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7 pages, 769 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Reviving Ancient Practices: Modern Perspectives on Rice–Fish Culture

by Ana O. S. Jorge, Franklin Chamorro, Paula Barciela, Ana Perez-Vazquez, M. Beatriz P. P. Oliveira and Miguel A. Prieto

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041001 - 4 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Rice–fish culture, an ancient agronomic practice, integrates aquaculture with rice farming, a sustainable solution for enhancing food security and agricultural productivity. The recent advancements and historical perspectives on rice–fish culture have increased its ecological, economic, and social impacts. The practice spans over 2000 [...] Read more.

Rice–fish culture, an ancient agronomic practice, integrates aquaculture with rice farming, a sustainable solution for enhancing food security and agricultural productivity. The recent advancements and historical perspectives on rice–fish culture have increased its ecological, economic, and social impacts. The practice spans over 2000 years and has seen significant technological improvements, especially in regions like China, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Implementations of modernized rice–fish systems demonstrate increased rice yields, reduced pest and weed prevalence, improvements in soil quality, and higher profits for farmers. For example, in China, it was reported that a rice–fishing system produced 6000–7000 kg of rice and 1500–7500 kg of fish per hectare per year. Furthermore, the fish reduce herbivore insect abundance and weed abundance, effectively eliminating the need for pesticides. Despite its advantages, challenges such as water management, the availability of quality fish seed, and socio-economic barriers remain. By synthesizing findings from various studies, we will highlight the potential of rice–fish culture to contribute to sustainable agriculture and rural development, recommending strategies for optimizing its adoption and addressing existing constraints. Full article

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7 pages, 1845 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Greywater Treatment Using Agro-Industrial Biochar: A Novel Water Reuse Approach

by Pelin Soyertaş Yapıcıoğlu and Mehmet İrfan Yeşilnacar

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041002 - 12 Mar 2025

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Abstract

This paper aimed to determine the quality of reclaimed water using biochar. Turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD₅), total suspended solid (TSS), and E. coli analyses were performed to determine the effluent’s quality. At the end of the treatment, the water reclaimed [...] Read more.

This paper aimed to determine the quality of reclaimed water using biochar. Turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD₅), total suspended solid (TSS), and E. coli analyses were performed to determine the effluent’s quality. At the end of the treatment, the water reclaimed from greywater met the requirements of Class B quality according to European Union (EU) legislation. This study verified that malt dust-derived biochar is an efficient and low-cost adsorbent that can be used to obtain reclaimed water. The reclaimed water was used for the irrigation of the green areas of Osmanbey Campus in Turkey. It was reported that on average %30 of water consumption was prevented by water reuse. Full article

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8 pages, 2691 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

An In Silico Approach for Comparative Characterization of Imidazolonepropionase from Agrobacterium fabrum & Bacillus subtilis: An Imperative Enzyme for Histidine Degradation

by Ishita Biswas, Trishanjan Biswas and Debanjan Mitra

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041003 - 13 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: The third step in histidine degradation is catalysed by imidazolonepropionase. It catalyses the conversion of 4-imidazolone-5-propionic acid to produce N-formimino-L-glutamic acid by hydrolyzing the carbon-nitrogen bonds. The histidine is a very expensive amino acid inside the cell and its degradation is a [...] Read more.

Introduction: The third step in histidine degradation is catalysed by imidazolonepropionase. It catalyses the conversion of 4-imidazolone-5-propionic acid to produce N-formimino-L-glutamic acid by hydrolyzing the carbon-nitrogen bonds. The histidine is a very expensive amino acid inside the cell and its degradation is a very conserved process. To date, very few reports are there regarding the structure of bacterial imidazolonepropionase but no reports have been published regarding the comparative structure and sequence analysis of this enzyme from bacterial sources. Methods: An in-silico study has been done to characterize the imidazolonepropionase from gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and gram-negative Agrobacterium fabrum. Results: The sequence analysis revealed that a higher amount of charged residues are present in Bacillus subtilis. These charged residues help in the increment of polarity and hydrophilicity of Bacillus subtilis. The formation of intra-protein interactions was also high in gram-positive species. Interestingly, both species have almost equal abundance of aromatic amino acids in their sequences, but the formation of aromatic-aromatic interactions was high in Bacillus subtilis. Finally, the molecular dynamics simulation study revealed that imidazolonepropionase from Bacillus subtilis was more stable and compact than Agrobacterium fabrum. Conclusions: The imidazolonepropionase from Bacillus subtilis was more stable than Agrobacterium fabrum. Due to the presence of higher stable imidazolonepropionase in Bacillus subtilis, it can use histidine more efficiently. Full article

