Abstract Tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.), a widely cultivated and consumed vegetable crops worldwide, a was an object of a field trial for two seasons [early (rainy) and late (dry)] seasons, 2023–2024) at NIHORT, Ibadan to evaluate sunflower ( Tithonia diversifolia ) based organic inputs for tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) production. Using a 2 × 5 factorial RCBD with three replicates, treatments combined four rates of sun-dried sunflower compost (0, 1, 2, 3 t ha −1 ) and three foliar spray rates of sunflower leaf compost extract (0; 1,000; 2,000 dm 3 ha −1 ). The dry leaves were incorporated two weeks before transplant, while the compost extracts were applied at four and six weeks after transplant. During the 2023 season, the application of 3 t ha −1 of leaves compost increased early-season fresh fruit weight from 724.5 to 1,045.5 kg ha −1 and late-season weight from 280.0 to 818.0 kg ha −1 . The foliar compost extract at 2 000 dm 3 ha −1 raised fresh yield from 831.5 to 907.0 kg ha −1 and fruit number per plant from 146.0 to 200.5. while the 2024 season, 3 t ha −1 of leaf compost boosted early-season yield from 64.0 to 333.0 kg ha −1 and fruit count per plot from 28 to 316, while compost extract increased fresh yield from 832.0 to 907.0 kg ha −1 . All main effects were significant ( p ≤ 0.05); while there was no significance in the interactions. This discovery demonstrated that 3 t ha −1 of dry sunflower leaf compost substantially enhanced the tomato growth and yield, and that 3 000 dm 3 ha −1 of leaf compost extract provides additional biostimulant benefits. Hence the incorporation of sunflower compost biomass and fresh extracts offered a low-cost, sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, therefore, advancing climate-smart tomato production in tropical agroecosystems, while further research is needed in other area of climate smart agriculture.
Abstract Late-modernist housing estates represent a dominant residential typology in Central European cities; however, their standardized and technocratic planning often resulted in the formation of undefined and functionally ambiguous open spaces. These in-between spaces, created as byproducts of post-war mass housing construction, frequently remain underused despite their strategic position within the residential structure. This paper investigates the development potential of housing estate gaps and explores their transformation into active and meaningful public environments. The research combines field mapping, spatial analysis, and typological classification with the creation of a working database documenting spatial characteristics, current uses, and external interventions. Based on this framework, a set of development scenarios and a catalogue of regeneration solutions are proposed. The concept of inward-oriented development, which understands the intensification and structuring of open space as a means of improving spatial quality rather than its simple preservation is central to the approach. The methodology is demonstrated through a case study of the Jahodníky – Ľadoveň housing estate in the city of Martin, Slovakia. The results show that in-between spaces can accommodate a wide range of community, recreational, ecological, and identity-forming functions. Small-scale, context-sensitive interventions are capable of transforming residual areas into legible, multifunctional, and socially embedded public spaces. The paper argues that systematic recognition and activation of these micro-spaces represents an effective tool for enhancing the everyday living environment and strengthening the identity of housing estates without the need for large-scale redevelopment.
Abstract Lavender essential oil exhibits strong in vitro antimicrobial activity against Botrytis cinerea ; however, its efficacy under field conditions remains inconsistent. This study evaluated the effectiveness of lavender essential oil ( Lavandula angustifolia × latifolia ‘Vaucluse’) against gray mold in strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa cv. ‘Joly’) under natural field conditions. In vitro assays confirmed pronounced antifungal activity, with a disc diffusion inhibition zone of 10.33 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations of MIC 50 = 0.29 mg mL −1 and MIC 90 = 0.38 mg mL −1 . Based on these results, field trials were conducted using a 10% (v/v) essential oil formulation applied either alone or as a curative treatment 24 h after inoculation with B. cinerea strain F-314. Despite strong in vitro efficacy, field application of lavender essential oil alone resulted in the highest gray mold incidence (53.9%), representing a 79% increase compared with untreated controls (30.1%) and a 108% increase relative to pathogen inoculation alone (25.9%). In contrast, curative application 24 h after pathogen inoculation produced the lowest disease incidence (13.7%), corresponding to a 55% reduction compared with untreated controls and a 47% reduction compared with pathogen-only treatment. The fourfold difference in disease incidence between essential oil application alone and curative treatment demonstrates that lavender essential oil can either exacerbate or suppress gray mold depending on application context. The increased disease incidence following essential oil application alone is likely attributable to phytotoxic stress and disruption of protective epiphytic microbiota, effects that were amplified by exceptionally high precipitation during the experimental period. Conversely, the efficacy of curative application may result from direct antimicrobial activity against established infections, reduced duration of phytotoxic exposure, and possible induction of host defense responses. These findings demonstrate that in vitro antimicrobial activity alone is insufficient to predict field performance and challenge the assumption that botanical antimicrobials effective in laboratory assays will necessarily confer disease protection when applied to plants. In strawberry gray mold management, lavender essential oil shows potential as a curative treatment but should not be applied in the absence of pathogen challenge, as this may increase disease susceptibility.
Abstract Sesame plant withstands drought and has great tolerance to different soil types. In addition, its flour and oil are excellent sources of plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The vast utilization of sesame seeds as an alternative to wheat flour and healthy oil is being experienced globally. Three cultivars of the most frequently cultivated sesame in Nigeria, namely White Benue, Cameroon White, and E8, were grown at the Teaching and Research Farm of Osun State University, Ejigbo Campus (a derived savanna) in 2023 using standard agronomic practices. The aim was to evaluate their yield and nutritional performance. Yield was evaluated and the harvested seeds were analyzed for selected nutrients using standard assays. The results of yield (kg/ha) obtained for White Benue, E8 and Cameroun White were 510, 560 and 680, respectively. Iron (%) in White Benue was 4.46, E8 was 4.45 while Cameroon White was 4.34. Calcium (%) in Cameroon White was 0.68, E8 had 0.65 while White Benue had 0.63. Potassium (%) in E8 was 1.17. Cameroon White had 1.16, while White Benue was 1.14. Selenium (%) was 2.04 in E8, Cameroon White had 2.01 while White Benue was 1.99. Flavonoids (%) reached highest value in White Benue 27.48, followed by Cameroon White 10.98 and E8 10.86. Alkaloids reached 5.89 (%) in all the cultivars, while phytic acid ranged between 0.12% and 0.13%. Cameroon White outyielded other cultivars, however, their nutritional values are unique, while all cultivars evaluated have high amounts of important nutrients to contribute to human diet and health.
Abstract This study explores the implementation of sustainable landscape approaches and nature-based solutions in small and mediumsized rural municipalities in Slovakia, which often lag behind urban areas in adopting such practices. While urban centres have seen a satisfactory number of good examples, small rural municipalities – typically with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants – face significant challenges in applying innovative, sustainable landscape strategies due to limited economic and human resources. The aim of this research was to highlight five exemplary case studies in rural Slovak municipalities, offering them as models of best practice and sources of inspiration for other rural communities. Through an initiative mapping process based on predefined topics and principles, followed by field visits, the study identifies key approaches that demonstrate how sustainable landscape solutions can be successfully implemented in resource-constrained environments.
