Crops

Insect pests cause severe damage and yield losses to many agricultural crops globally. The use of chemical pesticides on agricultural crops is not recommended because of their toxic effects on the environment and consumers. In addition, pesticide toxicity reduces soil fertility, poisons ground waters, and is hazardous to soil biota. Therefore, applications of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an alternative, eco-friendly solution to chemical pesticides and mineral-based fertilizers to enhance plant health and promote sustainable food security. This review focuses on the biological and ecological aspects of these organisms while also highlighting the practical application of molecular communication approaches in developing a novel plant health product. This insight will support this innovative approach that combines PGPR and EPNs for sustainable crop production. Several studies have reported positive interactions between nematodes and bacteria. Although the combined presence of both organisms has been shown to promote plant growth, the molecular interactions between them are still under investigation. Integrating molecular communication studies in the development of a new product could help in understanding their relationships and, in turn, support the combination of these organisms into a single plant health product. Full article

Chemical fertilizers pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. To investigate the effect of substituting nitrogen fertilizer with vermicompost tea on wheat yield, shoot chemical constituents, and grain quality under clay-loam soil conditions, two field experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt, during the winter seasons of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. A split-plot design in randomized complete blocks with three replications was employed. Vermicompost tea was assigned to the main plots, while wheat cultivars were assigned to the subplots. The cultivars were evaluated under four treatments involving partial substitution of mineral nitrogen (recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN%, 190 kg N ha⁻¹): a control (90% of RDN + 25 kg vermicompost tea), 80% of RDN + 37.5 kg vermicompost tea, and 70% of RDN + 50 kg vermicompost tea. Nitrogen fertilizer (RDN%) was applied at rates of 190 (control), 170 (90%), 150 (80%), and 130 (70%) kg N ha⁻¹. The results indicated that partially substituting mineral nitrogen with vermicompost tea significantly increased grain weight/Ha, chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, carotenoids, nitrogen, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content in shoots, as well as ash, crude protein, crude fiber, total sugar, and N, P, and K content in wheat grains. The grain weight/Ha of the Sakha-95, Giza-171, and Sads-14 cultivars increased by 38.6%, 33.5%, and 39.3%, respectively, when treated with 70% RDN + 50 kg vermicompost tea. The combination of the Sads-14 cultivar and 70% RDN + 50 kg vermicompost tea resulted in the highest values for grain weight/ha (9.43 tons ha⁻¹), chlorophyll A (1.39 mg/g), chlorophyll B (1.04 mg/g), N (5.08%), P (1.63%), and P (2.43%) content in shoots. The same combination also improved ash (2.89%), crude fiber (2.84%), and K (6.05%) content in grains. In conclusion, the application of vermicompost tea in conjunction with chemical fertilizers offers a viable alternative to using chemical fertilizers alone, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving wheat production. It is recommended that mineral nitrogen fertilizer be partially replaced with vermicompost tea to enhance both the productivity and grain quality of wheat while minimizing environmental pollution. Full article

