Search Results (5,532)

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a pillar of the tropical agricultural economy in southern China, yet its production faces increasing instability due to climate change. Traditional agronomic models often fail to capture the complex, non-linear interactions between meteorological drivers and yield formation in perennial fruit trees. To address this challenge, the study constructed a yield prediction framework using an optimized Random Forest (RF) model integrated with interpretable machine learning (SHAP), based on a comprehensive dataset from 17 major production regions in Hainan Province (2000–2022). The model demonstrated robust predictive capability at the provincial scale (R² = 0.564, RMSE = 2.1 t/ha) and high consistency across regions (R² ranging from 0.51 to 0.94). Feature importance analysis revealed that heat accumulation (specifically growing degree days above 20 °C) is the dominant driver, explaining over 85% of yield variability. Crucially, scenario simulations uncovered asymmetric climate risks across phenological stages: while moderate warming generally enhances yield by promoting vegetative growth and ripening, it acts as a stressor during the Fruit Development stage, where temperatures exceeding 26 °C trigger yield decline. Furthermore, the yield penalty for drought during Flowering (−8.09%) far outweighed the marginal benefits of surplus rainfall, identifying this window as critically sensitive to water deficits. These findings underscore the necessity of phenology-aligned adaptation strategies—specifically, securing irrigation during flowering and deploying cooling interventions during fruit development—providing a data-driven basis for climate-smart management in tropical agriculture. Full article

The house cricket, Acheta domesticus, is found globally. It is an agricultural pest causing economic damage to a wide variety of crops including cereal seedlings, vegetable crops, fruit plants, and stored grains. Additionally, crickets act as mechanical vectors of pathogens by harboring bacteria, fungi, viruses, and toxins, causing foodborne illnesses. They can contaminate stored grains, packaged foods, or animal feed due to deposition of their feces, lowering the quality of the food and creating food safety risks. Synthetic insect repellents, such as pyrethroids and carbamates, have been used previously in integrated pest management practices to control crickets. Though successful as repellents, they have been associated with health and environmental risks and concerns. The use of organic green repellents, such as plant essential oils, may be a viable alternative in pest management practices. In this study, we tested the effects of 27 plant-based essential oils on the behavior of A. domesticus. A. domesticus were introduced into an open arena to allow them unrestricted movement. A transparent plastic bottle containing an essential oil treatment was placed in the arena to allow voluntary entry by the crickets. Following a predetermined observation period, the number of crickets that entered the bottle was recorded, and percent entry was calculated as the proportion of individuals inside the bottle relative to the total number in the arena. Analysis of the percentage entry into the bottles allowed for a comparative assessment of repellency of the selected essential oils examined in this study. Essential oils that elicited high levels of entry into the bottle were categorized as having weak or no repellency, while those that demonstrated reduced entry were classified as moderate or strong repellents. Our results indicated that A. domesticus responded with strong repellent behavior to nearly half of the essential oils tested, while four essential oils and two synthetic repellents evoked no significant repellent responses. Four strong repellent essential oils, namely peppermint, rosemary, cinnamon, and lemongrass, were tested at different concentrations and showed a clear dose-dependent repellent effect. The results suggest that selected essential oils can be useful in the development of more natural “green” insect repellents. Full article

This study aimed to develop a credit risk index to classify coffee producers according to socioeconomic, agronomic, and financial performance variables, with the purpose of strengthening financial inclusion. We combined qualitative and quantitative methods to understand credit risk factors among smallholder coffee producers. The study followed a descriptive-analytical approach structured in consecutive methodological phases. The systematic review, conducted following the Kitchenham protocol, identified theoretical factors associated with credit risk, while fieldwork with 300 producers provided the socioeconomic and productive contexts of coffee-growing households. Producer income, cost of living, and farm management expenses were modeled using regression, statistical, and machine learning methods. Subsequently, these variables were integrated to construct a financial risk index, which was normalized using expert scoring. The index was validated using data from 100 additional producers, for whom annual repayment capacity and maximum loan amounts were estimated according to their risk level. The results indicated that incorporating municipal-level economic variables, such as estimated average prices, income, and expenses, enhanced predictive accuracy and improved the rational allocation of loan amounts. The study concludes that credit risk analysis based on variables related to human, productive, and economic capital constitutes an effective strategy for improving access to finance in rural areas. Full article