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8 pages, 475 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Yield, Morphological Traits, and Physiological Parameters of Organic and Pelleted Avena sativa L. Plants Under Different Fertilization Practices

by Aleksandra Stanojković-Sebić, Dobrivoj Poštić, Marina Jovković and Radmila Pivić

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041004 - 27 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is one of the most important self-fertilizing field plants belonging to the Poaceae family. It has no significant requirements regarding growing conditions but has a very good reaction to fertilization. The current research evaluated the significance of the [...] Read more.

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is one of the most important self-fertilizing field plants belonging to the Poaceae family. It has no significant requirements regarding growing conditions but has a very good reaction to fertilization. The current research evaluated the significance of the effects of individual applications of mineral (NPK) and organo-mineral (OMF) fertilizers, as well as their individual combination with slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂), on the yield, morphological traits [mean number of leaves per plant—MNLP, minimum leaf length (cm) per plant—MinLL, maximum leaf length (cm) per plant—MaxLL, number of ears per plant—NEP], and physiological parameters (nitrogen balance index—NBI, content of chlorophyll—Chl, flavonoids—Flv, anthocyanins—Ant) of organic and pelleted (graded) oat plants, comparing the treatments and in relation to the control. The experiment was performed in semi-controlled glasshouse conditions, in pots, from the fourth week of March to the fourth week of June 2024, using Vertisol soil. This soil is characterized as light clay with an acid reaction. Physiological parameters were measured using a Dualex leaf clip sensor. The results obtained showed that physiological parameters in both oat types significantly differed (p < 0.05) between the treatments applied and in relation to the control, whereas the morphological traits did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) between the treatments. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the yield of both oat types were most pronounced in the OMF + Slaked Lime treatment (organic: 4.49 g pot⁻¹; pelleted: 4.61 g pot⁻¹) in relation to the control (organic: 2.48 g pot⁻¹; pelleted: 2.63 g pot⁻¹). The pelleted oats showed slightly better results for the effects of different treatments across all tested parameters compared to organic oats. In conclusion, the best results were obtained with the use of OMF + Slaked Lime, which could be proposed as the optimal fertilization treatment for pelleted and organic oat cultivation based on this research. Full article

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97 pages, 1043 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

Abstracts of the 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy

by José David Flores-Félix

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041005 - 28 Apr 2025

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Abstract

The 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy was organized by the MDPI open access journal Agronomy and held online from 2 to 5 December 2024. The conference spanned various key themes, including breeding/selection technologies and strategies, sustainable soil management and farming systems, crops, [...] Read more.

The 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy was organized by the MDPI open access journal Agronomy and held online from 2 to 5 December 2024. The conference spanned various key themes, including breeding/selection technologies and strategies, sustainable soil management and farming systems, crops, precision and digital agriculture, water use and irrigation, plant–crop biology and biochemistry, and biostimulation and microbial-based biocontrol strategies. This electronic conference provided a unique platform for researchers to showcase their work, discuss groundbreaking findings, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow experts. Full article

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16 pages, 1310 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Exploring How Moroccan Farmers in Khemisset Province Adapt to Climate Change: Perceptions and Strategies

by Noureddine Chaachouay

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041006 - 19 May 2025

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Abstract

Climate change negatively affects agricultural productivity by altering weather patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme events, and disrupting growing seasons. These changes lead to reduced crop yields, soil degradation, and challenges to food security. This research investigates how climate change affects plant cultivation [...] Read more.

