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Volume 15
Issue 9
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Agronomy, Volume 15, Issue 9 (September 2025) – 155 articles

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14 pages, 1421 KB  
Article
Effects of SiO2 Nanoparticles on the Yield and Quality of Sophora tonkinensis Under Drought Stress
by Ying Liang, Shuangshuang Qin, Guili Wei, Ximei Liang and Fan Wei
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2171; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092171 - 11 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the novel application of silicon nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) to enhance drought tolerance and medicinal quality in the threatened medicinal plant Sophora tonkinensis, providing technical support for its conservation and cultivation. Six treatments were applied: control (CK), CK + [...] Read more.
This study investigates the novel application of silicon nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) to enhance drought tolerance and medicinal quality in the threatened medicinal plant Sophora tonkinensis, providing technical support for its conservation and cultivation. Six treatments were applied: control (CK), CK + 100 mg/L SiO2 NPs, CK + 200 mg/L SiO2 NPs, drought stress (SD), SD + 100 mg/L SiO2 NPs, SD + 200 mg/L SiO2 NPs. After 21 days of foliar application, we assessed biomass, physio–biochemical parameters (including soluble protein, soluble sugar, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anion (O2.-), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)), as well as concentrations of matrine, oxymatrine, genistin, genistein, total alkaloids, and total flavonoids. Under drought stress, the application of 100 mg/L SiO2 NPs was the most effective treatment for enhancing biomass accumulation and eliciting a coordinated physio–biochemical response. This was demonstrated by a significant increase in leaf soluble protein content and root SOD activity, along with a decrease in oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and O2.-). Furthermore, SiO2 NPs application under both normal and drought conditions selectively enhanced the accumulation of bioactive compounds in the roots, with the optimal concentration being compound-specific. Notably, under drought conditions, the application of 200 mg/L SiO2 NPs proved optimal for enhancing the biosynthesis of several key medicinal compounds in the roots. Specifically, this treatment significantly maximized the content of matrine (214.15 μg/g), genistin (4.06 μg/g), genistein (48.56 μg/g), total alkaloids (9.96 mg/g), and total flavonoids (11.44 mg/g) compared to the drought-stressed control (SD). These results demonstrate that SiO2 NPs significantly improve yield and key medicinal components of S. tonkinensis under drought stress, with a differential efficiency depending on the concentration, plant organ, and target compound. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulation of Nanomaterials in Crop Growth and Physiology Under Abiotic Stress)
17 pages, 3192 KB  
Article
Biochar and Soil Water Synergistically Regulating Root Growth to Affect Photosynthesis in Maize (Zea mays L.)
by Chao Gao, Jingtao Qin, Yan Tian, Jianbo Yang and Guobing Wang
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2170; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092170 - 11 Sep 2025
Abstract
In arid/semi-arid regions, strategies to enhance soil water retention are critical for crop productivity. This study elucidates the synergistic regulatory mechanisms of biochar and soil water regulation on maize root growth and photosynthesis. An integrated pot experiment (2023) with three biochar (0, 7.5, [...] Read more.
In arid/semi-arid regions, strategies to enhance soil water retention are critical for crop productivity. This study elucidates the synergistic regulatory mechanisms of biochar and soil water regulation on maize root growth and photosynthesis. An integrated pot experiment (2023) with three biochar (0, 7.5, 15 t ha−1), a field experiment (2024) with two biochar (0, 7.5 t ha−1), and three soil water gradients (sufficient water, moderate drought, and severe drought) were conducted. Pot results showed that biochar applied at 7.5 t ha−1 significantly increased soil-saturated water content by 11.4% and residual water content by 4.7% compared to the control, as confirmed by the fitting van Genuchten model (R2 > 0.94). Maize roots were primarily concentrated in the 5–15 cm soil layer, with root weight density (RWD) increasing by 21.0% under 7.5 t ha−1 biochar treatment. The field experiment based on the pot results showed that biochar attenuated the drop in net photosynthesis (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs) under drought, reducing Pn and Gs decline by 24.5% and 21.4%, respectively, and suggesting improved efficiency. The study indicates that 7.5 t ha−1 biochar optimizes maize root growth and photosynthesis through improved soil hydraulic properties, providing a sustainable strategy for arid and semi-arid regional agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Precision Fertilization and Water Management for Sustainable Agriculture)
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21 pages, 901 KB  
Article
Post-Harvest Loss Reduction in Perishable Crops: Task-Technology Fit and Emotion-Driven Acceptance of On-Farm Transport Robots
by Xinyu Wu and Yiping Jiang
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092169 - 11 Sep 2025
Abstract
As global food security challenges escalate and post-harvest losses in perishable crops remain a critical pressure point, on-farm transport robots have emerged as a promising sustainable solution for transforming farm-to-storage logistics systems and reducing agricultural waste. However, farmer acceptance of robotic transport technologies [...] Read more.
As global food security challenges escalate and post-harvest losses in perishable crops remain a critical pressure point, on-farm transport robots have emerged as a promising sustainable solution for transforming farm-to-storage logistics systems and reducing agricultural waste. However, farmer acceptance of robotic transport technologies remains heterogeneous and represents a critical barrier to achieving widespread adoption of these sustainable agricultural innovations. Existing research has yet to integrate task-technology fit (TTF), anticipated emotions, and anthropomorphism into a unified theoretical framework for understanding sustainable agricultural technology adoption. Drawing on TTF theory and the model of goal-directed behavior, this study proposes a comprehensive model integrating anticipated emotions as mediators and robot anthropomorphism as a moderator. We surveyed 320 farmers and employed PLS-SEM to test our hypotheses. Results indicate that farm transport task complexity, farmer technology readiness, and robot transport functionality significantly strengthen TTF (β = 0.136, 0.358, 0.382, respectively; all p < 0.01). TTF drives acceptance intention through a dual-path emotional mechanism: directly enhancing positive expectancy emotions (β = 0.411, p < 0.001) while reducing negative expectancy emotions (β = −0.150, p < 0.05). Crucially, higher anthropomorphism levels diminish both emotional mediation paths (β = −0.053 and β = −0.027, both p < 0.01), establishing important boundary conditions for sustainable agricultural technology design. These findings suggest that reducing post-harvest losses requires prioritizing functional consistency over overly anthropomorphic designs in agricultural robots, thereby promoting the development of agricultural technologies that are both emotionally resonant and highly functional. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
16 pages, 13711 KB  
Article
Regulatory Mechanisms of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria in Alleviating Microplastic and Heavy Metal Combined Pollution: Insights from Plant Growth and Metagenomic Analysis
by Yan Chen, Han Liu, Yu-Bo Sun, Meng Wang, Yue-Liang Meng, Yong-Qi Liu, Xue-Min Ren, Bai-Lian Larry Li, Xue-Mei Han, Ling Liu and Zhao-Jin Chen
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092168 - 11 Sep 2025
Abstract
The co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in soil can lead to synergistic interactions that may exert more pronounced toxic effects on plant growth. Previous studies have demonstrated the promising potential of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in mitigating the combined toxicity of microplastics [...] Read more.