The impacts of land use on stormwater runoff quality and Best Management Practices to mitigate these impacts have been investigated since the 1970s, yet challenges remain in providing a modeling approach that concomitantly considers contributions from different land use types. In densely developed urban areas, a buildup/washoff approach is often applied, while in rural areas, some type of erosion modeling is employed, as the processes of detachment, entrainment, and transport are fundamentally different. This study presents a coupled modeling approach within PCSWMM, integrating exponential buildup/washoff for impervious surfaces with the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) for pervious areas, including construction sites, to characterize water quality in the large mixed urban–rural Sparrovale catchment in Geelong, Australia. The watershed includes an innovative cascading system of 12 online NbS wetlands along one of the main tributaries, Armstrong Creek, to manage runoff quantity and quality, as well as 16 offline NbS wetlands that are tributary to the online system. A total of 78 samples for Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Phosphorus (TP), and Total Nitrogen (TN) were collected from six monitoring sites along Armstrong Creek during wet- and dry-weather events between May and July 2024 for model validation. The data were supplemented with six other catchment stormwater quality datasets collected during earlier studies, which provided an understanding of water quality status for the broader Geelong region. Results showed that average nutrient concentrations across all the sites ranged from 0.44 to 2.66 mg/L for TP and 0.69 to 5.7 mg/L for TN, spanning from within to above the ecological threshold ranges for eutrophication risk (TP: 0.042 to 1 mg/L, TN: 0.3 to 1.5 mg/L). In the study catchment, upstream wetlands reduced pollutant levels; however, downstream wetlands that received runoff from agriculture, residential areas, and, importantly, construction sites, showed a substantial increase in sediment and nutrient concentration. Water quality modeling revealed washoff parameters primarily influenced concentrations from established urban neighborhoods, whereas erosion parameters substantially impacted total pollutant loads for the larger system, demonstrating the importance of integrated modeling for capturing pollutant dynamics in heterogeneous, urbanizing catchments. The study results emphasize the need for spatially targeted management strategies to improve stormwater runoff quality and also show the potential for cascading wetlands to be an important element of the Nature-based Solution (NbS) runoff management system. Full article

Precipitation in high mountain areas is of critical importance as these regions are major sources of freshwater, supporting river basins, ecosystems, and downstream communities. Changes in precipitation regimes in these regions can have cascading impacts on water availability, agriculture, hydropower, and biodiversity. The present study aims to give new information about precipitation variability in high mountain regions of Bulgaria (Musala, Botev Peak, and Cherni Vrah) and to assess the role of large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns for the occurrence of extreme precipitation months. The study period is 1937–2024, and the classification of extreme precipitation months is based on the 10th and 90th percentiles of precipitation distribution. The temporal distribution of extreme precipitation months was analyzed by comparison of two periods (1937–1980 and 1981–2024). The impact of atmospheric circulation was evaluated by correlation between the number of extreme precipitation months and indices for the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Western Mediterranean Oscillation (WeMO). Results show a statistically significant decrease in winter and spring precipitation at Musala and Cherni Vrah, and a persistent drying tendency at Cherni Vrah across all seasons. The frequency of extremely wet months in winter and autumn has sharply declined since 1981, whereas extremely dry months have become more common, particularly during the cold season. Precipitation erosivity also exhibits station-specific responses, with Musala and Cherni Vrah showing reduced monthly concentration, while Botev Peak retains pronounced warm-season erosive rainfall. Circulation analysis indicates that positive NAOI phases favor dry extremes, while positive WeMOI phases enhance wet extremes. These findings reveal a shift toward drier and more seasonally uneven conditions in Bulgaria’s alpine zone, increasing hydrological risks related to drought, water scarcity, and soil erosion. The identified shifts in precipitation seasonality and intensity offer essential guidance for forecasting hydrological risks and mitigating soil erosion in vulnerable mountain ecosystems. The study underscores the need for adaptive water-resource strategies and enhanced monitoring in high-mountain areas. Full article

Reducing dependency on chemical pesticides is a core ambition of the European Green Deal, yet adoption of low-input practices remains uneven. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the behavioural determinants of European farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding sustainable pesticide use and evaluates the role of digital tools in facilitating Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we analysed 65 peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2025, which were identified through Scopus and Web of Science. The synthesis reveals that while pro-environmental attitudes drive the intention to change, actual behaviour is frequently inhibited by loss aversion, ‘clean field’ social norms, and perceived economic risks. Digital tools—specifically Decision Support Systems (DSSs) and precision technologies—demonstrate technical potential to reduce pesticide loads but are constrained by the same behavioural barriers: a lack of trust in models, perceived complexity, and costs. Consequently, we propose a Psycho-Digital Integration Framework which posits that digital innovation acts as a catalyst only when embedded in systemic enablers—specifically green insurance schemes and independent advisory networks. These mechanisms are critical to redistribute perceived agricultural risk and bridge the gap between technical potential and behavioral adoption. Full article

