Crops, Volume 5, Issue 2 (April 2025) – 15 articles

This study investigated if the foliar application of wood distillate (WD, a by-product of biomass pyrolysis, containing bioactive compounds, including organic acids and phenols) influences some key parameters (fresh weight, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant compounds, stress-related biochemical markers, and mineral content) of basil plants, used as a model crop, grown under water-limited conditions. The experimental setup included control and WD treatments (applied via foliar application at 0.2%) under three drought levels: no stress, moderate, and high stress. The results indicated that the application of WD contributed to improving the fresh weight, chlorophyll, reduced oxidative stress, and stable levels of essential nutrients across varying drought intensities. These outcomes highlight the potential of WD as an effective biostimulant for enhancing drought tolerance in basil plants under water deficiency. Full article

Botrytis cinerea is a major fungal pathogen causing significant economic losses in grapevines worldwide. To address the environmental concerns associated with overreliance on synthetic fungicides, this study investigated the antifungal efficacy of varying concentrations of pyroligneous acid (PA) (0, 2, and 4%) compared to a commercial fungicide (Switch^®) against B. cinerea in grapevines (Vitis vinifera ‘Himrod’), as well as its physiological and biochemical responses. Our preliminary in vitro assays using the poisoned food method showed that PA significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited B. cinerea mycelial growth by approximately 0.70-, and 1-fold, respectively, compared to the 0% PA during the three weeks of observation. The results also demonstrated that the 2% PA and 4% PA treatments, as well as the Switch^® application, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced average lesion length by 0.19-, 0.52-, and 0.85-fold, respectively, compared to the untreated plants with Botrytis alone. Both the 4% PA and Switch^® significantly (p < 0.05) increased the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystems II (F_v/F_m) and potential photosynthetic capacity (F_v/F_o) by approximately 0.02-fold and 0.1-fold, respectively, compared to the untreated plants with Botrytis alone. The 2 and 4% PA treatments also increased total carotenoids and flavonoids. Further molecular studies are recommended to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed physiological and biochemical changes. Full article

Soybeans are the most widely produced oilseed and the fifth most cultivated crop in the world. However, their growth and yield are significantly influenced by weather conditions. In Southern Brazil’s subtropical climate, farmers employ a double-cropping system, planting corn from late winter to early summer, followed by soybeans, which are sown after the corn harvest—typically in January—and harvested in autumn. This study argues that climate change has benefited late-sown soybeans in Rio Grande do Sul and will continue improving their growing conditions. The aim is to identify climate change’s past and future impacts on late-sowing soybean crop yields in this region. We evaluated the effects of climate on soybean yields using the HadGEM2-CC model (CMIP-5) for two scenarios (RCPs 4.5 and 8.5) and for two time periods (mid-and late-century). Additionally, the CSM-CERES-Maize model within DSSAT was also used to simulate corn yields under these climatic conditions. Our climatic analysis indicates an increase in rainfall and temperature, particularly in minimum temperatures, alongside significant rises in both minimum and maximum temperature extremes, and a reduction in frost days. Furthermore, higher atmospheric CO₂ levels are projected to enhance net photosynthesis, likely leading to increases in potential yield (Py) with rising CO₂ concentrations. Notably, the largest increases in achievable yield (Ay) are anticipated for early sowing dates under the mid- and late-century scenarios of RCP 4.5. Past climate changes have already improved the growth and yield potential of late-sown soybeans in Southern Brazil, a trend expected to continue as climate change further optimizes temperature and rainfall conditions. In conclusion, the late growing season for soybeans is predicted to be extended. Full article

Root-lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.) reduce the yield and quality of cereal crops in Australia. Eleven of the ~90 species characterised are present in Australia, with those determined as economic pests of broadacre agriculture costing an estimated AUD 250 million annually. Two species, P. curvicauda and P. quasitereoides, recently re-described, were isolated from fields located in the grainbelt of Western Australia, but little is known about their distribution in the region surveyed in this study. To investigate this and possible co-infestations with other Pratylenchus spp., we surveyed seven commercial wheat, barley, and oat farms near Katanning, Cancanning, Kenmare, Duranillin, Darkan, and a barley seed-bulk nursery near Manjimup, all in the southwest grainbelt of Western Australia. Morphological and molecular characterisation of Pratylenchus spp. extracted from soil and plant roots indicated all fields surveyed were infested. Both P. quasitereoides and P. curvicauda were present as single or mixed populations with P. penetrans and/or P. neglectus, although they were not found in the same field. Analyses of the D2–D3 sequences of the identified nematodes indicated that the species found in Australia were distinct, particularly P. quasitereoides and P. curvicauda. This work suggests P. curvicauda is likely to be present more widely in the WA grainbelt. Expanding molecular diagnostic testing for Pratylenchus species in the region to account for both nematodes is urgently needed so effective management can be implemented. Full article

