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7 pages, 18817 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Evaluation of the Postharvest Performance of Kiwifruit Under the Application of a Glycine-Betaine-Based Biostimulant During the Growing Season

by Vasileios Papantzikos

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 57(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026057001 - 28 Jan 2026

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Abstract

The demand for high-quality agricultural products is increasing; however, this requirement is becoming increasingly challenging due to the effects of climate change, which can cause abiotic stress. In this research, we studied the performance of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa var. ‘Hayward’) 60 days [...] Read more.

The demand for high-quality agricultural products is increasing; however, this requirement is becoming increasingly challenging due to the effects of climate change, which can cause abiotic stress. In this research, we studied the performance of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa var. ‘Hayward’) 60 days after storage for two different cultivation periods, in which a glycine betaine biostimulant (GB) was applied to the kiwi trees via irrigation under field conditions. Postharvest analysis was performed by measuring the fresh and dry weight of the kiwifruit, the soluble solids content, and titratable acidity. To assess the antioxidant traits of the kiwifruit, DPPH and ascorbic acid contents were recorded. Data analysis revealed that the GB treatment proved beneficial for kiwifruit during storage, enhancing their antioxidant capacity as indicated by their higher ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) compared to the control. This qualitative difference may benefit the commercial requirements of kiwifruit cultivation under the abiotic conditions of climate change, which prompts us to further investigate the application of amino acid biostimulants. This research complements the existing literature on the implementation of biostimulants, as reports regarding their application in kiwifruit cultivation are limited, and provides an optional solution for meeting the commercial needs of kiwifruit cultivation and improving the adaptability of kiwifruit cultivation under abiotic stress conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025))

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9 pages, 2038 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Ecophysiology and Ecosystem Services of Olive Trees in a Semi-Arid Urban Environment in Marrakech (Morocco)

by Anas Aboulaiche and Mohjat Belaatar

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 57(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026057002 - 6 Mar 2026

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Abstract

This study analyzes the olive tree in the Menara Garden (Marrakech) to elucidate its role in the resilience of semi-arid urban agroecosystems. By combining hyperspectral remote sensing, bioeconomic modeling, and biophysical analyses, it quantifies the ecosystem services provided by the park (100 ha, [...] Read more.

This study analyzes the olive tree in the Menara Garden (Marrakech) to elucidate its role in the resilience of semi-arid urban agroecosystems. By combining hyperspectral remote sensing, bioeconomic modeling, and biophysical analyses, it quantifies the ecosystem services provided by the park (100 ha, 10000 trees). The results demonstrate optimal microclimate regulation (evapotranspiration accounting for 53.21% of the water balance), significant pollutant sequestration (carbon dioxide (CO₂), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), particulate matter (PM)), soil stabilization, and circular valorization of 268 t/year of biomass. These performances stem from adaptive traits (adjustable stomatal conductance, phenotypic plasticity), enabling water savings of 35 ± 5%. The study proposes a framework integrating plant physiology, ecosystem services, and SDGs, advocating for urban policies refocused on green infrastructure as pillars of sustainability in semi-arid zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025))

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12 pages, 945 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Agronomic and Resource-Use Evaluation of an IoT-Controlled Microclimate System (Mushroom Kothi) for Seasonal Resilience in Button Mushroom Cultivation in India (Bharat)

by Shefali Vinod Ramteke

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 57(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026057003 - 23 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation in India is highly seasonal due to strict microclimatic requirements and limited access to controlled environment infrastructure among smallholder farmers. This study evaluates an IoT-controlled microclimate system (Mushroom Kothi) designed to stabilize temperature, relative [...] Read more.

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation in India is highly seasonal due to strict microclimatic requirements and limited access to controlled environment infrastructure among smallholder farmers. This study evaluates an IoT-controlled microclimate system (Mushroom Kothi) designed to stabilize temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation during late winter to early summer transition periods. Multi-site field evaluations across distinct agro-climatic regions demonstrated improved microclimate stability, enabling extension of the viable cultivation window by approximately 1.5–2 months beyond the conventional seasonal cutoff. The system supported continuity of production, improved water-use efficiency, and reduced manual intervention without reliance on energy-intensive cooling. The findings highlight the potential of low-cost, digitally assisted microclimate stabilization to enhance seasonal resilience, resource efficiency, and ease of cultivation in smallholder mushroom farming systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025))

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12 pages, 285 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Selecting 27 Field-Grown Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes for Symbiotic Performance and Drought Tolerance at Malkerns Research Station, Eswatini

by Mahlodi R. Maripa, Titus Y. Ngmenzuma and Felix D. Dakora

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 57(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026057004 - 25 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Legume crops, such as the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), are significant in many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, including Eswatini, due to their numerous health benefits, including high protein, fiber, vitamins, and mineral content. Common beans are a staple food in many [...] Read more.

