Search Results (59)

In the face of growing demand for food and climate change, ensuring the stability and height of crop yields is becoming a key challenge for modern agriculture. One of the solutions supporting the sustainable development of crop production is the use of certified seed. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of using certified seed on the level and stability of yields of three cereal species: winter wheat, winter triticale and spring barley, in temperate climate conditions. Data came from surveys conducted on over 8000 farms in six agroecoregions of Poland in 2021–2023. The analysis showed significantly higher yields on farms using certified seed for all species studied. Additionally, greater yield stability (lower values of Shukla variance and Wricke ecovalence) was noted in the case of using certified seeds, especially in region IV. This indicates the positive impact of certified seeds (e.g., genetic purity, health, and vigor) on the efficiency and resilience of agricultural systems. This phenomenon is of particular importance in the context of climate change and may be an important element of risk management strategies in agriculture. Full article

Traditional seed supply chains face several hidden risks. Certain regulatory departments tend to focus primarily on entity circulation while neglecting the origin and accuracy of data in seed quality supervision, resulting in limited precision and low credibility of traceability information related to quality and safety. Blockchain technology offers a systematic solution to key issues such as data source distortion and insufficient regulatory penetration in the seed supply chain by enabling data rights confirmation, tamper-proof traceability, smart contract execution, and multi-node consensus mechanisms. In this study, we developed a system that integrates blockchain and neural networks to provide seed traceability services. When uploading seed traceability information, the neural network models are employed to verify the authenticity of information provided by humans and save the tags on the blockchain. Various neural network architectures, such as Multilayer Perceptron, Recurrent Neural Network, Fully Convolutional Neural Network, and Long Short-term Memory model architectures, have been tested to determine the authenticity of seed traceability information. Among these, the Long Short-term Memory model architecture demonstrated the highest accuracy, with an accuracy rate of 90.65%. The results demonstrated that neural networks have significant research value and potential to assess the authenticity of information in a blockchain. In the application scenario of seed quality traceability, using blockchain and neural networks to determine the authenticity of seed traceability information provides a new solution for seed traceability. This system empowers farmers by providing trustworthy seed quality information, enabling better purchasing decisions and reducing risks from counterfeit or substandard seeds. Furthermore, this mechanism fosters market circulation of certified high-quality seeds, elevates crop yields, and contributes to the sustainable growth of agricultural systems. Full article

Understanding agricultural production dynamics is vital for addressing global food security in the least developed countries. In Senegal, the issues of rural development and enhancing agricultural productivity are still less understood. Using survey data (n = 600) from the Thiès region, this study aims to explore factors that influence agricultural productivity in Senegal. The multinomial probit model is estimated using maximum simulated likelihood (MSL) methods. This approach is necessary due to the presence of multiple-choice categories. The results highlight that young farmers aged 18–30 are less likely to achieve high production (>10 tons) compared to their older counterparts (p < 0.01). In contrast, older farmers (31–60) report higher income stability (p < 0.05). Education levels also impact production, with farmers having lower or upper secondary education being less likely to attain high production than illiterate farmers (p < 0.05). Receiving subsidies reduces the likelihood of high production (p < 0.01). Larger landholdings (>1 ha) correlate with lower production odds (p < 0.01), suggesting diminishing returns. Gender disparities are evident, with male farmers being 45.6% more likely to report income declines (p < 0.1). Marginal effects show that acquiring land through rental or purchase significantly boosts income (p < 0.01), while traditional ploughing increases the sown area (p < 0.01). Policymakers should enhance training in agriculture, improve subsidies, secure land tenure, and promote certified seeds to boost productivity. This study highlights the need for targeted policies on training, subsidies, land tenure, and sustainable practices to enhance Senegal’s agricultural productivity. Full article

The continued emergence of weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Taiwan poses serious challenges to seed purity and commercial rice cultivation, particularly under transplanting systems. These off-type individuals, often marked by a red pericarp, reduce varietal integrity and complicate seed propagation. This study evaluated the morphological variation among 117 Taiwan weedy rice (TWR) accessions and 55 control cultivars, which include 24 temperate japonica cultivars (TEJ), 24 indica cultivars, and seven U.S. weedy rice (UWR) types. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that TWR shares vegetative traits with modern cultivars but exhibits grain morphology resembling indica landraces—indicating weak artificial selection pressure on grain traits during nursery propagation. TWR was also found to possess a suite of adaptive weedy traits, including semi-dwarfism, delayed heading, high shattering, and superior seed storability, facilitating its persistence in field conditions. These findings provide critical insights for integrated weed management and cultivar purity strategies, emphasizing the importance of certified seed use, stringent field hygiene, and disruption of weedy rice reproductive cycles. Full article