Soil nematodes are essential components of the soil food web and are widely recognised as key bioindicators of soil health because of their sensitivity to environmental factors and disturbance. In agriculture, many studies have documented the effects of fertilisation on nematode communities and explored their role in nutrient cycling. Despite this, a key gap in knowledge still exists regarding how fertilisation-induced changes in nematode communities modify their role in nutrient cycling. We reviewed the literature on the mechanisms by which nematodes contribute to nutrient cycling and on how organic, inorganic, and recycling-derived fertilisers (RDFs) impact nematode communities. The literature revealed that the type of organic matter and its C:N ratio are key factors shaping nematode communities in organically fertilised soils. In contrast, soil acidification and ammonium suppression have a greater influence in inorganically fertilised soils. The key sources of variability across studies include differences in the amount of fertiliser applied, the duration of the fertiliser use, management practices, and context-specific factors, all of which led to differences in how nematode communities respond to both fertilisation regimes. The influence of RDFs on nematode communities is largely determined by the fertiliser’s origin and its chemical composition. While fertilisation-induced changes in nematode communities affect their role in nutrient cycling, oversimplifying experiments makes it difficult to understand nematodes’ functions in these processes. The challenges and knowledge gaps for further research to understand the effects of fertilisation on soil nematodes and their impact on nutrient cycling have been highlighted in this review to inform sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Entomopathogenic fungi are among the most promising non-chemical alternatives for the control of many serious phytophagous insect pests, such as moth species. The present research investigates the use of the little-studied entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria varroae as a biocontrol agent against the notorious pests Helicoverpa armigera and Sesamia nonagrioides in laboratory conditions. Conidial suspensions of B. varroae were prepared at 10³-10⁴-10⁵-10⁶-10⁷-10⁸ conidia/mL to assess their insecticidal potential. In this study, we used 100 3rd-instar larvae for each concentration. During the lab bioassays, almost complete mortality of 35–96.6% was recorded for H. armigera larvae and 40–96.6% for S. nonagrioides larvae 10 days after exposure. The lethal effect of the entomopathogen was related to both dose and exposure time of the entomopathogen, with higher concentrations resulting in increased mortality. The survival effect of S. nonagrioides and H. armigera larvae was dependent on the hazard effect of the used dose and the exposure time. These findings indicate that B. varroae has potential as a biocontrol agent. Further research will elucidate this new isolate and optimize application methods in field conditions. Full article

Native bean genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) play a crucial role in ensuring food security in the Andean region. However, their cultivation faces challenges, such as low yields and a high dependence on nitrogen fertilizers. Addressing these issues requires the development of sustainable strategies to enhance productivity. This study evaluated the interaction between Rhizobium phaseoli inoculation and three levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization on the growth, yield, and nutritional profile of the ‘Tiachos bayo’ native bean variety under Andean field conditions. Two R. phaseoli strains (UNC-1 and CIAT-2) were tested in combination with three levels of chemical fertilization (0%, 50%, and 100%) using a factorial design under field conditions. Parameters assessed included nodule number, plant height, phenology, yield, and proximal grain composition. Results indicated that inoculation and fertilization levels significantly influenced nodulation, phenological phases, and crop yield. The highest yield (2172 kg·ha⁻¹) and nodule number (78) were observed with the combined treatment of R. phaseoli CIAT-2 strain with 100% fertilization. It was concluded that R. phaseoli inoculation, when integrated with appropriate fertilization, enhances the productivity of native beans. Full article

The review summarizes the historical and current research on perennial grain breeding in Russia within the context of growing global interest in perennial crops. N.V. Tsitsin’s pioneering work in the 1930s produced the first wheat–wheatgrass amphiploids, which demonstrated the capacity to regrow after harvest and survive for 2–3 years. Subsequent research at the Main Botanical Garden in Moscow focused on characterizing Tsitsin’s material, selecting superior germplasm, and expanding genetic diversity through new cycles of hybridization and selection. This work led to the development of a new crop species, Trititrigia, and the release of cultivar ‘Pamyati Lyubimovoy’ in 2020, designed for dual-purpose production of high-quality grain and green biomass. Intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) is native to Russia, where several forage cultivars have been released and cultivated. Two large-grain cultivars (Sova and Filin) were developed from populations provided by the Land Institute and are now grown by farmers. Perennial rye was developed through interspecific crosses between Secale cereale and S. montanum, demonstrating persistence for 2–3 years with high biomass production and grain yields of 1.5–2.0 t/ha. Hybridization between Sorghum bicolor and S. halepense resulted in two released cultivars of perennial sorghum used primarily for forage production under arid conditions. Russia’s agroclimatic diversity in agricultural production systems provides significant opportunities for perennial crop development. The broader scientific and practical implications of perennial crops in Russia extend to climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture and international cooperation in this emerging field. Full article

