Agronomy

20 pages, 3049 KB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Weed Taxa Community in a Young Apple Orchard (‘King Roat Red Delicious’ Cultivar) Depending on the Presence of Living Mulch and the Application of Two Nitrogen Fertilization Rates

by Urszula Barbara Bałuszyńska and Maria Licznar-Małańczuk

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2106; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092106 (registering DOI) - 31 Aug 2025

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of two nitrogen doses in combination with strong creeping fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin) and Chewing’s red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin) used as living mulches on [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of two nitrogen doses in combination with strong creeping fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin) and Chewing’s red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin) used as living mulches on the weed community in an apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard. The cover grasses were sown in the tree rows, and herbicide fallow served as the control. Grass living mulches effectively reduced the number and share of annual weed cover and limited the spread of perennial plants compared with herbicide fallow. Use of F. rubra L. subspecies did not favor the biodiversity of the orchard agroecosystem flora, due to the effective soil surface coverage by sod in the tree rows. Living mulch sod was characterized by lower variability in weed taxa compared with the abundant weed composition in the herbicide fallow, which also exhibited the highest number of weed taxa each year. Dominant species in the orchard across all treatments included Trifolium repens L. and Taraxacum spp. Doubling the nitrogen fertilization rate, while limiting the application area to the tree canopy, did not increase the perennial weed population in the living mulch sod. Both subspecies are useful as living mulch in a young apple orchard, but from the perspective of sod durability and weed control, strong creeping red fescue offers better prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Biology and Ecology: Importance to Integrated Weed Management)

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17 pages, 7370 KB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Biological Products in Managing Root Pathogens in Melons

by Allinny Luzia Alves Cavalcante, Andréia Mitsa Paiva Negreiros, Dariane Monteiro Viana, Sabrina Queiroz de Freitas, Márcio Thalison de Queiroz Souza, Moisés Bento Tavares, Sabir Khan, Inês Maria Mendes Sales and Rui Sales Júnior

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2105; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092105 (registering DOI) - 31 Aug 2025

Abstract

Biological control represents a sustainable alternative that can be used to reduce the impacts of soilborne diseases in melon cultivation, which are major constraints to productivity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of four biological products formulated with Bacillus and Trichoderma species in suppressing [...] Read more.

Biological control represents a sustainable alternative that can be used to reduce the impacts of soilborne diseases in melon cultivation, which are major constraints to productivity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of four biological products formulated with Bacillus and Trichoderma species in suppressing symptoms caused by root pathogens in melon crops, including Fusarium spp., Macrophomina phaseolina, Monosporascus cannonballus, and Rhizoctonia solani. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to simulate successive crop cycles using two naturally infested soils (A and B). Bombardeiro/Lastro, Quality^®, TrichobiolMax, and TrichonemateMax were applied using two management strategies: (1) a tray application 8 days after sowing (DAS) + four pot applications at 7-day intervals, totaling five applications, and (2) a tray application 8 DAS + two pot applications at 14-day intervals, totaling three applications. The yellow melon cultivar ‘Goldex’ was used in the experiments. Forty-five days after transplanting, the treatments showed statistically significant differences compared to the positive control (naturally infested soil without products), both in disease incidence and severity and in plant growth parameters. In Soil A, three applications of Quality^® and TrichobiolMax resulted in 50% and 60% disease incidences, respectively. In Soil B, five applications of Lastro and TrichobiolMax led to 60% of plants showing disease symptoms. These products also reduced disease severity in both soils, and TrichonemateMax showed potential for nematode control. Additionally, these products resulted in a 21% reduction in the frequency of Fusarium spp. in Soil A. These findings are valuable for developing sustainable practices in melon cultivation, promoting more efficient and environmentally sound management of root diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on Diagnosis and Biological Control of Crop Diseases)

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19 pages, 4305 KB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Combined Organic and Inorganic Fertilization Alters Soil Phosphorus Fractions and Peanut Uptake

by Keyao Zhou, Haoxiang Li, Xiao Li, Bingbing Zhou, Xuezeng Wei, Ying Wang, Ning Liu, Xue Li, Xiumei Zhan and Xiaori Han

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2104; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092104 (registering DOI) - 31 Aug 2025

Abstract

Organic amendments, such as straw, biochar, and animal manure, have been demonstrated to enhance soil phosphorus (P) availability effectively; however, the long-term impacts and underlying mechanisms require further study. Based on a long-term field experiment, this research systematically analyzed the effects of biochar [...] Read more.