Smallholder potato farmers in Ethiopia do not realize the theoretical yield potential of the crop because they do not benefit from the advantages of using quality seed potato of improved varieties. The high disease incidence in seed potatoes has large implications on the potato farming system since the country lacks appropriate seed quality assurance mechanisms. Seed potato quality assurance relies more on the technical support provided by the national research and extension systems than the official seed certification agency. This paper elaborates systematic challenges and opportunities within the potato seed system and poses two research questions: (1) What type of seed quality assurance mechanisms (informal, quality declared, certified) are under implementation in Ethiopia? (2) How does the current seed quality assurance system operate in terms of reliability, accessibility, and quality standards to deliver quality seed potato? The data were collected through face-to-face in-depth key informant interviews with various seed regulatory laboratory managers and technicians in the Oromia, SNNP, and SWEP regions in the main seed- and ware-producing areas of Ethiopia. This was complemented by a comprehensive analysis of relevant documents. The findings show that currently there is no established procedure in place to officially certify early-generation seed potatoes. Two out of six seed quality control laboratories assessed for this study inspected seed potato fields in 2021 but as quality declared seed (QDS), and approved the fields inspected based on visual inspection alone. Our study revealed a weak linkage between early-generation seed (EGS) potato producers, commercial, and QDS seed potato producers, and seed quality control laboratories. Seed potato quality assurance operations were carried out by only a few seed regulatory laboratories with several concerns raised over the effectiveness of quality standards since seed-borne diseases, such as bacterial wilt, have been found at high frequency in the country’s seed potato system. Hence, the current procedures and challenges call for the necessity of upgrading current quality assurance in seed potato certification. Our study underlines the need for policymakers, development partners, and researchers to collaborate and pool efforts to consider transforming the quality declared system to appropriate seed certification. We recommended that institutionalizing novel plant disease diagnostics into seed regulatory frameworks is needed for sustainable potato production and food security in Ethiopia. Full article

Do the intensive demonstrations result in consistent technology adoption and yield enhancement? While extension methods show significant immediate effects of an intervention, their impact may fade over time. In a government-led natural experiment in Pakistan, a long-lasting adoption of certified seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides/herbicides in post-treatment years were observed by employing difference–indifferences with a fixed effect method on panel data. The intervention increased the technology adoption in terms of certified seeds by 34%, fertilizers by 15 kg/ha, and pesticides/herbicides by 0.22 L/ha among adopters for four years. Similarly, the wheat yield increased by 0.41 tons per hectare, and profit increased by 12% among the treatment group compared to the control group. In view of these findings, this study suggests continuing this supervised method of extension to other crops in Pakistan. Full article

As a globally significant economic crop, the seed size of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is jointly regulated by internal genetic factors and external environmental signals. This study discovered that the GLN family proteins in soybean are similar to the KIX-PPD-MYC transcriptional repressor complex in Arabidopsis, potentially influencing seed size by regulating the expression of the downstream gene GIF1. Additionally, β-1,3-glucanase (βGlu) plays a crucial role in antifungal activity, cell composition, flower development, pollen development, abiotic resistance, seed germination, and maturation in soybean. Through a detailed analysis of the structure, chromosomal localization, phylogenetic relationships, and expression situations in different tissues at different stages of the soybean GLN gene family members, this research certifies a theoretical foundation for subsequent research on the biological functions of GLN genes in soybean. This research incorporated a comprehensive genomic identification and expression analysis of the GLN gene family in soybean. The results indicate that the 109 soybean GLN genes are unevenly distributed across soybean chromosomes and exhibit diverse expression patterns in different tissues, suggesting they may have distinct functions in soybean morphogenesis. GO enrichment analysis shows that the GLN gene family may participate in a variety of biological activities, cellular components, and molecular biological processes, particularly in catalytic activity, cellular components, and metabolic processes. These findings provide important information for comprehending the role of the GLN gene family in soybean and offer potential targets for molecular breeding of soybean. Full article

