Search Results (2,106)

In the context of the valorization of agri-food by-products, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seeds represent a protein-rich matrix containing potential bioactives. The aim of the present work is to develop a biochemical pipeline for (i) achieving high protein recovery from tomato seed, (ii) optimizing the hydrolysis with different proteases, and (iii) characterizing the resulting peptides. This approach was instrumental for obtaining and selecting the most promising peptide mixture to test for antifungal activity. To this purpose, proteins from an alkaline extraction were treated with bromelain, papain, and pancreatin, and the resulting hydrolysates were assessed for their protein/peptide profiles via SDS-PAGE, SEC-HPLC, and RP-HPLC. Bromelain hydrolysate was selected for antifungal tests due to its greater quantity of peptides, in a broader spectrum of molecular weights and polarity/hydrophobicity profiles, and higher DPPH radical scavenging activity, although all hydrolysates exhibited antioxidant properties. In vitro assays demonstrated that the bromelain-digested proteins inhibited the growth of Fusarium graminearum and F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici in a dose-dependent manner, with a greater effect at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. The findings highlight that the enzymatic hydrolysis of tomato seed protein represents a promising strategy for converting food by-products into bioactive agents with agronomic applications, supporting sustainable biotechnology and circular economy strategies. Full article

Soil salinization is a major environmental constraint that poses a significant threat to global agricultural productivity and food security. Coix lacryma-jobi L., a minor cereal crop that is valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties, displays moderate susceptibility to salinity stress. Although exogenous treatments have been demonstrated to enhance plant resilience against various biotic and abiotic stresses, the potential of nano-silicon (NaSi), melatonin (MT), and their combined application in mitigating salinity-induced damage, particularly in relation to the medicinal properties of this medicinal and edible crop, remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of exogenous NaSi and MT application on Coix under salinity stress using two varieties with contrasting salinity tolerances. The plants were subjected to salinity stress and treated with NaSi, MT, or a combination of both. The results revealed that salinity stress significantly impaired the agronomic traits, physiological performance, and accumulation of medicinal compounds of Coix. Exogenous MT application effectively alleviated salinity-induced damage to agronomic and physiological parameters, exhibiting superior protective effects compared to NaSi treatment. Strikingly, the combined application of MT and NaSi demonstrated synergistic effects, leading to substantial improvements in growth and physiological indices. However, the medicinal components were only marginally affected by exogenous treatments under both control and salinity-stressed conditions. Further clarification of the molecular mechanisms underlying salinity stress responses and exogenous substance-induced effects is critical to achieving a comprehensive understanding of these protective mechanisms. Full article

Mozambique soils are known for having an unbalanced agronomic and environmental composition that results in poor agricultural production yields. However, agriculture is the main economic activity of Mozambique, and soils must be characterised for their elemental deficiencies and/or excesses. This paper sampled nine farms from the Manica and Sussundenga districts (Manica province) in three campaigns in 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024 (before and after the rainy seasons). They were subjected to a physical–chemical analysis to assess their quality from the fertility and environmental contamination point of view. Attending to the physical–chemical properties analysed, and for all the soils and sampling campaigns, a low concentration below the limit of detection for B of <0.2 mg/Kg for the majority of soils and a low concentration of Al < 0.025 mg/Kg for all the soils were obtained. Also, higher concentrations for the majority of soils for the Ca between 270 and 1634 mg/Kg, for the Mg between 41 and 601 mg/Kg, for the K between 17 and 406 mg/Kg, for the Mn between 13.6 and 522 mg/Kg, for the Fe between 66.3 and 243 mg/Kg, and for the P between <20 and 132 mg/Kg were estimated. In terms of texture and for the sand, a high percentage between 6.1 and 79% was found. In terms of metal concentrations and for all the soils of the Sussundenga district and sampling campaigns, a concentration above the reference value concentration for the Cr (76–1400 mg/Kg) and a concentration below the reference value concentration for the Pb (5–19 mg/Kg), Ba (13–120 mg/Kg) and for the Zn (10–61 mg/Kg) were evaluated. A multivariate data analysis methodology was used based on cluster and discriminant analysis. The analysis of twenty-three physical–chemical variables of the soils suggested four clusters of soils characterised by deficiencies and excess elements that must be corrected to improve the yield and quality of agricultural production. Moreover, the multivariate analysis of the metal composition of soil samples from the second and third campaigns, before and after the rainy season, suggested five clusters with a pristine composition and different metal pollutant compositions and concentrations. The information obtained in this study allows for the scientific comprehension of agricultural soil quality, which is crucial for designing agronomic and environmental corrective measures to improve food quality and quantity in the Manica and Sussundenga districts and ensure environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Full article

