Search Results (220)

Yellow adhesive chromotropic traps are widely deployed across Mediterranean olive cultivation to monitor B. oleae population dynamics, yet their adhesive surfaces can also retain non-target organisms. Here we report the first documented entrapment of the common pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Schreber, 1774) on an adhesive monitoring trap in Greece, recorded on 15 May 2026 in a traditionally managed olive grove on Lesvos Island (North Aegean). The adult specimen (wingspan of 23.1 cm, body mass of 5.9 g) was independently identified by two specialist chiropterologists and confirmed dead by direct examination. The trap surface bore small-bodied Diptera belonging to groups known to occur in the diet of P. pipistrellus, raising the possibility that prey-associated cues may have contributed to the encounter. We argue that this record exposes an agroecological contradiction relevant to conservation-oriented olive management: the monitoring device deployed to track B. oleae may incidentally eliminate an insectivorous bat belonging to the broader natural enemy community associated with olive agroecosystems. Given the extent of adhesive trap deployment across Mediterranean olive cultivation and the strict legal protection afforded to all European bats under the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), systematic bycatch recording, mechanistic investigation and evaluation of simple mitigation measures are warranted. Full article

The adoption of agroecological practices has recently gained increasing attention. However, significant disparities persist between farmers’ awareness and actual implementation. This study addresses this gap by developing an integrated analytical framework to identify farmer typologies and explain the heterogeneity of agroecological adoption among Romanian tomato growers, considered as a case study within the broader context of Romanian vegetable production. Based on a survey of 196 active cultivators, the analysis combines principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis to identify latent behavioral dimensions and classify farmers into distinct typologies. In addition, an Agroecological Adoption Index (AAI) is constructed to assess and compare adoption levels across groups. The results reveal four statistically distinct farmer typologies: informed farmers with low adoption, practice-oriented low-constraint farmers, high-adoption agroecological farmers, and pragmatic adopters. The findings demonstrate that adoption is not solely determined by knowledge levels but is strongly shaped by perceived barriers, particularly limited access to information, financial constraints, and uncertainty. By moving beyond single-factor explanations, this study highlights the multidimensional nature of agroecological adoption and provides empirical evidence of the interaction between cognitive, economic, and structural determinants. The results offer important policy implications, suggesting that effective interventions should combine targeted training, advisory services, and financial support tailored to specific farmer profiles within horticultural production systems. Full article

Agriculture is the pillar of Ethiopia’s economy, employing over 80% of the population. However, it remains highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Promoting climate-smart agricultural practices is therefore critical. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a highly nutritious pseudo-cereal with broad adaptability and efficient water use, presents a promising alternative crop for Ethiopia’s diverse agro-ecologies. Its tolerance to drought and salinity makes it an ideal candidate for enhancing food and nutritional security under changing climate conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the GEI for seed yield and yield-related traits and identify the stable and high-yielding genotypes of quinoa across six agro-ecological locations in Ethiopia—Negelle Arsi, Haramaya, Holeta, Kulumsa, Melkassa, and Ziway—representing three agro-climatic classifications (lowland, midland and highland). Thirteen genotypes were studied using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The G × E interaction main effect revealed significant GEI effects, particularly for plant height, days to maturity, and grain yield. Among the tested genotypes, ‘Brightest Brilliant Rainbow’, ‘Salcedo-INIA-Puno-Peru’, and ‘Multi-Hued’ demonstrated superior performance across multiple environments. Stability analyses were performed using the AMMI, ASV, and GGE biplot approaches. The analyses revealed significant variation among the genotypes for both adaptability and stability. The AMMI results indicated that environmental effects contributed more to yield variability than genotypic or interaction effects. The AMMI model identified four promising genotypes: ‘Salcedo-INIA-Puno-Peru’, ‘Brightest Brilliant Rainbow’, ‘Multi-Hued’, and ‘Bio-bio’. According to the ASV, the most stable genotypes were ‘Amarilla Sacaca’, ‘Amarilla Maranganí’, ‘Bio-bio’, ‘Cherry Vanilla’, ‘Multi-Hued’, and ‘Brightest Brilliant Rainbow’. The GGE biplot identified ‘Brightest Brilliant Rainbow’ and the Holeta location as the most ideal genotype and testing environment, respectively. ‘Multi-Hued’ and ‘Brightest Brilliant Rainbow’ emerged as the winning genotypes in the only defined mega-environment. Notably, ‘Brightest Brilliant Rainbow’ exhibited a high protein content, ranging from 14.8% at Kulumsa to 17.8% at Melkassa. Overall, ‘Brightest Brilliant Rainbow’ and ‘Salcedo-INIA-Puno-Peru’ were identified as high-performing, stable genotypes suitable for cultivation across diverse Ethiopian environments. These findings confirm quinoa’s adaptability to the broader agro-ecologies of Ethiopia and enable selection of stable, widely adapted varieties through the G × E interaction and stability analyses using AMMI, ASV, and a GGE biplot. Full article