Fusidic acid resistance in Staphylococcus spp. has historically been confined to Staphylococcus ureilyticus, with limited data on its environmental distribution. This study presents the first detection of the fusidic acid resistance gene fusF in Staphylococcus kloosii recovered from virgin soil at Kampung Batu 16, Dusun Tua, Hulu Langat, Malaysia. A total of ten Staphylococcus isolates were identified using the VITEK^®2 system with high confidence (97–99%), comprising seven S. kloosii and three S. ureilyticus. Sequencing of representative isolates further corroborated the species identification. All isolates displayed phenotypic resistance to fusidic acid, while all S. ureilyticus (3/3) exhibited multi-drug resistant (MDR) traits and S. kloosii (7/7) exhibited non-MDR traits. PCR and sequencing confirmed the presence of fusF gene in S. ureilyticus (3/3) and S. kloosii (3/7). In addition, fusB and fusC genes were not detected in both species. The phylogenetic analysis (Maximum Likelihood, Tamura–Nei model) revealed high sequence conservation and clustering between fusF-positive S. kloosii and S. ureilyticus soil isolates, suggesting recent horizontal gene transfer between these two related species. The first detection of fusF gene in S. kloosii from virgin soil signifies the expansion of the ecological and host range beyond S. ureilyticus, establishes virgin soil as a potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) reservoir, and underscores the One Health risks of resistance dissemination from environmental staphylococci. This baseline study highlights the importance of early AMR surveillance in tropical environments prior to agricultural development. Full article

Pyrethroids, synthetic analogues of natural pyrethrins, are extensively used in agriculture and household pest control due to their high insecticidal activity and relatively low toxicity to mammals. Due to the presence of multiple chiral centres, many pyrethroids exist as complex mixtures of stereoisomers with significantly different biological activities, toxicities, and environmental behaviours. Consequently, accurate determination of these stereoisomeric forms, particularly compounds such as cypermethrin, is critical for food safety monitoring. Determining pyrethroid residues in food matrices presents a significant analytical challenge due to the structural diversity and stereochemical complexity of these compounds. This study presents the development of an analytical method for determining the stereoisomeric forms of cypermethrin and other synthetic pyrethroids in food matrices using both LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS techniques. The method meets the performance criteria outlined in SANTE/11312/2021 v2, demonstrating satisfactory recovery rates (91.6%), precision (RSDR 1.9%), and low limits of quantification (LOQ 0.010 µg/kg) for the quantification of alpha-cypermethrin. This approach offers a reliable tool for regulatory monitoring and risk assessment of pyrethroid residues, especially those with complex stereochemistry. Full article

Observed rainfall erosivity risk (ORE) index is defined as the erosivity risk in the event of extreme rainfall events. ORE measures the kinetic energy of raindrops generated during a period of maximum precipitation intensity with the formula $\mathrm{O}\mathrm{R}\mathrm{E}=\left(\mathrm{E}\mathrm{D}·\mathrm{T}\mathrm{E}\mathrm{I}\right)/10$, where ED = erosivity density, TEI = total erosivity index, and ORE is measured in MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹ yr⁻¹. The goal of this study is to model ORE, estimate its spatiotemporal variability, and predict (PRE) and simulate ORE for the state of Sinaloa (1969–2018). Five indices of rainfall erosivity were calculated: the modified Fournier index, precipitation concentration index, ED, TEI, and rainfall erosivity factor. The nonparametric trend in ORE was calculated. Using multiple nonlinear regressions (MNR), PRE (dependent variable) was calculated as a function of cumulative annual, annual average, seasonal average, and seasonal cumulative rainfall (independent variables). To simulate PRE, cumulative distribution functions, adjusted return periods (ARPs), and the 99th percentile were used. ORE ranged from 51.39 MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in 1970 (Culiacán) to 92679.40 MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in 1998 (Sta. C. de Alaya). The only year that had very high ORE at all nine stations was 1998. The only significant trend was ORE = 34.64 MJ mm ha⁻¹ h⁻¹ yr⁻¹ (Culiacán). The nine PRE models were significantly predictive (Spearman correlation > 0.280). Guatenipa, Rosario, and Siqueros registered very high PRE, since one to eight extreme erosivity events per century are predicted on average. A new methodology is proposed for calculating ORE and PRE, which can be used to develop alternatives for managing and protecting agricultural land in the state considered “the breadbasket of Mexico”. Full article

