Agronomy

17 pages, 712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fermentative Characteristics, Nutritional Aspects, Aerobic Stability, and Microbial Populations of Total Mixed Ration Silages Based on Relocated Sorghum Silage and Cactus Pear for Sheep Diets

by Crislane de Souza Silva, Gherman Garcia Leal de Araújo, Edson Mauro Santos, Juliana Silva de Oliveira, Thieres George Freire da Silva, Cleyton de Almeida Araújo, Judicael Janderson da Silva Novaes, Amélia de Macedo, Janiele Santos de Araújo, Deneson Oliveira Lima, Francisco Naysson de Sousa Santos, Fleming Sena Campos and Glayciane Costa Gois

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020506 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 578

Abstract

Total mixed ration silage has been used as a strategy to optimize the use of dry and wet feed in ruminant feeding. Another promising technique is silage reallocation, which allows producers to divide the ensiled material in large silos into smaller units that [...] Read more.

Total mixed ration silage has been used as a strategy to optimize the use of dry and wet feed in ruminant feeding. Another promising technique is silage reallocation, which allows producers to divide the ensiled material in large silos into smaller units that can be easily transported and marketed. Thus, this study aimed to improve food preservation through the development of total mixed rations (TMRs) based on relocated sorghum silage (RSS) and cactus pear for sheep diets. A completely randomized design was used with five treatments (0, 15, 25, 30, and 35% RSS inclusion on a dry matter basis) and five replicates. Ninety days after ensiling, the silos were opened. The fermentation characteristics, nutritional aspects, aerobic stability, and microbial populations of TMR silages were evaluated. The inclusion of RSS showed a quadratic effect on pH, density, permeability, lactic acid bacteria and yeast counts, and total carbohydrates (p < 0.05). It reduced gas and effluent losses, porosity, ammonia nitrogen, buffer capacity, ash, crude protein, ether extract, and non-fibrous carbohydrates (p < 0.05) while increasing dry matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and cellulose contents (p < 0.05). There was an interaction effect between the levels of RSS inclusion and exposure times to air on CO₂ and dry matter content (p < 0.05). Regarding carbohydrate fractionation, there was a reduction in fraction A + B1 (non-fibrous carbohydrates) and an increase in fractions B2 (fibrous carbohydrates from the cell wall and of slow ruminal availability, susceptible to the effects of the passage rate) and C (indigestible neutral detergent fiber) (p < 0.05). For protein fractionation, a quadratic effect was observed for fractions A (non-protein nitrogen) and C (insoluble protein, indigestible in the rumen and intestine), an increase in fraction B1 (soluble protein rapidly degraded in the rumen) + B2 (insoluble protein with intermediate degradation rate in the rumen), and a reduction in fraction B3 (insoluble protein with slow degradation rate in the rumen) (p < 0.05) as RSS levels increased. Under the experimental conditions, it is recommended to include up to 30% RSS in the total mixed ration silage to improve microbiological characteristics, reduce gas and effluent losses, and increase dry matter recovery and nutritional aspects of silage when associated with cactus pear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Forage and Grasslands in Ruminant Nutrition and Sustainable Development)

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12 pages, 4111 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Responses of Litchi to the Application of Exogenous Melanin Under Cold Stress

by Fachao Shi, Yonghua Jiang, Hailun Liu, Yingjie Wen and Qian Yan

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020505 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 403

Abstract

The late spring cold spell severely affects the growth of litchi flower buds. Melatonin, as a signaling molecule, can enhance the plant’s ability to resist abiotic stress by regulating multiple physiological processes. However, there are few studies on the function of melatonin in [...] Read more.

The late spring cold spell severely affects the growth of litchi flower buds. Melatonin, as a signaling molecule, can enhance the plant’s ability to resist abiotic stress by regulating multiple physiological processes. However, there are few studies on the function of melatonin in litchi under cold stress. In the present study, 100 μM of melatonin was selected based on the ABA content in litchi seedlings. To identify genes potentially involved in melatonin and cold stress conditions in litchi, four RNA-seq libraries of litchi leaves under melatonin and cold conditions were constructed. In total, 6.4–8.5 Gb of trimmed bases were generated in each library. Thirty-five genes were randomly selected for qRT-PCR analysis. The results showed a strong positive correlation between the data from qRT-PCR and RNA-seq. A total of 4590 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the treatment of melatonin (1845) and melatonin in cold condition (2745). The expression of several genes belonging to starch and sucrose metabolism, plant hormones (auxin, ABA), MAPK, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism pathways were differentially expressed. The enhanced carbohydrate metabolism might lead to litchi seedlings treated with melatonin to produce more metabolic energy. Abscisic acid can improve cold tolerance. Collectively, our results reveal that pretreatment with melatonin (100 μM) protects litchi seedlings from cold stress through plant hormones and carbohydrate metabolism and provides potential genes for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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31 pages, 8541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Soil Water Dynamics in a Drip-Irrigated Grapefruit Orchard Using the HYDRUS 2D/3D Model: A Comparison of Unimodal and Bimodal Hydraulic Functions

by Giasemi Morianou, George P. Karatzas, George Arampatzis, Vassilios Pisinaras and Nektarios N. Kourgialas

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020504 - 19 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 697

Abstract

This study examines the impact of soil hydraulic parameterization on simulating soil water content in a drip-irrigated grapefruit orchard (Citrus paradisi Mac.) using precise laboratory measurements and the HYDRUS 2D/3D model. Undisturbed soil samples were analyzed for water retention and saturated hydraulic [...] Read more.

This study examines the impact of soil hydraulic parameterization on simulating soil water content in a drip-irrigated grapefruit orchard (Citrus paradisi Mac.) using precise laboratory measurements and the HYDRUS 2D/3D model. Undisturbed soil samples were analyzed for water retention and saturated hydraulic conductivity using high-precision instruments, and parameters were estimated with unimodal and bimodal Van Genuchten functions. Soil water dynamics under deficit (80% of crop evapotranspiration, ET_C) and full irrigation (100% ET_C) were simulated, accounting for circular drip emitters. Calibration relied on soil water content data collected at varying depths and distances from the emitters. Results from the fitting process with laboratory-measured data for water retention and hydraulic conductivity indicate that the bimodal function provided more accurate parameter estimates, yielding lower RMSE for soil water content (0.0026 cm³ cm⁻³) and hydraulic conductivity (0.1143 cm day⁻¹), compared to the unimodal (0.0047 cm³ cm⁻³ and 0.1586 cm day⁻¹). HYDRUS simulations also demonstrated superior calibration metrics for the bimodal function with RMSE, MAE, and NSE values of 0.024 cm³ cm⁻³, 0.016 cm³ cm⁻³, and 0.892 respectively, compared to 0.025 cm³ cm⁻³, 0.017 cm³ cm⁻³, and 0.883 for the unimodal function. Although differences between the functions were small, the bimodal model’s slight performance gain comes with added complexity and uncertainty in parameter estimation. These findings highlight the critical role of precise parameterization in refining irrigation strategies and ensuring sustainable water use in citrus orchards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimal Water Management and Sustainability in Irrigated Agriculture—2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Influence of Marine Port Remediated Sediments on Highbush Blueberry Growth and Trace Elements Accumulation

by Stefania Nin, Daniele Bonetti, Maurizio Antonetti, Cristina Macci, Edgardo Giordani and Lorenzo Bini

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020503 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 483

