Abstract Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris ) is an important edible legume that is sensitive to cold stress, especially at the germination and the seedling stage, leading to low germination and seedling vigour. Application of external stimulants can help to alleviate cold stress in plants at early stages. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) is one of the nanoparticles that can be used for this purpose. In this study, different concentrations of TiO 2 (0, 50, and 100 mg/L) were added to the Murashige and Skoog medium. Surface‐sterilised seeds were cultured on the TiO 2 ‐enriched medium and transferred to 0 and 4°C for 120 and 240 h, then transferred to the growth room, automated at 24°C. The germination data were recorded daily and analysed using the GerminaR package in R. Seven different germination variables named germination percentage (GRP), mean germination time (MGT), mean germination rate (MGR), germination speed, uncertainty (UNC), synchronisation (SYN), coefficient of variation in germination time, seedling vigour, and coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG) were analysed by Taguchi design (TD) and response surface regression analysis (RSRA). Results of the TD revealed temperature, time, and TiO 2 as the most important factors based on the largest signal‐to‐noise ratio. RSRA revealed the impact of TiO 2 , temperature, and TiO 2 × time on GRP. TiO 2 × time was found to be important for MGT and CVG. The UNC factor was also regulated by temp., time, and temp. × times. The multi‐output Random Forest model produced a mean cross‐validated R 2 of 0.718 across the germination metrics, with the highest values recorded for MGT ( R 2 = 0.872) and MGR ( R 2 = 0.755), while comparatively low R 2 scores were recorded for SYN and CVG. This study allows us to understand the germination pattern for common beans under cold stress conditions and can be used for testing other crops.
Abstract Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) are essential micronutrients that play a crucial role in a wide range of metabolic processes in living organisms and are indispensable for maintaining normal growth, development and metabolic homeostasis. In the present study, a population of 120 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was utilized for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis to assess grain iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content in maize across 2 growing seasons, using a total of 105 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Composite interval mapping (CIM) performed using QTL Cartographer software identified one QTL for grain Fe content (qfe4.1) located on chromosome 4 with the nearest marker umc1390. For grain Zn content, three QTLs were detected: qzn4.1 (linked to umc1060), qzn4.2 (linked to umc1232) and qzn6.1 (linked to umc1753). Among these, qfe4.1 and qzn4.1 were consistently detected across both seasons, whereas qzn4.2 and qzn6.1 were identified in only one season and are therefore considered season‐specific QTLs. The co‐localization of qfe4.1 and qzn4.1 on chromosome 4 suggests that this genomic region may influence both Fe and Zn accumulation. However, further validation is required to confirm a common genetic basis. Overall, QTLs associated with grain Fe and Zn content were identified on chromosomes 4 and 6. These results provide a theoretical foundation for enhancing the iron and zinc content of maize lines through marker‐assisted selection.
Abstract Soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr.) production is often constrained by soil degradation and environmental stress. To explore green and growth‐promoting pathways, this study systematically investigated the combined effects of inoculating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi ( Funneliformis mosseae , FM) and exogenous chitosan (CTS) on G. max growth, physiology, and photosynthetic efficiency. Results showed that the FM and CTS combined treatment (FM + CTS) promoted the aboveground fresh weight and yield in G. max , increasing by 65.04% and 12.67%, respectively, compared to the control group (CK). It also elevated the levels of endogenous hormones (CTK, IAA, SLs) in the leaves and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, POD). In terms of photosynthetic performance, the FM + CTS treatment group showed increases in net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (GH 2 O) by 43.39%, 120.61%, and 112.93%, respectively, compared to CK. Additionally, it improved the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) and the electron transport rate (ETR). The fitting of light response and CO 2 response curves showed that under FM + CTS treatment, the maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pnmax), maximum Rubisco carboxylation rate (Vcmax), and maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) all reached the highest levels. In summary, FM and CTS promoted G. max growth and development by regulating endogenous hormones, enhancing antioxidant defence capabilities, and optimizing the process of photosynthetic carbon assimilation. This provides systematic physiological evidence for elucidating the mechanisms of FM and CTS actions and lays a theoretical and practical foundation for developing a green G. max production technology system based on the combination of microbial and biostimulant treatments.
Abstract Growers of fruits and vegetables have a reducing toolbox of synthetic pesticide options available to them, driven directly by pesticide resistance issues and indirectly by environmental and health concerns which prompt the withdrawal of pesticide authorisation approvals. Integrated pest management (IPM) is promoted as a means to reduce use of, and reliance on, synthetic pesticides. This article explores the barriers to IPM uptake in the UK fresh produce industry. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 24 key stakeholders including producers, crop protection product manufacturers/ associations, retailers, policy makers, researchers and NGOs. Opportunities to address these barriers are explored subsequently in the discussion. Key barriers identified reveal that the great diversity of crops and cropping systems means that the definition, practical application and adoption of IPM are highly variable and therefore difficult to legislate. Politically, uptake of IPM has been undermined by a lack of top‐down strategy, which has resulted in uncertainties surrounding future pesticide targets, future trade deals, insufficient subsidies and no system to effectively measure and monitor any changes in uptake. The strict quality requirements for fresh produce foster a uniquely high perception of risk amongst growers and agronomists in implementing IPM practices. Added to this, there are large gaps in knowledge about IPM across the range of crops, as well as an insufficiently funded research base to address them. The industry's capacity for knowledge exchange is inadequate as crop protection becomes more complex, compounded by the dissolution of Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Horticulture (a levy board funded by farmers and growers), an insufficient supply of advisors and courses, and weak product stewardship for biological alternatives. Opportunities to address these barriers are discussed such as the creation of an expert steering group to help guide IPM strategy and policy, focusing on industry and crop specific targets, policies, and implementation of a measuring and monitoring system for IPM uptake. Independent events, online platforms and stronger researcher–agronomist ties are needed in place of AHDB Horticulture, as well as an expansion of training and new entrants. Biopesticide regulatory reform, a research gap analysis and a review of the future funding landscape are necessary steps for increasing the availability of IPM tools for growers.
Abstract Despite recognised agronomic, environmental, and nutritional benefits, English pulse production and consumption remain limited, constrained by locked‐in cereal rotations, limited farmer know‐how and processing infrastructure, and weak consumer demand. This Policy Forum paper aims to support ongoing discussion of the role public policy could play in enabling the expansion of domestically grown food pulses in England, examining the current policy, research and market landscape, systemic opportunities, food‐system trade‐offs, and potential ways forward. Matrix analysis was employed to facilitate structured comparison and synthesis of academic literature, policy documents, and semi‐structured expert interviews ( n = 13). Analysis identifies no direct policy support for food pulse production in England and a fragmented, under‐resourced research landscape. International examples highlight different, albeit context‐specific, public policy drivers including production incentives, support for translational research, value‐chain coordination and demand measures. Potential public policy interventions identified for England range from subsidies and R&D investment to infrastructure support and knowledge exchange, market coordination, and greater policy coherence. Food pulse production in England remains marginal because it requires a coupled production–consumption transition. Progress is further complicated by disagreements over priorities, desired outcomes, and the level of state support and market intervention necessary. The paper identifies routes beyond this impasse, including sequencing feed and food markets to support infrastructure and demand formation and enabling parallel agroecological and commodity‐scale pathways. It also highlights the need for greater coordination of policy, research and innovation, involving stakeholders across government, the value chain and wider society.