Organic amendments, such as straw, biochar, and animal manure, have been demonstrated to enhance soil phosphorus (P) availability effectively; however, the long-term impacts and underlying mechanisms require further study. Based on a long-term field experiment, this research systematically analyzed the effects of biochar (BIO), biochar-based fertilizer (BF), straw-returning (CS), and pig manure compost (PMC) on soil phosphorus transformation and crop phosphorus uptake. Results showed that biochar significantly boosted soil available phosphorus (AP) by releasing soluble phosphorus, raising soil pH, reducing phosphorus fixation by iron and aluminum oxides, and enhancing soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) to promote phosphorus dissolution and transformation. Notably, biochar increased the proportion of NaOH-P, facilitating phosphorus accumulation in peanut grains and improving the phosphorus harvest index and utilization efficiency. Straw-returning primarily elevated soil AP by promoting organic phosphorus mineralization and inorganic phosphorus release; however, its acidification of the soil impaired phosphorus translocation to grains, resulting in lower phosphorus-use efficiency compared to biochar. Pig manure compost reduced soil phosphorus fixation and increased soil total organic carbon (TOC), thereby boosting phosphorus transformation. Despite enhancing phosphorus dry-matter production in plants, most phosphorus remained in stems and leaves, with limited translocation to grains, leading to lower phosphorus-use efficiency than biochar. In conclusion, biochar was most effective in enhancing soil phosphorus availability and crop phosphorus-use efficiency, highlighting its potential in sustainable soil fertility management and optimized crop production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

16 pages, 4261 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterial Isolate, Bacillus velezensis 41S2, Enhances Seed Protein, Isoflavone Accumulation, and Stress Resilience in Soybean Under Salt–Alkaline Soil Conditions

by Han Zheng, Shutian Hua, Zhe Li, Ziyan Wang, Donglin Zhao, Changliang Jing, Yiqiang Li, Chengsheng Zhang, Yanfen Zheng, Youqiang Wang and Mingguo Jiang

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2103; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092103 (registering DOI) - 31 Aug 2025

Abstract

Salt–alkaline soil poses a significant challenge to soybean productivity. While plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer a sustainable strategy for stress mitigation, their field-level application remains underexplored. Here, a field experiment was conducted in the Yellow River Delta of Shandong, China, a typical salt–alkaline [...] Read more.

Salt–alkaline soil poses a significant challenge to soybean productivity. While plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer a sustainable strategy for stress mitigation, their field-level application remains underexplored. Here, a field experiment was conducted in the Yellow River Delta of Shandong, China, a typical salt–alkaline region. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of Bacillus velezensis 41S2 in enhancing soybean performance under salt–alkaline soil through integrated field trials and transcriptomic analysis. Inoculation with strain 41S2 significantly improved plant biomass, yield components, and seed yield under salt–alkaline soil, and notably increased seed protein and isoflavone contents. Physiological analyses revealed that strain 41S2 markedly reduced hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation, indicating alleviation of oxidative stress. Moreover, strain 41S2 modulated the levels of soluble sugars and amino acids, contributing to osmotic regulation and carbon–nitrogen (C-N) metabolic balance. Transcriptome profiling further indicated that strain 41S2 upregulated genes involved in antioxidant response, C–N metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, highlighting its role in coordinating multilayered stress response pathways. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of B. velezensis 41S2 as a multifunctional bioinoculant for improving salt tolerance and presents a promising tool for sustainable crop production and ecological restoration in salt–alkaline soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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16 pages, 492 KB

Open AccessReview

Desert Locust Management Is Plagued by Human-Based Impediments

by Allan T. Showler and Michel Lecoq

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2102; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092102 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

Technical aspects of desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) management have markedly improved since the late 1980s. Examples include modernized electronic communication systems linking stakeholders, global positioning system precision for reporting and treatment of locust aggregations, ultra-low-volume insecticide formulations and application techniques that [...] Read more.

Technical aspects of desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) management have markedly improved since the late 1980s. Examples include modernized electronic communication systems linking stakeholders, global positioning system precision for reporting and treatment of locust aggregations, ultra-low-volume insecticide formulations and application techniques that reduce both environmental impact and chemical use, and computerized integration of multidisciplinary data for monitoring and forecasting outbreaks, upsurges, and plagues. Despite the remote and rugged terrain where the species thrives, tools and vehicles for surveillance and control generally exist—although they are not always available when needed. As technical aspects of desert locust control continue to be surmounted, human-based factors remain substantial, underlying, multifaceted obstacles. Funding shortfalls are frequently cited but rarely analyzed in depth. This article focuses on these underlying human constraints, including rigid conceptual dogmas, diverse forms of insecurity, political interference, weak communication among stakeholders, decreasing donor interest, confusion between emergency response and development objectives, loss of institutional memory, inadequate staff training, and limited attention to dynamic, real-time developments. These human-based impediments are critical because they underlie systemic unpreparedness and hinder the transition toward more integrated, proactive, and sustainable locust management approaches. As such, they contribute to the onset, intensity, and prolonged duration of desert locust episodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Locust and Grasshopper Management: Challenges and Innovations)

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Graphical abstract

20 pages, 3379 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Contour Antislope Terracing on Preferential Soil Flow in Sloping Cropland in the Alpine Valley Area of Southwest China

by Miaomiao Zhai, Yangyi Zhao, Keqin Wang, Jindong Xiang, Zhenchao Wang, Yaxin Pan and Sanjian Li

