, 68.2% at 150 mM and 44.1% at 200 mM. At 200 mM, C29 retained 78.0% FGP and GI 2.9, whereas C02 retained only 19.5% FGP; C27 retained 57.5% FGP. Descriptive SVI was also highest for C29 at 200 mM (456.9). The high descriptive mean SVI at 150 mM (396.7 versus 303.6 in the control) reflected accession-specific seedling-length responses and should not be interpreted as a statistically tested stimulatory salinity effect. C29 and, secondarily, C27 are promising candidates for further validation. Because temperature and salinity were tested separately and no physiological assays were performed, combined-stress mechanisms and field tolerance require factorial and soil-based confirmation.
The lack of information on potential invasions by alien species is a major contributor to the prevalence of invasions in sub-Saharan Africa. A rapid risk assessment was conducted to prioritise high-risk species not yet reported in Rwanda that could be introduced and become invasive. The CABI Horizon Scanning Tool identified 9,155 species (including 641 invasive species) that have not yet been reported in Rwanda but are present in other likely trading countries. The 9,155 species comprised 5,860 arthropods, 319 bacteria, 174 chromists, 1,762 fungi, 34 molluscs, 261 nematodes, 10 protists, 33 viroids, and 712 viruses. The 9,155 species were reduced to 1,972 (392 arthropods, 147 bacteria, 79 chromists, 784 fungi, 21 molluscs, 134 nematodes, nine protists, 18 viroids, and 388 viruses) identified as affecting major crops grown in Rwanda. An additional 127, which included 14 from the list of regulated pests, four deemed of phytosanitary concern, 18 identified in other risk assessment studies, and species vectored by (14) or vectors (77) of assessed species were added, raising the total to 2,099. Of the 2,099, 1,081 were reported outside Africa and 1,018 within Africa, with 381 reported in a neighbouring country. The 2,099 (including 212 reported invasives) comprised 468 arthropods, 152 bacteria (including 24 phytoplasmas), 79 chromists, 810 fungi, 21 molluscs, 136 nematodes, four plants, nine protists, 18 viroids, and 402 viruses. The highest risk score was 175, recorded for 185 species, and the lowest was two, recorded for 22 species. The assessed species could be introduced as contaminants (1,385), stowaways (211), or via multiple pathways (503). A no-action management option was suggested for 1,270 species, surveillance for 356, and regulation for 563 (521 quarantine and 42 regulated non-quarantine). Additional actions included developing a contingency plan, conducting publicity, managing the pest by industry, and conducting research, which were suggested for 18, 21, 4, and 20, respectively. This study proposes a new list of regulated pests and also aligns Rwanda with Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to reduce the impacts of IAS on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
IntroductionPlant growth-promoting bacteria are a promising tool for enhancing crop productivity while reducing dependence on synthetic agricultural inputs. This study evaluated the effects of the microbial consortia bioproduct inoculant Agrovive Biologicals® Soyfx®, applied as either a seed treatment or foliar spray, on soybean plant density, pod development, seed production, seed mass, and the accuracy of automated seed counting.MethodsThe field experiment was conducted during the 2018 growing season under standard agronomic management. Three treatments were compared: untreated control, foliar application at the V2 growth stage (2.34 L ha-1 in 93.5 L ha-1 water), and seed treatment (1.30 mL kg-1 seed). Yield components were assessed through fixed-area sampling, pod classification, seed counting (manual and automated), and seed-size determination. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests following assessment of normality.ResultsSeed treatment significantly reduced plant density from 32.6 to 23.2 plantsm-2 (−29%; p < 0.001) but increased average pod production per plant from 26.2 to 41.3 pods (+63%; p < 0.001) compared with the control. The number of seeds >6.35 mm increased from 986.4 to 1693.2 m-2 (+70%; p < 0.001), while 100-seed weight increased from 18 to 21.8 g (+21%; p < 0.001). As a result, seed treatment produced the highest yield (3.55 t ha-1), representing a 31% increase over the control (2.7 t ha-1; p < 0.022) and a 45% increase over the foliar treatment (2.45 t ha-1; p < 0.004). Despite a significantly lower plant density, total pod and seed production per unit area were maintained, indicating compensatory growth responses. Foliar application produced intermediate responses and did not differ significantly from the control. Pod-type analysis showed that seed treatment increased the frequency of three-spot pods of one-seed. Automated seed counts underestimated seed numbers relative to manual counts (p < 0.001).DiscussionThese results indicate that pre-sowing seed application of Agrovive Biologicals® Soyfx® improves soybean yield components and seed quality, providing an effective low-input alternative to foliar application.