Salvia pratensis L. is a valuable medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, yet its allelopathic potential remains underexplored. This study evaluated allelopathic effects and total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents of water extracts from the dry aboveground biomass of S. pratensis. To assess their selectivity and potential application in sustainable weed management, extracts at five different concentrations were tested on the germination and early growth of lettuce, radish, tomato, and carrot. The results demonstrated that the phytotoxic effects of S. pratensis extracts were both concentration- and species-dependent. Higher extract concentrations significantly inhibited germination and seedling growth, while lower concentrations of extracts stimulated shoot elongation by up to 30% compared to the control. Phytochemical analysis revealed that S. pratensis extracts contain notable TPC and TFC contents, with their concentrations increasing consistently with the extract concentration. Correlation analysis showed that higher TPC and TFC contents were strongly negatively correlated with germination and seedling growth parameters. Radish exhibited the highest sensitivity to the extracts, while lettuce was the most tolerant. Further research under field conditions is needed to assess the efficacy, selectivity, and practical potential of S. pratensis extracts in sustainable crop production systems. Full article

The emerging sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) industry in Australia faces potential threats from multiple pre-harvest diseases and pests, which will necessitate an initiative-taking approach for pest management. Here we assess the diseases and pests most likely to impede the development of a viable Australian sesame industry. Drawing on the international literature, we also consider the management approaches most likely to be viable and identify key research gaps necessary for effective and sustainable crop protection. More than sixty-seven plant pathogens have been identified worldwide that cause diseases in sesame, with some being observed to be major in Australia. Part of this review aims to provide an extensive overview of previous research on sesame and its diseases, shedding light on the evolving knowledge within sesame research, emerging trends, and the current state of understanding on the topic as it applies to Australia. Among the hundreds of pests reported to attack sesame internationally, this review identifies fifty-six pest taxa that are established in, or native to, Australia. We rank those most likely to be serious based on overseas damage levels and observations from recent trial plantings in Northern Australia. Chemical control methods have demonstrated efficacy overseas but are associated with concerns over resistance and environmental impact. Extremely limited numbers of pesticides are currently registered for pest or disease control in sesame by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority so non-chemical methods will be important. These include botanical, biological, cultural, and physical control approaches. This review underscores the need for continued research and tailored plant protection strategies to optimize sesame. Full article

Rice is one of the most important staple foods worldwide. Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia, is a major rice producer, and rice production is also gradually increasing in Africa. However, rice cultivation poses economic and environmental challenges, which are exacerbated by climate change. Hence, diversification of rice-based production systems is highly imperative to improve soil health and thus sustain productivity while also enhancing income opportunities. Vegetables and pulses are crucial components for diversifying rice-based production systems as they have the potential to increase income and improve soil health. The World Vegetable Center has introduced mungbeans and vegetable soybeans to diversify the cereal-based production systems in Asia. About 27–93% of the mungbean area in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is planted with varieties containing improved germplasm developed by WorldVeg in collaboration with national agricultural research systems. Additionally, the introduction of vegetables and legumes is highly remunerative and improves dietary diversity, leading to better nutrition. For instance, the productivity of vegetable crops increased by 200–350% when they were combined with improved production practices. Such diversification also holds great promise for improving income and nutrition in Africa. It also enhances the resilience of farming systems, particularly in a changing climate. Hence, governments should prioritize system diversification to enhance the income and livelihood opportunities for smallholders in Asia and Africa. Full article

Forages are the primary feed source for livestock production systems due to their diversity of adapted species and lower production costs. Forage-based livestock operations are complex systems across climates, soil types, genetics, and production systems. Therefore, increasing the resilience of forage ecosystems requires a comprehensive approach to assess and understand the conditions of each system while considering its needs, goals, and resources. In the southeastern USA, favorable climatic conditions allow for the incorporation of annual forage species into perennial stands to extend the grazing season. Adopting management strategies that support forage biodiversity and nutrients, and land use efficiency are ways to improve sustainable production intensification of forage ecosystems. Additionally, providing proper access to education and knowledge transfer for current and future generations is essential to guarantee the success and longevity of the livestock industry. This review provides an overview of key issues related to the climate and economic resilience of forage–livestock ecosystems and the role of agricultural education and knowledge transfer in shaping sustainable ecosystems. Full article