The co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in soil can lead to synergistic interactions that may exert more pronounced toxic effects on plant growth. Previous studies have demonstrated the promising potential of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in mitigating the combined toxicity of microplastics and heavy metals. However, the rhizosphere microbial mechanisms underlying this alleviation remain unclear. Metagenomic sequencing offers significant advantages for microbial functional analysis, yet it has been underutilized in studies involving combined microplastic and heavy metal contamination. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of inoculating sorghum with two plant growth-promoting bacterial (PGPB) strains, Bacillus sp. SL-413 and Enterobacter sp. VY-1, on plant tolerance to co-contamination with 13 μm polyethylene (PE) microplastics (0.5%, w/w) and cadmium (Cd, 10 mg kg−1). The impact on rhizosphere microbial community structure and function was assessed using metagenomic analysis. The results showed that PE-Cd co-contamination, compared to Cd alone, caused varying degrees of reduction in sorghum height and biomass, indicating an enhanced toxic effect due to the combined pollutants. Inoculation with PGPB effectively alleviated the PE-Cd combined toxicity, resulting in increases in sorghum height by 4.81–12.50%, biomass by 0.43–38.40%, and Cd accumulation by 6.20–38.07%. Both Cd and PE-Cd treatments, as well as PGPB inoculation, significantly altered the composition of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities, particularly affecting the relative abundances of Ramlibacter, Solirubrobacter, and Streptomyces. Metagenomic analysis further revealed that PE-Cd co-contamination suppressed microbial functional potential in the rhizosphere. However, inoculation with Bacillus sp. SL-413 and Enterobacter sp. VY-1 alleviated the functional stress induced by PE-Cd co-contamination and significantly enhanced microbial gene functions in the soil. Specifically, genes involved in nitrogen and phosphorus cycling increased by 3.35–5.32% and 2.26–7.38%, respectively, compared to the PE-Cd treatment without inoculation. This study provides fundamental data and scientific evidence for understanding the ecotoxicological effects of microplastic and heavy metal co-contamination, as well as the potential for microbial remediation using PGPB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Agroecosystems: Strategies to Mitigate Plastic Pollution for Sustainable Agriculture)
29 pages, 818 KB  
Review
Waste-Derived Fertilizers: Conversion Technologies, Circular Bioeconomy Perspectives and Agronomic Value
by Dolores Hidalgo, Jesús M. Martín-Marroquín, Francisco Corona and Francisco Verdugo
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2167; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092167 - 11 Sep 2025
Abstract
The urgent need to reduce the environmental footprint of agricultural inputs, alongside the rising cost and limited availability of mineral fertilizers, has encouraged the exploration of organic waste materials as alternative nutrient sources. This review examines how organic and nutrient-rich waste streams—from livestock [...] Read more.
The urgent need to reduce the environmental footprint of agricultural inputs, alongside the rising cost and limited availability of mineral fertilizers, has encouraged the exploration of organic waste materials as alternative nutrient sources. This review examines how organic and nutrient-rich waste streams—from livestock excreta and food industry residues to sewage sludge and combustion by-products—can be converted into effective fertilizers through biological, thermal, and chemical processes, reducing dependence on mineral fertilizers and supporting more circular and resilient cropping systems. It also analyzes the agronomic performance of these waste-derived materials in terms of nutrient release dynamics, impact on soil functions, and crop response under different management conditions. Examples of commercial waste-derived fertilizers are included, together with their effects on soil quality and crop productivity, and regulatory frameworks and commercialization challenges are considered, with emphasis on current European policies and real-world product examples. The broader contribution of these practices to climate mitigation, resource recovery, and rural development is also discussed. While promising, the implementation of waste-based fertilization strategies requires further efforts in standardization, safety assurance, and farmer engagement. This article provides an integrated overview of the topic and identifies key areas for future research, innovation, and policy development in support of sustainable nutrient management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Biosystem and Biological Engineering)
20 pages, 3482 KB  
Article
Interaction Regulation Mechanism of Soil Organic Carbon Fraction and Greenhouse Gases by Organic and Inorganic Fertilization
by Jing Wang, Guojun Han, Chunbin Li, Mingzhu He and Jianjun Chen
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2166; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092166 - 11 Sep 2025
Abstract
Under conditions of constant total nutrient input, the regulatory mechanisms of soil organic carbon components under gradient replacement ratios of organic materials for chemical fertilizers have not yet been systematically elucidated. This study took “Longjiao No. 2” as the research object, setting up [...] Read more.
Under conditions of constant total nutrient input, the regulatory mechanisms of soil organic carbon components under gradient replacement ratios of organic materials for chemical fertilizers have not yet been systematically elucidated. This study took “Longjiao No. 2” as the research object, setting up CK (no fertilization), T0 (100% chemical fertilizer application), T20 (80% chemical fertilizer + 20% vegetable waste organic fertilizer), T40 (60% chemical fertilizer + 40% vegetable waste organic fertilizer), T60 (40% chemical fertilizer + 60% vegetable waste organic fertilizer), and T80 (20% chemical fertilizer + 80% vegetable waste organic fertilizer) as treatment groups. This study investigated the changes in soil organic carbon and organic carbon component content at different crop growth stages (seedling stage, budding stage, flowering and fruit-setting stage, and fruiting stage) under different organic matter replacement methods of chemical fertilizer treatments. It analyzed the response of greenhouse gas emissions to different fertilization conditions and assessed the changes in soil carbon pool management indices, as well as the interaction mechanisms between soil nutrients, carbon components, and greenhouse gases. The results showed that the combined application of chemical fertilizer and vegetable residue organic fertilizer significantly affected soil carbon pool dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions: the T60 treatment was the most effective, increasing soil organic carbon components at all growth stages. The soil carbon pool management index (CPMI) during the seedling stage was 21.3% higher than that of the T0 treatment, and the stable carbon pool components (MOC and POC) during the fruiting stage were 18.7–22.4% higher. This application mode reduced the global warming potential (GWP) by 25.6% compared to the T0 treatment throughout the entire growth stage. The CO2 emissions peaked 19.3% lower during the flowering and fruit-setting stage. Applying organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer in a 6:4 ratio balanced carbon turnover and sequestration while achieving the highest yield, providing a basis for low-carbon fertilization and increased production in semi-arid regions’ protected agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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27 pages, 14478 KB  
Article
rolB Promotes Adventitious Root Development in Pyrus betulaefolia by Modulating Endogenous Hormones and Gene Expression
by Ting Xie, Weimin Wang, Kuozhen Nie, Zijuan He, Jiaojiao He, Yuxing Zhang, Na Liu and Yingli Li
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092165 - 11 Sep 2025
Abstract
We investigated the effect of Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation mof rolB on adventitious root development and endogenous hormones in ‘duli’ (Pyrus betulaefolia) via transcriptomic analysis of wild-type (WT) and rolB-transformed plants. The formation of root primordia occurred earlier [...] Read more.