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate how biomass production and element distribution (nutrients and heavy metals) among plant organs (roots, stems, and leaves) were influenced by substrate physical and chemical properties, using acidophilic plants of Vaccinium corymbosum cultivars Bluecrop and Duke. [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to investigate how biomass production and element distribution (nutrients and heavy metals) among plant organs (roots, stems, and leaves) were influenced by substrate physical and chemical properties, using acidophilic plants of Vaccinium corymbosum cultivars Bluecrop and Duke. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted with highbush blueberry plants grown in an uncontaminated acidic peat-based control substrate (TS0) and two alkaline substrates enriched with remediated sediment (TS50 and TS100), characterized by high pH, Ca, and heavy metal concentrations. Both plant cultivars that were cultivated in sediment–based substrates exhibited a substantial reduction in plant growth, biomass production, and leaf chlorophyll levels. Limited translocation of microelements from belowground organs to leaves was observed across all plant samples. Cu, Fe, and Pb were predominantly accumulated in the roots of plants grown in TS-based substrates, with both cultivars acting as excluders for these metals by restricting their transport from roots to shoots. Mn and Zn were primarily retained in the stems and roots of highbush blueberry plants, with lower leaf accumulation. Notably, only Mn exhibited high translocation and bioaccumulation factor values (on average, 3.43 and 6.68, respectively), highlighting the species’ strong capacity for Mn accumulation. Specifically, control plants showed significantly higher Mn concentrations than those grown in TS-enriched substrates, likely due to the acidic conditions that enhance the bioavailability of this metal and the low Ca concentration in TS0, which is known to disrupt Mn accumulation in shoots. However, this accumulation did not reach toxic levels for the plants and did not negatively impact the physiological processes of control plants, which remained particularly efficient in the Duke cv, known for its Mn resistance. This study highlights the ability of highbush blueberry plants to selectively accumulate heavy metals when grown in polluted substrates under suitable conditions, making them a valuable model for understanding metal accumulation mechanisms in the Ericaceae family. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

17 pages, 3568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Delayed Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Yield, Canopy Structure, and Microenvironment of Winter Wheat with Different Planting Densities

by Zhilin Shi, Tingyong Mao, Long Ma, Hongjian Pan, Jiahao Liu, Desheng Wang, Lili Yang and Yunlong Zhai

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020502 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 346

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilizer setback and planting density both affect wheat yield. However, the differences in winter wheat yield and its components, canopy structure, and microenvironment caused by N fertilizer setback at different planting densities are not clear. A two-year field experiment was conducted to [...] Read more.

Nitrogen fertilizer setback and planting density both affect wheat yield. However, the differences in winter wheat yield and its components, canopy structure, and microenvironment caused by N fertilizer setback at different planting densities are not clear. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the most suitable planting density and N fertilizer setback combinations for winter wheat. Three planting densities of 3.3, 2.36, and 1.77 million plants·hm⁻², and two basal fertilizer/nodulation and fertilizer/spike fertilizer ratios of 6:4:0 and 4:3:3, respectively, were used in the experiment. The results of the two-year experiment showed that, under the same planting density, the yields of wheat with nitrogen fertilizer setback increased by 8.2%, 2.7%, and 2.8%, respectively; the total leaf area of the upper trifoliate leaves increased by 10.7–17.4%; and the leaf area index (LAI) increased by 5.4% and 5.3%, respectively. The results showed that the yield, the effective number of spikes, leaf area index, and vertical light interception of wheat at a density of 3.30 million plants·hm⁻² were higher than those of the other treatments. In both years of the experiment, the planting density of 3.30 million plants·hm⁻² with nitrogen fertilizer setback (basal fertilizer/nodulation fertilizer/spike fertilizer = 4:3:3) was the best. Therefore, a nitrogen application of 240 kg·hm⁻² and a planting density of 3.30 million hm⁻² with nitrogen fertilizer setback was found to be the best combination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Fertilization Strategies and Soil Health for Rice and Wheat Cultivation)

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16 pages, 5090 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Organic Carbon and Labile Organic Carbon Fractions Drive the Dynamics of Aggregate Composition and Stability in a Chronosequence of Tea Plantations

by Rui Cheng, Lei Du, Shaoming Ye and Shengqiang Wang

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020501 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 488

Abstract

Revealing the changes in organic carbon (OC) and labile organic carbon (LOC) fractions in soil aggregates is of great significance for better understanding of soil carbon sources and carbon sink effects in tea plantations. In this study, soil samples were collected at the [...] Read more.

Revealing the changes in organic carbon (OC) and labile organic carbon (LOC) fractions in soil aggregates is of great significance for better understanding of soil carbon sources and carbon sink effects in tea plantations. In this study, soil samples were collected at the 0–20 cm depth in tea plantations with different stand ages (including 0 years (nudation), 8 years, 15 years, and 23 years) in Guangxi, China. Then, soil samples were divided into different sized aggregates (including >2 mm, 2–1 mm, 1–0.25 mm, and <0.25 mm) by a suitable moisture classification method for the determination of OC and LOC fractions. In this study, soil aggregate stability (as indicated by the mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD)) was the highest at 15 years of tea cultivation, indicating that these (15-year-old) tea plantations had stable aggregate structure and provided physical protection for soil carbon storage. At the 0–20 cm depth, the stocks of soil OC and LOC fractions were mainly distributed in >2 mm aggregates, regardless of the stand ages, implying that these aggregates were the main carriers of soil OC and LOC fractions in tea plantations. During tea cultivation, the stocks of soil OC and LOC fractions first increased and then decreased, reaching the highest levels at 15 years, which indicated that the critical point of soil from carbon sink to carbon source was 15 years after tea cultivation. Therefore, attention should be paid to the protection of soil structure in the late (15–23 years) stage of tea cultivation, so as to maintain the carbon sink effect of soil in tea plantations in Guangxi, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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15 pages, 3663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photosynthetic Efficiency and Water Status as Determinants for the Performance of Semiarid-Adapted Cotton Cultivars Under Drought in Greenhouse

by Renato Oliveira de Sousa, Jeane Ferreira de Jesus, Manderson Nunes da Silva, Stelamaris de Oliveira Paula-Marinho, Francisco de Alcântara Neto, Humberto Henrique de Carvalho, José Hélio Costa, Rodrigo Fonseca da Silva, Gonçalves Albino Dauala, Maria Valnice de Souza Silveira, Teonis Batista da Silva and Rafael de Souza Miranda

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020500 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 479

Abstract

Searching for crop cultivars that are resilient to environmental stresses is crucial for maintaining global agricultural production. Our study aimed to screen semiarid-adapted cotton cultivars performing well under water-restricted conditions. Trials were conducted in a greenhouse involving six cotton cultivars (FM 911, FM [...] Read more.

Searching for crop cultivars that are resilient to environmental stresses is crucial for maintaining global agricultural production. Our study aimed to screen semiarid-adapted cotton cultivars performing well under water-restricted conditions. Trials were conducted in a greenhouse involving six cotton cultivars (FM 911, FM 912, FM 970, FM 974, FM 978, and FM 985) subjected to four water levels (100, 80, 60, and 40% field capacity—FC). At 20 days post-drought imposition, the growth, leaf succulence, osmotic potential, gas exchanges, photosynthetic pigments, and lipid peroxidation were measured. Cotton plants showed reduced growth and gas exchanges at 60% and 40%, displaying elevated sensibility at 40% FC. Under 60% FC, FM 970 and FM 985 exhibited a superior dry biomass, leaf area, and growth, indicating high drought tolerance. FM 911, FM 912, and FM 978 displayed higher rates of net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll content under 60% and 40% FC, but also demonstrated an increased lipid peroxidation. Additionally, FM 911, FM 970, and FM 974 had the lowest osmotic potential values. Field capacity at 60% and 40% represent moderate and severe drought conditions for cotton. The superior performance of FM 970, FM 978, and FM 985 under drought is attributed to pigment accumulation and photosynthetic efficiency. Our findings suggest that a water-saving strategy with an 80% FC can enhance sustainable production and identify promising cotton cultivars for cultivation in water-scarce regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitigating Effect of Exogenous Treatments Against Stress in Plants)

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12 pages, 440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response to Selection for Drought Tolerance in Algerian Maize Populations for Spanish Conditions

by Maysoun Benchikh-Lehocine, Lorena Álvarez-Iglesias, Pedro Revilla, Rosa Ana Malvar, Abderrahmane Djemel and Meriem Laouar

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020499 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 381

Abstract

Drought is the main stress on maize, and, in order to improve drought tolerance, a breeding program for reduced anthesis-silking interval (ASI) was carried out in Algiers. The objective of this study was to investigate if the selection for reduced ASI made in [...] Read more.

