Search Results (55)

The Sunn pest (Eurygaster integriceps Puton) ranks among the most harmful pests affecting wheat yield and grain quality in Kazakhstan. In particular, it poses a serious threat to regions in which winter wheat cultivation is dominant. Climate change, parasites, predators, and recent transformations in agriculture and human activities in Kazakhstan and throughout Central Asia have significantly influenced the population dynamics of the Sunn pest. This study reports the findings on Sunn pest population dynamics in Kazakhstan’s winter wheat growing regions from 2022 to 2024, based on surveys of 233 hectares across four regions. In total, 1753 specimens of the Sunn pest were studied. The obtained results were analyzed in comparison with historical data (1991–2020) and recent findings in this field. We found that a combination of ecological factors are the main determinants of the Sunn pest population dynamics in different regions of the country. The pest population increased in seasons with optimal temperature (sum of effective temperatures—SET) and humidity conditions (hydrothermal coefficient—HTC), as well as when wheat cultivation areas and forest belts expanded. Moreover, the results highlighted that the pest population is controlled by the activity of egg parasites (Telenomus) in the south, unfavorable weather conditions during overwintering in the east and west, and the growing of resistant varieties in the southeast of the country. Compared to wild grasses, wheat crops increased the reproductive potential of the pest. Full article

Background/Objectives: Animal health remains a critical issue that directly impacts economic sustainability through animal welfare and production. In small ruminants, the gastrointestinal parasite Haemonchus contortus can lead to anemia and possibly mortality, since parasite burden can be considerable and is challenging to control. Small ruminant health can be affected by poor diet and environmental conditions that lead to changes in the metabolic balance. The link between animal health and metabolic profiles has been investigated in the past. These studies have shed important light on physiological changes by identifying dietary and disease biomarkers. This study aimed to correlate the metabolite signature of feces from goats, having two levels of Haemonchus contortus infection, grazing on two different forages (Bermudagrass and Sunn Hemp). Methods: Fecal samples were taken from goats grazing either Sunn Hemp or Bermudagrass pastures, with naturally variable Haemonchus contortus loads. Samples were evaluated using ¹H-NMR and LC/MS methods to describe and compare metabolic patterns under varied forage conditions between low and high Fecal Egg Count (FEC). Results: Our findings indicated no significant difference using univariate analyses but identified 10 discriminatory features using multivariate analyses for Bermudagrass and Sunn Hemp using ¹H-NMR. With LC-MS, we found 14 significantly different features (p < 0.05, FC > 2), 115 discriminatory features for Bermudagrass and 113 in Sunn Hemp from multivariate analyses. Combining the findings of the two approaches suggested that Haemonchus contortus influenced several pathways associated with the metabolism of amino acids and energy conversion. Conclusions: The analysis of metabolome changes across both forages may help in revealing novel knowledge and accurate identification of possible biomarkers for gastrointestinal parasites. Further study is needed to validate the potential biomarker before deploying diagnostic tools based on the metabolomics indicators for early parasite diagnosis. Full article

Agricultural soil health and quality centre around the ability of the soil to cycle nutrients to growing crops. However, soil biological properties focusing on microorganisms and their contribution to soil health are also important. This study was established at Syferkuil and Ofcolaco to determine the effect of cover crop, combined nano Zn and Cu, and nitrogen fertiliser on soil biological properties. Sunn hemp was planted, slashed, and incorporated into the soil, followed by winter canola in a split split-plot design with sixteen treatments. Key factors analysed after harvest included bacterial and fungal populations, active carbon, microbial activity measured by Fluorescein Diacetate (FDA), organic matter, urease, and pH. Statistical analysis was conducted using JASP 0.19.3. Cover crop, nano Zn and Cu, and nitrogen fertiliser enhanced bacterial populations, active carbon, urease, organic matter, and pH at Syferkuil, most particularly in 2023, while 2024 showed minor improvements. Ofcolaco showed improvements in fungal populations, organic matter and urease in 2023, whereas 2024 exhibited marginal changes. Nitrogen fertilisation increased POxC, ranging from 10% to 22% and urease at 31% to 111% in both locations, although this varied across application rates. Treatment interactions showed improvements in some of the measured parameters but varied across seasons and locations. In conclusion, sunn hemp cover crop, combined nano zinc and copper and nitrogen fertiliser have the potential to enhance soil microbial activity through the application of 60 and 120 kgN ha⁻¹, thus reducing heavy inputs of synthetic fertilisers in canola production. Full article