Crop intercropping is important for improved land use efficiency by promoting complementary use of light, water, nutrients, and growing space between the component crops, while aquaculture wastewater contribute to improved crop yield. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate their integrative impacts on the soil, growth, yield and nutritive quality of Okra and Pepper under different water managements. Irrigation water from aquaculture constructed wetland (CW), untreated/treated wastewater and groundwater sources were applied at two levels (100% and 60% of full irrigation - FI) to okra and sweet pepper under three cropping patterns (okra alone, sweet pepper alone, and okra/sweet pepper intercrop). The soil hydro-physical and chemical properties were determined using standard procedures. The growth parameter; plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index and stem girth were measured weekly, while the fruits yield was determined at harvest. Results from the study showed that the treatment plots irrigated with untreated aquaculture water had the highest soil water content and nutrient at harvest in the okra/sweet pepper intercrop, thus resulting in higher growth, yield and nutritive quality of okra and sweet pepper. Moreover, the aquaculture waste water improved the water use efficiency of the pepper and okra crop under both sole planting and intercropping. Among the treatments, the okra fruit yield ranged between 1,440 and 35,906 kg ha-1, while it ranges between 2,126 and 24,940 kg ha-1 for the sweet pepper. The field water use efficiency ranged between 3.83 and 57.3 kg ha-1 mm-1 for the okra crop, while it ranged between 2.37 and 11.29 kg ha-1 mm-1. The main effects of cropping pattern and irrigation water source, as well as their interaction effects, were significant (P < 0.05) for most soil nutrient parameters. The Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) was mostly greater than 1 (LER > 1), thus emphasizing the suitability of intercropping okra with sweet pepper under aquaculture water application.
Accurate characterization of soil hydraulic parameters is crucial for simulating soil-plant-water dynamics in agroecosystem models. Hydraulic parameters, specifically the field capacity and permanent wilting point, govern the soil water balance and define the limits of plant-available water. This study evaluated the impact of soil hydraulic parameters in the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) by comparing simulated soil water dynamics, wheat growth, and yield with observed data. To this end, a detailed 3-yr field dataset (2022, 2023, and 2025) from South Germany was employed, distinguished by its integration of wheat growth with an extensive daily record of soil water content and matric potential measurements at multiple depths. Within the DSSAT shell, permanent wilting point and field capacity were derived using both the Saxton and Rawls pedotransfer functions (PTFs); these estimates were then evaluated against lab-measured and sensor data using retention curves and soil-water simulations. In particular, the Saxton PTF introduced higher uncertainty in soil-water simulations and was selected as the starting point for an inverse modeling approach using Bayesian and Grid search algorithms to optimize field capacity and permanent wilting point. Using soil water content, wheat growth, and biomass data as target variables in the optimization procedure significantly reduced the normalized Root Mean Square Error (nRMSE) for both optimization algorithms. Overall model performance improved significantly, as shown by a reduction in nRMSE from 20% of the Saxton PTF to ≤ 10% for Bayesian targeting of grain weight and Grid search targeting of above-ground biomass, thereby enhancing the accuracy of wheat growth and yield predictions. This study provides a realistic evaluation of how measured, estimated, and calibrated parameters affect the soil water balance, demonstrating that plant response data can serve as an effective target variable for optimizing field capacity and permanent wilting point.