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2101; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092101 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study was conducted to reveal the response relationship between soil preferential flow characteristics and soil pore structure of sloping cropland under contour antislope step measures in the alpine canyon area of Southwest China. In the sub-watershed of Nantangjing, Yunlong County, the upper [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to reveal the response relationship between soil preferential flow characteristics and soil pore structure of sloping cropland under contour antislope step measures in the alpine canyon area of Southwest China. In the sub-watershed of Nantangjing, Yunlong County, the upper and lower slopes of primary sloping cultivated land (PSC) and contour reverse-slope terraced rectified land (CR) were used for the study, and a field staining tracer test was used to compare the differences in preferential flow morphology between different slopes with and without measures. The maximum infiltration depth of preferential flow under the contour reverse-slope terrace land preparation reached 21 cm. The stained area ratio tended to decrease with increasing soil depth. Compared to the original slope farmland, the stable infiltration rate under land preparation increased from 0.017 to 0.244 cm³·s⁻¹, and the maximum macroporosity increased by up to 17.00%. Furthermore, land preparation measures significantly enhanced the correlation between macropore quantity and preferential flow characteristics, with the highest correlation coefficient reaching 0.98. And the soil factors in total porosity, total nitrogen and organic matter were particularly influential on preferential flow. Contour antislope terracing promotes the formation and development of preferential soil flow by remodeling soil structure and optimizing pore network distribution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience)

17 pages, 1568 KB

Open AccessArticle

Early Detection of Wheat Fusarium Head Blight During the Incubation Period Using FTIR-PAS

by Gaoqiang Lv, Jiaqi Li, Didi Shan, Fei Liu, Hanping Mao and Weihong Sun

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2100; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092100 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

The apparent normalcy of wheat during the incubation period of Fusarium head blight (FHB) makes early diagnosis challenging. This study employed Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) to conduct layer-by-layer scanning of wheat leaves during the disease outbreak stage and performed a differential [...] Read more.

The apparent normalcy of wheat during the incubation period of Fusarium head blight (FHB) makes early diagnosis challenging. This study employed Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR-PAS) to conduct layer-by-layer scanning of wheat leaves during the disease outbreak stage and performed a differential spectral analysis. Spectral information was collected from five sites (D0~D4) on diseased leaves at reducing distances from the lesion caused by the Fusarium graminearum pathogen. The results revealed that the disease caused an increase in spectral similarity between deeper and shallower layers. The spectra of leaves, after removing the D0 background, showed a correlation of 83.5% to that of the pathogen, and the similarity increased at sites closer to the lesion, suggesting that the original spectra captured a large amount of hidden information related to the pathogen. With the threshold for the absorption intensity ratio of R_1650/1050 for background-subtracted spectra set at 0.5, the optimal overall accuracy and F1-score were 86.0% and 0.89 for diagnosing outbreak-stage samples, respectively, while for incubation-period samples, they were 82.5% and 0.83. These results elucidate the mechanism of using FTIR-PAS to diagnose FHB during its incubation period, providing a theoretical and technical foundation for detecting disease information in other crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

19 pages, 3956 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sink Strength Governs Yield Ceiling in High-Yield Cotton:Compensation Effects of Source–Sink Damage and Reproductive Stage Regulation

by Zhenwang Zhang, Kexin Li, Qinghua Liao, Zhijie Shi, Keke Yu, Junqi Zhu, Xiyu Jia, Guodong Chen, Sumei Wan, Shanwei Lou, Mingfeng Yang, Fangjun Li, Xiaoli Tian, Zhaohu Li and Mingwei Du

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2099; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092099 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

Under refined management, high-yield cotton fields are approaching their maximum output. However, how to break this yield upper limit, specifically the source–sink relationship is still inadequately researched. This experiment was conducted to explore the interaction mechanism between yield formation and source–sink parameters (photosynthesis, [...] Read more.

Under refined management, high-yield cotton fields are approaching their maximum output. However, how to break this yield upper limit, specifically the source–sink relationship is still inadequately researched. This experiment was conducted to explore the interaction mechanism between yield formation and source–sink parameters (photosynthesis, nitrogen content, canopy structure and dry matter accumulation and distribution). The treatments consisted of a no cutting source and sink treatment (CK), cutting 1/2 leaves per plant (1/2L) and cutting 1/2 bolls per plant (1/2B) at the initial flowering stage (IFS), the flower and boll stage (FABS), and the full boll stage (FBS). The results showed that 1/2L treatment minimized yield losses to 2.3–5.9% by enhancing photosynthetic compensation, with FBS-1/2L showing the smallest reduction (2.3–2.9%) due to higher leaf N content and SPAD values, whereas, the 1/2B treatments resulted in significant yield losses attributable to fewer bolls, especially the FBS-1/2B treatments, which reduced yields by 35.7–41.9%, with a compensatory rate of only 8.1–14.3%. It is noteworthy that the compensation rates of IFS-1/2B and FABS-1/2B could reach 26.7–32.3% and 18.7–23.8% of their yields due to the higher leaf N content. In a word, the source damage can be buffered by physiological compensation, while the sink loss leads to yield collapse due to the irreversibility of reproductive development. Thus, the core regulator of high-yield cotton fields was sink strength. Accordingly, optimizing the sink quality was performed through moderate boll thinning at the IFS, enhancing water and fertilizer supply at the FABS and strengthening sink organ protection at the FBS in order to realize a breakthrough in yield limit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Productivity and Management in Agricultural Systems)