This article explores a participatory and Geomedia-based approach to urban planning through the concept of place design. Place design as an approach emphasises the integration of collective knowledge, sociocultural values, and digital representation into planning processes. The integration of Geomedia studies further enriches this approach by examining how media technologies influence spatial experiences, representations, and power relations. By introducing place design as a transformative and participatory approach, physical, digital, and social dimensions of place bridge heritage and future aspirations. Through case studies from Kristinehamn, Sunne, and Sysslebäck in Sweden, the article examines methods for in-depth interviewing, capturing diverse representations. The article advocates for a participatory planning approach, establishing the groundwork for more democratic, inclusive, and context-aware development. It concludes by urging urban planners to adopt working methods that respond to the complexity of place, people and technology, promote new ways of thinking and working with design, and make a clear shift from planning for places to designing with people and places. Full article

Crotalaria juncea L. (Fabaceae: Faboideae), traditionally used as green manure due to its nitrogen-fixing capacity, also exhibits therapeutic potential for conditions such as anemia and psoriasis. However, its cosmetic applications remain largely unexplored. This study examined the phytochemical profiles and biological activities of ethanolic extracts from the root, flower, and leaf of C. juncea, focusing on their potential use in cosmetic formulations. Soxhlet extraction with 95% ethanol was employed. Among the extracts, the leaf showed the highest total flavonoid content, while the root contained the highest total phenolic content. The root extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, as assessed by DPPH, FRAP, and lipid peroxidation assays, along with significant anti-tyrosinase and anti-aging effects via collagenase and elastase inhibition. LC-MS/QTOF analysis identified genistein and kaempferol as the major bioactive constituents in the root extract. Molecular docking confirmed their strong interactions with enzymes associated with skin aging. Additionally, the root extract exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity. These results suggest that C. juncea root extract is a promising multifunctional natural ingredient for cosmetic applications due to its antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Full article

Wireworms are a major threat to potatoes. Agronomic prevention is always the first IPM strategy to be implemented. This work assesses whether a bioactive cover crop, sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), a tropical leguminous plant, reduces wireworm damage risk when cultivated as a crop preceding potatoes. The effects of Crotalaria plants (alive, chopped, and incorporated) on wireworms and tuber-damage prevention were studied in semi-natural (pots) and open-field conditions. The survival of a set number of reared wireworms feeding on Crotalaria plants or potato tubers in soil with incorporated Crotalaria chopped tissues was assessed. Wireworm damage on tubers was assessed in fields where Crotalaria had been cultivated, chopped, and incorporated the previous year. The tuber damage assessment involved counting all the erosions/scars caused by wireworm feeding. The prevalent wireworm species studied was Agriotes sordidus. Our research is the first to demonstrate that Crotalaria as a cover crop can significantly reduce potato damage by wireworms. A major role is likely played by the high pyrrolizidine alkaloid content in Crotalaria juncea tissues, but this has to be specifically proven. Crotalaria juncea may thus represent an effective means for use alone or with complementary ones to produce potatoes with low wireworm damage without using synthetic insecticides. Full article