Agriculture remains the primary livelihood for rural households in Nepal’s mid-hills, where steep terrain, fragile soils, limited irrigation, and increasing climate variability create challenges for smallholder farming systems. Agroecological farming applies ecological processes, crop diversification, and local knowledge to improve resource management and strengthen farming system resilience. This study maps evidence on agroecological practices in Nepal’s mid-hills, examining reported outcomes related to crop production, soil health, climate resilience, and smallholder livelihoods while identifying research gaps. The review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework. Peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and publications from international organizations published between 2000 and 2024 were systematically searched across academic databases and institutional repositories. Of 1,450 records identified, 34 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis. Findings indicate that practices including mixed cropping, legume intercropping, composting, mulching, terracing, agroforestry, organic pest management, and local seed preservation are associated with improved soil conditions, resource conservation, diversified production systems, and enhanced climate adaptation capacity. Agroforestry and diversified farming systems were linked with greater biodiversity and additional livelihood opportunities. Farmer field schools and community seed banks facilitated knowledge sharing and promoted the uptake of agroecological practices. However, implementation was constrained by labor requirements, limited training opportunities, restricted access to inputs, and weak extension services. Existing evidence is largely based on short-term studies with limited comparison between agroecological and conventional farming systems. Agroecological approaches show promise for strengthening mid-hill farming systems; however, broader implementation will require institutional support, supportive policies, and long-term research addressing social and ecological dimensions.
The study is devoted to a comparative analysis of adaptation and productivity of spring bread (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum (Triticum durum Desf.) wheat under agroecological conditions of Western and Northern Kazakhstan and Russia (Western Siberia) to enhance production and breeding. The methodology is based on the analysis of the results of long-term (2005–2024) field experiments of the Kazakhstan–Siberian Network for Spring Wheat Improvement (KASIB) at four scientific institutions: Karabalyk Agricultural Experimental Station (AES), Aktobe AES (Kazakhstan), Altai Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnologies, and Omsk Agricultural Scientific Center (Russia). The weather changes observed at the four breeding sites over 20 years were slightly different, owing to underlying regional variation. Seasonal precipitation tends to increase at Aktobe, the driest site, while temperature gradually increases at Barnaul and Omsk. Most of the temporal changes do not meet the significance test except air temperature increase at Barnaul. The results showed that under Kazakhstan conditions, spring bread wheat demonstrated insignificantly higher yield than durum (by 7%–21%), even though durum wheat forms taller plants and has a larger 1,000 grain weight. In Western Siberia (Altai Territory), durum wheat insignificantly outperformed bread wheat in yield by 8.6%. A strong positive correlation was established between yield and plant height, and 1,000 grain weight in both wheat species. Both crops showed similar sensitivity to elevated air temperatures in June and in May–July. The positive association between grain yield and rainfall was more pronounced for spring durum, suggesting its better response to moisture availability. Durum wheat expressed higher resistance to leaf rust. The two species’ distinct climate-response strategies operate through precipitation-driven disease pressure and differential responsiveness of yield and kernel weight to overall environmental favorability. The practical significance of the work consists in the possibility of a more informed choice of wheat species for specific agroecological conditions and the development of breeding strategies specific to each crop and across the species.
Quinoa expansion into heat-prone semi-arid environments increasingly exposes the crop to combined abiotic stresses for which current potassium (K) fertilization guidelines are poorly calibrated. Whether genotype-specific traits modulate crop response to this combined stress remains unknown. We tested five K rates (0–200 kg K2O ha-¹) on three contrasting quinoa genotypes across two Moroccan field sites differing in soil K status (715 vs. 106 mg K2O kg-¹), CEC (18.0 vs. 1.2 meq 100 g-¹), and thermal regime (Tmax 38.2 °C vs. 27.4 °C during grain filling), complemented by a controlled-temperature pot experiment. At the K-rich, heat-prone site, G41 grain yield collapsed 96% between K120 and K150, whereas at the K-poor, moderate site, the same genotype responded linearly to K200 (AE = 0.46 g g-¹). The pot experiment showed that identical soil under controlled temperature (Tmax < 28 °C) did not show yield collapse, indicating that heat stress is a critical co-factor in this system. At baseline (K0), G36 exhibited a higher tissue K/Ca ratio (8.28) than G41 (1.95), yet maintained stable yields, indicating that constitutive tissue cation balance alone does not predict vulnerability to yield collapse; instead, G41’s large canopy (LAI 2.50 vs. 0.54) generated far higher absolute Ca²+/Mg²+ demand. K fertilization restructured root architecture from absorptive to transport-dominated without changing biomass. We propose demand-side vulnerability, where yield collapse is consistent with the convergence of K-induced cation suppression, heat-amplified Ca²+/Mg²+ demand, and genotype-specific canopy scaling. This finding suggests that combined abiotic stress and nutrient disorder can produce outcomes unpredictable from either stressor alone, and that K recommendations must integrate soil K/CEC status, genotype vigor, and expected thermal regime.