We investigated the effect of Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation mof rolB on adventitious root development and endogenous hormones in ‘duli’ (Pyrus betulaefolia) via transcriptomic analysis of wild-type (WT) and rolB-transformed plants. The formation of root primordia occurred earlier in transgenic ‘duli’ than in the WT plants. At seven days, 57% of the transgenic seedlings had formed root primordia, whereas root primordia first appeared at seven days in WT ‘duli’. The rooting rate of transgenic ‘duli’ and WT plants was 90% and 77.14%, respectively. rolB significantly promoted the formation of secondary roots. Within 20 days, auxin (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA3), and zeatin riboside (ZR) were higher and abscisic acid (ABA) was lower in transgenic ‘duli’ than in WT plants. Gene Ontology analysis revealed high enrichment in signaling pathways and ADP binding, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated that several differentially expressed genes were enriched in flavonoid and carotenoid-related pathways and plant hormone signal transduction. rolB induced changes in the expression patterns of several genes involved in hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, and signal transduction pathways in ‘duli’. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified the DEGs associated with endogenous hormone levels and indicated that the central genes of modules most strongly correlated with ABA, ZR, IAA, and GA3 regulate protein synthesis, signaling, and root tissue meristem activity. Protein–protein interaction analysis yielded a co-expression network of physiological and transcriptomic data during rooting and identified key genes at the network core. These findings provide valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of rolB and its influence on root development in ‘duli’. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Synergistic Regulation of Plant Growth by Plant Hormones and Nutrients)
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12 pages, 5985 KB  
Article
Time-Course Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Dynamic Nitrogen Response Mechanisms and Key Regulatory Networks in Sugarcane
by Wanru Wang, Lijun Zhang, Shuai Liu, Meiyan Chen and Xiping Yang
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2164; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092164 - 10 Sep 2025
Abstract
Nitrogen is an essential mineral nutrient for plant growth and development. However, the molecular response mechanisms of sugarcane under varying nitrogen regimes remain unclear. This study investigated the dynamic responses of sugarcane (GT42) leaves to nitrogen treatment using hydroponic systems. Leaf samples were [...] Read more.
Nitrogen is an essential mineral nutrient for plant growth and development. However, the molecular response mechanisms of sugarcane under varying nitrogen regimes remain unclear. This study investigated the dynamic responses of sugarcane (GT42) leaves to nitrogen treatment using hydroponic systems. Leaf samples were collected under low nitrogen (LN, 0.2 mM NH4NO3) and normal nitrogen (NN, 2 mM NH4NO3) treatments at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h, as well as under high nitrogen (HN, 6 mM NH4NO3) treatment at 3, 6, and 24 h. RNA-Seq analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LN/NN and HN/NN treatments at corresponding time points. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of DEGs from both LN/NN and HN/NN comparisons revealed significant enrichment in nitrogen metabolism and zeatin biosynthesis pathways. These findings aligned with our Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) results from LN-treated samples. Through detailed reconstruction of the nitrogen metabolic pathway and zeatin biosynthesis co-expression networks, we established their pivotal regulatory roles in sugarcane’s adaptation to varying nitrogen availability. Our results demonstrate a dynamic, concentration-dependent regulatory network in sugarcane leaves under nitrogen treatment. These findings provide potential targets for improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in sugarcane breeding programs. The study offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sugarcane’s response to nitrogen fluctuations, with implications for developing nitrogen-efficient cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Genetic Research and Breeding of Sugar Crops)
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26 pages, 14192 KB  
Review
Current Research Status and Development Trends of Key Technologies for Pear Harvesting Robots
by Hongtu Zhang, Binbin Wang, Liyang Su, Zhongyi Yu, Xinchao Liu, Xiangsen Meng, Keyao Zhao and Xiongkui He
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2163; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092163 - 10 Sep 2025
Abstract
In response to the global labor shortage in the pear industry, the use of robots for harvesting has become an inevitable trend. Developing pear harvesting robots for orchard operations is of significant importance. This paper systematically reviews the progress of three key technologies [...] Read more.
In response to the global labor shortage in the pear industry, the use of robots for harvesting has become an inevitable trend. Developing pear harvesting robots for orchard operations is of significant importance. This paper systematically reviews the progress of three key technologies in pear harvesting robotics: Firstly, in the field of recognition technology, traditional methods are limited by sensitivity to lighting conditions and occlusion errors. In contrast, deep learning models, such as the optimized YOLO series and two-stage architectures, significantly enhance robustness in complex scenes and improve handling of overlapping fruits. Secondly, positioning technology has advanced from 2D pixel coordinate acquisition to 3D spatial reconstruction, with the integration of posture estimation (binocular vision + IMU) addressing occlusion issues. Finally, the end effector is categorized based on harvesting mechanisms: gripping–twisting, shearing, and adsorption (vacuum negative pressure). However, challenges such as fruit skin damage and positioning bottlenecks remain. The current technologies still face three major challenges: low harvesting efficiency, high fruit damage rates, and high equipment costs. In the future, breakthroughs are expected through the integration of agricultural machinery and agronomy (standardized planting), multi-arm collaborative operation, lightweight algorithms, and 5G cloud computing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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13 pages, 929 KB  
Article
Chemotactic Responses of Slug-Parasitic Nematodes to Barley Root-Emitted Volatile Organic Compounds
by Žiga Laznik and Stanislav Trdan
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2162; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092162 - 10 Sep 2025
Abstract
Slug-parasitic nematodes are promising biological control agents against gastropod pests, yet their responses to cereal root volatiles remain poorly understood. We evaluated the chemotactic behavior of Phasmarhabditis papillosa, Oscheius myriophilus, and Oscheius onirici toward synthetic standards of four barley root-derived VOCs—dimethyl [...] Read more.
Slug-parasitic nematodes are promising biological control agents against gastropod pests, yet their responses to cereal root volatiles remain poorly understood. We evaluated the chemotactic behavior of Phasmarhabditis papillosa, Oscheius myriophilus, and Oscheius onirici toward synthetic standards of four barley root-derived VOCs—dimethyl sulfide (DMS), hexanal (H), 2-pentylfuran (2PF), and (E)-non-2-enal (N2E)—and their synthetic blends at two temperatures (18 °C and 22 °C). Significant species-specific and temperature-dependent differences were observed. 2PF and DMS consistently elicited the strongest attraction, particularly for O. myriophilus and P. papillosa, while aldehydes produced weaker or reduced-attraction responses. VOC blends often showed masking or antagonistic effects, suggesting complex signal integration. Temperature enhanced overall chemotactic activity, indicating its importance in modulating sensory behavior. These findings provide new insights into the chemical ecology of slug-parasitic nematodes and support the development of semiochemical-based biocontrol strategies tailored to species and environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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16 pages, 4141 KB  
Article
The Evaluation of the Impact of Different Drip Irrigation Systems on the Vegetative Growth and Fruitfulness of ‘Gala’ Apple Trees
by Vladimír Mašán, Patrik Burg, Lukáš Vaštík, Radoslav Vlk, Jiří Souček and Anna Krakowiak-Bal
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092161 - 10 Sep 2025
Abstract
The consequences of a changing climate in Central Europe are changes in precipitation patterns and the number of rainfall days per year, an increase in the dry summer months, and, most importantly, a reduction in the availability of water resources for orchard production. [...] Read more.