Soil salinity adversely affects crop growth and development, leading to reduced soil fertility and agricultural productivity. The indigenous salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), as a sustainable microbial resource, do not only promote growth and alleviate salt stress, but also improve the soil microecology of crops. The strain H5 isolated from saline-alkali soil in Bachu of Xinjiang was studied through whole-genome analysis, functional annotation, and plant growth-promoting, salt-tolerant trait gene analysis. Phylogenetic tree analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing confirmed its classification within the genus Halomonas. Functional annotation revealed that the H5 genome harbored multiple functional gene clusters associated with plant growth promotion and salt tolerance, which were critically involved in key biological processes such as bacterial survival, nutrient acquisition, environmental adaptation, and plant growth promotion. The pot experiment under moderate salt stress demonstrated that seed inoculation with Halomonas sp. H5 not only significantly improved the agronomic traits of tomato seedlings, but also increased plant antioxidant enzyme activities under salt stress. Additionally, soil analysis revealed H5 treatment significantly decreased the total salt (9.33%) and electrical conductivity (8.09%), while significantly improving organic matter content (11.19%) and total nitrogen content (10.81%), respectively (p < 0.05). Inoculation of strain H5 induced taxonomic and functional shifts in the rhizosphere microbial community, increasing the relative abundance of microorganisms associated with plant growth-promoting and carbon and nitrogen cycles, and reduced the relative abundance of the genera Alternaria (15.14%) and Fusarium (9.76%), which are closely related to tomato diseases (p < 0.05). Overall, this strain exhibits significant potential in alleviating abiotic stress, enhancing growth, improving disease resistance, and optimizing soil microecological conditions in tomato plants. These results provide a valuable microbial resource for saline soil remediation and utilization. Full article

Cannabis sativa L. is a versatile plant with applications in various sectors such as agriculture, medicine, food, and cosmetics. The therapeutic properties of cannabis are often linked to its secondary compounds. The worldwide cannabis market is undergoing swift changes due to varying legal frameworks. Medicinal cannabis (as a heterozygous and dioecious species) is distinct from most annual crops grown in controlled environments, typically propagated through stem cutting rather than seeds to ensure genetic uniformity. Consequently, as with any commercially cultivated crop, biomass yield plays a crucial role in overall productivity. The key factors involved in cultivation conditions, such as successful root establishment, stress tolerance, and the production cycle duration, are critical for safeguarding, improving, and optimizing plant yield. Grafting is a long-established horticultural practice that mechanically joins the scion and rootstock of distinct genetic origins by merging their vascular systems. This approach can mitigate undesirable traits by leveraging the strengths of particular plants, proving beneficial to various applications. Grafting is not used commercially in Cannabis. Only three very recent investigations suggest that grafting holds significant promise for enhancing both the agronomic and medicinal potential of Cannabis. This review critically examines the latest advancements in cannabis grafting and explores prospects for improving biomass (stem, root, flower, etc.) yield and secondary metabolite production. Full article