Drought is the main stress on maize, and, in order to improve drought tolerance, a breeding program for reduced anthesis-silking interval (ASI) was carried out in Algiers. The objective of this study was to investigate if the selection for reduced ASI made in Algiers had a positive effect on drought tolerance in northern Spain. Two populations selected for reduced ASI in Algiers were evaluated in Algiers and Pontevedra (northwestern Spain) under well-watered and drought conditions. The dry trial was not irrigated, while the well-watered trial was irrigated three times. Data were taken on agronomic and photosynthetic traits in the selection of reduced ASI and anthesis and increased yield for BTM and LOM. In the combined analyses of variance in locations, differences were significant among environments and among genotypes for most agronomic traits. Rank correlations between Algiers and Pontevedra were high and significant for flowering and correlations were higher when measured under the same water regime. In the Spanish environments, differences between the drought and well-watered selection and differences among genotypes within water regimens were significant for most agronomic traits. The agronomic performance of the selection cycles under drought and well-watered conditions indicated that selection for reducing ASI in Algiers was partially effective in Pontevedra. Photosynthetic traits did not respond to selection for ASI; nevertheless, stomatal conductance had positive effects and water use efficiency had a negative effect on plant height and yield. Therefore, base breeding populations after prebreeding in arid environments could be used for breeding programs in humid environments, and some physiological traits had limited effects on plant growth and yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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11 pages, 900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Combined Application of Inorganic and Organic Materials over Two Years Improves Soil pH, Slightly Increases Soil Organic Carbon, and Enhances Crop Yields in Severely Acidic Red Soil

by Xiaolin He, Yan Wu, Kailou Liu, Jianhua Ji, Chunhong Wu, Jiwen Li, Huijie Song, Dandan Hu and Chunhuo Zhou

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020498 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 529

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of various treatments on soil pH, SOC, and crop yield in red soil with a pH of 4.25 through a two-year field experiment, using a rapeseed and sesame cropping system. The treatments included the control (CK); lime (CaO) [...] Read more.

This study investigates the effects of various treatments on soil pH, SOC, and crop yield in red soil with a pH of 4.25 through a two-year field experiment, using a rapeseed and sesame cropping system. The treatments included the control (CK); lime (CaO) (L); fully fermented pig manure (M); a calcium–magnesium–phosphate fertilizer (P); lime and fully fermented pig manure (LM); lime and the calcium–magnesium–phosphate fertilizer (LP); fully fermented pig manure and the calcium–magnesium–phosphate fertilizer (MP); and lime, fully fermented pig manure, and the calcium–magnesium–phosphate fertilizer (LMP). Then, the changes in yield, soil pH, and SOC were analyzed. The results showed that, among all treatments, the LMP treatment produced the highest yields for both rapeseed (93.62%) and sesame (45.10%); they increased by 93.62% and 45.10% compared with that for CK. Furthermore, these treatments with lime application increased the soil pH. During the rapeseed season, compared with CK, the soil pH values increased by 0.87, 0.75, 0.90, 1.03, 1.24, 1.18, and 1.45 units in the L, M, P, LM, LP, MP, and LMP treatments, respectively. Moreover, they increased by 0.66, 0.34, 0.51, 0.95, 0.82, 0.72, and 1.03 units, respectively, in the sesame season. Similarly, in terms of yield, the highest pH was observed in the LMP treatment for both the rapeseed and sesame seasons. In contrast to soil pH, the effects of these treatments on SOC were less pronounced. Furthermore, the relationship between soil pH and crop yields was significant (R², p < 0.05). In addition, fitted equations indicated a higher yield response (5.17%) in rapeseed compared with that in sesame (2.32%), while soil pH increased by 0.1 unit. Therefore, the combined application of lime, composted pig manure, and calcium–magnesium–phosphate is an effective strategy to reduce soil acidification and improve crop yield in highly acidified red soils, with the increase in soil pH having a more substantial impact on crop yield than the increase in SOC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Circular Economy: Chemical, Microbiological and Environmental Implications of Mineral and Organic Fertilizers Use in Soils)

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12 pages, 3128 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fly High: Volatile Organic Compounds for the Early Detection of the Seed-Borne Pathogen Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens

by Dario Gaudioso, Luca Calamai and Stefania Tegli

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020497 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 658

Abstract

The global demand for legumes has grown significantly since the 1960s, due to their high protein content and environmental benefits. However, this growth could also facilitate the spread of seed-borne pathogens like Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff). Cff is a Gram-positive bacterium [...] Read more.

The global demand for legumes has grown significantly since the 1960s, due to their high protein content and environmental benefits. However, this growth could also facilitate the spread of seed-borne pathogens like Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens (Cff). Cff is a Gram-positive bacterium causing bacterial wilt in common beans and poses substantial challenges in regard to its detection and management, due to its long latent period and xylemic nature. Traditional diagnostic methods have proven insufficient, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. This study explores the potential of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Cff to be used as diagnostic markers to prevent the spread of seed-borne pathogens. First, we analyzed the VOCs emitted by different Cff strains in vitro, identifying a unique blend of five major VOCs. Subsequently, we verified the presence of these VOCs in vivo in artificially infected Cannellino beans. Phenylmethanol and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol emerged as key diagnostic markers, differentiating Cff from other bacterial pathogens of beans, such as Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola and Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. phaseoli. Our findings suggest that VOC fingerprinting offers a non-invasive, effective method for the early detection of Cff, even in asymptomatic seeds. This innovative approach holds significant promise for improving seed-borne disease management and supporting the development of practical diagnostic tools for field applications. Further research should aim to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of VOC-based diagnostics, facilitating the rapid and accurate screening of plant materials at ports of entry. This would contribute to the sustainability and health of leguminous crop production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytoalexins, Resistance Inducers, and Sustainable Control Measures in Crop Protection Strategies—2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 2687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Industrial Hemp Finola Variety Photosynthetic, Morphometric, Biomechanical, and Yield Responses to K Fertilization Across Different Growth Stages

by Ivana Varga, Antonela Markulj Kulundžić, Paulina Krolo, Dario Iljkić, Marina Tišma and Ivan Kraus

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020496 - 19 Feb 2025

Viewed by 702

Abstract

The growing interest in Cannabis sativa as a highly used crop is present worldwide. There are limited data about the effect of potassium (K) fertilizer on industrial hemp yield for dual purposes (seed and stem production). The current study aimed to investigate the influence [...] Read more.