While integrated practices are used in organic vegetable production for soil fertility management, their impacts on short- and long-term soil health across diverse cropping systems and environments need to be better understood, especially in sandy soils. In this two-year study (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) conducted on certified organic land, a suite of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties at the end of each organic celery (Apium graveolens L. var. dulce) production season were analyzed, with one set of field experiments assessing the influence of preplant organic fertilizers and the other set examining the effects of composts and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) as a rotational cover crop before celery planting. Compared to feather meal-based organic fertilizer, the poultry litter-based organic fertilizer enhanced soil K and Mg base saturation, promoted micronutrient availability, and increased the overall soil fertility score. Sunn hemp cover cropping impacted soil N dynamics, and both yard waste compost and vermicompost increased the overall soil health score by over 4.0% compared to the no compost control, with yard waste compost resulting in the highest level of soil active C (10.8% higher than the control). Seasonal variations were observed in many soil parameters measured, along with marked interactions among nutrient management practices and production seasons. This study highlights the complexity of soil health assessments and improvement for sandy soils with low water and nutrient retention, and the importance of long-term, systematic studies under organic crop production. Full article

Occasional mechanical intervention can help alleviate compaction symptoms in no-till systems, but its effects compared to well-established crop rotation systems are uncertain. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical and biological chiseling of the soil (via millet and sunn hemp cover crops) on soil physical properties, root development, and soybean yield in a long-term experiment. The treatments consisted of crops rotations used in the spring harvest: (I) triticale (autumn–winter), millet (spring), and soybean (summer); (II) triticale (autumn–winter), sunn hemp (spring), and soybean (summer); and (III) triticale (autumn–winter), fallow/soil chiseling (spring), and soybean (summer). Mechanical chiseling reduced bulk density and penetration resistance in the upper 0.10 m layer by 6% and 37%, respectively. However, its effects did not extend below this depth. Conversely, millet and sunn hemp maintained higher penetration resistance in surface layers but reduced resistance in deeper layers (0.20–0.40 m) by up to 27% compared to chiseling. These cover crops also improved root growth (up to 71% higher root dry mass), soil microporosity, and total porosity. Notably, sunn hemp enhanced water infiltration (151 mm accumulated) and basic infiltration rate (180 cm h⁻¹), outperforming chiseling by 30% and 85%, respectively. Soybean yield was highest under sunn hemp, with an 18% increase over chiseling. Thus, growing millet and sunn hemp in a long-term production system can improve the soil’s physical properties, ensuring better infiltration, storage, and availability of water in the soil for plants. Full article

Incorporating temperate legumes is a strategy for increasing nitrogen (N) in tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort, nom. Cons) systems. However, when temperatures are elevated, biological N-fixation (BNF) by temperate legumes is limited. Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), a warm-season annual legume, may provide greater N input during the warm season. This 2-year study aimed to (1) determine BNF in sunn hemp-tall fescue mixed pastures and (2) determine N transfer from sunn hemp to tall fescue. The experiment included four replicates of two treatments: tall fescue (TF) and tall fescue intercropped with sunn hemp (TF+SH), arranged in a randomized complete block design. Response variables included δ¹⁵N, N derived from the atmosphere (%NDFA), BNF, N concentration, N transferred (%Ntran), N stock, and herbage accumulation (HA). Herbage accumulation was 16% greater in TF+SH compared to TF (p < 0.05). Root mass was 43% greater for TF compared to both species combined in TF+SH (p < 0.05). Herbage N was 40% greater in sunn hemp shoots than tall fescue shoots in TF or TF+SH (p < 0.05). Sunn hemp root N was 34% greater than tall fescue (p < 0.05). NDFA by sunn hemp was 88% and 100% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. BNF by sunn hemp was greater (p < 0.05) in 2018 than in 2017 (53.8 and 44.3 kg ha⁻¹, respectively). The %Ntran from sunn hemp to tall fescue was 13 and 20% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Interseeding sunn hemp into tall fescue pastures can provide an alternate N source to tall fescue-based forage-livestock systems, increasing herbage accumulation during the summer grazing season. Full article