The consequences of a changing climate in Central Europe are changes in precipitation patterns and the number of rainfall days per year, an increase in the dry summer months, and, most importantly, a reduction in the availability of water resources for orchard production. This study presents a novel evaluation of irrigation systems in commercial apple orchards, highlighting how their installation can improve water use efficiency and orchard productivity. The following systems were used in the experiments: IR+F-A (drip line placed on a wire mesh), IR+F-B (two drip lines placed on both sides of an auxiliary structure), and IR+F-C (two drip lines placed below the soil surface). Among these, the IR+F-C system achieved the best performance, prolonging annual shoot growth by 10.5%, increasing fruit weight by up to 8.5%, and enhancing the proportion of Extra Class fruits by 29%, and yielding 6–10% more per hectare than the other irrigation treatments. These quantitative findings emphasize the novelty of subsurface drip irrigation under Central European conditions and demonstrate its potential to improve water use efficiency and fruit quality, offering a viable strategy for adapting orchard management to climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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17 pages, 3092 KB  
Article
Increasing Topsoil Depth Improves Yield and Nitrogen Fertilizer Use Efficiency in Maize
by Xiaolong Zhang, Yanjie Lv, Hongcui Dai, Yuanyuan Kong, Yongjun Wang and Kaichang Liu
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092160 - 10 Sep 2025
Abstract
Topsoil degradation poses a significant threat to agricultural production worldwide. However, whether degraded topsoil is a net nitrogen source or sink depends on crop uptake and nutrient loss, and how it affects the sustainability of agricultural production remains unclear. To fill this gap [...] Read more.
Topsoil degradation poses a significant threat to agricultural production worldwide. However, whether degraded topsoil is a net nitrogen source or sink depends on crop uptake and nutrient loss, and how it affects the sustainability of agricultural production remains unclear. To fill this gap in understanding, we conducted a three-year experiment with five topsoil depth treatments: 10 cm (D10), 20 cm (D20), 30 cm (D30), 40 cm (D40), and 50 cm (D50). Increasing topsoil depth significantly increased grain yield by a maximum of 49.4% (between D10 and D50). With increasing topsoil depth, the NFUE rises from 14.2% to 64.9% (between D10 and D50 treatments), while the G-NFUE climbs from 9.0% to 36.2% (between D10 and D40 treatments). Increasing topsoil depth reduced topsoil N depletion and the percentage of change in soil N stocks. In addition, N fertilizers applied during the season were generally enriched in soil at a depth of 30–40 cm. Therefore, increasing the depth of topsoil can effectively increase the source of nutrients absorbed by a crop by increasing access to additional resources stored in deeper soils, which ultimately increases maize grain yield and N fertilizer use efficiency. In this study, the threshold for maize to achieve high yields and efficiency was a topsoil depth of 30 cm. This study elucidated the differences in maize grain yield and resource utilization at different topsoil depths and established a link with soil N characteristics, and thus, it will provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable management of topsoil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fertilizer Innovation and Practice in Sustainable Intensified Agriculture)
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19 pages, 622 KB  
Review
Development of Edible Flower Production and the Prospects of Modern Production Technology
by Maitree Munyanont, Na Lu, Duyen T. P. Nguyen and Michiko Takagaki
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2159; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092159 - 10 Sep 2025
Abstract
The consumption of edible flowers is gaining global popularity due to their culinary appeal, vibrant colors, and health-promoting compounds. Traditional production methods—including wild collection, open-field cultivation, and greenhouse systems—offer limited control over environmental factors, often resulting in inconsistent yield, quality, and safety. To [...] Read more.
The consumption of edible flowers is gaining global popularity due to their culinary appeal, vibrant colors, and health-promoting compounds. Traditional production methods—including wild collection, open-field cultivation, and greenhouse systems—offer limited control over environmental factors, often resulting in inconsistent yield, quality, and safety. To address these limitations, plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs) have emerged as a promising technology for producing high-quality edible flowers year-round in controlled environments. This review explores the evolution of edible flower cultivation, from conventional methods to PFALs, and highlights key environmental factors—light, temperature, and nutrient management—that influence growth, flowering, and phytochemical profiles. Special attention is given to how light intensity, spectrum, and photoperiod affect morphogenesis and metabolite accumulation, and how nutrient solution composition, particularly nitrogen form and EC levels, modulates flowering and plant health. While recent studies have demonstrated the potential of PFALs in cultivating species such as calendula, nasturtium, and marigold, research remains limited for many commercially relevant species. The review identifies current challenges, such as high operational costs and knowledge gaps in species-specific protocols, and outlines future research directions aimed at improving efficiency, optimizing quality, and expanding market viability. PFALs offer a transformative opportunity for the edible flower industry by integrating precision agriculture with consumer demand for safe, functional, and visually appealing food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)
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20 pages, 2693 KB  
Article
Comparative Efficacy of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and Ground-Based Bait Applications for Olive Fruit Fly (Bactrocera oleae) Control in Greek Olive Orchards
by Georgia D. Papadogiorgou, Konstantina Alipranti, Vasileios Giannopoulos, Sergey Odinokov, Dimitris Stavridis, Antonis Paraskevopoulos, Panagiotis Giatras, Stelios Christodoulou, Kostas Dimizas, Emmanouil Roditakis, Emmanouela Kapogia, Kostas Zarpas and Nikos T. Papadopoulos
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2158; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092158 - 9 Sep 2025
Abstract
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in agricultural pest management has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional methods, particularly in challenging terrains. This study assessed the effectiveness of UAV-based versus ground-based bait spraying for controlling the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae [...] Read more.
The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in agricultural pest management has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional methods, particularly in challenging terrains. This study assessed the effectiveness of UAV-based versus ground-based bait spraying for controlling the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae in four regions in Greece (Larisa, Zakynthos, Trifillia, and Crete) over a four-year period (2021–2024). In each region, three olive orchards were selected: one received UAV-based bait applications, one was treated using standard ground-based bait application, and the third served as an untreated control. UAV applications were conducted using the M6E hexacopter, while ground treatments followed conventional protocols. Infestation levels were evaluated through systematic fruit sampling, assessing both overall and active infestations. Climatic and orchard data were also recorded to interpret variability in treatment outcomes. Results showed that both UAV and ground treatments significantly reduced infestation compared to the control. Active infestation ranged from 14.2–22.5% in control-untreated plots, 4.6–7.8% in UAV plots, and 5.3–8.4% in ground-treated plots. A significant year × treatment interaction indicated variable efficacy across years, with clearer treatment effects in 2021–2022. UAV applications were as effective or superior to ground spraying, especially in hard-to-reach areas. These findings support the integration of UAVs into pest management programs as a sustainable and efficient alternative for olive fly control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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14 pages, 2637 KB  
Article
Identification of a Chitin Synthase Gene from Arma chinensis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Under Temperature Stress
by Dianyu Liu, Zhihan Su, Changjin Lin, Wenyan Xu, Xiaoyu Yan, Yu Chen, Yichen Wang, Xiaolin Dong and Chenxi Liu
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2157; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092157 - 9 Sep 2025
Abstract
Chitin synthase (CHS) is essential for maintaining exoskeletal integrity and environmental adaptability in insects. CHS genes are categorized into two types, CHS1 and CHS2. Hemipteran insects possess only the CHS1 gene due to the absence of a peritrophic matrix (PM) [...] Read more.