Phosphorus (P) is an important macronutrient vital for plant development, energy transfer, and food production, making its steady availability essential for agricultural yields and food security. Nonetheless, its availability mainly hinges on limited phosphate rock deposits and fertilizer systems that heavily depend on imports. In India, issues like reliance on fertilizers, varying levels of fertility across many regions, and the rise in agricultural waste production highlight the necessity for implementing more circular P management methods. Existing farming methods, such as residue burning and poor nutrient cycling, worsen P depletion and harm the environment. This review examines major waste streams in India that have potential for P recovery, including crop residues, livestock waste, fish processing waste and food processing waste. It also highlights key recovery methods like struvite crystallization, adsorption, thermochemical processing, chemical extraction, biological treatment and hybrid approaches. These waste streams hold significant quantities of P, which if properly harnessed, can lessen dependence on limited phosphate rock supplies and minimize nutrient leakage into the environment. Research shows that recovery efficiency differs significantly depending on the feedstock type, processing conditions and operational scale, indicating a requirement for customized extraction methods to enhance P recovery. Recovered P can aid in replacing P fertilizers, thus minimizing environmental losses and improving nutrient use efficiency. Nevertheless, widespread adoption in India encounters obstacles including gaps in collection and segregation, contamination risks, elevated capital and operational costs, and insufficient integration into value chain, alongside societal pushback against altering practices such as residue burning. Enhancing policy backing, performing localized techno-economic evaluations, establishing incentive structures, and crafting market routes for recovered P products will be vital for broadening circular P systems and boosting long-term nutrient security, while easing environmental and economic stresses.
Diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella L.) is one of the most damaging pests of cruciferous crops, causing significant economic losses in multiple agri-food production systems globally. The high reproductive potential of DBM, rapid adaptability to diverse ecological zones, and resistance to several synthetic insecticides destabilize their integrated pest management (IPM) efforts. Here, we critically synthesize the current knowledge on DBM research across key IPM thematic areas, including biocontrol, insecticide use, phytochemistry interactions, insect-associated microbiomes and insecticide resistance, as well as the impact of climate alterations. This review has emphasized the importance of evidence based on insecticide applications, which have encouraged the development of resistance and are not sustainable for use in insect population management. However, the availability of other options for biocontrol agents, such as parasitoids, predators, entomopathogens, and host-plant resistance, has also been significant and sustainable for the management of DBM population. Apart from this, the effects of climate fluctuation have increased the spread of DBM population, which has also necessitated the use of adaptive strategies for its management, such as advanced pest surveillance systems, genome editing, and climate resilient cropping systems for breeding resistance to the pest. Despite significant technological advancements, key research gaps remain, including a limited understanding of DBM interactions with phytopathogens, as well as the socio-economic and policy-related barriers that hinder the adoption of IPM. Hence, future goal for DBM control would be implementing robust, sustainable, eco-friendly, and technology-driven approaches to reduce the development of resistance to conventional insecticides and achieving maximum control effects. Future approaches should focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, farmer awareness, and policy support to improve sustainable DBM management. In conclusion, our review provides practical information for improving IPM strategies against DBM populations, ensuring food security, and developing long-term resilience of plant production systems under increasing ecological and climate change pressures.
IntroductionIntercropping is widely promoted as a strategy to enhance crop resilience, but spatial evidence for its vegetation- stress benefits in smallholder systems based on remote sensing data remains limited.MethodsWe used Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data to map maize monocrop and maize intercrop in western Kenya, and Sentinel-2 vegetation indices to compare vegetation-stress conditions across these systems during the 2021 and 2023 long-rain seasons. We tracked monthly vegetation condition using normalized difference indices of vegetation, (VCI from NDVI, MCI from NDMI, and GCI from GNDVI) and were integrated into an ensemble stress index ENS. All these four metrics were subsequently incorporated into the Intercrop Advantage Score (IAS) - a remote-sensing proxy that combines the magnitude, uncertainty and seasonal consistency of intercrop-monocrop differences. Results and DiscussionAcross both seasons, maize intercrop generally showed higher vegetation condition and lower stress than maize monocrop. The relatively small, but statistically significant differences, provide evidence for resilience from remotesensing, in the absence of yield data. The IAS provides an interpretable transferable framework for comparing crop-system vegetation-stress profiles using satellite data and has potential application for evaluating of a wider range of agricultural interventions.