16 pages, 3581 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Flower Biology of Camellia luteoflora—A Species with an Extremely Small Population

by Fen Liu, Bangyou Liu, Weicheng Yang, YueHua Song, Sheng Liang, Hangdan Chen, Mengqing Zhou and Gaoyin Wu

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2098; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092098 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

The aim of this study was to elucidate the reproductive strategy of Camellia luteoflora, an endangered evergreen endemic to karst ecosystems. We observed and recorded its flowering phenology and flower-visiting insects, observed pollen morphology, determined pollen viability, and assessed stigma receptivity. The [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the reproductive strategy of Camellia luteoflora, an endangered evergreen endemic to karst ecosystems. We observed and recorded its flowering phenology and flower-visiting insects, observed pollen morphology, determined pollen viability, and assessed stigma receptivity. The results showed that the flowering period of C. luteoflora started from early September to late December, with the average flowering period of individual flowers being 10–12 days. The pollen morphology of C. luteoflora was subprolate and prolate, with three germinal apertures and the fossulate exine ornamentation. Pollen viability was the highest at the initial opening stage (80.30%). In the process of pollen in vitro, the order of influence on the germination rate and pollen tube length was temperature > sucrose > calcium chloride (CaCl₂) > boric acid (H₃BO₃). The best combination for the germination rate was 24 °C, 75 g/L sucrose, 0.2 g/L CaCl₂, 0.15 g/L H₃BO₃, while that for the pollen tube length was 24 °C, 100 g/L sucrose, 0.2 g/L CaCl₂, 0.25 g/L H₃BO₃. Stigma receptivity was the strongest at the full blooming stage. The pollen/ovule ratio (P/O) was 2240, suggesting a facultative outcrossing breeding system. The outcrossing index (OCI) was 4, suggesting that the exogamous breeding system is the cross-pollination type, partially self-compatible and insect pollinator-dependent. The flower-visiting insects included bees, weevils, and ants. In summary, C. luteoflora exhibits an extended flowering period, with a prolonged overlap of stable pollen viability and stigma receptivity, suggesting a potential strategy to cope with pollination uncertainty. However, field observations recorded only a few species of potential pollinators, while the occurrence frequency of non-pollinating insects was relatively high. It is thus hypothesized that this apparent lack of effective pollinators may act as a potential barrier to successful fertilization and natural regeneration, which might also be one of the factors contributing to its endangered status. Future studies, particularly pollinator exclusion and hand-pollination experiments, are critically needed to verify whether pollinator limitation is indeed a key factor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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17 pages, 348 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rotation Length and Defoliation Intensity Effects on Dry Matter Production and Botanical Composition in Perennial ryegrass–White clover and Multispecies Pastures

by Luis F. Piña, Verónica M. Merino, María Jesús Navarro, Claudia Mella F., Cristian Lucero, Gabriel Seguel, Alejandro Acuña and Tomás Schwenke

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092097 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

Temperate grazing systems require advanced management strategies to simultaneously enhance both productivity and resilience. Multispecies pasture (MSS) mixtures offer a promising alternative to conventional Lolium perenne-Trifolium repens (LP-TR) systems by leveraging niche complementarity through diverse and deeper rooting profiles that enhance [...] Read more.

Temperate grazing systems require advanced management strategies to simultaneously enhance both productivity and resilience. Multispecies pasture (MSS) mixtures offer a promising alternative to conventional Lolium perenne-Trifolium repens (LP-TR) systems by leveraging niche complementarity through diverse and deeper rooting profiles that enhance drought tolerance and optimize nutrient acquisition from heterogeneous soil layers. In a field study, we compared LP-TR pastures with three functionally distinct MSS pastures subjected to varying rotation lengths (RL) and defoliation intensities (DIs). Seasonal and annual dry matter (DM) yield and botanical composition were assessed. MSS consistently outperformed LP-TR in total DM production, especially under shorter RL, which had a more pronounced effect on annual and spring biomass than DI. An 8 cm defoliation height generally enhances DM accumulation across systems. Species interactions significantly influenced botanical composition, with Plantago lanceolata contributing to greater pasture stability under environmental stress, accounting for 24–61% of total herbage DM. Furthermore, RL and DI interactions affected species prevalence, underscoring the need for adaptive, species-specific management strategies. These findings demonstrate that integrating strategic species selection with tailored defoliation practices in MSS mixtures can substantially enhance pasture productivity, compositional stability, and long-term sustainability of temperate grazing systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Grassland and Pasture Science)

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14 pages, 1431 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ferric Oxide Nanoparticles Foliar Application Effectively Enhanced Iron Bioavailability and Rice Quality in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grains

by Xijun Yuan, Muyan Zhang, Jingtong Sun, Xinyue Liu, Jie Chen, Rui Wang, Hao Lu and Yanju Yang

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092096 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

Synergizing iron nutrition and rice quality is essential for the development of integrated high-quality rice. In this study, a two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃ NPs) foliar spraying on rice yield, quality, [...] Read more.