Chitin synthase (CHS) is essential for maintaining exoskeletal integrity and environmental adaptability in insects. CHS genes are categorized into two types, CHS1 and CHS2. Hemipteran insects possess only the CHS1 gene due to the absence of a peritrophic matrix (PM) in their midgut. However, the identification and functional characterization of the CHS1 gene in Pentatomidae species have not been reported. This study reports the first identification of a CHS gene, ArmaCHS1, from the predatory stink bug, Arma chinensis, and investigates its role in response to temperature stress. The ArmaCHS1 open reading frame spans 4407 bp, encoding a protein of 1468 amino acids, with 14 transmembrane helices and seven N-glycosylation sites. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its classification within the CHS1 clade, closely related to CHS1 from Halyomorpha halys. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that ArmaCHS1 is predominantly expressed in the exoskeleton and displays developmentally regulated expression (lowest in eggs, highest in adults). Temperature stress experiments demonstrated that ArmaCHS1 expression was significantly upregulated at low temperatures (12 °C, 19 °C) and markedly downregulated at high temperatures (33 °C, 40 °C). These findings indicate that ArmaCHS1 likely contributes to thermal adaptation in A. chinensis by modulating chitin biosynthesis, providing new insights into the environmental stress responses of beneficial predatory insects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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18 pages, 3732 KB  
Article
Neural Network-Based Modeling for Precise Potato Yield Prediction Using Soil Parameters
by Magdalena Piekutowska and Gniewko Niedbała
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2156; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092156 - 9 Sep 2025
Abstract
This study analyses the potential of artificial neural networks (ANN) in accurately predicting potato yields based on 11 parameters characterising the soil environment. Accurate yield forecasting is crucial for optimising potato production, especially in the context of potato processing. Due to the significant [...] Read more.
This study analyses the potential of artificial neural networks (ANN) in accurately predicting potato yields based on 11 parameters characterising the soil environment. Accurate yield forecasting is crucial for optimising potato production, especially in the context of potato processing. Due to the significant impact of soil properties on yield, there is a need for comprehensive predictive models that take these factors into account. The field studies (2021–2024) included an analysis of soil parameters determining potato tuber yield. The developed ANN model was highly accurate, as evidenced by the following indicators: R2 = 0.8227, RMSE = 4.19 t∙ha−1, MAE = 3.35 t∙ha−1, MAPE = 7.34%. Global sensitivity analysis showed that cation exchange capacity (CEC), base saturation percentage (V), and sum of exchangeable bases (S) are key parameters influencing tuber yield. The results indicate that neural networks are effective in modelling complex relationships between soil parameters and potato yield, and that soil properties play a fundamental role in increasing yields and improving potato quality. The approach used may contribute to optimizing the nutrient content of potato tubers intended for French fry production. Future studies should incorporate climate data and micronutrients to enhance the accuracy of predictive models, potentially leading to a 10–15% improvement in yield predictions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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15 pages, 3435 KB  
Article
Variations in Isoflavone During Soybean Maturation and Their Thermal Process-Dependent Conversion
by Ji Hye Kim, Jae-Hee Kim and Seok Hyun Eom
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092155 - 9 Sep 2025
Abstract
Immature soybean seeds, after steaming or boiling, are widely consumed in Northeast Asia. However, changes in isoflavones and antioxidant activities during processing at different seed stages remain underexplored. In this study, soybean seeds at four maturity stages (R5–R8) were analyzed for 12 isoflavones [...] Read more.
Immature soybean seeds, after steaming or boiling, are widely consumed in Northeast Asia. However, changes in isoflavones and antioxidant activities during processing at different seed stages remain underexplored. In this study, soybean seeds at four maturity stages (R5–R8) were analyzed for 12 isoflavones and evaluated after steaming. Total isoflavone content increased from R6 to R7 and remained stable to R8, presenting a 10-fold increase in R7 than in R6. Levels of malonyl derivatives, such as malonylgenistin, malonyldaidzin, and malonylglycitin, consistently decreased with longer steam treatment at all seed stages. In contrast, β-glycoside forms, such as genistin and daidzin, increased after steaming, with notably high content at R7. Additionally, ABTS radical scavenging activity and total phenolic content showed strong positive correlations with total and major isoflavones, whereas DPPH radical scavenging activity showed no correlation with maturity stage or steam treatment. These findings indicate that isoflavone stability and conversion are strongly affected by seed maturation and that the R7 stage offers a favorable balance for high isoflavone and antioxidant intake in soybean seeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality and Safety of Crops and Crop-Based Foods)
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20 pages, 3616 KB  
Article
Effects of Droughting Stress on Leaf Physiological Characteristics of Machilus thunbergii Seedlings
by Fenghou Shi, Kaili Yan, Aisheng Zhu, Yuhui Zhang, Yanan Bai, Boqiang Tong and Yizeng Lu
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2154; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092154 - 9 Sep 2025
Abstract
Machilus thunbergii Siebold & Zucc. is recognized as an excellent tree species for landscaping and shelter forest. Excessive drought can affect the changes of physiological and biochemical substances in plants. However, little is known at present regarding the drought stress of M. thunbergii [...] Read more.
Machilus thunbergii Siebold & Zucc. is recognized as an excellent tree species for landscaping and shelter forest. Excessive drought can affect the changes of physiological and biochemical substances in plants. However, little is known at present regarding the drought stress of M. thunbergii seedlings. In this paper, matrix water content, the anatomical structure of leaves, relative water content of leaves, and physiological characteristics index of leaves under droughting stress were dynamically observed. Droughting stress led to the wilting of M. thunbergii leaves, gradual closure of stomata on leaf epidermis, increases in stomatal density, gradual loosening of leaf cell structure arrangement, a thickening in leaf palisade tissue, and reductions in spongy tissue. Droughting stress caused the relative water content of the cultivation substrate to decline, the cultivation substrate reached the moderate drought level, and the seedlings began to die. Droughting stress led to the destruction of activity and balance of the leaf protective enzyme system, excessive accumulation of free radicals, the destruction of enzyme structure and function, and the production of lipid peroxidation product MDA. Droughting stress reduced the relative water content of leaves as a whole, the content of osmotic adjustment substances proline and soluble protein continued to decline, and a large number of electrolyte leakage in cells, causing serious damage to seedlings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)
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20 pages, 2655 KB  
Article
Impact of Shelterbelts on the Diversity and Dynamics of Natural Enemies in Wheat Agroecosystems
by Ana-Maria Vălean, Loredana Suciu, Adina Tărău, Laura Șopterean, Florin Russu, Alina Șimon, Felicia Chețan and Nicolae Tritean
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2153; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092153 - 9 Sep 2025
Abstract
Biological and integrated pest management strategies have recently been widely adopted in crop protection, with one of the key approaches involving the use of natural enemies (predators and parasites). In order to identify and monitor beneficial arthropod species associated with winter wheat crops, [...] Read more.