Doubling farmers’ income by maximizing crop productivity per unit of resource utilized while safeguarding long-term soil health has become a major global concern in sustainable agriculture. The horticulture sector is progressively shifting from an exclusive focus on yield maximization toward improving irrigation water and fertilizer use efficiency to achieve higher productivity with reduced resource consumption. Inefficient use of water and fertilizers not only limits crop productivity but also contributes to soil degradation, nutrient losses, environmental pollution, and declining input-use efficiency. In this context, drip fertigation has emerged as an effective management strategy for vegetable production due to its ability to deliver water and nutrients directly to the crop root zone in a precise and demand-driven manner. Fertigation improves synchronization between crop nutrient demand and resource supply, thereby enhancing nutrient uptake, reducing nutrient losses, and improving crop performance. This review critically evaluates the role of fertigation in improving crop growth, yield, produce quality, nutrient use efficiency, and water productivity in vegetable crops. The review further highlights the importance of appropriate irrigation scheduling, fertilizer application rates, and nutrient management strategies for achieving optimum crop performance and resource conservation. Despite its considerable advantages, the large-scale adoption of fertigation remains constrained by challenges such as emitter clogging, high initial installation costs, maintenance requirements, salinity buildup, and improper nutrient scheduling. The article also discusses practical management approaches to overcome these limitations and enhance the long-term sustainability of fertigation systems. Overall, fertigation offers substantial potential to improve agricultural productivity, resource-use efficiency, economic returns, and environmental sustainability in modern vegetable cultivation under changing climatic conditions.
Cocoa yields in Ghana have declined 23% since 2020 despite favorable prices, yet the spatial dimensions of this productivity crisis remain under-researched. This study analyzed 2,612 georeferenced cocoa farms across 10 districts in Ghana’s Ashanti Region (5°30’N–7°45’N, 0°15’W–2°25’W) to identify spatial patterns and determinants of yield variation. We integrated GIS-based spatial analysis with multivariate spatial regression modeling, applying Moran’s I statistics, and Ripley’s K-function. Results revealed strong spatial clustering of productivity (Moran’s I = 0.594, p < 0.001), indicating that unobserved spatially structured factors significantly shape yield outcomes, with seven distinct clusters identified through point pattern analysis. A two-hurdle spatial regression approach was employed to analyze cocoa yield determinants, while addressing the substantial zero inflation in production data. More than 50% of sampled farms (n = 2,612) reported zero yields during the 2022/2023 season, reflecting distinct economic and agronomic processes governing participation versus productivity decisions. In Hurdle 1, a spatial autoregressive probit model was applied to estimate the binary participation decision, while Hurdle 2 employed spatial error regression among producing farms to identify conditional yield determinants. The results reveal strong spatial dependence at both decision stages, with spatial autoregressive coefficient ρ = 0.698 in the participation model and spatial error coefficient λ = 0.690 in the productivity model. Tree density exhibits super-elastic effects (elasticity = 1.29), while farm size shows an inverse productivity relationship (elasticity = -0.0287). The model explains 92.07% of yield variation on the original scale using Duan’s smearing estimator for backtransformation. Policy implications emphasize geographically targeted interventions, smallholder intensification through replanting programs, and sustained extension engagement.