The growing interest in Cannabis sativa as a highly used crop is present worldwide. There are limited data about the effect of potassium (K) fertilizer on industrial hemp yield for dual purposes (seed and stem production). The current study aimed to investigate the influence of adding two different K fertilizers, KCl and K₂SO₄, at two growth stages (flowering and ripening) on the productivity and chlorophyll a fluorescence (ChlF) of Cannabis sativa, variety Finola. Before sowing, different K treatments were applied: K₁—100 kg ha⁻¹ KCl (60% K) and K₂—100 kg ha⁻¹ K₂SO₄ (52% K, S 17%). The OJIP (O stands for “origin” (minimal fluorescence), P for “peak” (maximum fluorescence), and J and I for inflection points between the O and P levels) data were recorded and used for ChlF transients and individual ChlF parameters during vegetation. At harvest, the stem morphology parameters and yield (plant height, stem weight and diameter, and stem and seed yield), tensile strength, and the modulus of elasticity were determined. The results show the sensitivity of minimal (F₀) and maximal fluorescence (F_m), electron transport from Q_A to intersystem electron acceptors (ET₀/(TR₀ − ET₀)), and electron transport flux until PSI acceptors (RE₀/RC) to K fertilization. The parameters that described electron transport (ET₀/RC, ψE_0, and φE₀), performance index on absorption basis (PI_ABS, TR₀/DI₀, and φP₀), dissipation (DI₀/RC), and electron transport to photosystem I (φR₀ and δR₀/(1 − δR₀)) had a reaction only at the growth stage, indicating a change in their activity during the aging of the Cannabis sativa plants. The average stem height was 67.5 cm, and the stem diameter was 0.41 cm. The different K sources did not significantly influence the stem height and diameter, nor the dry stem (on average 12.2 t ha⁻¹) and seed yield (on average 1.85 t ha⁻¹). The tensile strength of individual hemp stems was the highest with K₂SO₄ (53.32 MPa) and the lowest with KCl (49.25 MPa). The stem stiffness by modulus of elasticity was about 5 GPa on average for all the treatments. In general, the photosynthetic parameters in this study varied more between the growth stages than between the different K fertilizer formulations. Moreover, based on the results of this study, it can be recommended to use both fertilizers, KCl and K₂SO₄, in dual-purpose industrial hemp production since no significant effect was found for the stem morphometric and biomechanical parameters as well as for the agronomic parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Qualitative and Quantitative Plant Screening Measurements for Yield and Quality Enhancement)

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15 pages, 8207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

sRNA Sequencing of Dahlia Bicolor Petals Revealed the Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Pathway

by Jiuchun Zou, Xiaoshuang Wu, Shuyan Li, Mengqing Liu, Yuyu Chen, Haoran Wang and Xue Tao

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020495 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 515

Abstract

Garden dahlias (Dahlia pinnata) are popular for their rich flower color variations that have produced many typical bicolor cultivars. Previous studies on the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway (ABP) observed that the miR156-SPL9 module contributes to the formation of white tips on dahlia [...] Read more.

Garden dahlias (Dahlia pinnata) are popular for their rich flower color variations that have produced many typical bicolor cultivars. Previous studies on the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway (ABP) observed that the miR156-SPL9 module contributes to the formation of white tips on dahlia petals by repressing the MYB-bHLH-WDR complex. In this study, we further detected the potential post-transcriptional regulation involved in the bicolor petal formation by the small RNA sequencing of red bases and white tips. Compared with red bases, 89 differentially expressed miRNAs and 6349 target genes were identified. And 78 up-regulated miRNAs with their 249 down-regulated target genes were involved in the formation process of white petal tips. The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs significantly enriched in the ABPs and miRNAs of six conserved families (MIR 156, 164, 167, 169, 482 and 6114) targeted to four transcription factor families (ARF, HD-ZIP, SBP and NAC) were involved in the post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of the ABP. Transcription sequencing and quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis demonstrated that the MIR167-ARF8 module and the MIR6114-ANL2 module were the candidate regulators of the inactive ABP in the white tips by depressing the transcription of multiple structure genes. The findings gave new insights into the post-transcriptional regulation of the ABP and would be valuable for further studies of the PTGS mechanisms of bicolor petal formation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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16 pages, 4952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Responses and Assessment of Salt Tolerance of Different Blueberry Cultivars Under Chloride Stress

by Wenwen Ma, Ying Wang, Ke Li, Chunze Lu, Dekang Hou, Yanan Li, Haiguang Liu, Lin Wu and Jinying Li

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020494 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 510

Abstract

The degree of soil salinization is still on the rise. In saline environments, NaCl is the main substance that causes plant salt damage, with the toxicity of ions under salt stress primarily involving sodium (Na⁺) or chloride (Cl⁻). However, [...] Read more.

The degree of soil salinization is still on the rise. In saline environments, NaCl is the main substance that causes plant salt damage, with the toxicity of ions under salt stress primarily involving sodium (Na⁺) or chloride (Cl⁻). However, fewer studies have focused on Cl⁻ stress. This study investigated the differences in the growth and physiology of five blueberry varieties under Cl⁻ stress, aiming to understand the mechanisms of Cl⁻ tolerance and the physiological responses to Cl⁻ stress in these varieties. Five blueberry varieties (‘Northland’, ‘PL19’, ‘Duke’, ‘Reka’, and ‘Bonnie’) were used as test materials. This study examined the changes in growth and physiological indices of blueberry plants under different concentrations of Cl⁻ (A1–A6: 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mmol/L) treatments. A control treatment (CK) was included to serve as a baseline for comparison. We comprehensively evaluated the Cl⁻ tolerance of these five varieties to screen for chlorine-tolerant varieties. This study examined the concentration-dependent changes in growth and physiological indices of blueberry plants, including plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, electrical conductivity, levels of soluble sugar (SS), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline (Pro), and soluble protein (SP), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The results revealed that as the Cl⁻ concentration increased, the growth of all blueberry varieties was inhibited; plant height, leaf area, and chlorophyll content consistently declined, whereas electrical conductivity showed a steady increase. SS and MDA content exhibited a biphasic response, with an increase at lower Cl⁻ concentrations followed by a decrease at higher concentrations. The activities of SOD and CAT in ‘Duke’ consistently increased with rising Cl⁻ levels. In ‘PL19’ and ‘Reka’, chlorophyll content decreased with increasing Cl⁻, while their proline content rose initially and then declined. In contrast, the other varieties generally showed an increasing trend in proline content. Similarly, the soluble protein content of ‘Northland’ and ‘PL19’ increased at lower Cl⁻ levels and decreased at higher concentrations, whereas ‘Bonnie’, ‘Duke’, and ‘Reka’ displayed an overall declining trend. Principal component analysis indicated that the Cl⁻ tolerance of the blueberry varieties ranked as follows: ‘Duke’ > ‘Bonnie’ > ‘Reka’ > ‘PL19’ > ‘Northland’. These findings lay a foundation for blueberry cultivation in saline–alkaline soils and support the selection and development of new, chlorine-tolerant varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Water, Nutrient, and Pesticide Management of Fruit Crop)

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12 pages, 768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pruning and Flower Thinning Influence the Storability of CH201/FRED^® Pears

by Séverine Gabioud Rebeaud, Pierre-Yves Cotter, Marlyse Raemy, Sébastien Dubois, Felix Büchele, Daniel Neuwald and Philippe Monney

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020493 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 698

Abstract

CH201/FRED^® is a novel red-blush pear cultivar with long-term storage potential and a prolonged shelf life. However, it is prone to controlled atmosphere (CA)-related disorders, particularly cavities. This study explored the impact of the balance between vegetative growth and crop load on [...] Read more.