Biological and integrated pest management strategies have recently been widely adopted in crop protection, with one of the key approaches involving the use of natural enemies (predators and parasites). In order to identify and monitor beneficial arthropod species associated with winter wheat crops, an experiment was conducted between 2022 and 2024 in two locations in the Transylvanian Plateau: Turda, within an open-field agroecosystem, and Bolduţ, within an agroecosystem with protective agroforestry shelterbelts. The research aimed to evaluate the diversity of beneficial arthropod fauna in two agroecosystems, as well as the impact of insecticide treatments on the natural enemies of wheat pests. According to our findings, it can be stated that the beneficial arthropods identified in the two agroecosystems belonging to the same groups, but the abundance in all three years is higher in the agroecosystem with agroforestry shelterbelts. Among all the analyzed arthropods, the order Araneae was characterized by the highest abundance, recording 995 individuals in an insecticide-free variant in 2022. The treated variants with insecticide showed a decrease in both abundance and diversity in agroecosystems with and without shelterbelts during all three experimental years, compared to the variant without insecticides. Regarding abundance, the largest difference was recorded in 2024 in the shelterbelt agroecosystem with a reduction of 781 individuals. In terms of diversity, the lowest value was observed for the Shannon_H index in open-field agroecosystem in 2024 for the variant treated with insecticides (1.426), compared to the untreated variant, where the index reached a value of 1.841. The application of insecticide treatments caused an increase in the mortality of beneficial arthropods, reaching its highest level in 2024. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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18 pages, 1518 KB  
Article
Effects of Single and Split Pre-Harvest Aminoethoxyvinylglycine Applications in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in ‘Baigent’ Apples Under Anti-Hail Nets
by Cristina Soethe, Isaac de Oliveira Correa, Catherine Amorim, Natalia Maria de Souza, Fernando José Hawerroth, Marcelo Alves Moreira, Mayara Cristiana Stanger, Cassandro Vidal Talamini do Amarante and Cristiano André Steffens
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092152 - 9 Sep 2025
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of single versus split pre-harvest applications of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on the concentrations of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in ‘Baigent’ apple fruit cultivated under anti-hail nets, assessed at harvest and after cold storage. [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of single versus split pre-harvest applications of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on the concentrations of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity in ‘Baigent’ apple fruit cultivated under anti-hail nets, assessed at harvest and after cold storage. The pre-harvest application of AVG in a single dose (125 mg L−1) in ‘Baigent’ apple trees reduces the total antioxidant activity and concentration of anthocyanins and the total phenolic compound and chlorogenic acid in the fruit skin, both at harvest and after cold storage and reduces, in the skin, the concentrations of epicatechin at harvest and of quercetin after the cold storage. The parceled application of AVG (62.5 mg L−1 + 62.5 mg L−1) does not influence or present a less-pronounced negative effect on the total antioxidant activity and the contents of the total phenolic compound and anthocyanins in the fruit skin. Split AVG application can help maintain fruit quality during storage, providing a practical strategy for producers to optimize both marketable quality and nutritional value, potentially positively impacting commercial returns. 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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16 pages, 1358 KB  
Article
Preharvest Application of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to Schedule the Harvest and Maintain the Storage Quality of ‘Maxi Gala’ Apples
by Cassandro Vidal Talamini do Amarante, Luiz Carlos Argenta, Sergio Tonetto de Freitas and Cristiano André Steffens
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2151; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092151 - 9 Sep 2025
Abstract
This three-year study in southern Brazil assessed the effectiveness of the preharvest spraying of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; Harvista™ 1.3 SC) in reducing the fruit drop, delaying the maturity, and maintaining the postharvest quality of ‘Maxi Gala’ apples. 1-MCP was sprayed at 0, 75, 125, [...] Read more.
This three-year study in southern Brazil assessed the effectiveness of the preharvest spraying of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; Harvista™ 1.3 SC) in reducing the fruit drop, delaying the maturity, and maintaining the postharvest quality of ‘Maxi Gala’ apples. 1-MCP was sprayed at 0, 75, 125, 175, and 225 mg a.i. L−1 seven days before the anticipated harvest time (DBAH). Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG; Retain®), a commercial control, was applied at 124 mg a.i. L−1 28 DBAH. After harvest, the fruit were stored for seven months under a controlled atmosphere (CA; 1.5 kPa O2 and 2.5 kPa CO2 at 0.8 ± 0.6 °C/RH of 94–95%), followed by seven days of shelf life (23 ± 1 °C/RH of 70–80%). Increasing 1-MCP concentrations significantly reduced preharvest fruit drop, and 1-MCP at 175 and 225 mg L−1 was more effective over time than AVG. While 1-MCP, like AVG, delayed red color development, fruit treated with 175 and 225 mg L−1 still achieved over 44.5 N firmness after CA storage, even when harvested 28 days after spraying, allowing for red color development and an average 12 g fruit weight increase. 1-MCP at ≥75 mg L−1 was more efficient than AVG in maintaining flesh firmness, while at 225 mg L−1, it also preserved higher titratable acidity and a lower soluble solid content after CA storage. Thus, the preharvest spraying of 1-MCP is a valuable tool for growers to schedule the harvest and maintain the postharvest quality of ‘Maxi Gala’ apples. 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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14 pages, 1756 KB  
Article
Use of Amino Acids and Slow-Release Urea-Based Biostimulants to Enhance Yield and Grain Quality in Durum Wheat Under No-Tillage Conditions in Semi-Arid Region
by Alfonso Moreno-Moraga, Antonio Rafael Sánchez-Rodríguez, Emilio J. González-Sánchez and Francisco Márquez-García
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2150; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092150 - 8 Sep 2025
Abstract
Optimizing resources to produce higher quality food is key to promoting more resilient agroecosystems. Although the use of biostimulants in agriculture has been gaining importance in recent years, their success depends on edaphoclimatic conditions and on the specific plant species. For this reason, [...] Read more.
Optimizing resources to produce higher quality food is key to promoting more resilient agroecosystems. Although the use of biostimulants in agriculture has been gaining importance in recent years, their success depends on edaphoclimatic conditions and on the specific plant species. For this reason, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biostimulants (amino acids obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis of plant extracts) on durum wheat yield variables and grain quality (protein content). Five treatments (control treatment—T1, biostimulants—T2, slow-release urea—T3, biostimulants plus slow-release urea—T4, Mg and micronutrients—T5) were tested in a field experiment conducted over 3 seasons in the south of Spain; all were dosed at 120 kg N ha−1. The number of spikes increased significantly with biostimulant treatments in the first season (up to 33%, T2 and T4), while the highest significant grain yields were obtained with biostimulants applied individually in the first season (29.5%-T2) and biostimulants in combination with slow-release urea the second season (27.3%-T4), related to T1. Grain protein concentration was influenced by the treatment only in the second season, the driest during the study, when it was increased with biostimulants up to 4.2% with T2 in comparison with T1. Total protein production increased (28.1%T2) in the first season, (8.1–21.9% for T2–T4) in the second season and (6.5% T4) in the third season, when biostimulants were applied alone or in combination with slow-release urea, respectively. In general, plants treated with Mg and micronutrients produced a lower number of spikes, less yield, and reduced total protein compared to those doses with biostimulants. The application of amino acids as biostimulants was demonstrated to enhance durum wheat yield and total protein production and could be a potential tool for promoting nitrogen use efficiency in semi-arid areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights in Crop Management to Respond to Climate Change)
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20 pages, 4045 KB  
Article
Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) Productivity Estimation Using Multispectral Sensors in RPAs, Biometric Variables, and Vegetation Indices
by Marta Laura de Souza Alexandre, Izabelle de Lima e Lima, Matheus Sterzo Nilsson, Rodnei Rizzo, Carlos Augusto Alves Cardoso Silva and Peterson Ricardo Fiorio
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2149; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092149 - 8 Sep 2025
Abstract
The sugarcane crop is of great economic relevance to Brazil, and the precise productivity estimation is a major challenge in production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the productivity of sugarcane cultivars in different regions, using multispectral sensors embedded in [...] Read more.