The extension of genetic diversity is the basis for yield and adaptability improvements of winter wheat varieties under climate fluctuations. In the present study, an international collection consisting of 96 winter bread wheat accessions from Russia, Germany, Finland, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Turkey, the USA, and the international programme (Turkey–CIMMYT–ICARDA) was analysed under the conditions of Western Siberia during three growing seasons. Yield and yield-related traits were recorded following standard agronomy practices. Genotyping of the germplasm panel was conducted using 55 KASP markers at the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (Kazakhstan). The yield had a high correlation with the number of fertile tillers per unit area (0.68), which indicates significant yield reduction in wheat accessions from different origins that are not adaptive to the conditions of Western Siberia. The main stable QTLs associated with yield-related traits during two growing seasons, ippb_ta_1147 (1A), ippb_ta_107 (4A), ippb_ta_239 (5D), and ippb_ta_283 (6A), can be used in MAS for the improvement of yield and related traits. The outperforming genotypes Zhiva, Zolushka, Doneko, Line K 18918, Line 2293; CO13D1299, KS13DH0030-32, Gondvana//HBK0935-29-15/KS90W077-2-2/VBF0589-1… are recommended to be included in hybridisation programmes and represent promising sources for breeding high-yielding and climate-resilient winter wheat. Full article

Microelement deficiencies, often termed “hidden hunger”, represent a significant global health challenge. Optimal human health relies on adequate dietary intake of essential microelements, including selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and chlorine (Cl). In recent years, there has been a growing focus on vitality and longevity, which are closely associated with the sufficient intake of essential microelements. This review focuses on these nine elements, whose bioavailability in the food chain is critically determined by their geochemical behavior in soils. There is a necessity for an understanding of the sources, soil–plant transfer, and plant uptake mechanisms of these microelements, with particular emphasis on the influence of key soil properties, including pH, redox potential, organic matter content, and mineral composition. There is a dual challenge of microelement deficiencies in agricultural soils, leading to inadequate crop accumulation, and the potential for localized toxicities arising from anthropogenic inputs or geogenic enrichment. A promising solution to microelement deficiencies in crops is biofortification, which enhances nutrient content in food by improving soil and plant uptake. This strategy includes agronomic methods (e.g., fertilization, soil amendments) and genetic approaches (e.g., marker-assisted selection, genetic engineering) to boost microelement density in edible tissues. Moreover, emphasizing the need for advanced predictive modeling techniques, such as ensemble learning-based digital soil mapping, enhances regional soil microelement management. Integrating machine learning with digital covariates improves spatial prediction accuracy, optimizes soil fertility management, and supports sustainable agriculture. Given the rising global population and the consequent pressures on agricultural production, a comprehensive understanding of microelement dynamics in the soil–plant system is essential for developing sustainable strategies to mitigate deficiencies and ensure food and nutritional security. This review specifically focuses on the bioavailability of these nine essential microelements (Se, Zn, Cu, B, Mn, Mo, Fe, Ni, and Cl), examining the soil–plant transfer mechanisms and their ultimate implications for human health within the soil–plant–human system. The selection of these nine microelements for this review is based on their recognized dual importance: they are not only essential for various plant metabolic functions, but also play a critical role in human nutrition, with widespread deficiencies reported globally in diverse populations and agricultural systems. While other elements, such as cobalt (Co) and iodine (I), are vital for health, Co is primarily required by nitrogen-fixing microorganisms rather than directly by all plants, and the main pathway for iodine intake is often marine-based rather than soil-to-crop. Full article