CH201/FRED^® is a novel red-blush pear cultivar with long-term storage potential and a prolonged shelf life. However, it is prone to controlled atmosphere (CA)-related disorders, particularly cavities. This study explored the impact of the balance between vegetative growth and crop load on the development of CA-related disorders during storage. Treatments involving the removal of two-thirds of floral bouquets (Fl_Th) and the shortening of branches by two-thirds (Pr) at the bud stage (late balloon stage) promoted the growth of 1-year-old shoots, which correlated with an increased incidence of cavities and reduced calcium levels in the pears. The Fl_Th treatment resulted in larger fruits with a higher total soluble solid content, a greater force required to puncture the skin and flesh, and a higher incidence of cavities than the Pr treatment. These findings demonstrate that both crop load and the leaf area-to-crop load ratio significantly influence the susceptibility of CH201/FRED^® pears to CA-related disorders during storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in Molecular Biochemistry and Physiology of Pre- and Post-Harvest Fruits and Vegetables)

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26 pages, 26377 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Crop Coefficient Approaches and Machine Learning Models for Predicting Water Requirements in Three Major Crops in Coastal Saline-Alkali Land

by Shide Dong, Qian Ma, Chunxiao Yu, Linbo Li, Hanwen Liu, Guangxu Cui, Haonan Qiu, Shihong Yang and Guangmei Wang

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020492 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 480

Abstract

The accuracy of the crop coefficient approaches recommended by the FAO-56 guidelines for evapotranspiration (ET) in saline environments is limited due to complex soil–water–crop interactions, highlighting the need for advanced methods to improve ET estimation for water management in saline-alkali lands. [...] Read more.

The accuracy of the crop coefficient approaches recommended by the FAO-56 guidelines for evapotranspiration (ET) in saline environments is limited due to complex soil–water–crop interactions, highlighting the need for advanced methods to improve ET estimation for water management in saline-alkali lands. To improve ET estimation for wheat, maize, and soybean in the Yellow River Delta, China, three machine-learning algorithms—gradient-boosting decision tree (GBDT), random forest (RF), and extreme gradient-boosting regression (XGBoost)—were applied alongside single- and dual-crop coefficient approaches (K_c-ET_o). The results showed that increasing the input variables did not necessarily improve the ML model performance. The ML models outperformed K_c-ET_o approaches, particularly for summer crops (maize and soybean), with the mean absolute error reduced by 26.4% to 80.9%, R² increased by 5.6% to 11.2%, and root mean square error (RMSE) decreased by 22.4% to 98.1%. RF and XGBoost were more accurate than GBDT, with R² increasing by 3.2% to 5.4% and RMSE decreasing by 22% to 57%. Scenario simulations showed increased ET with intensified emission scenarios for RF and GBDT, similar to K_c-ET_o approaches. However, XGBoost simulated a significantly lower ET in high-emission scenarios, indicating potential unreliability for scenario predictions beyond the training dataset, especially in a saline-alkali environment with an increasingly complex background. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Approach of High-Quality Agricultural Development in the Saline-Alkali Land)

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18 pages, 2091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Base Fertilizers on Water Use Efficiency and Growth of Maize During Growth Period

by Zhenchao Wang, Keqin Wang, Xinyi Liu, Wanjing Zhu, Xiangyin Deng and Yangyi Zhao

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020491 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 408

Abstract

This study hypothesized that different base fertilizer application has different effects on improving the efficiency of maize water utilization and promoting maize growth. Utilizing field positioning sloping farmland micro-zone experiments, six distinct types of base fertilizers were designed: a control group without fertilization [...] Read more.

This study hypothesized that different base fertilizer application has different effects on improving the efficiency of maize water utilization and promoting maize growth. Utilizing field positioning sloping farmland micro-zone experiments, six distinct types of base fertilizers were designed: a control group without fertilization (CK), chemical fertilizer alone (T1), a mixture of local farmyard manure (40% pine needles and 60% livestock manure, T2), a 50% reduction in chemical fertilizer combined with farmyard manure (T3), the incorporation of crushed straw through deep plowing (T4), and the fermentation of crushed straw mixed with urea before field application (T5). The results indicate that, compared to the CK treatment, the T3 and T5 treatments significantly enhanced soil moisture content, with increases ranging from 4.06% to 18.67% during the normal year (2023) and the drought year (2024), respectively. Additionally, the water utilization efficiency of maize was improved significantly, with values of 35.38% and 41.54%, and the yield increased by 12.30% to 25.92%. The maize yields under T3 and T5 treatments reached 12.19 and 13.31t/ha, respectively. Therefore, we propose that crushing straw and incorporating urea and water for fermentation as a base fertilizer in maize fields can ensure efficient water use in this region, leading to higher yields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)

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18 pages, 6461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) Inhibit the Growth and Proliferation of Reproductive Structures in Phytophthora capsici by Altering Cell Membrane Stability

by Andrés de Jesús López-Gervacio, Joaquín Alejandro Qui-Zapata, Iliana Barrera-Martínez, Mayra Itzcalotzin Montero-Cortés and Soledad García-Morales

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020490 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 394

Abstract

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are currently receiving attention for controlling plant pathogenic microorganisms, are expected to be especially effective against the genus Phytophthora, and show high anti-oomycete activity. SeNPs synthesized with plant extracts have shown low toxicity, high bioavailability, and mechanisms of action that [...] Read more.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are currently receiving attention for controlling plant pathogenic microorganisms, are expected to be especially effective against the genus Phytophthora, and show high anti-oomycete activity. SeNPs synthesized with plant extracts have shown low toxicity, high bioavailability, and mechanisms of action that alter cellular integrity and damage key components of phytopathogen metabolism, causing denaturation and cell death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of SeNPs on mycelial growth and the development of reproductive structures in Phytophthora capsici in vitro. Different concentrations of SeNPs (0 to 400 µg/mL) in culture media were used to analyze mycelial growth, sporangium formation, zoospores, and germination of the germ tube. To explain the changes in morphology and development of P. capsici, increased relative conductance and activation of glycerol synthesis were related to osmotic stress and damage to membrane permeability. In addition, SeNPs inhibited the production of exopolysaccharides (EPSs), which are compounds associated with pathogen virulence. A lower accumulation of its biomass evidences alterations in the oomycete growth. The percentage of inhibition of mycelial growth increased with higher SeNP concentrations and incubation time, reaching 100% growth inhibition at 300 and 400 µg/mL. A concentration-dependent reduction in the number of spores, sporangia, and zoospore germination was observed. Concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL of SeNPs reduced biomass production by 30%. The increase in glycerol levels indicated an osmoregulatory response to SeNP-induced stress. Also, the increase in electrical conductivity suggested plasma membrane damage, which supports the potential of SeNPs as antifungal agents by inducing cell disruption and structural damage in P. capsici. These results provide new knowledge on the in vitro mechanism of action of SeNPs against P. capsici and offer a new biological alternative for the control of diseases caused by oomycetes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials for Diseases and Pest Control in Agriculture)

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22 pages, 9277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

LRNTRM-YOLO: Research on Real-Time Recognition of Non-Tobacco-Related Materials

by Chunjie Zhang, Lijun Yun, Chenggui Yang, Zaiqing Chen and Feiyan Cheng

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020489 - 18 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 610

Abstract

The presence of non-tobacco-related materials can significantly compromise the quality of tobacco. To accurately detect non-tobacco-related materials, this study introduces a lightweight and real-time detection model derived from the YOLOv11 framework, named LRNTRM-YOLO. Initially, due to the sub-optimal accuracy in detecting diminutive non-tobacco-related [...] Read more.

The presence of non-tobacco-related materials can significantly compromise the quality of tobacco. To accurately detect non-tobacco-related materials, this study introduces a lightweight and real-time detection model derived from the YOLOv11 framework, named LRNTRM-YOLO. Initially, due to the sub-optimal accuracy in detecting diminutive non-tobacco-related materials, the model was augmented by incorporating an additional layer dedicated to enhancing the detection of small targets, thereby improving the overall accuracy. Furthermore, an attention mechanism was incorporated into the backbone network to focus on the features of the detection targets, thereby improving the detection efficacy of the model. Simultaneously, for the introduction of the SIoU loss function, the angular vector between the bounding box regressions was utilized to define the loss function, thus improving the training efficiency of the model. Following these enhancements, a channel pruning technique was employed to streamline the network, which not only reduced the parameter count but also expedited the inference process, yielding a more compact model for non-tobacco-related material detection. The experimental results on the NTRM dataset indicate that the LRNTRM-YOLO model achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 92.9%, surpassing the baseline model by a margin of 4.8%. Additionally, there was a 68.3% reduction in the parameters and a 15.9% decrease in floating-point operations compared to the baseline model. Comparative analysis with prominent models confirmed the superiority of the proposed model in terms of its lightweight architecture, high accuracy, and real-time capabilities, thereby offering an innovative and practical solution for detecting non-tobacco-related materials in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Robotics and Automation in Farming)

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20 pages, 2298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Land Use Changes on CO₂ Emission Dynamics in the Amazon

by Adriano Maltezo da Rocha, Mauricio Franceschi, Alan Rodrigo Panosso, Marco Antonio Camillo de Carvalho, Mara Regina Moitinho, Marcílio Vieira Martins Filho, Dener Marcio da Silva Oliveira, Diego Antonio França de Freitas, Oscar Mitsuo Yamashita and Newton La Scala, Jr.

