Journal Description
Agronomy
Agronomy
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on agronomy and agroecology published monthly online by MDPI. The Spanish Society of Plant Physiology (SEFV) is affiliated with Agronomy and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Agronomy) / CiteScore - Q1 (Agronomy and Crop Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journals for Agronomy include: Seeds, Agrochemicals, Grasses and Crops.
Impact Factor:
3.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Effects of Biochar and Compost on Turfgrass Establishment Rates
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050960 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Organic soil amendments are a sustainable option for modifying soil structure and improving plant performance in the face of abiotic stressors such as drought and soil salinity. Of these amendments, biochar and compost have the added benefits of carbon sequestration and waste recycling.
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Organic soil amendments are a sustainable option for modifying soil structure and improving plant performance in the face of abiotic stressors such as drought and soil salinity. Of these amendments, biochar and compost have the added benefits of carbon sequestration and waste recycling. Establishment studies were conducted on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) (syn., Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort and Lolium arundinaceum (Scop.) Holub) to assess the potential inhibition of establishment by compost and biochar products. Both green waste and biosolid compost impaired establishment rates, while biochar did not. In the field study, the green waste treatments were slower to reach 50% coverage than the untreated control or when biochar was added to the soil, but all treatments reached 75% and final coverage at a similar rate. Field application of compost had a positive effect on final root length and volume but a negative effect on tall fescue roots in the greenhouse. The negative effect of higher salts and volatiles in the biosolids compost was reduced when biosolids and biochar were incorporated into the soil simultaneously. This work represents one of the only large-scale field studies on turfgrass establishment comparing the impact of biochar and compost products on turfgrass establishment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Waste Management through Composting: Benefits, New Insights and Challenges)
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Open AccessArticle
Heat Transfer Process of the Tea Plant under the Action of Air Disturbance Frost Protection
by
Taibai Xu, Qingmin Pan and Yongzong Lu
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050959 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Wind machines based on the air disturbance method are progressively employed to mitigate frost damage within the agricultural machinery frost protection. These devices are utilized during radiative frost nights to disrupt near-surface thermal inversion through air mixing. Despite this application, the fundamental mechanisms
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Wind machines based on the air disturbance method are progressively employed to mitigate frost damage within the agricultural machinery frost protection. These devices are utilized during radiative frost nights to disrupt near-surface thermal inversion through air mixing. Despite this application, the fundamental mechanisms underlying these mixing processes are not well comprehended. In this research, numerical simulations were conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics software version 6.0 to simulate the flow and heat transfer processes between the thermal airflow and both the tea canopy and stems. The results indicated that due to obstruction from the canopy cross-section, the airflow velocity on the contact surface rapidly increased. As the airflow further progressed, the high-speed region of the airflow gradually approached the canopy surface. Turbulent kinetic energy increased initially on the windward side of the canopy cross-section and near the top interface. On the windward side of the canopy, due to the initial impact of the thermal airflow, rapid heating occurred, resulting in a noticeable temperature difference between the windward and leeward sides within a short period. In the interaction between airflow and stems, with increasing airflow velocity, fluctuations and the shedding of wake occurred on the leeward side of the stems. The maximum sensible heat flux at the windward vertex of the stem increased significantly with airflow velocity. At an airflow velocity of 2.0 m/s, the maximum heat flux value was 2.37 times that of an airflow velocity of 1.0 m/s. This research utilized simulation methods to study the interaction between airflow and tea canopy and stems in frost protection, laying the foundation for further research on the energy distribution in tea ecosystem under the disturbance of airflow for frost protection.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Status, Progress, and Applications of Agricultural Robot and Agriculture 4.0 Technologies in Field Operation—Volume II)
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Open AccessArticle
Assessing the Impact of Genotype-Specific Caprifig Fruit Storage on the Pollination Efficacy and Fruit Quality of “Bursa Siyahı” Cultivar: A Multivariate Analysis Approach
by
Dilan Ahi Koşar and Ümran Ertürk
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050958 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Fig types such as “Smyrna” and “San Pedro” require pollination (called caprification in fig cultivation) to produce a commercial crop, based on the crop and pollination characteristics of figs. Caprification is the process of hanging caprifig (male fig) fruits on female fig trees
