Abstracts of the 4th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy ^†

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, 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.

1. Session: Crops

1.1. Assessment of Organic Substrates Derived from Marine and Food Waste for the Growth of Tomato Plants

Kawtar Abselam OA, Antonio Sánchez-Sánchez, Mar Cerdán, Juana D. Jordá, Borja Ferrández-Gómez

• Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Edaphology and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Alicante, 03080, Alicante, Spain

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivation involves greenhouses or large extensions of soil, which have been reduced in recent decades due to problems such as erosion. An alternative that has been found to maintain crop yields is the use of culture media and hydroponic systems. Taking into account the existing problem of excess marine and food residues, as well as the rising demand for alternative crop substrates with which to achieve sustainable and ecological agriculture, the objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of different growing substrates obtained from the valorization of residues for the development of tomatoes. For this purpose, the following substrates were physicochemically characterized (in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, porosity, bulk density, organic matter content, and an elemental analysis): (i) 50% peat + 50% vermiculite as the control treatment, (ii) 50% compost + 50% vermiculite, and (iii) 50% Posidonia oceanica + 50% vermiculite. Subsequently, tomato plants were developed for 21 days in a greenhouse, and their morphological and nutritional parameters were evaluated. Regarding the physical parameters, it should be noted that the Posidonia oceanica plants showed slower growth and a stem length of 30 cm, which was shorter than the 43 cm of the control and the 45 cm of the composted plants. However, in terms of nutrition, Posidonia oceanica showed the best values in terms of its chlorophyll concentration. This concentration was higher in the samples developed in Posidonia oceanica, reaching a value of 45 mg/kg, followed by that in the composted plants (30 mg/kg) and the control (25 mg/kg). Finally, it was observed that Posidonia oceanica was the substrate with the highest percentage of the macronutrients Ca, Mg, K, and Na, as well as the micronutrients Fe, Cu, Zn, B, and Si. Both the food waste compost and Posidonia oceanica treatments were demonstrated to be suitable components for use as agricultural substrates.

1.2. Metabolomic Discrimination of Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria brizantha Using 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy and Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS): A Comparative Phytochemical Analysis

Syeda Maryam Hussain ¹, Ishrat Naz ², Paulo Henrique Mazza Rodrigue ³, Valdo Rodrigues Herling ⁴

¹ 

Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Department of Livestock management and production, Pir Mehr Ali Shah, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, 46300, Pakistan

² 

Faculty of Crop Protection, Department of Plant Pathology, Agriculture University Peshawer, Peshawer, Pakistan

³ 

Department of Animal Nutrition and Production, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, FZEA, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900, Brazil

⁴ 

Department of Forage Science, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga, 13635-900, Brazil

Brazil is home to some of the largest cattle herds in the world, with a dependency on natural and cultivated pastures (Brachiaria species (100 million ha)). The two most reported toxic pasture species (Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria brizantha) were grown in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering on different doses of nitrogen (0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/Kg) and evaluated for a year. We first explored the expected secondary metabolic compounds using thin-layer chromatography and then confirmed these compounds and their types and metabolic profiles using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. Differential metabolites and the concentrations of steroidal saponins and their subtypes were confirmed using nano-magnetic resonance. The main source of differential potentially toxic components in both species was the protodioscin isomer (Protoneodioscin and Protodioscin). We isolated four steroidal saponins and three sapogenins from the leaves of Brachiaria decumbens and Brachiaria brizantha using MS-MS/MS-ESI/UPLC, with diosgenin, dioscin, and yamogenin detected (as found previously). We identified the protoneodioscin isomer (protodioscin and protoneodioscin (19 and 20)) as the main differential (and likely toxic) component between B. decumbens and B. brizantha, along with acetyl-protodioscin, deoxyhexosyl-hexosyl-hexosyl-3-o-spirostane, and o-hexosyl-protodioscin in the Brachiaria species. Additionally, our novel findings included the fact that flavo-lignans, Tricin-4′-O-(β-guaiacyl glyceryl) ether isomers, acetyl-protodioscin, O-hexosyl-protodioscin, the protodioscin isomer, tribulosaponin A, and glycoside structures were also detected and established using ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy.

1.3. The Effect of Planting Density on the Growth and Yield of Two Orange-Fleshed Sweet-Potato Varieties in Southeast Nigeria

Arinze Donald Uzoigwe ¹, Osadebe O. V. ², Ukwu U. N. ², Enyi J. I. ², Adewuyi S. O. ², Uzoigwe O. F. ³

¹ 

Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 410001, Nigeria

² 

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nsukka, 410001, Nigeria

³ 

Department of Plant Health Management, College of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umudike, 440109, Nigeria

The demand for orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is steadily increasing in Southeastern Nigeria. This study aimed to determine a planting density appropriate for the high production of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.). Field experiments were conducted at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, in 2015 and at the research farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia state, in 2016 to determine the effect of three different planting densities (25,000; 33,333 and 50,000 plants/ha) on the growth and yield of two varieties (Tio-joe and Melinda) of orange-fleshed sweet potato. The trial was conducted as a 2 × 3 factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replicates. The results of the experiment indicated a significant effect on vine length in the Tio-joe variety compared to that in the Melinda variety in both cropping seasons, while the Melinda variety performed better than the Tio-joe variety in terms of the number of branches and number of leaves at 8 weeks after planting (WAP) in 2015 and 12 WAP in 2016. Vine length was influenced by the interaction between planting density and variety at 8 WAP in 2015. However, planting density and the treatment combination of planting density and variety had no significant influence on vine length in 2016 or the number of branches or number of leaves in 2015 and 2016. Similarly, vine girth, weed density, and weed dry weight were not significantly influenced by variety, plant density, or the variety × planting density interaction in either season. The findings from this study showed that the yield and yield components of the Tio-joe variety were superior to those of the Melinda variety in both seasons. The yield components were not influenced by planting density or interactions. Meanwhile, it was observed that the highest yield components were obtained when using 50,000 plants/ha in both seasons.

1.4. A Practical Analysis of the Food Traceability Procedure Across the Different Stages of the Supply Chain

Mimoune SOUNA

• Abou Bekr Belkaïd University of Tlemcen Algeria

The most widely recognized and accepted meaning of traceability is the tracking and tracing of food products within a supply chain using a record-keeping process. Traceability is an essential means to obtain information on the safety and quality of foodstuffs and build consumer confidence. This research, carried out during 2023, aimed to evaluate the traceability elements used in products bought in supermarkets in the wilaya of Tlemcen, Algeria. In the first step, consumer attitudes towards traceability were analyzed. In the second step, food products and commercial transactions were examined. The survey operations mainly aimed to remedy the shortcomings and imbalances in terms of the traceability observed on the market. In Algeria, Executive Decree 12-203 on product safety rules states that when goods are released for consumption, they must comply with regulatory requirements concerning safety, health, and consumer protection with regard to implementing the appropriate measures to ensure their traceability. As required by “Food Law”, Regulation 178/2002 stipulates that all operators in the agricultural and agri-food sectors set up traceability systems. Multiple nations are attempting to control both imported and locally produced products through the introduction of specific legislation. These investigations focused mainly on the compliance with the obligation for transparency in commercial practices, in particular invoicing requirements, as well as the failure to provide compulsory consumer information on the origin and designation of the manufacturer or organization responsible for placing products on the market. In critical situations, organizing withdrawals or recalls to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses is paramount. Judicial and administrative measures were taken against offenders at various stages of product supply. The dynamic ever-changing flow of commodities and trade transactions in the marketplace implies the need for an appropriate traceability system to identify the owners of both current and all prior commodities.

1.5. Analysis of Morphological and Quantitative Characteristics in Brassica Species

Ramisha Majeed ¹, Muhammad Bilal ²

¹ 

Institute of Botany, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 66000, Pakistan

² 

Department of Agriculture, Forest and Range Management, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 66000, Pakistan

For the production of edible oils intended for commercial usage, major oilseed crops such as Brassica napus L. are essential. This study set out to obtain botanical descriptions of Brassica species and assess the performance of different variants of Brassica in terms of their quantitative and morphological characteristics. The associated traits and morphological characteristics of fifteen Brassica genotypes were assessed. The trial was carried out using three replications and a Randomized Complete Block Design. Their quantitative parameters, such as the number of major branches, plant height, the number of seeds per plant, the weight of 1000 seeds, days to maturity, and yield, were noted in the data. This study’s findings demonstrate that genotype 10 has the largest plant height (121.33 cm), while genotype 9 has the maximum number of primary branches (6.33), genotype 11 has the maximum number of seeds (29), and genotype 8 has the maximum yield (33.66 g). Correlation and an analysis of variance were used to assess the accuracy of the data. This study’s findings show a favorable and strong association between plant height and yield, seeds, and the number of main branches. The quantity of seeds and the number of primary branches are negatively correlated, but days to maturity and yield are positively correlated. There is a positive relationship between the yield and height of plants and the number of major branches, the number of seeds, and days to maturity.

1.6. The Application of Biostimulants Derived from Agricultural By-Products for the Enhancement of Plants’ Growth and Tolerance to Abiotic Stress

A. Perez-Vazquez ¹, P. Barciela ², A.O.S. Jorge ^3,4, M. Carpena ^1,5, A. G. Pereira ^6,7, M.A. Prieto ¹

¹ 

Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Science, E32004 Ourense, Spain.

² 

Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universidade de Vigo, Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain.

³ 

Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, España.

⁴ 

LAQV@REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.

⁵ 

Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolo-nia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal.

⁶ 

Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universidade de Vigo, Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain.

⁷ 

Investigaciones Agroalimentarias Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur). SERGAS-UVIGO.

In recent decades, global climate change has significantly threatened food production and quality. Salinity, drought, nutrient deficiencies, and extreme temperatures, often accompanied by prolonged dry periods, are among the most common challenges to overcome. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop formulations that can enhance crops’ growth and resistance to abiotic stress. Biostimulants, known for stimulating natural plant processes, are applied to plants or the soil to improve their nutrient uptake and tolerance to abiotic stress. Recently, the formulation of biostimulants using by-products generated along the agri-food chain, such as seeds, leaves, peels, and kernels, has been proposed, thereby contributing to the circular economy. This systematic review aims to provide data on the extraction techniques necessary to obtain compounds from agri-food by-products. These techniques include pressurized liquid extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, maceration, liquid–liquid extraction, and solid–liquid extraction. This review also examines the effects of these by-product-based biostimulants on plants’ growth and resistance to abiotic stress and discusses the limitations of this novel approach. By focusing on the utilization of agri-food by-products in biostimulant formulations, this review highlights the potential benefits and challenges of integrating sustainable practices into agriculture to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

1.7. The Use of Biopesticides from Marine Macroalgae Against Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens for Crop Disease Management

M. Carpena ¹, P. Barciela ², A. Perez-Vazquez ¹, A.O.S. Jorge ^1,3, M. Beatriz P.P. Oliveira ³, C. Pereira ³, J.C.M. Barreira ⁴, M. A. Prieto ¹

¹ 

Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, España.

² 

Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, España

³ 

REQUIMTE/LAQV, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, R. Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.

⁴ 

Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal.

In the context of macroalgae being highly valued for their versatility across multiple industries, harnessing these resources to develop sustainable products for crop protection is key. Different European crops are susceptible to bacterial and fungal pathogens that can significantly impact crop health and productivity, including mildew, powdery mildew, and botrytis, which affect a wide variety of crops due to their broad host range and adaptability and favorable environmental conditions. This study investigates how marine macroalgae can be used as sources of active compounds such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, pigments, lectins, lipophilic compounds, alkaloids, and terpenoids against fungal and bacterial phytopathogens. Through a systematic literature review, this research assesses the susceptibility of commercial cultivars to phytopathogens, the infection mechanisms, and the use of macroalgae in the formulation of new sustainable bio-based pesticides. By combining a literature review with an analysis of data from major academic databases, this review aims to identify the current knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions. These findings highlight the potential of macroalgae as effective biopesticides with minimal impact on human and animal health or ecosystems. Moreover, they will help in the transition of agricultural practices as a solution to reduce the use and risk of chemical synthetic products for crop protection.

1.8. Decoding the Effect of Polyploidization on the Morus Species Complex: An Integrated Transcriptomic and Phenomic Approach

RAJU MONDAL ^1,2, Vishal Kumar Jha ², Dr. Prashanth Arjun Sangannavar ³, Dr. Yogesh Mishra ²

¹ 

Mulberry Tissue Culture Lab, CSB-Central Sericultural Germplasm Resources Centre, Tamil Nadu 635109, India

² 

Department of Botany, Center of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India

³ 

Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560068, India

Using biotechnological interventions to decode the genetic architecture of non-model crops, especially polyploid tree species, is challenging. The reconstruction of repository transcriptome analyses (RNA-Seq) is considered a leading-edge technique used to understand functional aspects of biological consequence; this technique is also often thought to be the only approach to deciphering genetic architecture. Currently, a large number of transcriptome datasets from various species are publicly available. Nevertheless, the data processing and interpretation remain difficult due to a lack of critical coding skills and the computing resources and costly automated tools required. Furthermore, in non-model systems, they become challenging to use due to inadequate replicates, the absence of reference genomes, and so on. To solve these problems, we introduced a state-of-the-art methodology for analyzing repository transcriptome datasets, including downstream analyses like analyses of the taxonomic identity of the transcriptome or global transcriptome map/network and the functional enrichment of overrepresented genes using publicly available web platforms and software. Here, mature leaf transcriptome data on wild Morus species belonging to different ploidy levels were sampled, and this revealed the strong biological effect of polyploidization. Further, to substantiate our predictions, we biologically validated the ploidy-associated attributes. Considering all this, the present research helps with understanding the molecular basis of phenotype variations without prior coding knowledge or high costs. The optimized protocol and generated data help with decoding the biological consequences of the strong effect of polyploids on cellular and growth behavior, facilitating further conservation in the face of the ongoing threat of climate change.

1.9. Deep Tillage as a Basic Prerequisite for Increasing the Yield of Lettuce in Greenhouses

Slađan Adžić, Aleksandra Rakonjac, Vladimir Perišić, Dejan Cvikić, Ivana Živković, Veselinka Zečević, Kristina Luković

• Institute for Vegetable Crops

In the conditions of intensive greenhouse vegetable production, lettuce production during the winter without heating occupies a significant place in the crop rotation, after tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. In addition to being profitable, the production of this type of salad provides the benefits of phytoextracting excess nutrients and eliminating pathogens and weeds. This research was performed at the Institute for Vegetable Crops in Smederevska Palanka, and a purple variety of leafy lettuce, Viola, was chosen as the plant material. The experiment followed a random block design with three repetitions in an irrigation system and two types of cultivation: deep tillage (50 cm) and shallow tillage (15 cm). Lettuce was planted at a spacing of 20 × 25 cm. Under both soil cultivation conditions, two types of organic fertilizers were separately applied following the manufacturer’s instructions: (1) vermicompost, Lumbrikum Radovanović, and (2) briquetted chicken manure, Nervosol organic NPK 4-3-4. The control involved cultivation of the soil without the application of fertilizer. The results of our research indicate that deep tillage had a statistically significant impact on plant height, leaf width, leaf length, leaf color, the weight of the aerial part of the plant, and total plant weight. The highest lettuce yield (6.98 kg m⁻²) was achieved in the deeply tilled soil into which Nervosol organic NPK 4-3-4 was incorporated, while the highest yield in the shallow tilled soil (5.82 kg m⁻²) was measured under treatment with the vermicompost. The yield under the control conditions in deeply tilled soil was 4.87 kg m⁻², while in shallow tilled soil, it was 4.01 kg m⁻². Deep tillage, combined with the usage of Nervosol organic NPK 4-3-4, was shown to be an effective method for increasing the lettuce yield compared to that in the shallow tilling control. In situations where deep tillage is not possible, the usage of vermicompost is a good alternative.

1.10. Effect of Inoculation Techniques on Production Potential of Soybean Varieties Intercropped in Spring Maize

Muhammad Asad ¹, Haroon Zaman Khan ²

¹ 

Department of Agronomy, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China

² 

Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan

Conventional cropping systems in Pakistan have depleted the soil’s fertility, while increasing population pressure demands more efficient land-use strategies. To address these challenges, maize–soybean intercropping has emerged as a potential solution for enhancing soil fertility and increasing food production. Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum has also been adopted, as the literature suggests that it can boost nitrogen fixation in both soybeans and maize, playing a critical role in improving soil fertility and overall crop performance. In order to assess the performance of three soybean varieties, Ajmeri, Rawal-1, and NARC-2, when intercropped with maize, this study was carried out over the course of two consecutive growing seasons (spring 2018 and 2019) in the Agronomic Research Area, the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, using three different inoculation techniques: no inoculation, soil inoculation, and seed inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum. In this experiment, three replications in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) were used to intercrop the different soybean cultivars with maize in double-row strips. The soil-inoculated Rawal-1 soybeans consistently produced the maximum 1000-grain weight and maize grain yield throughout the course of the two seasons, with these values rising from 287.33 g and 6.82 t ha⁻¹ in 2018 to 295.00 g and 7.10 t ha⁻¹ in 2019. On the other hand, the untreated Ajmeri soybeans showed the lowest 1000-grain weight and grain yield. Nevertheless, they did show some improvement, from 235.00 g and 4.10 t ha⁻¹ in 2018 to 240.00 g and 4.30 t ha⁻¹ in 2019. In the soybeans, the seed-inoculated Rawal-1 variety had the highest number of pods per plant, 1000-seed weight, and grain yield; in 2018, they measured at 125.74 pods, 147.07 g, and 1.23 t ha⁻¹, and in 2019, these values increased to 130.00 pods, 150.00 g, and 1.30 t ha⁻¹. The untreated Ajmeri soybeans consistently yielded the lowest values in these parameters, at 76.99 pods, 87.16 g, and 0.53 t ha⁻¹ in 2018 and 80.00 pods, 90.00 g, and 0.55 t ha⁻¹ in 2019. The pods per plant, 1000-seed weight, and grain yield increased significantly. In conclusion, intercropping maize with Rawal-1 soybeans using both soil and seed inoculation proved to be an economical and sustainable strategy under Faisalabad’s agro-ecological conditions across both growing seasons.

1.11. Efficacy of Biostimulants Obtained from Oil Mill Wastewater for Plants Under Saline Stress

Rocío Asencio-Vicedo, Borja Ferrández-Gómez, Antonio Sánchez-Sánchez, Juana D. Jordá, Mar Cerdán

• Department Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Edaphology and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain

Salinity is a type of abiotic stress that limits the growth and development of crops, including tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), one of the most consumed agricultural products worldwide. More and more agricultural soil contains high concentrations of salt due to inadequate agricultural practices and irrigation using low-quality water. At the same time, another environmental problem is the production of olive mill wastewater, which is characterized by toxicity and high-volume production, affecting the Mediterranean countries where olive oil is mainly produced. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of applying olive mill wastewater to tomato plants under salt stress conditions. For this purpose, an experiment was carried out in a greenhouse where tomato plants were kept under controlled conditions and two different doses of olive mill wastewater were applied. Positive effects were obtained when the lowest dose was applied, increasing the plants’ fresh weight by 25% and dry weight by 19%; oxidative stress effects such as MDA and H₂O₂ production and electrolyte leakage were reduced by 11 and 12%, respectively; and the proline content was also reduced by 14% compared to that in the saline control, so it had some efficacy as a biostimulant. However, the highest dose showed low efficacy, as well as having possible phytotoxic effects on the tomato plants when this treatment was applied, producing an increase in transpiration of 51% compared to that in the normal control. This effect made the highest dose of olive mill wastewater unsuitable for use as a biostimulant under the conditions of this study.

1.12. Explicit Utilization of Blue-Green Microalgae, Spirulina platensis (Gomont) Geitler, as Biostimulant in Cereal Seed Germination

Jerentulina Vijayarasa

• School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of NL, Corner Brook, Canada

The blue-green microalgae Spirulina platensis play a significant role in sustainable agriculture by improving soil fertility, crop growth, yield, and environmental quality. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of S. platensis as a germination booster in low-fertility soils. Various concentrations of Spirulina solutions (2 g/L, 4 g/L, 6 g/L, 8 g/L, and 10 g/L) were prepared, and seeds of paddy (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), green gram (Vigna radiata), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) were pre-soaked in these solutions overnight. Fifty seeds from each crop were treated, with the treatments replicated three times in a randomized block design. A non-treated control group (water alone) was included for comparison. The seed germination and pH of the S. platensis solutions were recorded over 10 days and analyzed using an ANOVA (p < 0.05).

The results showed that the paddy seeds soaked in the 6 g/L Spirulina solution had a significantly higher germination rate (91.11%) by day 7. The maize seeds also exhibited high germination rates (>80%) in both the 4 g/L and 6 g/L treatments. In contrast, the pulse seeds (green gram and cowpea) showed poor germination rates (<50%) at concentrations above 6 g/L, with 100% germination observed in the control group. The poor performance of the pulses may be attributed to the high pH (10.6) of the S. platensis solution. These findings suggest that S. platensis acts as a biostimulant for cereal seed germination, though further field studies are needed to confirm these results.

1.13. Farming Systems as Enablers of Sustainable Soil Management and Crop Production in Africa

Latif Aisu Okiria ¹, Tito Edep ^2,3, Peter Fred Kabaale ⁴, Akasairi Ocwa ⁵

¹ 

Faculty of Technology for Rural Transformation, African Rural University, P.O. Box 24, Kagadi, Uganda.

² 

Faculty of Agriculture, Uganda Martyrs University P.O. Box 5498, Kampala, Uganda.

³ 

School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Ebenezer University Lira P.O. Box 532, Lira, Uganda.

⁴ 

Department of Science Education, Bugema University, P.O. Box 6529, Kampala, Uganda.

⁵ 

Institute of Land Use, Engineering and Precision Farming Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 138 Böszörményi street, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.

Sustainable crop production depends on several factors, including soil productivity, which is influenced by the type of farming system implemented. This review examined the contribution of farming systems to sustainable soil management and crop production in Africa based on a bibliometric approach. The literature was searched using the keywords “Soil” and “Farming system*” AND “Crop Production”, and metadata were extracted for the period of 1990–2024. In total, metadata from 66 documents from 17 countries were included in this study. The progression of the metadata was evaluated using Mann–Kendall tests, while key contribution linkages were visualized using VOSviewer software (version 1.6.17). The results showed a significant (p < 0.01) positive increase in the literature on the role played by farming systems in sustaining soil and crop productivity. Farming systems were proven to be contributors of soil fertility determinants since they influenced soil microbe activity and nutrient dynamics. Predominantly, mixed-cropping and agroforestry systems sustained stable nutrient levels in the soil, especially nitrogen levels, in addition to enhancing the diversity of the soil microflora. Modifications to farming systems’ climates were mainly driven by climate change and the need to ensure food security. Therefore, the research into crop agroecosystems in Africa was found to be tailored to three areas: (i) optimizing the efficient use of nutrients from external inputs, (ii) the intensification of farming systems to ensure soil biodiversity and environmental quality, and (iii) utilizing integrated farming systems to optimize crop yields with the advance of climate change.

1.14. Flowering, Fruiting, and Chlorophyll Content of Pruned and Unpruned Eggplant (Solanum melongena) cv. Banate King as Influenced by GA3 and NAA

John Ponteras ¹, Catherine Arradaza ²

¹ 

Southern Philippines Agribusiness and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology (SPAMAST), Agriculture Department, Malita, Davao Occidental, Philippines

² 

Visayas State University (VSU), Department of Horticulture, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines

Style length varies in eggplant, potentially resulting in low fruit production. The exogenous application of plant growth regulators can reduce heterostyly. This study aimed to determine the effects of applying Gibberellic acid (GA₃) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) to pruned and unpruned eggplants alone or in combination and further improvements in the production of flowers and fruits in these plants. Horticultural and yield parameters were measured manually in the experimental area. To measure the physiological parameters, supernatants of the samples were separated, and the absorbance at 400–700 nm was measured using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer to determine the chlorophyll content. All of the data from the split-plot design were subjected to an analysis of variance, and further, Tukey’s Honestly Significant Difference Test was applied to separate significant and insignificant means. Four-month-old standing plants from the Banate King cultivar were used as the test plants for corrective pruning and the application of exogenous hormones. This study was carried out in Mindanao, the Philippines, during the summer of 2022, with distinct dry conditions. Neither the pruning technique nor foliar spraying affected the number of days to flower, days to harvest, or the total number of flowers. On the other hand, the plants to which GA₃ was applied alone or in combination with NAA were the longest. NAA application contributed to the heavy weight of the fruits. Furthermore, the chlorophyll content of the pruned plants increased by 25% compared to that in the control.

1.15. The Impact of Neem and Tobacco Plant Extracts on Sucking Insect Pests of Gossypium hirsutum (Malvales: Malvaceae) in the Bahawalnagar District of Punjab Province

Muhammad Adeel Ghafar ¹, Zia Ul Haq ²

¹ 

State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Key Laboratory of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, MOE, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China

² 

Department of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Punjab, Pakistan

Cotton is a cash crop used all over the world. Plant extracts can be used to manage pests that are injurious to plants. Plant extracts have an important role in crop protection, although most commonly, they are used in combination with other tools, including chemical pesticides, as part of bio-intensive Integrated Pest Management. To investigate the control effect of plant extracts (PEs) on sucking pests in cotton, a field experiment was conducted, and the experiment comprised four replications. Plant extracts were applied as part of three treatments: the control, foliar application of tobacco extract, and foliar application of Neem extract. Data regarding the pest population were collected 1, 3, 7, and 10 days after the application of the PEs. Three and seven days after foliar application of the Neem extract, good results were shown, with the jassid and whitefly population reduced to about 60–70%. Similarly, tobacco extract also showed better results by reducing the whitefly and jassid population in the cotton crops to about 50–60% as compared to that in the control treatment. These findings could help with controlling sucking insect pests in cotton with or without the use of pesticides.

1.16. Impacts of Inga edulis Domestication in South Ecuador

David Draper ¹, José Miguel Romero-Saritama ², Fani Tinitana ², Ángel Benítez ², Isabel Marques ³

¹ 

Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.

² 

Universidad Tecnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Loja, Ecuador.

³ 

Forest Research Centre, Associate Laboratory TERRA, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, 1349-017 Lisbon, Portugal.

Inga edulis Mart. (Fabaceae) is a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree native to Central and South America that is prevalent in the Amazon Basin. It is a versatile and valuable tree species with a wide range of traditional uses and benefits, as well as being an important local food. However, despite its wide uses, specific studies focused on understanding the patterns of diversity in I. edulis are still scarce. In this study, we evaluated how morphological and genetic diversity is distributed across natural and planted I. edulis populations, studying a total of 125 samples collected in South Ecuador. Specifically, we asked the following questions: (1) Is genetic erosion occurring in domesticated populations? (2) Does gene flow occur between natural and planted populations? (3) Do different cultivation practices impact the diversity of I. edulis? Our results show that the fruit is longer and heavier in planted trees than in wild trees, contrary to our findings on genetic diversity, which has been found to be significantly higher in wild trees. The agro-forestry systems in which Inga is used in Cocoa and Coffea plantations show low diversity. In contrast, the trees used by locals in their homes and gardens still maintain high levels of diversity, being a good source for the conservation of raw genetic diversity. Gene flow has occurred between natural and wild populations, although different genetic groups have been seen in wild trees, supporting the presence of genetic erosion in domesticated populations. Understanding and maintaining this genetic diversity are essential for the conservation of genetic resources. This is critical for the long-term sustainability of breeding programs, ensuring that future generations continue to have access to robust and adaptable genetic resources.

1.17. Indoor Green and Purple Lettuce Seedling Production Under LED Lights

Kristina Luković ¹, Slađan Adžić ¹, Kamenko Bratković ², Vladimir Miladinović ¹, Nenad Đurić ¹, Radiša Đorđević ¹, Aleksandra Rakonjac ¹

¹ 

Institute for Vegetable Crops, Karađorđeva 71, 11420 Smederevska Palanka, Serbia

² 

Center for Small Grains and Rural Development, Save Kovačevića 31, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia

In the agroecological conditions of the Balkans, early seedling production occurs during winter. The quality and duration of sunlight during this period are suboptimal, preventing seedlings from reaching their full genetic yield potential due to the deprivation of certain light qualities. Therefore, our study aimed to test whether the usage of energy-efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could fulfill plants’ light requirements during the early stages of seedling production. This research was performed at the Institute for Vegetable Crops, Smederevska Palanka, Serbia. We used three commercial lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivars—Genesis, Jukebox, and Viola—for the experiment. In the three-leaf stage, the plants were placed into plant growth chambers and exposed to multispectral white (W) and monochromatic blue (B) LEDs for 25 days with 9/15 h and 10/14 h (light/dark) photoperiods to simulate outdoor conditions. Cultivation in a greenhouse using natural daily light (DL) only served as the control. After 25 days, their morphological growth parameters, such as root and shoot weight, were measured. Additionally, their total chlorophyll content was determined spectrophotometrically using the method described by Lichtenthaler. Our results showed that compared with the control, W and B LEDs significantly increased the seedlings’ root and shoot weight, while the B LEDs increased their total chlorophyll content. In the plants grown under DL and W LEDs, the total chlorophyll content did not differ significantly. The Jukebox genotype exhibited the strongest response to the light treatment. This genotype had the highest total chlorophyll content, as well as the highest shoot and root weight, under the B LEDs compared to these values under the W LEDs and DL. When exposed to the B LEDs, the Jukebox genotype reached a shoot and root weight up to 4 times that of the DL-treated plants. Based on our results, this lettuce cultivation method enhances seedlings’ growth and chlorophyll content and positively affects seedling quality.

1.18. Investigating the Impact of Different Sowing Methods on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth and Yield in Larkana

Shoukat Ali Soomro ¹, Mareena Shoukat Soomro ¹, Mujahid Ali Soomro ²

¹ 

Department of Botany, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Pakistan, Faculty Natural Sciences, Main Campus, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Pakistan, Khairpur Mirs, 66020, Pakistan

² 

Department of Agronomy, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam Pakistan, Faculty Crop Production, Main Campus, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam Pakistan, Tandojam, 70050, Pakistan

In an investigation conducted throughout 2023, the impact of various planting techniques on the growth and yield of the TD-1 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety was examined. This study encompassed three distinct sowing methods: T1 = drilling, T2 = broadcasting, and T3 = ridges. Various parameters were observed, such as the plant’s height (cm), the number of tillers per square meter (m⁻²), spike length (cm), the number of grains in step with the spike (g), the weight of 1000 grains or the seed index (g), and the grain yield (kg ha⁻¹). The findings of this research are summarized and presented below. The wheat variety sown using the drilling method exhibited a notably superior performance, showcasing a plant height of 63.30 cm, 452.67 m⁻² tillers, a 10.13 cm spike length, 15.00 spikelets in step with the spikes, 35.33 grains for each spike, a 43.66 g seed index (1000-grain weight), a 6218 kg ha⁻¹ biological yield, and a 4325 kg ha⁻¹ grain yield. The ridge-sown crops displayed characteristics such as a 63.20 cm plant height, 313.33 m⁻² tillers, an 8.23 cm spike length, 13.33 spikelets contained in each spike, 33.66 grains through to each spike, a 34.66 g seed index (1000-grain weight), a 5614 kg ha⁻¹ biological yield, and a 3922 kg ha⁻¹ grain yield. In contrast, the broadcasting method yielded a plant height of 65.87 cm, 320.67 m⁻² tillers, a 9.03 cm spike length, 13.33 spikelets in step with the spikes, 36.00 grains for spikes, a 41.33 g seed index (1000-grain weight), a 6371 kg ha⁻¹ biological yield, and a 4141 kg ha⁻¹ grain yield. In conclusion, the drilling method proved to be the most favorable, resulting in a greater yield of grains of 4325 kg ha⁻¹ compared to that obtained using broadcasting (4141 kg ha⁻¹) and ridge sowing (3922 kg ha⁻¹).

1.19. Optical Remote Sensing for Estimation of Paddy Area in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu

Sugavaneshwaran K. ¹, Dr. Ragunath Kaliaperumal ²

¹ 

Masters scholar, Department of Remote sensing and GIS, TNAU, Coimbatore

² 

Dr. K.P. Ragunath, Associate Professor at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

This study focuses on the estimation of kharif paddy areas using optical data from remote sensing, particularly during the early monsoon season, when cloud-free data are more readily available. Remote sensing for crop monitoring has evolved significantly with the advent of modern satellites, offering high spatial and temporal resolutions. In the kharif season of 2019, Sentinel-2A optical data from the European Space Agency (ESA) were utilized at the peak paddy flowering stage to estimate the crop area in Tamil Nadu. This study employed both supervised and unsupervised classification methods, with a preference for supervised classification due to the prior knowledge of the study area. Training sites were developed using ground-truth data collected during field surveys, leading to the classification of the land into six categories: Paddy, Waterbody, Settlements, Barren lands, Other crops, and Miscellaneous. The Sentinel-2A data were then analyzed using the maximum likelihood classifier in the ArcGIS software to delineate the paddy area, with iterative refinements and accuracy assessments ensuring reliable results. The final analysis revealed a total kharif paddy area of 22,246.01 ha in the Thanjavur district. Detailed block-wise statistics were generated, showing that the Orathanadu block had the highest paddy area of 3117.43 ha and the Budalur block had the smallest area, at 340.97 ha. These findings highlight the effectiveness of using high-resolution satellite data and supervised classification methods for accurate crop area estimation, with a Kappa index of 0.83.

1.20. Optimization of Sowing Dates for Enhanced Yield and Aphid Management in Grasspea, Lathyrus sativus

Md Abdullah Al Mumin ¹, Saifullah Omar Nasif ², Nusrat Jahan ³, Mobassira Tul Jannat ⁴, Md Altaf Hossain ¹

¹ 

Entomology Division, Pulses Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Ishwardi, Pabna 6620, Bangladesh

² 

Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia

³ 

Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh

⁴ 

Biotechnology Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh

Aphid infestations and subsequent yield losses are a significant problem for legume cultivation. Sowing time plays a critical role in influencing aphid management and seed yields in legume crops, as demonstrated in this study on BARI Khesari (Grasspea)-3 (Lathyrus sativus) conducted during two consecutive rabi seasons (2020–2021) at the Pulses Research Centre (PRC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Ishwardi, Pabna. In both years, seven sowing dates were tested at weekly intervals, ranging from 9 November 2020 to 21 December 2020 in the first year and from 31 October 2021 to 12 December 2021 in the second year. The results consistently showed that late-sown crops, particularly those sown in December, experienced greater aphid infestation compared to that in the crops sown in November. Aphids preferred the succulent growth stages of the late-sown crops, leading to their increased feeding and multiplication. In 2020, the highest seed yield (1511 kg/ha) was recorded from the crops sown on 16 November, followed by those sown on 23 November (1443 kg/ha), with the yields decreasing in the crops sown later. Similarly, in 2021, the highest yield (1040.28 kg/ha) was obtained from the crops sown on 14 November, while the crops sown in December exhibited lower yields due to both delayed sowing and heavy aphid infestations. The twig infestation rates were significantly higher in the late-sown crops, reaching 60.42% and 57.71% in the crops sown on 5 and 12 December 2021, respectively. The findings from both years revealed the critical role of sowing time in managing aphid populations and enhancing seed yield. Mid-November was identified as the optimal sowing period to avoid severe aphid damage and achieve higher yields in BARI Khesari-3 cultivation.

1.21. Significance and Interaction of CaCl₂ Treatments and Genetic Background in Primula Greenhouse Crop Improvement Efforts

Savanah Senn ¹, John Creedon ², Vijay Choppakatla ³, Shelley Durocher ⁴, Madison Sajkowicz ⁴, Frederick Pettit ⁴, Sydney Everhart ⁵

¹ 

Agriculture Sciences, Plant Science Program, Los Angeles Pierce College, Woodland Hills, 91371, USA

² 

Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Connecticut, 1376 Storrs Rd. Unit 4067, Storrs, CT 06269, USA

³ 

BioSafe Systems LLC, East Hartford, CT, 06108, USA

⁴ 

Plant Science and Landscape Architecture Department, College of Agriculture Health and Natural Resources, Storrs campus, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, Connecticut, 06269, USA

⁵ 

University of Connecticut

Primula (Primrose) is an important horticultural crop grown in glass houses due to its ornamental value in the NE US. Plants that exhibit large, prolific flowers are prized. The potential of several combinations and concentrations of CaCl₂ products and a control treatment were tested in several Primrose cultivars (“Donova Mix”, Sakata) at UConn. The products tested were CalOxFT (Biosafe Systems, East Hartford, Connecticut), which is an 8-0-0 fertilizer with 10% mobilized calcium, and DowFlake (Occidental Chemical Corporation, Dallas, TX, USA), which is fundamentally a road salt product that has been adapted to horticulture research. The plants’ dry weight, number of flowers, and flower diameters were measured.