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020488 - 18 Feb 2025

Viewed by 538

Abstract

Global climate change is closely tied to CO₂ emissions, and implementing conservation-agricultural systems can help mitigate emissions in the Amazon. By maintaining forest cover and integrating sustainable agricultural practices in pasture, these systems help mitigate climate change and preserve the carbon stocks [...] Read more.

Global climate change is closely tied to CO₂ emissions, and implementing conservation-agricultural systems can help mitigate emissions in the Amazon. By maintaining forest cover and integrating sustainable agricultural practices in pasture, these systems help mitigate climate change and preserve the carbon stocks in Amazon forest soils. In addition, these systems improve soil health, microclimate regulation, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the Amazon region. This study aimed to evaluate the CO₂ emission dynamics and its relationship with soil attributes under different uses in the Amazon. The experiment consisted of four treatments (Degraded Pasture—DP; Managed Pasture—MP; Native Forest—NF; and Livestock Forest Integration—LF), with 25 replications. Soil CO₂ emission (FCO₂), soil temperature, and soil moisture were evaluated over a period of 114 days, and the chemical, physical, and biological attributes of the soil were measured at the end of this period. The mean FCO₂ reached values of 4.44, 3.88, 3.80, and 3.14 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in DP, MP, NF, and LF, respectively. In addition to the direct relationship between soil CO₂ emissions and soil temperature for all land uses, soil bulk density indirectly influenced emissions in NF. The amount of humic acid induced the highest emission in DP. Soil organic carbon and carbon stock were higher in MP and LF. These values demonstrate that FCO₂ was influenced by the Amazon land uses and highlight LF as a low CO₂ emission system with a higher potential for carbon stock in the soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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16 pages, 2933 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

New Approach to Experimental Soil Health Definition Using Thermogravimetric Fingerprinting

by Ina Krahl, David Tokarski, Jiri Kučerík, Elisabeth Schwitzky and Christian Siewert

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020487 - 18 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 495

Abstract

Degradation and sealing are still frequent in soil management today despite intensive research. An unsatisfactory assessment of soil key components and soil health still limits sustainable land use. For the future evaluation of soil health, soils under productive use have been compared with [...] Read more.

Degradation and sealing are still frequent in soil management today despite intensive research. An unsatisfactory assessment of soil key components and soil health still limits sustainable land use. For the future evaluation of soil health, soils under productive use have been compared with natural and semi-natural soils using thermogravimetric fingerprinting of air-dried soil samples. This approach has led to a more precise quantification of known relationships and the discovery of several new ones between soil components that have evolved over thousands of years of soil formation without human intervention, each changing in a specific way due to land use. The use-related deviations from the natural soil condition allow a distinction between natural soils, disturbed soils, and soil-like carbon-containing mineral mixtures (e.g., compost, horticultural substrates). Carbon added to soils with fresh organic residues or from anthropogenic (soot, slag) or geological (coal) sources can be distinguished from soil organic matter (humus) accumulated during soil genesis, regardless of extreme chemical heterogeneity. The degree of carbon sequestration in soils is easy to quantify. Using near-natural soils as a reference, considering bound water seems to be a suitable starting point for the experimental definition of soil health. An elucidation of the causal relationships between the soil components used should accompany it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Health and Properties in a Changing Environment)

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16 pages, 4396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Communities in Continuous Panax notoginseng Cropping Soil

by Li Liu, Jingheng Wu, Minpeng Liu, Mulan Wang, Yuewen Huo, Fugang Wei and Min Wu

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020486 - 18 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 636

Abstract

Panax notoginseng is a prominent traditional Chinese medicinal herb, yet its yield and quality are significantly constrained by continuous cropping obstacles, primarily stemming from soil-related issues. This study analyzed soils subjected to various degrees of continuous P. notoginseng cultivation, soils without P. notoginseng [...] Read more.

Panax notoginseng is a prominent traditional Chinese medicinal herb, yet its yield and quality are significantly constrained by continuous cropping obstacles, primarily stemming from soil-related issues. This study analyzed soils subjected to various degrees of continuous P. notoginseng cultivation, soils without P. notoginseng planting, and natural forest floor soil without P. notoginseng planting. The objective was to investigate variations in soil microbial communities, physicochemical properties, and enzyme activities across different cropping conditions. Macro-genome sequencing was employed to reveal microbial shifts and key factors influencing rhizosphere microbial communities. Notably, the natural forest floor soil exhibited the highest levels of soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available potassium. Furthermore, continuous cropping soils showed the highest levels of pH, available phosphorus, electrical conductivity, and total potassium. The activities of catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, sucrase, and soil FDA hydrolase decreased significantly after continuous cropping, but increased again after five years of fallowing. Microbial analysis revealed that Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi dominated the soils without P. notoginseng planting, whereas Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria were the predominant phyla in continuous cropping and natural forest floor soils. Continuous cropping led to an increase in Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, and Chloroflexi, while fallowing reduced Actinobacteria. Gemmatimonades was almost exclusively present in the continuous cropping soils. Overall, continuous P. notoginseng planting altered the soil nutrients and microbial composition. Key factors influencing microbial communities included pH, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and electrical conductivity. The study suggests that attention should be paid to scientific and rational fertilization practices to mitigate the effects of continuous cropping. Additionally, a fallow period of more than five years is recommended. The proper application of probiotic fertilizers is also advised. Finally, cultivating P. notoginseng under forest conditions is recommended as a viable method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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14 pages, 882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Reducing Nitrogen and Increasing Density in the Main Crop on Yield and Cadmium Accumulation of Ratoon Rice

by Qinqin Tian, Dechao Zheng, Pingping Chen, Shuai Yuan and Zhenxie Yi

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020485 - 17 Feb 2025

Viewed by 488

Abstract

Rice cultivated in cadmium (Cd)-polluted acidic paddy soil poses important health risks in China. Mitigating Cd accumulation in rice is of crucial importance for food safety and human health. In this study, using Chuangliangyou 669 as the ratoon rice variety, a field experiment [...] Read more.