Pesticides have been widely applied in agricultural practices over the past decades to protect crops from pests and other harmful organisms. However, their extensive use results in the contamination of soil, water, and agricultural products, posing significant risks to human and environmental health. Exposure to pesticides can lead to skin irritation, respiratory disorders, and various chronic health problems. Moreover, pesticides frequently enter surface water bodies such as rivers and lakes through agricultural runoff and leaching processes. Therefore, developing effective analytical methods for the rapid and sensitive detection of pesticides in food and water is of great importance. Electrochemical sensing techniques have shown remarkable progress in pesticide analysis due to their high sensitivity, simplicity, and potential for on-site monitoring. Two-dimensional (2D) carbon nanomaterials have emerged as efficient electrocatalysts for the precise and selective detection of pesticides, owing to their large surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and unique structural features. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in the electrochemical detection of pesticides using 2D carbon-based materials. Comprehensive information on electrode fabrication, sensing mechanisms, analytical performance—including sensing range and limit of detection—and the versatility of 2D carbon composites for pesticide detection is provided. Challenges and future perspectives in developing highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensing platforms are also discussed, highlighting their potential for simultaneous pesticide monitoring in food and environmental samples. Carbon-based electrochemical sensors have been the subject of many investigations, but their practical application in actual environmental and food samples is still restricted because of matrix effects, operational instability, and repeatability issues. In order to close the gap between laboratory research and real-world applications, this review critically examines sensor performance in real-sample conditions and offers innovative approaches for in situ pesticide monitoring. Full article

High-quality agricultural products from the Lambayeque region have contributed to the growth of Peru’s agro-export sector and increased international trade. However, the need for agricultural exports to be more resilient and sustainable is demonstrated by the fact that markets are still concentrated, logistical costs are high, and global demand is constantly shifting. The purpose of this study is to use a gravity-based trade model and market intelligence techniques to analyse the agricultural exports from the Lambayeque region between 2015 and 2024. Using official data from the World Bank, AZATRADE, CEPII, and MINCETUR, we employed a quantitative explanatory approach. The results show that the concentration of businesses has significantly decreased while the value of exports has increased steadily. The Herfindahl–Hirschman Index increased from 6209 in 2015 to 1349 in 2024, and export destinations have become slightly more diverse. Exports are negatively impacted by geographic distance, but free trade agreements greatly benefit them. There is a lot of export potential in markets like Finland, Indonesia, Austria, Bolivia, and Vietnam. However, Israel and Hong Kong appear to be full. Overall, the findings indicate that Lambayeque’s export performance has improved, but it still runs the risk of becoming overly focused on a single sector. Long-term sustainability of the region’s agricultural exports depends on enhancing logistical infrastructure, bolstering market intelligence, and promoting regional diversity. Full article

Groundwater is the main water source for irrigated agriculture, accounting for an increasing share of the domestic supply in the hyper-arid district of La Yarada Los Palos (Tacna, Peru); however, at the sector scale, concerns about arsenic, boron and salinity remain poorly quantified. Arsenic and boron were selected as target contaminants because of their naturally elevated concentrations associated with coastal and volcanic hydrogeological settings, and their well-documented implications for human health and irrigation suitability. This study reports a 12-month monitoring program (September 2024–August 2025) in three irrigated sectors, in which wells were sampled monthly and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for total arsenic, boron, lithium and sodium, along with electrical conductivity, pH, temperature and total dissolved solids. The sector–month total arsenic means ranged from 0.0089 to 0.0143 mg L⁻¹, with 33 of 36 exceeding the 0.010 mg L⁻¹ drinking water benchmark recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Total boron ranged from 1.11 to 2.76 mg L⁻¹, meaning that all observations were above the 0.5 mg L⁻¹ irrigation guideline for agricultural use proposed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). A marked salinity gradient was observed from the inland Sector 1-BH (median Na ≈ 77 mg L⁻¹; EC ≈ 1.2 mS cm⁻¹) to the coastal Sector 3-LC (median Na ≈ 251 mg L⁻¹; EC ≈ 3.3 mS cm⁻¹), with Sector 2-FS showing intermediate salinity but the highest median boron and lithium levels. Spearman rank correlations indicate that sodium, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids define the main salinity axis, whereas arsenic is only moderately associated with boron and lithium and is not a simple function of bulk salinity. Taken together, these results show that groundwater from the monitored wells is not safe for drinking without treatment and is subject to at least moderate boron-related irrigation restrictions. The sector-resolved dataset provides a quantitative baseline for La Yarada Los Palos and a foundation for future work integrating expanded monitoring, health-risk metrics and management scenarios for arsenic, boron and salinity in hyper-arid coastal aquifers. Full article