Legume crops, such as the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), are significant in many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, including Eswatini, due to their numerous health benefits, including high protein, fiber, vitamins, and mineral content. Common beans are a staple food in many parts of the world and play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, thereby improving soil fertility. A field experiment was conducted at Malkerns research station, Eswatini, using 27 common bean genotypes to assess their ability for N-fixation and water relations using the ¹⁵N and ¹³C natural abundance techniques. The data revealed significant differences among the common bean genotypes. Genotypes Cim-Rm-36 and Mwctz20a-Rm19 recorded an increase in plant growth by (6% and 5.74%), N content (5.69% and 5.97%) and greater C content (6.1% and 5.67%) while genotype Mwctz20a-Rm19 also showed an increase in N-fixation (155.73 kg.ha⁻¹). Genotype Mwctz20a-Rm-4 had the highest grain yield (1747.39 kg.ha⁻¹), while genotype Cim-Rm-14-Als61 had the highest N concentration (3.50%), indicating efficient N uptake. The genotypes with the lowest δ¹³C values (−27.38‰ to −28.06‰) suggested similar water use efficiency among the genotypes. The findings of this study revealed that common beans can make a significant contribution to N fertility under drought conditions. Genotypes Cim-Rm-36, Mwctz20a-Rm19, and Mwctz20a-Rm-4 showed desirable characteristics and can be good candidates for possible inclusion in breeding programs. These results have implications for improving common bean production in drought-prone areas and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025))

8 pages, 1394 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Evaluation of Phytotoxicity of Manure-Derived Fertilisers Using Seed Germination and Root Elongation Bioassays

by Verónica Carbajal-Rocha, Arnulfo Domínguez-Hernández, Hernan Campuzano-Cruz, Elisa Domínguez-Hernández and Martha Elena Domínguez-Hernández

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 57(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026057005 - 27 Mar 2026

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Abstract

Poultry manure is a valuable nutrient source, but insufficient stabilisation may cause phytotoxic effects during early plant development. This study evaluated the phytotoxicity of fresh and composted poultry manure using seed germination and root elongation bioassays. Elutriates of aerated and static compost mixtures, [...] Read more.

Poultry manure is a valuable nutrient source, but insufficient stabilisation may cause phytotoxic effects during early plant development. This study evaluated the phytotoxicity of fresh and composted poultry manure using seed germination and root elongation bioassays. Elutriates of aerated and static compost mixtures, poultry manure composts, and fresh manure were tested on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), mungbean (Vigna radiata L.), and white mustard (Sinapis alba L.). Germination and relative root growth indices were calculated. Aerated compost mixtures showed minimal phytotoxicity, whereas fresh and partially composted manure strongly inhibited seedling development. Mungbean was the most sensitive species. Root elongation was more sensitive than germination, confirming bioassays as reliable tools for assessing compost maturity and fertiliser safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025))

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11 pages, 566 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Assessment of Mulching and Fungicide Application in Relation to the Nutritional Quality of Potato Tubers

by Nosipho Precious Minenhle Phungula, Sandile Thamsanqa Hadebe, Lucky Sithole and Nomali Ziphorah Ngobese

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 57(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026057006 - 1 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Substandard agronomic practices commonly used by smallholder farmers compromise potato tuber nutritional quality, limiting the crop’s contribution to food and nutrition security. This study evaluated the effects of integrating cultivar selection, mulching, and fungicide application on potato tuber quality under selected smallholder localities. [...] Read more.

Substandard agronomic practices commonly used by smallholder farmers compromise potato tuber nutritional quality, limiting the crop’s contribution to food and nutrition security. This study evaluated the effects of integrating cultivar selection, mulching, and fungicide application on potato tuber quality under selected smallholder localities. Four varieties were tested across five localities over two seasons using a factorial randomized complete block design, under different management practices, mulching (mulched and non-mulched), and fungicide application (sprayed and unsprayed). Late and mid-maturing cultivar Panamera and Electra, respectively, combined with fungicide application, consistently showed high dry matter up to 24.6%, carbohydrate (17.0%), and energy up to 378 kJ. Mineral composition varied across treatments, potassium was the abundant mineral (204.6–360.5 mg/100 g), while magnesium (9.55–18.57 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (23.35–51.90 mg/100 g) also showed variation across treatments. This study highlights the importance of integrated management strategies to improve potato nutritional value for resource-constrained farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025))

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19 pages, 5552 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Detection of Net Blotch Disease of Barley Using UAV-Based RGB and Multispectral Imagery at Plot Scale

by Huajian Liu, Reddy Pullanagari, Dillon Campbell, Marnie Denlay, Molly Hennekam, Hari Dadu, Paul Telfer, Stewart Coventry and Bettina Berger

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 57(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026057007 - 1 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Net blotch, caused by Pyrenophora teres, is a major barley disease that occurs in two forms, spot form net blotch (SFNB) and net form net blotch (NFNB), reducing grain yield and quality worldwide. Accurate detection is critical for disease management and breeding [...] Read more.