Rice cultivated in cadmium (Cd)-polluted acidic paddy soil poses important health risks in China. Mitigating Cd accumulation in rice is of crucial importance for food safety and human health. In this study, using Chuangliangyou 669 as the ratoon rice variety, a field experiment was conducted in paddy fields with severe Cd pollution (Cd concentration > 1.0 mg kg⁻¹). The aim was to explore the impacts of different nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels (N1-180 kg hm⁻², N2-153 kg hm⁻², N3-126 kg hm⁻²) and planting densities (D1-20 cm × 20 cm, D2-16.7 cm × 16.7 cm) in the main crop on the yield and Cd accumulation characteristics of ratoon rice. The results showed that reducing the amount of N fertilizer would lead to a decrease in the yield of ratoon rice, while increasing the planting density could increase the yield, mainly by increasing the effective panicle. Among the various combined treatments, the yields of N1M2 and N2M2 were relatively high. The planting density had no significant impact on the Cd concentration, translocation factor and bioaccumulation factor of ratoon rice. The Cd concentration in various tissues of ratoon rice decreased significantly with the reduction in N fertilizer application. Reducing N fertilizer application could increase the pH, reduce the concentration of available Cd in the soil and consequently reduce the Cd bioaccumulation factor of various tissues of ratoon rice and the Cd translocation factor from roots and stems to brown rice. Considering both the yield and the Cd concentration in brown rice, N2M2 was the optimal treatment of reducing N and increasing density, which could maintain a relatively high yield while significantly reducing the Cd concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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16 pages, 3086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dual-Channel Co-Spectroscopy–Based Non-Destructive Detection Method for Fruit Quality and Its Application to Fuji Apples

by Xin Liang, Tian Jiang, Wanli Dai and Sai Xu

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020484 - 17 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 504

Abstract

Visible/near-infrared spectroscopy is widely used for non-destructive fruit quality detection, but the high cost of spectrometers (400–1100 nm range) in sorting equipment limits its accessibility. This study proposes a dual-channel co-spectroscopy method to address this issue. Using apples’ soluble solids content as the [...] Read more.

Visible/near-infrared spectroscopy is widely used for non-destructive fruit quality detection, but the high cost of spectrometers (400–1100 nm range) in sorting equipment limits its accessibility. This study proposes a dual-channel co-spectroscopy method to address this issue. Using apples’ soluble solids content as the research target, a dual-channel platform was constructed to optimize parameters for full-transmission spectral signal acquisition. Spectral data were collected using dual channels (400–700 nm and 700–1100 nm bands, separated by filters) and a single channel (400–1100 nm range). Preprocessing methods (MSC, SNV, FD, SD, SG) and feature extraction algorithms (CARS, SPA, UVE) were applied, followed by PLSR modeling. The dual-channel method with Raw spectrum + FD + CARS + PLSR achieved optimal results, with R²_v = 0.88, RMSEP = 0.39 for the 400–700 nm band, and R²_v = 0.94, RMSEP = 0.33 for the 700–1100 nm band. The single-channel method with Raw spectrum + MSC + CARS + PLSR achieved R²_v = 0.90, RMSEP = 0.36. These findings validate dual-channel co-spectroscopy as a cost-effective, accurate solution for non-destructive fruit quality detection, providing a practical approach to reduce spectrometer costs and enhance sorting system efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

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18 pages, 2067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Doses, Application Dates, Adjuvants and Zinc Sulfate on Bromoxynil + Terbuthylazine + Nicosulfuron Weed Control Efficacy and Maize Grain Yield in Mid-West Poland

by Robert Idziak, Violetta Szuba-Adamska, Hubert Waligóra, Łukasz Sobiech, Monika Grzanka and Piotr Szulc

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020483 - 17 Feb 2025

Viewed by 412

Abstract

It is possible to reduce herbicide doses while maintaining their high efficacy, provided they are applied with appropriately selected adjuvants and zinc sulphate in a split-dose system. The effect of multicomponent adjuvants and zinc sulphate on the efficacy of bromoxynil + terbuthylazine + [...] Read more.

It is possible to reduce herbicide doses while maintaining their high efficacy, provided they are applied with appropriately selected adjuvants and zinc sulphate in a split-dose system. The effect of multicomponent adjuvants and zinc sulphate on the efficacy of bromoxynil + terbuthylazine + nicosulfuron, applied once at full (144 + 400 + 40 mL ha⁻¹) and in a split-dose system (herbicides applied twice, each time after new weed germination) at reduced doses (54 + 150 + 14 mL ha⁻¹, on herbicide efficacy and grain yield was evaluated. At full dose, bromoxynil, terbuthylazine, and nicosulfuron greatly controlled lambsquarters (92–100%). Barnyard grass was controlled by 94–100%, at reduced 67–93%, with adjuvants in a split-dose system, as efficacy increased to 94–100%, and with zinc it increased to 88–91%. The efficacy of herbicides containing zinc sulphate and surfactant was 80–96%, with that of other adjuvants 97–99%. Regardless of the dose and application system, herbicide application increased grain yield by 11.4–13.9 t ha⁻¹ compared to 4.8–5.0 from untreated check. The grain yield from split-dose treatments was comparable to that from plots with the recommended dose. The enhanced herbicide efficacy with adjuvants applied twice, despite higher treatment expenses, led to the development of maize plants and enhanced yields. This may ultimately translate into improved production profitability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Weed Science and Weed Management)

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15 pages, 1830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Mechanism of Welsh Onion (Allium fistulosum L.) in Response to High Temperature and Waterlogging Stress

by Xianxiang Li, Ruobing Li, Kai Wang, Yuwen Kong, Yao Lv, Bili Cao, Song Gao, Kang Xu, Zijing Chen and Kun Xu

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020482 - 17 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 539

Abstract

In recent years, frequent high temperatures and heavy rainfall in summer in China have led to a large-scale reduction in Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) production. This experiment used “Hanchuan” Welsh onion as test material to analyze the effect of high [...] Read more.

In recent years, frequent high temperatures and heavy rainfall in summer in China have led to a large-scale reduction in Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) production. This experiment used “Hanchuan” Welsh onion as test material to analyze the effect of high temperature and waterlogging on the dry matter quality, root structure, oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, and photosynthetic performance. The results showed that waterlogging or high-temperature stress could lead to a decrease in dry matter content and root activity in various parts of Welsh onion, significantly increasing the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Welsh onion roots and leaves, accelerating membrane lipid peroxidation, and significantly reduce the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic performance of Welsh onion. Among them, the damage caused by waterlogging and high-temperature interaction stress to Welsh onion is the most significant. On the 8th day of treatment, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of high-temperature normal water supply, normal-temperature waterlogging, and high-temperature waterlogging decreased by 53.62%, 26.4%, and 87.59%, respectively, compared to the control. The results of this study provide insight into the extent of damage to Welsh onion under different moisture and temperature conditions, which will help explore scientific methods to alleviate the damage caused by high temperature and waterlogging in Welsh onion in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics, Genomics and Breeding of Spice Crops)

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14 pages, 3514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Habitat Suitability Analysis Under Climate Change for the Native Grass, Kengyilia thoroldiana, on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

by Qingqing Liu, Hairong Zhang, Miaohua He, Jianjun Shi and Yuan Ma

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020481 - 17 Feb 2025

Viewed by 561

Abstract

Kengyilia thoroldiana (Oliv.) J. L. Yang, C. Yen, and B. R. Baum (K. thoroldiana) is a dominant species in the desertification area of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In this study, based on 88 sample points of K. thoroldiana, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) [...] Read more.

Kengyilia thoroldiana (Oliv.) J. L. Yang, C. Yen, and B. R. Baum (K. thoroldiana) is a dominant species in the desertification area of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In this study, based on 88 sample points of K. thoroldiana, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) method was used to analyze the current dominant factors of the distribution area of K. thoroldiana and predict its potential distribution. The results showed that the training and test data area under the curve (AUC) were 0.934 and 0.944, which indicated the reliability of the predicted results. Based on climatic variables and the results of the “Jackknife” method, the results showed that temperature was the main driver of K. thoroldiana’s distribution. By simulating the potential distribution of K. thoroldiana, the highly suitable areas were mainly located in the west, south, and southeast of Qinghai, southwest Gansu, and eastern Tibet. In future climate scenarios, the total suitable area for K. thoroldiana showed an expanding trend. According to the Sustainable Development (SSP126) scenario, the highly suitable areas could increase by 4.72% from 2021 to 2040 compared with the current climate scenario, and the highly suitable areas could increase by 12.71% from 2041 to 2060. An increase in the suitable areas of K. thoroldiana is essential for the ecological restoration of degraded grasslands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience)

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12 pages, 2160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Global Meta-Analysis of Soil Carbon Stock in Agroforestry Coffee Cultivation

by Vanessa Matos Gomes, Marcos Santana Miranda Júnior, Libério J. Silva, Marcus Vinícius Teixeira, Guilherme Teixeira, Karina Schossler, Diego Antônio França de Freitas and Dener Márcio da Silva Oliveira

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020480 - 17 Feb 2025

Viewed by 632

Abstract

Given the climate crisis, the search for sustainable production with potential to reduce excess of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere has been the subject of global agreements. Soils are fundamental carbon storage systems, with a relevant role in CO₂ [...] Read more.