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is a vital oilseed crop, but its sustainable production is increasingly challenged by climate change. Characterizing genotypic variation in root morphological traits in canola provides a basis for breeding new varieties with root traits that enhance soil nutrient uptake, water use efficiency, and adaptation to stress. This study evaluated genotypic variation in 25 root morphological traits and 2 shoot traits across 173 canola genotypes using a semi-hydroponic phenotyping platform under controlled conditions. Large genotypic variation was observed in the majority of root traits. Nineteen traits with a coefficient of variation greater than 0.3 were selected for further analysis. Principal component analysis identified five components with eigenvalues > 1, collectively accounting for 87.9% of the total variability. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified the 173 genotypes into five distinct clusters. The broad genotypic variations in root morphological traits among genotypes offer significant potential for future research aimed at identifying molecular markers and genes associated with key morphological traits. This study provides a strong foundation for the genetic improvement of canola to enhance resource-use efficiency and tolerance to environmental stresses, such as drought and heat stress. Full article

Organic fertilizers are a revolutionary concept in coconut farming as they provide a package for sustainable coconut production. This review examines the multiple advantages of organic fertilization methods and types of organic fertilizers, which include compost, vermicompost, livestock manure, green manure, crop residues, and biofertilizers. The review focuses on the best practices, application methods, time of application, frequency and rate of application of nutrients for coconut palm at various developmental stages. The study provides a detailed and systematic review of the environmental, economic and social impacts of organic fertilization. Benefits include enhanced soil health, biodiversity promotion, carbon sequestration, cost effectiveness, quality improvement of the yield, food security and possibilities of creating rural income. Issues including resource accessibility difficulties, nutrient deficiencies, and intensive labor requirements are explored in detail, as well as future trends that focus on advanced technologies, new research areas, and policy approaches. Thus, the study reviews organic fertilization as a coherent concept that can be applied to coconut production and other goals of environmental protection, food security, and sustainable development of agriculture. Full article

The key objective of this study was to determine the yield and chemical composition of eight commercial samples and one collected sample of common vervain (Verbena officinalis L.) herb essential oil (EO) originating from seven different countries, and subsequently, to assess its potential for treating anxiety and depression. According to GC-MS analysis, 90 compounds were identified, 49 of which were discovered for the first time in V. officinalis EO. The plants with the highest oil content are from Greece (4.7 mL/kg) and South Carolina, USA (5.2 mL/kg). The chemical markers for the studied chemotypes of EO of V. officinalis are the terpenoids o-cymene, p-cymene, L-carvone, thymol, carvacrol, α-curcumin, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, phytol, (E)-β-ionone, and phenylpropene anethole. The chemotype from the UK demonstrated the greatest affinity to the continuum under study; it has the highest levels of similarity—85.2% with the chemotype from Greece, 69.4% with the chemotype from the USA, 68.2% with the chemotype from Estonia (2), 58.7% with the chemotype from Germany, and 58.6% with the chemotype from Hungary. The chemotypes identified have the potential for use in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Full article

Among heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) is shown to have adverse consequences for plants. Due to its harmful nature and ability to move through the soil–plant system, it is a very worrying element for soil experts and plant physiologists. In this work, we designed a pot experiment to study the influence of three soil concentrations of cadmium (0, 15, and 30 mg/kg) to explore its physiological impacts, and its portioning in the whole plant of three hulless barley varieties. Our findings demonstrated marked Cd accumulation in roots, leaves, and stems under severe Cd stress (30 mg/kg). Cd stress was also shown to reduce photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm), and transpiration rates (E). The application of Cd in the soil increased the activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) enzymes, as well as the levels of oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and proline. These results reflect the negative effects of cadmium on morpho-physiological traits in barley genotypes. However, the principal component analysis indicated a significant correlation between oxidative stress indicators and enzymatic activities, along with different levels of Cd tolerance between Tombari, Assiya, and Giza 130 genotypes. When exposed to Cd, these varieties shifted a significant amount of energy from growth to produce antioxidant compounds and osmolytes. Despite this, these defenses did not effectively shield the plant from the detrimental effects of oxidative stress induced by Cd accumulation at vegetative stages. Consequently, we highly recommend testing these varieties under Cd-contaminated soil to investigate the rate of cadmium accumulation in the seeds, the harvested part used in human nutrition. Full article