The strategic incorporation of low-cost management practices, such as cover crops (CCs), to citrus production in southern Texas could add valuable ecosystem services that increase trees’ resilience to changing climatic conditions. To provide insight into how producers can manage CCs to optimize ecosystem services, we conducted a study in controlled conditions to examine the potential of adding three annual summer CCs species: common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) as monocultures growing in two representative soil types of the citrus region in Texas, and receiving one of these irrigation volumes based on calculated daily water losses [i.e., evapotranspiration (ET)] corresponding to 100, 75, 50, and 25% field capacity replenishment. Sunflower and sunn hemp produced the highest aboveground dry matter, which was on average 338 and 342% greater than buckwheat. Sunn hemp emerged faster than the other CCs, and mortality was relatively uniform across CCs, but buckwheat exhibited the highest sensitivity to drought and heat distress. Sunn hemp exhibited superior aboveground biomass accumulation, height, and chlorophyll content. All CCs performed similarly in both experimental soils, under native fertility conditions, and without the addition of mineral fertilizers. Irrigation at 75 and 100% ET levels were conducive to enhanced plant growth, which indicates that a minimum of 86.4 mm (75% ET) is required during CCs lifespan, but sunn hemp and sunflower were also capable of tolerating medium (50% ET) drought stress. Overall, our findings suggest that sunflower and sunn hemp exhibited traits desirable for incorporation as CCs to a perennial citrus production system. The primary benefit was the addition of organic matter with minimum management; however, both CCs’ performance was dependent on planting timing, successful early establishment, and favorable environmental conditions. Full article

Utilizing nanotechnology for weed management offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic herbicides. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sunn hemp extract (SH), Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs), and Fe₃O₄/sunn hemp NPs in inhibiting the germination of redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.), and lamb’s quarters (Chenopodium album L.) weeds. The structural characteristics of the NPs were analyzed using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Scanning X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), Brunner–Emmet–Teller (BET), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The optimal Fe₃O₄ NP concentration for reducing seed germination ranged from 3000 to 3100 mg L⁻¹. Higher concentrations of SH extract (100, 150, and 200 g L⁻¹) effectively inhibited weed seed germination with A. retroflexus displaying the highest sensitivity. The maximal effective concentration (NOEC_max) for Fe₃O₄/sunn hemp NPs was 10 g L⁻¹ for S. arvensis, 150 g L⁻¹ for A. retroflexus, and 200 g L⁻¹ for C. album. Fe₃O₄/sunn hemp NPs led to a reduction in 1/D₅₀ and an increase in EEC₅₀, indicating a rise in sensitivity to Fe₃O₄ NPs, particularly in S. arvensis. Variations in species responses to SH, Fe₃O₄ NPs, and Fe₃O₄/sunn hemp NPs are likely influenced by genetic, physiological, and ecological factors. Overall, the findings suggest that utilizing Fe₃O₄/sunn hemp NPs offers an effective strategy for sustainable weed management. Full article

Regenerative agriculture increasingly relies on organic soil amendments to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. This study evaluates the effects of dried algae (DA), vermicompost (VC), liquid hydrolyzed fish and seaweed fertilizer (LA), and a control (S0, untreated soil without amendments) on the soil fertility, growth, nutrient uptake, and physiology of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), a key cover crop for soil improvement. Treatments were applied at 1 ton/ha (DA), 3 ton/ha (VC), and 8 mL/L (LA). Plants were grown for 10 weeks, during which plant growth, chlorophyll content, and biomass were measured. Soil and plant samples were analyzed for macro- and micronutrients. S0 and DA treatments produced the highest biomass, with S0 showing the highest total carbon and organic matter content. LA-treated soils exhibited elevated phosphorus, potassium, and sodium levels, while DA and S0 shoots had significantly higher sulfur and zinc concentrations. LA treatment notably increased chlorophyll content by the study’s end. Overall, DA demonstrated strong potential as a nutrient-rich organic amendment, while S0 provided a robust baseline for biomass production. VC enriched phosphorus and potassium but resulted in the lowest total biomass. LA promoted shoot growth and chlorophyll content but required root development and sodium management optimization. These findings highlight the need to align the amendment choice with soil characteristics and environmental conditions to optimize crop productivity and soil health in sustainable farming systems. Full article