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Fig types such as “Smyrna” and “San Pedro” require pollination (called caprification in fig cultivation) to produce a commercial crop, based on the crop and pollination characteristics of figs. Caprification is the process of hanging caprifig (male fig) fruits on female fig trees to ensure the transfer of pollen from the female fig to the caprifig by a wasp (Blastophaga psenes) that lives within the caprifig. It is necessary to extend the caprification period by using caprifig genotypes that ripen at different times, as female fig fruits ripen gradually. However, as caprifigs may not be continuously available for pollinating female figs, storing suitable caprifigs is necessary. The aim of this study was to assess changes in Blastophaga psenes, the duration of Blastophaga’s exit, and the viability of pollen from caprifigs of different genotypes (16 08 05, 16 08 09, 16 08 10, 16 09 10, and 16 ZF 08) stored for caprification. These stored caprifig genotypes were subsequently used for pollination three times at 8-day intervals, after which their impact on the set and quality of the edible fig fruits was evaluated. According to the average data, at the end of storage, the least B.psenes loss was obtained from the 16 08 05 (61.03%) genotype, and the highest was obtained from the 16 09 10 (67.00%) genotype. Pollen germination tended to increase with the storage of caprifig fruits, but this increase was not linear. After storage, the 16 08 09 and 16 09 10 genotypes exhibited greater pollen germination. The highest fruit set and quality were obtained when the 16 08 09 and 16 09 10 genotypes were used as pollen sources. Furthermore, since the 16 08 10 genotype is the latest ripening caprifig genotype, it has been determined that it can pollinate late-ripening “Bursa Siyahı” fruits. Principal component and path analysis demonstrated that pollen viability and germination rate were crucial in selecting caprifig genotypes for fruit set and quality.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Biology of Mediterranean, Subtropical and Tropical Crops)
Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Agronomic and Oil Characteristics of Selected Turkish Poppy Genotypes under Ankara’s Climate Conditions
by
Yağmur Kahraman-Yanardağ, Sibel Day, Nilgün Bayraktar and Yasin Özgen
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050957 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Poppy is a minor agronomic field crop that is cultivated under a UN license. It is known for its alkaloids and seeds, and, rarely, for the latter’s use in ethnomedicine. Changing climate conditions could lead to the need for alternate areas for poppy
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Poppy is a minor agronomic field crop that is cultivated under a UN license. It is known for its alkaloids and seeds, and, rarely, for the latter’s use in ethnomedicine. Changing climate conditions could lead to the need for alternate areas for poppy cultivation in Türkiye. This experiment was conducted in Ankara, which is not a poppy production area. The morphological characteristics and oil characteristics of 19 Turkish poppy genotypes were determined over two years. According to the results, the emergence time was between 10 and 22 days, the flowering time ranged from 197 to 214 days, while the harvest maturation time was between 250 and 269 days. The plant height varied from 75.8 to 97.5 cm, the weight of 1000 seeds ranged from 305.0 to 428.0 mg, and the weight of the seeds per plant was between 2.95 and 5.78 g. Furthermore, the yield ranged from 100.7 to 202.3 kg da−1, the fat content was between 38.8 and 44.1%, and the protein content ranged from 15.9 to 18.4%. The linoleic acid content ranged from 66.77% to 75.60%, the oleic acid content ranged from 10.78% to 19.46%, and the palmitic acid content ranged from 8.38% to 9.90%. The highest yield in Ankara was obtained from the Çelikoğlu cultivar.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Industrial Crops Physioecology and Sustainable Cultivation)
Open AccessArticle
Seed Dormancy Class and Germination Characteristics of Berberis amurensis var. latifolia Nakai, Native to Korea
by
Do-Hyun Kim, Da-Hyun Lee, Ji-Yoon Park, Hyeon-Min Kim, Jun-Hyeok Kim, Hoi-Jin Kim, Sang-Hoon Che, Chae-Sun Na and Do-Hyung Lee
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050956 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Berberis amurensis var. latifolia Nakai is a plant native to the Ulleung Island in Korea. In this study, we aimed to identify seed dormancy-breaking and germination requirements of this species using water imbibition experiments, gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment (0, 10, 100,
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Berberis amurensis var. latifolia Nakai is a plant native to the Ulleung Island in Korea. In this study, we aimed to identify seed dormancy-breaking and germination requirements of this species using water imbibition experiments, gibberellic acid (GA3) treatment (0, 10, 100, or 1000 mg/L), cold stratification (0, 2, 4, 8, or 12 weeks at 5 °C), move-along experiments, and phenological studies. In the water imbibition experiment, the seed weight increased by more than 120% after 24 h. Analysis of the internal morphological characteristics of the seeds revealed that the embryo in freshly matured seeds was fully grown and did not grow thereafter. The final germination percentages after 12 weeks of cold stratification at 5 °C were 49 ± 6.4% and 63 ± 3.4% under light and dark conditions, respectively. In move-along and phenological studies, a longer cold stratification treatment period resulted in a higher germination percentage; however, the warm stratification treatment did not affect germination significantly. The GA3 treatment had little effect on seed germination. Therefore, we concluded that B. amurensis var. latifolia seeds have intermediate physiological dormancy, and pre-treatment with cold stratification for 12 weeks and incubation in the dark are required for effective seed propagation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Agronomic Treatment on Seed Germination and Dormancy)