Climatic changes threaten many forms of crop production as well as adversely affecting global ecosystems and human activities. There are two principal ways in which the balance of the global carbon cycle can be restored, firstly by decreasing anthropogenic CO₂ emissions and secondly by increasing the rates of carbon sequestration. Even if emissions are successfully reduced to net zero over the coming decades, it will still be essential to reduce atmospheric CO₂ concentrations to preindustrial levels. This can only be achieved by global-scale carbon sequestration of the order of gigatonnes (Gt) of CO₂ annually. Over recent decades, engineering approaches have been proposed to tackle carbon sequestration. However, their technological effectiveness has yet to be demonstrated at a global scale, with even the most optimistic current values at less than 0.1 Gt CO₂/yr, i.e., 50–100-fold less than required to meet IPCC targets for 2050. In contrast, biological carbon sequestration already operates as a proven global mechanism that also has the potential for increased effectiveness by harnessing high-yield tropical vegetation including perennial crops with sequestration values already exceeding 1 Gt CO₂/yr. This review will contrast engineering and biological approaches to carbon sequestration with a particular focus on the potential for perennial crops, especially in the tropics. The major conclusions are that (i) the 2 Gt CO₂/yr capacity of biological carbon sequestration already dwarfs that of all engineering approaches at 0.0013 Gt CO₂/yr, (ii) biological sequestration is proven to operate at global scale, and (iii) compared to engineering approaches, it will be orders of magnitude less expensive to upscale further in the coming decades. Full article

Yam is a staple crop in Africa that is constrained by its low multiplication rate. This results in a short supply of seed tubers, which is a challenge to increased production. This study assessed the influence of different minisett weights (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g) on tuber production and seed categorization in twelve Dioscorea rotundata and four Dioscorea alata varieties over two planting seasons in a Randomized Complete Block Design (r = 3). The yield parameters were collected and analyzed using ANOVA. The effects of varieties, the minisett weight (SW), and the variety × SW interaction were significant for the proportion of setts that produced seed tubers and ranged from 40.2 ± 5.0% (50 g) to 56.4 ± 5.0% (10 g) in 2013, from 46.4 ± 0.8% (40 g) to 60.5 ± 0.8% (30 g) in 2014, from 23% (TDa00/00194, 30 g) to 93.7% (Ojuyawo, 10 g) in 2013, and from 39.7% (TDa00/00194, 30 g) to 100% (TDr89/02665, 20 g) in 2014. The 10 g and 30 g produced more seed yam in 2013 and 2014, respectively, while 50 g produced more ware yam sizes (>300 g) and is thus recommended to farmers for intended yam production category. D. rotundata varieties produced a higher proportion of seed yam, while D. alata varieties produced are a higher proportion of yams above seed class. Full article

This study investigated the effects of three mulch types (straw, vermicompost and “plastic”) plus an untreated control, and three irrigation regimes (RFD: rainfed conditions; SIF: one supplemental irrigation at the flowering stage; SIVF: two supplemental irrigations at the vegetative and flowering stages) on the growth, seed yield, oil composition, and biochemical status of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). Linseed plants were best affected by SIVF and straw mulch in terms of seed yield (300 and 222.4 g m⁻², respectively), biomass yield (887.9 and 703 g m⁻², respectively), and concentration of oleic and linoleic acids. Under rainfed conditions, “plastic” mulch application increased stearic acid concentrations, while SIF increased palmitic acid concentrations. Rainfed conditions promoted the accumulation of proline (10.1 μmol g⁻¹ fresh weight), total phenols (6.68 mg g⁻¹ fresh weight), and DPPH radical scavenging capacity (56.5%). Under RFD, plants grown in straw-mulched soil showed the highest total phenol content and DPPH radical scavenging capacity, while control (unmulched) plants displayed the highest proline concentration at this irrigation regime. Enzyme activities, including catalase and superoxide dismutase, were enhanced under straw and “plastic” mulch compared to control plants under rainfed conditions. Our findings suggest that straw mulch represents an effective, sustainable strategy to successfully manage linseed crops, mitigating the adverse effects of water deficit stress on plant performance. Full article