Climate change negatively affects agricultural productivity by altering weather patterns, increasing the frequency of extreme events, and disrupting growing seasons. These changes lead to reduced crop yields, soil degradation, and challenges to food security. This research investigates how climate change affects plant cultivation and agricultural farming operations in Khemisset Province of Morocco. A research study based on surveys of 120 farmers combines quantitative and qualitative methods to determine their views about climate change and their adaptive measures. The researchers select their farmers according to land conditions, plant life, and livestock management patterns. The obtained data demonstrate climate parameter deterioration throughout the period extending from 1985 to 2015, which corresponds with meteorological measurements. Climate variability produces adverse environmental effects which negatively affect agricultural output. The Zemmour tribe members and other farmers use different agricultural adaptation strategies, including fertilizer application, rotational cropping, and planting maturation-premature seeds. The research findings highlight the necessity of developing specific adaptation methods that defend agricultural sectors against climate change risks and secure food supplies. This investigation adds to climate resilience knowledge by delivering important findings that guide agricultural sustainability policy development and implementation. Full article

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9 pages, 866 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Impact of Vermicompost on the Quality of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) Seedlings and Plant Productivity

by Kristina Laužikė, Vitalis Laužikas and Julė Jankauskienė

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041007 - 19 May 2025

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Abstract

Lettuce is the most widely consumed leafy vegetable in the world. Its quality and yield depend highly on the growing conditions, including the growing substrate. Peat is commonly used as a growing substrate, but there is an increasing interest in finding alternatives to [...] Read more.

Lettuce is the most widely consumed leafy vegetable in the world. Its quality and yield depend highly on the growing conditions, including the growing substrate. Peat is commonly used as a growing substrate, but there is an increasing interest in finding alternatives to reduce peat usage. One potential alternative is vermicompost, and this study aims to investigate the impact of vermicompost as an additive to a peat substrate on the quality of lettuce seedlings and yield. This research was carried out in a greenhouse covered with a polymer film at the Institute of Horticulture of the Lithuanian Agricultural and Forestry Research Center. Lettuce seedlings were grown in peat with varying amounts of vermicompost (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% vermicompost). Various parameters such as lettuce growth, biometric data, the content of pigments in the leaves, and the accumulation of elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) were evaluated. The addition of vermicompost, regardless of its amount, significantly increased plant height (from 7.5 cm in control up to 10.9–11.3 cm with vermicompost), the number of leaves (up to 4.2–4.6), the leaf area (up to 107–131 cm²), and the percentage of dry matter accumulation (up to 6.4–7.5%). Vermicompost also had a positive effect on photosynthesis, resulting in higher yields and a better quality of lettuce. The summarized research results demonstrate the potential of using vermicompost in the production of high-quality lettuce. Full article

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7 pages, 1056 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Comparing the Effect of Chemical and Biol Fertilization on the Fruit Yield and Selected Traits of Greenhouse-Grown Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

by Jorge Ortiz-Romero, Vianney Villafranco-Godinez, Isaac Fernando Soriano-Gonzalez, Jonathan Alfredo Fernandez-Mendiola, Fernando Ortiz-Salgado, Edgar Orlando Sotelo-Noguez, Martha Elena Domínguez-Hernandez and Elisa Dominguez-Hernandez

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041008 - 22 May 2025

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Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) greenhouse cultivation offers higher yields and quality compared to open-field systems, but success depends on balanced fertilization. This study compared chemical and biol (liquid organic fertilizer) treatments on cucumber yield, fruit number, and size (Centauro 1 variety). Four [...] Read more.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) greenhouse cultivation offers higher yields and quality compared to open-field systems, but success depends on balanced fertilization. This study compared chemical and biol (liquid organic fertilizer) treatments on cucumber yield, fruit number, and size (Centauro 1 variety). Four treatments—Biol30 (3% biol), Biol70 (7% biol), Nitro (urea), and Comp (complete chemical fertilization)—were applied in a randomized design. Results indicated no statistically significant differences in yield among treatments (p = 0.094), yet Biol70 outperformed Nitro and Comp by 1.44× and 1.18×, respectively. Notably, Nitro produced the largest and heaviest fruits but the lowest fruit count, while organic treatments (Biol30 and Biol70) demonstrated comparable fruit quality and higher yields. The Biol70 treatment, in particular, highlighted the potential of biol as a sustainable alternative, achieving yields of 272.59 kg total production and 34.07 kg per bed, with fruit weights averaging 0.4309 kg and lengths of 26.511 cm. These findings underscore the viability of biol, especially at higher concentrations, as an eco-friendly substitute for chemical fertilizers, aligning with global efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