Reliable determination of macro- and micronutrients in cereal plant tissues is essential for agronomic management, environmental monitoring, and interlaboratory data comparability. However, most existing plant certified reference materials (CRMs) are derived from temperate-region matrices and do not adequately represent cereals cultivated under semi-arid conditions, where differences in mineral composition may lead to matrix-related analytical bias. In this study, a new multi-element plant reference material, Cereal Plant Powder 2023 (CPP-23), was developed from composite wheat (Triticum aestivum and T. durum) samples collected across major Moroccan agro-ecological zones. The material was processed, homogenized, and evaluated for homogeneity and stability in accordance with ISO 33405:2024, with no significant short- or long-term variability observed. Elemental characterization was performed using microwave-assisted acid digestion followed by ICP-OES for major and trace elements, while total nitrogen was determined using the Kjeldahl method. Method validation demonstrated satisfactory linearity (R² > 0.995), precision, and trueness against established reference materials. Certified values were assigned through an interlaboratory comparison involving eight ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories using robust statistical estimators (ISO 13528:2022). Expanded uncertainties (k = 2) were below 15% for all analytes. While these results indicate acceptable internal consistency, the relatively limited number of participating laboratories and the absence of independent analytical validation techniques represent important constraints. CPP-23 provides a matrix-representative material suitable for quality control and method validation in semi-arid agricultural systems. Nevertheless, its ability to reduce analytical bias relative to existing CRMs and its applicability to specific use cases require further experimental validation. Full article

Urban community gardens are increasingly institutionalized through public land, infrastructure, and administrative recognition, yet the mechanisms through which formalized gardens retain—or lose—civic purpose remain insufficiently understood. This article examines Madrid through a qualitative comparative case study involving 33 participants: 30 participants across 13 community gardens and three contextual actors. A layered, multi-perspectival adaptation of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis combines idiographic interpretation with site-level and cross-case comparisons. An embedded quantitative content analysis of a transparent 12-garden transcript subsample (approximately 85,219 Spanish-language words) normalized six thematic dictionaries per 1000 words and used exploratory Mann–Whitney U tests. No thematic-rate difference reached statistical significance, suggesting that cultivation layout alone does not explain civic capacity. Cross-case analysis identifies five mediating processes: distributed roles, recurrent collective routines, knowledge translation, boundary-spanning partnerships, and accessible routes into participation and voice. Participants experienced gardens as therapeutic and relational counter-spaces, settings of agroecological learning, civic classrooms, modest forms of food autonomy, and negotiated commons. Food-security contributions were supplementary, whereas ecological literacy, practical competence, social connection, and collective agency were substantial. Adaptive Civic Commons is proposed as a framework for publicly anchored, community-led commons whose continuity depends on adaptation in governance, ecological practice, civic pedagogy, and public legitimacy. Full article

This study analyzes how the integration of native maize cultivation, cultural identity, and technological innovation can promote sustainable and experiential tourism in rural Mexico. The research was conducted in the community of Llano de Guadalupe, Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca. The participatory Action Research process progressed through institutional coordination, participatory diagnosis, biofertilization training, monitoring activities, and community dissemination phases conducted between 3 March 2025 to 25 May 2026. The methodological process included institutional coordination, participatory diagnosis, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, field observations, and the implementation of agroecological practices based on biofertilization. An AI-assisted illustrated field notebook was co-designed to support intercultural education, knowledge exchange, and community participation. The study also incorporated collaborative storytelling, seed preservation practices, and the co-design of sustainable tourism routes grounded in local gastronomy, biodiversity, and agricultural traditions. Preliminary impact indicators showed the expansion of participation from two pilot producers to 54 local producers after community dissemination activities. Findings indicate that the integration of traditional ecological knowledge with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can strengthen community empowerment, intergenerational learning, and sustainable livelihoods while preserving biocultural heritage. The proposed circular framework connects ecological, social, cultural, and economic subsystems by transforming agroecological practices into educational and tourism assets. The results suggest that Indigenous and rural communities can lead sustainable destination development when supported through participatory governance, inclusive education, and context-sensitive technological innovation. The Tlaxiaco case offers a transferable framework for sustainable rural development that contributes to food sovereignty, biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship, and local economic resilience. Full article