The production of winter wheat, spring barley, spring oilseed rape, and field beans requires detailed experimental data studies to analyze the quality and productivity of spring barley grain under different cultivation and tillage conditions. As the world’s population grows, more food is required to maintain a stable food supply chain. For many years, intensive farming systems have been used to meet this need. Today, intensive climate change events and other global environmental challenges are driving a shift towards sustainable use of natural resources and simplified cultivation methods that produce high-quality and productive food. It is important to study different tillage systems in order to understand how these methods can affect the chemical composition and nutritional value of the grain. Both agronomic and economic aspects contribute to the complexity of this field and their analysis will undoubtedly contribute to the development of more efficient agricultural practice models and the promotion of more conscious consumption. An appropriate tillage system should be oriented towards local climatic characteristics and people’s needs. The impact of reduced tillage on these indicators in spring barley production is still insufficiently investigated and requires further analysis at a global level. This study was carried out at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy (Lithuania) in 2022–2024. Treatments were arranged using a split-plot design. Based on a long-term tillage experiment, five tillage systems were tested: deep and shallow plowing, deep cultivation–chiseling, shallow cultivation–disking, and no-tillage. The results show that in 2022–2024, the hectoliter weight and moisture content of spring barley grains increased, but protein content and germination decreased in shallowly plowed fields. In deep cultivation–chiseling fields, the protein content (0.1–1.1%) of spring barley grains decreased, and in shallow cultivation–disking fields, the moisture content (0.2–0.3%) decreased. In all fields, the simplified tillage systems applied reduced spring barley germination (0.4–16.7%). Tillage systems and meteorological conditions are the two main forces shaping the quality indicators of spring barley grains. Properly selected tillage systems and favorable climatic conditions undoubtedly contribute to better grain properties and higher yields, while reducing the risk of disease spread. Full article

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp) is a vital food security crop in sub-Saharan Africa, including Eswatini. The productivity of the crop is low (<600 kg/ha) in the country due to a lack of improved, locally adapted, and farmer-preferred varieties with biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. The objective of the study was to assess the agronomic performance of newly developed elite cowpea mutants to select best-yielding and adapted pure lines for production and genetic improvement in Eswatini. A total of 30 cowpea genotypes, including 24 newly developed advanced mutant lines, their 3 founder parents and 3 local checks, were profiled for major agronomic traits in two selected sites (Lowveld Experiment and Malkerns Research Stations) using a 6 × 5 alpha lattice design with three replications. A combined analysis of variance revealed that the genotype x location interaction effects were significant (p < 0.05) for germination percentage (DG %), days to flowering (DTF), days to maturity (DMT), number of pods per plant (NPP), pod length (PDL), number of seeds per pod (NSP), hundred seed weight (HSW), and grain yield (GYD). Elite mutant genotypes, including NKL9P7, BRR4P11, SHR9P5, and NKL9P7-2 exhibited higher grain yields at 3158.8 kg/ha, 2651.6 kg/ha, 2627.5 kg/ha, and 2255.8 kg/ha in that order. The highest-yielding mutant, NKL9P7, produced 70%, 61%, and 54% more grain yield than the check varieties Mtilane, Black Eye, and Accession 792, respectively. Furthermore, the selected genotypes displayed promising yield components such as better PDL (varying from 13.1 to 26.3 cm), NPP (15.9 to 26.8), and NSP (9.8 to 16.2). Grain yield had significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) with DG %, NSP, and NPP. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that 81.5% of the total genotypic variation was attributable to the assessed quantitative traits. Principal component (PC) 1 accounted for 48.6%, while PC 2 and PC 3 contributed 18.9% and 14% of the overall variation, respectively. Key traits correlated with PC1 were NPP with a loading score of 0.91, NSP (0.83), PDL (0.73), GYD (0.68), HSW (0.58), DMT (−0.60), and DTF (−0.43) in a desirable direction. In conclusion, genotypes NKL9P7, BRR4P11, SHR9P5, NKL9P7-2, Bira, SHR3P4, and SHR2P7 were identified as complementary parents with relatively best yields and local adaptation, making them ideal selections for direct production or breeding. The following traits, NPP, NSP, PDL, GYD, and HSW, offered unique opportunities for genotype selection in the cowpea breeding program in Eswatini. Full article

The development of slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) based on production residues is a promising strategy to improve nutrient use efficiency and promote circular economy practices in agriculture. In this study, a series of experimental formulations were designed and tested using pumice scraps, liquid and dried blood, and bone meal, aiming at producing sustainable and low-cost N-P-K SRFs. These were processed through mixing and granulation, both in the laboratory and on a semi-industrial scale. The formulations were evaluated through release tests in 2% citric acid solution simulating the acidic conditions of the rhizosphere, and in acetic acid to assess potential nutrient leaching under acid rain conditions. The results showed a progressive cumulative release of macronutrients (NPKs), ranging from approximately 8% at 24 h to 73% after 90 days for the most effective formulation (WBF6). Agronomic trials on lettuce confirmed the effectiveness of WBF6, resulting in significant biomass increases compared with both the untreated control and a conventional fertilizer. The use of livestock waste and minerals facilitated the development of a scalable product aligned with the principles of sustainable agriculture. The observed release behavior, combined with the simplicity of production, positions these formulations as a promising alternative to conventional slow-release fertilizers. Full article