A Poisson regression model was applied using R. The statistical analysis revealed that there was an interaction between cultivar and CaCl₂ treatment (p < 0.01), suggesting high genetic variance in Primula’s response to CaCl₂. Flower color was associated with the total flower number, with the positively associated cultivars being Flower Color Pink 1, Flower Color Pink 3, and Flower Color White (p < 0.05). For example, Flower Color Blue was a mid-performer, with a mean of 62.9 total flowers, and Flower Color Pink 1 produced an average of 99.45 total flowers.

In terms of the CaCl₂ treatments, DowFlake1X and DowFlakePlusCalOx1/2 were positively associated with the number of total flowers (p < 0.05). Using Tukey’s contrasts for multiple comparisons of means, we determined that DowFlake1X resulted in significantly more flowers than those in the control, and DowFlakePlusCalOX1/2 also produced significantly more flowers per plant than that in the control during the experiment (p < 0.005). The mean number of flowers for the control group was 72.35; the DowFlake1X group had an average flower number of 81; and DowFlakePlusCalOX1/2 had an average of 79.5 flowers per plant.

There was no honestly significant difference in the average flower diameter between the CaCl₂ treatments; this parameter was determined by flower color or variety. The average flower diameters varied from 5.033 to 5.2 cm and were similar for the treatments and the control. This research may be applicable to other flowering crops and suggests that nursery operators can optimize production by selecting the top performers under CaCl₂ treatment.

1.22. Source–Sink Modulation in Chinese Potato Through Agronomic Management in the Southern Laterites of Kerala, India

Sheeba Rebecca Isaac ¹, Arunjith P. ², Manju R. V. ³

¹ 

Department of Agronomy, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Kottayam, 686563, India

² 

Specialist (Soil Scientist), Kerala State Land Use Board, Thiruvananthapuram, 695033, India

³ 

Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thiruvananthapuram, 695522, India

Introduction: Tuber crops, considered the second most important types of food crops after cereals, are bestowed with climate-resilient characters that enable them to perform under abiotic stress conditions. Productivity in tuber crops is highly governed by canopy development, photosynthetic capacity, and the translocation of photoassimilates to the roots, which are the economically valuable parts of these plants. Chinese potato [Plectranthus rotundifolius (Poir.) Spreng.] is preferred due to its short development duration and good nutritive and energy value. Nevertheless, this crop is constrained by the miniature size of its tubers, despite these being high in number. Adoption of the appropriate management strategies could influence the size of its tubers favorably and result in higher yields.

Methods: The experiment was laid out as a split-plot design using main plot treatments—m₁: the bed method (30 cm × 15 cm); m₂: the bed method (30 cm × 30 cm); m₃: the ridge method (30 cm × 15 cm); m₄: the ridge method (30 cm × 30 cm); and m₅: the mound method (30 cm × 30 cm)—and sub-plot treatments—combinations of n₁: 60:30:120 kg NPK ha⁻¹ + PGPR Mix 1; n₂: 60:30:120 kg NPK ha⁻¹; g₁: humic acid @@5 g L⁻¹, g₂: benzyl adenine @ 50 mg L⁻¹; and g₃: water spraying—with four replications for two seasons.

Results: The pooled analysis revealed the per hectare tuber yield and marketable tuber yield to be significantly the highest for the bed method of planting with a closer spacing of 30 cm × 15 cm (20.93 and 17.46 t ha⁻¹, respectively). The application of 60:30:120 kg NPK ha⁻¹ + PGPR Mix 1 + humic acid resulted in a 19.7 to 21.7 percent increase in the yields with the sole application of fertilizer.

Conclusions: The resource management options of planting the tubers in beds at 30 cm × 15 cm spacing and with the application of NPK @ 60:30:120 kg ha⁻¹ along with PGPR Mix 1 and humic acid proved superior in enhancing the source strength and realizing higher yields. The per plant performance remained markedly better under wider spacing, while better per hectare yields were found with closer spacing.

1.23. The Cultivation of Three Varieties of Solanum tuberosum L. in Substrates Containing Waste from an Abandoned Polymetallic Sulfide Mine: Effects on the Phenological Development and Metal Accumulation of the Potatoes

Ana Rita F. Coelho ^1,2, Joaquim Cawina ³, Manuela Simões ^1,2, José Almeida ^4,5, Ana Coelho Marques ^1,2, Fernando Reboredo ^1,2

¹ 

Earth Sciences Department, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal

² 

GeoBioTec Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa. Campus da Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal

³ 

Earth Sciences Department of NOVA School of Sciences and Technology, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal

⁴ 

Earth Sciences Department of NOVA School of Sciences and Technology, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal

⁵ 

GeoBioTec Research Center, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most widely produced and consumed crops worldwide and can easily be cultivated in different locations and climates. Given its importance to food and nutritional security, an experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of cultivating three varieties (Red Lady, Agria, and Désirée) in substrates containing slag and waste from the Caveira polymetallic sulfide mine, located in Grândola (Beja, Portugal), at proportions of 10:0, 10:1, 10:2, and 10:3 on the phenological development and accumulation of potentially contaminating metals in their vegetative organs. The physicochemical parameters were characterized in the substrates before and after harvest (pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, Cu, Hg, As, and Pb), as well as in the vegetative organs of S. tuberosum after harvest (Cu, As, and Pb). A physicochemical analysis of the mine leachate was also conducted, presenting a pH of 3.03 and an electric conductivity of 1240 mS/cm. The produced tubers were analyzed in terms of their dry weight, number, size, and metal concentrations. The tubers revealed the presence of Cu, Pb, and As, varying between 17.3 and 32; 5 and 27.6; and 5 and 14.8 mg/kg, respectively, considering the three varieties and all of the substrates. The cultivation substrate impacted the mobilization and accumulation of Cu, As, and Pb in the different vegetative organs, which were dependent on the variety and substrate composition. Regarding their phenological development, no influence was observed. In the three varieties, the number of tubers per plant increased in the substrates that contained mine waste compared to that in the control substrate. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used to determine the correlations between the metal concentrations in the substrates and those in the vegetative organs of the plants. It was found that potato production in contaminated soils could cause a risk to human health, with a lower risk for the Agria variety, as lower levels of contaminating metals accumulated in these tubers.

1.24. The Epidemiology of Barley Leaf Spot Diseases and Yield Loss Estimations Under No-Till Management in the Semi-Arid Region of Morocco

Hanane E.L. Wazziki

• Laboratory of Cereal Plant Pathology, National Institute of Agronomical Research (INRA), Aridoculture Centre, P.O. Box 589, Settat, Morocco

Foliar diseases pose a major challenge to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production, particularly in no-till farming systems, where pathogens thrive due to crop residues and persistent soil moisture. This study investigated the epidemiology of barley leaf diseases under no-till conditions and assessed the associated yield losses during the 2023–2024 cropping season. The experiment was conducted in Ouled Boughadi-Beni Khirane in a 2-hectare plot, using a local six-row barley variety. Foliar treatment with a systemic fungicide containing three molecules was applied to half of the plot at the early heading stage. Disease severity and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measurements were taken at different growth stages (tillering, the end of stem elongation, the end of booting, early heading, and the milk stage). The results showed a low overall severity of foliar disease (13%), with powdery mildew at 5.5%, net blotch at 4.1%, and scald at 3.2%. While fungicide treatments reduced the disease severity, there was no significant impact on grain yield, thousand-kernel weight, or biomass. This suggests that the climatic conditions, particularly drought stress, had a more substantial effect on the yield than disease pressure. In conclusion, this study reveals that foliar treatments are not cost-effective under low disease pressure and in no-till systems. Additionally, the NDVI was not a reliable indicator of the disease severity in this context, as changes in the NDVI were primarily influenced by the growth stages rather than the disease progression. An integrated approach that considers both disease management and environmental factors is crucial to optimizing crop productivity in no-till systems. Further research is needed to explore the complex interactions between diseases, agricultural practices, and environmental conditions.

2. Session: Breeding/Selection Technologies and Strategies

2.1. Combining Ability as a Strategy for the Selection of Parent Components for Highly Productive F₁ Hybrid Cucumber

Tetiana Harbovska, Oksana Serhiienko, Lina Solodovnyk, Larysa Radchenko

• Department of selection and seed production of vegetables and melons, Institute of Vegetable and Melon Growing of National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Ukraine, Instytutska str., 1, vill. Selektsiine, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, 62478

Data on combining ability are important for determining crossing pairs when obtaining hybrid genotypes. Total combining ability (GCA) shows how effectively parental lines transmit their traits to their offspring on average across all combinations. Specific combining ability (SCA) evaluates the efficiency of specific pairs of crosses. Higher SCA values indicate dominant gene effects, whereas high GCA values indicate the significant role of additive gene effects, which is consistent with the literature.

In this study, five maternal lines and four parental lines (testers) were used to obtain 16 hybrid combinations for the purpose of GCA and SCA analyses of the main selection traits, using diallel analysis through the Griffing method.

The results: During the analysis of the GCA of the variants, a highly reliable difference indicated differentiation of the parental forms of the hybrids in terms of their combining ability. It has been established that in the genetic determination of traits, a significant role belongs to genes of additive action, as well as to genes’ non-additive effects. The evaluation of the combining ability of the selection lines in the tester crossings made it possible to identify four parental forms with the greatest GCA: Ivol and SD 96-16 (maternal) and Fen and Toma-18 (parental). Four hybrid combinations—F1 (♀ RD 96 2-95 × ♂ Fen), F1 (♀ BD 96-18 × ♂ Fen), F1 (♀ Ivol D ⁹6 × ♂ Toma-18), and F1 (♀ Mag-62 × ♂ Toma-18)—showed a high SCA.

The results of this study indicate the need for two-step selection—carrying out selection and hybridization between parental forms with high and medium effects in terms of their GCA and carrying further selection work using F₁ hybrid combinations with a high SCA. The information obtained in this study was used for heterosis selection in cucumber.

2.2. Development of High-Yield, Early-Maturing Grain Amaranth

Olagorite Arinola Adetula

• National Horticultural Research Institute, P.M.B.5432, Idi-ishin, Ibadan, NIGERIA

Leaf vegetables from the Amaranthus group form a major part of the diet in Sub-Sahara Africa. The two most popular cultivars are black- and pale-seeded. Globally, Amaranth seeds are considered very important for making confectionery, biscuits, and pastry because of their high protein contents. However, the production and utilization of pale-seeded (grain) Amaranth are limited. It remains underutilized and has been unable to gain commercial recognition despite its considerable nutritional qualities and economic potential. Therefore, there is an urgent need to improve Amaranth production levels for its leaves and seeds. Amaranth grain seed was selected from an advanced population derived through breeding, NHAMARI. DNA extraction was carried out using an SDS extraction protocol. The dried leaf protocol was modified to obtain good-quality DNA. The DNA’s quality was analyzed by subjecting it to agarose gel electrophoresis. The amplified fragments were sequenced using a Genetic Analyzer 3130xl sequencer from Applied Biosystems following the manufacturer’s instructions, while the sequencing kit used was a BigDye Terminator v3.1 cycle sequencing kit. Bio-Edit software and MEGA X were used for all of the genetic analyses. The performance of the pale Amaranthus seed was excellent when it was tested in farmers’ field. Its overall acceptability was 88.5 (on a 100-point scale). The leaves matured for a first leaf harvest 10 days after transplanting it into the field. Sequencing was used to identify and separate NHAMARI within pale Amaranthus seed. The phylogenetic tree separated the Amaranth into two groups. The new improved variety, known as NHAMARI, gave a higher yield than the previously released NHAMOLA5. The seed yield was 2.8 t per hectare, compared with 2.5 t for NHAMOLA5.

2.3. Unveiling Microbial Contamination in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Micropropagation

Ardra T., Sharon Aravind, Biju C. N.

• ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research Marikunnu P.O., Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala, India-673012.

Black pepper, the “King of Spices”, is a globally acclaimed spice renowned for its distinctive flavor and aroma. To meet the increasing demand for high-quality planting materials, various in vitro propagation techniques have been developed. Despite these efforts, persistent contamination, either by fungi or bacteria, occurs during the culture process, necessitating a comprehensive investigation into the underlying causes and possible origins of microbial contaminants.

In the present investigation, explants (shoot tips) derived from the black pepper variety IISR Thevam were subjected to various sterilization protocols to minimize contamination and tissue browning. The protocols assessed included combinations of 70% alcohol for 30 s to 1 min, 0.1% mercuric chloride for 2 to 10 min, carbendazim at 0.2% and 0.4% for 30 min, propiconazole at 0.1% and 0.2% for 30 min, and sodium hypochlorite at 0.1% for 2 min. The percentage of contamination before subculturing (14 days after inoculation) was 81%, while after subculturing, the contamination reached 100%. The increased concentration and treatment time led to higher browning rates, while reduced treatment times and concentrations resulted in higher contamination rates. Despite efforts to achieve surface sterilization, fungal growth was observed in the treatments with the fungicides containing carbendazim and propiconazole at the concentrations tested. However, the final rinse samples showed no microbial growth, indicating the effectiveness of surface sterilization and the possible role of endophytic microbial contaminants. Subsequently, the fungal contaminants were collected from contaminated culture tubes and cultured on potato dextrose agar medium; the morphological characteristics were documented, and they were subjected to a molecular analysis. The morpho-molecular analyses identified the fungal contaminants as Colletotrichum fructicola, Fusarium proliferatum, and Fusarium equiseti. The present study highlights the persistence of endophytic contaminants in black pepper micropropagation and emphasizes the need to develop effective sterilization protocols within tissue culture protocols to ensure successful in vitro propagation.

2.4. Artificial Neural Networks Reveal Genetic Diversity in Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) Based on Fruit Quality Traits

João Claudio Vilvert ¹, Sérgio Tonetto de Freitas ², Tiffany da Silva Ribeiro ³, Cristiane Martins Veloso ⁴

¹ 

Graduate Program in Agronomy, State University of Southwest Bahia, Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, 45031-900, Brazil

² 

Tropical Semi-Arid Embrapa, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Petrolina, PE, 56302-970, Brazil

³ 

Graduate Program in Plant Genetic Resources, State University of Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, 44036-900, Brazil

⁴ 

Process Engineering Laboratory, State University of Southwest Bahia, Itapetinga, BA, 45700-000, Brazil

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.), a tropical fruit, is renowned as one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Breeding programs are essential for identifying superior genotypes with the desired attributes for various applications. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of acerola based on fruit quality traits. Fruits from 35 acerola genotypes, sourced from an active germplasm bank, were harvested at the fully expanded—green—and ripe—red—maturity stages. They were assessed in terms of their diameter, mass, color, firmness, soluble solid (SS) content, titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, and vitamin C content. The genetic diversity was analyzed using two approaches: (i) a classical hierarchical clustering method, the unweighted pair group method with the arithmetic mean (UPGMA), based on the Mahalanobis distance, and (ii) artificial neural networks via Kohonen self-organizing maps. Significant genetic diversity was observed across all of the quality traits at both maturity stages. Both clustering methods were consistent in identifying the genetic diversity among the acerola genotypes. The ‘Okinawa’ genotype was the most divergent at the green stage due its higher mass and firmness, as well as its high vitamin C content, making it ideal for industrial vitamin C extraction. At the red maturity stage, ’BRS Rubra’ was the most divergent, exhibiting the highest SS content and SS/TA ratio, making it suitable for fresh consumption and processing. The SS/TA ratio was the trait that contributed the most to the genetic diversity in acerola, accounting for 24.8% and 46.4% at the green and red stages, respectively. These results underscore the importance of genetic diversity studies in identifying superior genotypes with desirable quality traits. The considerable genetic variability found offers valuable opportunities for future breeding efforts to improve acerola fruit quality and enhance its market potential.

2.5. Breeding for Stripe Rust Resistance Against New Aggressive Pathotypes “238S119” and 46S119 in Hot Spot “Pyuthan” of Nepal

Khem Raj Pant ¹, Deepak Pandey ¹, Roshan Basnet ¹, Laxman Aryal ¹, Suraj Baidya ², Shiwarttan Kumar Gupt ¹, Velu Govindan ³

¹ 

National Wheat Research Program, Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal

² 

National Plant Pathology Research Center, Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal

³ 

International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Texcoco, Mexico

Stripe (yellow) rust (YR) is a major disease in wheat grown in the mid-hills and in river basin areas, but with the incursion of new aggressive races adapted to warmer temperatures, it has migrated and spread across Terai/the plains of Nepal. Formerly, the national breeding program focused on the development of agro-ecological specific resistant varieties, but with the emergence of these aggressive YR races, the strategy has been changed to tackling all three rust-resistant varieties for all domains. Advanced breeding lines were evaluated in the hot spot “Pyuthan” for three consecutive years, 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24, with 84, 124, and 160 entries, respectively, after knockdown of the popular wheat varieties “Sorgadwari” and “WK 1204” with the aggressive race 238S119 (238E159) in 2020. The new yellow rust races “238S119” and “46S119” pose a threat to national wheat production. The experiments were conducted according to an augmented design. In 2021/22, out of 84 entries, 48 entries showed a resistant to moderately resistant/moderately susceptible reaction, with a severity value of less than 30%. Similarly, in the years 2022/23 and 2023/24, out of 124 and 160 entries, 102 and 122 entries showed a resistant to moderately resistant reaction. This indicates that the national wheat breeding program has excellent genetic material for overcoming the incursion of new YR races into Nepal. The newly released biofortified wheat varieties Zinc Gahun 1, Zinc Gahun 2, Bheriganga, and Himganga and the pipeline varieties NL 1446, NL 1488, NL 1179, NL 1450, and BL 5168 displayed good levels of resistance to these new aggressive races. The farmer’s acceptance test (FAT) and seed multiplication of these high-yield, YR-resistant varieties were also carried out in farmers fields’ to replace the popular variety “Sorgadwari”, which covers almost 80% of the total area in Pyuthan. The agronomically superior varieties, with around an 8–10% grain yield advantage over “Sorgadwari”, along with durable resistance to all three types of rust, namely NL 1446, NL 1488, NL 1179, and BL 5168, are pipeline varieties for release in the near future in the mid-hills of Nepal.

2.6. Canopy Management as a Short-Term Adaptation Strategy to Counteract Heatwaves’ Impacts on Grapevines

Mirone Francesco ¹, Canton Monica ¹, Liu Shuyan ^1,2, Vincenzi Simone ^1,2, Marangon Matteo ^1,2, Tornielli Giovanni Battista ^1,2, Putti Mario ^1,2, Pitacco Andrea ^2,3, Meggio Franco ^1,4

¹ 

Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020 Padova, Italy.

² 

Interdepartmental Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology (CIRVE), University of Padova, Via XXVIII Aprile 14, 31015 Treviso, Italy.

³ 

Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020 Padova, Italy

⁴ 

Interdepartmental Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology (CIRVE), University of Padova, Via XXVIII Aprile 14, 31015 Treviso, Italy

Viticulture faces significant challenges due to climate change, impacting grapevine growth, grape quality, and wine production. Environmental factors such as rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are undergoing substantial changes. These issues, which were once confined to the warmer regions of Southern Europe, now affect cooler areas like Northern Italy, where there is an increasing frequency of storms, heavy rainfall, and heatwaves, which can lead to halted ripening and quantitative and qualitative losses (i.e., sunburn). This issue affects both red and white grape varieties, with white grapes being particularly vulnerable due to their reduced acidity levels, which are crucial for aromatic and sparkling wine production. To address the impact of high day and nighttime temperatures in the summer (from July to harvest), we tested different short-term adaptation solutions, including the use of shading nets and spraying of films of particles such as kaolin and zeolite, with the first solution reducing the overall incoming solar radiation and the latter increasing the solar radiation reflectance, thereby reducing the temperature of the vine canopy and the grapes. These experiment were carried out in an organic vineyard of the Vitis vinifera cv. Glera intended for Prosecco wine production. From pre-véraison to harvest, continuous monitoring of the berry temperature and the canopy microclimate was carried out, and physiological and morphological measurements were taken. Overall, the results revealed significant differences among the treatments in terms of the plant yield, berry size, and chemical composition of the grape must, suggesting that these approaches may hold relevance for other viticultural regions facing heat-related challenges. Additionally, the photosynthetic activity varied between the treatments, further highlighting the potential usage of these applications in mitigating the impacts of high temperatures on grapevine physiology and wine production.

2.7. Determination of Optimum Lethal Dose and Growth Reduction Using Gamma-Irradiated Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L) Verdc.) Genotypes

Johanna Shekupe Valombola ^1,2, Maryke Labuschagne ², Angeline van Biljon ², Lydia Ndinelao Horn ³

¹ 

Faculty of Education and Human Sciences, School of Education, Department of Intermediate and Vocational Education, Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus, University of Namibia, Oshakati 15001, Namibia

² 

Faculty Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Plant Sciences, Bloemfontein Campus, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, Private Bag, Republic of South Africa

³ 

Multidisciplinary Research Services, University of Namibia, Windhoek 10005, Namibia

The Bambara groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L) Verdc.) is a smart but underutilized and neglected African legume crop. Due to cleistogamy, this crop has not been improved regardless of breeding efforts made by different research agencies; hence, mutation breeding using gamma irradiation could be used for the improvement of this crop. Gamma irradiation is a mutagenic agent that induces genetic and phenotypic variability in crops. The optimum doses must be determined before starting a mutation breeding program. Four Bambara groundnut genotypes were treated with gamma irradiation at 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 Gray (Gy). This study aimed to determine the optimum median lethal dose at 50% (LD₅₀) and the growth reduction at 50% (GR₅₀) using a linear regression model. The analysis of variance showed that the growth parameters (seedling length, petiole length, and biomass) were significant. An investigation of the effect of gamma irradiation on the survival percentage, seedling length, biomass, and leaves was also conducted. The LD₅₀ for NAMCREAM, NAMBLACK, NAMBROWN, and NAMRED was 182, 251, 283, and 395 Gy, respectively. The GR₅₀ for NAMCREAM, NAMBLACK, NAMBROWN, and NAMRED was 202, 385, 423, and 446 Gy, respectively. The optimum doses were determined, and variation was observed in the gamma-irradiated genotypes and their growth parameters. The results from this study will be used for a large-scale mutagenesis plant breeding program.

2.8. Effects of Sucrose and Cytokinin on In Vitro Regeneration of Small Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton.)

Sayda Rehana ¹, Fahim Reza Jhelom ²

¹ 

Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, Bangladesh.

² 

Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) is a popular spice crop that has great commercial value. Here, we present the in vitro regeneration of a local variety of cardamom using shoot tips as explants. MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of sucrose (3% and 6%), cytokinin (1.0 mg/L, 1.5 mg/L, 2.0 mg/L, and 2.5 mg/L), and BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) was used for regeneration purposes. The ANOVA showed significant differences among all of the treatments. The highest number of shoots was shown in the 1.5 mg/L BAP (3.10 ± 0.74a) and 2.0 mg/L BAP (2.90 ± 0.74a) treatments supplemented with 6% sucrose, whereas the lowest was found in the 1.5 mg/L BAP (1.60 ± 0.70b) and 2.0 mg/L BAP (1.50 ± 0.71b) treatments with 3% sucrose. The best shoot length was observed in the treatments with 1.5 mg/L (5.50 ± 0.53a) and 2.0 mg/L (5.30 ± 0.48ab) of BAP with 6% sucrose. In terms of the root formation, the best treatments were those with 1.0 mg/L of BAP with 3% sucrose (4.10 ± 0.88a), 1.5 mg/L of BAP with 6% sucrose (3.90 ± 0.86a), and 2.0 mg/L of BAP with 6% sucrose (4.00 ± 0.82a), while longer roots were observed in the treatments with 2.5 mg/L (11.60 ± 1.26a), 1.5 mg/L (8.80 ± 0.79b), and 2.0 mg/L (7.20 ± 0.79c) of BAP mediated with 6% sucrose. The leaf number was the highest in the treatments with 2.5 mg/L (2.90 ± 0.74c), 1.5 mg/L (5.30 ± 0.82ab), and 2.0 mg/L (5.90 ± 0.74a) of BAP with 6% sucrose, whereas the lowest was found in the treatments with 2.0 mg/L of BAP with 3% sucrose (4.10 ± 0.74c) and 1.5 mg/L of BAP with 3% sucrose (4.20 ± 0.92c). Considering the parameters recorded, the treatments with 1.5 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L of BAP supplemented with 6% sucrose should be employed for the development of elite planting materials. After successful hardening and acclimatization, the platelets were transferred into the field, with a survival rate of 90%. The composition of the medium observed in the present study could be used to develop superior-quality small cardamom plants through in vitro regeneration.

2.9. Genotype × Environment Interactions in Summer Dormancy and Productivity in Cocksfoot Hybrids Across Three Contrasting Environments

Latifa Zhouri ¹, Rajae kallida ², Malika Fakiri ³

¹ 

Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture Management, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Higher School of Technology Sidi Bennour, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. des Facultés, 24 123 El Haouzia, El Jadida, Morocco.

² 

Unité de Recherche de Production Animales et Fourrage, Centre Régional de la Recherche Agronomique de Rabat, Avenue Mohamed Belarbi Alaoui B.P: Rabat-Instituts, 10101, Rabat, Maroc.

³ 

Laboratoire agroalimentaire et santé, Faculté des Sciences Techniques de Settat, Université Hassan 1er BP 577, route de Casablanca, Settat, Maroc.

Climate change is projected to amplify existing climate-related risks and create new risks to natural and human systems. Perennial forage species may represent a valuable alternative to annual forage crops by improving the environmental and economic sustainability of Mediterranean agro-pastoral farming systems through a reduction in soil erosion and the conservation of soil water. Under climate variability, a multi-environment experiment was conducted in Morocco in three contrasting environments—Annocer, Guich, and Tassaout—over three consecutive years (2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016). Measurements of productivity traits and summer dormancy were taken in 21 genotypes, 18 of which were F1 hybrids generated using two varieties of cocksfoot—Dactylis glomerata sp. glomerata and Dactylis glomerata sp. hispanica—with different ranges of senescence, parents, and values compared to the Ludac cultivar (a temperate control). An evaluation of the stability and adaptability of the cocksfoot genotypes was established through AMMI (Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction) using specific productivity traits (plant height, annual dry matter production, and spring biomass) and summer dormancy to determine the differences between genotypes across environments. The present study aimed to identify the effect of environmental control on the induction of summer dormancy and identify genotypes with both a strong mean performance and high stability. The results indicated large variability among the genotypes from year to year and location to location. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed highly significant differences (p < 0.0001), which were recorded between the genotypes in all of the traits measured, mainly due to changes in the genotype rankings. Significant effects of genotype, environment, and GxE were noted. Moreover, significant correlations (p < 0.0001) were obtained between environments. Env2 and Env3 achieved the highest mean annual dry matter.

2.10. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Next-Generation Plant Breeding: A Systematic Review of the Breeding 5.0 Paradigm

Malaika Zaheer ¹, Aamir Raza ², Abdul Malik ³

¹ 

Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, 55200, Turkey

² 

Department of Irrigation and Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan

³ 

Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into plant breeding, known as the Breeding 5.0 paradigm, represents a significant leap forward in agricultural innovation. This systematic review explores how AI-driven approaches enhance the precision, efficiency, and scalability of plant breeding by combining AI algorithms with big data analytics, high-throughput phenotyping, genomic selection, and environmental modeling. These advancements can reduce time and costs, identify genetic traits, optimize breeding strategies, and predict plant performance. AI techniques such as image analysis and reinforcement learning accelerate breeding cycles and facilitate the development of resilient genes and climate-adaptive crops. The empirical evidence demonstrates substantial improvements, including up to a 25% increase in yield and a 30% improvement in disease resistance, for crops like wheat and rice. Breeding 5.0 also enhances accessibility for a broader range of farmers, bolstering food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. However, challenges persist, particularly in data integration and accessibility. This review examines the core components of Breeding 5.0, including the role of AI in high-throughput phenotyping, smart breeding platforms, and deep learning for genomic prediction. It also addresses the ethical considerations and potential challenges associated with the use of AI in plant breeding. The synergy between AI and plant breeding is paving the way for a new era of agricultural innovation, aiming to improve sustainable crop production and address global food security challenges.

2.11. Identification of Novel Bacterial Blight Resistance in Wild Punica granatum L. from Northwestern Himalayas Using SSR Markers and Hybridization to Develop Resistant F₁ Hybrids

Rahul Sharma ¹, Som Dev Sharma ¹, Vikas Kumar Sharma ¹, Monica Sharma ¹, Rajat Sharma ², Shireen Khatri ¹

¹ 

Department of Fruit Science, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, 173230, India

² 

Department of Engineering, Durham University, Bowburn, Durham, DH65AL, United Kingdom

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivation is increasingly threatened by bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap), highlighting the need for resistant cultivars. This study aimed to identify bacterial-blight-resistant sources from indigenous wild Daru populations and assess their potential through hybridization. Wild Daru germplasms were surveyed, collected, and screened using artificial challenge inoculation, with attached leaf assays providing insights into their resistance under more realistic conditions. This study identified genotypes SH-14 and SH-16 as having the lowest disease severity (13.30%) and the longest incubation periods (9.50 days). The SSR marker analysis of 20 primers across 23 genotypes revealed 1119 scorable bands, with a high polymorphism ratio of 92.58%. Phylogenetic analysis and clustering highlighted significant genetic diversity and unique alleles in the resistant wild genotypes. Hybridization studies using commercial cultivars showed the Bhagwa × SH-16 cross achieving the highest fruit set (88.90%), while the Kandhari Kabuli × SL-23 cross had the lowest (11.0%). The fruit retention varied, with Bhagwa × SL-23 and Kandhari Kabuli × SR-11 having the highest retention percentages. These findings underscore the potential of Himalayan wild germplasms for developing bacterial-blight-resistant pomegranates and emphasize the integration of molecular markers and hybridization into breeding efforts. This research also provides valuable insights for the development of new pomegranate cultivars with enhanced resistance and improved yield potential. Future research will focus on evaluating hybrid progenies, constructing genetic linkage maps, and identifying the specific genes associated with bacterial blight resistance in pomegranate.

2.12. The Impact of Auxin and Cytokinin Concentrations on Callus Induction and the Regeneration of In Vitro Plantlets in Aromatic Katarivogh Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Fahim Reza Jhelom ¹, Tama Dutta ²

¹ 

Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Dhaka, 1215, Bangladesh

² 

Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna, 9208, Bangladesh

Population expansion is driving up the prerequisite demand for rice farming, although its productivity is steadily falling. An excess of plant growth hormones can cause somaclonal variations and impede their regeneration ability in tissue culture systems. The two main objectives of the current project were to determine the ideal dosage of plant growth hormones for the in vitro regeneration of aromatic katarivogh rice (Oryza sativa L.) and to identify the times at which somaclonal variation occurred in the transformed plantlets. Mature seedlings were employed as the initial substance for callus induction using various concentrations of 2,4-D and NAA. The probability of callus induction was approximately 93% on the MS medium including 2,4-D (2.0 mg L⁻¹) and NAA (0.5 mg L⁻¹) after six weeks of treatment. Several concentrations of BAP and Kn were employed to induce embryogenic calli and promote regeneration. The results revealed that within four weeks, the highest regeneration frequency (98%) was attained on the half-strength hormone-free MS medium incorporating BAP (3.0 mg L⁻¹) and Kn (1.0 mg L⁻¹), and the shoots produced were effectively rooted into this medium. Two weeks later, the container harboring the healthy and vigorous plantlets was refilled with soil, coco dust, and vermicompost to allow for acclimatization. The plantlets were assessed for their positive response to regeneration once they adequately appeared and were given time to harden. This developed a sizable number of shoots that could potentially be employed for upcoming genetic investigations.

2.13. Influence of Sucrose Levels and LED Light Spectra on In Vitro Propagation of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas ’Podolski’)

Nabilah Amany Samsurizal, Marta Monder, Andrzej Pacholczak

• Section of Ornamental Plants, Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland.

Cornelian cherry, or Cornus mas, is well known for its nutritional, medicinal, and ornamental uses. The cultivar Cornus mas ’Podolski’ is particularly valued for its larger fruit size, high yield, and adaptability, making it a promising candidate for commercial cultivation and landscape use. However, the conventional propagation methods are limited, necessitating the development of efficient in vitro techniques. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are currently being used as a light source for the in vitro regeneration or growth of plants in a controlled environment. The objective of the present work was to investigate the influence of varying sucrose concentrations (10 g·L⁻¹, 15 g·L⁻¹, and 20 g·L⁻¹) and different dominating LED light spectra—White (the control); Blue (B); Blue–Red (BR); and Red (R)—on the in vitro growth and morphogenesis of C. mas ’Podolski’. The parameters measured included the number of shoots, the shoot length, the number of leaves, callus induction, and the regeneration rate. It was observed that both the sucrose concentration and the light spectrum significantly influenced the in vitro growth and morphogenesis of Cornus mas ’Podolski’. Higher sucrose levels, particularly 20 g·L⁻¹ using white spectra, promoted greater shoot production, while red spectra with varying sucrose concentrations enhanced shoot elongation and leaf formation. Furthermore, 100% regeneration was observed in several treatments, indicating the high potential for successful plant regeneration under specific sucrose and light spectrum combinations. The lack of significant differences in the callus formation across the treatments suggests that callus induction is largely independent of sucrose concentration and light quality under the tested conditions. Collectively, Blue–Red spectra with varying sucrose levels are the most effective in terms of overall plant regeneration. This optimized protocol is considered for enhancing the large-scale propagation of this valuable cultivar, supporting both commercial production and conservation efforts.

2.14. The Response of a Boron-Tolerant Triticum dicoccum Genotype to High Boron Concentrations

Anamika Pandey ¹, Mohd. Kamran Khan ¹, Mehmet Hamurcu ¹, Ali Topal ², Sait Gezgin ¹

¹ 

Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkiye

² 

Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkiye

Approximately 10,000 years ago, wild emmer wheat was domesticated to develop cultivated emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccum, with the AB genome. It is considered a potential candidate for durum wheat breeding programs due to its compatibility with modern tetraploid wheat. Along with its high protein content and productive tillers, it has also been reported to be a crucial source of tolerance to different stresses such as yellow rust, common bunt, and drought stress. However, information about its tolerance to boron toxicity is limited. Here, we discuss the different responses of a boron-tolerant T. dicoccum genotype to toxic boron growth conditions. The genotype was hydroponically grown under three different boron treatments, the control, 1 mM, and 10 mM, in triplicate. The differential expression of several genes under stress conditions was found to be associated with the physiological and biochemical responses of the plants. Several transporters, including transmembrane proteins, aquaporins, and ABC transporters, have been determined as potential candidate genes for developing B toxicity tolerance. Not only were the caffeine metabolism and photosynthesis–antenna protein pathways highly enriched under high boron levels but oxidative phosphorylation, the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and metabolic pathways also showed the maximum number of DEGs. The studied boron-tolerant genotype and the identified significant DEGs could be used further by researchers to introduce B toxicity tolerance into modern wheat accessions.

Acknowledgments: The authors acknowledge the TUBITAK 1001 (No. 119O455) project for the funding provided for conducting this research work.