Hybrid necrosis in wheat is caused by an interaction between two genes, Ne1 and Ne2, that triggers the gradual death of plant tissue. This trait affects wheat breeding as the gene Ne2 is the same as the gene Lr13 for leaf rust resistance. We have built a three-marker haplotype that consists of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker information already available on genotyping arrays for the determination of the presence and absence of Ne2. In this work, test crosses of eight bread wheat varieties with known and unknown Ne1 carriers showed that six of them possessed Ne2. We analyzed a set of wheat varieties which had partial SNPs and phenotypic data, i.e., hybrid necrosis and leaf rust reactions, using Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers previously available for Ne2. The observed haplotypes of the SNP markers RAC875_c1226_652, Ra_c4397_542, and AX-110926324 perfectly matched the KASP marker variants for Ne2 and ne2. A prediction, based on these SNP haplotypes, of the distribution of Ne2 in wheat varieties, predominantly from Germany and released between 1900 and 2024, showed that breeding steadily increased the proportion of Ne2 in the German gene pool. Full article

Global agriculture remains dependent on nitrogen fertilizers produced through fossil fuel-based processes, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and supply chain vulnerabilities. This review introduces plasma-activated water (PAW) as a novel, electricity-driven alternative for sustainable nitrogen delivery. Generated by non-thermal plasma, PAW infuses water with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, offering a clean, decentralized substitute for conventional synthetic fertilizers derived from the Haber–Bosch and Ostwald processes. It can be produced on-site using renewable energy, reducing transportation costs and depending on fertilizers. Beyond its fertilizer properties, PAW enhances seed germination, plant growth, stress tolerance, and pest resistance, making it a multifunctional input for controlled environment agriculture. We also assess PAW’s techno-economic viability, including energy requirements, production costs, and potential scalability through renewable energy. These factors are crucial for determining its feasibility in both industrial systems and localized agricultural applications. Finally, the review examines PAW’s contribution to the ten United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in climate action, clean energy, and sustainable food production. By combining agronomic performance with circular production and emissions reduction, PAW presents a promising path toward more resilient, low-impact, and self-sufficient agricultural systems. Full article

The genus Musa L. is one of the most important genera worldwide due to its use in food as a source of carbohydrates. A morphological characterization was performed to evaluate the potential of 100 accessions of Musa spp. from the Amazon region of Ecuador, applying 73 qualitative and quantitative descriptors in addition to the ecogeographic characterization. The multivariate analyses identified four large groups: The first is composed of the Musa AAB Simmonds ecotype “Hartón Plantain” and the “Cuerno Clone”. The second group is composed of the Musa acuminata Colla ecotype “Orito”. The third group is composed of the Musa acuminata ecotype “Malay plantain or red plantain”; and the fourth group is composed of the Musa × paradisiaca L. AAB ecotype “Barraganete” and banana or banana materials and the Musa AAB Simmonds ecotype “Plátano Dominico”. The qualitative descriptors with the highest discriminant value were the shape of the ♂ floret bud, the appearance of the rachis, and the pigmentation of the compound tepal, and the quantitative discriminant characters were the height of the pseudostem, the length of the leaf blade, the width of the leaf blade, and the weight of the raceme. The analysis with CAPFITOGEN of these 100 accessions through the ecogeographic characterization map identified 23 categories, highlighting category 20 with a coverage of 40.35%, which mainly includes the provinces of Orellana, Sucumbíos, part of Napo, Pastaza, and Morona Santiago. This category occurs within an annual temperature range between 21.6 °C and 27 °C, an apparent density of 1.25 to 1.44 g cm⁻³, and a cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 4 to 29 Cmol kg⁻¹. The morphological characterization of 100 Musa accessions revealed significant phenotypic variability, with four distinct morphological groups identified through cluster analysis. Key differences were observed in traits such as bunch weight, fruit length, and vegetative vigor. This variability highlights the potential of certain accessions for use in genetic improvement programs. The findings contribute valuable information for the efficient conservation, selection, and utilization of the Musa germplasm in Ecuadorian agroecosystems. The results demonstrate the existence of an important genetic variability in the INIAP Musa Germplasm Bank in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. Full article