Financialisation has an increasing influence on the functioning of non-financial enterprises. It is therefore important to examine whether and to what extent food sector enterprises are subject to the process of financialisation. The research objective was to determine the level of financialisation of food industry enterprises in Poland in relation to the whole industry sector. To achieve this objective, the following research hypothesis was formulated: the process of financialisation of food industry enterprises proceeds similarly to the analogous process undergoing in industrial enterprises but varies across different sectors of the food industry. The research was conducted on the basis of statistical data from Statistics Poland (SP) published in various statistical studies. Financial data from 2010 to 2023 were analysed. For this purpose, research tools used in the paper are referred to in the literature as measures of the level of financialisation, so-called balance sheet indicators. The main limitation of the research is that the results can only be applied to countries with similar economic conditions, especially post-communist countries, and that balance sheet indicators are used to measure financialisation, which, although widely used, are limited in their effectiveness because they focus only on balance sheet data. The results support the research hypothesis. The companies in the analysed industries are characterised by a low level of financialisation. The process of financialisation of food industry companies is similar to the one in industrial companies and is more intense in beverage production than in other food industry sectors. There is room for a sustainable financing policy. The results indicate that there is room for higher financing of food industry enterprises in Poland, but excessive financing may lead to excessive concentration and monopolisation of enterprises and even to speculation on agricultural markets. To maintain financial stability, it will be important to pursue a stable monetary policy, limit the risk of food price volatility, improve communication and coordination in international monetary policy, and increase national food self-sufficiency. This study fills a research gap in understanding the process of financialisation, assessing its degree of advancement and diversity in the main sectors of food processing enterprises. Full article

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a fungal secondary metabolite, is frequently detected in grains, herbal products, and other agricultural commodities, posing potential food safety risks. Among existing detoxification strategies, biological degradation is considered both specific and environmentally sustainable. In this study, a novel OTA-degrading bacterium, Brevibacillus parabrevis S09T2, was isolated from soil using OTA as the sole carbon source. The strain exhibited no hemolytic activity and carried no virulence or antibiotic resistance genes, indicating a favorable safety profile. S09T2 efficiently degraded OTA, removing over 93% of 5–8 μg/mL OTA within 24 h at 37 °C, and almost completely degrading OTA concentrations up to 10 μg/mL within 72 h. UPLC-HRMS analysis identified ochratoxin α (OTα) and phenylalanine as the only degradation products, confirming detoxification via amide bond hydrolysis. The intracellular enzyme responsible for this reaction displayed notable thermostability, achieving near-complete degradation of 1 μg/mL OTA at 50 °C within 6 h. Moreover, the cell lysate significantly reduced OTA levels in Plumeria rubra extract, a widely consumed functional food, demonstrating applicability in complex food matrices. Collectively, these findings highlight S09T2 as a promising candidate for OTA detoxification and support its potential use in food and feed safety applications. Full article

Bentonite is a multifunctional material widely used in industry, agriculture, food processing, and medicine due to its strong binding and absorption properties. This study investigates the effects of bentonite pre-treatment at different concentrations (0.5–5%) on soybean sprout growth and nutritional quality. Moderate levels, particularly 1–3% (BP-1 and BP-3), significantly increased sprout yield (up to 16.1%) and vitamin C content (up to 18.91 mg/100 g FW), while maintaining desirable moisture and visual quality. Color evaluation showed higher yellowness (b*), suggesting improved consumer appeal. Mineral profiling indicated substantial enhancement of essential minerals across treatments, with the highest total mineral content recorded in the BP-5 group. Phosphorus, potassium, copper, and iron were notably enriched; however, elevated copper and reduced zinc at higher concentrations indicate potential nutritional risk. Isoflavone analysis revealed increased total isoflavones, especially glucoside forms such as daidzin and genistin, while aglycones like genistein decreased, reflecting bentonite’s selective influence on isoflavone metabolism. Antioxidant properties—including DPPH scavenging capacity, total polyphenols, flavonoids, and SOD-like activity—were significantly enhanced. Amino acid profiling also showed increases in essential amino acids, including methionine and valine, along with higher γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Overall, bentonite demonstrates strong potential as a natural additive for improving soybean sprout productivity and functional quality, with the most favorable outcomes observed at 1–3% concentrations. Full article