Synergizing iron nutrition and rice quality is essential for the development of integrated high-quality rice. In this study, a two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃ NPs) foliar spraying on rice yield, quality, and iron bioavailability, with spraying water as the control (CK). Our results demonstrate that Fe₂O₃ NPs foliar application increase grain yield by 1.22–3.97% for the improved filled grain rate and 1000-grain weight, essentially attributed to improved net photosynthetic rate and SPAD value after heading. In addition, Fe₂O₃ NPs application achieved a higher rate of brown rice, polished rice, and head rice, and decreased chalkiness grain rate and chalkiness degree. Rice taste value treated with Fe₂O₃ NPs application was notably increased by 2.75–9.43% compared to CK, respectively, which is also reflected in the superior breakdown value (5.85–15.18%) and inferior setback value (12.38–28.19%). Meanwhile, foliar spraying Fe₂O₃ NPs significantly increased the iron content (16.97–58.74% and 26.48–94.01%) and proportion (2.90–5.35% and 13.10–26.44%), while they decreased the molar ratio of phytate to Fe (19.70–33.67% and 31.55–45.77%) in brown rice and polished rice, increasing iron bioavailability. Our findings indicate that Fe₂O₃ NPs can be effectively applied as a foliar fertilizer to enhance rice yield, quality, and iron nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Fertilization Strategies and Soil Health for Rice and Wheat Cultivation)

16 pages, 2532 KB

Open AccessArticle

Interactive Effects of Exogenous Hormones, Sucrose, and Environmental Factors on the Growth of Phyllostachys edulis Shoots

by Chongyang Wu, Junlei Xu, Changhong Mu, Yali Xie, Wenlong Cheng and Jian Gao

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2095; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092095 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

The growth of bamboo shoots during the rapid growth phase critically determines overall bamboo height development. While exogenous hormones and sugars promote plant growth, their interactions with environmental factors and regional variations remain unclear. This study examined moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) [...] Read more.

The growth of bamboo shoots during the rapid growth phase critically determines overall bamboo height development. While exogenous hormones and sugars promote plant growth, their interactions with environmental factors and regional variations remain unclear. This study examined moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) from Anhui and Hubei provinces using random forest and Bayesian hierarchical models to analyze direct and interactive effects of auxin, gibberellin, sucrose, auxin transport inhibitors, mTOR signaling pathway inhibitors, and environmental factors on shoot height. Results identified mean temperature, minimum temperature, precipitation, and subsurface runoff as key environmental drivers. Regional adaptations were evident: Anhui bamboo showed positive correlations with temperature factors, while Hubei bamboo exhibited negative correlations. Subsurface runoff consistently promoted growth, whereas precipitation negatively impacted development. Gibberellin and auxin treatments significantly enhanced bamboo responsiveness to favorable environmental conditions, while inhibitor treatments reduced these responses. This research elucidates complex interactions among exogenous hormones, sugars, and environmental factors affecting bamboo shoot growth. The findings reveal distinct regional adaptation patterns and demonstrate how hormone treatments can modulate environmental responsiveness. These insights provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for optimizing regional bamboo forest management strategies and improving yield outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biostimulants for Sustainable Crop Productivity and Protection: From Concept to Application)

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27 pages, 3286 KB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into the Significance of Nitrogen Fertiliser and Hydraulic Lift with Moisture Depletions in Cotton Quality and Nitrogen Distribution Under Topsoil Drought

by Jia Lu, Longjia Tian, Dan Xu and Guangcheng Shao

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2094; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092094 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

Dry topsoil restricts root growth and nutrient uptake in arid regions, thereby significantly reducing crop yield. Hydraulic lift occurs due to the dry topsoil and wet deep soil. This study investigates the effects of topsoil drought intensity (three field capacities in topsoil: 60–70% [...] Read more.