Controlled Environment Agriculture, specifically high-density vertical farming, offers unprecedented spatial yields but often suffers from a “yield-quality trade-off,” in which accelerated biomass accumulation dilutes secondary metabolites. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether optimizing the vertical farm (VF) environment can uncouple rapid growth from quality degradation in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). To achieve this, we compared the agronomic, ecophysiological, and nutritional performance of eight commercial cultivars. The experiment was conducted in Switzerland characterized by a continental climate with Mediterranean influences, to compare successive harvests across two setups: an indoor, high-density hydroponic VF system (fully controlled microclimate) and a conventional soil-based greenhouse. VF cultivation accelerated the crop cycle by bypassing prolonged nursery phases, doubling temporal productivity (+106%) without compromising structural dry matter. Ecophysiologically, hydroponic plants adopted a conservative water-use strategy, halving stomatal conductance and apparent transpiration while maintaining photochemical efficiency. This adaptation triggered significant ionomic shifts: rapid carbon assimilation caused a systemic dilution of nitrogen and potassium, while unhindered root bioavailability led to luxury phosphorus uptake and increased foliar calcium despite reduced transpirational pull. Crucially, the VF system successfully broke the traditional yield-quality paradigm, producing basil with enhanced visual greenness and elevated essential oil content. However, these benefits were dictated by Genotype × Environment interactions. Elite cultivars (Adi and Prospera) exhibited high phenotypic plasticity, maximizing biomass and volatile organic compounds, whereas traditional open-field varieties struggled. Ultimately, unlocking vertical farming’s full potential relies on pairing advanced hydroponic engineering with targeted genetic selection.
IntroductionWater scarcity is a major constraint limiting agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions. Developing sustainable production systems that improve water-use efficiency while maintaining soil physicochemical quality is therefore essential. This study evaluated the combined effects of cropping systems and deficit irrigation on instantaneous water-use efficiency (iWUE), soil physicochemical properties, nutrient dynamics, crop growth, and productivity in dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)-based intercropping systems with Cucumis myriocarpus and Cleome gynandra.MethodsA field experiment was conducted over two growing seasons (2023/24 and 2024/25) using three cropping systems and three irrigation regimes supplying 100% (full irrigation, FI), 75% (moderate deficit irrigation, DI), and 50% (severe DI) of crop water requirements. Measurements included iWUE, soil physicochemical properties, exchangeable cations, crop growth, biomass production, and yield.ResultsIrrigation level had a greater influence on iWUE than cropping system. Severe deficit irrigation (50% DI) significantly reduced crop growth, biomass accumulation, and yield, whereas full irrigation (100% FI) generally produced the highest performance. Moderate deficit irrigation (75% DI) maintained satisfactory productivity while reducing water input, demonstrating its potential as a water-saving strategy. Both cropping system and irrigation regime significantly affected soil physicochemical properties and exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, and K). Intercropping improved soil conditions by reducing bulk density and enhancing soil pH and nutrient cycling compared with sole cropping. However, dry bean-based systems maintained higher exchangeable cation concentrations and cation exchange capacity than C. gynandra-based systems. Soil nutrient availability declined progressively with increasing water deficit. Sole dry bean under full irrigation recorded the highest growth and yield. Although intercropping reduced dry bean yield compared with sole cropping, the dry bean + C. myriocarpus intercrop consistently outperformed the dry bean + C. gynandra intercrop under water-limited conditions.DiscussionThe findings demonstrate that irrigation management plays a more decisive role than cropping system in determining water-use efficiency and crop productivity under semi-arid conditions. Moderate deficit irrigation (75% DI), when combined with compatible intercropping systems, particularly dry bean + C. myriocarpus, offers a practical strategy for conserving irrigation water while sustaining crop productivity and improving soil physicochemical quality. These results support the adoption of integrated water and cropping management practices to enhance the resilience and sustainability of crop production in water-limited environments.