This study evaluates the agronomic potential of two types of vermicompost—one produced solely from wine industry residues (WIR) and one incorporating sewage sludge (WIR + SS)—under rainfed and deficit irrigation conditions in Mediterranean vineyards. The vermicompost was obtained through a two-phase process involving initial thermophilic pre-composting, followed by vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida for 90 days. The conditions were optimized to ensure aerobic decomposition and maintain proper moisture levels (70–85%) and temperature control. This resulted in end products that met the legal standards required for agricultural use. However, population dynamics revealed significantly higher worm reproduction and biomass in the WIR treatment, suggesting superior substrate quality. When applied to grapevines, WIR vermicompost increased soil organic matter, nitrogen availability, and overall fertility. Under rainfed conditions, it improved vegetative growth, yield, and must quality, with increases in yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), sugar content, and amino acid levels comparable to those achieved using chemical fertilizers, as opposed to the no-fertilizer trial. Foliar analyses at veraison revealed stronger nutrient uptake, particularly of nitrogen and potassium, which was correlated with improved oenological parameters compared to the no-fertilizer trial. In contrast, WIR + SS compost was less favorable due to lower worm activity and elevated trace elements, despite remaining within legal limits. These results support the use of vermicompost derived solely from wine residues as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, in line with the goals of the circular economy in viticulture. Full article

The water-soluble extract from vermicompost, also known as vermicompost tea (VT), has attracted interest in sustainable production research due to its potential to increase crop yields. However, information regarding the influence of this bioinput on strawberry cultivation remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different VT solution concentrations on the mass fruit, physiology, and fruit quality of the hybrid strawberry cultivar ‘Portola’. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, with foliar and substrate applications of VT solutions at varying concentrations (0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) over 150 days. Evaluations included the chemical composition of the VT, as well as the physiological and agronomic parameters of the strawberry plants, such as gas exchange, biometric data, the physicochemical quality of the fruit and the nutritional composition. Significant differences in gas exchange parameters, particularly intercellular CO₂ concentration and stomatal conductance, were observed at the final growth stage. Of the quality and compositional parameters of the strawberries, only the soluble solids/titratable acidity (SS/TA) ratio was affected. The various VT dilutions induced physiological alterations in the strawberry plants, with energy being allocated towards mass fruit at the expense of fruit quality, specifically in terms of the SS/TA ratio. Full article

The adoption of biological control strategies plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of organic agricultural practices. A field experiment was conducted in 2023 and 2024 to evaluate the impact of biological treatments using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and mycoparasitic fungus (MPF) Trichoderma virens applied through seed treatment and foliar application separately and in combination on agronomic characteristics and pea yield in organic cultivation. Seed treatment with LAB and MPF resulted in a notable improvement in shoot length and root dry weight, while an increase in root nodule number was observed exclusively with LAB. The combined application of MPF as a seed treatment and LAB as a foliar application at the flowering stage significantly enhanced pod weight per plant, seed number per pod and per plant, and seed weight compared to treatments with LAB applied as either a foliar or seed treatment separately, as well as the untreated control. However, the yield responses to individual and combined treatments under field conditions demonstrated variability and inconsistency. Protein content ranged from 21.24% to 21.61%, and no significant differences observed between treatments. This is the first field report directly comparing the effectiveness of treatments on organic pea production. The findings offer promising avenues for assessing the long-term impacts of these treatments on the sustainable intensification of pea cultivation. Full article