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Open AccessReview
Advances in Research and Technology of Hydrothermal Carbonization: Achievements and Future Directions
by
Giulia Ischia, Nicole D. Berge, Sunyoung Bae, Nader Marzban, Silvia Román, Gianluigi Farru, Małgorzata Wilk, Beatrice Kulli and Luca Fiori
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050955 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
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Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has emerged as a pivotal technology in the battle against climate change and fosters circular economies. Operating within a unique reaction environment characterized by water as a solvent and moderate temperatures at self-generated pressures, HTC efficiently converts biomass residues into
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Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has emerged as a pivotal technology in the battle against climate change and fosters circular economies. Operating within a unique reaction environment characterized by water as a solvent and moderate temperatures at self-generated pressures, HTC efficiently converts biomass residues into valuable bio-based products. Despite HTC’s potential—from the management of challenging biomass wastes to the synthesis of advanced carbons and the implementation of biorefineries—it encounters hurdles transitioning from academic exploration to industrial implementation. Gaps persist, from a general comprehension of reaction intricacies to the difficulty of large-scale integration with wastewater treatments, to the management of process water, to the absence of standardized assessment techniques for HTC products. Addressing these challenges demands collaboration to bridge the many scientific sectors touched by HTC. Thus, this article reviews the current state of some hot topics considered crucial for HTC development: It emphasizes the role of HTC as a cornerstone for waste management and biorefineries, highlighting potentialities and challenges for its development. In particular, it surveys fundamental research aspects, delving into reaction pathways, predictive models, analytical techniques, and HTC modifications while exploring HTC’s crucial technological applications and challenges, with a peculiar focus on combined HTC, wastewater integration, and plant energy efficiency.
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Open AccessArticle
Detailed Insight into the Behaviour of Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Transient Curves and Parameters during Different Times of Dark Adaptation in Sunflower Leaves
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Antonela Markulj Kulundžić, Aleksandra Sudarić, Maja Matoša Kočar, Tomislav Duvnjak, Ivica Liović, Anto Mijić, Ivana Varga and Marija Viljevac Vuletić
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050954 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
The reason for this examination is today’s wide usage of chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) among researchers worldwide to measure photosynthetic efficiency. Although the instructions of the ChlF measuring device clearly emphasize the need for methodology adjustments, depending on the specific plant species, many
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The reason for this examination is today’s wide usage of chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) among researchers worldwide to measure photosynthetic efficiency. Although the instructions of the ChlF measuring device clearly emphasize the need for methodology adjustments, depending on the specific plant species, many researchers use the usual 30 min of dark adaptation before measurement. Namely, before any ChlF measurement, it is necessary to determine the specific duration of the leaf adaptation to the conditions of darkness of each plant tissue. Because of the numerous uses of the ChlF measurements, we decided to conduct this research to determine whether the appearance of the curves and parameter values depend on the time of sunflower leaf tissue adaptation to dark conditions. Therefore, this research aimed to examine the optimal adaptation time of sunflower tissue to dark conditions to obtain timely precise measurements and credible appearance of ChlF transient curves as well as accurate parameter values. The research was carried out on the sunflower hybrid Luka with 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min of dark adaptation in the vegetative, budding and flowering stages in the field conditions. According to the analyzed transient curves and parameters, it was determined that sunflower leaves should be kept in dark conditions for at least 15 min before the measurement of ChlF, which leads to the complete oxidation of PSII and the electron transport chain prior to a saturating pulse of light.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Research in Plant Photosynthesis Considerations in Agriculture)
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Open AccessArticle
Water, Salt, and Ion Transport and Its Response to Water-Saving Irrigation in the Hetao Irrigation District Based on the SWAT-Salt Model
by
Chang Ao, Donglin Jiang, Ryan T. Bailey, Jianhua Dong, Wenzhi Zeng and Jiesheng Huang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050953 (registering DOI) - 02 May 2024
Abstract
Soil salinization is one of the main hazards affecting the sustainable development of agriculture in the Hetao Irrigation District (HID) of Inner Mongolia. To grasp the water and salt transport patterns and spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of the HID at the regional scale, the