Given the climate crisis, the search for sustainable production with potential to reduce excess of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere has been the subject of global agreements. Soils are fundamental carbon storage systems, with a relevant role in CO₂ mitigation emissions. Considering coffee as an important commodity for several countries and agroforestry systems (AFSs) as important allies for mitigating greenhouse gases emitted by the agricultural sector, this study aimed to investigate the ability of coffee plantations in AFSs to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, through soil carbon sequestration. For this purpose, we performed a meta-analysis of 45 AFSs, including simple and diversified ones, from a detailed literature search of scientific research investigating soil organic carbon in AFSs including coffee cultivation. Overall, no effect of AFSs on carbon stock change rates was found, but an increment of soil carbon storage was observed when comparing AFSs with conventional coffee cultivation. Generally, climatic variables and soil texture positively affect soil carbon stock. When comparing diversified and simple AFSs, the first had a positive effect on carbon stock change rates. Agroforestry coffee showed capacity to mitigate climate effects through carbon storage in the soil, especially when the system is diversified. This is a climate-smart strategy and should be implemented in preference to conventional coffee cultivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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16 pages, 3920 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Addition of Straw Affects the Response of Labile Soil Organic Carbon to the Freezing and Thawing Process

by Mengmeng Zhu, Qiang Ma, Shuailin Li, Zhuqing Xia, Changrui Zhou, Yun Gao, Xinhui Zhang, Siyu An, Xiao Jiang and Wantai Yu

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020479 - 17 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Global warming alters freeze–thaw process frequency and intensity, impacting soil carbon cycles. Four soils from a 12-year straw return experiment were used: S0 (no straw), S1 (low rate of addition), S2 (medium rate), and S3 (high rate). Ten treatments with or without temporary [...] Read more.

Global warming alters freeze–thaw process frequency and intensity, impacting soil carbon cycles. Four soils from a 12-year straw return experiment were used: S0 (no straw), S1 (low rate of addition), S2 (medium rate), and S3 (high rate). Ten treatments with or without temporary straw addition at different rates were conducted to explore their effects on soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) under laboratory and field freeze–thaw conditions. Compared to constant temperature, the freeze–thaw process under laboratory conditions reduced MBC (5.79%~29.9%), whereas this trend was mitigated or reversed under field conditions. The alleviating effect of straw addition on the decrease in MBC was greater in S0 than in S1, S2, and S3 by an average of 31.7%. Medium rate straw application (S2 8 t/ha) provided appropriate labile C levels, enhancing microbial activity while keeping DOC low and reducing C loss risk. The results revealed discrepancies in freeze–thaw effects on soil labile OC between laboratory and field conditions, the mitigation of freeze–thaw impacts on MBC by straw addition, and the appropriate straw return rate in Liaohe Plain. Therefore, proper nutrient management can maintain and regulate microbial activity and soil labile C in areas with freeze–thaw cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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19 pages, 5366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integration of Color Analysis, Firmness Testing, and visNIR Spectroscopy for Comprehensive Tomato Quality Assessment and Shelf-Life Prediction

by Sotirios Tasioulas, Jessie Watson, Dimitrios S. Kasampalis and Pavlos Tsouvaltzis

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020478 - 16 Feb 2025

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Abstract

This study evaluates the potential of integrating visible and near-infrared (visNIR) spectroscopy, color analysis, and firmness testing for non-destructive tomato quality assessment and shelf-life prediction. Tomato fruit (cv. HM1823) harvested at four ripening stages were monitored over 12 days at 22 °C to [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the potential of integrating visible and near-infrared (visNIR) spectroscopy, color analysis, and firmness testing for non-destructive tomato quality assessment and shelf-life prediction. Tomato fruit (cv. HM1823) harvested at four ripening stages were monitored over 12 days at 22 °C to investigate ripening stage-specific variations in key quality parameters, including color (hue angle), firmness (compression), and nutritional composition (pH, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity ratio). Significant changes in these parameters during storage highlighted the need for advanced tools to monitor and predict quality attributes. Spectral data (340–2500 nm) captured using advanced and cost-effective portable spectroradiometers, coupled with chemometric models such as partial least squares regression (PLSR), demonstrated reliable predictions of shelf-life and nutritional quality. The near-infrared spectrum (900–1700 nm) was particularly effective, with variable selection methods such as genetic algorithm (GA) and variable importance in projection (VIP) scores enhancing model accuracy. This study highlights the promising role of visNIR spectroscopy as a rapid, non-destructive tool for optimizing postharvest management in tomato. By enabling real-time quality assessments, these technologies support sustainable agricultural practices through improved decision-making, reduced postharvest losses, and enhanced consumer satisfaction. The findings also validate the utility of affordable spectroradiometers, offering practical solutions for stakeholders aiming to balance cost efficiency and reliability in postharvest quality monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Proximal and Remote Sensing for Optimizing Agricultural and Horticultural Production and Postharvest Systems)

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20 pages, 1698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crop Growth Analysis of Autumn- and Spring-Sown Wheat–Pea Intercrops

by Reinhard W. Neugschwandtner, Patrick Herz, Alexander Böck, Helmut Wagentristl, Gerhard Moitzi, Agnieszka Klimek-Kopyra, Jaroslav Bernas, Tomáš Lošák, Mohammad Ghorbani, Elnaz Amirahmadi, Kuanysh K. Zholamanov and Hans-Peter Kaul

Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020477 - 16 Feb 2025

Viewed by 764

Abstract

Intercropping of arable crops might provide yield benefits over monocrops. To assess the effect of sowing date and sowing ratio on biomass formation and competition over time, a two-year field experiment with wheat and pea plants was performed in Eastern Austria with two [...] Read more.

Intercropping of arable crops might provide yield benefits over monocrops. To assess the effect of sowing date and sowing ratio on biomass formation and competition over time, a two-year field experiment with wheat and pea plants was performed in Eastern Austria with two sowing times (autumn vs. spring) and with the following substitutive wheat–pea sowing ratios (%:%): 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 12.5:87.5 and 0:100. For both crops, facultative cultivars were used. Compared to spring-sowing, autumn-sowing resulted in earlier development of plants, taller plants, faster soil coverage, a higher crop growth rate up to mid-May in the first year and early June in the second year, more above-ground dry matter production and in the second year also in a higher land equivalent ratio (LER) of intercrops. Sowing ratios affected absolute and relative growth rates of wheat and pea plants. Wheat, which was generally the stronger partner in the intercrops, out-competed pea plants in all intercrops in the first year due to a higher early crop growth rate and in the second year, when the monocrop biomass of wheat was lower than that of pea plants, even in the intercrops with lower wheat and higher pea share. All intercrops resulted in a yield advantage compared to the monocrops as indicated by the LER. At final harvest, this yield advantage was over both sowing times and all four intercropping ratios 14% in the first and 10% in the second year. The competitive abilities of individual crops in mixtures, as indicated by the partial LER, were not affected by the sowing time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture—2nd Edition)

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Agronomy, Volume 15, Issue 2 (February 2025) – 254 articles

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