Dry topsoil restricts root growth and nutrient uptake in arid regions, thereby significantly reducing crop yield. Hydraulic lift occurs due to the dry topsoil and wet deep soil. This study investigates the effects of topsoil drought intensity (three field capacities in topsoil: 60–70% (W1), 50–60% (W2), and 40–50% (W3)) and nitrogen application rate (N1: 120, N2: 240, and N3: 360 kg ha⁻¹) on cotton quality and the distribution of nitrogen in soil and plant under hydraulic lift using a root-splitting device. The upper pot of the root-splitting device was 22 cm high, with a 26 cm top diameter and a 23 cm bottom diameter; the lower pot of the root-splitting device was 45 cm high, with a 48 cm top diameter and a 36 cm bottom diameter. Topsoil moisture was maintained at W1 without nitrogen application under the control treatment (CK). The W2 and W3 treatments (representing different topsoil drought intensities) were designed to compare the interactive effects of water and nitrogen fertiliser on nitrogen distribution and cotton quality with the CK treatment. Results indicate that the concentrations of nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N) in the 10–20 cm soil were generally higher than those in the 0–10 cm soil. The topsoil drought intensity and nitrogen application rate had significant impacts on nitrogen concentrations in cotton organs. The W2 treatment produced the maximum nitrogen concentration, except for the root nitrogen concentration in 2021. The nitrogen concentration in the roots and stems peaked at 240 kg ha⁻¹ of nitrogen application rate. The topsoil drought intensity and nitrogen application rate had considerable influences on the cotton dry matter. The nitrogen application rate had a significant impact on the following indexes: internal nitrogen-fertiliser use efficiency (INUE), physiological nitrogen-fertiliser use efficiency (PNUE), and nitrogen-fertiliser recovery efficiency (NRE), except for PNUE in 2020. The INUE of other treatments decreased by 13.82–43.44% compared with CK treatment. In 2021, fibre length and elongation were significantly impacted by the topsoil drought intensity, nitrogen application rates, and their interactions. The nitrogen application rate’s effects on the uniformity index were significant in 2020 and 2021. The hydraulic lift magnitude, NRE, and NO₃⁻-N in the 0–10 cm soil were significantly correlated with each other. There were correlations among cotton quality indexes: fibre length and strength, uniformity index and micronaire, and micronaire and elongation. These findings provide a reference for future research on the mechanism by which hydraulic lift participates in nitrogen distribution in soil and crops and also offer a new direction to utilize deep water to improve the utilization rate of water resources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)

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20 pages, 3090 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Effects of Biochar and Compost on Ameliorating Coastal Saline Soil

by Wenzhi Zhou, Shuo Xing, Yaqi Wu, Rongsong Zou, Suyan Li, Xiangyang Sun and Huaxin Zhang

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2093; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092093 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

In this study, the effects of biochar and compost on the amelioration of coastal saline soil were investigated through indoor leaching experiments and soil culture experiments. The results revealed that the multivoid structure of biochar and compost, when applied to soil, effectively improved [...] Read more.

In this study, the effects of biochar and compost on the amelioration of coastal saline soil were investigated through indoor leaching experiments and soil culture experiments. The results revealed that the multivoid structure of biochar and compost, when applied to soil, effectively improved soil hydraulic conductivity, promoted the leaching of salt ions, and reduced soil electrical conductivity. Owing to the high pH value of biochar and the lower pH value of compost, the combined application of the two has a complementary effect on improving the pH value of coastal saline soils. The calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) contained in biochar and compost are exchanged with Na⁺ adsorbed by soil colloids, which reduces the sodium (Na⁺) adsorption ratio (SAR) value of the soil. Biochar and compost improve the physical properties of the soil, and the organic matter they contain helps soil particles aggregate with each other and form stable clusters, thus promoting the formation of soil agglomerates, which are conducive to the formation of clusters with a diameter of ≤0.25 mm. Biochar and compost are rich in nutrients, and their application significantly increased the contents of available nutrients and organic matter as well as the activities of urease, phosphatase, and dehydrogenase in saline soils. However, too high of an application rate of biochar increases the soil pH value, and excessive application of compost can lead to greater soil conductivity, which inhibits the activities of soil urease, phosphatase and dehydrogenase. Therefore, rational control of application rates is essential for improving coastal saline soils. Future research should further explore the synergistic effects of biochar and compost in improving soil structure, nutrient effectiveness, and microbial activity to promote their effective application in coastal saline–alkaline soil improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Approach to High-Quality Agricultural Development of Saline–Alkali Land—2nd Edition)

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15 pages, 3921 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reducing the Sodium Adsorption Ratio Promotes Cotton Growth and Development by Enhancing Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and the Plant’s Potassium–Sodium Ratio Under Brackish-Water Irrigation

by Yinping Song, Yucai Xie, Chenfan Zhang, Huifeng Ning, Xianbo Zhang, Guang Yang and Hao Liu

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2092; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092092 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

Reasonable development and utilization of brackish-water resources can alleviate the pressure of freshwater scarcity in dryland areas and safeguard crop growth, but there are significant differences in brackish-water ions in different regions. Thus, exploring the mechanism of brackish-water irrigation considering brackish-water ionic differences [...] Read more.