IntroductionNet form net blotch (NFNB), caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt), is a major constraint to barley production. However, the genetic basis of adult plant resistance (APR) and seedling resistance remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to dissect the genetic architecture of NFNB resistance in a diverse panel of 273 spring barley accessions.MethodsAPR was evaluated in two contrasting field environments in Kazakhstan, whereas seedling resistance was assessed under greenhouse conditions using two Ptt races. Genotyping with the 50K SNP array yielded 31,834 high-quality SNPs. Genome-wide association analyses were performed using four models – MLM, MLMM, FarmCPU, and BLINK – that accounted for population structure and kinship. Candidate genes within QTL intervals were prioritized using transcriptomic data from 16 barley tissues and co-expression network analysis.ResultsSubstantial phenotypic variation was observed, with moderate heritability for APR (h2 = 50.6%) and seedling resistance (h2 = 41.3%), together with strong genotype × environment and genotype × race interactions. In total, 275 marker–trait associations were detected for APR and 48 for seedling resistance. These associations were consolidated into 57 genome-wide significant (P < 1.57E–6) or multi-model-supported QTLs across all seven barley chromosomes, including 39 APR and 18 seedling-resistance QTLs. Forty QTLs co-localized with known resistance genes (Rpt1, Rpt2, Rpt3, Rpt4, Rpt6, Rpt8, Rpt9, and SPN1) or previously reported net blotch QTLs, whereas 17 were potentially novel. Transcriptomic integration identified 87 highly expressed genes within APR QTL regions and 42 within seedling-resistance QTLs. The potentially novel QTLs Q_NB_1H.6, Q_NB_2H.3, and Q_NB_3H.1 harbored genes encoding proteins previously associated with pathogen resistance and stress responses. Co-expression analysis revealed stage-specific transcriptional patterns, with APR-associated genes enriched in regulatory functions and seedling-resistance genes enriched in metabolic and structural functions.DiscussionThe results demonstrate that NFNB resistance is polygenic and developmentally stage-dependent, with partly distinct mechanisms underlying adult plant and seedling resistance. The identified QTLs and prioritized candidate genes provide targets for independent validation, functional characterization, and the development of molecular markers to support breeding for durable NFNB resistance in barley.
Nitrogen (N) and magnesium (Mg) are essential nutrients that jointly regulate rice growth, productivity, and nutrient utilization, particularly in acidic, Mg-deficient soils. Delayed N application is a key strategy for improving N-use efficiency and achieving N-conserving, yield-stable rice production. However, research on the synergistic effects of delayed N application combined with Mg fertilization on rice growth, yield, and nutrient-use efficiency under the unique plateau climate and Mg-deficient soil conditions of Mianning County in Sichuan Province, China remains limited. We investigated the effects of different N application strategies combined with Mg fertilization on rice yield, biomass production, and nutrient-use efficiency in this high-altitude rice-growing region. A two-year field experiment (2024–2025) was conducted using a split-plot design with the rice cultivar Shenyou Yuehe Simiao. The main plots received a constant N application rate of 150 kg/hm2 applied at three basal:tillering:panicle ratios (20:20:60–N2:2:6, 30:30:40–N3:3:4, and 40:40:20–N4:4:2), together with a zero-N control. The subplots received Mg at 0, 60, or 90 kg/hm2, expressed as Mg0, Mg1, and Mg2, respectively. The assessed parameters included yield components, dry matter accumulation and translocation, N management, Mg fertilization, year, and their interactions, all of which significantly influenced rice growth and nutrient utilization. The combination of the 30:30:40 N application regime with 60 kg Mg/hm2 consistently achieved the highest grain yield (11,332.7 kg/hm2), representing an 8.7% increase compared with the corresponding treatment without Mg application. At the full heading and maturity stages, dry matter accumulation reached 11,103.38 and 16,286.69 kg/hm2, respectively; the amount and rate of dry matter translocation from stems and leaves were 2,745.20 kg/hm2 and 38.77%, respectively. This combined application significantly promoted N uptake, with total plant N accumulation of 144.38 kg/hm2; agronomic efficiency, partial factor productivity, and recovery efficiency of N fertilization of 21.64 kg/kg, 62.96 kg/kg, and 35.32%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that optimizing N application timing (30:30:40) combined with 60 kg Mg/hm2 synergistically enhances dry matter accumulation and translocation, nutrient-use efficiency, and carbon metabolism, thereby improving rice grain yield in Mg-deficient soils.