The sugarcane crop is of great economic relevance to Brazil, and the precise productivity estimation is a major challenge in production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the productivity of sugarcane cultivars in different regions, using multispectral sensors embedded in RPAs and biometric variables sampled in the field. The study was conducted in two experimental areas, located in the municipalities of Itirapina-SP and Iracemápolis-SP, with 16 cultivars in a randomized block design. The images were acquired using the multispectral sensor MicaSense Altum, allowing the extraction of spectral bands and vegetation indices. In parallel, biometric variables were collected at 149 and 295 days after planting (DAP). The machine learning models Random Forest (RF) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) were calibrated using different sets of variables, and, despite the similar performance, it was decided to use the model derived from XGBoost in the analyses, since it deals more effectively with overfitting. The results indicated a good performance of the model (R2 = 0.83 and 0.66; RMSE = 18.7 t ha−1 and 25.3 t ha−1; MAE = 15.7 and 20.2; RPIQ = 3.22 and 2.61) for the validations K-fold and Leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV). The correlations between biometric variables, spectral bands, and vegetation indices varied according to crop development stage. The leaf insertion angle presented a strong correlation with near-infrared (NIR) (r = 0.76) and the indices ExG and VARI (r = 0.70 and r = 0.69, respectively). The present work demonstrated that the integration between multispectral and biometric data represents a promising approach for estimating sugarcane productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue A Model-Based Approach to Crop Yield Forecasting and Predictive Mapping of Soil Properties in Precision Agriculture)
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20 pages, 11081 KB  
Article
Crop Redistribution Increases Regional Production While Reducing Water Deficit, Fertilizer Use, and Production Losses: Evidence from a Multi-Objective Optimization at the County Level in Northeast China
by Yiming Zhang, Buchun Liu, Rui Han, Huiqing Bai, Enke Liu, Di Chen, Oumeng Qiao, Honglei Che, Xinglin Liu, Long Chen and Ningya Wu
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2148; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092148 - 8 Sep 2025
Abstract
Given the increasing crop yield losses, water scarcity, and fertilizer application in Northeast China, a systematic assessment is increasingly necessary to investigate the potential of crop redistribution to enhance grain production while alleviating environmental pressures. Here we quantify the potential of crop redistribution [...] Read more.
Given the increasing crop yield losses, water scarcity, and fertilizer application in Northeast China, a systematic assessment is increasingly necessary to investigate the potential of crop redistribution to enhance grain production while alleviating environmental pressures. Here we quantify the potential of crop redistribution in Northeast China through a multi-objective optimization approach. First, we construct a dataset that contains four objectives including crop yield, yield losses, water deficit, and nitrogen fertilizer application based on their annual data in 273 counties over two decades (2001–2020). Second, we optimize the county-level distribution of rice, maize and soybean using the developed dataset and evaluate the benefits on each objective. Finally, we design a crop redistribution scheme and analyze its impact on the cropping structure in Northeast China based on the optimal solution. Results show significant potential of crop redistribution, with crop production increases by 1.70% (2.41 × 106 tons), production losses decrease by 2.69% (1.84 × 105 tons), water deficit decreases by 6.78% (3.88 × 108 m3) and N fertilizer application decreases by 10.87% (5.41 × 107 kg) when all the objectives are optimized simultaneously. The crop redistribution scheme is summarized as follows: compared with the baseline crop structure, rice area increases by 69.58%, maize reduces by 12.8%, and soybean reduces by 54.79% in Northeast China. Specifically, rice area increases in northwestern Heilongjiang, eastern Jilin, most counties in Liaoning, and reduces elsewhere. Maize area reduces in most of the counties, except for several counties in southwestern Heilongjiang, northern Jilin, and northern parts of the Four Eastern Leagues. Soybean area reduces in northern part of Heilongjiang and Four Eastern Leagues and increases in western Jilin and most counties in Liaoning. Although crop redistribution scheme was generated, the model remains limited in terms of crop types, spatial resolution, and the range of factors influencing crop distribution. Future work will address these limitations to enhance the reliability and applicability of the crop redistribution model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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34 pages, 8520 KB  
Review
Image and Point Cloud-Based Neural Network Models and Applications in Agricultural Nursery Plant Protection Tasks
by Jie Xu, Hui Liu and Yue Shen
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2147; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092147 - 8 Sep 2025
Abstract
Nurseries represent a fundamental component of modern agricultural systems, specializing in the cultivation and management of diverse seedlings. Scientific cultivation methods significantly enhance seedling survival rates, while intelligent agricultural robots improve operational efficiency through autonomous plant protection. Central to these robotic systems, the [...] Read more.
Nurseries represent a fundamental component of modern agricultural systems, specializing in the cultivation and management of diverse seedlings. Scientific cultivation methods significantly enhance seedling survival rates, while intelligent agricultural robots improve operational efficiency through autonomous plant protection. Central to these robotic systems, the perception system utilizes advanced neural networks to process environmental data from both images and point clouds, enabling precise feature extraction. This review systematically explores prevalent image-based models for classification, segmentation, and object detection tasks, alongside point cloud processing techniques employing multi-view, voxel-based, and original data approaches. The discussion extends to practical applications across six critical plant protection areas. Image-based neural network models can fully utilize the color information of objects, making them more suitable for tasks such as leaf disease detection and pest detection. In contrast, point cloud-based neural network models can take full advantage of the spatial information of objects, thus being more applicable to tasks like target information detection. By identifying current challenges and future research priorities, the analysis provides valuable insights for advancing agricultural robotics and precision plant protection technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Next-Generation Pesticide Application Technologies: Precision, Safety and Environmental Sustainability)
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30 pages, 10716 KB  
Article
YOLO-SGD: Precision-Oriented Intelligent Detection of Seed Germination Completion
by Tianyu Yang, Bo Peng, Li You, Jun Zhang, Dongfang Zhang, Yulei Shang and Xiaofei Fan
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2146; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092146 - 8 Sep 2025
Abstract
The seed-germination percentage is an important indicator of the seed viability and growth potential and has important implications for plant breeding and agricultural production. Thus, to increase the speed and accuracy in measuring the completion of germination in experimental seed batches for precise [...] Read more.
The seed-germination percentage is an important indicator of the seed viability and growth potential and has important implications for plant breeding and agricultural production. Thus, to increase the speed and accuracy in measuring the completion of germination in experimental seed batches for precise germination percentage calculation, we evaluated a You-Only-Look-Once (YOLO)–Seed Germination Detection (SGD) algorithm that integrates deep-learning technology and texture feature-extraction mechanisms specific to germinating seeds. The algorithm was built upon YOLOv7-l, and its applicability was optimised based on the results of our germination experiments. In the backbone network, an internal convolution structure was substituted to enhance the spatial specificity of the initial features. Following the output of the main feature-extraction network, an Explicit Visual Centre (EVC) module was introduced to mitigate the interference caused by intertwined primary roots from germinated seeds, which can affect recognition accuracy. Furthermore, a Spatial Context Pyramid (SCP) module was embedded after enhancing the feature-extraction network to improve the model’s accuracy in identifying seeds of different scales, particularly in recognising small target seeds. Our results with cabbage seeds showed that the YOLO–SGD model, with a model size of 45.22 M, achieved an average detection accuracy of 99.6% for large-scale seeds and 96.4% for small-scale seeds. The model also achieved a mean average precision and F1 score of 98.0% and 93.3%, respectively. Compared with manual germination-rate detection, the model maintained an average absolute error of prediction within 1.0%, demonstrating sufficient precision to replace manual methods in laboratory environments and efficiently detect germinated seeds for precise germination percentage assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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21 pages, 18328 KB  
Article
Physiological Variation in Jarillo Peach Across Altitudinal Gradients
by Enrique Quevedo-García, Javier de León and José Alejandro Cleves-Leguízamo
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092145 - 7 Sep 2025
Viewed by 319
Abstract
Environmental factors affect plant physiological processes. Understanding these factors can increase productivity, especially in tropical mountain ecosystems, where they vary with altitude. This study aimed to analyze the physiological variations related to water vapor and gas exchange in Prunus persica L. Batsch according [...] Read more.