2.15. Response of Neglected Hexaploid Wheat Species to Combined Drought and Salinity Stress

Mohd. Kamran Khan ¹, Anamika Pandey ¹, Mehmet Hamurcu ¹, Ali Topal ², Sait Gezgin ¹

¹ 

Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk University, Konya-42130, Turkiye

² 

Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Selcuk University, Konya 42130, Turkiye

Combined drought and salinity stress, prevalent in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, is known to have more damaging effects on wheat crops as compared to those of individual drought and salinity stress conditions. Different hexaploid Triticum aestivum subspecies, including compactum spp., spelta spp., and sphaerococcum spp., have not been well explored in terms of their abiotic stress tolerance. While compactum spp. and sphaerococcum spp. are free-threshing, spelta spp. are hulled types. All of these subspecies are autogamous and can be crossed with aestivum ssp. to produce fertile offspring. Hence, it would be useful to identify and utilize the potential genotypes of these subspecies to develop stress-tolerant wheat cultivars. Thus, more than 20 genotypes of these species were screened in a hydroponic system under control, drought-stressed, salinity-stressed, and combined drought- and salinity-stressed growth conditions. The tolerance level of these genotypes was estimated in terms of their growth parameters, photosynthetic rates, relative water content, and electrical conductivity under different stress conditions. Huge genetic variation in stress tolerance was observed within and among all of the species studied. A significant correlation was identified between the stress tolerance and different parameters. The obtained results indicated that these neglected hexaploid wheat subspecies could be a potential source of combined drought and salinity stress tolerance.

Acknowledgments: The authors acknowledge the TUBITAK 1001 (No. 123R072) project for the funding provided for conducting this research work.

2.16. Stability Analysis of Egyptian Faba Bean Varieties and Their Resilience to Variable Environmental Conditions and Orobanche Parasitic Weed Infestations

Ibrahim Hassan Yacoub ¹, Vincent Gilbert Quarshie ², Samir Rabie Abo Hegazy ¹, Darwish Saleh Darwish ¹

¹ 

Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, ET 12613-Giza- Egypt

² 

Crop Science Department, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, +233, Ghana

Broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) is an obligatory parasitic weed that negatively affects faba bean hosts grown in Mediterranean countries. Breeding resistant/tolerant varieties may provide a reliable measure for the proper production under infestation. The acceleration of climate change is represented by drastic fluctuations in the elements, greatly impacting the performance of new varieties, particularly in the case of the reactions of faba beans to broomrape, which can be identified through quantitative genetics.

The results of ten field trials conducted under naturally broomrape-infested soils at the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt, during the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons were used in stability analyses. During each season, five trials were carried out on five planting dates starting at the end of October. In each trial, ten faba bean varieties from different genetic backgrounds and with different degrees of reactions to Orobanche infestation were randomly distributed as the main plots in an RCBD with three replications.

The stability analyses of performance across the twenty environments were performed using three parametric measures: two dynamic parameters (S ²d_i and b_i) and one static (CV_i%) stability parameter.

The faba bean cultivars investigated varied significantly in their mean performance and stability as measured by all of the parameters. Based on the ranking of their performance using the centroid method for seed yield plot⁻¹ or host plant⁻¹, podded host%, and number of broomrape plants, the varieties identified as broomrape-tolerant, particularly the synthetic ones, seemed to be more adaptable across wide environmental conditions and levels of infestation. The seed production of these varieties did not seem to be affected across the environments studied in spite of the variable broomrape levels recorded. Thus, to breed promising and resilient faba bean varieties, lines should be screened under several environmental conditions, and those showing a reliable performance could be synthesized according to tests of their general combining ability.

2.17. Stimulation of Spring Wheat Growth Using Various Combinations of Spectral Compositions of LED Light

Ilya Duvanov ¹, Irina Valerievna Pronina ^1,2, Olga Popova ¹, Dmitry Miroshnichenko ¹

¹ 

Laboratory of Cellular Biotechnologies of Grain Crops Embryogenesis, Federal Research Center Nemchinovka, 121205 Moscow, Russia

² 

Department of Physiology, Human Ecology and Medical and Biological Sciences, State University of Education, 141014 Mytishi, Russia

Additional lighting is required to cultivate crops in northern latitudes and in greenhouse conditions. In the present study, the effect of two light-emitting diode sources on the growth and yield of the spring wheat cv. Zlata was studied. The plants were cultivated under complete isolation from sunlight. We employed two light spectra established using commercially available LED lamps, provided by UnieL, China (prevalently red light), and Agroaspect, Russia (prevalently blue light). The growth conditions, including the temperature, humidity, watering, fertilization, and length of the photoperiod, were the same for all plants.

Cultivation under the red light resulted in faster plant development and earlier heading, flowering, and ripening in the Zlata cv. Under blue light, the time from sowing to harvesting was 107 days, while the application of the red spectral range reduced the growth time to 79 days. This led to a 2-fold decrease in the number of ears per plant, shortening of the flag leaf, and a 2-fold decrease in the total number of seeds per plant. Under blue light, the average weight of 1000 seeds from the Zlata cv. was 41.75 g, and the protein content reached 17.65%. In contrast, growing the plants under red light led to a decrease in the average seed weight to 30.1 g, and the protein content reduced to 16.75%.

Although the red spectral range leads to a decrease in the yield and quality of wheat seeds, this technical approach makes it possible to shorten the growth time and achieve four cycles of growing wheat plants per year in well-controlled installations. The use of the blue spectral range can be used for the production of a sufficient number of high-quality seeds to speed up wheat breeding.

2.18. Jatropha curcas as a Substitute for Ricinus communis in Biodiesel Production in the Semi-Arid Region of Brazil

Rosangela Leal Santos ^1,2, Jhenifer Souza Gonçalves ³, Ana Paula dos Santos Melo ⁴

¹ 

Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana / Departamento de Tecnologia

² 

Av. Transnordestina, s/n, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil, CEP 44.036-900

³ 

Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana / Departamento de Biologia Av Transnordestina, s/n, Novo Horizonte, Feira de Santana, Habia, Brazil, CE 44036-900

⁴ 

Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana/ Programa de Pós Graduação em Modelagem em Ciências da Terra e do Ambiente Av. Transnordestina, s/n, Novo horizonte, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brazil, CEP 44036-900

In Brazil, public policies have promoted the use of renewable energies, with a particular emphasis on biofuels, as well as research into the replacement of fossil fuels, among which biodiesel stands out. The primary species used for biodiesel production is castor bean (Ricinus communis), which is widely disseminated in the semi-arid region due to its resistance to long dry periods and its requirement for highly fertile soil. However, another crop is emerging in this process: Jatropha curcas L. This species, native to Brazil and belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, as castor bean does, requires strong sunlight and is also highly drought-resistant. Additionally, it can tolerate increased rainfall and soil with poor chemical characteristics. This study presents the results of three years of cultivation of Jatropha curcas and castor bean at the Rio Seco Experimental Station (Amélia Rodrigues, Bahia, Brazil), a region located in the marginal zone of the semi-arid area, which is also hot but has a higher rainfall index and chemically poor soil, comparing their productivity and respective edaphoclimatic aptitude. It was observed that castor bean is significantly restricted in its resistance to humidity, as its cultivation and development showed low production, frequently associated with fungal action due to humidity, and a low yield due to the type of soil, resulting in its non-viability for biofuel production in this region. However, Jatropha curcas showed better results, indicating its greater adaptability. Nevertheless, Jatropha curcas is still a little-known plant, both in terms of its productive cycle and productivity, requiring further studies to efficiently monitor its phenological cycle and the duration of its productive cycle.

2.19. The Effect of Abiotic Stress on the Production of Alkaloids from the Callus Tissue of Datura and Solanum Species

Zeinab Kanani ¹, Sayadat El-tigan ²

¹ 

Department of Biology, Taif University, Taif City, Kingdom of Saudi arabia, 2627-9086-29731, Turabha

² 

Faculty of Science, department of botany, Faculty of Science, University of Khartoum, Sudan

Medicinal plants have increasing worldwide potential in pharmacological therapies, and their secondary metabolites are effective, with no adverse effects on the body. Technologies for plant cell culture have proven to be useful for both researching and generating plant secondary metabolites in vitro, and phytochemicals are reported to defend against abiotic stresses. This study employed four different types of abiotic elicitors (UV, NaCl, GA3, and Pt) to examine the relationship between abiotic stresses and the generation of secondary metabolites from Datura stramonium, D. innoxia, Solanum nigrum, and S. dubium. After breaking seed dormancy, callus tissues were derived from two organs: the seeds and leaves of all four species. In the callus tissue, the highest mean total alkaloid levels recorded in the leaves were observed, in ascending order, in S. dubium ˂ D. stramonium ˂ D. innoxia ˂ S. nigrum, while these values in the seeds were scored as S. dubium ˂ D. innoxia ˂ S. nigrum ˂ D. stramonium. The resulting alkaloids from the calli treated with different elicitors showed that the highest alkaloid levels were obtained from the S. nigrum seeds treated with GA3 (1082.02 μg/mL), and the lowest alkaloid levels (58.17 μg/mL) were observed in the leaves treated with platinum and in the control D. stramonium seeds. The seed explants had a greater alkaloid production than that of the leaves in all species. Atropine, a tropane alkaloid, was detected in 13 samples using GC/MS. The D. innoxia seeds treated with NaCl had the highest atropine concentrations (18.82 ppm).

2.20. Unraveling the Breeding Potential of Cytolines of Indian Cauliflower

Saurabh Singh ¹, Srija Priyadarsini ², Alok Nandi ³, Reeta Bhatia ⁴, Shyam Sunadar Dey ⁴

¹ 

Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh 284003, India

² 

Department of Vegetable Science, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, India-751003

³ 

Department of Vegetable Science, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India-751029

⁴ 

ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India-110012

Among cole vegetables (Brassica oleracea L.), Indian cauliflower holds a predominant position in India in terms of its area and production. Cauliflower and other cole vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, and knol khol are reservoirs of nutrients, vitamins, antioxidant compounds, and secondary metabolites like glucosinolates. Thus, enhancing the productivity of cole vegetables is of the utmost importance to combating hunger and malnutrition globally. The development of hybrids is one effective way to increase the productivity of vegetable crops. In this context, cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) has proven instrumental in accelerating the breeding programs for cole vegetables. In the past few decades, a large number of cauliflower cytolines consisting of the Ogura cytoplasm have been developed at ICAR, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, through repeated backcrossing. To unravel the true genetic and breeding potential of these cytolines, appraisal of the morphological, reproductive, and seed traits of these lines is essential. The present investigation indicated that some of the CMS lines proved promising and could be exploited to develop high-yielding early hybrids. The results also confirmed a reduction in the nectar volume and flower size in the cytolines as compared to these values of their male fertile counterparts, which was attributed to the introgression of the sterile cytoplasm. High heritability estimates also indicated the role of selection in the present germplasm. The introgression of the cytoplasm also resulted in changes in the petal size and sepal size. The results of the current study are instrumental for formulating an effective breeding strategy for the exploitation of these cytolines in accelerating cauliflower breeding.

3. Session: Sustainable Soil Management and Farming Systems

3.1. Assessing the Efficacy of Citronella and Oregano Biochar for Soil Enhancement

Marwa Rammal ¹, May Issa ², Catherine Tannous ³, Akram Hijazi ⁴

¹ 

Plateforme de recherche et d’analyse en sciences de l’environnement (EDST-PRASE), Beirut P.O. Box 6573/14, Lebanon.

² 

Lebanese University Faculty of Agronomy Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Beirut Lebanon Box 6573/14, Lebanon

³ 

Platform de recherché et d’analyse en sciences de l’environnement (EDST-PRASE), Beirut P.O Box 6573/14, Lebanon

⁴ 

Lebanese University Platform de recherche et d’analyse en sciences de l’environnement (ESDT-PRASE), Beirut P.O Box 6573/14, Lebanon

Organic waste constitutes the majority of waste in Lebanon, at over 52%. This study aimed to valorize organic waste and turn it into an environmental benefit by investigating the use of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) and oregano (Origanium syriacum) residues as biochar. These plants are known for their aromatic compounds, and substantial waste is produced during their cultivation and processing. The biochar was produced through pyrolysis at 400 °C in a muffle furnace under an atmosphere devoid of oxygen for one hour. The efficiency of the oregano and citronella biochar as soil amendments (1% of 100 g of soil mass) was evaluated by studying oregano plant germination, conducting soil analyses, and assessing its absorbency for methylene blue. The oregano biochar demonstrated the best performance, with significant improvements in plant height of 24 cm, leaf dimensions of a 1.5 cm width and a 1.7 cm length, chlorophyll concentrations of 62.22% chlorophyll b and 37.36% chlorophyll a, and good soil nutrient levels. The citronella biochar effectively removed 88.8% of the methylene blue dye. After cultivation, the results showed that amendment with the biochar offers an appropriate alternative strategy for achieving a higher essential oil yield (higher by 30% than that in the other groups) from oregano plants without compromising the aroma quality of the soil. This study highlights the potential of using agricultural residues to create biochar and add it strategically as a fertilizer, which has the concomitant advantage of enriching the soil’s fertility for long-term sustainable agriculture, with the potential to reduce chemical fertilizer inputs, contributing to a circular bioeconomy and offering regional economic benefits.

3.2. Assessment of the Soil’s Fertility for Sugar Beet in the Irrigated Area of Doukkala (Faregh)

Tahar Hamdouni ¹, Abdelkrim Bouasria ^1,2, Fatna Zaakour ³

¹ 

Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, 24000, Morocco

² 

Agmetrix, El Jadida, 24000, Morocco

³ 

Laboratory of Sustainable Agriculture Management, Higher School of Technology Sidi Bennour, Chouaib Doukkali University, Sidi Bennour, 24350, Morocco

The reasonable management, protection, and maintenance of the fertility and productive potential of the soil, as a resource that is not particularly renewable, are essential to ensure food security and sustainability. This work aimed to study the properties and fertility of the soil in the Faregh area, which is the first area to be equipped with irrigation in the Doukkala area. Physicochemical characterization of the soil was carried out by means of laboratory analyses, and assessments of its fertility were carried out on the basis of the recognized standards and using statistical methods. Soil samples were taken at the 0–30 cm level at 80 sites. The measured physicochemical parameters were as follows: clay (A), silt (L), sand (S), exchangeable potassium (K), assimilable phosphorus (P), pH, organic matter (OM), and boron (B). The results obtained show that the soils have a balanced sandy texture (A = 15.43, L = 14.35, S = 70.22%), with high variability (CV > 35%) in A and L and average variability (20.29%) in S. The soils studied are poor in terms of their OM (average = 1.05%), with an average variability (CV = 34.4%), while their pH tends to be neutral (average = 7.43). In 76.3% of cases, the pH has low variability (CV = 6.96%). A proportion of 63.7% of the soil is rich in K (135.41 ppm), while 82.6% of the soil is rich in P (73.79 ppm). However, the majority of the soil (82.5%) is poor in terms of its boron content (average = 0.42 ppm). These three parameters have high variability (CV > 35%). The texture and pH of the soil are suitable for sugar beet cultivation. The contributions of K and P depend on the desired yield, and boron must be added to avoid yield losses. The soil’s organic matter must be recovered by adding manure and through good management of residues.

3.3. The Development of a Simplified Library for Over-The-Air (OTA) Firmware Updates on ESP32/ESP8266 Devices with a Secure Web Interface

Ronald José Contijo, Wenderson Nascimento Lopes, Renan de Oliveira Alves Takeuchi

• Control and Industrial Processes, Federal Institute of Paraná—Jacarezinho Campus, Federal Institute of Paraná, Jacarezinho, 86400-000, Brazil

The present work is aimed at the development of a simplified library for remote firmware updates (Over-The-Air—OTA) on ESP32/ESP8266 devices. This library seeks to facilitate the integration of OTA systems with a secure and ergonomic web interface, providing a practical solution for embedded system developers. The local interface is developed using HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSSs), and JavaScript, while the solution for external networks also utilizes the Django framework to host and manage new binaries. The primary objective of this library is to reduce the complexity of OTA implementations, allowing them to be configured using just a few lines of code without compromising a project’s functionality. This solution is especially useful in Internet of Things (IoT) applications, where remote firmware maintenance and updates are crucial requirements and in some cases are very laborious to carry out. The library is designed to be lightweight, enabling its integration across different development environments, from local networks to external network systems. This work contributes to the advancement of remote maintenance techniques in embedded systems and represents a valuable tool for the developer community, promoting the scalability and longevity of microcontroller-based projects. This library will be made available on GitHub, an open-source code-hosting platform.

3.4. Exploring the Potential of Soybean as an Intercrop in Maize-Based Cropping Systems

Muhammad Asad ^1,2

¹ 

Department of Agronomy, Northeast Agricultural University, China

² 

Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan

The traditional maize farming practices in Pakistan are labor-intensive and add to the depletion of the soil’s fertility. Soybeans, as a leguminous crop, are capable of restoring soil health, making maize–soybean intercropping an effective pathway for ameliorating maize production. A field experiment was designed and conducted in the autumn of 2019 at the Agronomic Research Farm, the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to evaluate the impact of soybean intercropping on the maize yield. The experiment followed a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A involved two maize planting geometries (MPGs): alternate single-row maize planting on 75 cm spaced ridges and alternate double-row planting on 75 cm ridges. Factor B included four soybean intercropping techniques (SITs): no intercropping; brown manuring 30 days after sowing (DAS); its use as a fodder crop 60 DAS; and its use as a grain crop at maturity. The standard methods were used to record parameters related to soil health, growth, and the yield of both crops. The results indicated that maize planted in alternate single rows with soybean as a grain crop achieved higher values in terms of plant height (205.17 cm), 1000-grain weight (372.97 g), biological yield (19.10 t/ha), grain yield (8.65 t/ha), and harvest index (2.9). The soybeans’ growth, however, was generally superior when they were intercropped in alternate double rows. Both the MPG and the SIT significantly influenced the performance of maize and soybean, with alternate single-row maize and soybean grain crop intercropping found to be the most economical option under Faisalabad’s agro-ecological conditions.

3.5. Agroforestry as a Mitigatory Tool for Land Degradation: The Effect of Organic Manure on the Soil’s Physicochemical Properties in a Newly Established Wild-Pomegranate-Based Agroforestry System

Sheetal Thakur ¹, KS Pant ², Prem Prakash ³, Harish Sharma ⁴

¹ 

Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University Of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173230, India

² 

Additional Director, Veer Chandra Singh Gharwali Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, Bharsar, Puri Gharwal, Uttrakhand, 246123, India

³ 

Assistant Professor, Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, 173230, India

⁴ 

Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture Sciences, DAV University Jalandhar

Land is a non-renewable resource essential for human development, supporting our need for food, shelter, and growth. However, since the 20th century, land degradation has rapidly increased due to environmental damage, population growth, urbanization, industrial expansion, and unsustainable land use. This degradation has become a critical environmental, social, and economic problem worldwide. Sustainable land management practices, such as agroforestry, are promising solutions for restoring degraded lands and maintaining soil health. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effects of organic manure on the soil’s physicochemical properties within a newly established wild-pomegranate-based agroforestry system on land that had been abandoned for several years. This research was conducted at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, during the year 2020–2021. The four treatments studied during the experiment were as follows: T1—the Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF); T2—Farm Yard Manure (FYM); T3—Goat Manure; and T4—the control. Additionally, two varieties of Pisum sativum, i.e., Pusa Pragati and the JK-124 hybrid, were included to assess their performance. The soil’s physicochemical properties were tested before the start of the experiment and at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the soil’s properties had improved significantly by the end of the experiment. Improvements were observed particularly under the application of T3, the Goat Manure, producing the best results in terms of the soil’s physicochemical properties. These enhancements contribute to a more favorable environment for plant growth and overall soil health. This model could be a potentially economical, as well as ecological, land use system for the region, but more elaborate studies over longer periods of time are required.

3.6. The Associated Cultivation of Ceratonia siliqua L. and Spergularia salina J. Presl: A Sustainable Strategy for Mitigating Salt Stress in Agriculture

Yassine Mouniane ¹, Amol Vibhute ², Amir Souissi ³, Issam El-Khadir ⁴, Ahmed Chriqui ⁴, Driss Hmouni ⁴

¹ 

Laboratory of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofaïl University—KENITRA-University Campus, Kenitra 14000, Morocco

² 

Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research (SICSR), Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune-411016, MH, India.

³ 

Swift Current Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Swift Current, SK, Canada

⁴ 

Natural Resources and Sustainable Development laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, B.P 242, Kenitra, Morocco

Soil salinization represents a major challenge for agriculture, severely limiting plant growth. At present, over 1000 million ha are threatened by this phenomenon, aggravated by climate change and human practices such as excessive irrigation. This problem leads to a drop in agricultural yields and threatens food security. It is crucial to develop sustainable agricultural strategies, including adapted management practices and innovative solutions, to mitigate the effects of salinization. This study explores the potential of the combined cultivation of Ceratonia siliqua L. (carob) and Spergularia salina J. Presl as a strategy for enhancing growth in a saline environment. Four levels of NaCl concentrations were applied, ranging from 0 mM/L to 257 mM/L. The key parameters assessed included the soil’s electrical conductivity, morphological parameters, and various physiological and biochemical indicators of stress. The results show that the combination of Ceratonia siliqua and Spergularia salina significantly improves the salt tolerance of carob plants compared with that in monoculture, as evidenced by the marked difference in the parameters measured. The findings of this study suggest that the associated cultivation of Ceratonia siliqua and Spergularia salina could represent a sustainable solution for maintaining agricultural productivity in saline environments. Indeed, this method not only proves to be effective in improving crops’ resilience to salt stress but also offers significant benefits for sustainable soil management.

3.7. Circular and Agroecological Practices for Improving Integrated Systems

Martha Elena Domínguez-Hernández ¹, Arnulfo Domínguez-Hernández ², Elisa Domínguez-Hernández ¹

¹ 

Department of Agricultural Sciences. Faculty of Higher Education Cuautitlan. National Autonomous University of Mexico. Mexico. 54714. Mexico

² 

Sustainable Biophysical Systems for Food, Agriculture and Medicine, Department of Research and Graduate Education, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (Zacatenco), National Polytechnic Institute. Mexico City. 07738. Mexico

Conventional agriculture encompasses agricultural and livestock systems that are highly specialized and often associated with a negative environmental impact and dependency on external inputs. Integrated systems are a sustainable alternative for production where, in addition to increased diversity, nutrient recycling is promoted under a circularity approach. This research evaluated the effect of circular and agroecological practices on the yield and soil properties of an integrated corn + sheep + forage system. Four treatments were tested in a completely randomized design with three replications: associated maize + vetch without fertilization (MV), maize fertilized with sheep manure (MM), associated maize + vetch fertilized with sheep manure (MVM), and maize with chemical fertilization (CFM). The response variables were grain and forage yield (maize stover + vetch), the soil’s bulk density, the soil’s organic matter, and the soil’s nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). The results revealed significant statistical differences (p = 0.003) in the forage yield and the soil’s potassium content. The combination of the animal fertilizer and crop association practices (MVM) increased the grain and forage yields compared to that under the chemically fertilized monoculture (CFM) by 2.3 and 5.8 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively. The MVM treatment increased the soil’s potassium content (p = 0.027), organic matter, and ammoniacal nitrogen and decreased its bulk density. In conclusion, implementing circular and agroecological practices allows for a sustainable improvement in integrated systems, as the production costs for fertilization and animal feed are reduced, the crop yield per unit area is increased, soil quality is improved, diversity in the production unit is favored, and the environmental impact is reduced by promoting nutrient recycling.

3.8. Conservation Agriculture as an Integrated and Regenerative Farming System for Environment Sustainability in Drylands

Rachid Mrabet

• Department of Agronomy, National Institute of agricultural research INRA, Avenue de la victoire P.O. Box 415, Rabat 10000, Morocco

Combining Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Integrated Farming Systems (IFSs) can be both a powerful approach and tool for promoting and regenerating environmental sustainability in drylands. Such a combination can include (i) the integration of various agricultural activities like crops, livestock, and trees within a single CA farm; (ii) the creation of a closed-loop system where the waste from one component becomes an input for another; and (iii) the promotion of circularity practices, like using livestock manure as fertilizer for CA crops. The most relevant benefits to drylands are (i) increased nutrient cycling and reduced reliance on external inputs; (ii) improved farm biodiversity and resilience; and (iii) the potential for additional income streams from livestock or trees. When combined, CA and IFSs offer even greater benefits: i) the excess crop residues from CA can be used as feed or bedding for livestock in IFSs; (ii) the manure from livestock in IFSs can be composted and used as fertilizer for crops in CA, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers; and (iii) the improved soil health due to CA benefits both crops and trees in IFSs. For their successful integration, challenges to consider are the private and public investments required to simultaneously adopt CA and IFSs; thorough changes in the traditional practices and mindsets; the development of research and extension efforts; increased and continuous support to and motivation in farmers; and strengthening and downscaling the government policies that play a role in incentivizing the adoption of CA and IFSs for sustainable agriculture and food security.

3.9. The Dual Benefits of the Application of Zinc to the Soil: Enhancing Wheat’s Resilience and Zinc Content While Mitigating Cadmium Toxicity

Noor ul Nida

• Department of Agronomy, Faculty Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils poses a significant risk to crop productivity and food safety, highlighting the need for effective mitigation strategies. This study introduces a novel approach to alleviating Cd-induced stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by applying zinc (Zn) to the soil, aiming to enhance both crop resilience and the Zn content in the grain. Conducted at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, during the winter season of 2022–2023, the experiment utilized a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a factorial arrangement and three replicates. The treatments included combinations of three Cd levels (0 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 15 mg/kg) and three Zn levels (0 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 60 mg/kg).

The findings revealed that Cd stress markedly inhibited wheat growth, with the most severe impacts on plant height, biomass, grain yield, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rate observed at 15 mg/kg of Cd. Remarkably, the application of Zn effectively counteracted these effects, particularly at high Cd levels. Specifically, Zn improved plant height by 24%; shoot biomass by 10%; chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate by 6.4% and 80%, respectively; and grain yield by 41% while increasing the biological yield by 11%. Notably, the application of Zn at 60 mg/kg not only elevated the Zn content in the grain by 20% and its protein content by 9% but also reduced the grain’s Cd content by up to 38% compared to that in the control with 15 mg/kg of Cd.

This study underscores the innovative use of Zn to simultaneously mitigate Cd-induced stress and improve the nutritional quality of wheat grains. The significant improvement in both the growth parameters and grain quality under Zn application highlights its potential as a dual-purpose strategy for enhancing crops’ resilience and nutritional value, offering new insights into sustainable soil management and biofortification practices.

3.10. Effect of Coal Char Concentrations on Soil Bulk Density and Soil Water-Holding Capacity

Resham Thapa ¹, Pranav Shrestha ²

¹ 

Center for Carbon Capture and Conversion, School of Energy Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 82072, USA

² 

Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA

Coal char (CC) is a porous carbon material prepared through the pyrolysis of coal, which burns off its volatile matter, leaving behind a high-carbon solid material. Adding porous material to the soil can directly affect the soil’s physical properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of different CC concentrations on the bulk density (Db) and water-holding capacity (WHC) of sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils using CC concentrations of 0 (control), 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40% by soil weight (w/w) in a greenhouse pot experiment. The results indicate that the soil’s Db is significantly different (p < 0.01) in CC-treated soils compared to that in non-treated soil. The results of the regression analysis suggested that an increase in the CC concentration reduced the soil’s bulk density in both soils (Figure 1), and there was a high correlation between the CC concentrations and soil Db, with R2 values of 0.8171 and 0.9050 in the sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils, respectively. The soil WHC in both soils was significantly different (p < 0.01) after the 5% CC treatments compared to that under the control treatment. There was a linear response between WHC and CC concentration and a greater correlation between the soil’s WHC and the CC application rates, with R2 values of 0.9871 and 0.9472 in the sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils, respectively. The micropores of CC may have contributed to the higher water-holding capacity in both soils.

3.11. The Effects of Aloe-Vera-Based Hydrochar on Cherry Tomatoes and the Soil’s Microbial Activities: The Amendments Immediately and After Six Months

María Dolores Fernández ¹, Dimitrios Kalderis ², Concepción García-Gómez ¹

¹ 

Department of Environment and Agronomy. Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC). Ctra. A Coruña, km 7.5. Madrid 28040, Spain

² 

Department of Electronic Engineering. Hellenic Mediterranean University, Chania 73100, Greece

Hydrochar, a carbon-based material, is synthesized through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) at temperatures ranging from 180 to 250 °C. In this study, aloe vera residues were utilized as the feedstock for the HTC process. The impacts of untreated aloe-based hydrochar were assessed at various application rates (0.5%, 1%, and 3%) in agricultural soil and at different residence times in the soil (immediately after application and after six months of weathering). Two successive sowings of tomato seeds (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme) were conducted in pots five months apart. The investigation focused on the effects of the addition of the hydrochar on the seed germination, plant growth, photosynthetic pigment concentrations, and oxidative stress biomarkers in 35-day-old tomato plant leaves. Additionally, the changes in the soil’s pH, electrical conductivity, and functions mediated by microorganisms were examined. Most of the effects of the freshly added hydrochar were dose-dependent. Notably, a reduction in the germination rate and an increase in the soil’s salinity at the 3% hydrochar loading were the most concerning outcomes. The parameters most sensitive to hydrochar application were carotenoid levels and the soil’s enzymatic activities (in terms of dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and ammonium oxidase) across all of the concentrations studied. Elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes, proteins, and malondialdehyde were observed in the leaves only at the highest dose. The most significant finding was an increase in guaiacol peroxidase activity. Over time, except for the changes in the photosynthetic parameters and the soil’s phosphatase activity, most of the effects vanished (germination, protein and malondialdehyde levels, and antioxidant enzymes) or were significantly reduced (notably guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and dehydrogenase activities). These reductions are consistent with the degradation of the more labile toxic components of hydrochar in the soil. These findings underscore the necessity of rigorously testing the materials derived from hydrothermal carbonization prior to their application at the agricultural scale. At the highest application rate, a safety period post-application appears essential to mitigate any adverse effects on soil biota.

3.12. Investigating the Electronic Structure of Cobalt-Iodide-Filled Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes to Control Toxicity to Plants

Marianna V. Kharlamova

• Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, Russia

The toxicity of nanomaterials to plants is an important issue in the agricultural field. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have a small diameter of about 2 nm, and they are toxic to single cells in plants. To reduce the toxicity of SWCNTs, SWCNTs can be filled. Filling SWCNTs encompasses loading their inner spaces with different substances. The physics of filled SWCNTs define their toxicity. First, the microstructure of a filled SWCNT is an important point. Second, the electronic properties of a filled SWCNT are also a significant point. The microstructure and electronic properties of filled substances are different from their unfilled counterparts. These should be studied in order to reveal their differences and to model the properties of filled nanomaterials. It is known that the band structures of encapsulated substances with one-dimensional atomic structures are very different from those with three-dimensional band structures. These differences lead to new electronic structures under doping and Fermi-level variations. Here, cobalt iodide (CoI₂) was loaded into SWCNTs with a diameter of 1.4 nm. Transmission electron microscopy testing showed the loading of cobalt iodide into the SWCNTs and crystal formation. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy proved the p-doping of the SWCNTs with cobalt iodide. The information we obtained is needed to reduce the toxicity of nanomaterials to plants and reduce grass growing using nanomaterials in the agricultural field.

3.13. Evaluating the Effects of Myco-Vermicompost on the Growth Performance of Pak Choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis)

Syarifah Rokiah Syd Kamaruzaman ¹, Nurul Afidah Umoruddin ¹, Fadhilnor Abdullah ¹, Siti Aminah Mohd Hassan ², Siti Rafeeqah Romle ¹, Badrul Hisham Johari ¹

¹ 

Institute Sustainable of Agrotechnology, University of Malaysia Perlis, Sg.Chucuh Campus, 02100 Padang Besar Perlis Malaysia

² 

Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Campus Unicity Alam Sg. Chucuh, University of Malaysia Perlis, 02100 Padang Besar Perlis Malaysia

This study evaluates the effects of Myco-Vermicompost produced by African Night Crawlers (ANCs) from mushroom waste on the growth performance of Pak Choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). Myco-Vermicompost is a high-value organic fertilizer enriched with macro- and micronutrients, vitamins, enzymes, and growth hormones, offering a promising alternative to inorganic fertilizers. An experiment was designed to investigate the effects of Myco-Vermicompost in combination with biochar and topsoil on the growth and productivity of Pak Choi. The Pak Choi was planted using different growing media combinations mixed approximately with Myco-Vermicompost in six (6) different treatments. The six treatments were tested, which included Myco-Vermicompost (T1), rice husk (T2), and topsoil (T3) and the combinations Myco-Vermicompost + rice husk (T4), Myco-Vermicompost + topsoil (T5), and Myco-Vermicompost + topsoil + rice husk (T6). At the end of the experimental trial, the fresh weight and dry weight of the leaves and roots and the total fresh and dry weight of the Pak Choi were recorded to assess its growth performance. The results indicated that the highest fresh weight was recorded in the plants treated under T4, with values of 83.58 g for the leaves, 16.98 g for the roots, and 97.48 g for total fresh weight. In contrast, the lowest fresh weight was observed in the plants treated with biochar only (T2), for which we recorded 20.08 g for the leaves, 5.58 g for the roots, and 25.65 g for total fresh weight. In terms of dry weight, the Pak Choi planted using the topsoil (T3) showed the highest readings, with 8.54 g for the leaves, 1.52 g for the roots, and 10.06 g for total weight, while the lowest readings were recorded under the biochar treatment (T2), with 1.80 g for the leaves, 0.50 g for the roots, and 2.30 g for total weight. All of the treatments showed significant differences (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that using Myco-Vermicompost significantly enhances growth performance, including in terms of plant dry weight, height, and leaf area, compared to that under the normal soil treatment. Therefore, combining Myco-Vermicompost with soil has a significant positive impact on Pak Choi’s growth performance.

3.14. Examining the Correlation Between the Consolidation Coefficient and the Impact Value of Dry Humus-Rich Surface Soils

Ronald Kuunya ¹, Magdoline Mustafa Ahmed ², Akasairi Ocwa ¹, András Tamás ¹, Péter Ragán ¹

¹ 

Institute of Land Use, Engineering and Precision Farming Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 138 Böszörményi street, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.

² 

Environment, Natural Resources and Desertification Research Institute, the National Center for Research, Khartoum, Sudan.

Humus-rich soils are vital to arable farming, particularly in regions like Central and Eastern Europe, where they dominate the uppermost soil layers. These soils are characterized by their loose structure, which supports crop growth, but they are also vulnerable to degradation due to soil mechanics such as the consolidation coefficient (CV) and the impact value (IV). These factors affect soil particle firmness, structure, and nutrient availability. Despite their importance, the correlation between the CV and IV has not been sufficiently studied. This research aimed to investigate the relationship between these two variables. An experiment was conducted at Látókép Experimental Station (Debrecen, Hungary) using a calibrated EM38 sensor mounted onto a metal-free sledge. The sensor was towed across a dry, non-irrigated plot, taking 1443 soil conductivity readings at a depth of 0.5 m. The plot’s elevation averaged 118 m, with coordinates of a 21.44681° longitude and a 47.55311° latitude. The collected data were analyzed using Excel, Past 4.11, and MedCal Statistical Software, with a predetermined null hypothesis significance level of p ≥ 0.05. The results revealed a skewness range from −0.747 to 0.185 and a p-value of 0.0001, indicating a strong correlation between the CV and the IV. The p-value suggested that the null hypothesis could be rejected, supporting the existence of a significant relationship. Conclusively, the CV and the IV are closely related in humus-rich soils, and measuring them concurrently is essential when using EM38 sensors. This could help improve our understanding of soil consolidation, providing valuable insights for maintaining soil health and optimizing agricultural productivity.

3.15. Exploring the Nexus of Ecosystem Dynamics, Environmental Sustainability, and Climate Change in Agriculture

Frank Yeboah Adusei, Muhammad Dawood Ahmadzai

• Department of Agricultural, Leadership and Community Education, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 175 West Campus Dr., MC 0343 Blacksburg, VA 24061

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by examining the interplay between ecosystems, the environment, and climate change, specifically in agriculture within the Ejura-Sekyedumase District of Ghana. Unlike previous studies covering various regions, this research focuses on a district known for its diverse ecosystems, including both savanna and forest vegetation. By narrowing the geographical scope, this study provides a localized perspective on farmers’ views in this district.