This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of biodegradable (BD) mulching film in onion cultivation, with a focus on plant growth, yield, soil environment, weed suppression, and film degradation, in comparison to conventional polyethylene (PE) film and non-mulching (NM) treatment across multiple regions and years (2023–2024). The BD and PE films demonstrated similar impacts on onion growth, bulb size, yield, and weed suppression, significantly outperforming NM, with yield increases of over 13%. There were no consistent differences in soil pH, electrical conductivity, and physical properties in crops that used either BD or PE film. Soil temperature and moisture were also comparable regardless of which film type was used, confirming BD’s viability as an alternative to PE. However, areas that used BD film had soils which exhibited reduced microbial populations, particularly Bacillus and actinomycetes which was likely caused by degradation by-products. BD film degradation was evident from 150 days post-transplantation, with near-complete decomposition at 60 days post-burial, whereas PE remained largely intact (≈98%) during the same period. These results confirm that BD film can match the agronomic performance of PE while offering the advantage of environmentally friendly degradation. Further research should optimize BD film durability and assess its cost-effectiveness for large-scale sustainable agriculture. Full article

Climate change presents urgent and complex challenges to agricultural sustainability and food security, particularly in regions reliant on resource-intensive staple crops. Smart agriculture—through the integration of crop modeling, satellite remote sensing, and artificial intelligence (AI)—offers data-driven strategies to enhance productivity, optimize input use, and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study introduces Farmdee-Mesook, a mobile-first smart agriculture platform designed specifically for Thai rice farmers. The platform leverages AquaCrop simulation, open-access satellite data, and localized agronomic models to deliver real-time, field-specific recommendations. Usability-focused design and no-cost access facilitate its widespread adoption, particularly among smallholders. Empirical results show that platform users achieved yield increases of up to 37%, reduced agrochemical costs by 59%, and improved water productivity by 44% under alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation schemes. These outcomes underscore the platform’s role as a scalable, cost-effective solution for operationalizing climate-smart agriculture. Farmdee-Mesook demonstrates that digital technologies, when contextually tailored and institutionally supported, can serve as critical enablers of climate adaptation and sustainable agricultural transformation. Full article

Late sowing and spring low temperatures have a great impact on the growth and maturation of wheat in the rice–wheat rotation region. In order to analyze the impacts of cold stress in February in early spring on yield formation and agronomic traits of wheat on different sowing dates, a controlled pot experiment was performed using the widely promoted and applied spring-type wheat variety Yangmai23 (YM23). The yield of wheat treated with late sowing date II (SDII, 21 November) and overly late sowing date III (SDIII, 9 December) were both lower than that of wheat sown on the suitable date I (SDI, 1 November). The yield of late-sown wheat decreased by 40.82% for SDII and by 66.77% for SDIII, compared with SDI, and these three treatments of wheat all grew under the natural conditions as the control treatments. The plant height, stem diameter of the internode below the ear, flag leaf length and area, and total awn length of the spike, as well as the spike length of late-sown wheat, were all significantly lower than those of wheat in SDI treatment. Early spring low temperatures exacerbated the decline in yield of wheat sown on different dates, to some extent. Despite showing higher net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate in flag leaves of the SDIII treatment under low-temperature stress than those of the other treatments at anthesis, overly late sowing led to minimal leaf area, shorter plant height, fewer tillers, and smaller ears, ultimately resulting in the lowest yield. Our study suggested that additional focus and some regulation techniques are needed to be studied further to mitigate the combined negative impacts of late sowing and low-temperature stress in early spring on wheat production. Full article

Combining potassium-containing rocks with conventional KCl may improve the agronomic use of K rock and reduce leaching from high-soluble sources. The aim of this study was to evaluate K rocks (phonolite and alkaline) and the mixture with KCl at different K rates on the biomass production of maize and rice (residual effect), K uptake, and K leaching. The experiment was conducted in greenhouse columns with sandy soil. The experimental design included four K sources: PR (phonolite rock), PR + KCl in an 86:14 mass ratio, AR (alkaline rock), and KCl; three K rates (100, 200, and 400 mg kg⁻¹); and a control (no K), with five replicates. PR + KCl resulted in similar maize biomass (120 g column⁻¹) and K uptake (18 mg g⁻¹) compared to KCl, and it was higher than the PR, the AR, and the control, which produced 86, 48, and 32 g column⁻¹, respectively. The residual effect of PR, PR + KCl, and KCl generated similar rice biomass. K leaching reached 15% of K applied with KCl and was reduced by 50% with K rocks. Thus, the mixture of PR + KCl can improve K fertilization compared to KCl, enhancing maize and rice biomass while reducing K leaching. Full article