Environmental factors affect plant physiological processes. Understanding these factors can increase productivity, especially in tropical mountain ecosystems, where they vary with altitude. This study aimed to analyze the physiological variations related to water vapor and gas exchange in Prunus persica L. Batsch according to the altitudinal gradient in North Santander. One plant was selected per altitude, and six leaves were selected per plant and per branch across three phenological stages. Conductance (gs), stomatal resistance (SR), and transpiration (E) were determined using a calibrated portable porometer over two cycles. Linear mixed-effects models with repeated measurements over time, phenological effects, altitude, and light conditions were used. At higher altitudes, gs and E decreased and SR increased, possibly due to higher ultraviolet radiation and lower temperatures with increasing altitude. Maximum values were reached at EF6. gs and E exhibited diurnal patterns, decreasing at the end of the day to minimize water loss during periods of lower solar radiation. The cultivar adjusted its stomatal and water regulation mechanisms according to altitude. These findings provide advanced insights into plant acclimatization strategies in mountain ecosystems and inform the sustainable management practices needed in the face of impending global climate variability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Innovation and Sustainable Development in Tropical Cropping Systems)
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17 pages, 1957 KB  
Article
Identification of Resistance Loci and Functional Markers for Rhizoctonia solani Root Rot in Soybean via GWAS
by Yuhe Wang, Xiangkun Meng, Jinfeng Han, Zhongqiu Fu, Junrong Xu, Hongjin Zhu, Haiyan Li, Yuhang Zhan, Weili Teng, Yongguang Li and Xue Zhao
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2144; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092144 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
Rhizoctonia solani root rot (RSRR) is a major disease that significantly reduces soybean yields, causing substantial economic losses to global soybean production. To elucidate the genetic basis of RSRR resistance, 310 soybean germplasm accessions were evaluated using the disease severity index (DSI) following [...] Read more.
Rhizoctonia solani root rot (RSRR) is a major disease that significantly reduces soybean yields, causing substantial economic losses to global soybean production. To elucidate the genetic basis of RSRR resistance, 310 soybean germplasm accessions were evaluated using the disease severity index (DSI) following inoculation with R. solani. Among these accessions, 46.13% were susceptible, and only 2.26% exhibited high resistance. Utilizing resequencing data consisting of 738,561 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) loci, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed by integrating both general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) approaches, resulting in the identification of 21 SNPs significantly associated with resistance on chromosomes 3, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18, and six candidate genes. RT-qPCR expression analysis revealed that four genes, including Glyma.03G166300, Glyma.03G168100, Glyma.13G212700, and Glyma.13G212300, were significantly upregulated in resistant genotypes after inoculation. Furthermore, Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequences (CAPS) and Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) molecular markers were successfully developed based on the RSRR-associated SNPs S3_38086892, S3_38247290, and S13_32595026, providing effective tools for marker-assisted selection (MAS). The findings strengthen our genetic knowledge concerning RSRR resistance and contribute to the molecular breeding of resistant soybean cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Germplasm Resources, Molecular Breeding, and Utilization in Soybean)
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19 pages, 8528 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporally Matched Nitrogen Release from a Double Core-Shell Urea Improves Rice Growth
by Ruotong Fang, Canping Dun, Ting Chen, Hao Lu, Peiyuan Cui, Nianbing Zhou, Yanju Yang and Hongcheng Zhang
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2143; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092143 - 6 Sep 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Photosynthetic efficiency and dry matter accumulation are essential for achieving high rice yields, yet conventional controlled-release fertilizers often fail to synchronize nitrogen (N) supply with crop demand. In this study, we evaluated a novel double core–shell controlled-release urea (DCSCRU) designed to align with [...] Read more.
Photosynthetic efficiency and dry matter accumulation are essential for achieving high rice yields, yet conventional controlled-release fertilizers often fail to synchronize nitrogen (N) supply with crop demand. In this study, we evaluated a novel double core–shell controlled-release urea (DCSCRU) designed to align with the bimodal N uptake pattern of rice. A two-year field experiment was conducted to compare DCSCRU at three application rates (180, 225, and 270 kg N ha−1) with conventional urea and conventional controlled-release urea (both at 270 kg N ha−1). DCSCRU exhibited a distinct biphasic N release profile, with a rapid initial release peaking at 1.60% d −1 on day 10 to meet early vegetative demand, followed by a second peak (1.85% d−1 on day 45) supporting reproductive development. Compared with conventional urea, DCSCRU treatments significantly improved photosynthetic efficiency and dry matter accumulation during critical growth stages. The 270 kg N ha−1 DCSCRU treatment achieved a grain yield exceeding 11.50 × 103 kg ha−1, substantially higher than that of conventional urea. Notably, the 225 kg N ha−1 DCSCRU treatment produced a comparable yield (10.90 × 103 kg ha−1) to that of the conventional urea treatment (10.83 × 103 kg ha−1), indicating the potential to reduce N input by 16.7% without compromising yield. The enhanced physiological performance was attributed to improved N availability and optimized canopy function. These findings highlight DCSCRU as a promising strategy for high-yield, resource-efficient, and environmentally sustainable rice production. 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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The Influence of Environmental Heterogeneity on Fertilization-Driven Patterns of Distribution and Yield in Medicinal Plants
by Peiyao Yang, Ruixue Wang, Jie Liu, Xu Xu, Qingfeng Xu, Shanshan Liu, Menghui Dong, Qirong Shen, Zongzhuan Shen and Rong Li
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092142 - 6 Sep 2025
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Abstract
Medicinal plant production is essential for global health, yet how temperature, precipitation, and soil properties influence yield responses to fertilization remains poorly understood. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of 668 observations from 79 studies, focusing on a wide range of plant species, to [...] Read more.
Medicinal plant production is essential for global health, yet how temperature, precipitation, and soil properties influence yield responses to fertilization remains poorly understood. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis of 668 observations from 79 studies, focusing on a wide range of plant species, to evaluate how nutrient inputs and environmental factors interact to shape medicinal plant productivity. We found that latitude, MAT, and MAP jointly determine global medicinal plant yield patterns. Yield increased with latitude and MAT but declined under prolonged fertilization and higher MAP. Optimal cultivation regions were identified between 15° and 35° absolute latitude, where temperature and precipitation conditions were most favorable. Compared with the arid environment of desertic climates, other regions, especially those with higher MAP in tropical areas, show a higher increase in yield. Our findings highlight that shifting precipitation-temperature regimes under climate change will affect fertilization outcomes on medicinal plant yield, emphasizing the need for spatiotemporally adaptive nutrient management strategies to ensure the sustainable yield of medicinal plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)
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