Reasonable development and utilization of brackish-water resources can alleviate the pressure of freshwater scarcity in dryland areas and safeguard crop growth, but there are significant differences in brackish-water ions in different regions. Thus, exploring the mechanism of brackish-water irrigation considering brackish-water ionic differences on the growth and development of saline and alkaline dryland crops has an important production guidance value. In this study, the ionic differences in irrigated brackish water were characterized by sodium adsorption ratio using under-membrane drip-irrigated cotton as the research object, and three levels of mineralized irrigation water were designed, which were 3 g·L⁻¹ (T3), 5 g·L⁻¹ (T5), and 7 g·L⁻¹ (T7), respectively. Three different levels of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) were set under each level of mineralization, which were 10 (mmol·L⁻¹)¹/² (S10), 15 (mmol·L⁻¹)¹/² (S15), and 20 (mmol·L⁻¹)¹/² (S20). The local freshwater irrigation was used as a control treatment. The results showed that brackish-water irrigation increased soil salt accumulation and soil water content, induced oxidative damage and disruption of ionic homeostasis in the cells, and decreased leaf photosynthetic rate. Brackish-water irrigation also significantly reduced dry matter mass by 11.04–50.12%. Reduced irrigation water SAR (S10 and S15) enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 14.29% and 9.09%, respectively, compared with high irrigation water SAR (S20). Leaf K⁺ uptake was increased by 5.29% and 1.57% in S10 and S15, respectively, compared with S20, while Na⁺ uptake was significantly suppressed. The K⁺/Na⁺ ratio increased by 45.07%, which resulted in improved leaf photosynthetic efficiency by 25.25% and 11.91%, and significantly enhanced dry matter accumulation by 24.81% and 11.20%, respectively. In addition, compared with T3S20, the T5S10 treatment reduced the irrigation water SAR. It contributed to a significant increase in SOD, POD, and CAT activities by 30.42%, 60.70%, and 99.20%, respectively, and in plant K⁺ content and K⁺/Na⁺ by 2.48% and 38.85%, respectively, although the irrigation water mineralization increased by 66.67%. Reducing SAR could enhance photosynthesis and dry matter accumulation through the dual regulation of “antioxidant damage + ion homeostasis” in salt-stressed cotton, laying a foundation for the realization of stable and high yields of cotton under brackish-water irrigation, and providing a new perspective for the management of brackish-water resources and the sustainable development of agriculture in Xinjiang and other arid regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)

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17 pages, 2912 KB

Open AccessArticle

Protein Interaction Network Analysis of Soluble Starch Synthase 3 Reveals Its Composition of the Starch Synthase Complex in Barley

by Yan Gao, Qiyan Zhou, Zhenbin Cheng, Xudong He, Jianhao Gao, Haonan Tang, Lei Chen, Yajie Liu, Hui Zhao, Zongyun Feng and Guowu Yu

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2091; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092091 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

Starch synthase collaboratively accomplishes the synthesis of starch by forming a protein complex. In barley (Hordeum vulgare), the interaction mechanisms within the soluble starch synthase 3 (SSIII) protein complex and their specific roles in starch biosynthesis remain poorly understood. To investigate [...] Read more.

Starch synthase collaboratively accomplishes the synthesis of starch by forming a protein complex. In barley (Hordeum vulgare), the interaction mechanisms within the soluble starch synthase 3 (SSIII) protein complex and their specific roles in starch biosynthesis remain poorly understood. To investigate proteins interacting with SSIII isoforms (SSIIIa/SSIIIb), the polyclonal antibodies against HvSSIIIa and HvSSIIIb were generated in rabbits. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was employed to enrich HvSSIIIa- and HvSSIIIb-associated protein complexes from developing barley seeds. The potential interacting proteins were identified using mass spectrometry coupled with database searches. The results demonstrated the successful production of highly specific polyclonal antibodies against HvSSIIIa and HvSSIIIb. These antibodies were used to analyze the expression levels of HvSSIIIa and HvSSIIIb across different barley tissue and seed developmental stages. Both isoforms exhibited peak expression during early seed development. Further Co-IP-based screening revealed several candidate interacting proteins, and the interacting proteins had some overlaps. Among them, adenosine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase, as a key rate-limiting enzyme in starch synthesis, interacts with SSIII to jointly regulate the supply of ADP-glucose precursors. Differential proteins show functional differentiation. In SSIIIa, the interacting protein DELLA protein SLR1-like is involved in processes such as hormone regulation, and in SSIIIb, the interacting protein 14-3-3 is related to metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the composition and function of the SSIII protein complex in barley, facilitating future studies on its regulatory role in starch biosynthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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20 pages, 2890 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Effect of Head Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.) Cultivation Under Glass with a Light Spectrum-Modifying Luminophore on Crop Traits

by Barbara Tokarz, Zbigniew Gajewski, Wojciech Makowski, Stanisław Mazur, Agnieszka Kiełkowska, Edward Kunicki, Olgierd Jeremiasz, Waldemar Szendera, Wojciech Wesołowski and Krzysztof M. Tokarz