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Soil salinization is one of the main hazards affecting the sustainable development of agriculture in the Hetao Irrigation District (HID) of Inner Mongolia. To grasp the water and salt transport patterns and spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of the HID at the regional scale, the improved Soil and Water Assessment Tool with a salinity module (SWAT-Salt) model was used to establish the distributed water and salt transport model for the watershed in this study. The results demonstrated that the modified model could more accurately represent the process of water and salt changes in the HID. The coefficient of determination (R2) in the simulation of streamflow and discharge salt loading was 0.83 and 0.86, respectively, and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) was 0.80 and 0.74, respectively. Based on this, different hydrological processes (surface runoff, lateral flow, groundwater, soil seepage) as well as spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of water salinity in groundwater and soil were analyzed in the HID. Differences in groundwater and soil salinity in different land uses and soil types were also compared. Of these, surface runoff and lateral flow salt discharge loading are concentrated in the southwestern portion of the basin, while groundwater salt discharge loading is concentrated in the eastern as well as southwestern portions of the basin. The salt discharge loading from groundwater accounts for about 98.7% of the total salt discharge loading from all hydrological pathways and is the major contributing part of salt discharge from the irrigation area. Soil salinity increases gradually from west to east. Groundwater salinity (2946 mg/L) and soil water electrical conductivity (0.309 dS/m) were minimized in the cropland. Meanwhile, rational allocation of irrigation water can appropriately increase the amount of salt discharge loading. In conclusion, the model could provide a reference for the investigation of soil salinization and water–salt management measures in irrigation areas.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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Composting Dairy Manure with Biochar: Compost Characteristics, Aminopyralid Residual Concentrations, and Phytotoxicity Effects
by
Annesly Netthisinghe, Paul Woosley, William Strunk, Getahun Agga and Karamat Sistani
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050952 (registering DOI) - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Aminopyralid (2-pyridine carboxylic acid, 4-amino-3, 6-dichloro-2-pyridine carboxylic acid) is an auxin herbicide that has been used widely to control broadleaf weeds in pasture and hay fields. With no post-application withdrawal time, aminopyralid absorbed into forage material can contaminate compost feed stocks such as
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Aminopyralid (2-pyridine carboxylic acid, 4-amino-3, 6-dichloro-2-pyridine carboxylic acid) is an auxin herbicide that has been used widely to control broadleaf weeds in pasture and hay fields. With no post-application withdrawal time, aminopyralid absorbed into forage material can contaminate compost feed stocks such as hay, grass bedding material, and manure. Composts derived from such feed stocks raises concerns about after-effect injuries to sensitive crops by residual aminopyralids. Biochar (BC) additive may affect the composting process and immobilizes organic pollutants. This study examined the effect of composting dairy manure/sawdust 1:1 mixture containing 10 ppb (wet) of aminopyralid with 0%, 2%, 4%, and 10% (w/w) BC levels on chemical and biological characteristics of compost, residual aminopyralid concentration, and intensity of plant injury to tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) plants after composting in 140 L plastic rotary drum reactors for two 6-month cycles. Biochar addition decreased organic matter degradation and intensified reduction in residual aminopyralid levels in a dose-dependent manner. Composting with BC concentrated more N, P, and K, caused mild plant injuries, and increased the above ground biomass compared to the no BC incorporation. Addition of BC for composting aminopyralid-contaminated dairy manure can increase the phyto safety level of compost while enhancing the key fertilizer values.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Composting as a Key Driver for Sustainable Agricultural Scenarios—Volume II)
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Maize/Peanut Intercropping Affects Legume Nodulation in Semi-Arid Conditions
by
Chen Feng, Guijuan Du, Yue Zhang, Liangshan Feng, Lili Zhang, Qi Wang, Wuyan Xiang, Wei Bai, Qian Cai, Tianran Sun, Zhanxiang Sun and Lizhen Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050951 (registering DOI) - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Maize/peanut intercropping is practiced widely to increase land productivity and considered a sustainable way for using and saving resources through peanut’s complementary N source via biological N2 fixation. Our study aims to understand how maize/peanut intercropping affects the nodulation of peanuts under
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Maize/peanut intercropping is practiced widely to increase land productivity and considered a sustainable way for using and saving resources through peanut’s complementary N source via biological N2 fixation. Our study aims to understand how maize/peanut intercropping affects the nodulation of peanuts under water-limiting conditions and different nitrogen inputs. A two-year micro-plot experiment in 2015–2016 and a two-year field experiment in 2017–2018 were conducted to quantify nodulation in maize/peanut intercropping and sole peanut cropping under four N fertilization rates (N-free, low, medium, and high N) in rain-fed water-limited conditions. In the micro-plot experiment, intercropped peanuts increased nodule biomass compared to sole peanuts. The nodule number of intercropped peanuts was 51.6% (p = 0.001) higher than that of sole cropped peanuts, while nodule weights did not differ at high N fertilization rates and were lower in the no-N fertilization control. However, the results were different in the field experiment. Both the nodule number and single weight of the sole cropped peanut were 48.7% (p = 0.020) and 58.9% (p = 0.014) higher than that of the intercropped peanut. The ratio of the nodule weight to aboveground dry matter at the beginning peg in the dry year of 2017 was lower in intercropping than sole cropping, especially at low N fertilization rates. The potential increase in nodulation found in a well-controlled micro-plot environment might be limited by strong water and light competitions in field conditions. The results could contribute to the understanding of interspecific interactions in cereal/legume intercropping.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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Impact of Photosynthetic Efficiency on Watermelon Cultivation in the Face of Drought