Since its introduction to Burkina Faso, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has become a promising crop for diversifying cereal-based diets in a context marked by food insecurity, childhood malnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. This study compared five quinoa varieties (Titicaca, Psankalla, Puno, Negra Colana, and Salcedo Inia) cultivated in Burkina Faso, with emphasis on their relevance to human nutrition. Therefore, physicochemical parameters, proximate composition, amino acid profiles, and mineral composition were determined. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among varieties for most parameters. Salcedo Inia exhibited the highest energy value (372.56 kcal/100 g), while Titicaca exhibited the greatest protein content (17.89 g/100 g) and lipid content (5.82 g/100 g). Psankalla and Puno presented favorable essential amino acid profiles, including lysine, supporting their potential use in cereal-based complementary foods. Negra Colana exhibited the highest crude fiber content (9.66 g/100 g) and the highest concentrations of several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, suggesting potential relevance for dietary strategies to improve micronutrient intake. The swelling behavior of selected quinoa varieties also suggests their suitability for soft, rehydrated formulations suitable for vulnerable populations. In general, Burkina Faso-cultivated quinoa varieties demonstrated promising nutritional attributes that could support dietary diversification, improve protein quality, and increase mineral intake. To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically compare the nutritional profiles of five quinoa varieties cultivated under Sahelian agroecological conditions. Beyond its relevance for Burkina Faso, this study provides novel evidence on the expression of genotype-dependent nutritional traits in quinoa outside traditional production regions, supporting climate-resilient crop diversification and the development of quinoa-based complementary foods for vulnerable populations in food-insecure settings. Full article

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) aerial biomass has potential as an alternative forage resource for ruminants in semi-arid regions; however, the fermentative behavior of different genotypes remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the fermentation profile, nutrient losses, and chemical composition of silages produced from the aerial parts of ten sweet potato accessions cultivated under agroecological conditions. Wilted biomass from each accession was pooled, homogenized, and ensiled in four mini-silos used as subsamples for fermentation characterization. Hierarchical clustering identified two distinct groups, indicating clear genotype-dependent variation in silage performance. Accessions BGH-UNIVASF 8 and 16 showed superior fermentation efficiency, characterized by greater dry matter recovery, lower effluent and gas losses, and more stable fermentation profiles. In contrast, several high-yielding accessions exhibited greater fermentation losses, indicating a trade-off between biomass productivity and preservation efficiency. Total digestible nutrients varied among accessions but were not consistently associated with fermentation quality. Overall, the results demonstrate that silage quality in sweet potato is strongly genotype-dependent and highlight the importance of integrating agronomic, nutritional, and fermentative traits when selecting accessions for silage production under semi-arid conditions. Full article

Intermediate crops, such as Brassica carinata and Camelina sativa, offer a promising pathway for expanding sustainable feedstock supply for advanced biofuels in Europe without competing with food and feed production. This study applies a competitive priority framework to assess the performance of intermediate crops in Italy and Spain, integrating agronomic, environmental, and regulatory dimensions. Using Member State-specific agroecological conditions, cost structures, and land-use profiles, the analysis identifies key challenges across land use and biomass-production stages and links them to measurable indicators and targeted optimisation strategies. Evidence from both experimental studies and modelling indicates that camelina can be seamlessly integrated into existing cropping systems without compromising crop yields or triggering soil carbon losses. These findings highlight the potential of intermediate crops to enhance soil health, to reduce erosion, and to stabilise yields under climate variability. This study also examines the policy conditions required to enable deployment, emphasising the need for region-specific crop calendars, digital traceability systems, and coherent implementation of RED III, CAP, ESCA, and CRCF frameworks. The distinction between volumetric and GHG-based targets is shown to be critical: intermediate crops perform strongly under GHG-based intensity reduction frameworks that reward soil carbon gains and sustainable cultivation. National instruments in Italy and Spain—including the Piano Strategico della PAC, Decreto Biocarburanti, Plan Estratégico de la PAC, and Real Decreto 376/2022—provide mechanisms for operationalising these strategies. Overall, the results demonstrate that intermediate crops can contribute meaningfully to both national and EU renewable energy, soil restoration, and climate mitigation objectives when supported by coherent agronomic and policy frameworks. Full article