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2090; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092090 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate crop characteristics, including morpho-anatomical features and nutritional and health-promoting composition, of head lettuce cultivated in greenhouses covered with transparent glass (control) and glass containing a red luminophore (red). The plant material comprised two lettuce types: butterhead and [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to evaluate crop characteristics, including morpho-anatomical features and nutritional and health-promoting composition, of head lettuce cultivated in greenhouses covered with transparent glass (control) and glass containing a red luminophore (red). The plant material comprised two lettuce types: butterhead and iceberg. Alterations were observed in head dimensions, morphology, and leaf mesophyll structure of plants from the red greenhouse. Butterhead lettuce plants exhibited unaltered head area under tested conditions but displayed a reduction in accumulated sugars and amino acids, resulting in a decline in dry matter content. Conversely, an increase in soluble and insoluble sugars and amino acid content, along with no change in nitrate content, was observed in iceberg lettuce. However, the growth intensity of iceberg lettuce decreased, while its dry matter content increased. Moreover, phenols and vitamin C concentration were lower in iceberg lettuce than in the butterhead one. In the red greenhouse, the phenolic content declined in both lettuce types, but vitamin C levels were reduced in butterhead lettuce and remained unchanged in iceberg lettuce. The data clearly demonstrate that the extent of variation in crop characteristics observed in lettuce cultivated in the red greenhouse depended on the tested lettuce type, with notable alterations occurring in iceberg lettuce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)

17 pages, 1800 KB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Solanum lycopersicum L. to Fusarium oxysporum During Germination and Seedling Stages

by Ana Elizabeth Paredes-Cervantes, Juan Enrique Rodríguez-Pérez, Jaime Sahagún-Castellanos, Santos Gerardo Leyva-Mir, Martha Hernández-Rodríguez and Alma Aurora Deanda-Tovar

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2089; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092089 (registering DOI) - 30 Aug 2025

Abstract

Due to the widespread distribution of F. oxysporum, the search for mechanisms of tolerance to this disease in Solanum lycopersicum L. is an ongoing endeavor. This research aimed to identify F. oxysporum-tolerant genotypes at the germination and seedling stages in order [...] Read more.

Due to the widespread distribution of F. oxysporum, the search for mechanisms of tolerance to this disease in Solanum lycopersicum L. is an ongoing endeavor. This research aimed to identify F. oxysporum-tolerant genotypes at the germination and seedling stages in order to use them as sources of resistance. Ninety-six tomato lines were inoculated with the F. oxysporum strain with NCBI accession key PQ187438. The germination test was carried out in a germination chamber at a constant temperature of 28 ± 2 °C with 70 ± 5% relative humidity in darkness for the first 3 days and then 7 days with light. Clustering and discriminant analysis identified 14 genotypes with tolerance, showing great seed vigor and lower disease severity. Seedling evaluation was conducted in a floating raft system for 10 days after inoculation. Nine genotypes showed greater tolerance to the pathogen by developing a larger leaf area and accumulating more dry matter (p ≤ 0.05). No genotypes with tolerance were identified at both phenological stages (germination and seedling), indicating that tolerance mechanisms are independent at both phenological stages, so genotype selection should be carried out independently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)

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24 pages, 21436 KB

Open AccessArticle

ESG-YOLO: An Efficient Object Detection Algorithm for Transplant Quality Assessment of Field-Grown Tomato Seedlings Based on YOLOv8n

by Xinhui Wu, Zhenfa Dong, Can Wang, Ziyang Zhu, Yanxi Guo and Shuhe Zheng

Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092088 - 29 Aug 2025

Abstract

Intelligent detection of tomato seedling transplant quality represents a core technology for advancing agricultural automation. However, in practical applications, existing algorithms still face numerous technical challenges, particularly with prominent issues of false detections and missed detections during recognition. To address these challenges, we [...] Read more.

Intelligent detection of tomato seedling transplant quality represents a core technology for advancing agricultural automation. However, in practical applications, existing algorithms still face numerous technical challenges, particularly with prominent issues of false detections and missed detections during recognition. To address these challenges, we developed the ESG-YOLO object detection model and successfully deployed it on edge devices, enabling real-time assessment of tomato seedling transplanting quality. Our methodology integrates three key innovations: First, an EMA (Efficient Multi-scale Attention) module is embedded within the YOLOv8 neck network to suppress interference from redundant information and enhance morphological focus on seedlings. Second, the feature fusion network is reconstructed using a GSConv-based Slim-neck architecture, achieving a lightweight neck structure compatible with edge deployment. Finally, optimization employs the GIoU (Generalized Intersection over Union) loss function to precisely localize seedling position and morphology, thereby reducing false detection and missed detection. The experimental results demonstrate that our ESG-YOLO model achieves a mean average precision mAP of 97.4%, surpassing lightweight models including YOLOv3-tiny, YOLOv5n, YOLOv7-tiny, and YOLOv8n in precision, with improvements of 9.3, 7.2, 5.7, and 2.2%, respectively. Notably, for detecting key yield-impacting categories such as “exposed seedlings” and “missed hills”, the average precision (AP) values reach 98.8 and 94.0%, respectively. To validate the model’s effectiveness on edge devices, the ESG-YOLO model was deployed on an NVIDIA Jetson TX2 NX platform, achieving a frame rate of 18.0 FPS for efficient detection of tomato seedling transplanting quality. This model provides technical support for transplanting performance assessment, enabling quality control and enhanced vegetable yield, thus actively contributing to smart agriculture initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

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