This research employs a comprehensive approach using structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, offering a holistic understanding of farmers’ perspectives, their understanding of climate change, and their adaptation strategies. Using purposive sampling, this study ensures the representation of different sub-districts and farming practices, enhancing the robustness and generalizability of its findings. The sample consisted of 40 farmers, with 30 male and 10 female farmers, representing 75% and 25%, respectively. The key findings highlight significant shifts in local ecosystems and the direct impact of climate change on farming practices and crop yields. This study reveals farmers’ appreciation of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and agriculture, along with their commitment to sustainable practices. Notably, 69% of the farmers (45% male and 24% female) were dedicated to adopting sustainable agricultural practices. The emphasis on agroecological approaches, such as agroforestry and integrated pest management, reflects their innovative strategies for resilience and mitigating the effects of climate change. This study underscores the importance of government interventions, suggesting policy support, financial aid, and the dissemination of technical knowledge to facilitate the broader adoption of sustainable practices. Although this study is focused on the Ejura-Sekyedumase District, its insights are relevant to other regions with similar challenges. Policymakers and agricultural extension services can use these findings to design strategies that enhance climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic well-being.

3.16. Exploring Using Google Earth Engine and GISs to Assess the Impacts of Climate Change and Land Use Changes on the Haouzia Forest (Morocco)

Ikram El Mjiri, Abdelmejid Rahimi, Rachid Boutafoust

• Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, 24000, Morocco

Climate change and land use change are recognized as major global challenges owing to their direct impact on water resources and natural ecosystems. The deforestation process leads to the conversion of forest areas into other land uses, intensifying climate change through increased atmospheric CO₂ and modified weather patterns while contributing to soil erosion and biodiversity loss. In this context, effective measures against deforestation require a thorough understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution of forest areas to mitigate its environmental impacts at different scales. Therefore, this study focuses on the Haouzia forest, located north of the city of El Jadida in Morocco, where rapid urban growth has exerted increased pressure on forests and agricultural land. Urban sprawl results in the significant conversion of forest land into urban areas, threatening local biodiversity and disrupting natural ecosystems. To assess and monitor these changes, we adopted an integrated approach combining Google Earth Engine (GEE), geographic information systems (GISs), and field observations. GEE enables large quantities of high-resolution satellite images to be processed, facilitating the mapping and monitoring of deforestation over time. Simultaneously, the field observations allowed us to understand the local dynamics of land use changes better. As a result, we can confirm that the degradation of the Haouzia forest effectively reflects the impact of climate change on the land use dynamics and urban expansion in this area. These results underline the importance of this multidisciplinary approach to understanding forest degradation processes and developing more effective and sustainable policies and management practices. Based on accurate and timely data on the state of forest lands and the pressures exerted by urbanization, this study aims to provide policymakers, managers, and local stakeholders with a useful database for preserving local forest ecosystems while promoting sustainable urban development.

3.17. Foliar Spraying with Tryptophan Significantly Alleviates Waterlogging Stress in Young Peach Seedlings

Muhammad Atiq Ashraf ¹, Muhammad Ateeq ¹, Muhammad Asim ¹, Saqib Ayyub ², Samim Mohibullah ¹, Muhammad Haider Ali ², Usama Bin Khalid ³, Liu Junwei ¹

¹ 

National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Horticultural Crops, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China

² 

Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan

³ 

National Tea and High-value Crops Research Institute, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, Shinkiari, 21140, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Introduction: Waterlogging is one of the major abiotic factors that negatively impacts the growth and productivity of peach seedlings because peach plants have notably low tolerance to low oxygen due to their shallow root systems. One important amino acid that has been linked to improving plants’ stress tolerance is tryptophan. The purpose of this study was to examine how the foliar application of 20 mM of tryptophan affected young peach seedlings under waterlogging conditions.

Methodology: An experiment was conducted for 12 days, with data collected at 0-, 4-, 8-, and 12-day intervals. Three treatments were established: control (CK), waterlogged (WL), and waterlogged with tryptophan (WL + Tryp.) conditions. We assessed selected physiological parameters, including plant height and chlorophyll content (SPAD), and performed root scanning (root length, root average diameter, root surface area, root volume, root tips, and root forks) using biochemical and antioxidant analyses.

Results: The results showed that waterlogging affected the plant height and chlorophyll levels, with significant reductions in the waterlogged group compared to these values in the controls. However, the use of tryptophan mitigated these effects, resulting in increased plant height and SPAD values. The root scanning indicated that the tryptophan-treated seedlings had an increased root biomass and structure, suggesting improved resilience of the roots to stress. Our biochemical analyses showed increased antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, POD, CAT) in the tryptophan-treated group, indicating a successful response to the oxidative stress caused by waterlogging.

Conclusion: The foliar application of 20 mM of tryptophan improves the physiological and biochemical resilience of young peach seedlings exposed to waterlogging stress. This study demonstrates the potential of tryptophan as a beneficial treatment for improving stress tolerance in fruit crops, providing insights into future agricultural practices in waterlogged conditions.

3.18. Genomic Exploration of Enterobacter hormaechei OYAS29: A Potential Ally for Sustainable Plant Growth

Chinedu Endurance Mbah ¹, Olubukola Monisola Oyawoye ², Oluwatomiwa Jubilee Sunbare-Funto ², Oluwatosin Akinola Ajibade ³

¹ 

Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, 370111, Nigeria

² 

Department of Microbiology, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

³ 

Department of Microbiology, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria

There is insufficient information showing that Enterobacter species that promote plant development are important for improving plants’ vegetative growth. Enterobacter hormaechei, in contrast to Enterobacter cloacae, has received little research attention while having enormous promise for promoting plant development. This study conducts a thorough genomic exploration of Enterobacter hormaechei OYAS29, a potential plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) isolated from undisturbed and uncontaminated farmland at the Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Through the application of cutting-edge sequencing technologies and bioinformatics evaluations, we decipher Enterobacter hormaechei OYAS29′s genomic characteristics, highlighting its genetic makeup that promotes sustainable plant growth. The genome falls within the superkingdom Bacteria and contains 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 71 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and 4083 protein-coding sequences (CDSs). The annotation included 3657 proteins with assigned functions, alongside 426 hypothetical proteins. Among the functional proteins, 851 were associated with KEGG pathways, 979 had Gene Ontology (GO) assignments, and 1203 possessed Enzyme Commission (EC) numbers. Additionally, we found several genes, including trpABCFDRS, Ipdc, patB/malY, trps, and mtr, which were linked to the synthesis of IAA and tryptophan synthase, as well as the nar and nir gene cluster (narHLKX, nirDB, and nasR), linked to nitrate reduction and nitrite oxidation. Given its pristine environmental origin and distinct genomic makeup, Enterobacter hormaechei OYAS29 is a promising ally for ecologically friendly and successful plant growth promotion in agricultural contexts. This study advances sustainable agriculture techniques adapted to regional ecosystems and contributes to an increasing body of knowledge on indigenous PGPRs.

3.19. Impact of Phosphorus Solubilizers on Soil Organic Matter in Soybean Crops

Armando Paulo Fuxe Ngola, Sonia Purin da Cruz

• Department of Rural Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Curitibanos, 89520-000, Brazil

Soybean is a globally relevant agricultural crop essential to food production and industrial applications. The efficient management of phosphorus in the soil is crucial for root development and biomass formation. However, the efficiency of phosphorus use in soils with variable fertility remains a challenge for countries with tropical soils. In this context, BiomaPhos, an inoculant developed by EMBRAPA in Brazil, registered for use in corn and soybeans, contains phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, specifically Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus megaterium, aiming to improve the availability of phosphorus in tropical soils, where this nutrient is often immobilized. BiomaPhos is widely used in Brazil and also has a potential impact on global agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different doses of phosphorus, with and without BiomaPhos, on the soil organic matter for soybean crops. The experiment was conducted in a field with a split-plot design considering two factors: inoculation with BiomaPhos and the phosphorus dose (0%, 50%, and 100%). Soil samples were collected after harvest and analyzed to measure their organic matter contents. The statistical analyses included the calculation of the means and standard deviations and making comparisons using a t-test to identify significant differences. The mean soil organic matter was consistently higher without BiomaPhos at all phosphorus doses. The mean organic matter was 73.75% and 73.00% at the 0% and 50% doses without BiomaPhos, respectively, compared to 69.00% and 62.75% with BiomaPhos. At the 100% dose, the means were 67.50% without BiomaPhos and 64.75% with BiomaPhos. These results show that although BiomaPhos increases the availability of phosphorus, it also reduces the percentage of organic matter in the soil, regardless of the dose applied. This reduction suggests that BiomaPhos may affect the soil dynamics in a way that is not conducive to the conservation of organic matter. Since organic matter is essential to the soil’s fertility and structure, this change may have implications for long-term soil health.

3.20. The In Vitro Growth of the Phytopathogenic Fungus Cylindrocladium sp. and Sporulation Inhibition Using Oregano and Peppermint Essential Oils

Nicolas Ortiz ¹, M. Cecilia Prieto ², Nelson Rubén Grosso ³, Pedro Sansberro ¹, Ernestina Galdeano ¹

¹ 

Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Corrientes, 3400, Argentina

² 

Departamento de Agroalimentos, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina

³ 

Departamento de Fundamentación Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, 5000, Argentina

The genus Cylindrocladium includes phytopathogenic species that affect many crops around the world. In Argentina, it has been found to cause black spot in yerba mate (YM) (Ilex paraguariensis), causing defoliation and large crop yield losses. I. paraguaiensis, a small tree native to South America, has economic and social importance since its leaves and branches are used to prepare a popular infusion called “mate”. In the search for natural strategies for controlling black spot in YM, the objective of this work was to evaluate the use of peppermint (Mentha × piperita), oregano (Origanum vulgare sp. hirtum), and marigold (Tagetes minuta) essential oils for Cylindrocladium sp. (Cy) control. The essential oils (EOs) were characterized using GC-MS. A 14-day Cy culture grown in YM agar medium was used as the inoculum; a 4 mm disc was placed at the center of the Petri dish. For each EO treatment, two EO-embedded paper discs were placed near the edge of the Petri dish. Discs with sterile water were used as the control. The fungus colony diameter was measured on days 5, 7, 10, and 15. The conidium production was analyzed on day 15. The assays were carried out using three replicates and the results analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. The oregano EO (OEO) was composed mainly of trans-sabinene hydrate and thymol, the marigold EO (MEO) of dihydrotagetone and verbenone, and the peppermint EO (PEO) of menthol and menthone. The OEO and PEO inhibited fungal growth, showing significant differences from the control from days 5 to 10. However, by day 15, only the OEO showed statistical differences (p = 0.0188), suggesting that the effectiveness of inhibition with PEO was reduced with time. MEO caused no inhibition of fungal growth. The conidium production was equivalent to 7.27 × 10⁶ conidia in the control, while no conidia were observed in the OEO and PEO treatments. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of OEO and PEO as natural control agents against Cy.

3.21. Integrated Weed Management in Aerobic Rice Enhanced Weed Control Efficiency and Reduced Herbicide Retention in Soil

Kotresh D J, Radhamani S

• Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore

Aerobic rice production is a newly evolved concept used to obtain higher yields with less water, with a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Aerobic rice without standing water involves a higher density of weeds compared to that in the conventional method, posing a stronger threat to crop growth, yields, and sustainability. Among the different weed management practices, herbicides have gained wider acceptance, as they ensure better weed control and less labor and even reduce the costs of cultivation significantly compared to those with other methods. However, the herbicide residues left in the field have a significant negative impact on the succeeding crops, the soil microbiota, and the overall surrounding environment. Integrated weed management practices, including hand weeding (HW) and mechanical weeding (MW), along with herbicide use, were tested in terms of the effective weed control and remaining herbicide residues in aerobic rice. The pre-emergent herbicide (PE) pyrazosulfuron ethyl and the early post-emergent herbicide (EPoE) bispyribac sodium were combined with the HW and MW methods and evaluated against the common practices of using only HW, MW, or weed checking. Among the nine treatments, the use of the PE pyrazosulfuron ethyl (at 3 DAS) with the EPoE bispyribac sodium (at 12 DAS) and one round of MW (at 45 DAS) led to a higher weed control efficiency (WCE) of 91.19% and grain yield of 3544 kg ha⁻¹, which increased the net returns to INR 29,244 ha⁻¹. Additionally, the integration of the HW and MW methods increased the degradation of herbicides in all of the plots to which herbicides were applied, thus reducing their levels below the detectable limit in the soil, at 30 DAS, except pendimethalin (0.11 mg kg⁻¹). However, even with reduced retention periods, the integration of different methods was found to be successful in controlling weed issues, especially during the critical crop–weed competition period. Therefore, this method ensured a competition-free environment for aerobic rice growth. Overall, the integration of weed management practices could reduce the dependency on labor and the chemical load on the ecosystem and simultaneously enhance the WCE, making aerobic rice cultivation an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.

3.22. Ion Leaching Patterns in Agricultural Soils: Insights from Ion Chromatographic Data

Edward Muntean ¹, Sandor Mignon ², Tania Mihaiescu ², Rajmund Michalski ³

¹ 

Department of Food Sciences/ Faculty of Food Sciences and Technology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca, 400372-Cluj Napoca, Romania

² 

Department of Environmental engineering and protection/ Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj Napoca, 400372-Cluj Napoca, Romania

³ 

Department of Waste Management and Environmental Analyzes/ Institute of Environmental Engineering, 41-819-Zabrze, Poland

The content and behavior of inorganic ions in the soil play a critical role in determining the soil’s quality, fertility, and suitability for agricultural applications. Nutrient leaching from agricultural soil is a major environmental concern, as it affects both soil fertility and groundwater quality. The accurate assessment of these components requires reliable and precise analytical methods, with ion chromatography emerging as a highly sensitive, selective, and precise technique for ion analyses in complex soil matrices. This study aimed to evaluate the leaching patterns of major inorganic ions in agricultural soils using ion chromatography. Experiments were conducted using soil samples from the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, and leachate samples were collected after rainfall events. The ion chromatographic analysis was performed using a Shimadzu two-channel instrument with non-suppressed conductivity detection, employing Allsep Anion 7u and Universal Cation 7u columns; this configuration enabled the simultaneous determination of five major anions (chloride, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate) and five major cations (potassium, sodium, ammonium, calcium, and magnesium) in under 20 min. The proposed method significantly enhances the laboratory efficiency by minimizing both the sample preparation and analysis times while allowing for the efficient, simultaneous analysis of multiple ions in a single run. This simple and rapid approach is well suited not only to soil quality assessments but also to broader environmental monitoring efforts, supporting the effective management of diffuse pollution sources.

3.23. Lessons on Innovative Sustainable Farming for Corn/Legume Production Under the WEFE Nexus in Egypt

Ahmed Mohamed El-M Mohamed ¹, Fadi Mohamed Hesham ², M korany Ibrahim ³, Hoda Abdalla Aly ³, Darwish Saleh Darwish ⁴

¹ 

Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Minia University, El-Minia, 61517, Egypt.

² 

Agricultural Economics Dept., Faculty of Agric. Cairo University, ET-12613 Giza- Egypt

³ 

Agronomy Dept., Faculty of Agric. Cairo University, ET-12613 Giza Egypt

⁴ 

Agronomy Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, ET 12613 Giza- Egypt

Climate change, water scarcity, and smallholder farms are the most important challenges facing Egyptian agriculture and food security. Egypt is considered a water-stressed region, with about 150 mm of rain falling only on the northern coast and a 50% shortage in the Nile’s water resources. The proper handling of water, energy, food, and the ecosystem (the WEFE nexus) may alleviate these conflicts among limited resources.

The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the proper cropping pattern/s and cultural practices that may be used to maximize the agricultural production, land equivalent ratio (LER), and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) for corn as a major summer crop. Intercropping farming systems with soybeans/mung beans as legume crops alongside corn, accompanied by using lower inputs than the traditional/recommended ones, were investigated in upper and northern Egypt.

Three field trials were carried out using split-plot arrangements according to an RCBD in Al-Minia (in the 2021 and 2022 seasons) and Nubaryia (in the 2022 season), representing the upper and northern locations, respectively.

The main plots were assigned into two irrigation regimes, the recommended regime (7860 m³ ha⁻¹) vs. a saving regime (5895 m³ ha⁻¹ as 75% of the recommendation), as well as traditional ridges (distanced 70 cm apart) vs. bed ridges (140 cm wide). First, the cropping systems were established in the split plots (intercropping vs. the solid use of either corn or soybean and mung bean). Foliar application and rhizobium inoculation were adopted to compensate for the lower amount of N fertilizer applied.

The intercropped corn/legumes manifested in higher land equivalent ratios (LERs) that ranged from 1.32 to 2.287 (= 32.0–128.7% progress). The foliar application of nutrients manifested in higher LERs than those under soil application, which were also pronounced under the normal watering regime compared to those under the water-saving regime. The cropping patterns of wider ridges (Bed) resulted in a superior irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) under both solid cropping and intercropping, recorded as 2.993 and 3.558 for solid farming and intercropping, respectively, compared to the 0.318 when using narrow ridges.

3.24. MSW-Compost and Mycorrhiza Interactions in Grapevine Roots

Piergiorgio Romano ¹, Luis Hennemann ², Marcello Stifani ¹, Gianni Zorzi ³, Giovambattista Simone Di Lorenzo ⁴, Paride Papadia ¹, Massimiliano Cardinale ¹, Laura Rustioni ¹

¹ 

Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, 73100, Italy

² 

Departments of the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Boku University, Vienna, 1180, Austria

³ 

Environment Department, Edmund Mach Foundation’s Research Center, San Michele all’Adige (TN), 38098, Italy

⁴ 

Department of Agriculture and Environmetal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, 20133, Italy

Introduction: Tree crops are facing increasing challenges due to biotic and abiotic stresses. Climate change exacerbates these issues, especially in Mediterranean regions such as Southern Italy. To address these issues, it is beneficial to design agricultural systems that maximize resilience, meaning their ability to withstand and recover from traumatic events or periods of difficulty. In this regard, both compost (rich in organic matter and nutrients) and mycorrhizae (fungi that are symbiotic with plants) can be valuable tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interactions between these two potential strategies.

Methods: Twenty-four grapevine plants were divided into four groups treated as follows: inoculation with mycorrhizae, fertilization with compost, inoculation with commercial mycorrhizae and fertilization with compost, and no additions. The compost used was derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW-compost). Leaf pigmentation analyses were performed using reflectance spectrophotometry, and the percentage of mycorrhization in the roots was analyzed using methyl blue root staining and microscopy.

Results: The compost, regardless of mycorrhizal inoculation, caused a delay in leaf senescence and a higher presence of photosynthetic pigments even at the end of the growing season. The compost significantly stimulated the symbiosis with the native mycorrhizae in the soil used, with effects comparable to those under the addition of a commercial mycorrhizal inoculum.

Conclusions: The addition of MSW-compost improves the health of grapevine plants and stimulates symbiosis with native mycorrhizae. Therefore, it can be used in vineyards both as an organic fertilizer and to implement management strategies aiming to enhance the ecological interactions with beneficial soil microorganisms.

3.25. Nano-Fertilizers in Agriculture: A Patent Overview

MASSIMO BARBIERI

• Politecnico di Milano (Technology Transfer Office), Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32—20133 Milan, Italy

Introduction: The application of nano-fertilizers (NFs) represents a nascent area of research within the field of agriculture. These are materials in the size range of 1–100 nm that facilitate the provision of nutrients to plants, enhancing crop growth and productivity. Nano-fertilizers (NFs) are composed of nutrients and may serve as carriers for nutrients, releasing them in low amounts and in a slow and sustainable manner.

The essential nutrients required for optimal crop growth are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the patent activity pertaining to nano-fertilizers.

Materials and methods: In the course of this investigation, data were retrieved from a number of patent databases, including PATENTSCOPE, Espacenet, Orbit Intelligence, The Lens, and Amplified.

A search was conducted using precise keywords in the Title/Abstract/Claims search fields. In addition, studies’ full texts were employed, in conjunction with their keywords and classification symbols.

Results: The majority of the inventions in this field were filed in China, with the United States and India representing the next most prolific sources.

The number of patents filed has risen since 2017, indicating a growing trend.

The main IPC classification symbols pertain to a mixture of one or more fertilizers with additives that lack a specific fertilizing activity (C05G 3/00), inorganic fertilizers containing trace elements (C05D 9/02), and biocides or plant growth regulators containing heavy metals or heavy metal compounds (A01N 59/16).

With regard to the elements present in the nano-fertilizers, the most frequently claimed in patent applications are potassium, calcium, and nitrogen.

Conclusions: The findings of this study corroborate the importance of academic and industrial research on nano-fertilizers. China has been identified as the foremost nation in this technical domain.

3.26. Optimizing Energetics in Aerobic Rice: Comparative Analysis of Tillage Practices and Nitrogen Fertilizer Schedules

G. Naveen Kumar ¹, B. Sreedevi ², S. Hemalatha ¹, K. Surekha ³, C. Ramana ⁴, P. Latha ⁵

¹ 

Department of Agronomy, SV Agricultural College, Tirupati, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur 522034, A.P, INDIA

² 

Department of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, 500030, Telangana, INDIA

³ 

Department of Soil science, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, 500030, Telangana, INDIA

⁴ 

Department of Agricultural engineering, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 522034, A.P, INDIA

⁵ 

Department of Crop physiology, Institute of Frontier Technology, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur, 522034, A.P, INDIA

A field experiment conducted at the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad, Telanagana, India, during the rabi seasons (November–April) of 2022 and 2023 assessed the impact of tillage practices and nitrogen fertilizer schedules on the energetics in aerobic rice. This study employed three tillage (T) treatments and five nitrogen fertilizer (N) schedules in a strip-plot design with three replications. The data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with R software. Bartlett’s test was performed to assess homogeneity before conducting the combined (pooled) analysis. The results revealed that conventional tillage (T1) showed a higher energy input (53899 MJ ha⁻¹), whereas zero tillage (T3) showed a lower energy input (51846 MJ ha⁻¹). A higher gross energy output (GEO), net energy output (NEU) (143114, 89257 MJ ha⁻¹), energy use efficiency (EUE) (2.65%), and energy productivity (EP) (0.0832 kg MJ⁻¹) were obtained under T1, which were statistically comparable with these values under the minimum tillage with the retention of residue (T2) and significantly higher than those in T3. Treatment T3 resulted in the highest physical energy intensity (EIP) (5.89 MJ kg⁻¹). The energy intensity in economic terms (EIE) was not significantly influenced by tillage practices. Among the nitrogen fertilizer treatments, the 100% RDN treatment + foliar spraying of 2.5 mL⁻¹ of nano urea at tillering and before the panicle initiation stage (N2) generally yielded the highest energy metrics, including in terms of GEO and NEO (144278, 90759 MJ ha⁻¹), EUE (2.69%), EP (0.0841 kg MJ⁻¹), and EIP (3.55 MJ kg⁻¹). The treatment involving 75% RDN + foliar spraying of 2.5 mL⁻¹ of nano DAP at tillering and before the panicle initiation stage (N5) showed a higher EIE (6.11 MJ kg⁻¹) with the lowest energy input (51728 MJ ha⁻¹). Treatments T1 and N2 demonstrated a superior performance across various energetics, emphasizing their effectiveness in enhancing the energetic efficiency of aerobic rice cultivation. Treatment T2 showed comparable results with those for T1, so conservation tillage performed similarly to conventional tillage.

3.27. The Potential of Elaeis guineensis as a Tree for Agroforestry and Its Compatibility with Maize (Zea mays)

Alfred O. ONEFELI, Jessica Deborah Salami, Olanrewaju Segun Oyedijo

• Department of Forest Production and Products, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Ibadan, Ibadan city, Oyo state, 200284, Nigeria

The global population, including Nigeria’s population, is growing at an alarming rate, and to meet the demand for food, production must be increased. One of the veritable means of improving our production capacity is agroforestry. The proposition of using any tree for agroforestry purposes requires an assessment of its compatibility with a test crop. This study assessed the allelopathic effect of Elaeis guineensis on the germination and growth of Zea mays with a view to recommending it for use in agroforestry. This study took place in David Okali Laboratory in the Department of Forest Production and Products, the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. This study was carried out according to a Completely Randomized Design by preparing leachate from the leaf extract of E. guineensis at 5%, 10%, and 20% concentrations and a control, with four replications each. A Petri dish into which five maize seeds were sown served as each replicate, while 2 mL of the leachate was administered every 2 days for 9 days, and distilled water was added to the control experiment. Germination and growth variables such as shoot length, root length, and shoot and root fresh and dry weight were assessed. The data analysis was conducted using a one-way ANOVA, correlations, and descriptive statistics. The control treatment had the lowest germination percentage of 60%, while both the 5% and 10% leachate concentrations had the highest but equal germination percentages of 85%. The shoot length varied from 5.71 cm (the control) to 8.66 cm (with 10% leachate). The effect of the leachate on all of the growth variables was significant (p < 0.05) except for that on shoot length. The coefficients for the correlation of the Seed Vigor Index with the Mean Germination Percentage and Days to First Seed Germination were the highest, with coefficient values of 0.428 and 0.424, respectively, compared to those of the other growth and germination variables. It was concluded that E. guineensis has a positive allelopathic relationship with maize, but field test experiments are recommended to affirm this claim.

3.28. Reinforcing Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity in Smallholder Farming Systems Through Agroecological Principles

P. Barciela ¹, A. Perez-Vazquez ¹, A.O.S. Jorge ^1,2, M. Carpena ¹, J. Echave ^1,3, M.A. Prieto ¹

¹ 

Universidade de Vigo, Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Instituto de Agroecoloxía e Alimentación (IAA)—CITEXVI, 36310 Vigo, España.

² 

REQUIMTE/LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.

³ 

Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolonia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal.

Ensuring a sufficient food supply while preserving ecosystem health is crucial for researchers and agricultural stakeholders. Agroecology offers a framework for developing biodiverse agroecosystems that sustains their functionality. This study investigates how agroecological practices such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and intercropping can improve the sustainability of food systems. Through a systematic literature review, this research assesses the impact of these practices on soil productivity, water use, pollution reductions, and economic viability for farmers. It also explores how agroecology can promote social equity by supporting small-scale farmers, integrating indigenous knowledge, and fostering participatory decision-making, thereby advancing food sovereignty and community resilience. Furthermore, by combining a literature review with an analysis of data from major academic databases, this review aims to identify the current knowledge gaps and suggest future research directions. The findings highlight agroecology’s potential as a transdisciplinary principle to transform agricultural practices and address critical issues such as food sovereignty, nutrition quality, hunger, environmental degradation, climate change, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, rural poverty, the viability of small-scale farming, social inequalities, and the erosion of traditional agricultural knowledge, among others.

3.29. The Sociodemographic Profiles of Persian Lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) Producers and the Use of Organic Fertilizers in the Central Citrus Region of Veracruz State, Mexico

Angel Cárdenas-Cágal ¹, Beatriz Gutiérrez Rivera ², Francisco Hernández Rosas ¹, José Andrés Herrera Corredor ¹, Josafhat Salinas Ruiz ¹, Francisco Osorio Acosta ³

¹ 

Posgrado en Innovación Agroalimentaria Sustentable, Colegio de Posgraduados Campus Córdoba, Amatlán de los Reyes, Veracruz, 94953, México

² 

Posgrado en Ciencias de los Alimentos y Biotecnología, TecNM Campus Tecnológico Superior de Tierra Blanca, Tierra Blanca, Veracruz., 95180, México

³ 

Posgrado en Agroecosistemas Tropicales, Colegio de Posgraduados Campus Veracruz, Tepetates, Veracruz., 91690, México

The production of citrus fruits, particularly the Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka), is crucial to Mexico’s economy, standing out due to their high demand on both local and international markets. Mexico is the second largest producer of limes globally, with the state of Veracruz being the national leader in their production. Although conventional cultivation relies on chemical fertilizers, organic production has gained significance due to its environmental and health benefits.

This study was conducted in the central region of Veracruz between January 2022 and March 2023, covering the municipalities of Cuitláhuac, Cotaxtla, Carrillo Puerto, Tlalixcoyan, and Tierra Blanca. A total of 119 producers participated, located through a citrus cooperative. A structured questionnaire was applied to gather data on the producers’ profiles, the orchard characteristics, and the use of organic fertilizers. The statistical analysis was performed using R software, employing Chi-squared tests to assess the relationship between sociodemographic variables and the use of organic fertilizers.

The producers’ profiles indicate that 83% are men, predominantly aged between 31 and 60 years old, with the majority having a high school education (45%). Additionally, 22% of producers implement technological packages. Most orchards are small, with 76% ranging from 1 to 5 ha in size, and the plantations are young (with 71% being 1 to 3 years old). Regarding organic fertilization practices, 66% use sulfocalcic broth and supermagro, while 61% employ bovine compost. The producers with higher educational levels and access to technical assistance showed a greater tendency to apply organic fertilizers.

The Persian lime production in Veracruz is primarily in the hands of small producers with young orchards. Although the conventional methods dominate, there is a growing inclination towards more sustainable practices, which could promote greater sustainability within the Persian lime production in Veracruz, Mexico.

3.30. Studies on Phosphorus Nutrition Through Band Placement and Seed Coating in Maize

Muhammad Asad

• Department of Agronomy, Northeast Agricultural University, China

The poor phosphorus use efficiency of the fertilizers applied due to the low availability of phosphorus is a considerable factor contributing to low maize productivity in Pakistan. The phosphorus use efficiency can be enhanced by applying phosphorus through band placement and seed coating to increase their phosphorus uptake. Thus, keeping this fact in view, an experiment was performed in the Agronomic Research Area at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to evaluate the effect of different sources of phosphoric fertilizers and application methods on autumn-planted maize in 2017. The performance of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) and Single Super Phosphate (SSP) was evaluated using two application methods (seed coating and band placement) alone and in combination. The experiment was arranged according to a randomized complete block design and replicated three times with a plot size of 3 m ×6 m. The results revealed that the application of phosphorus through seed coating and band placement significantly increased the maize yield. The maximum grain yield (7.72 t ha⁻¹), biological yield (19.33 t ha⁻¹), cob length (18.80 cm), number of grains per cob (382.9), plant height at maturity (230.0 cm), 1000-grain weight (260.3 g), and grain protein contents (9.55%) were recorded when phosphorus was applied through seed coating using Single Super Phosphate and band placement using Single Super Phosphate. Therefore, it is concluded that seed coating using Single Super Phosphate + band placement using Single Super Phosphate would be a better management strategy in terms of the phosphorus use efficiency for the farming community in order to enhance its maize production.

3.31. Sunn Hemp Management After Termination: Effects on Soil Microbiological Diversity

Rayane Priscila Leal Leite, Aênio Douglas Santos Leal, Arejacy Antonio Sobral Silva, Marcela Pavan Bagagli

• Instituto Federal da Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do estado de São Paulo, Campus Avaré, Avaré, São Paulo, CEP 18707-150, Brasil

Soils with greater microbial diversity are generally considered healthier. Cover crops are used to diversify the cropping system, providing various benefits to the agricultural system. After cutting, these crops are sometimes incorporated into the soil, and other times, they are left on the surface. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the deposition methods (leaving it on the soil’s surface or incorporating it into the soil) for Sunn hemp, Crotalaria juncea (CJ), after cutting on soil microbial diversity. A field experiment was conducted with the following treatments with three replications: incorporated CJ (INC), CJ left on the soil’s surface (SUP), and a control with spontaneous vegetation (CTL). Then, the plots were sown with grain sorghum (MG2220). Soil samples were collected from the 0–10 cm layer 19, 52, and 80 days after cutting CJ and analyzed in terms of their microbial diversity. In the first sampling collection, the bacterial diversity in the INC and SUP groups was significantly higher than that in the CTL group, likely due to the input of carbon and nitrogen from CJ, stimulating bacterial growth and diversity. However, there was no initial effect on the soil’s fungal diversity. In the second sampling collection, the bacterial diversity in the INC group, the only treatment group that did not receive topdressing with urea (CO(NH₂)₂), was approximately double that in the other treatments, while the fungal diversity did not show significant differences between treatments. Finally, in the third sampling collection, there was no difference between the treatments in terms of bacterial or fungal diversity. It was concluded that for up to 19 days, the CJ residues stimulated bacterial diversity. The topdressing with urea nitrogen negatively influenced bacterial diversity. Eighty days after cutting CJ, the bacterial diversity decreased compared to that in the first sampling round, and the fungal diversity was not significantly affected by the treatments evaluated.

3.32. Sustainable Management of Pests and Improved Yields in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) Using Black Soldier Fly Frass and Desmodium in Wonder Multistory Gardens

Andrew Agrey Abiya ^1,2, David Mfuti Kupesa ^1,3, Dennis Beesigamukama ^1,4

¹ 

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O. Box 30772, Nairobi 00100, Kenya

² 

Department of Horticulture and Food Security, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat), P.O. Box 62000, Juja 00200, Kenya

³ 

National Institute for Agricultural Research Studies (INERA), Kinshasa BP 2037, Congo

⁴ 

Department of Crop Production and Management, Busitema University, Tororo P.O. Box 236, Uganda

The intensive use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides in farming to improve productivity has globally destroyed the soil’s fertility, interfered with biodiversity, and negatively affected both humans and the environment. To overcome these problems, it is very important to shift our attention towards eco-friendly alternatives like insect-based black soldier fly frass (BSFF) and Desmodium, which have the potential to increase crops’ growth and yield, as well as control or suppress pests sustainably. Black soldier fly frass fertilizer, with its rich plant growth nutrients, not only improves the growth and yield of crops but also offers protection from pests through the provision of nutrients; also, chitin present helps to control pests. Desmodium also has tremendous potential to protect plants from pests when it is used as a companion crop, as it increases the diversity and activity of their natural enemies, which helps to suppress pests. In this study, we examined the potential of Desmodium and BSFF for the management of common brassica pests and improved growth within low-cost vertical gardens suitable for urban settings. A trial of a Randomized Complete Block design in wonder multistorey gardens involving eight treatments was laid out as follows: sole cabbage (T0), powdered black soldier fly frass (T1), liquid black soldier fly frass, (T2), Desmodium (T3), NPK (T4), combined powdered black soldier fly frass and Desmodium (T5), combined liquid black soldier fly frass and Desmodium (T6), and combined NPK and Desmodium (T7). Each of these was replicated three times. The data collected on pest numbers, growth parameters, damage scores, and yield showed significant differences when subjected to an ANOVA. The gardens where BSFF and Desmodium were used showed a high growth rate and yield and reduced pest damage. This indicates the potential of BSFF and Desmodium as an alternative source of plant nutrients and as a pest control strategy in vertical vegetable production systems.

3.33. The Effect of Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in Different-Colored Polyethylene Greenhouses

Jung-Hsiu Tsuai ¹, Yu-Ming Wang ², PEICHUN CHANG ³

¹ 

Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

² 

Professor of General Research Service Center, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

³ 

Assistant Professor of Department of Tropical Agriculture and International Cooperation, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Cucumber cultivation in greenhouses is a common practice for effective pest control and the maintenance of the optimal growing conditions to ensure consistent productivity. The choice of greenhouse-covering material is crucial, as it affects both the quality and quantity of light that enters a greenhouse. Using unsuitable materials can block the essential light needed for crop growth, resulting in reduced yields. Biofertilizers such as plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers by enhancing nutrient uptake, conserving water, reducing pesticide use, and lowering carbon emissions. This study aimed to investigate the spectral characteristics of two types of polyethylene (PE) films used as greenhouse-covering materials and their effect, individually or when combined with PGPR, on cucumbers’ vegetative growth and fruit production. The assessment of the spectral properties revealed that the purple PE films provided a higher light transmission, a greater total photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), and a higher fraction of red light compared to these properties for white PE films. Growing plants in these altered lighting conditions in the purple-PE-covered greenhouses gave rise to more fruits, higher yields, and a greater proportion of marketable fruits. Furthermore, the application of PGPR strains, particularly Staphylococcus sciuri (E2) and a Bacillus sp. (P1), significantly boosted the yields and fruit quality; this growth promotion was more effective when they were used in conjunction with the purple PE films. The synergistic effect of combining PGPR with purple PE films demonstrated the potential of integrating biological and engineering approaches to achieve sustainable and productive cucumber cultivation.