Ocimum basilicum is an herbaceous plant, rich in essential oils. This research represents a groundbreaking exploration of the cultivation of Ocimum basilicum in Greece, a Mediterranean nation. It emphasizes the impact of biostimulants on various basil varieties, assessing both quantitative aspects and qualitative features. This study was conducted through a field trial at the University of Thessaly’s experimental farm located in the Velestino region. This study examined different testing varieties (V1: Lemon, V2: Siam Queen, V3: Salat, V4: Bascuro, and V5: Genovese), under different biostimulant applications (B1: control, B2: seaweed extracts, amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, polyphenols, antioxidants and mannitol; B3: plant amino acids, glutamic and aspartic acid, vitamins and other nutrients, B4: B1 and B2 combination in a 1:1 ratio). The findings highlight the significant differences in both fresh and dry yields across various basil cultivars, with Lemon basil demonstrating the most substantial yields. Specifically, the Lemon variety attained the highest dry yield, surpassing the lowest-performing cultivar by more than two times. Additionally, this research evaluated the production of essential oil per hectare, emphasizing the relationship between essential oil content and the crop’s dry yield. The results revealed considerable variability among the examined varieties, with the Lemon variety yielding nearly 65 kg ha⁻¹, the highest among them. Biostimulant treatments (B2) led to the greatest total yields of essential oils, while the control treatments yielded the least. The chemical composition of essential oils derived from O. basilicum shows significant variability, often associated with the plants’ nutritional conditions. The application of biostimulants has led to considerable alterations in the volatile profile of sweet basil, supporting this study’s conclusions. Full article

Globally, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae), commonly known as roselle or hibiscus, is a multipurpose vegetable crop. In Malawi, where it is referred to as ‘Chidede’ (Chichewa), it is recognized as an underutilized traditional plant with significant potential. Traditional vegetable production in Malawi is being promoted to enhance nutritional food security and climate change mitigation. Recently, biochar has become increasingly used to improve agricultural productivity through climate-smart technologies. To date, the influence of rice husk biochar (RHB) on H. sabdariffa remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the effects of RHB on the vegetative growth, response to water stress, and post-stress recovery of H. sabdariffa using a greenhouse pot experiment. Our findings indicate that biochar-amended soil enhanced plant height, stem thickness, and total leaf area by 16.5%, 12.0%, and 12.9%, respectively. Water stress significantly reduced all assessed growth parameters (p < 0.05) except total leaf area and average leaf area per plant. Under water stress conditions, biochar-treated plants were significantly taller (p < 0.05) and had a higher specific leaf area (p < 0.05), demonstrating a positive effect. A post-stress recovery analysis revealed that H. sabdariffa fully recovered in height and biomass, while partial recovery was observed for root collar diameter and compensatory recovery for total leaf area and average leaf area. Biochar-treated plants exhibited superior post-stress recovery compared to those grown in unamended soil. Overall, plants grown with biochar were taller and had a larger root collar diameter, higher stem and leaf fresh biomass, and greater total leaf area. These findings underscore biochar’s potential as a sustainable soil amendment for enhancing growth and resilience in underutilized crops. Further studies should explore field experiments to access environmental heterogeneity and examine the diverse factors influencing biochar efficiency. Full article

Cropping sequence can have a major impact on diseases, pests, nutrient cycling, crop yield, and overall financial return at the farm level for crops that are grown on an annual basis. In some cases, implementing an effective rotation sequence can allow growers to avoid using nematicides to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes. Two cropping system trials were established with ten rotations each in 1997 and have been maintained through 2022. From 2013 through 2019, rotation sequences were both favorable and unfavorable for peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plant health. Peanut (2020), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) (2021), peanut (2022), and corn (Zea mays L.) (2023) were planted in all plots to determine the residual effects of the previous cropping sequence. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, fluopyram at 0.25 kg ai/ha was applied in the seed furrow at planting in the same area of each plot to determine if the response of nematode populations and crop yield to this nematicide differed based on previous crop sequence. Differences in nematode populations in soil and yield of peanut (2020 and 2022) and cotton (2021) were observed when comparing crop rotation sequences regardless of fluopyram treatment. Increasing the number of years peanut was in the rotation or including soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rather than corn or cotton often resulted in higher populations of nematodes and a lower peanut yield. While fluopyram occasionally reduced nematode populations in soil and root injury from nematode feeding, the yield of peanut did not differ when comparing non-treated and fluopyram-treated peanut. When pooled over crop rotation sequence, peanut yield at Lewiston–Woodville was 5970 kg/ha vs. 6140 kg/ha for these respective treatments. At this location in 2021 and at Rocky Mount in 2019 and 2020, peanut yield for this comparison was 4710 vs. 4550, 5790 kg/ha vs. 6010 kg/ha, and 6060 kg/ha vs. 6120 kg/ha, respectively. These data indicate that previous crop sequences can influence crop yield more than the continuous use of fluopyram. Therefore, fluopyram is not recommended for application in the seed furrow at planting to suppress nematodes in cotton or peanut in North Carolina. Full article