Global salinization affects approximately one billion hectares of land in more than 100 countries, posing a severe threat to food security and ecosystem sustainability. Microbial remediation using plant growth-promoting microorganisms offers an eco-friendly alternative to physicochemical methods. However, bridging the gap between laboratory cultivation of single strains and field-scale application of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) remains difficult, owing to inconsistent efficacy and a lack of unified design frameworks. This review examines the evolution from single strains to rationally designed SynComs for saline soil remediation. A ‘structure–function–mechanism’ framework is proposed, integrating five core microbial modules, namely ion regulation and osmotic stabilization, ethylene and phytohormone modulation, antioxidant activation, nutrient cycle activation, and systemic resistance induction. The review elucidates key determinants of synthetic community success, including functional complementarity, strain compatibility, and host–environment matching, while revealing a marked quantitative gap between controlled experiments and field performance. Key bottlenecks are identified, including the lack of high-throughput compatibility screening, poorly quantified long-term ecological risks, and the absence of standardized application guidelines across agro-ecological zones. Finally, emerging avenues are discussed, such as microbial–microalgal symbiosis and AI-assisted design, outlining a roadmap for next-generation smart microbial products integrated into climate-resilient farming systems. Full article

Croatia’s diverse agroecological zones, from Mediterranean coastal areas to continental lowlands, enable the cultivation of a broad portfolio of traditional fruit species that contribute simultaneously to biodiversity conservation, rural livelihoods, and the development of value-added food and beverage products. This review compiles and harmonizes evidence on six economically and culturally relevant crops and product chains—grapevine and wine, apple, pear, quince, sour cherry, mulberry, and plum with the traditional spirit šljivovica—focusing on genetic resources and cultivar diversity, agronomic and environmental performance, bioactive composition and potential health relevance, processing routes and by-product valorization, and the socio-economic roles of geographical indications, gastronomy, and tourism. Across species, the literature highlights recurring sustainability levers: safeguarding indigenous and old cultivars as reservoirs of adaptive traits under climate change; reducing chemical inputs through cultivar choice, organic and low-input systems, cover crops, and resistant genotypes; strengthening circularity by converting pomace and other residues into spirits, vinegars, functional ingredients, feed, compost, or energy carriers; and increasing rural value capture through branding, protected origin schemes, and experiential tourism. At the same time, production systems face shared constraints, including fragmentation of holdings, labour shortages, phytosanitary pressures, and the need to optimize processing technologies to preserve sensory and bioactive quality while meeting safety and regulatory requirements. By integrating crop-specific evidence with cross-cutting sustainability themes, this review outlines a coherent framework for positioning traditional Croatian fruit resources and their derived products within contemporary sustainable food system transitions. Full article

The Farmer-to-Farmer (FtF) methodology has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting sustainable agriculture through horizontal knowledge exchange; however, its implementation in territories with emerging peasant organizational bases remains understudied. This study examines the profile and training performance of eight rural promoters in FtF encounters focused on plantain cultivation and agroecological practices in southern Casanare, Colombia. Performance was evaluated across four dimensions (communication and mediation, inclusion and attitude, methodology, and cultural belonging) using three complementary instruments: an expert evaluation matrix, a self-evaluation form, and an attendee perception survey (Likert scale 1–5). High overall performance was observed (median: 4.32), with medium scores in expressive capacity, enthusiasm and motivation, and session planning. Three promoter groups emerged based on agroecological transition level and global performance. Groups 1 and 2 achieved high scores (>4.0), while Group 3 showed opportunities for methodological strengthening. Expert evaluations revealed variability not captured by self-evaluation or community perceptions, underscoring the value of complementary evaluation approaches. These findings suggest that promoter effectiveness may depend less on formal education than on practical knowledge, community recognition, and relational competencies, and that targeted evaluation tools can support the pedagogical strengthening of farmer promoters. Full article