3.34. The Efficacy of Organic Farming Practices in Mitigating Climate Change: A Systematic Review

Aamir Raza ^1,2, Malaika Zaheer ³, Abdul Malik ⁴

¹ 

Department of Irrigation & Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan

² 

Agricultural Remote Sensing Lab of National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA-ARSL), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan

³ 

Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi, Turkey

⁴ 

Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan

Organic farming practices are increasingly being recognized for their potential to mitigate climate change by enhancing soil health, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and promoting biodiversity. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of organic farming in terms of climate change mitigation, focusing on carbon sequestration, nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission reductions, and enhancements in soil organic carbon (SOC). Organic farming techniques, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic amendments, can sequester up to 0.9 t of carbon per hectare annually, compared to 0.3 t in conventional systems. In Ethiopia’s Tigray Province, organic practices have doubled the agricultural productivity across over 1 million ha by improving soil fertility and SOC. Additionally, organic farming reduces GHG emissions by minimizing synthetic fertilizer use and enhancing soil health, resulting in up to a 40% reduction in N₂O emissions. Prohibiting biomass burning further reduces methane (CH₄) emissions, which constitute 12% of agricultural GHG emissions. In Europe, organic farming has led to a 20% reduction in overall agricultural GHG emissions. These findings highlight the practical implications of organic farming. It aids climate change mitigation while enhancing farms’ resilience and sustainability. Improved soil health increases its water retention and nutrient cycling, reduces the need for chemical inputs, and promotes biodiversity. Moreover, organic farming bolsters rural livelihoods by enhancing food security and providing economic benefits through the higher market prices for organic products. In conclusion, organic farming practices offer a robust strategy for mitigating climate change. They provide significant benefits in terms of carbon sequestration, GHG emission reductions, and soil health improvements, making them crucial for sustainable agricultural development and addressing global climate challenges.

3.35. Towards Geospatial Recommendations for Restoring the Site-Specific Depletion of the Soil Organic Matter in a Moroccan Semi-Arid Region

Abdelkrim Bouasria ^1,2, Yassine Bouslihim ³, Mohammed Bounif ¹

¹ 

Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, 24000, Morocco

² 

Agmetrix, El Jadida, 24000, Morocco

³ 

National Institute for Agricultural Research, CRRA Tadla, Béni Mellal, Morocco

This study was conducted in the Doukkala plain (the western part of Morocco), which has a semi-arid climate, to assess the SOM levels and provide scenarios for remediating SOM depletion by rationally adding an organic amendment (manure or compost). Therefore, we exploited the potential of a GIS and remote sensing techniques to calculate the recommended organic amendment requirements for each type of soil. The SOM predictions were made using a 15 m resolution pan-sharpened Landsat-8 image and an artificial neural network model. Furthermore, we estimated the organic amendments using the approach of a three-year crop rotation (3YCR). In addition, we set a target SOM content of 1.5%, suitable for the main crops in the study area. The organic amendment was determined at 10% organic matter over the 3YCR. The produced digital maps were aggregated into homogeneous areas to facilitate their interpretation and use by local agricultural advisors. The findings demonstrate that vertisol, isohumic, immature, and fersiallitic soils lose an average of 0.59, 0.77, 1.04, and 1.09 t/ha/year, respectively. Fersiallitic and immature soils lose the most SOM due to their high mineralizing capacity, while vertisol and isohumic soils lose the least due to their low mineralizing potential. The global loss was estimated at an average of 0.80 t/ha/year. To restore the soils to 1.5% SOM, the results indicate a required average amendment of about 31 and 14 t/ha per 3YCR (with the crop residue returned) and 47 and 21 t/ha per 3YCR (without returned residue) for manure and compost application, respectively. Returning crop residues to the soil is expected to contribute 4.72 t/ha of SOM per 3YCR on average. Finally, aggregating the results into homogeneous areas was able to simplify the communication of the recommendations while keeping roughly the same results as those of the detailed maps. The method adopted and the results obtained highlight the important role of geospatial tools in developing appropriate fertility plans and recommendations for other regions.

3.36. What Effect Does Potato Production Have on Human Health?

Imane MEHDI, Mohammed AMMARI, Laïla BEN ALLAL

• Research Team: Materials, Environment and Sustainable Development (MEDD), FSTT (Faculty of Sciences and Technology of Tangier), ABDELMALEK ESSAADI UNIVERSITY, Tetouan, Morocco

In 2022, the global potato production reached approximately 376 million t. Leading producers include China, India, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. In Africa, potato cultivation produced 20 million t, with Morocco ranking as the third largest producer in the Maghreb region, with 2.2 million t. The annual production can vary depending on climatic conditions, agricultural practices, and other economic factors.

This study evaluated the impacts on human health of potato production in northern Morocco, using a life cycle assessment (LCA) with the USEtox method. Three categories (human toxicity, carcinogenic; human toxicity, non-carcinogenic; and ecotoxicity) were assessed to identify the main hot spots and characterize the production process. To this end, the openLCA 2.1.1 software was used. Additionally, to identify the main hot spots and characterize the manufacturing process, this work gathered comprehensive data on potato production. The functional unit considered was one ton of cultivated potatoes. The results obtained are as follows: non-carcinogenic human toxicity corresponds to 0.01171 CTU, carcinogenic human toxicity corresponds to 1.39568 × 10⁶ CTU, and ecotoxicity corresponds to 1.82540 × 10⁴ CTU. Machinery, diesel, and nitrogen were identified as the main hot spots during the production period. This study suggests that future research should include the replacement of or reductions in the machinery, diesel, and nitrogen used in the production process.

4. Session: Precision and Digital Agriculture

4.1. Advancements in Precision Agriculture and Digital Farming in India: A Strategic Analysis

Shreya Singh ¹, Sudhanand Prasad Lal ²

¹ 

Department of Agriculture, Ramlalit Singh Mahavidyalaya, Kailhat, Chunar, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, India

² 

Assistant Professor cum-Scientist & Co-PI AICRP-WIA, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India

Since the 1990s, precision farming has introduced a revolution into agricultural practices and has evolved significantly in terms of the application of GPSs, GISs, and yield monitors. Such technologies have substantially contributed to the Indian agriculture sector over the past two decades by increasing its productivity, resource management, and decision-making, along with reducing its environmental impact. The current global precision farming market was valued at USD 10.50 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% between 2024 and 2030. The analysis of data that have already been acquired by others is referred to as a secondary data analysis. Developing advanced technologies such as AI, ML, the IoT, and agricultural robotics plays a crucial role in data-driven digital farming by improving its efficiency and sustainability. Precision seeding utilizing variable-rate technologies has shown a 10% to 30% greater efficiency compared to that of conventional methods. The IoT has increased agricultural productivity by 70%, aligning with the future scope for 2050. The Digital Agriculture Mission 2021–2025 and the “India Digital Ecosystem of Agriculture”, centered on “AgriStack”, are pivotal in driving this sector’s digitalization and increasing farmers’ incomes. Several modern applications, including the Soil Health Card Scheme, Plantix, Meghdoot, and mKisan, are enhancing areas like soil health, fertilizer recommendations, irrigation scheduling, and pest management. Future developments like Deep Leaf, which uses deep learning to enhance its measurement accuracy, with average errors as low as 4.6% for leaf length and 5.7% for leaf width, will streamline agricultural processes further. However, the adoption rate for precision agriculture is expected to stabilize post-2030. Continuous advancements in AI, ML, and the IoT are anticipated to propel productivity, profitability, and sustainability in agriculture further, ensuring effective land resource protection and minimizing its environmental impact.

4.2. An Analysis of the Working Efficiency of Telematics Data on Combine Harvesters

Antanas Juostas, Egle Jotautiene

• Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Department of Agriculture Engineering and Safety

Telemetry systems are widely used in the latest agricultural machinery, both in tractors and combines. However, there are still problems with managing the data recorded and stored in these telemetry systems and their purposeful use. Therefore, ways to correctly interpret, analyze, and use as much of the information obtained during various agricultural technological processes as possible have been studied.

The purpose of this work was to analyze the harvesting data collected and stored in a telematics system in order to optimize labor costs. This research was carried out during grain harvesting using a CLAAS Lexion combine harvester. By using the data from the telematics system, the structure of the working time and the fuel consumption in the technological processes of spring wheat harvesting for one year were analyzed. During this study, the components of the harvesting time, which have an influence on the harvesting speed and the performance of the harvester, were examined. The results showed that 10% more time was spent when grain unloading stopped when harvesting from smaller fields compared to when harvesting from larger fields (of more than 50 ha). The fuel consumption when unloading grain after the harvester stopped amounted to 2% of the total fuel used to harvest one ton of grain. After analyzing the efficiency of the use of the harvester, it was found that a considerable part of its working time and fuel consumption is devoted to inevitable, inefficient technological processes.

4.3. Assessing Dendrometric Parameters Using GIS and LiDAR Flight Data: A Tree-by-Tree Study in Mont Avic Regional Park, Aosta Valley, NW Italy

Tommaso Orusa ^1,2, Annalisa Viani ³

¹ 

Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), GEO4Agri DISAFA Lab, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy

² 

INVA spa—Earth Observation Valle d’Aosta—eoVdA, Località L’Île-Blonde 5, 11020 Brissogne, Italy

³ 

Azienda Sanitaria Locale della Valle d’Aosta (AUSL VdA), S.C. Animal Health, Località Amerique 7/F, 11020 Quart, Italy

The application of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology in forestry has steadily increased, revolutionizing how forest ecosystems are monitored and managed.

This study leverages GIS and LiDAR flight data to assess the dendrometric parameters on a tree-by-tree basis in Mont Avic Regional Park, located in the Autonomous Aosta Valley Region (NW Italy). The LiDAR data, collected during 2020–2021, were processed to derive Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and Digital Surface Models (DSMs), enabling the computation of a Canopy Height Model (CHM) with a Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) of 0.5 m. Although an optimal CHM for dendrometric assessments in forestry typically has a GSD of around 0.15–0.25 m, the high number of LiDAR returns, exceeding 12 per square meter, compensated for this issue. The CHM was segmented using a local maxima algorithm to delineate individual tree crowns. This study specifically focused on assessing their vertical biomass (VB), utilizing the 0.5 m resolution CHM to segment the canopies and calculate the species-specific incidence areas and related diameters using empirical formulas. These formulas, derived from similar regions and documented in the literature, correlated the tree crown measurements from the GIS data with the diameters at 1.30 m for each species. Dendrometric formulas were applied to estimating tree volume, with validation performed using ground measurement data from randomly selected, evenly distributed areas within the study site. For each tree, the following parameters were obtained: height (H), crown area (C), diameter (D), volume (V), altitude (A), coordinates (X and Y in ED50 UTM 32N), tree species, and forestry category from species maps.

In conclusion, this integrated approach combining advanced remote sensing technologies with GIS data underscores the potential for comprehensive forest ecosystem monitoring and management, as well as their use in agro-forestry. Future perspectives include monitoring the vulnerability to fire through the Vegetation Health Index (VHI) and analyzing trends to support agro-forestry planning and management.

4.4. Comparative Analysis of Precision and Digital Agriculture Adoption in Romania and Western Europe

Marian BUTU ^1,2, Vili DRAGOMIR ³

¹ 

Applied Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Bucharest, Post code 060031, Romania

² 

Digitalization and Professional Training Laboratory, Research Institute for Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Bucharest, Post code 011464, Romania

³ 

Agricultural Economics Research Laboratory—Economics, Management and Marketing in Agriculture, Research Institute for Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Bucharest, Post code 011464, Romania

This study offers a comparative analysis of how Romania and Western European countries are adopting precision and digital agriculture, focusing on the regional trends, challenges faced, and the specific outcomes of farming practices. The dataset used in this research includes responses from structured surveys and in-depth interviews with farmers, industry experts, and policymakers from Romania and several European countries. These responses provide diverse perspectives on the socio-economic and structural factors that influence the use of digital tools and precision technologies. The data collection methods involves quantitative surveys to assess adoption rates and qualitative interviews to gather insights on how socio-economic differences and farm structures impact technology use. This dataset is complemented by a review of the recent literature and case studies, offering a comprehensive view of digital agriculture’s effects on efficiency, sustainability, and food security. Among its main findings, this study highlights a significant contrast: Western European farms, which are typically larger and benefit from advanced infrastructure and supportive policies, show the widespread adoption of precision agriculture. In contrast, Romania faces considerable challenges due to its high number of small-scale farms, limited financial resources, and shortage of technical expertise. However, Romania’s extensive high-speed internet infrastructure presents a unique advantage, enabling the quicker adoption of digital tools where other barriers can be effectively managed. Farms in Romania that have embraced these technologies report substantial improvements in their crop yields, resource efficiency, and environmental impact. This study concludes that to close Romania’s adoption gap, tailored financial incentives, dedicated educational programs, and infrastructure support are essential to align the country with the broader European trends better, fostering competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience in Romanian agriculture.

4.5. EfficientNet Network, Mish Activation Function, and Ranger Optimizer Implementation for Plant Leaf Disease Classification

Luiz Carlos Marques Junior, José Alfredo Covolan Ulson

• São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Engineering, Bauru, Department of Electrical Engineering, 17033-360 Bauru, SP, Brazil

Plants account for over 80% of humans’ diets, making them essential for food security and worldwide feeding. In this context, it is important to maintain high productivity, avoid crop losses, and preserve the environment. Plant leaf diseases are a drawback in this reality, where they are responsible for the depreciation of the quality of food, directly causing economic losses in agricultural production and high environmental impacts if pesticides are used indiscriminately. Therefore, disease classification is of fundamental importance and is also a great challenge since many leaf diseases present similarities, inducing misidentification. Also, manual classification is an exhaustive task and gives subjective results, causing misidentification, in addition to being economically unfeasible. To solve this problem, a new arrangement of deep convolutional neural networks, activation functions, and optimizers for plant leaf disease classification is proposed. In our proposed method, we tested different EfficientNet convolutional neural network models, scaling the models’ size and number of parameters, alongside the Mish activation function and the Ranger optimizer, for the task of plant leaf disease classification. Compared with previous work that applied the same dataset, the proposed arrangement achieved a better performance, with 94.0% accuracy for EfficientNetB0, achieving state-of-the art results for the dataset tested. The model with the best performance also had fewer parameters, therefore being effective and demonstrating potential in terms of its portability.

4.6. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Normalized Difference Red Edge Index Could Be Useful Tools for Optimizing Grazing Management in Mixed Pastures

Sam Wilson, Daniel Donaghy, Mark Osborne

• School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4410, New Zealand

Pastures’ growth and quality are optimized when pastures are grazed to the point at which they achieve 95% light interception (LI)—that is, when the canopy is capable of intercepting 95% of incident solar radiation with its leaves. Thus, LI measurements provide a good indicator of the ideal time for which to graze a pasture. However, LI measurements are difficult since they require sensors to be placed in and above the pasture’s canopy throughout the pasture regrowth period and since they are affected by daily weather patterns. Therefore, an alternative tool for predicting the LI in pastures is desired. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Red Edge index (NDRE) may provide useful alternatives to LI since these measurements are less labor-intensive and are not affected by the weather. In a mixed perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) + plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) pasture at Massey University, New Zealand, the relationship between the NDVI, the NDRE, and LI was investigated between early spring and late summer. The NDVI and NDRE were measured by scanning eight plots (182 m²) using a Rapid Scan(R) CS-45 canopy analyzer (~300 readings), while the LI was measured using a Spectrosense 2⁺(R) device at three fixed locations within each plot. Positive logarithmic relationships were found between the NDVI and LI (R² = 0.35) and the NDRE and LI (R² = 0.30). These results suggest that the NDVI and NDRE may be useful tools for predicting the LI in pastures, therefore indicating the most effective time for which to graze a pasture. However, future research is required to determine the limitations in their use for predicting the optimal grazing times for different pasture species.

4.7. Novel IoT Solution Using Smart Sensors for Precision Irrigation Agriculture: Design, Applications, Algorithms, and Pilot Testing of IoT-Based System for Agricultural Water Management

Denis Bwire ¹, Amra Oum ², Patricia McGahan ³, Hirotaka Saito ⁴, Kazibwe Brian Peter ⁵

¹ 

Department of Agricultural Mechanization and Irrigation Engineering, Busitema University, P. O Box. 236 Tororo, Uganda

² 

United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Utsunomiya University, 350, Minemachi, Tochigi, 321-8505, Japan

³ 

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

⁴ 

United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-8-1, Harumicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8538

⁵ 

Research and Business Development, Saerd-tech Consultants Ltd., Plot 1310, Block 149 Mukono. C/o, P.O Box 16048, Kampala Uganda

Rice is a staple crop for ensuring global food security, although it requires a lot of water, up to 2500 L, to produce 1 Kg of rice. Rice farming is expanding in East Africa, with up to 90% of the production on smallholder farms using traditional flooding and rain-fed methods, which are vulnerable to climate change and variability. Alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and rice intensification (SRI) systems are climate-smart irrigation practices that can increase yields and optimize water management, although they are still mainly practiced at the micro-research scale. Some of the challenges for adopting these techniques among farmers and large schemes in East Africa include poor government policies, limited awareness, technical knowledge, changes in the soil’s structure that influence the application of irrigation water, and the need for frequent manual water level (WL) monitoring. This study presents (i) a pilot test of a self-developed Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart solution and (ii) a comparison with the conventional AWD practices to address the challenges of AWD and improve water management for smallholder farmers in Africa. The pilot test was carried out at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology using pot rice cultivation in greenhouse conditions between December 2024 and February 2024. The preliminary results indicated that the IoT system had 16% water savings, twice those in conventional AWD and higher compared to those in conventional AWD and CF. Since there is ongoing research and development in the field in Uganda, we have yet to understand the actual effects of the IoT AWD system on water use efficiency, labor savings, yields, and the soil’s hydraulic conditions or to obtain economic projections for its adoption by smallholder farmers and promotion in Africa.

4.8. Patenting Trends in AI Applications for Agriculture: A Comprehensive Analysis

Reda El Boukhari, Ahmed Fatimi

• Chemical Science and Engineering Research Team (ERSIC), Department of Chemistry, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Beni Mellal (FPBM), Sultan Moulay Slimane University (USMS), P.O. Box 592 Mghila, Beni Mellal 23000, Morocco

Innovative agricultural technologies encompass a wide range of tools and techniques aiming to improve efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in farming. This study analyzed patents related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. Various patent databases were utilized, employing keywords and terms such as “AI in agriculture”, “deep learning in agriculture”, “machine learning in agriculture”, “AI applications in crop yield optimization”, “crop monitoring with AI”, and “pest and disease detection using AI”. Searches were carried out using the patent titles, abstracts, and claims to ensure thorough coverage and the retrieval of pertinent data. The search results were then refined based on the publication year, patent classification, applicants, and jurisdictions. As a result, 1514 patent documents were identified. The origins of the use of AI in agriculture patenting can be traced back to the earliest priority date, marking 1989 as the inaugural year. Significantly, the peak patent document activity occurred in 2023. This analysis reveals that the United States and China are the most prolific nations in patenting AI applications in agriculture. The majority of inventions involve information and communication technology tailored to agriculture, fishing, and mining. Additionally, the patents in this area are related to computing arrangements based on specific computational models, particularly focusing on machine learning and neural networks inspired by biological models. This study provides a patent analysis and a competitive analysis covering the AI usage trends in agriculture and presents recommendations for guiding the development of innovative research strategies.

4.9. Use of Convolution Neural Networks for Classification of Time Series of Sentinel-1 Chronological Data

Benmahmoud Salah ¹, Charfi Olfa ², Masmoudi Chiraz ³, Asma Bouchkara ⁴

¹ 

École Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Gabès, Université de Gabès, Cité Hay Ennour, Médenine, 4100, Tunisie

² 

GREEN-TEAM Laboratory (LR17AGR01-INAT), University of Mannouba, INSAT, Zone Urbaine Nord, B.P. 676, 1080, Tunis Cedex, Tunisie

³ 

Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, Olive Tree Institute, Airport Road, Km 1.5, Sfax, BP 1087, 3000, Tunisia

⁴ 

National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, University of Carthage, Menzel Jemil, 7035, Tunisia

Satellite data are crucial for monitoring soil conditions, with applications in agriculture and environmental management. This study assesses the soil moisture in a semi-arid region of Tunisia using Sentinel-1 satellite imagery and CNN-based classifiers developed for time series data classification. The training database was validated using Sentinel-2 imagery and ground-truth data to enhance the classification accuracy.

The study area, in the Kairouan governorate of central Tunisia, spans the eastern Tunisian Atlas (9°30′ E to 10°15′ E, 35° N to 35°45′ N). Measurements were taken during a 2019 field campaign. The region’s land use includes cereals, orchards, olive groves, bare soil, fallow land, vegetables, urban areas, and dams. Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 images from June to October 2019 were downloaded from the Copernicus platform. The Sentinel-1 data were preprocessed using ESA’s SNAP software, involving terrain correction, noise reduction, and radiometric calibration, and then segmented in QGIS using GPS field reference data. The statistical analysis in R revealed correlations between VH backscattering, land use, the NDVI, and rainfall. The Sentinel-1 (VH polarization) and Sentinel-2 NDVI images informed the sampling hypotheses for CNN training, considering variations in moisture and biomass.

The CNN classifiers, implemented in MATLAB R2018a, were evaluated through cross-validation, selecting the models that minimized the errors and maximized the accuracy. The CNN achieved the best results with a learning time of 503 s, an accuracy of 99.36%, and a loss of 6.76%. The training phase used 9 × 9 sampling windows, 15,000 samples (2/3 for training, 1/3 for testing), five classes, 50 filters (5 × 5), Maxpooling (window size = 4; stride = 2), and the activation function ’gradient descent with momentum’. The learning rate was 0.005, with one fully connected layer, 30 epochs, and 50 iterations. The CNN outperformed the Random Forest (RF) method when applied to the Sentinel-2 data in handling the complexity of data such as moisture, biodiversity, and biomass.

5. Session: Biostimulation and Biocontrol Microbial-Based Strategies

5.1. Response of Lotus creticus to Abiotic Stress: Role of Plant Density and Soil Microorganisms

Adrián Sapiña-Solano ¹, Claudia Palloti ¹, Monica Boscaiu ², Francisco Collado ³, Oscar Vicente ¹, Mario X. Ruiz-González ¹

¹ 

Institute for Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain

² 

Mediterranean Agroforestry Institute (IAM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain

³ 

Servici Devesa-Albufera, Vivers Municipals de El Saler, Valencia, Spain

Coastal ecosystems are exposed to extreme abiotic conditions, primarily water deficits and salt stress, as well as resource unavailability, which exacerbates interspecific competition. In this context, soil microbial communities may provide an advantage in coping with abiotic and biotic stresses.

This study investigates the effects of both the soil microbiota and plant density on the performance of L. creticus under salt and water stresses. We applied two saline treatments (100 mM and 200 mM NaCl) and water deficits (completely withholding irrigation) to plants grown either individually or in groups of three in coastal dune soil (with the natural soil microbial community) or sterile soil. When the plants started to wilt, we measured their morphometric traits, mycorrhizal structures, and biochemical markers indicative of the plants’ responses to abiotic stress. The latter included photosynthetic pigments (chlorophylls and carotenoids), the ion content in the leaves and roots, osmolytes (proline, total soluble sugars, and glycine betaine), and oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide). We also analyzed the antioxidant mechanisms, both enzymatic (catalase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities) and non-enzymatic (total phenolic compounds and flavonoids).

Plants grown in the coastal soils exhibited a greater biomass compared to that of plants grown in the sterile soils (the leaf dry weights were 0.52 ± 0.07 g vs. 0.28 ± 0.02 g, respectively). Plants cultivated in groups showed higher levels of osmolytes than these levels in those cultivated individually (e.g., the proline concentrations were 12.70 ± 2.73 µmol/g DW vs. 1.60 ± 0.41 µmol/g DW, respectively). Salt and water stresses had a negative effect on the plants’ morphological development (e.g., average leaves produced in 0.2 M NaCl: 34.72 ± 9.98; in water stress: 37.71 ± 12.70; in control plants: 82.39 ± 17.45) and triggered certain stress markers (e.g., total soluble sugars in the control plants: 18.49 ± 3.16 mg eq. G /g DW; 0.2 M NaCl: 46.90 ± 11.72 mg eq. G /g DW; water stress: 55.35 ± 19.85 mg eq. G /g DW). These findings support the positive effects of local soil microbial communities and population density conditions on plants’ performance under abiotic stresses.

5.2. An Evaluation of the Microbiological Quality of Trichoderma asperellum Produced in an On-Farm System in Curitibanos, SC

Estela Kovalski ¹, Emerson Gabriel Cardoso dos Passos ¹, Julia Ganen dos Santos ¹, Letícia Zaparolli Perin ¹, Thaís Fernandes Ronsani ¹, Sonia Purin da Cruz ¹, Mariangela Hungria da Cunha ², Marco Antonio Nogueira ²

¹ 

Campus Curitibanos, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Curitibanos—SC, Rodovia Ulysses Gaboardi, 3000-Curitibanos, SC, 89520-000, Brasil

² 

EMBRAPA Soja, EMBRAPA, Londrina—PR, Rodovia Carlos João Strass, s/nº Acesso Orlando Amaral, Distrito de Warta Caixa Postal: 4006 CEP: 86085-981, Londrina—PR, Brasil

In Brazil, there has been a significant increase in the use of products based on microorganisms for biological control. Due to this increased demand for biological products, certain companies have sold technologies called “on-farm” production systems, also known as “biofabrics”, which consist of producing microorganisms for biological control while using commercial products as the inoculum source. However, this occurs without any rigorous supervision, and the multiplication occurs in open spaces such as water tanks, bioreactors, and milk coolers. With a lack of control over the multiplying microorganisms, published articles have reported the presence of several contaminants, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The present work aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of two multiplied Trichoderma products in Curitibanos, SC, Brazil. Samples were collected on rural properties and taken to a laboratory for quantification through serial dilution and a morphological colony analysis. One of these was the commercial product Trippel, with a labeled concentration of 1 × 10⁵ UFC mL⁻¹ of Trichoderma asperellum, and the other was the product of its “on-farm” multiplication. We observed no contaminants in Trippel and a concentration of 1 × 10⁷ UFC mL⁻¹. On the other hand, Trichoderma asperellum was not found in the multiplied product, and the concentration of contaminants was 4 × 10⁹ CFU mL⁻¹ (mostly bacterial colonies). The on-farm multiplication of the microorganism Trichoderma asperellum was not efficient given that only contaminants were multiplied, and the agricultural use of this multiplication will not result in the benefits expected from the commercial product. Furthermore, the contaminants may be pathogenic and even antibiotic-resistant groups of microorganisms, which represent a serious health risk to farmers and could contaminate the soil and water resources.

5.3. Isolation and Characterization of Multi-Trait Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria to Improve Phosphorous Nutrient and Maize Growth Optimization

Oluwatomiwa Jubilee Sunbare-Funto ¹, Chinedu Endurance Mbah ¹, Olubukola Monisola Oyawoye ¹, Oluwatosin Akinola Ajibade ²

¹ 

Department of Microbiology, Federal university Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti state, Nigeria

² 

Department of Microbiology, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun state, Nigeria

The increasing global need for food necessitates a shift towards more profitable and efficient farming methods since chemical fertilizers pose hazards to both human health and the planet’s ecosystem. Microorganisms that may serve as PGPRs (plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria) for Zea mays optimization were the focus of this study’s isolation and identification efforts. A preliminary screening of five isolates was conducted using growth stimulation, nutrient solubilization, and enzyme synthesis in vitro from indigenous soil from the field at Federal University Oye Ekiti. By comparing each trait’s maximum and minimum values, the strain pool was reduced to two strains. The 16S rDNA sequencing method was used to identify these two promising isolates, Enterobacter hormaechei OYA S29 and Acinetobacter sp. OYA S30. The effect of Enterobacter hormaechei OYA S29 on the soil’s phosphorus content and maize development was examined in a pot experiment. The findings showed that the phosphorus solubilization in the soil increased from 0.4905 ppm (in the control group) to 0.4934 ppm (using Enterobacter hormaechei OYA S29), and Zea mays development was much improved, with a greater plant height (45.722 cm) and plant girth (4.20 cm), longer leaves (35.500 cm), longer roots (23.433 cm), and a higher biomass (7.4850 g) when compared to these properties in the control group (36.250 cm, 3.225 cm, 28.450 cm, 16.750 cm, and 4.7220 g). These results demonstrate the discovered strains’ potential as efficient PGPRs for maximizing maize growth and nutrient availability.

5.4. Strategies for Integrated Pest Management of the Fruit Fly Bactrocera zonata (Tephritidae: Diptera) Using Various Approaches

Shahbaz Ahmad

• Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 595400, Pakistan

Guava (Psidium guajava) is a vital crop in tropical agriculture renowned for its rich antioxidant and dietary fiber content. However, its cultivation faces significant challenges from the Peach Fruit Fly (PFF), Bactrocera zonata, which threatens various fruit crops, including guava. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, such as the Male Annihilation Technique (MAT), the Bait Application Technique (BAT), and the use of botanical compounds, are employed to control this pest. This study, conducted in the fields of the University of Punjab, Lahore, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the MAT, BAT, and botanical methods by measuring the mortality rates at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h intervals. In the BAT and the botanical methods, this study tested extracts from Neem, Moringa, Citrus, and Parthenium at concentrations of 100%, 50%, and 25%. The results showed that the highest mortality occurred at the 100% concentration, with the effectiveness decreasing over time but still providing adequate control after 24 and 48 h. Neem extract at the 100% concentration achieved the highest mortality rate of 65.71% after 24 h, while Parthenium at 25% showed the lowest mortality rate, at 23.8%. The Moringa and Citrus extracts exhibited moderate effectiveness. The MAT involved setting nine traps with three different concentrations (100%, 20%, and 10%) of Polytrin-C and methyl eugenol, with each replicated three times. The 100% concentration produced the highest mortality rate within 24 h, whereas the 10% concentration resulted in the lowest mortality rate. Overall, the MAT proved to be the most effective method, while the botanical treatments were the least effective. This study concluded that all of the IPM strategies tested provided satisfactory control of Bactrocera zonata, with the MAT being the most efficient approach. Among the botanicals, Neem extract was the most effective and Parthenium the least. The BAT showed moderate effectiveness in managing this pest.

5.5. Antifungal Activity of Achilléa millefólium Extract Against Pathogens of Plant Root Rot

Olga N. Shemshura ¹, Svetlana Kamzolova ²

¹ 

Research and Production Center of Microbiology and Virology, Almaty, Bogenbai batyr str., 105, Kazakhstan

² 

G.K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, Pushchino, Prospect Nauki 5, Russia

Introduction: Phytopathogens affect all types of agricultural plants in all regions of the world. The annual losses due to these pathogens in the global economy amount to tens of billions of dollars. All over the world, great importance is attached to environmentally friendly means of protecting plants from pathogens, so a promising direction is the use of green technologies for the development of biological products based on plant extracts and their natural compounds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity an extract of Achilléa millefólium, from the Compósitae family, against pathogens that cause plant root rot and to determine the composition of its components.

Methods: An aqueous–alcoholic extract of the plant Achilléa millefólium was obtained by grinding the leaves, washing them with running water and then with sterile water, drying, grinding them into powder, and performing extraction with 70% ethanol, followed by settling and filtering. The antifungal activity of the extract was determined using the agar diffusion method. Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, and Penicillium notatum, previously isolated from soybean plants affected by root rot, were used as the test microorganisms. The composition of the components was determined using HPLC and a gas chromatographic analysis.

Results: The Achilléa millefólium extract was shown to have high antifungal activity; the growth inhibition zones for F. oxysporum, F. solani, and P. notatum were 36.3 mm, 39.6 mm, and 31.0 mm, respectively. The component composition of the extract revealed derivatives of flavones, quercetin, kaempferol, phenolic acids, decanoic acid, etc.

Conclusions: The Achilléa millefólium plant extract and the complex of its natural compounds could be used further as the basis for the development of environmentally friendly drugs against plant root rot pathogens.

5.6. Aromadendrane Sesquiterpenoids from Santolina chamaecyparissus L. Flowers: Chemical Profiling and Antifungal Activity Against Neocosmospora Species

Eva Sánchez-Hernández ¹, Jesús Martín-Gil ¹, Vicente González-García ², José Casanova-Gascón ³, Pablo Martín-Ramos ¹

¹ 

Department of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, ETSIIAA, University of Valladolid, Avenida de Madrid 44, 34004 Palencia, Spain

² 

Department of Agricultural, Forestry, and Environmental Systems, Center for Agri-Food Research and Technology of Aragón, Aragón Agri-Food Institute—IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain

³ 

Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, EPS, Universidad de Zaragoza, Carretera de Cuarte, s/n, 22071 Huesca, Spain

Santolina chamaecyparissus L. (cotton lavender; from the Asteraceae family), which has traditionally been valued in medicine and cosmetics due to its bioactive compounds, was evaluated in terms of its phytochemical profile and antifungal properties against two emerging plant pathogens. The flower extracts were prepared using methanol/water (1:17 v/v) through ultrasonication and characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The extract’s antifungal efficacy against Neocosmospora falciformis and N. keratoplastica was assessed through both in vitro assays and in planta experiments on zucchini (cv. Diamant F1) and tomato (cv. Optima F1) using root-dipping treatments. The GC-MS analysis revealed a diverse sesquiterpenoid profile, with nuciferol (17.7%), 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (10.3%), and 8-cedren-13-ol (5.9%) as its major components, alongside aromadendrane derivatives including spathulenol, viridiflorol, and ledol. The extract exhibited potent antifungal activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 1500 and 1000 μg/mL against N. falciformis and N. keratoplastica, respectively. In the greenhouse trials, treatment with 3000 μg/mL of the extract (2× MIC) effectively suppressed N. falciformis-induced wilting and root rot in both crops without phytotoxic effects. These results indicate an antimicrobial activity comparable to that of fosetyl-Al and higher than that of conventional azoxystrobin fungicides and demonstrate the potential of S. chamaecyparissus flower extract as a sustainable, biorational alternative for managing Neocosmospora species and related pathogens in agricultural disease control.

5.7. Bio-Potential Activity of Bacillus spp. from Tomato Rhizosphere Soil Against Fungal Growth of Pythium aphanidermatum and Fusarium oxysporum

PRAVEEN THANGARAJ

• Department of Agriculture, Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnan Koil, India

Tomato is a significant vegetable crop in India, but it faces substantial losses due to diseases like damping-off (caused by Pythium aphanidermatum) and wilt (caused by Fusarium spp.). To address these issues, a study was conducted to isolate Bacillus spp. from the rhizosphere soil to manage the pathogens of P. aphanidermatum and Fusarium spp. Virulent isolates of P. aphanidermatum and Fusarium spp. were isolated from infected tomato plants and were identified morphologically and molecularly as P. aphanidermatum and Fusarium oxysporum. A total of 12 Bacillus spp. were isolated from the rhizosphere soil from a tomato field. In vitro, screening of the Bacillus isolates against the damping-off and wilt pathogens revealed that strains BS1, BS2, and BS5 were effective against P. aphanidermatum, while BS1, BS4, BS7, BS9, and BS11 were effective against F. oxysporum. Notably, strain BS1 was effective against both P. aphanidermatum and F. oxysporum. A GC-MS analysis of the volatile compound content of the crude extract from Bacillus sp. BS1 revealed the presence of several antimicrobial compounds, including hexanone, benzoic acid, methyl butanol, furan, proline, xylene, dodecane, benserazide, pentanoic acid, and cartap, all with significant area percentages. The results of the volatile analysis showed that benzoic acid was predominantly expressed at high peak values with a higher area percentage (79.2%), which was found to suppress pathogenic growth in vitro. A glasshouse trial assessing the efficacy of Bacillus sp. BS1 demonstrated that treating the tomato seeds with 5 g/kg as a basal application and applying 2.0 kg/ha to the soil as a top dressing on days 25 and 35 after sowing resulted in substantial reductions in the incidence of damping-off (1.29%) and wilt (5.26%) pathogens. Furthermore, bipartite interactions between plant-defense-related enzymes such as peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase and the total phenol content were potentially related to the expression of higher activity. This study concluded that this Bacillus sp. from the rhizosphere soil of tomatoes exhibits significant potential to inhibit soil-borne plant pathogens.

5.8. Biochemical Responses Induced by SiO2-ZnO Nanoparticles in Zea mays Plants Under Water Deficit Conditions

Ileana Vera Reyes ¹, Luis Alfonso Garcia Cerda ², Yolanda Ortega-Ortega ¹, Luis Gerardo Sarmiento-Lopéz ³

¹ 

Departamento de Biociencias y Agrotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada (CIQA), Saltillo, Coah., México

² 

Departamento de Materilaes Avanzados, CIQA, Blvd. Enrique Reyna Hermosillo 140, Col. San José de los Cerritos, CP 25294, Saltillo, Coah., México.