Bamboo has recently garnered international recognition for its nutritional and medicinal properties, which contribute significantly to the culinary, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical sectors. Every component of the bamboo plant—rhizome, culm, bark shavings, shoots, leaves, roots, and seeds—possesses useful applications. Bamboo shoots, as a type of food, have been consumed for a long time due to their nutritional and edible qualities, as well as their economic value. Other parts of bamboo, such as leaves and culms, can also be used in food applications. Commercial markets in various countries offer a variety of bamboo-based products, including those that are dried, fermented, pickled, and thermally processed. This article provides an overview of the use of all edible bamboo parts as foods and related products as well as their nutritional benefits. A wide range of traditional food products derived from bamboo, including industrial products and some novel products, was investigated. It is possible that the promotion of bamboo as a staple food could offer substantial promise in addressing the worldwide concerns regarding hunger, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Full article

Nicosulfuron and topramezone are herbicides with different mechanisms of action, and are recommended for weed control in maize (Zea mays L.). The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of both herbicides, at increasing doses of 0, 1× and 3×, equivalent to 0, 60, and 180 g ai ha⁻¹ for nicosulfuron, and 0, 33.6, and 100.8 g ai ha⁻¹ for topramezone, on physiological and agronomic characteristics in 29 maize lines, including S₂, S₃ and S₄, using an alpha-lattice incomplete block design. The cluster analysis divided our genotypes into two groups for both herbicides, based on their higher or lower fresh weight. The results showed a reduction in the SPAD index for both herbicides at 7 days after application, and nicosulfuron caused a reduction in the green matter weight of 33.4%. Similarly, nicosulfuron caused a delay and a reduction in its doses, after an initial increase, for all the agronomic variables, female flowering (FF), male flowering (MF), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), and grain weight (GW), in doses of 60 and 180 g ai ha⁻¹, while topramezone only affected PH (1×–3×) and EH (3×). When comparing the applications of both herbicides on the maize genotypes, a difference in female and male flowering of 5.09 and 4.86 days, respectively was observed. A differential response and greater damage to nicosulfuron were observed in maize genotypes, with respect to topramezone applications. Full article

Growing food insecurity can in part be attributed to a lack of diversity in arable crops, with most African countries now focused on the production of a few “green revolution crops”. Indigenous knowledge of traditional food types could hold the key to the genetic diversification of crop production systems. Wild yams are indigenous crops that have been relegated to the background. This study aimed to assess the state of knowledge in, and cultivation of, wild yams collectively called “Kumbu” by the Bakweris of the Mount Cameroon Region. Following reconnaissance surveys, semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 583 interviewees across 41 villages in this region. Data were analysed in the SPSS version 21 statistical package with significance at α = 0.05 where necessary. Results showed that the study population was fairly balanced in terms of gender (SD = 0.534), with males representing 56.8% of the sample. A majority of the interviewees (53.3%) were married, and most had received at least primary education (85.2%). Most (61.6%) of the interviewees do not cultivate Kumbu due to a lack of available seeds (69.3%) and a preference for other yams (30.7%). Of those who cultivate Kumbu (38.4% of the interviewees), a majority (89.6%) have less than five stands of Kumbu. The different names (10) and types (13) of Kumbu could represent linguistic polymorphism, requiring further studies for proper identification. A majority (68.1%) of the interviewees had no idea of the differences between Kumbu types. Agronomic practices, pests, and disease management reported for Kumbu are similar to those of other mainstream yam types. We conclude that the state of knowledge on Kumbu in the Mt Cameroon Region is limited and on the decline. Bringing Kumbu production to the mainstream requires research on molecular taxonomy, propagation techniques, and agronomic practices for better yields. Full article

Abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and heat, exacerbated by climate change, pose significant challenges to global agriculture. These stresses negatively impact crop physiology, leading to yield losses and complicating efforts to breed resilient varieties. While advancements in molecular biology and genomics have identified stress-resistance genes, their effective utilization in breeding programs depends on precise phenotypic evaluation under diverse stress conditions. High-throughput phenotyping (HTP) technologies have emerged as indispensable tools, enabling non-destructive, rapid assessment of critical traits like root architecture, chlorophyll content, and canopy temperature in controlled and field environments. Unlike existing reviews, this manuscript critically addresses technological barriers such as cost scalability, field adaptability, and the integration of artificial intelligence for real-time data analysis. Additionally, it provides a fresh perspective on multi-omics integration in phenomics to bridge the genotype–phenotype gap, ensuring a more holistic approach to precision agriculture. This review bridges gaps in crop improvement by identifying practical solutions to enhance the adoption of HTP in breeding programs. It ensures food security amidst the escalating impacts of climate change. Full article