Cover crops have gained attention due to their potential benefits for the soil and physiological performance of subsequent crops. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological and productive aspects of maize grown in succession to cover crops in northeastern Brazil. A randomized complete block design with four repetitions was employed, in which the treatments consisted of the following cover crops: sunn hemp, spectabilis, pigeon pea, Brachiaria sp., jack bean, millet, and fallow. Physiological aspects and production components of maize were evaluated at the tasseling (VT) and smooth grain (R3) phenological stages. Millet cover increased carotenoid content in maize leaves by up to 78% at R3. Maize grown after pigeon pea, millet, and Brachiaria sp. showed up to 42% greater CO₂ assimilation efficiency compared to jack bean. Carboxylation efficiency increased by up to 34% in maize grown after millet and Brachiaria sp., while water use efficiency improved by up to 76% in maize after sunn hemp and pigeon pea at R3. Sunn hemp, spectabilis, and jack bean reduced soil temperature by 2 °C compared to fallow. The highest maize yield was observed after jack bean, with an 8% increase over fallow. These findings demonstrate the benefits of incorporating cover crops into maize cultivation systems in the semi-arid region of Brazil. Full article

Crotalaria juncea (sunn hemp) is a tropical forage legume used as a cover, forage, and fiber crop. Sunn hemp seed production occurs primarily in India because it requires short days to flower and set seed. Seeds available for production are typically non-specific genotypes instead of true breeding varieties. As sunn hemp is grown in more locations, understanding not only its performance in different growing conditions but also variations in genotype performance is critical for production management. We evaluated the growth and biomass accumulation of four genotypes (KMB1, KMB2, Thailand Original Sunn, and ‘Tropic Sunn’) of sunn hemp grown in northern semi-arid and humid-continental environments, Wyoming (Adams ‘22 and ‘23 (irrigated), Wyarno ‘23 (rainfed)) and Minnesota (Morris ‘22 and ‘23), USA. Thailand Original Sunn had the fastest growth rate (height over time) but the slowest canopy closure (NDVI over time), while KMB1 had the slowest growth rate but the fastest canopy closure. While growth rates varied among sunn hemp germplasm, there were no marked differences in biomass accumulation when harvested at 60 and 90 days after planting. Although the genotype did not have a significant effect on biomass accumulation, the environment affected not only growth but also biomass accumulation. At 60 DAP, the sunn hemp biomass averaged 1836, 489, 2459, 3334, and 731 kg ha⁻¹ in the Adams ‘22, Adams ‘23, Morris ‘22, Morris ‘23, and Wyarno ‘23 environments, respectively. At 90 DAP, the sunn hemp biomass averaged 6459, 4573, 7979, 7403, and 2220 kg ha⁻¹ in the Adams ‘22, Adams ‘23, Morris ‘22, Morris ‘23, and Wyarno ‘23 environments, respectively. The growth rate, canopy closure, and biomass accumulation differed when compared between the semi-arid environments and the humid-continental environment, with the humid-continental environment producing faster growth and higher biomass. These findings support the hypothesis that genotypes are likely to perform as predicted within growing regions, but there may be room to improve performance in different environments through selective breeding. Full article

The growth of cover crops can contribute to the increase in phosphorus content at depth by root decomposition. The aim of this work was to verify the effect of cover crops on soil phosphorus availability and use by successive plants, and the accumulation of soil P in a no-tillage system conducted for 14 years. This research was carried out during the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 crop seasons, whose treatments have been installed and maintained since 2003. The experimental design was a randomized block design, and the plots consisted of spring crops: pearl millet, forage sorghum, sunn hemp, and additionally, a fallow/chiseling area. The evaluation of available P was determined by P fractionation. In general, in the two years of evaluation, the accumulation of P in the shoot dry matter was higher in sunn hemp growth, on average 25% higher than pearl millet in 2016 and 40% higher than sorghum in 2017. The highest contents of labile inorganic P were in the sorghum–soybean and fallow/chiseling–soybean successions, with values higher than 50 mg kg⁻¹ of P in the 0–0.1 m soil layer. However, in the other layers analyzed, the cover crops obtained higher availability of labile inorganic P. The systems using cover crops recovered 100% of the P fertilized in soybean. Full article