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Dayane Mércia Ribeiro Silva, Allan Cunha Barros, Ricardo Barros Silva, Wesley de Oliveira Galdino, José Wilker Germano de Souza, Isabelly Cristina da Silva Marques, Jadielson Inácio de Sousa, Viviane da Silva Lira, Alan Fontes Melo, Lucas da Silva de Abreu, Elias de Oliveira Albuquerque Júnior, Luana do Nascimento Silva Barbosa, Antônio Lucrécio dos Santos Neto, Valdevan Rosendo dos Santos, Francisco Gilvan Borges Ferreira Freitas Júnior, Fernanda Nery Vargens, João Henrique Silva da Luz, Elizabeth Orika Ono and João Domingos Rodrigues
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050950 (registering DOI) - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Water availability is a limiting factor for plant production, especially in Brazilian semi-arid regions. The main aim of the study was to investigate the physiological effects of drought during the fruiting stage of watermelon cultivation. A completely randomized block design with four replications
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Water availability is a limiting factor for plant production, especially in Brazilian semi-arid regions. The main aim of the study was to investigate the physiological effects of drought during the fruiting stage of watermelon cultivation. A completely randomized block design with four replications and six treatments varied by the number of lateral drip tapes (1 or 2) and the duration of drought stress (0, 4, and 8 days) was used. The following parameters were evaluated: relative chlorophyll content, relative leaf water content, electrolyte leakage, CO2 assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (gs), internal CO2 concentration, leaf temperature, transpiration (E), water use efficiency (WUE), carboxylation efficiency (CE), yield, thickness, diameter, length, and fruit °brix, at 4 and 8 days of drought. Drought negatively affected photosynthesis, particularly in treatments with a single dripper and 4 days of drought, resulting in reductions of up to 60% in A, 68% in gs, 44% in E, 58% in WUE, and 59% in CE, but did not have a significant effect on watermelon yield after 4 or 8 days of irrigation. It was concluded that drought influences the physiological responses of watermelon plants, mainly in reducing photosynthesis, but does not drastically affect fruit productivity in short periods of stress.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop and Vegetable Physiology under Environmental Stresses)
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Selectivity of the Premixtures Flufecanet, Diflufenican and Flufenacet, Diflufenican, Metribuzin on Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Efficacy on ALS/ACCase-Resistant Populations of Lolium rigidum L.
by
Thomas Gitsopoulos, Ioannis Georgoulas, Eirini Vazanelli and Despoina Botsoglou
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050949 (registering DOI) - 01 May 2024
Abstract
The premixtures flufenacet plus diflufenican and flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin are two herbicides recently registered in Greece for weed control in bread wheat and barley with application early post-emergence to the crop (1st–3rd leaf growth stage). To evaluate the selectivity of these
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The premixtures flufenacet plus diflufenican and flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin are two herbicides recently registered in Greece for weed control in bread wheat and barley with application early post-emergence to the crop (1st–3rd leaf growth stage). To evaluate the selectivity of these new herbicides, pot experiments were conducted by applying flufenacet plus diflufenican at 240 + 120 g ai ha−1 and flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin at 119.7 + 119.7 + 44.8 g ai ha−1 to bread wheat and barley, at 1st (BBCH-11), 2nd (BBCH-12) and 3rd (BBCH-13) leaf growth stage. The efficacy of the herbicides at the above-mentioned rates in pre-emergence application was also tested on three ALS/ACCase herbicide-resistant populations of Lolium rigidum L. in comparison with the pre-emergence herbicides prosulfocarb and chlorotoluron plus diflufenican at 3200 g ai ha−1 and 1380 + 92 g ai ha−1, respectively. The results revealed decreased selectivity of both premixtures when applied at BBCH-11 for both winter cereals, with flufenacet plus diflufenican being less selective compared to flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin. Both herbicides highly controlled the three herbicide-resistant L. rigidum populations. The results indicated that both premixtures are effective chemical options for the management of herbicide resistant L. rigidum. To ensure crop safety and optimize efficacy, application at BBCH-12 is recommended.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbicides and Chemical Control of Weeds)
Open AccessEditorial
Analysis of Complex Traits and Molecular Selection in Annual Crops
by
Chao Shen
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050948 (registering DOI) - 01 May 2024
Abstract
Annual crops, which include staple crops like rice [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Complex Traits and Molecular Selection in Annual Crops)