³ 

Departamento Academico de Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, Universidad Autónoma de Occidente Unidad Regional, Los Mochis, Sinaloa.Sin., México.

Nanotechnology (NT) holds promise as a tool for improving crop yields and addressing current and future limitations in agricultural production by enhancing plants’ tolerance to abiotic stresses, such as droughts. Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) are beneficial in mitigating biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the impact of the combined synthesis of SiNPs with metals (SiZnONPs) under drought stress conditions is poorly understood. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of SiNPs on the growth of maize (Zea mays) under water deficit conditions in a greenhouse. Four levels of SiNPs and SiZnONPs (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/L) were applied weekly as a foliar spray after maize sowing. Two water levels (100% and 35% of the soil’s water-holding capacity) were introduced 50 days after sowing for the remaining growth period. The lowest biomass, stem diameter, leaf number, and height were observed in the plants under drought stress (the control). The SiNP treatments improved the plants’ growth indicators and photosynthesis, especially in the drought-stressed grains. The improvement in maize growth was consistent across the different levels of SiNPs, with the highest effect seen with the SiZnONPs at 50 mg/L (81.05 ± 1.2 cm). In the plants treated with SiZnONPs, their levels of proline, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) [771. 97 μg/mg, 4.48 ± 0.2 UI/mg; 19.28 ±0.11 UI/mg, and 0.27 ± 0.06 UI/mg] were higher compared to those in the plants under drought stress conditions [650 ± 31.44 μg/mg, 2.93 ± 0.61 UI/mg; 14.58 ± 021 UI/mg, and 0.17 ± 0.03 UI/mg]. However, the levels of H₂O₂ showed the opposite trend. The application of the SiNPs notably enhanced the histological features of the roots under drought conditions.

5.9. Biofortification of Pea Microgreens Through Selenium Seed Priming

Cátia Magalhães ^1,2, Matilde Rodrigues ^1,3, José Pinela ^1,3,4

¹ 

Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal

² 

Escola Superior Agrária, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal

³ 

Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança Portugal

⁴ 

Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P. (INIAV, I.P.), Rua dos Lágidos, Lugar da Madalena, 4485-655 Vairão, Vila do Conde, Portugal

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human health, playing a crucial role as a component of various enzymes and proteins involved in antioxidant defense and immune regulation. In small quantities, Se can improve plant yields and quality and modulate stress-responsive genes [1,2,3]. However, plant foods grown in Se-deficient soils inevitably contain low levels of this micronutrient. This study aimed to address this issue by biofortifying pea microgreens (Pisum sativum L.) thought seed priming with Se. Seed priming is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for biofortifying edible crops, promoting their uniform germination and fast emergence, even under unfavorable conditions. In this experiment, seeds were submitted to nutri-priming treatments using 25–100 µM Se solutions for 6 and 12 h, with sodium selenate as the Se source. Hydroprimed and unprimed seeds served as the controls. After treatment, one batch of seeds was tested for its electrolyte leakage, while another was grown in a high-temperature greenhouse to produce pea microgreens. Their emergence rate and morphological parameters were monitored daily. Upon harvest, their biomass was measured, and the Se content was analyzed through atomic absorption spectrometry. Additionally, the chlorophyll levels, soluble sugars, organic acids, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity were quantified using different analytical methods [4]. The seed treatment significantly influenced the emergence and growth of the pea microgreens. The 6 h treatment resulted in a superior agronomic performance and greater biomass accumulation compared to these values under the 12 h treatment. However, the unprimed control exhibited the highest emergence rate. Despite this, Se priming significantly increased the Se concentration in microgreens, confirming the effectiveness of this biofortification strategy. These findings highlight the need to balance biomass production with Se accumulation to optimize the production protocols, contributing to the development of Se-biofortified foods in the context of climate change.

5.10. The Application of Biostimulants as a Strategy to Sustain Reproductive Development and Fruit Set in Eggplants Under Heat Stress

Silvia Manrique ¹, Lotte Uijtdewilligen ², Miguel Ezquerro ³, Jaime Prohens ¹

¹ 

Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV)- Polytechnic University of Valencia, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain

² 

Aeres University of Applied Sciences, De Drieslag 4, 8251JZ, Dronten, The Netherlands

³ 

Technical Department, KhemeChemical S.L., Puerto de Sagunto, 46520, Spain

Climate change is a source of severe stress for crops and reduces agricultural yields worldwide, with the Mediterranean region experiencing some of the most intense impacts. With a growing global population, agriculture faces the dual challenge of mitigating the adverse effects of climate change while meeting increasing food demands. One important challenge in eggplant (Solanum melongena) cultivation is the disruption of this plant’s reproductive development under high temperatures. Eggplants exhibit andromonoecy, a sexual system where hermaphrodite and male flowers coexist on the same plant. Specifically, eggplants display functional andromonoecy, where the male flowers retain a non-functional pistil. Different eggplant varieties display different proportions of hermaphrodite and male flowers, but it has been shown that the proportion of male flowers always increases under heat stress conditions—a response aiming to conserve plant resources but resulting in reductions in yields for farmers. It has been suggested that the balance between male and hermaphrodite flowers is linked to stress and resource allocation. Therefore, under stressful conditions, eggplants are thought to produce more male flowers because they require fewer resources and avoid the metabolic cost of fruit development. Nevertheless, this hypothesis has not been systematically tested so far.

In this study, we investigated the impact of heat stress on the production of hermaphrodite and male flowers in the experimental eggplant variety “Micromel”, developed in our laboratory, and commercial varieties from Valencia, Spain, which were grown in the field. Furthermore, we assessed whether applying biostimulants derived from plant organic matter and enriched with amino acids during the vegetative phase could improve the plants’ resilience, thus maintaining fruit set under heat stress conditions.

This study also explored the above hypothesis by testing the effect of the application of the biostimulant on flower sex and fruit set. For this, we used the dwarf eggplant variety (“Micromel”), developed in our laboratory. Micromel plants treated with the biostimulant during the vegetative phase produced significantly more hermaphrodite flowers and higher fruit yields than those in the control plants, supporting the idea that the strength of andromonoecy is controlled by resource availability.

To assess the impact of heat stress on andromonoecy, a subset of plants was exposed to heat stress (35 °C day/30 °C night). While the control plants ceased to produce hermaphrodite flowers under heat stress, the biostimulant-treated plants continued to produce them. Although fruit set was limited in the biostimulant-treated plants due to the reduced viability of their pollen at high temperatures, these plants showed greater resilience to stress, suggesting their faster recovery post-stress. Additionally, when subjected to secondary stresses like drought, the biostimulant-treated plants exhibited enhanced tolerance.

Overall, these results support the idea that the strength of andromonoecy is linked to resource allocation in eggplants and that the application of biostimulants may support eggplant yields by promoting flower fertility and fruit set and improving stress tolerance. This approach offers a promising strategy for crop management in the face of climate change.

5.11. Brewing Sustainability: Transforming Coffee Waste into Powerful Crop Protectors—A Circular Economy Approach

Eva Sánchez Hernández ¹, Jorge Clérigo De Santiago ¹, Vicente Gonzalez ², Zacarías Clérigo Pérez ³, Jesús Martín Gil ¹, Pablo Martín Ramos ¹

¹ 

Department of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, ETSIIAA, University of Valladolid, Avenida de Madrid 44, 34004 Palencia, Spain

² 

Department of Agricultural, Forestry, and Environmental Systems, Center for Agri-Food Research and Technology of Aragón, Aragón Agri-Food Institute—IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain

³ 

Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Graphic Engineering, Cartographic Engineering, Geodesy and Photogrammetry, Mechanical Engineering, and Manufacturing Process Engineering, ETSIIAA, University of Valladolid, Avenida de Madrid 4

The coffee industry generates substantial waste, which is often discarded, creating environmental and economic challenges. However, these residues can be a valuable source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties, presenting an opportunity for their use in crop protection, both pre- and post-harvest. Following circular economy principles, this study proposes the extraction and characterization of bioactive products from coffee byproducts and evaluates their antifungal activity against pathogens affecting coffee plants and/or stored coffee beans. The proposed method for recovering coffee residues (extraction in aqueous ammonia medium followed by freeze-drying) has proven to be cost-effective for caffeine production and competitive with the current methods. Assays of their in vitro activity demonstrated the high antimicrobial activity of the extracts against Fusarium xylarioides, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, and Penicillium verrucosum. The minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged from 15.6 to 375, 31.2 to 1000, 62.5 to 1000, and 62.5 to 1500 μg/mL, respectively, depending on the residue used. The extract with the highest activity, derived from silver skin, was tested for the pre-harvest protection of coffee plants and the post-harvest protection of coffee beans. At a concentration of 62.5 μg/mL, it demonstrated complete control over tracheomycosis caused by F. xylarioides in the coffee plants and full protection of the coffee beans against A. flavus, A. niger, and P. verrucosum. These findings suggest that aqueous ammonia extracts of coffee byproducts represent a promising alternative to the conventional synthetic phytosanitary products, with the potential to improve the sustainability of the coffee industry.

5.12. Comparative Yield Response of Two Alfalfa Cultivars to Biostimulant Supply

Ebenezer Ayew Appiah ^1,2, Erika Kutasy ²

¹ 

Kerpely Doctoral School of Crop Production and Horticultural Science, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.

² 

Institute of Crop Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary, Böszörményi Street. 138.

Improving the production of alfalfa biomass yields through an eco-friendly approach is crucial to the productivity of sustainable agriculture. A study was conducted at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, to examine the effect of the application of biostimulants to two types of alfalfa on their biomass yield performance and identify potential cultivar-specific responses to the biostimulant treatments. The two alfalfa cultivars, (i) Magor and (ii) Hunor, were provided with a supply of the biostimulants under field conditions, and biomass yields were harvested four times on a plot-by-plot basis. The experiment was arranged into a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with the four treatment combinations consisting of T0 = the control; T1 = a biostimulant containing MTU^®, pidolic acid, and Si (2.5 L/ha); T2 = Tricho Immun + Ino Green (foliar fertilizer) (3 + 3 L/ha); and T3 = Tricho Immun (3 L/ha), and replicated three times. Our findings show significant differences in the yield responses between the two cultivars following the application of the biostimulant treatments with or without the foliar fertilizer. Hunor exhibited a significant increase in its biomass yield of 8.73% compared to that of 6.27% in Magor across all of the harvesting periods. The application of biostimulants with or without the foliar fertilizer significantly increased the biomass yield production, highlighting differential responses based on the cultivars’ genetics. The treatment applied attained biomass yields in the range of 17,959 kg/ha to 19,983.75 kg/ha, which contributed to yield increases of 1.10% to 11.27% for Magor, while 15,534 kg/ha to 17,347 kg/ha was observed for Hunor, contributing to yield increases in the range of 8.11% to 11.67%. Our results indicate that Hunor had a better yield response to the application of biostimulants compared to that in Magor. This study contributes valuable insights for optimizing the alfalfa production strategies, focusing on the potential of biostimulants to enhance alfalfa crop yield performance and agricultural sustainability.

5.13. Effect of Silica Spraying on Physiological Performance of Cucumis sativus and Capsicum annum Under Heat Stress

Dmytro Hula ¹, Pedro Caldeira ¹, Ana Elisa Rato ², Margarida Vaz ³, Lénia Rodrigues ⁴, Renato Coelho ⁵

¹ 

Department of Biology, University of Évora, Portugal

² 

MED & CHANGE, Universidade de Évora, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal.

³ 

Department of Biology, University of Évora, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal

⁴ 

MED & CHANGE, University of Évora, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal.

⁵ 

Department of Biology, University of Évora, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal

The foliar application of sunscreen formulations containing silicon dioxide (SiO₂) may be relevant to overcoming heat burn in vegetable crops. The authors tested a Si-containing product on potted cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and pepper (Capsicum annum) plants to assess its protective properties against heat stress. Two-week-old plants were either sprayed (S⁺) or not sprayed (S⁻) with a 0.05% Si solution and were either exposed (H⁺) or not exposed (H⁻) to heat stress; greenhouse conditions were used, and there were a total of four treatments (S⁻H⁻, S⁻H⁺, S⁺H⁻, and S⁺H⁺). The H⁺ treatment consisted of exposing the plants for 6 h on two consecutive days to mild heat stress (an air temperature around 42 °C) and to severe heat stress one week later (an air temperature around 48 °C). Also, the H⁻ plants received 25% less solar radiation than the H⁺ plants.

The pepper plants exposed to heat burn (H⁺) showed a 1% decrease in their water percentage compared to that in the H⁻ plants. The leaf temperature was 7% lower (p = 0.01) in the S⁺H⁺ treatment group and around 5% lower in the S⁺H⁻ plants from both species compared to that in the plants that were not sprayed with Si (S⁻). In addition, the plants sprayed with Si (S⁺H⁺ and S⁺H⁻) showed a 20% lower (p = 0.04) stomatal conductance (g_s). The chlorophyll content of the leaves that were not exposed to heat stress (H⁻) was almost 50% higher in the S⁺ plants from either species, on average, in the two heat stress treatments (mild and severe). Heat stress decreased the quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) of the plants from both species by an average of 4%. Also, Si improved Fv/Fm in all of the plants not exposed to heat stress (i.e., S⁺H⁻) and those exposed to severe heat stress (48 °C) but not mild heat stress (42 °C). The number of flowers produced by the cucumber plants was 60% higher in the Si⁺H⁺ plants than in the Si⁻H⁺ plants. These results suggest the beneficial effect of silica spraying but should be confirmed in the field.

5.14. Enhancing Almond Seed Germination and Growth Through Microbial Priming: A Biostimulation Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture

Zineb Bouabidi ¹, Najat Manaut ², Mountasser Douma ¹

¹ 

Natural Resources Engineering and Environmental Impacts Team, Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation Laboratory, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Khouribga (FPK), Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Khouribga, Morocco.

² 

Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Laboratory of Microbial Biotechnology, Agrosciences and Environment, Cadi Ayyad University, Labeled Research Unit-CNRST N°4, Marrakesh, Morocco.

Microbial priming is an emerging strategy in sustainable agriculture that involves the use of beneficial microorganisms to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. This innovative approach leverages the natural interactions between plants and microorganisms to promote plant growth and improve soil health. This study explores the application of microbial priming to almond seeds, focusing on the biostimulant effect of a soil-based microbial extract on enhancing almond seed germination and seedling growth. Methods: Almond seeds were subjected to microbial priming using a microbial wash extracted from a rhizospheric native soil sample of Pistacia lentiscus. The experiment evaluated the germination rates and seedling growth parameters and conducted comprehensive physicochemical and microbial analyses of the soil. The AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi) colonization was also measured. Results: Microbial priming significantly improved the germination rates and enhanced seedling growth compared to these properties in the untreated controls. The soil analysis revealed increased nutrient availability and a higher population of beneficial microorganisms. The AMF colonization was notably higher in the treated plants. Conclusions: Microbial priming effectively enhances almond seed germination and seedling growth, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable biostimulation strategy in agriculture. This practice not only boosts crop productivity but also promotes soil health by enriching its microbial communities and improving nutrient cycling. Integrating microbial priming into almond cultivation could lead to more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems, reducing the dependency on chemical inputs and enhancing the overall crop performance.

5.15. From an Ornamental to a Defender Plant: Camellia japonica Flower Extracts Control Erwinia amylovora in Pear Orchards

Riccardo Fontana ¹, Eva Sanchez Hernandez ², Peggy Marconi ^3,4, Mariaconcetta Sicurella ⁵, Jesus Martìn Gil ², Pablo Martin Ramos ²

¹ 

University of Ferrara—Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences

² 

Department of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, ETSIIAA, Universidad de Valladolid, ³4004 Palencia, Spain

³ 

Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy

⁴ 

Technopole of Ferrara, LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Ferrara 44121, Italy

⁵ 

Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy

Camellia japonica (common camellia or Japanese camellia) has long been valued in Eastern medicine and cosmetics for its rich contents of bioactive compounds, known for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study investigated the antibacterial potential of hydromethanolic extracts from the leaves and flowers of the ’Lipstick’ cultivar against two significant phytopathogens: Erwinia amylovora (EA) and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc). The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed the primary constituents in the leaf extract to include D-fucose, dihydroxyacetone, methoxy-phenyl-oxime (MPO), 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (DDMP), and 1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxy phenyl)-ethanone. The flower extract shared MPO and DDMP as its main phytochemicals, along with diethoxyacetic acid ethyl ester, nonanoic acid, 1,2-cyclopentanedione, and eicosane. In vitro assays demonstrated the low activity of the leaf extract and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 1000 and 1250 μg/mL against Xcc and EA, respectively, for the flower extract. At these concentrations, the flower extract completely inhibited biofilm formation and substantially reduced the amylovoran production by EA. Moreover, in vivo tests on artificially infected branches of Pyrus communis L. showed its effective control of fire blight at a concentration of 1250 μg/mL. These findings highlight the potential of C. japonica flower extracts as eco-friendly biorational tools for protecting crops against bacterial phytopathogens, particularly in the management of fire blight in pear trees.

5.16. The Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Phyllanthus emblica and Adhatoda vasica Leaf Extracts and A Comparative Study of Their Use Against Microbes

Divya Acharya ¹, Dr. Sushma Dubey ²

¹ 

Research Scholar Biotechnology, Kalinga University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

² 

HOD Biotechnology department kalinga university Raipur Chhattisgarh India

Introduction: In ancient times, silver played an important role as a novel type of metal ion in fighting against many infections. Nowadays, silver is used in AgNPs to target many biomedical and physiochemical reactions to fulfill research goals. But many drawbacks have also been reported in terms of the reactions to AgNPs, like allergies and environmental rissk, so to avoid all of these side effects, plant-based AgNPs are synthesized. In our research, we used silver nanoparticles containing Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) and Malabar nut (Adhatoda vasica) leaf extracts and carried out a comparative study on microbes.

Methods: The leaves were first collected and then crushed into a powder. Next, we made a water-based extract solution by heating the mixture to 80 degrees Celsius for three to four hours in a magnetic stirrer. The leaf extract was combined with 1 M silver nitrate solution, which was made by dissolving 1.7 g of silver nitrate in 100 mL of water. Finally, the mixture of amla or adusa and silver nitrate was centrifuged at 12,000 rpm for 30 min, the supernatant discarded, and the dark pellet collected to form AgNPs of the leaf extracts. Finally, the leaf extract was collected in the form of a powder and dried for two to three days in a dark place. Using the disc diffusion and well diffusion methods, we investigated the effects of these AgNP powders at varying concentrations on bacteria that cause diseases, such as E. coli, S. aureus, Mucor, and Aspergillus strains. Additionally, we utilized the commercial antibiotic streptomycin to complete our comparative study.

Result: The comparative study using AgNPs of the Phyllanthus emblica and Adhatoda vasica leaf extracts on microbes exhibited positive results as compared to those for the commercial antibiotic streptomycin in killing microbes, as clearly shown by the formation of zones of inhibition in the Petri dishes.

Conclusions: The secondary metabolites in plant leaves make plant-based drug systems and AgNP molecules more effective and eco-friendly as compared to chemical-based AgNPS.

5.17. Harnessing Nanotechnology for Eco-Friendly Viticulture: Combating Botrytis cinerea in the Ribera de Duero

Eva Sánchez-Hernández ¹, Javier García-Martín ^2,3, Alberto Santiago-Aliste ⁴, Marina Jambrina-González ^2,3, Jesús Martín-Gil ⁵, José Casanova-Gascón ⁶, Pablo Martín-Ramos ⁵

¹ 

University of Valladolid

² 

Beronia Rueda (González Byass), Camino de la Peña s/n, 47490 Rueda, Valladolid, Spain

³ 

Dominio Fournier (González Byass), Finca El Pinar, Berlangas de Roa, 09316 Berlangas de Roa, Burgos, Spain

⁴ 

Department of Construction and Agronomy, E. Politécnica Superior de Zamora, University of Salamanca, Av. de Requejo 33, 49029 Zamora, Spain

⁵ 

Department of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, ETSIIAA, University of Valladolid, Avenida de Madrid 44, 34004 Palencia, Spain

⁶ 

Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón—IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), EPS, Universidad de Zaragoza, Carretera de Cuarte s/n, 22071 Huesca, Spain

Botrytis cinerea, the primary cause of gray mold in vineyards, significantly impacts the wine industry by reducing both yield and quality. While chemical fungicides remain the primary control method, their use has led to pathogen resistance and has raised concerns about their toxicity to human health and the environment. The demand for zero-residue wines necessitates alternative approaches. Natural bioactive products (NBPs) offer a promising solution by inhibiting pathogen growth and reproduction. However, their field application is challenging due to their instability, solubility issues, and lack of specificity. Nanoencapsulation can enhance the efficacy of NBPs, but the development and application of nanocarriers (NCs) require a multidisciplinary approach to overcoming scientific and technical hurdles. This study presents the results of in vitro, ex situ, and field application tests against B. cinerea using Rubia tinctorum and Uncaria tomentosa extracts encapsulated into chitosan-based NCs. The laboratory tests revealed their high efficacy, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range of 250–375 μg/mL and complete protection of artificially inoculated “Tempranillo” grapes at the MIC doses. Field trials conducted in a D.O. Ribera de Duero vineyard during the 2024 growing season showed promising results, with no signs of phytotoxicity and no adverse effects on the grape must quality parameters. These findings suggest that biopolymeric NCs offer a non-toxic and eco-friendly platform for delivering NBPs without compromising wine quality.

5.18. Improved Growth, Yield, and Quality of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) with Foliar Application of Protein Hydrolysate Biostimulant

Shreyas Bagrecha

• Agronomy Section, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana- 132 001, India

An investigation was conducted using protein hydrolysates (PHs), obtained from the enzymatic breakdown of animal and plant waste, which contained active compounds showcasing biostimulant effects that could help increase growth, yield, and quality. The study location of the field experiment was the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, which was conducted during the kharif season in 2021–2022. The treatments consisted of applying 0.5, 0.625, 0.75, 1, and 1.5 L/ha of the PHs 15 and 50 days after transplanting (DAT), along with an untreated control. The various treatments significantly influenced the growth parameters, including plant height, the no. of tillers, and the dry matter accumulation, and the yield parameters, including the number of panicles, panicle length and weight, the number of filled grains per panicle, the fertility percentage, and grain and straw yields. The PHs at 1.5 L/ha yielded the highest values, followed by the PHs at 0.875 L/ha, when compared to those of the untreated control, and the percentage increase in the yield over that of the untreated control increased linearly within a range of 4.1% to 15%. Similarly, the protein hydrolysates at 1.5 L/ha showed a higher nutrient content and a higher uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the grains. The analysis of the provided results indicates that the most successful method for enhancing rice yield and quality in the agroclimatic conditions of Varanasi, India, is to incorporate protein hydrolysates at a rate of 1.5 L/ha at 15 and 50 DAT.

5.19. Inoculation of Cotton Improves Plant Growth Under Reduced Nitrogen Fertilization

Sonia Purin da Cruz, Grazieli Medeiros, Heloisa Delmonego Hess, Eduardo de Souza, Emerson Gabriel Cardoso dos Passos

• Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina—Curitibanos, SC—Brazil

The environmental impacts caused by the use of mineral fertilizers contribute significantly to a loss of quality in the soil soil, water resources, and the atmosphere. At the global level, there are increasing investments into the search for alternatives that reduce the use of chemical inputs in agriculture and contribute to sustainable production. In this sense, the use of growth-promoting microorganisms is one of the most promising techniques. In soybean cultivation, for example, inoculation makes it possible to eliminate the use of nitrogen fertilizers. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects of inoculating cotton plants with Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescens. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions according to a completely randomized design, with five treatments and five replications as follows: T1: 100% N; T2: 75% N; T3: 75% N + Azospirillum brasilense; T4: 75% N + Pseudomonas fluorescens; and T5: 75% N + Azospirillum brasilense + Pseudomonas fluorescens. Inoculation was performed at the time of transplanting. After five months, the growth and mass production of the roots and shoots were evaluated. The data were submitted to an analysis of variance, and the means were separated using the Scott–Knott test at a 5% probability of error. The use of Pseudomonas fluorescens with 75% nitrogen fertilization increased the mass of the fresh roots by 150% and the volume of the roots by 167% in relation to these values under 100% fertilization. Inoculation with P. fluorescens appears to be a promising tool for better rooting in cotton seedlings and reducing the fertilization costs and should be explored further to understand its benefits in field conditions, as well its effects on the productivity of this crop.

5.20. The Intraspecific Variability in the Nematicidal Response of Arthrobotrys oligospora, a Natural Enemy of Plant Parasitic Nematodes, and How It Is Affected by the Availability of Prey

Mariano Maestro ¹, Augusto Salas ^2,3, Julieta Posadas ², Guillermo José Cabrera Walsh ¹, Diego Herman Sauka ^2,3

¹ 

Fundación para el Estudio de Especies Invasivas (FuEDEI), Hurlingham, Argentina.

² 

Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola (IMyZA), Argentina.

³ 

Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.

The nematophagous fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora (Leotiomycetes: Heliotales) has incited interest in its potential as a biological control agent for plant parasitic nematodes in agriculture for a long time. However, efforts to materialize these aspirations have been hindered by inconsistent results. Many of the research papers on this subject have dealt with one particular strain of A. oligospora, but their conclusions have often been assumed to be valid for the whole species. We hypothesize that one of the causes of inconsistences is that the natural variation in the nematicidal responses between different strains of A. oligospora, as well as how the availability of prey in the experimental design can affect results, is often overlooked. In this work, we evaluate the in vitro nematicidal responses of 11 strains of A. oligospora over the first 12 h of contact with the model nematode Panagrellus redivivus. The strain INTA10 had significantly higher and faster nematicidal activity than that of the rest of the strains (LT50 after 247 min: mean = 0.55; n = 6; SD = 0.24; Tukey’s post hoc test: F = 13.20; p < 0.0001. LT100 after 719 min: mean = 1; n = 6; SD = 0; Tukey’s post hoc: F = 18.29; p < 0.0001). Additionally, we studied how in vitro nematicidal activity was affected by the availability of prey, using the strain INTA10 with four prey densities of 75, 25, 10, and 3 individuals of P. redivivus/cm ², over the first 11 h of contact. Although the curves for the mortality over time followed a similar pattern across the treatments, we found significant differences between them, with intermediate prey densities eliciting a faster response and higher final mortalities. Our results stress the importance of evaluating A. oligospora as individual strains, show how different experimental designs can affect the results, and highlight the risks of assuming that the results obtained for one strain in certain particular conditions apply to the whole species.

5.21. The Isolation and Characterization of a Bacillus thurigiensis Strain with the Potential for Epizootics in Plodia interpunctella

Agustin Bosio Guaraz ¹, Leila Ortiz ¹, Eliana Nieves ², Augusto Salas ^3,4, Diego Sauka ^3,4

¹ 

Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola (IMyZA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina

² 

Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (UNLP-CIC-CONICET), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

³ 

Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Instituto de Microbiología y Zoología Agrícola (IMyZA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires, Argentina

⁴ 

Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina

Bacillus thuringiensis is a Gram-positive bacterium known for its insecticidal activity against various insect species, making it an excellent biocontrol agent. Although B. thuringiensis is regarded as an opportunistic entomopathogen due to the naturally low incidence of epizootics, certain strains, such as B. thuringiensis serovar aizawaii, have shown the potential to induce epizootics in Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). In this study, we isolated the strain INTA L404-1 from the hemolymph of a dead P. interpunctella larva collected during artificial rearing at CEPAVE (La Plata, Argentina), where a high mortality rate was observed. DNA was extracted from the purified bacterium using a commercial kit, and Illumina sequencing was performed for strain identification. Nine insecticidal protein genes were identified, namely cry1Aa, cry1Ab, cry1Ca, cry1Da, cry1Ia, cry2Ab, cry9Ea, spp1Aa, and vip3Aa, with the amino acid sequence identities ranging from 80% to 100%. Additionally, the proteins from these genes, similar to cry9Ec, mpp3Aa, and tpp80Aa, exhibited sequence identities below 34%. These results suggest the potential of INTA L404-1 as a biocontrol agent. Bipyramidal crystals were observed in INTA L404-1, and the SDS-PAGE analysis of the parasporal crystals revealed a unique ca. 130 kDa protein. This strain demonstrated significant insecticidal activity, causing 100% mortality in Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) when incorporated into the larvae’s diet. B. thuringiensis INTA L404-1 may induce epizootics in the artificial rearing of P. interpunctella, as evidenced by the observed spread of infection among pest offspring. To confirm this, it is necessary to assess the strain INTA L404-1 in bioassays with P. interpunctella to demonstrate that it causes mortality like that observed in the original host. The insecticidal protein gene profile of INTA L404-1 is comparable to that of other B. thuringiensis serovar aizawaii strains.

5.22. Mitigating Impacts of Water Stress on Corn Plants Using Microbial-Based Biostimulants and Organic Amendments

Lahoucine Ech-chatir ^1,2,3, Redouane Ouhaddou ^1,2, Chayma Ikan ^1,2, Abderrahim Boutasknit ⁴, Salah Er-Raki ^3,5, Abdelilah Meddich ^1,2,6

¹ 

Center of Agrobiotechnology and Bioengineering, Research Unit Labelled CNRST (Centre AgroBiotech-URL-7 CNRST-05), Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco

² 

Plant Physiology and Biotechnology Team, Laboratory of Agro-Food, Biotechnologies and Valorization of Plant Bioresources (AGROBIOVAL), Department of Biology, Faculty of Science Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University (UCA), Marrakesh 40000, Morocco

³ 

Laboratory of Processes for Sustainable Energy and Environment (ProcEDE), Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology Guéliz, Cadi Ayyad University, BP 549, Guéliz Marrakesh, Morocco

⁴ 

Department of Biology, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, Mohamed First University—Oujda, 62700 Nador, Morocco

⁵ 

Center for Remote Sensing Applications (CRSA), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Benguerir 43150, Morocco.

⁶ 

African Sustainable Agriculture Research Institute (ASARI), University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Laayoune 70000, Morocco

Water stress is one of the main factors limiting crop productivity in arid and semi-arid Mediterranean regions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of using organic amendments (C) alone or in combination with biostimulants based on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (F) and plant-growth-promoting bacteria (B) on Zea mays L. in alleviating the effects of water stress. Two factors were studied in this work: the water regime (25% and 75% of the field capacity) and the single, double, and triple application of F, B, and C. The dry biomass of the shoots and roots, osmolyte content (proline and total soluble sugars), the antioxidant system (polyphenol oxidase), stress marker content (malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide), and mycorrhization intensity and frequency were assessed. The results showed that drought stress negatively affected the plants’ biomass and biochemistry and root colonization by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. In addition, the combined applications, particularly mycorrhizae and compost, improved the shoot and root dry biomass by 179 and 275%, respectively, compared with these values in the untreated drought-stressed plants. The mycorrhization intensity and frequency were higher when the soil contained the plant-growth-promoting bacteria and reduced when they were amended with compost alone under water stress. The single or combined application of F, B, and C enhanced the proline and total soluble sugar contents and polyphenol oxidase activity in the leaves in comparison with those in the untreated plants. On the other hand, the malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content were minimized (by 67% and 18%, respectively) by applying the triple combination of F, B, and C. In conclusion, the strategy of combining organic amendments and microbial-based biostimulants may offer an environmentally friendly solution in arid and semi-arid regions where the soils are degraded to provide drought protection for corn crops.

5.23. Nanoengineered Plant Protection: Cercospora beticola Control in Sugar Beet Using Encapsulated Phytoextracts

Eva Sánchez-Hernández ¹, Rubén Celada-Caminero ^1,2, Alberto Santiago-Aliste ³, Jesús Martín-Gil ¹, José Luis Marcos-Robles ⁴, Vicente González-García ⁵, Pablo Martín-Ramos ¹

¹ 

Department of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering, ETSIIAA, University of Valladolid, Avenida de Madrid 44, 34004 Palencia, Spain

² 

AIMCRA, Association for the Improvement of Sugar Beet Cultivation, Calle de Villabañez 201, 47017 Valladolid, Spain

³ 

Department of Construction and Agronomy, E. Politécnica Superior de Zamora, University of Salamanca, Av. de Requejo 33, 49029 Zamora, Spain

⁴ 

Department of Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering, Graphic Engineering, Cartographic Engineering, Geodesy and Photogrammetry, Mechanical Engineering, and Manufacturing Process Engineering, ETSIIAA, University of Valladolid, Avenida de Madrid 4

⁵ 

Department of Agricultural, Forestry, and Environmental Systems, Center for Agri-Food Research and Technology of Aragón, Aragón Agri-Food Institute—IA2 (CITA-University of Zaragoza), Avda. Montañana 930, 50059 Zaragoza, Spain

Nanotechnology offers promising applications in agriculture, aiming to increase crop production while reducing its environmental impact. Nanocarriers (NCs) enable the efficient transport of biologically active molecules, minimizing the amount of bioactive compounds required and allowing for their controlled release over time. Recently, NCs have been proposed as a key technology for applying agrochemicals via unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This study presents the results of using chitosan-based NCs to deliver and release natural compounds in a controlled manner, specifically extracts of Rubia tinctorum and Uncaria tomentosa, for the effective and sustainable control of phytopathogens in horticultural crops. The efficacy of the NC-based treatments against the horticultural pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Cercospora beticola, Rhizoctonia solani, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was demonstrated in vitro and ex situ. The mycelial growth inhibition values ranged from 187.5 to 375 µg/mL for the NCs loaded with R. tinctorum extract and from 187.5 to 500 µg/mL for those loaded with U. tomentosa extract. Complete plant protection of artificially inoculated sugar beet and carrot plants was achieved at doses ranging from 187.5 to 500 µg/mL, depending on the pathogen. Field tests conducted on sugar beet during the 2024 growing season yielded promising results for Cercospora beticola control. The absence of phytotoxicity and clogging problems during spray application represents a significant step towards optimizing the field application of these treatments using UAVs.

5.24. Plant Metabolites’ Role in Developing Abiotic Stress Resilience in Plants: Evaluating the Effects of Melatonin and Myoinositol on the Photosynthetic Efficiency of Apple Rootstocks in the Western Himalayan Region

Shireen Khatri, D.P. Sharma, Rahul Sharma

• Department-Fruit science, College of Horticulture, Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar university of horticulture and forestry, Solan Nauni, 173230, India

Abiotic stress, primarily drought, is a major threat to crop production and food security. Plant metabolites like melatonin and myoinositol enhance their stress resistance, improve their growth, and promote sustainability without harming biodiversity or human health. Apple farming is crucial to the Himalayan region’s economy in India. Despite using High-Density Planting (HDP) with dwarf rootstocks for better yields, these rootstocks are still sensitive to drought, impacting fruit quality and production. To address these challenges, in our experiment, we applied exogenous melatonin (100 µM) and myoinositol (20 µM, 50 µM, 100 µM, 150 µM, and 200 µM) to determine the optimal doses for biochemical, morphological, and molecular studies. Five apple rootstocks were grown under polycarbonate conditions at 100% and 50% field capacities. Five treatment combinations were tested at the 50% F.C., with one control at the 100% F.C. Data were collected on the 5th, 10th, and 15th days of drought. The best treatment was melatonin (100 µM) + myoinositol (150 µM) (T4) at a 50% F.C., showing the highest net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and intercellular CO₂ (Ci) on the 5th, 10th, and 15th days of drought for the rootstocks M111 (Pn = 15.55, 14.44, and 12.65; Gs = 0.21, 0.18, and 0.16; and Ci = 267, 278, and 287); M106 (Pn = 12.81, 11.96, and 10.86; Gs = 0.17, 0.15, and 0.14; and Ci = 280, 298, and 310); M9 (Pn = 10.45, 9.87, and 8.56; Gs = 0.17, 0.15, and 0.13; and Ci = 327, 332, and 339); Bud 118 (Pn = 16.78, 14.15, and 13.98; Gs = 0.26, 0.24, and 0.23; and Ci = 279, 282, and 287); and M116 (Pn = 13.23, 12.55, and 11.53; Gs = 0.21, 0.19, and 0.18; and Ci = 299, 308, and 318). Hence, the best treatment combination effectively counteracted drought-related photosynthesis inhibition.