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10 pages, 674 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Microbial Growth Kinetics of Fermenting Botanicals Used as Gluten-Free Flour Blends

by Peace Omoikhudu Oleghe, Fred Coolborn Akharaiyi and Chioma Bertha Ehis-Eriakha

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041009 - 23 May 2025

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Abstract

The fragmentary and whole substitution of wheat flour with flour blends is an alternative approach for producing cheaper, nutrient-rich, and comparatively advantageous gluten-free foods through fermentation. Dry samples of sweet potato, pigeon pea, and maize botanicals were purchased from local vendors, authenticated and [...] Read more.

The fragmentary and whole substitution of wheat flour with flour blends is an alternative approach for producing cheaper, nutrient-rich, and comparatively advantageous gluten-free foods through fermentation. Dry samples of sweet potato, pigeon pea, and maize botanicals were purchased from local vendors, authenticated and processed before spontaneous fermentation at room temperature. The pH and microbiological growth patterns of the fermenting botanicals were evaluated every 12 h for 72 h, using standard test protocols. It revealed that the rates of growth of isolated microorganisms were affected by pH; all the botanicals fermented had a reduction in their pH values. Acids were produced during fermentation, leading to a reduction in pH. Bacteria growth on the fermenting samples on nutrient agar reveals that the bacterial load increased with fermentation time, from 7.52 Log₁₀ CFU/g to 10.6 Log₁₀ CFU/g (sweet potato); 6.3 Log₁₀ CFU/g to 10.54 Log₁₀ CFU/g (pigeon pea), and 6.3 Log₁₀ CFU/g to 10.54 Log₁₀ CFU/g (maize). On MacConkey agar, the bacterial load on all samples started after 24 h of fermentation, peaked at 48 h, and gradually reduced towards 72 h of fermentation. There was increase in fungal growth with time from 0 to 36 h across all samples. The microorganisms isolated can be categorized into lactic acid bacteria, spore formers, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcace, yeast, and molds. Fermentation of botanicals over 72 h results in organic acid formation, which lowers pH; this attribute helps in checkmating undesirable microorganisms capable of affecting the production of gluten-free flours with good keeping qualities. Full article

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8 pages, 2207 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Drone-Based Multispectral Imaging for Precision Monitoring of Crop Growth Variables

by Devanakonda Venkata Sai Chakradhar Reddy, Rabi N. Sahoo, Tarun Kondraju, Rajan G. Rejith, Rajeev Ranjan, Amrita Bhandari, Ali Moursy, Subhash Chandra Tripathi and Nitesh Kumar

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2025, 41(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2025041010 - 23 May 2025

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Abstract

This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of drone-assisted crop monitoring in precision agriculture by evaluating the relationships between the NDVI, leaf area index (LAI), and leaf nitrogen content (LNC) in three wheat varieties (DBW-187, HD-3086, PBW-826) under eight nitrogen treatments (N0–N210). The [...] Read more.

This study aimed to demonstrate the efficacy of drone-assisted crop monitoring in precision agriculture by evaluating the relationships between the NDVI, leaf area index (LAI), and leaf nitrogen content (LNC) in three wheat varieties (DBW-187, HD-3086, PBW-826) under eight nitrogen treatments (N0–N210). The NDVI was derived from drone-based multispectral imagery at the flowering (90 DAS) and grain-filling (108 DAS) stages. Strong correlations were observed between the NDVI, LAI, and LNC, with the R² values improving from 0.78–0.86 at flowering to 0.88–0.90 at grain filling. These findings highlight the potential of drone-derived indices for efficient crop monitoring, resource use optimization, and yield prediction in precision agriculture. Full article

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