Open AccessArticle
Comparing Regression and Classification Models to Estimate Leaf Spot Disease in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Implementation in Breeding Selection
by
Ivan Chapu, Abhilash Chandel, Emmanuel Kofi Sie, David Kalule Okello, Richard Oteng-Frimpong, Robert Cyrus Ongom Okello, David Hoisington and Maria Balota
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050947 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Late leaf spot (LLS) is an important disease of peanut, causing global yield losses. Developing resistant varieties through breeding is crucial for yield stability, especially for smallholder farmers. However, traditional phenotyping methods used for resistance selection are laborious and subjective. Remote sensing offers
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Late leaf spot (LLS) is an important disease of peanut, causing global yield losses. Developing resistant varieties through breeding is crucial for yield stability, especially for smallholder farmers. However, traditional phenotyping methods used for resistance selection are laborious and subjective. Remote sensing offers an accurate, objective, and efficient alternative for phenotyping for resistance. The objectives of this study were to compare between regression and classification for breeding, and to identify the best models and indices to be used for selection. We evaluated 223 genotypes in three environments: Serere in 2020, and Nakabango and Nyankpala in 2021. Phenotypic data were collected using visual scores and two handheld sensors: a red–green–blue (RGB) camera and GreenSeeker. RGB indices derived from the images, along with the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), were used to model LLS resistance using statistical and machine learning methods. Both regression and classification methods were also evaluated for selection. Random Forest (RF), the artificial neural network (ANN), and k-nearest neighbors (KNNs) were the top-performing algorithms for both regression and classification. The ANN (R2: 0.81, RMSE: 22%) was the best regression algorithm, while the RF was the best classification algorithm for both binary (90%) and multiclass (78% and 73% accuracy) classification. The classification accuracy of the models decreased with the increase in classification classes. NDVI, crop senescence index (CSI), hue, and greenness index were strongly associated with LLS and useful for selection. Our study demonstrates that the integration of remote sensing and machine learning can enhance selection for LLS-resistant genotypes, aiding plant breeders in managing large populations effectively.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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Active Soil Organic Carbon Pools Decrease with Increased Time since Land-Use Transition from Rice Paddy Cultivation to Areca Nut Plantations under the Long-Term Application of Inorganic Fertilizer
by
Yunxing Wan, Qilin Zhu, Lijun Liu, Shuirong Tang, Yanzheng Wu, Xiaoqian Dan, Lei Meng, Qiuxiang He, Ahmed S. Elrys and Jinbo Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050946 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Many croplands in the tropics of China have been converted over the last decades into areca nut plantations due to their high economic returns. This land-use transition was accompanied by changes in agricultural practices such as soil moisture regimes and fertilizer inputs, which
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Many croplands in the tropics of China have been converted over the last decades into areca nut plantations due to their high economic returns. This land-use transition was accompanied by changes in agricultural practices such as soil moisture regimes and fertilizer inputs, which may affect soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions, especially in tropical soils with low fertility and high nitrogen loss. Yet, how the time since land-use transition from rice paddy cultivation to areca nut plantations affects soil carbon dynamics and their underlying mechanisms in the tropics of China remains elusive. Here, areca nut plantation soils with different ages (2, 5, 10, 14, and 17 years) and paddy fields in the tropical region of China were investigated. The study result indicates that the contents of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC), light organic carbon (LFOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) decreased significantly with increased time since land-use transition from rice paddy cultivation to areca nut plantations. Similarly, the ratios of DOC/SOC, MBC/SOC, POC/SOC, LFOC/SOC, and EOC/SOC decreased significantly with increased time since land-use transition. Compared with the paddy soil, the carbon pool management index decreased by 36.6–76.7% under the areca nut plantations, concluding that increasing the time since land-use transition from rice paddy cultivation to areca nut plantations with high application rates of chemical fertilizers resulted in reduced soil active carbon fractions and SOC supply capacity. Therefore, agricultural practices such as the use of organic fertilizers should be applied to improve the soil’s ability to supply organic carbon in managed plantation ecosystems in the tropics of China.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring the Potential for Crop Productivity by Applying Novel Agrochemicals, including Fertilizers, Biochar, Biostimulants, and Plant Nutrition Regulators)
Open AccessArticle
Influence of EMR–Phosphogypsum–Biochar Mixtures on Sudan Grass: Growth Dynamics and Heavy Metal Immobilization
by
Yang Luo, Fang Liu, Xuqiang Luo, Jun Ren, Jinmei Guo and Jinxin Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050945 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study investigates the growth dynamics and heavy metal immobilization in Sudan grass cultivated on substrates composed of electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), phosphogypsum, and chili straw biochar. Pot experiments revealed that a substrate with phosphogypsum constituting 75% of the mix hinders Sudan grass