5.25. Synergistic Effect of Lead-Resistant Bacteria and Lysinibacillus fusiformis US3 Biostimulant on Ecorestoration of Lead-Stressed Soil

Chioma Bertha Ehis-Eriakha, Esther Omoye Momodu Oshiomane, Fred Coolborn Akharaiyi

• Department of Microbiology, Edo State University Uzairue, 312002, Nigeria

Lead pollution poses a formidable threat to agriculture, bioaccumulating in crops and ultimately harming human health. Even low-level exposure can significantly reduce crop yields, diminish their nutritional value, and precipitate economic losses and food insecurity. To combat this threat, we investigated the efficacy of a novel biostimulant, Lysinibacillus fusiformis US3, which was previously isolated from the rhizosphere of a plant with enhanced plant growth attributes, in promoting the ecorestoration of lead-remediated soil. Four lead-resistant bacterial (LRB) strains, Bacillus infantis K66, Halopseudomonas xiamenensis B13, Lysinibacillus fusiformis KAF67, and Pseudomonas sp. A27, harboring the gene cluster PbrABCT were employed in the treatment of the lead-contaminated soil. The treatment efficacy was remarkable, with final lead removal percentages of 85%, 82%, 83%, and 83%, respectively, while the control achieved a 41% removal rate. To achieve ecorestoration and facilitate the agricultural reuse of the soil, maize seeds from the Agricultural Development Program, Nigeria, were planted in the treated soil, and 10% w/v of the US3 biostimulant was introduced as a liquid culture into all of the pots except the control pot. The inoculum concentration was determined according to the McFarland standard, and plant growth parameters such as shoot length, root length, and fresh and dry root weight were monitored for 28 days under greenhouse conditions. The post-cultivation analysis revealed enhanced plant growth and biomass yields in the US3-inoculated pots; a 48% lead uptake by the maize in the control pots, while lead was not detected in the inoculated pots; and 53% residual lead in the control soil, while lead was not detected in the inoculated soil. The synergistic application of lead-resistant bacteria and the US3 biostimulant effectively ecorestored the lead-stressed soil, demonstrating a promising approach to sustainable lead mitigation. This study highlights the potential of microbial solutions for environmental remediation and agricultural sustainability.

5.26. The Role of Opuntia ficus-indica in Mitigating Climate Change Impacts on Vineyards: A Physiological and Molecular Approach

Lénia Rodrigues ¹, Inês Santana ², Renato Coelho ³, Gabriela Murta ³, Pedro Oliveira ³, Hélia Cardoso ³, Catarina Campos ⁴, João Barroso ³, Ana Elisa Rato ³

¹ 

MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development) & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal.

² 

School of Science and Technology, Colégio Luís António Verney, Rua Romão Ramalho, 59, 7000-671 Évora, Portugal.

³ 

MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal.

⁴ 

MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, P

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most widely cultivated species globally due to its role in the wine industry. Production losses in vineyards partly occur due to the high radiation levels associated with extreme temperatures. To mitigate this problem, various techniques have been adopted to enhance plant resilience, such as the application of natural substances. These substances are compounds, microorganisms, or an amalgamation of both that, when applied to plants, can improve their tolerance to environmental stresses and increase their nutrient uptake and growth without being classified as pesticides or fertilizers.

The application of natural substances derived from cactus species to agricultural crops has proven effective in increasing their tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stress. In this study, an aqueous extract prepared from cladodes of the prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) was applied to V. vinifera cv. “Aragonês” plants under heat stress (42 °C) to explore its potential to protect the vines from heat stress. The effect of the application of the extract was assessed by measuring various physiological parameters (stomatal conductance, relative water content, chlorophyll content, water potential, and leaf temperature) and by analyzing the whole proteome profile using the two-dimensional electrophoresis technique. These parameters were evaluated in leaves collected prior to the application of the extract and 2, 7, and 15 days post-application.

The analysis of the physiological parameters did not indicate a positive effect of the application of the extract on mitigating the effects of heat stress on the grapevines. The protein spots detected as differentially expressed between the vines submitted to heat stress with and without the application of the extract suggest the probable involvement of proteins related to an abiotic stress response, revealing an effect of the Opuntia ficus-indica extract on the grapevines. To our knowledge, this study is the first to employ Opuntia ficus-indica extract as a natural substance for mitigating the effects of sunburn on grapevines, providing strategies for future field applications.

5.27. Understanding the Role of Vermicompost Microbial Diversity in Agriculture

Gunjan Sirohi

• Department of Botany, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, Raja Garden, New Delhi-110027, India

Soils act as a major reservoir of microbes belonging to different groups, namely bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. The organic matter decomposed by diverse microbes plays a significant role in the growth, development, and yield of plants. Earthworms, which are well known as farmers’ friends, have a strong symbiotic relationship with the microbial flora present in the soil. The presence of earthworms in the soil influences the microbial community and its density, which helps in accelerating and improving soil fertility. Microbes, together with earthworms, are more effective in mineralizing and humifying organic matter, which is further responsible for highly fertile soil. A clear picture of the actual microbial diversity in vermicompost is yet to be uncovered. Deciphering the native microflora in vermicompost and their specific role in the productivity of crop plants could be an enticing undertaking. This work was initiated in order to figure out the major microbial diversity involved in vermicomposting compared with that in natural compost and simple soil microflora. The isolation of certain specific microbes was carried out through a plate culture technique. Their enumeration, comparative colony phenotyping, and microscopic studies were carried out. The present work provides strong evidence of the involvement of certain specific bacteria/microflora with unique characteristics in the process of the decomposition of organic waste during vermicomposting. Furthermore, our work will be carried forward for a biochemical and genomic analysis of these microbial isolates, followed by determining their role in enhancing the productivity of crop plants.

6. Session: Plant–Crop Biology and Biochemistry

6.1. Activités Antioxydantes et Anti-Inflammatoires In Vitro D’Extraits Bruts et Criblage Phytochimique Actif de Noyaux de Palmier Dattier (Phœnix dactylifera L.)

Souad Senhadji, Tarik Mohammed Chaouche, Farah Haddouchi

• University of Tlemcen, Faculty of Sciences of Nature and Life, Earth Sciences and Universe, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Natural Products, Tlemcen, Algeria.

Date seeds, considered a major waste product of the date industry, represent a valuable economic resource. Currently, they are often discarded or used as animal feed despite their rich chemical composition, including their high levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the phytoconstituents present in Phoenix dactylifera L. (Takerboucht) seed extract in terms of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The seeds were extracted using the Soxhlet method with a polar solvent mixture and then subjected to antioxidant tests (DPPH and ABTS). The phytochemical composition of the extract was also determined. Its anti-inflammatory activity in vitro was evaluated using the denaturation test on bovine serum albumin (BSA), with diclofenac as the standard.

The crude extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with an IC50 value of 2.7 μg/mL for DPPH, comparable to the standards BHT and BHA. This correlated with the phytochemical analysis, which revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, and saponins. Regarding its anti-denaturation activity, the crude extract inhibited the BSA by 92.05% at the highest concentration.

These findings suggest that date by-products, particularly date seeds, are a promising source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. They could serve as cost-effective natural antioxidants for food and non-food applications and provide an alternative remedy for managing inflammatory disorders.

6.2. Comparative Anatomical and Biochemical Studies of In Vitro and In Vivo Ginger Plants

Binsy Karattuchali ¹, Sharon Aravind ¹, Sivaranjani R. ², Farsana Soudath K. P. ¹

¹ 

Division of Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, ICAR—Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode 673012, Kerala, India

² 

Division of Crop Production and Post Harvest Technology, ICAR—Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode 673012, Kerala, India

The in vitro propagation of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.), a plant of significant medicinal and commercial value, offers disease-free material. This study aims to investigate the anatomical and biochemical characteristics of in vitro and in vivo ginger plants. Fifty-day-old in vitro (developed in a tissue culture lab and maintained at 25 ± 2 °C and 90–92% RH over a 14 h photoperiod at 3000 lx) and in vivo plants (propagation tray plants grown in a polyhouse maintained at 25 ± 2 °C and 60–70% RH) of the ginger variety IISR Varada were studied at the ICAR, Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kerala, India. The transverse sections of the leaves, the pseudo-stems, and the rhizomes of the in vitro and in vivo ginger plants were taken and visualized under light microscopy.

In vitro and in vivo ginger possess similar leaf structures but differ in the thickness of their spongy parenchyma; the number of stomata, oil cells, and air canals; and the distribution of their vascular bundles. The in vitro pseudo-stems had a closely bound leaf sheath and epidermis, unlike their in vivo counterparts. The rhizome analysis revealed larger vascular bundles in the in vivo ginger (the normal rhizomes produced at the farm) and higher starch and sugar contents in the in vitro rhizomes (the micro-rhizomes developed in the tissue culture lab).

The biochemical analysis revealed that the total chlorophyll and carotenoid content was significantly higher in the in vivo ginger (1.1989 mg/g and 67.24 mg/g) compared to that in the in vitro ginger (0.7173 mg/g and 50.87 mg/g, respectively). Furthermore, the enzyme activities of peroxidase (0.063 mg/g), catalase (108.248 U/g), and superoxide dismutase (0.367 U/g); the starch content (22.84%); and the total soluble sugars (0.093%) were higher in the in vitro ginger plants.

Hence, the anatomical and biochemical variations observed in the different parts of the in vitro and in vivo ginger plants may be due to the differences in the growing conditions and the media used in the in vitro conditions.

6.3. Gene Expression and Microbial Interactions in Plantago spp. Under Salt Stress

Silvia Potestio ¹, Antonio Vélez-Mejía ², Monica Boscaiu ³, Giovanna Visioli ¹, Oscar Vicente ², Mario X. Ruiz-González ²

¹ 

Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences, and Environmental Sustaninability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, Parma 43124, Italy

² 

Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain

³ 

Mediterranean Agroforestry Institute (IAM) Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain

Salinity is considered the most limiting abiotic stress affecting both ecosystems and global agriculture in hampering plant growth and development, thus seriously limiting plant productivity and survival. Therefore, investigating the response to salt stress in plants is pivotal to understanding how ecosystems will face the effects of climate change. Salt stress is a very likely event in coastal ecosystems. Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, such as salt marshes, host valuable plant species with heterogeneous degrees of tolerance to salt. La Albufera Natural Park in Valencia, Spain, is home to several species of Plantago known for their ability to withstand salt stress, such as P. coronopus and P. crassifolia, which are more tolerant than species like P. lanceolata or P. major. Moreover, some Plantago species are known to host diverse microbial endophyte species, with potential beneficial effects.

The main objective of this research is to understand the molecular dynamics of the expression of salt stress genes when exposing Plantago species using different ecological strategies (glycophytes or halophytes) to 400 mM NaCl salt stress. Additionally, we investigate the potential role of the local soil microbiota in the plants’ responses. The RNA expression of salt-tolerant genes is quantified at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 24 h time points and when the plants start to wilt. The morphological, physiological, and molecular stress markers are recorded for each plant.

We found a heterogenous response in the biochemical markers of stress depending on the treatment and the Plantago species. Moreover, we found several fungal endophytes associated with the roots and leaves of wild P. crassifolia. We discuss the different levels of gene expression further.

6.4. Hilling Promotes Recovery from Flooding Stress by Prompting Resumed Photosynthesis and Biomass Gain in Tomato Plants

Francesco Mignolli ^1,2, Chavez Antonio Chavez ¹, Nicolás Neiff ³, Yael Namtz ³, Javier Orlando Barone ¹, María Laura Vidoz ^1,2

¹ 

Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste (IBONE), UNNE-CONICET, Sargento Cabral 2131, 3400, Corrientes, Argentina

² 

Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), Sargento Cabral 2131, 3400, Corrientes, Argentina

³ 

Centro de Ecofisiología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (UNNE), RN12 1031, 3400, Corrientes, Argentina

The ability of tomato plants to withstand flooding depends on how quickly they recover after this stress ends. Flooding causes damage to the plants’ primary roots, and replacing the damaged root system with new roots after the floodwater recedes is crucial. We looked at how promoting the growth of new roots through hilling affected growth and restored photosynthesis in tomato plants after flooding. After a period of partial submersion, we drained the water and allowed the plants to recover with or without the hilling treatment. The hilling treatment consisted of applying moistened soil to the base of a group of plants immediately after the drainage of water to prevent their new roots from drying out. Another group of plants was left with their stems exposed to the air. The control plants were kept under the same conditions but were watered regularly. We measured various parameters, including the biomass allocation, nitrogen concentration in the leaves, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, net CO₂ assimilation rate, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and chlorophyll fluorescence, throughout the post-flooding period in the control, hilled, and non-hilled plants over a six-day recovery period. Flooding stress significantly reduced the plants’ biomass, but root growth resumed faster in the hilled plants, reaching its normal levels three days after the stress. The nitrogen content in the leaves also recovered more quickly in the hilled plants, showing that the absorbing capacity of their roots recovered faster. Additionally, leaf gas exchange, carbon assimilation, and photochemical efficiency were restored in a shorter time in the hilled plants. Our findings suggest that promoting root regeneration is crucial to aiding the recovery from flooding in tomato plants, as promoting new stem-borne root growth speeds up photosynthesis and biomass gain.

6.5. Intra- and Intermolecular Coevolution of Plant Ion Homeostasis and Compartmentalization Proteins

Antonio Vélez-Mejía, Oscar Vicente, Mario X. Ruiz-González

• Institute for the Conservation and Improvement of Valencian Agrodiversity (COMAV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n Edificio 8E—Acceso I—Ciudad Politécnica de la Innovación, 46022 Valencia, Spain

The coevolution process has shaped the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. Coevolution involves the interaction between two entities in a highly specific process because selective pressures on one of these entities drive the evolution of the other. Moreover, coevolution is reciprocal and simultaneous, as evolution occurs in both entities at the same time. At the molecular level, molecular coevolution occurs in systems where molecules interact closely (e.g., enzymes and their substrates, proteins and their binding partners, transcription factors and their specific binding motifs on DNA, etc.). Many factors play a pivotal role in shaping molecular coevolution, such as drift intensities, selection, and mutation rates. Intramolecular coevolution occurs between sites within a single molecule, while intermolecular coevolution takes place between sites in two interacting molecules. Identifying coevolving sites is crucial for understanding protein–protein interactions, drug resistance, and the evolutionary arms races between hosts and pathogens and for enhancing molecular activity.

Plants’ response mechanisms to salinity stress are diverse and complex. Among them, those involved in ion homeostasis and compartmentalization play a key role in isolating and eliminating toxic ions. The main strategies are the expression of Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) genes, High-Affinity Potassium Transporters (HKTs), the Na⁺/H⁺ Antiporter (NHX), and proton pumps. The aim of this work was first to identify coevolving amino acids within these proteins and second to find whether any coevolving sites between them exist. We used CAPS, a software, to identify the coevolution between amino acid sites by measuring the correlated evolutionary variation at these sites, which further removes the phylogenetic and stochastic dependencies between sites. The software uses a reference sequence for which the 3D protein structure is available. NHX1, SOS1, SOS2, and HKT1 were analyzed, and we found pairs of sites with strong intramolecular coevolution, as well as intermolecular interactions.

6.6. Post-Harvest Sweet Pepper Plants as a Potential Source of Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Ingredients for Food and Dietary Supplements

Mikel Añibarro-Ortega ¹, Víctor López ^2,3, Sonia Núñez ³, Filipa Mandim ^4,5, Lillian Barros ^4,5, Isabel C.F.R. Ferreira ^4,5, Maria Inês Dias ^4,5, José Pinela ^4,5,6

¹ 

Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO)

² 

Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, IA2, Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA 50830, Zaragoza, España

³ 

Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad San Jorge, Villanueva de Gállego, 50830 Zaragoza, España

⁴ 

Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal

⁵ 

Laboratorio Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal

⁶ 

Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P. (INIAV, I.P.), Rua dos Lágidos, Lugar da Madalena, 4485-655 Vairão, Vila Do Conde, Portugal

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the onset and progression of chronic and metabolic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, and cancer, due to the excessive production of reactive oxygen species, which cause damage to essential biomolecules and impair critical cellular functions [5]. Antioxidants such as polyphenols can mitigate or delay this damage, driving growing interest in the use of polyphenol-rich extracts as natural functional food ingredients. Notably, polyphenols can be obtained from the massive amounts of undervalued plant biomass generated after crop harvesting [4,6,7]. Therefore, this study was carried out to valorize agricultural by-products of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as sources of bioactive polyphenols, in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Hydroethanolic extracts were prepared from these plant by-products [4], and their phenolic profiles were characterized using HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS. Additionally, the extracts’ antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties were assessed through in vitro cell-based and enzyme inhibition assays. The chromatographic analysis revealed a phenolic profile consisting mainly of phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic acid, and O-glycosylated flavones, specifically luteolin and apigenin. The extracts showed notable antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties, along with cytotoxicity against certain tumor cell lines. In conclusion, sweet pepper crop by-products are promising sources of bioactive compounds that can provide functional properties to foods and related products. Furthermore, this approach to resource circularity is crucial for promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns, contributing to the more eco-friendly and efficient use of agricultural resources. However, ensuring that the final products are free from pesticide residues and other contaminants will be essential to guaranteeing food safety.

6.7. The Allelopathy and Plant Gene Expression Under Climate Change and Arid Conditions in Africa: A Systematic Review

SABRINE SOLTANE ¹, Tarek Benmeddour ²

¹ 

Department of Nature and Life Sciences; Laboratory of Genetic, Biotechnology and Valorisation of Bioresources, University of Mohamed Khider Biskra, Algeria.

² 

Benmeddour Tarek 2 Department of Nature and Life Sciences; Laboratory of Genetic, Biotechnology and Valorisation of Bioresources, University of Mohamed Khider Biskra, Algeria.

Climate change, marked by rising temperatures and fluctuating precipitation, threatens agricultural systems globally, with arid regions in Africa being particularly vulnerable. Climate change has significant implications for the biology and biochemistry of plants and crops, which impacts the allelopathic interactions between crops and weeds. Allelopathy is a potential natural solution for enhancing crop resilience and weed management. This systematic review explores the intersection of plant–crop biology, biochemistry, and allelopathy under climate change conditions, emphasizing species-specific responses and the effects of temperature and precipitation changes.

Species such as sorghum and millet and invasive weeds like Striga respond to allelopathy when they are subjected to drought and heat stress, with some plants showing enhanced allelopathic activity as a defense mechanism. This study evaluates how these gene expression changes can be harnessed in agronomic practices to improve crops’ performance and sustainability. For example, breeding programs could integrate allelopathic traits with drought tolerance, leading to the development of plant varieties that are naturally competitive with weeds and resilient to water scarcity. Such strategies could reduce the dependence on chemical herbicides, promote sustainable agriculture, and enhance food security in arid African regions.

This systematic review compares how different crops and weeds, particularly those found in arid African environments, respond to climate-induced stress.

This paper concludes by discussing the potential benefits to African agriculture, particularly in terms of yield stability, environmental sustainability, and resource conservation. This integration of allelopathic gene expression with agronomic practices offers a promising avenue for mitigating the impacts of climate change while promoting agriculture in the arid regions of Africa.

6.8. Antioxidant Enzymatic Activity of Extracts from Hairy Roots of Root-Lesion-Nematode-Susceptible and -Resistant Medicago sativa

Gonçalo Pereira ¹, Cláudia S. L. Vicente ², Jorge M. S. Faria ^3,4

¹ 

INIAV, Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-159 Oeiras, Portugal

² 

MED, Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Évora University, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal.

³ 

INIAV, I.P., National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinarian Research, Quinta do Marquês, 2780-159 Oeiras, Portugal.

⁴ 

GREEN-IT Bioresources for Sustainability, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal

Diseases caused by plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are still a heavy constraint on modern farming. They can cause losses in crop yields and increase the production costs, mainly due to pest management activities. Root lesion nematodes (RLNs), such as Pratylenchus (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae), are soil-dwelling migratory endoparasites that infect the roots of many crop species. Affected plants develop necrotic spots where the RLNs feed and reproduce in the cortical cells. Injury to the plant tissue results in weakened plants that become more prone to attacks from opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms. In alfalfa, (Medicago sativa L.), the resistance to Pratylenchus penetrans has been linked to an increase in the transcripts of key enzymes in the biosynthesis of isoflavonoid phytoalexins; however, the mechanisms of resistance are still unknown. The present work analyzed the activity of antioxidant enzymes from extracts of transgenic roots of susceptible (cv. Baker) and resistant (cv. MNGRN-16) alfalfa strains. Transgenic roots were obtained after the infection of aseptic germinants with Rhizobium rhizogenes and maintained in Schenk and Hildebrandt culture media. The activity of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) was ca. 3× higher in the extracts from susceptible alfalfa in comparison with those from the transgenic resistant alfalfa roots. This suggests that the resistance response is not solely dependent on the antioxidant enzymatic activity of GPX. Future work will focus on the metabolomic characterization of these varieties in contact with RLNs.

6.9. Antioxidant Potential and Analysis of Phytochemical Compounds of Algerian Medicinal Plants

Lynda BENCHEKHCHOUKH ¹, Yassine BENCHIKH ², Nadia AMESSIS-OUCHEMOUKH ³, Lynda MOUMENI ¹, Nawel GUENAOUI ¹, Rim SALHI ³, Salim OUCHEMOUKH ¹, Houria BOUBELLOUTA ⁴

¹ 

Laboratoire de Biochimie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, 06000 Bejaia, Algérie

² 

Université Constantine 1 Frères Mentouri, Institut de la Nutrition, de l’Alimentation et des Technologies Agro-Alimentaires (INATAA), Laboratoire de Sciences Alimentaires, Formulation, Innovation, Valorisation et Intelligence Artificielle, 25000 Constanti

³ 

Laboratoire de Biomathématique, Biochimie, Biophysique et Scientométrie, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, 06000 Bejaia, Algérie

⁴ 

Laboratoire d’Ethnobotanique-Palynologie et d’EthnoPharmacologie-Toxicologie, Faculté de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Constantine 1, Constantine 25000, Algérie

Medicinal plants constitute an inexhaustible reservoir of the most effective folk remedies thanks to the valuable bioactive compounds that they contain. The present work is based on a study of the phytochemicals and dosages of certain phenolic compounds (flavonoids and polyphenols), as well as an evaluation of the antioxidant activity (DPPH anti-radical activity and ABTS anti-radical activity), of the three Saharan and Mediterranean plants Matricacia pubescens, Salvia verbenaca, and Santolina africana. These are used in traditional Algerian medicine. The phytochemical screening made it possible to highlight the presence of flavonoids and tannins in the extracts of all three plants. These compounds are well known for their beneficial health properties, particularly due to their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride reagent, respectively. The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity was determined following several standard methods using a spectrophotometer (DPPH• anti-radical activity and ABTS•+ anti-radical activity). The evaluation of the contents of the phenolic compounds showed the richness of S. verbanaca in flavonoids and polyphenols, with contents of 25.17 ± 0.02 mg EQ/g of extract and 72.80 ± 0.02 mg EAG/g of extract, respectively. The results of this study highlight the importance of phenolic compounds, in particular flavonoids, to the antioxidant properties of the Saharan and Mediterranean plants studied. Salvia verbenaca, with its high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, stands out particularly for its high antioxidant potential. The statistical analysis reveals the existence of a correlation between the content of antioxidants (flavonoids, polyphenols) and antioxidant activity. These results confirm the traditional use of these plants in Algerian folk medicine and suggest their potential for the development of new natural therapeutics based on these bioactive extracts.

6.10. Assessing the Impact of Mulching Techniques on Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) Growth and Productivity: A Comparative Analysis

Muhammad Bilal ¹, Ramisha Majeed ²

¹ 

Department of agriculture, forest and range management, Bahauddin Zakariya University multan

² 

Institute of Botany, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 66000, Pakistan

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is a commonly grown vegetable with both economic and nutritional value. Sustainable farming methods, which maximize productivity while reducing their environmental effects, have gained popularity in recent years. A field study was carried out to evaluate the effects of locally accessible mulching materials on the growth and yield of broccoli in comparison to these values when using black plastic mulch, straw mulch, and no mulch. Three treatments (T₀: no mulch; T₁: black plastic mulch; and T₂: straw mulch) and five replications made up the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) of the field layout. All of the growth and yield parameters showed significant differences, with the exception of stem diameter and chlorophyll. Treatment T₂ lead to the highest plant height (25.6 cm), head diameter (15.8 cm), leaf area breadth (17.7 cm), head dry weight (140.24 g), and stem diameter (3 cm) seen in this study. In Treatment T₁, the following parameters reached their maximum: the number of leaves, head fresh weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, and root length. All of the other parameters had minimal values in Treatment T₀, with the exception of head fresh weight. All things considered, the control treatment performed the worst. The results of this experiment indicate that black plastic mulch is the best mulch in terms of broccoli growth and productivity.

6.11. Biochemical and Phytochemical Response of Two Mediterranean Aromatic Species (Lamiaceae) to Abiotic Stress Conditions

Inês Mansinhos ¹, Sandra Gonçalves ¹, Raquel Rodríguez-Solana ^1,2, Anabela Romano ¹

¹ 

MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal

² 

Department of Agroindustry and Food Quality, Andalusian Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), Rancho de la Merced Center, Carretera Cañada de la Loba (CA-3102) Km 3.1., SN, 11471 Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain.

One significant challenge that plants, including those used in medicine and aromatics, face is their capacity to survive in unfavorable climatic conditions, particularly those associated with climate change. The main goal of this study was to assess the influence of temperature (15 and 30 °C for a period of two weeks) and UV-B radiation (4 h per day and 4 h every four days) on the biochemical and phytochemical responses of Lavandula viridis L’Hér and Thymus lotocephalus López and Morales. Following exposure to the stress conditions, an evaluation was conducted of their photosynthetic pigments, oxidative stress level (H₂O₂ and MDA contents), soluble sugar contents, and phenolic profiles and the associated antioxidant activity. Plants cultivated under standard non-stressful conditions served as the control group. It was observed that both temperature treatments resulted in the highest oxidative stress in the plants, as evidenced by the H₂O₂ and MDA concentrations, which had a direct negative impact on their total chlorophylls and carotenoids. The data demonstrated that soluble sugars, phenolic compounds, and their related antioxidant activity played an important role in protecting both species from the oxidative stress caused by the temperature and UV-B treatments. The highest content of the major phenolic compound in both species, rosmarinic acid, was produced in L. viridis exposed to 30 °C (68.9 g/kg, representing a 68% increase over the control) and in T. lotocephalus following its exposure to UV-B radiation for 4 h/4 days (26.6 g/kg, representing a 9.1% increase over the control). The findings of this study provide new insights into the responses of L. viridis and T. lotocephalus plants to unfavorable environmental conditions in terms of their soluble sugars and phenolic compound contents. Furthermore, these findings could contribute to the development of appropriate cultivation techniques for these plants, which may be employed for industrial or other purposes.

6.12. Biomonitoring Lanthanum in Tree Bark Samples from Urban and Rural Areas Across Leicestershire (the UK)

Antonio Peña-Fernández ^1,2, Maria del Carmen Lobo-Bedmar ³, Mark D. Evans ², Gurminderjeet S. Jagdev ², María de los Ángeles Peña ⁴

¹ 

Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.

² 

Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK.

³ 

Departamento de Investigación Agroambiental. IMIDRA. Finca el Encín, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 38.2, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.

⁴ 

Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain

Background: The presence of lanthanum (La) in Leicestershire’s (UK) topsoil and wild edible mushrooms exceeds the established soil screening levels and could contribute to the maximum lanthanide intake permitted for vegetables. Tree bark was used to gain a better understanding of the environmental presence of this metal.

Methods: Bark samples (with a thickness of 2–6 mm) were collected from 96 trees from Leicester (n = 55) and surrounding rural/suburban areas (41) at 1.50–1.80 m from the ground to limit any contamination from topsoil/dust. La was monitored using ICP-MS in cleaned/ground/homogenized samples mineralized with HNO₃/H₂O₂ [LoD = 0.00068 ng/g dry weight (dw)]. The results were compared with those from previous studies performed on 106 mushroom samples and 850 topsoil samples collected in the same areas.

Results: Higher levels were found in the bark samples collected in the urban area (median and ranges, in ng/g dw), at 9.679 (2.128–150.769) vs. 8.344 (1.815–59.801), which were in line with our previous observations in wild mushrooms and topsoil. Thus, our results may suggest the higher presence of sources of La in urban areas, attributed to the technological uses of this metal, for example, in catalytic converters and phosphors. The content of La varied between the bark samples collected across the four cardinal subareas into which Leicester city was divided (median values, in ng/g): 38.664 (SE) > 17.104 (SW) > 9.128 (NE) > 6.707 (NW). A similar pattern was detected in the mushrooms and topsoil, although higher levels were found in the southwest quadrant for both types of samples, respectively (1.286 and 19.621; both in µg/g).

Conclusions: The presence of La in Leicestershire could be related to traffic volumes, which are much higher in the city. In general, its presence is estimated to be similar or lower to that described in similar studies, e.g., in oak tree bark from Genoa, Italy (0.1–1.7 µg/g), which might indicate lower airborne La contamination in Leicester.

6.13. Biomonitoring the Heavy Rare-Earth Element Ytterbium in Tree Bark Samples Across Leicester, England

Antonio Peña-Fernández ^1,2, Maria del Carmen Lobo-Bedmar ³, Mark D. Evans ², Gurminderjeet S. Jagdev ², María de los Ángeles Peña ⁴

¹ 

Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.

² 

Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK.

³ 

Departamento de Investigación Agroambiental. IMIDRA. Finca el Encín, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 38.2, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.

⁴ 

Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain

Background: Although the presence of ytterbium (Yb) in the topsoil from Leicester city (the UK) could represent some risk to the population, consuming wild edible mushrooms species would not represent a risk. The aim of this study was to elucidate the past Yb contamination in the air using tree bark.

Methods: Thin layers of bark were collected from 96 trees in Leicester (n = 55) and surrounding rural/suburban areas (41) at 1.50–1.80 m from the ground. Yb was monitored using ICP-MS in cleaned/ground/homogenized samples mineralized using HNO₃/H₂O₂ [LoD = 0.075 ng/g dry weight (dw)].

Results: The levels of Yb in the tree bark samples were similar when comparing both main areas, i.e., urban versus rural (median and ranges, in ng/g dw): 1.205 (0.375–12.146) vs. 1.206 (0.672–4.731). However, some of the samples collected from the trees monitored across the urban area showed the highest content of Yb. The trees that grow in these locations might indicate areas of pollution within the city, which should be investigated further in terms of their levels of atmospheric particulate matter and their Yb composition. These results correlate with those from previous studies performed on 106 wild mushroom samples and 850 topsoil samples collected in the same areas; thus, although the levels of Yb were slightly higher in the mushrooms and topsoil collected in the rural areas, they were non-significant (p-value = 0.723), suggesting similar potential sources of Yb throughout Leicestershire. The levels were slightly higher than the range reported in bark samples from Pinus ponderosa trees growing in an area with an inactive open-pit uranium mine in eastern Washington (US; 0.37–3.85 ng/g dw), suggesting some atmospheric contamination of Yb in Leicester city and its surrounding areas.

Conclusions: Although Yb is described as having low toxicity, the levels found in the trees monitored suggest some anthropic pollution of Yb in Leicester city that should be investigated further to identify potential risks to human health.

6.14. Comparison of Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Two Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf) Cultivars During Germination

Nassima Lassouane, Sara Boudiaf, Lamis Chouder

• Laboratory of Phytopathology and Molecular Biology (LPBM), Department of Botany, National Higher School of Agronomy (ENSA). El-Harrach, Algiers, 6200, Algeria

Drought represents a significant abiotic stress affecting crops, particularly cereals, with severe impacts in arid and semi-arid regions. To mitigate the effects of rainfall deficiency and its poor spatio-temporal distribution, it is crucial to manage the available water resources efficiently and utilize drought-tolerant plant varieties.

This study aimed to compare the impact of osmotic water stress, induced using polyethylene glycol (PEG₆₀₀₀), on the germination of two durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf) cultivars: Mohamed Ben Bachir and Oued El Bared. Two concentrations of PEG₆₀₀₀ (10% and 20%), corresponding to osmotic potentials of −1.37 bars and −4.64 bars, respectively, were employed to evaluate the tolerance of these varieties to water stress. The seeds were germinated at 25 °C in the dark for seven days.

The results showed that osmotic water stress significantly reduced the germination parameters (germination rate and speed, germination index, and vitality index) and the initial growth parameters (fresh biomass, seedling length, roots, and coleoptiles) of both varieties, with variations in their tolerance depending on the stress intensity. At a moderate concentration of PEG₆₀₀₀ (10%), both varieties showed a similar reduction in their germination and growth parameters. However, at a higher concentration of PEG₆₀₀₀ (20%), the Oued El Bared variety exhibited a more marked reduction in the parameters studied, indicating its greater sensitivity compared to that of the Mohamed Ben Bachir variety, which demonstrated greater tolerance to severe water stress.

In conclusion, the durum wheat variety Mohamed Ben Bachir shows a remarkable tolerance to severe osmotic stress, whereas the Oued El Bared variety is particularly sensitive. These findings highlight the importance of selecting varieties adapted to water stress conditions to optimize the cereal production in drought-prone areas.

6.15. Effect of Drought Stress on Different Organs in Pineapple Using Destructive and Non-Destructive Indicators

Melanie Desirée Gomez Herrera ¹, Maria VIctoria Avanza ¹, Paula Alayón Luaces ²

¹ 

Roca Campus, Institute of basic and applied chemistry (IQUIBA NEA UNNE CONICET), National University of the Northeast (UNNE), Corrientes, 3400, Argentina.

² 

Department of Plant Production, National University of the Northeast (UNNE), Corrientes, 3400, Argentina.

Ananas comosus (Smooth Cayenne cultivar) plants were grown in pots filled with a commercial substrate and exposed to different water content treatments: a 100% field capacity (FC), a 50% FC, and a 25% FC. The experiment was conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions for three months. Every month, the relative water content (RWC), NDVI, proteolytic activity (PA), and protein content (PC) were measured in the “D” leaves. Additionally, the proteolytic activity and protein content were measured monthly in the stems and leaves. The RWC showed no significant differences during the first month. However, by the second month, the 50% and 100% FC treatments had significantly higher values than those under the 25% FC treatment. By the third month, all three treatments were statistically different, with the 100% FC treatment having the highest RWC. In the first month, the 100% FC treatment showed statically higher NDVI values than those of the 50% and 25% FC treatments. By the second and third months, the three treatments were statistically different, with average NDVI values of 0.57, 0.67, and 0.72 for the 25%, 50%, and 100% FC treatments, respectively. The PA and PC increased in both the leaves and stems as the drought stress intensified, with a significant increase from the 100% to the 25% FC over the course of the experiment. The non-destructive indicator (NDVI) showed differences in the first month, while the destructive indicators (RWC, PA, and PC) measured in both organs exhibited statistical differences by the second month of the experiment. The NDVI proved to be a highly sensitive indicator of drought stress in the pineapple plants and did not require their destruction.

6.16. Effects of Fertilization on Phenolic and Glucosinolate Levels in Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC Venere Hybrid

Sofija Kilibarda ¹, Danijel D. Milinčić ², Sandra Vuković ¹, Đorđe Moravčević ¹, Mirjana B. Pešić ², Aleksandar Ž. Kostić ²

¹ 

Chair of Crop and Vegetable Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11080, Serbia

² 

Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, 11080, Serbia

Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC, known as wild rocket, is a perennial herb that features the hybrid Venere, which offers enhanced resilience to lower temperatures and an improved flavor and texture. Rich in phenolics and glucosinolates (GLSs), this variety is highly valued for its peppery, nutty leaves, making it a popular choice in gastronomy. This study aimed to assess the impact of the biostimulant Kelpak, along with iron- and potassium-enriched foliar fertilizers, on the levels of phenolics and GLSs in the leaves of this hybrid compared to those in an untreated control group. To achieve this, twenty-three plant phenolics and four glucosinolates were quantified in 70% methanol extracts using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-ToF-MS). The results revealed that quercetin derivatives were the dominant phenolics. Notably, quercetin-3,4′-di-O-hexoside-3′-O-(6″-sinapoyl)-hexoside ranged from 505.9 to 700.6 mg/kg FW across the treatments, and quercetin 3,7,4′-tri-O-hexoside ranged from 424.8 to 653.7 mg/kg FW, with both compounds being more abundant in the control group compared to the treated samples. This trend was mirrored in the total phenolic content, which was higher in the control (3681.9 mg/kg FW) compared to that in the treated leaves. Conversely, the fertilized plants exhibited an increased relative content of the dominant GLS, glucosativin, which reached its highest concentration in the potassium-treated plants (89.5%). Other GLSs, such as glucoerucin, neoglucobrassicin, and DMB-GLS, also showed variations, with the untreated samples generally having higher relative contents. The exception was neoglucobrassicin, which exhibited a slight increase in the leaves treated with Kelpak. Ultimately, fertilization practices were effective in modifying the phytochemical contents and enhancing the levels of specific compounds in wild rocket leaves.