Net blotch, caused by Pyrenophora teres, is a major barley disease that occurs in two forms, spot form net blotch (SFNB) and net form net blotch (NFNB), reducing grain yield and quality worldwide. Accurate detection is critical for disease management and breeding resistant cultivars; however, traditional disease scoring is labour-intensive and error-prone. This study evaluates the use of UAV-based red–green–blue (RGB) and multispectral imagery, combined with machine learning, for determining net blotch infection levels at the plot scale across multiple sites and seasons in Australia. Various colour features, vegetation indices, and algorithms were tested, including a cross-domain testing for model generalisation. We propose a robust UAV-driven pipeline enabling precise disease monitoring and phenotyping in barley breeding programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025))

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8 pages, 1417 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Complexation of Molybdenum(VI) with Humic Substances from Greek Leonardite: Spectroscopic Insights and Bioavailability Implications

by Konstantinos Chassapis and Maria Roulia

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 57(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026057008 - 8 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Humic substances (HS), derived from the degradation of organic matter in terrestrial and aquatic systems, play critical roles in nutrient cycling, metal complexation, and soil fertility. This study investigates whether HS derived from Greek peaty lignite (leonardite) can bind Mo(VI), an essential micronutrient [...] Read more.

Humic substances (HS), derived from the degradation of organic matter in terrestrial and aquatic systems, play critical roles in nutrient cycling, metal complexation, and soil fertility. This study investigates whether HS derived from Greek peaty lignite (leonardite) can bind Mo(VI), an essential micronutrient for nitrogen fixation and assimilation processes. Titration experiments showed that the addition of Mo(VI) to HS solutions decreased pH, indicating Mo(VI)–HS complexation via proton-release reactions. UV-Vis spectra revealed charge-transfer interactions without evidence of Mo reduction, while FTIR analysis confirmed that carboxylic, phenolic, and alcoholic groups participate in Mo(VI)–HS association as indicated by shifts in COO–, C=O, and O–H vibrations. The results demonstrate that HS can effectively complex Mo(VI), increasing its solubility and potentially enhancing its bioavailability in soils. These findings highlight the value of humic-rich materials such as leonardite in sustainable crop nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025))

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8 pages, 478 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Plant Density as the Main Driver of Quinoa Growth and Yield Under Andean Conditions

by Santiago C. Vásquez, Marlene Molina-Müller, Manuel Armijos, Johana Pucha, Santiago Erazo-Hurtado, Fernando Granja, Mirian Capa-Morocho, Camilo Mestanza-Uquillas and Wagner Oviedo-Castillo

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 57(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026057009 - 13 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Quinoa is a highly nutritious Andean crop with considerable yield potential that remains underexploited in southern Ecuador. This study evaluated the effects of planting method (row seeding, hill seeding, and transplanting) and plant density (8–20 plants m⁻²) on quinoa growth and [...] Read more.

Quinoa is a highly nutritious Andean crop with considerable yield potential that remains underexploited in southern Ecuador. This study evaluated the effects of planting method (row seeding, hill seeding, and transplanting) and plant density (8–20 plants m⁻²) on quinoa growth and yield under Andean highland conditions. A factorial field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Plant density significantly affected grain yield, increasing from 4.4 to 4.8 t ha⁻¹ at 8 plants m⁻² to a maximum of 6.97 t ha⁻¹ at 20 plants m⁻². This increase was mainly driven by a higher grain number per unit area, while thousand-grain weight remained stable across treatments. In contrast, the planting method and its interaction with plant density had no significant effect on yield or yield components. Grain yield showed a strong positive relationship with above-ground biomass, indicating that biomass accumulation was the main driver of yield variation. These results demonstrate that plant density is the primary agronomic factor controlling quinoa productivity under Andean conditions. Optimizing plant density to 15–20 plants m⁻² is recommended as a simple and cost-effective management strategy to maximize grain yield, regardless of planting method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 5th International Electronic Conference on Agronomy (IECAG 2025))

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