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This study investigates the growth dynamics and heavy metal immobilization in Sudan grass cultivated on substrates composed of electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), phosphogypsum, and chili straw biochar. Pot experiments revealed that a substrate with phosphogypsum constituting 75% of the mix hinders Sudan grass seed germination. Compared with sole EMR utilization, the composite substrates notably enhanced plant growth, evidenced by increases in plant height and fresh weight. The integration of these substrates led to a significant elevation in total chlorophyll content (up to 54.39%) and a reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (up to 21.66%), indicating improved photosynthetic activity and lower oxidative stress. The addition of biochar reduced the content of Zn, Cd, and Mn in the roots of Sudan grass by up to 25.92%, 20.00%, and 43.17%, respectively; and reduced the content of Pb, Mn, and Cr in the shoot by up to 33.72%, 17.53%, and 26.32%, respectively. Fuzzy membership function analysis identified the optimal substrate composition as 75% EMR and 25% phosphogypsum, with 5% chili straw biochar, based on overall performance metrics. This study adopts the concept of “to treat waste with waste”. The approach is to fully consider the fertility characteristics of EMR, phosphogypsum, and biochar, underscoring the potential for utilizing waste-derived materials in cultivating Sudan grass and offering a sustainable approach to plant growth and heavy metal management.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluate the Functional Value of Agroecosystem under Different Management Scenarios)
Open AccessArticle
Optimizing Maize Yield and Resource Efficiency Using Surface Drip Fertilization in Huang-Huai-Hai: Impact of Increased Planting Density and Reduced Nitrogen Application Rate
by
Liqian Wu, Guoqiang Zhang, Zhenhua Yan, Shang Gao, Honggen Xu, Jiaqiang Zhou, Dianjun Li, Yi Liu, Ruizhi Xie, Bo Ming, Jun Xue, Peng Hou, Shaokun Li and Keru Wang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050944 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Improving crop yield and resource utilization efficiency is essential for agricultural productivity. In the Huang-Huai-Hai maize region of China, optimizing planting density, nitrogen (N) application, and fertilization methods are key strategies for enhancing maize yield and N use efficiency. However, traditional approaches have
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Improving crop yield and resource utilization efficiency is essential for agricultural productivity. In the Huang-Huai-Hai maize region of China, optimizing planting density, nitrogen (N) application, and fertilization methods are key strategies for enhancing maize yield and N use efficiency. However, traditional approaches have often hindered these improvements. To address this issue, we conducted a study in Baoding, Hebei, from 2022 to 2023, focusing on planting density, the N application rate, and the fertilization method on grain yield, N use efficiency, water use efficiency (WUE), and economic benefits. The trial involved two planting densities: 6.0 × 104 plants ha−1 (D1, typical local density) and 9.0 × 104 plants ha−1 (D2). Five N application rates were tested: 0 (N0), 120 kg ha−1 (N1), 180 kg ha−1 (N2), 240 kg ha−1 (N3), and 300 kg ha−1 (N4). The control treatment (D1N4) utilized the local planting density and traditional fertilization methods. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between the maize yield and N application rate, with the maximum yields (13.78–13.88 t ha−1), high WUE (24.42–29.85 kg m−3), agronomic efficiency of N (AEN) (18.11–19.00 kg kg−1), and economic benefits (2.44 × 104–2.47 × 104 CNY ha−1) observed with D2N3 and surface drip fertilization. This was significantly higher than the yield and resource efficiency of traditional fertilization methods and saved fertilizer and production costs. Therefore, adopting surface drip fertilization, adjusting planting density, and optimizing N application rates proved effective in enhancing maize yield and resource utilization efficiency in the Huang-Huai-Hai maize region.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Agronomic Practices for Sustainable Crop Production—2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Endophytic Capacity of Entomopathogenic Fungi in a Pasture Grass and Their Potential to Control the Spittlebug Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae)
by
Michelle O. Campagnani, Alexander Machado Auad, Rogério Martins Maurício, Ana Paula Madureira, Mauroni Alves Cangussú, Luiz Henrique Rosa, Marcelo Francisco A. Pereira, Mayco Muniz, Sebastião Rocha O. Souza, Natany Brunelli M. Silva, Ana Carolina Rios Silva and Wellington Garcia Campos
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050943 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Pests in pastures have compromised the production of biomass for feeding livestock herds. Many strategies have been applied to sustainably solve this problem. One viable and innovative technique is the delivery of entomopathogenic fungi through endophytes. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) evaluate