Palm oil and palm kernel oil are among the most widely consumed vegetable oils worldwide, but cultivar, agroecological conditions, and processing methods strongly influence their chemical properties. Although there is extensive research and production of palm oil in Southeast Asia, cultivation of its fruit in China, particularly in southern regions like Hainan and Yunnan, is severely underrepresented. This review critically summarizes current knowledge of the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and functional properties of Chinese palm fruit components (both raw and processed), with a focus on processing-related changes and industrial applications. Current evidence suggests that Chinese palm mesocarp and kernel oils can be separated based on their general composition, fatty acid profiles, and minor lipids (such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and phytosterols), which are critical determinants of oxidative stability, nutritional quality, and processing functionality. Post-harvest practices (postmortem methods) and thermal processing strongly affect acid value, free fatty acid levels, and peroxide formation, with direct consequences for oil quality and refining efficiency. Chinese palm-derived lipids hold potential for functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and bio-based materials used beyond their commonality as edible oil. Yet, gaps in cultivar-level chemical characterization, bioactive retention during processing, and evidence-based health evaluation remain. However, bridging these gaps using advanced analytical techniques and sustainable processing strategies will be of significant importance to endeavor towards the full utilization of Chinese palm fruit in both global food and bio-economy systems. Full article

Agrivoltaics (AV) has emerged as an integrated land-use innovation capable of simultaneously addressing food, energy, and water challenges, yet its systemic implications for farming system sustainability remain insufficiently synthesized. This review adopts a farming system dynamics perspective to examine how AV systems reorganize biophysical, ecological, and socio-economic interactions across agroecosystems. Drawing upon agroecological principles, pathways of sustainable intensification and ecological intensification, and resource-loop strategies in circular economy, we identify the key elements and cause-and-effect relationships that shape AV system performance. Evidence indicates that the co-location of photovoltaics (PV) structures and crop cultivation generates new system properties, altered light distribution, moderated microclimates, redistributed soil moisture, and diversified production functions that influence productivity, resource-use efficiency, ecological services, and farm resilience. Using causal loop analysis, we conceptualize four central feedback dynamics: (i) PV–crop trade-offs and spatial-sharing relationships; (ii) microclimate modifications and crop physiological responses; (iii) ecological performance and landscape-level interactions; and (iv) circularity loops connecting resource conservation, renewable-energy substitution, soil processes, and material flows. This feedback collectively determines eco-efficiency outcomes, including enhanced land-equivalent productivity, improved water-use efficiency, strengthened regulating services, and reductions in external energy dependence. At the farming-system scale, AV diversifies income streams and stabilizes yields under climatic variability, whereas at the landscape scale, it fosters multifunctionality by supporting regenerative resource flows and ecological resilience. Building on these insights, we propose an integrated framework that links agroecological elements with dynamic feedback structures to guide context-specific AV design, management, and governance. This system-oriented synthesis provides a foundation for future research and policy efforts aimed at optimizing AV as a circular, resilient, and sustainable farming system innovation. Full article

Almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb) is one of the most economically important nut crops worldwide, valued for its nutritional properties and adaptability to diverse agroecological environments. This review summarizes current knowledge on almond domestication, genetic diversity, production trends, and improvement strategies, with a focus on drought tolerance under climate change. Archaeobotanical and molecular evidence indicate central Asia and the eastern Mediterranean as key centers of origin, where recurrent introgression from wild Prunus species contributed to the high genetic variability of cultivated almond. Global production trends reveal increasing challenges due to prolonged drought, climate variability, and rising water and energy costs, particularly affecting major producers such as the United States. Mediterranean regions are transitioning from traditional low-density orchards to intensive systems, where cultivar and rootstock choice are crucial for sustainability. Self-fertile and late-blooming cultivars improve yield stability, while interspecific hybrid rootstocks enhance water use efficiency and tolerance to drought and poor soils. Drought stress impacts almond physiology and yield, although moderate deficit irrigation can maintain productivity and improve kernel quality. Future improvement relies on germplasm conservation, marker-assisted selection, and genomic tools to develop climate-resilient cultivars integrated with sustainable water management strategies. Full article