Optimum Phosphorus (P) fertilization is essential for crop yield and quality, economic return, and the environment. However, agronomic and economic responses to P fertilization are unclear for cabbage grown in the soil and environment in Connecticut. The goal of this study was to quantify agronomic and economic responses to P fertilizer application rates of fall cabbage grown on a P-deficient Woodbridge fine sandy loam in Connecticut. Field experiments were conducted in 2024 and 2025 using five P rates (0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg P2O5 ha-1) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Marketable head yield and head tissue P concentration were analyzed, and their responses to P rates were described using Linear Plateau, Quadratic Plateau, Quadratic, and Mitscherlich models. P applications resulted in significantly greater marketable yields compared with the unfertilized controls in both years, and yield increased significantly up to 168 and 112 kg P2O5 ha-1 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Model fit statistics were similar among models but estimated agronomic and economic optimum rates varied widely. The quadratic model ensured the greatest economic net return in both years, with economic optimum rates of 172.8 and 167.9 kg P2O5 ha-1 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Head tissue P concentrations increased significantly as P application rates increased up to 168 kg P2O5 ha-1in both years, and the critical concentrations derived by the models ranged from 0.252% to 0.468%. These findings provide preliminary estimates of P fertilizer application rates for optimizing productivity and profitability of cabbage grown in a P-deficient soil representative of a common soil series. Additional experiments are needed to develop P fertilizer recommendations across a broader range of soil series and soil-test P levels in Connecticut.
IntroductionVirus yellows diseases transmitted by aphids pose significant threats to sugar beet production in Europe, and alternative pest management strategies are urgently needed. This study evaluated the integration of overwintering annual flower strips into sugar beet fields as a conservation biological control measure to reduce virus yellows transmission while maintaining economic viability.MethodsField experiments were conducted across 18 commercial sugar beet fields in Germany for two growing seasons (2021–2023). Five flower species mixtures were sown in 6-mwide strips running parallel through fields in September prior to sugar beet planting. Three treatments were compared: flower strips with adjacent sugar beet, untreated sugar beet control (INS−), and insecticide-treated practice (standard). Virus yellowing symptoms, sugar beet growth parameters, yield, and economic performance were assessed under contrasting pest pressure conditions.ResultsMost flower species successfully overwintered, with Centaurea cyanus emerging as the most robust species. In 2022, under high aphid pressure, flower strips significantly reduced virus yellowing symptoms from 12.5% to 6.7% of the affected area (46% reduction, p < 0.0001) compared to INS−. However, this disease reduction did not translate into significant yield improvements, with flower strip treatments averaging 14.7 t ha−1 compared to 14.8 t ha−1 in INS− and 15.6 t ha−1 in standard. Under low aphid pressure (2023), no treatment differences in symptoms or yield occurred. Economic analysis revealed that flower strips reduced contribution margins by 13% (366 € ha−1) compared to standard insecticide-protected cultivation, primarily due to area loss (11.2% of field) and establishment costs.DiscussionFlower strips offer valuable ecosystem services, positioning them as potential components of integrated pest management strategies, particularly as insecticide options become increasingly limited. Future optimization should focus on narrower strip designs, improved species selection for overwintering reliability, and integration with complementary biological control measures to enhance economic viability.
IntroductionSoybean is an oilseed plant with agronomic and nutritional benefits. However, the European Union (EU27) imports 17.5 Million Tons (MT)/year, while the production reached only 2.9 MT in 2023. Climate change provides the opportunity to locally cultivate soybean, particularly in northern areas of France.ObjectiveOur objective is to assess the potential cultivation areas in France, and identify suitable maturity groups (MGs) at high spatial resolution. MethodsA simple phenology algorithm (SPA) was calibrated for seven MGs (G0000 to GII) using a Monte Carlo approach on a large dataset of flowering (R1) and maturity (R8) dates. Emergence prediction was enhanced with a random forest (RMSE reduced from 5.7 to 0.7 days). Then, R1 and R8 stages were simulated on 8,602 grid cells in the RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios for three climate series (2003–2023, 2024–2044 and 2045–2065) from Drias-2020 CNRM-CM5/ALADIN63 data. Optimal sowing dates were estimated based on temperature and water availability. ResultsAfter calibration, SPA predicted R1 and R8 with RMSE of 6.9 and 12.7 days, respectively. The sowing dates were consistent with current climate data and may occur up to 30 days earlier in certain regions under future conditions. By 2045–2065, climatically suitable areas for soybean could expand across most of France, with a shift towards later MGs. Suitability areas for GII, GI/II and G00 would increase by 73%, 49% and 78%, respectively. ConclusionOur study updates knowledge on European soybean cultivars and feasible sowing dates, highlighting that further northward expansion will depend on breeding cultivars with reduced photoperiod sensitivity and improved cold tolerance, enabling earlier flowering and reliable establishment under cooler spring conditions.