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Pests in pastures have compromised the production of biomass for feeding livestock herds. Many strategies have been applied to sustainably solve this problem. One viable and innovative technique is the delivery of entomopathogenic fungi through endophytes. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) evaluate the endophytic capacity of two entomopathogenic fungi, Fusarium multiceps UFMGCB 11443 and Metarhizium anisopliae UFMGCB 11444, in Urochloa brizantha [(Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf] (Poaceae) cultivar ‘Marundu’) via foliar inoculation or seed treatment, and (ii) measure their efficiency in controlling Mahanarva spectabilis Distant, 1909 (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) in U. brizantha. In the greenhouse, the fungi colonized the tissues of U. brizantha plants when inoculated via foliar spraying or seed treatment. The fungi F. multiceps and M. anisopliae caused 88% and 97.1% epizootic effects via seed inoculation, respectively, and 100% epizootic effects via foliar inoculation. In the field, the lowest fungal dose of 0.5 kg/ha had the same effect as a fourfold greater dose, with a >86% decrease in insect pest infestation observed. In summary, the fungi F. multiceps and M. anisopliae have endophytic effects and can effectively control M. spectabilis in U. brizantha pastures.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Pest Control in Agroecosystems)
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Soil Organic Matter Input Promotes Coastal Topsoil Desalinization by Altering the Salt Distribution in the Soil Profile
by
Jingsong Li, Weiliu Li, Xiaohui Feng, Xiaojing Liu, Kai Guo, Fengcui Fan, Shengyao Liu and Songnan Jia
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050942 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Organic amendment is an effective method to reclaim salt-affected soil. However, in coastal land with shallow saline groundwater, it is limited known about the mechanism of organic amendment on soil desalinization. Thus, to examine the effect of topsoil organic matter content on soil
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Organic amendment is an effective method to reclaim salt-affected soil. However, in coastal land with shallow saline groundwater, it is limited known about the mechanism of organic amendment on soil desalinization. Thus, to examine the effect of topsoil organic matter content on soil water/salt transport and distribution, two-year field observations in Bohai coastal land, North China, and soil column experiments simulating salt accumulation and salt leaching were conducted, respectively. There were different organic fertilizer amendment rates in 0–20 cm topsoil, 0% (CK), 50% (OA 0.5), and 100% (OA 1.0) (w/w) for soil column experiments. Field observation showed that after organic amendment (OA), the soil’s physical structure was improved, and less of the increase in topsoil salt content was observed, with more salt accumulated in deep soil layers during the dry season. In addition, OA greatly promoted salt leaching during the rainy seasons. The results of the soil column tests further indicated that OA treatments significantly inhibited soil evaporation, with less salt accumulated in the topsoil. Although there was no difference in soil water distribution between the CK and OA 0.5 treatment, the topsoil EC for the OA 0.5 treatment was significantly lower than that for CK. During soil water infiltration, the OA 0.5 and OA 1.0 treatments significantly increased the infiltration rates, enhanced the wetting front, and promoted salt leaching to deeper soil layers, compared with CK. The improvement of soil organic amounts could make the soil more self-resistant to the coastal salinization. The findings of this study provide some insights into soil water/salt regulation in heterogeneous soil masses and on the permanent management of coastal saline farmland.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Agronomy, Soil Health and Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions)
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Open AccessArticle
Rapeseed Seed Coat Color Classification Based on the Visibility Graph Algorithm and Hyperspectral Technique
by
Chaojun Zou, Xinghui Zhu, Fang Wang, Jinran Wu and You-Gan Wang
Agronomy 2024, 14(5), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14050941 (registering DOI) - 30 Apr 2024
Abstract
Information technology and statistical modeling have made significant contributions to smart agriculture. Machine vision and hyperspectral technologies, with their non-destructive and real-time capabilities, have been extensively utilized in the non-destructive diagnosis and quality monitoring of crops and seeds, becoming essential tools in traditional
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Information technology and statistical modeling have made significant contributions to smart agriculture. Machine vision and hyperspectral technologies, with their non-destructive and real-time capabilities, have been extensively utilized in the non-destructive diagnosis and quality monitoring of crops and seeds, becoming essential tools in traditional agriculture. This work applies these techniques to address the color classification of rapeseed, which is of great significance in the field of rapeseed growth diagnosis research. To bridge the gap between machine vision and hyperspectral technology, a framework is developed that includes seed color calibration, spectral feature extraction and fusion, and the recognition modeling of three seed colors using four machine learning methods. Three categories of rapeseed coat colors are calibrated based on visual perception and vector-square distance methods. A fast-weighted visibility graph method is employed to map the spectral reflectance sequences to complex networks, and five global network attributes are extracted to fuse the full-band reflectance as model input. The experimental results demonstrate that the classification recognition rate of the fused feature reaches 0.943 under the XGBoost model, confirming the effectiveness of the network features as a complement to the spectral reflectance. The high recognition accuracy and simple operation process of the framework support the further application of hyperspectral technology to analyze the quality of rapeseed.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Hyperspectral and Multispectral Imaging and Their Applications in Precision Agriculture Ⅱ)
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