6.17. Enhancing Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Quality Control: High-Resolution Melting Analysis for Accurate and Cost-Effective Variety Identification

Mónica Marques ¹, João Mota Barroso ², Julio Nogales-Bueno ³, Ana Elisa Rato ², Hélia Cardoso ⁴

¹ 

MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal

² 

MED & Departamento de Fitotecnia, Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal

³ 

Food Colour and Quality Laboratory, Área de Nutrición y Bromatología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012, Sevilla, Spain; Department of Animal Production, University of Cordoba, Campus of Rabanales, Córdoba, 14071, Spain

⁴ 

MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal

The accurate identification of walnut (Juglans regia L.) varieties is crucial so that nurseries can detect any mistakes that occur during vegetative propagation, enabling them to certify their plant materials. It is also essential for farmers to resolve any uncertainties about the plant material used in orchard plantations. The availability of a practical, accurate, and reliable tool for walnut genotyping would be of obvious interest. The traditional genotyping methods, such as microsatellite (Simple Sequence Repeat—SSR) analyses, are often too time-consuming and expensive for routine use. This study introduces High-Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis as an innovative, cost-effective, and rapid technique for effective walnut variety genotyping.

HRM analysis utilizes real-time PCR to amplify variable genomic regions, followed by a melting curve analysis to distinguish between different varieties. This method streamlines the genotyping process, making it both accessible and practical for routine applications. The PCR conditions were optimized to improve the accuracy and efficiency of HRM analysis, and its effectiveness was demonstrated by comparing the results with those obtained through an SSR analysis.

Leaves collected from four J. regia varieties (Tulare, Lara, Howard, and Chandler), grown in different orchards in the Alentejo region of Portugal, were used as the plant material to establish this methodology. Polymorphic regions corresponding to thirteen SSR loci were examined, and three proved to be effective in differentiating between the varieties (WGA202, WGA321, and WGA376).

Validation via the conventional microsatellite analysis substantiated the reliability of the HRM-based method. The implementation of an HRM analysis could mitigate the risk of varietal mixing, thereby ensuring superior quality control and compliance with market standards. Furthermore, future studies could extend this technique to the identification of walnut varieties at the fruit level, facilitating the correct identification of market-bound fruits and ensuring higher quality for consumers.

6.18. The Genome-Wide Identification, Structural Characterization, and Expression Profiles of AUX/LAX Genes During the Development of Adventitious Roots in Juglans regia L.

Tomás Martins ¹, Rafaela Santos ², Valeriya Ustymenko ^2,3, Rita Pires ², Lénia Rodrigues ², Catarina Campos ², Catarina Estévão ², Mónica Marques ², Augusto Peixe ⁴, Hélia Cardoso ⁵

¹ 

Department of Biology, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal

² 

MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Institute of Research and Advanced Training, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal

³ 

Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal

⁴ 

MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Science and Technology, Department of Plant Science, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portug

⁵ 

MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, School of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal

The phytohormone auxin plays a key role in most plant development and growth processes, including de novo morphogenic events like the formation of adventitious roots. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms behind adventitious rooting (AR) remain incompletely understood, and many plant species, like the walnut tree (Juglans regia L.), exhibit recalcitrant behavior in response to stem cutting propagation. AUX/LAX genes encode a family of auxin influx transporters involved in the transport of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), directly synthesized by plant cells or derived from the conversion of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), with a leading role in the induction phase of the AR process. The present study aimed to identify and characterize the members of the AUX/LAX family in J. regia using diverse in silico methods. An analysis of the promoter sequences was also performed to provide insights into the regulation of JrAUX/LAX expression. Eight JrAUX/LAX genes were identified, and all demonstrated highly conserved structural characteristics, with all members comprising eight exons showing a conserved length, interrupted by seven length-variable introns. To analyze the involvement of JrAUX/LAX in AR, an in vitro rooting trial was established. The basal region of microcuttings of “Paradox”, a first-generation hybrid between two Juglans species (J. hindsii × J. regia), was immersed in an IBA solution and further inoculated into rooting medium. Sections of the basal regions of microcuttings from both the IBA-treated and non-treated samples were collected at different time points post-immersion: 0 h, 6 h, 72 h, 5 days, and 7 days. JrAUX/LAX exhibited differential expression patterns between the IBA-treated and control samples and amongst time points during the experiment, indicating the involvement of these genes in the induction phase of the AR process. Further investigations into the genotypes behaving differently in response to the AR stimulus should be made to comprehend the role of the JrAUX/LAX family in this morphogenic process better.

6.19. Germinability and Electrical Conductivity of Seeds of Groundnut Varieties

Ruth Akuo ¹, Latif Aisu Okiria ², Akasairi Ocwa ³

¹ 

Faculty of Agriculture, Kyambogo University P.O Box 1, Kyambogo, Uganda

² 

Faculty of Technology for Rural Transformation, African Rural University, P.O Box 24, Kagadi, Uganda.

³ 

Institute of Land Use, Engineering and Precision Farming Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, 138 Böszörményi street, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.

Seed quality affects crop establishment and productivity. In addition, the use of good-quality seeds is an essential prerequisite for sustainable crop production, including groundnut production. Assessing germinability and electrical conductivity provides early evidence of the production potential of a given crop variety or genotype. Therefore, this study assessed the germinability and electrical conductivity of seeds from three groundnut varieties. A laboratory experiment, arranged according to a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and replicated three times, was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyambogo University, in 2020. Seeds from the groundnut varieties Igola, Serenut 1, and Serenut 2 were tested, and data were collected on the germination percentage and electrical conductivity. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using Genstat, and means were separated using the least significance test at a 5% probability level. The germination percentages and electrical conductivity significantly (p < 0.05) differed among the groundnut varies, with Igola recording the highest germination percentage, followed by Serenut 1, and the lowest was found in Serenut 2. The highest electrical conductivity was recorded in Serenut 1, while the lowest was found in Igola. Since Igola had one of the lowest electrical conductivities and the highest germination percentage, it was concluded that Igola was the most promising variety of those studied. This study recommends that Igola be evaluated further in terms of its growth and yield performance.

6.20. Leaf Characteristics of ‘Harumanis’ Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Trees Planted Under Open-Area and Greenhouse Conditions

Fadhilnor Abdullah ¹, Muhammad Akmal Noor Huzaili ², Zainal Abidin Arsat ², Muhammad Nur Aiman Uda ², Mohd Khairul Rabani Hashim ², Muhammad Firdaus Abdul Muttalib ², Syarifah Rokiah Syd Kamaruzaman ¹

¹ 

Institute of Sustainable Agrotechnology (INSAT), University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) Sg. Chuchuh Campus, 02100 Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia

² 

Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Engineering & Mechanical Technology (FKTM), University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia.

Information on the physiological mechanisms of the development of organs such as the leaves in fruit tree crops is still limited, especially in tropical mangoes. Therefore, the morphological characteristics of the leaves of the mango cultivar ‘Harumanis’ were evaluated when planted under different conditions (i.e., open-area and greenhouse conditions). Various sizes of leaves from selected Harumanis mango trees were randomly collected and analyzed. Data on the leaf area (LA) (cm²), leaf width (LW) (cm), and leaf length (LL) (cm), as well as fresh (FW) (g) and dry weight (DW) (g) and leaf moisture content (LMC), were measured and compared between these two growing conditions. The results indicate that the LA, LL, and LMC were significantly different (p < 0.05) between both growing conditions. The LA of the leaves from the Harumanis mango trees planted in the greenhouse was approximately 25% larger compared with that in the trees planted in the open area. Similarly, the Harumanis trees planted in the greenhouse had an 11% longer LL and contained a higher LMC than these values in leaves from the trees from open areas. However, no significant differences were recorded in LW, FW, or DW between both growing conditions. Our results therefore suggest that different growing conditions may affect the characteristics of tree organs, such as leaves, which may contribute to the environmental adaptation and tree productivity of this high-value mango crop.

6.21. Evaluation of Phenolic Compounds, Alpha-Amylase Inhibitory Activity, and Antioxidant Effects of Phoenix dactylifera L. Date Seeds

Tarik Mohammed Chaouche ¹, Farah Haddouchi ², Souad Senhadji ²

¹ 

Laboratory of Natural Products, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Earth and Universe, Abou-Bekr Belkaid University, 1300 Tlemcen, Algeria

² 

University of Tlemcen, Faculty of Sciences of Nature and Life, Earth Sciences and Universe, Department of Biology, Laboratory of Natural Products, Tlemcen, Algeria.

Recent research trends emphasize the valorization of food industry waste to enhance economic gains, food security, environmental safety, and sustainable development. Among the significant waste from the date industry is date seeds, which represent substantial economic resources. Typically discarded or used as animal feed, date seeds possess a valuable chemical composition, particularly high levels of phenolic compounds, making them suitable for various applications. This study focused on the valorization of date seeds from the Takerboucht variety in the Adrar region. The objective was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of crude seed extract. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. Its antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, while its antidiabetic activity was evaluated by examining the inhibitory effect of the extract on the key diabetes enzyme α-amylase. The date seed extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, reducing both DPPH and ABTS radicals in a dose-dependent manner, with IC₅₀ values of 2.7 μg/mL and 42.9 μg/mL, respectively. The extract also exhibited considerable potential in the FRAP assay (0.114 mg/mL), comparable to the standards BHT and BHA. This antioxidant activity was well correlated with the total phenolic content (100.20 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid content (44.618 mg CE/g DW). Moreover, the extract showed strong inhibitory activity against α-amylase, with an IC₅₀ of 0.24 mg/mL, compared to that of the positive control, acarbose (0.17 mg/mL). These findings suggest that date by-products, particularly Takerboucht seeds, are a rich source of phenolics, with significant antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. Consequently, they could be considered inexpensive sources of natural antioxidants for use in food and non-food applications and in preventing metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia.

6.22. Phytochemical Characterization of Various Extracts from Three Types of Tunisian Plant Species: Quercus ilex, Quercus coccifera, and Pinus pinea

Afef Hajaji ¹, Khaled Mguis ¹, Emna Boukeri ², Mbarka Ben Sbih ², Youssef Ammari ¹

¹ 

Forest Ecology Laboratory, National Research Institute in Rural Engineering, Water and Forestry, Hédi EL Karray, Tunisia

² 

Higher Institute of Medical Technologies of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia

Tunisia presents very rich potential in its flora because of its geological and climatic characteristics. For this reason, continuous efforts are being exerted to explore species known for their medicinal virtues further. Our study aimed to determine and compare the phytochemical content and biological activity of various types of extracts taken from three Tunisian species, Quercus ilex and Quercus coccifera (harvested from El KEF Governorate) and Pinus pinea (harvested from Nabeul Governorate), in February 2021.

Estimation of the extraction yields of different types of phenolic compounds using aqueous and methanolic maceration was realized. It appeared that methanolic extraction was the best technique for extracting the total polyphenol compounds and flavonoids, while aqueous extraction was more effective for condensed tannin extraction.

The data reveal that the Quercus ilex species contains the largest amounts of total polyphenol compounds and flavonoids. Meanwhile, Pinus pinea presents the highest content of condensed tannins. Furthermore, large amounts of organic osmolytes (total soluble sugars and proline) were detected in the Pinus pinea species. The evaluation of the anti-radical activities of the different extracts and essential oils using DPPH and ABTS tests showed that these different species were endowed with antioxidant activity. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the foliar extract and the essential oils of Pinus pinea showed the highest antioxidant activity compared to that of Quercus ilex and Quercus coccifera.

It is concluded that the different Tunisian species chosen in our study show very important phytochemical characteristics, as well as biological activities.

6.23. Tree Bark as a Bioindicator of Yttrium in Urban and Suburban Areas of Leicestershire, England

Antonio Peña-Fernández ^1,2, Maria del Carmen Lobo-Bedmar ³, Mark D. Evans ², Gurminderjeet S. Jagdev ², María de los Ángeles Peña ⁴

¹ 

Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.

² 

Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK.

³ 

Departamento de Investigación Agroambiental. IMIDRA. Finca el Encín, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 38.2, 28800 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.

⁴ 

Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Crta. Madrid-Barcelona Km, 33.6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain

Background: Picking wild edible mushrooms in Leicestershire (England) is not recommended owing to their content of yttrium (Y). To monitor the air quality in terms of this element, samples of tree bark were assessed, as they are considered suitable bioindicators.

Methods: Bark samples were collected from 55 trees in Leicester city and 41 trees in surrounding suburban areas at a height of 1.50–1.80 m to reduce the potential effects of dust from the soil. The samples were cleaned, ground, homogenized, and mineralized with HNO₃/H₂O₂ to monitor Y using ICP-MS [LoD = 0.00073 ng/g dry weight (dw)].

Results: Slightly higher levels were found in the bark samples collected from trees across the suburban and rural areas (median and range, in ng/g dw), specifically 6.339 (1.514–48.705) vs. 6.118 (1.832–126.027), suggesting similar airborne Y contamination in both areas. The levels of Y were slightly higher in wild mushrooms collected from urban parks and green spaces across Leicester city, although mushrooms were only collected from a nature park situated NW of Leicester city, which might explain these differences. Thus, although the content of Y also varied between the tree bark collected across the four cardinal subareas into which Leicester city was divided [NW (4.967), NE (5.946), SW (11.677), and SE (32.974)], the distribution found matched the same pattern described for the wild mushrooms collected within the city. The levels of Y in the tree bark were lower than the range reported in bark samples collected in Genoa (Italy; 60–1290 ng/g), which could indicate lower airborne Y contamination in Leicester city.

Conclusions: Although our results should be considered preliminary, in general, lower atmospheric Y contamination was determined across Leicestershire. However, the high presence of Y detected in edible mushrooms necessitates continuous monitoring of this metal in Leicestershire; this can easily be carried out using tree bark as a bioindicator instead of operating automated monitoring stations, which are more expensive.

7. Session: Water Use and Irrigation

7.1. Seawater Desalination for Agricultural Watering

Azdem Driss, Jamal Mabrouki, Souad El Hajjaji

• Laboratory of Spectroscopy, Molecular Modeling, Materials, Nanomaterial, Water and Environment, CERNE2D, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Faculty of Science, Avenue Ibn Battouta, BP1014, Agdal, Rabat, Morocco.

In recent years, escalating concerns regarding food security, the effects of climate change, and the strain on conventional water resources have compelled agriculture to investigate alternative water sources. Desalinated seawater (DSW) has emerged as a viable method for enhancing irrigation resources, especially in arid regions such as Spain and Israel, where it is increasingly embraced by farmers. Nonetheless, initial experiences in these domains demonstrate the intricate agronomic, economic, and environmental issues linked to the utilization of DSW in agriculture. The use of DSW can modify the soil’s salinity and nutrient availability, requiring customized crop management strategies to maintain yields. The substantial initial investment and continuous operational expenses of desalination facilities necessitate their thorough evaluation in relation to the prospective long-term advantages and cost reductions in water-scarce areas. Environmental issues are centered around the energy-intensive characteristics of desalination and the disposal of the brine leftovers, which could adversely affect adjacent ecosystems if not managed sustainably. Confronting these difficulties requires novel research approaches and a comprehensive strategy for water management, incorporating sophisticated water treatment technologies, the optimal irrigation systems, and sustainable agricultural practices. By employing these tactics, DSW could substantially impact agriculture; however, it must be used with meticulous attention to agronomic, economic, and environmental concerns to guarantee its long-term sustainability.

7.2. Utilization of Citronella and Origanum syriacum in Wastewater Treatment

Marwa Rammal ¹, Riham Mcheik ¹, Akram Hijazi ¹, Chaden Haidar ²

¹ 

Plateforme de recherche et d’analyse en sciences de l’environnement (EDST-PRASE), Beirut P.O. Box 6573/14, Lebanon.

² 

Department of Food and Technology Studies, Faculty of Agronomy, Lebanese University, Beirut P.O. Box 146404, Lebanon

Due to their general accessibility, affordability, environmental friendliness, and reduced side effects as compared to those of chemical treatments, herbal plants are becoming increasingly popular as a substitute for wastewater treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the antibacterial capabilities of essential oils derived from Origanum syriacum and citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) and their combination against a selection of bacteria present in wastewater.

Hydrodistillation techniques were used to extract the essential oils, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine the chemical composition of the oils.

The essential oils’ chemical profiles varied according to the preliminary examination. The citronella oil was mainly made up of geraniol (2.9%) and citronellal (32.6%), whereas the Origanum syriacum oil had a significant concentration of carvacrol (79.2%) among its constituents. The antioxidant activity of their ethanolic extracts was measured; citronella showed better antioxidant activity, with a lower half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 131.7 μg/mL, while the IC50 for oregano was 180.9 μg/mL. Regarding its antibacterial effect, oregano oil showed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 2.5% against all of the tested bacteria except for C. freundii, which had an MIC of 5%. In contrast, the citronella oil revealed an MIC of 1.25% for all of the bacteria except E. coli, which had an MIC of 2.5%. This indicates that Origanum syriacum essential oil has a stronger antibacterial effect than that of Java citronella essential oil.

The ability of Origanum syriacum and Java citronella essential oils to display antibacterial properties makes them suitable natural agents for wastewater treatment, as highlighted in this study. Additional research, including the clarification of their mechanisms of action, should be carried out to confirm their usefulness in wastewater treatment systems.

7.3. Advancements in Irrigation Technologies and Their Effects on Plant Physiology and Crop Productivity: A Systematic Review

Nimra Sarwar ¹, Aamir Raza ^2,3, Ikram Ullah ⁴, Muhammad Huzaifa Mahmood ⁵, Lubna Anjum ²

¹ 

Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan

² 

Department of Irrigation & Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan

³ 

Agricultural Remote Sensing Lab of National Center of GIS and Space Applications (NCGSA-ARSL), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Punjab, Pakistan

⁴ 

College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China

⁵ 

Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy

Advances in irrigation technologies are crucial for addressing water scarcity and enhancing agricultural productivity. This systematic review evaluates the effects of precision irrigation systems, such as variable-rate irrigation (VRI) and smart irrigation systems, on plant physiology and crop yields. VRI, which adjusts the application of water based on the spatial variability in the soil and crop conditions, has been shown to improve water use efficiency by up to 27% and increase crop yields by 10–15%, especially in semi-arid regions. However, its high installation costs, estimated at USD 50–100 per acre, and the need for specialized knowledge limit its large-scale adoption in developing regions. Smart irrigation systems, leveraging AI and IoT technologies, can optimize the irrigation schedules using real-time data from soil moisture sensors, weather forecasts, and crop growth models. Studies have demonstrated a reduction in water consumption of up to 35% while maintaining or increasing yields by 8–12%. Despite these advantages, the reliance on uninterrupted internet connectivity and the complexity of system management pose significant barriers, particularly in rural areas. Both systems have been shown to enhance root development, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health, leading to improved crop resilience to environmental stressors. On the downside, their implementation requires substantial initial investments, regular maintenance, and skilled labor, which can deter small-scale farmers. In conclusion, while modern irrigation technologies significantly contribute to sustainable water use and improved crop performance, their widespread adoption remains a challenge due to economic and technical constraints. Future research and policy support should focus on making these technologies more accessible and scalable, particularly for resource-constrained regions facing the dual challenges of climate change and food security.

7.4. Assessing the Impact of Irrigation-Based Agricultural Intensification in Tunisian Olive-Growing Systems from a Water–Energy–Food–Environment Nexus Perspective

Andi Mehmeti ¹, OIfa Boussadia ², Pierre Ellsel ³, Mladen Todorovic ¹, Generosa Calabrese ¹

¹ 

International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Italy

² 

Olive Institute, Unit of Sousse (IO), Tunisia

³ 

Department of Crop Sciences, Institute of Agronomy, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Strasse 33, 1180 Vienna, Austria

This study utilized a Water–Energy–Food (WEF) nexus approach to evaluating the sustainability performance of various olive cultivation systems in Tunisia, contrasting traditional cultivation (TCIF) with several intensive methods (ICIF 1, ICIF 2, and SICIF). The key indicators included crop yield, water usage and footprint, energy performance indicators (efficiency, productivity, specific energy, and net energy gain), twenty-two types of environmental impacts, gross farm income, and the eco-efficiency index. The results revealed that intensive systems yield 4.9 times more olives than traditional practices can (10,600 kg/ha vs. 2159 kg/ha), but this productivity comes at a cost: intensive systems require up to 6.5 times more water, consuming 3600 m³/ha compared to the 550 m³/ha for traditional methods. Despite the higher yields, the traditional systems show a superior water use efficiency, producing 3.93 kg of product per cubic meter of water, raising concerns about the sustainability of intensive methods in arid regions like Tunisia due to their larger water footprint. This study also found that the energy input, specific energy consumption, and energy output significantly increase with intensification, but the energy use efficiency and productivity fluctuate, suggesting an inconsistent relationship between the energy input and output. A multi-indicator Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using the ReCiPe 2016 method quantified the intensity (impact per hectare) and efficiency (impact per ton of product), revealing that the emission intensity rises with intensification while the production efficiency varies. An aggregated single-score indicator demonstrated that regardless of the functional unit adopted (mass- or land-based), intensive systems exhibit higher environmental impacts despite their greater economic returns (EUR 3871 to EUR 5862 per hectare) compared to these values in traditional systems, which generate EUR 1193.90 per hectare. The eco-efficiency index indicates that the traditional olive production methods outperform intensive systems regarding their resource use relative to their environmental impact. Overall, while irrigation-based intensification enhances productivity, it raises significant concerns about water use, energy consumption, and sustainability, emphasizing the need for balanced management strategies that optimize productivity and resource efficiency.

7.5. The Evaluation of Different Scenarios to Optimize the Delineation of Daya Surfaces Using the Multi-Band Water Index (MBWI)

Rachid Boutafoust ¹, Abdelkrim Bouasria ^1,2, Abdelmejid Rahimi ¹

¹ 

Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, 24000, Morocco

² 

Agmetrix, El Jadida, 24000, Morocco

The inland water bodies in the Doukkala plain are mainly water surface bodies locally known as Dayas. These Dayas are of vital socioeconomic and ecological significance. Several years of drought have resulted in water shortages in this area. The current management of water resources lacks relevance. Sustainable water management has become a necessity and therefore must involve monitoring and mapping these Dayas. Remote sensing technologies could play an important role in completing this task. In this study, we calibrated the multi-band water index (MBWI) for our study area using three weighting factors (w = 2, 3, and 4), with the thresholds selected iteratively using two distinct step values (0.1 and 0.01). To make it easier to apply these indices to different situations, we utilized the average of the ideal thresholds as the single index threshold for each coefficient. The computation was carried out using Landsat images on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, and then validation was carried out by collecting ground data using Google Earth Pro from very-high-resolution images. The comparison was conducted for five Landsat scenes. To assess the performance of the method in terms of accuracy, we calculated the overall accuracy (OA) and the Kappa’s coefficient (Kappa). The results showed that the weighting coefficient (w = 4) and the threshold (−0.008) yielded a better performance, with a Kappa coefficient between 0.92 and 0.97, in the five scenes.

7.6. The Expansion of Agricultural Irrigation in the State of Bahia, Brazil, from 1985 to 2023

Ana Paula Melo ¹, Rosangela Leal Santos ², Juliana Santos ¹, Jhenifer Gonçalves ³

¹ 

Programa de Pos Graduação em Modelagem em Ciências da Terra e do Meio Ambiente—Universidade Estadual de Feira de, Universidade Estadual de Feira de, Feira de Santana, 44034-238, Brasil

² 

Universidade Estadual de Feira de, Universidade Estadual de Feira de, Feira de Santana, 44034-238, Brasil

³ 

Undergraduate in agronomy—Universidade Estadual de Feira de, Universidade Estadual de Feira de, Feira de Santana, 44034-238, Brasil

Climate change has caused various impacts on our planet, presenting an escalating challenge that threatens water and food security, as it directly affects agriculture and livestock production, sectors highly vulnerable to these changes. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt strategies that promote the safe advancement of agriculture. Irrigated agriculture is vital for addressing the issues arising from water scarcity, utilizing diverse technologies and methods. In Brazil and worldwide, this practice accounts for the majority of water consumption. In addition to ensuring agricultural production, irrigation significantly contributes to the economic development of these sectors, mitigating the impacts of climate variability. This study focused on analyzing the expansion of irrigated areas in the Brazilian state of Bahia from 1985 to 2023 utilizing irrigation data from MapBiomas Collection 9. The results indicated a significant increase in the irrigated area, reflecting the growth and development of agricultural production in this state, with a temporal variation of 90% over the period analyzed. There was a 97% increase in irrigation using center pivots and an 83% increase in the use of other irrigation systems. The substantial rise in the adoption of irrigation techniques is attributed to the expansion of agricultural areas. In conclusion, there is clear evidence of the growth of agricultural production areas in the state, leading to the expansion of irrigation techniques and an increased water demand. While irrigation offers benefits, its implementation requires rigorous oversight by responsible authorities due to its high water consumption and associated losses. Therefore, it is essential to monitor irrigation systems to maximize their efficiency while minimizing the losses from evaporation, leaching, and other adverse impacts.

7.7. Importance of Remote Sensing Data in Investigating Potential Groundwater Zones in Semi-Arid Areas

Abdelmejid Rahimi ¹, Ikram El Mjiri ², Mohammed Bounif ²

¹ 

Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, 24000, Morocco

² 

Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, El Jadida, 24000, Morocco

The Tagragra d’Akka region, located in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas, is mainly composed of crystalline and crystallophyllian rocks. In this area, agricultural activities are primarily based on oasis cropping, which essentially involves irrigation using surface water resources. This area belongs to an arid/semi-arid climate and has been living through a very severe drought for the last few decades. This has led to water irrigation shortages and caused groundwater to become a unique alternative source. However, investigating potential groundwater zones is financially demanding and time-consuming. Hence, remote sensing data and GISs are essential tools for precisely determining these zones. We used these tools to study fracturing and its spatial relationship with potential groundwater zones. Therefore, a Landsat-8 image was acquired and processed to extract three pieces of information, namely a fracturing map using the Sobel filtering technique, the fracturing density, and a lithology Support Vector Machine classifier. The main concept of using fracturing network mapping is of fundamental importance to hydrogeological investigations since they represent the preferred route for the infiltration and circulation of groundwater. Additionally, we used an image from a digital elevation model (DEM) to generate the slope, the hydrological network, and drainage density maps. The resulting raster maps were integrated into a GIS workflow to identify places with high-potential groundwater resources. This approach made it possible to identify the most promising zones in which to establish wells to provide sufficient water irrigation. The maps produced could be used for future hydrogeological investigation campaigns. This study also highlights the interest in remote sensing and GISs to aid in resolving problems related to droughts and water irrigation management in zones exposed to the effects of climate change. This approach could also be used in areas suffering from similar issues.

7.8. Investigating the Potential to Reduce Food Losses and Waste Within the Agricultural Value Chain to Improve Food Security and Resource Efficiency

Mian Muhammad Ahmed, Muhammad Asim, Aamir Raza

• Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan

Food security remains a major global challenge, with roughly one-third of all food produced for human use being lost or squandered each year. The essential issue of food loss and waste throughout the agricultural value chain, as well as its effects on resource efficiency and food security, are discussed in this study. This study’s goal is to investigate how reducing food losses and waste could improve food security while making the best use of the available resources. This study examines the entire agricultural value chain, from growing to consuming, to identify key events and factors that cause food losses and waste. This research examines social, environmental, and nutritional issues using empirical data, case studies, and theoretical frameworks. It explores how lowering food losses and waste might boost the availability of food to disadvantaged groups, enhance resource allocation, and lessen environmental impacts. The results of this study can help us to comprehend the complex interaction between food security, waste reduction, and food loss better. This study emphasizes the possibility of making significant gains by reducing the losses within the agricultural value chain, particularly in terms of boosting global food security and preserving priceless resources. This research can help policymakers, academics, and stakeholders achieve a more sustainable and secure food future by emphasizing effective measures and areas for improvement.

7.9. Irrigation Water Resources in the Moroccan Urban Environment: Diagnosis, Challenges, and Sustainable Prospects (The Case of the City of Marrakech)

ANAS ABOULAICHE ¹, MOHAMMED GALLAD ²

¹ 

Laboratory of Geomorphology, Environment and Society, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech 40000, Morocco

² 

Laboratory of Geomorphology, Environment and Society, Polydisciplinary Faculty Safi, Cadi Ayyad University, Safi 46000, Morocco

Water resources are the fundamental pillar of every nation, as they represent an essential element for survival and are a determining factor in the development process given their importance to all important sectors (agriculture, tourism, etc.). This proves particularly true in the face of global warning given the severe shortage of reserves of this resource due to various constraints and factors, especially in more Southern countries. This could potentially lead to tensions and armed conflicts over these resources.

This article focuses on managing the irrigation water resources in the urban areas of Morocco, with a particular emphasis on the city of Marrakech. Marrakech has long been known for its ideal water system (Khettaras, Sequaya, etc.), especially its irrigation system, which has contributed to its international reputation and established it as a historic metropolis and a green city (garden city). This research adopts a mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative), as well as historical, analytical–descriptive, and systemic approaches. This study’s results emphasize that the city faces a significant deficit in its irrigation water, with an annual shortage of 184 million cubic meters. This deficit is attributed to the excessive consumption of surface and groundwater to irrigate agricultural lands (knowing that 47% of agricultural lands are irrigated) and to water public and private green spaces (which consume 26.5 million cubic meters). A deterioration in several water resources that are considered heritage assets has also been observed (80% have been destroyed) due to the interaction of various factors, including natural impacts such as climate change, low precipitation, etc., and human factors like population growth, the expansion of human activities, and urbanization, with a more technical than patrimonial dimension. This study proposes innovative and sustainable solutions for rational water management, aiming to enhance this city’s resilience and ensure the sustainability of its hydraulic and cultural heritage.

7.10. Optimizing Water Use Efficiency in Precision Agriculture for Enhanced Crop Productivity

Mian Muhammad Ahmed ¹, Pan Zhiyong ², Muhammad Asim ³

¹ 

College of life sciences and technology, tarim university, Alar, Xinjiang, 843301, China

² 

College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, P.R. China

³ 

Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan

Increasing global demand for food and dwindling water resources necessitate a paradigm shift towards water-efficient agricultural technologies. This study explores the integration of drip irrigation and hydroponics to optimize the water use efficiency in precision agriculture. Both techniques offer viable alternatives for sustaining agricultural yields while conserving water. This research employs a comprehensive methodology that includes modeling, a data analysis, and field trials. Three experimental setups were established: a control group using traditional soil-based farming, a hydroponic system, and a hybrid system combining hydroponics with drip irrigation. Each group was subjected to varying water regimes, enabling quantification of their water usage, crop growth, and yields. To assess the effectiveness of each system in maintaining the optimal growing conditions, we employed soil moisture sensors and climate monitoring devices. The preliminary results indicate that both the hydroponic and hybrid systems utilize significantly less water than conventional soil-based methods. Additionally, these systems demonstrate higher crop production and accelerated plant growth, attributed to enhanced nutrient uptake and improved root development. Economic analyses and life cycle assessments were conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and environmental impacts of the proposed systems. The initial findings suggest that while the upfront investment is higher, the long-term benefits of reduced water consumption and improved crop yields render these systems both environmentally and financially sustainable. This study provides practical insights into the combination of drip irrigation and hydroponics in precision agriculture, offering a roadmap for increasing crop productivity and water use efficiency. The implications of these findings are particularly relevant to sustainable farming practices in regions facing water scarcity and rising agricultural demands.

7.11. Thermotolerant Coliforms and Their Resistance to Antibiotics in Water from Rivers Used for Agricultural Purposes

Sonia Purin da Cruz ¹, Fernanda Pucci Rosá ¹, Thaís Fernandes Ronsani ¹, Leticia Gonçalves Camargo ¹, Joni Stolberg ¹, Nei Kavaguichi Leite ²

¹ 

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina—Curitibanos, SC—Brazil.

² 

Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina—Florianópolis, SC—Brazil.

The consumption of river water for agricultural purposes relies, among other aspects, on its microbiological quality, which is determined based on the concentration of thermotolerant coliforms that it contains. The presence of antibiotic-resistant coliforms, despite this not being a criterion considered by federal or state laws, is a serious concern. These bacteria can cause difficult-to-treat illness and death if they are directly ingested by animals through the water or indirectly ingested through contaminated vegetables and grains. The present study evaluated the concentrations of thermotolerant coliforms and their resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline in four rivers in the rural areas of Santa Catarina, Brazil, that are used for animal consumption and crop irrigation. Analyses were carried out bimonthly for one year, between 2022 and 2023. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance, and means were separated using Tukey’s test. The average number of thermotolerant coliforms in all of these rivers was 709 per 100 mL⁻¹, which corresponds to Water Class 2 according to the Brazilian legislation. Therefore, this water can be used for animal consumption and irrigation, in accordance with the way this water is used by the local population. However, 41% of the coliform isolates were resistant to ampicillin, while 10% were resistant to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin. Resistant isolates were found in all of the rivers and on all sampling dates, which indicates the high frequency and abundant spreading of these microorganisms. The presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the water can cause serious human and animal health problems if this water is consumed without being treated. Considering the environment, the irrigation of vegetables and crops with water containing resistant bacteria may also have negative impacts on plant and soil microbial communities, leading to compromised ecosystem functions. We highlight the importance of monitoring resistant bacteria in water, the need for environmental conservation programs, and the rational and correct use of antibiotics in order to minimize the occurrence of microbial resistance.

7.12. Protection of Wheat Crops from Salinity Stress Using Kitchen-Waste-Derived Biochar

Ghenwa Kataya, Akram Hijazi

• Doctoral School of Science and Technology, Research Platform for Environmental Science (PRASE), Lebanese University, Lebanon

Our research explores the potential to use highly saline water for agricultural irrigation, a pressing issue made increasingly critical by the impacts of climate change and pollution on water resources. In this study, we examine the effects of biochar application, at dosages of 1% and 3%, on wheat crops irrigated with water at two distinct salinity levels (0.63 and 10 dS/m). The goal is to determine whether biochar can mitigate the negative effects of salinity on plant growth, potentially making saline water resources viable for agricultural use, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where freshwater availability is scarce.

The results indicated promising outcomes, particularly for the wheat plants treated with 1% biochar under low-salinity conditions (0.63 dS/m), where they reached an average height of 26.6 cm, while the plants in the control group, without the biochar, showed a significantly shorter average height of 17 cm. The biochar-treated plants also exhibited notably higher chlorophyll levels, critical for photosynthesis and plant health. Specifically, their chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 29.8 to 20.9 µg/mL, and chlorophyll b ranged from 54 to 23 µg/mL, in the biochar-treated plants, exceeding the levels observed in the untreated plants at both salinity levels.

Moreover, the application of both 1% and 3% biochar resulted in higher chlorophyll concentrations compared to those in the control, indicating the biochar’s effectiveness in mitigating the physiological stresses imposed by salinity. This study highlights that while lower salinity promoted higher chlorophyll a levels, the untreated plants exposed to high salinity suffered significant reductions in chlorophyll. These findings suggest that the application of biochar could serve as an effective strategy for enhancing crops’ resilience in saline conditions, ultimately supporting sustainable agriculture by enabling the productive use of saline water resources. Biochar’s role in reducing salinity stress may offer a transformative approach for regions challenged by limited freshwater supplies, promoting both food security and environmental sustainability.