Algae extracts may be a promising alternative to harmful chemicals and pesticides used commercially in the cultivation of plants with higher nutritional and health-promoting values. The cultivation of barley microgreens (Hordeum vulgare L.) was facilitated by the use of aqueous extracts from Fucus vesiculosus algae, which served as a biostimulant. Seeds for experiments were produced in accordance with EU standards, certified as organic and used to grow plants in a controlled pot experiment. A qualitative analysis of the extract, which was used to irrigate the plants, was also performed in this study, as well as stimulating properties by activating the system protecting against oxidative stress. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFV) and enzymes involved in their formation such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as enzymes involved in the removal of reactive oxygen species such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were determined in the obtained microgreen samples. Antioxidant activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was also evaluated. A noticeable increase in SOD content and antioxidant activity against DPPH was observed in barley microgreen samples after extract treatment. These results suggest that the use of extracts of this beneficial alga can enhance the antioxidant activity of the barley microgreens. Full article

The rocoto (Capsicum pubescens Ruiz & Pav.) (Solanaceae) is an endemic herbaceous chili pepper from Peru. Low yields of rocoto production are due to the low availability of certified seeds or the production of superior plant seedlings. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish an in vitro protocol for the regeneration and multiplication of rocoto shoots. The multiplication was carried out on shoot tips excised from rocoto seedlings germinated under in vitro conditions, and then the explants were placed on Murashigue and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Kinetin: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/L. For rooting, shoots were obtained from the multiplication phase and placed under different treatments made up of MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of indole butyric acid (IBA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA): 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/L. In the multiplication phase, the best results were observed with MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BAP, with 82.22% shoot development, 2.93 shoots per explant and 2.75 cm shoot length. In the rooting phase, the best results were observed with MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L IBA, with 91.11% root development, 9.73 roots per explant and 6.79 cm root length. Here, we show the first evidence and tool for the in vitro regeneration and multiplication of rocoto chili pepper, which could be used for the multiplication of superior genotypes, germplasm in vitro conservation and its use in plant breeding programs. Full article

Potatoes are a crop that thrives in highland areas, and Bandung Regency is one of the major potato production centers in West Java. This production center is located in an environmentally focused village development area within the Cisangkuy Sub-Watershed of Bandung Regency. The purpose of this study is to identify risks arising from various risk sources and to formulate risk control strategies for potato production in this region. The method used is the house of risk (HOR) method. In farming activities, farmers must comply with environmental regulations. However, many farmers are still unaware of the importance of environmental sustainability, particularly in their use of chemicals. To actively engage in environmental management efforts, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of potato farmers in Bandung Regency, especially those located in the development area of environmentally focused villages within the Cisangkuy Sub-Watershed. The results of this study identified 33 risk events. The risk event with the highest impact is waterlogged plants (E10), with an impact value of 8.9. Based on the Pareto diagram, 16 priority risk sources need to be addressed. The most significant risk source identified is the use of uncertified seeds (A29). To mitigate risks in potato production, 21 preventive actions (PAs) have been proposed. One of the most effective strategies is for farmers to purchase seed potatoes directly from Balitsa (PA1), with an effectiveness ratio (ETD) of 4372. Another recommended strategy is to purchase certified seeds from other breeders (PA2). These strategies are prioritized to reduce the risks faced by potato farmers. Full article

Pospiviroids infect a wide range of plant species, and many pospiviroids can be transmitted to potato and tomato. Pospiviroids continue to be a major production constraint as well as of quarantine concern for the movement of germplasm, and are regulated in several countries/regions. The USDA APHIS issued a federal order requiring all imported tomato and pepper seeds be certified free of six pospiviroids of quarantine significance. The six pospiviroids of quarantine interest include CLVd, PCFVd, PSTVd, TASVd, TCDVd, TPMVd. Currently, those six viroids are detected by real-time RT-PCR. CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing has been increasingly used for virus detection in the past five years. We used a rapid Cas13-based Specific High-sensitivity Enzymatic Reporter unLOCKing (SHERLOCK) platform for pospiviroid detection, determined the limits of detection and specificity of CRISPR-Cas13a assays. This platform combines recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with CRISPR and CRISPR-associated (CRISPR-Cas) RNA-guided endoribonuclease that is rapid and does not require expensive equipment, and can be adapted for on-site detection. Full article

Protected geographical indications (PGIs) share health problems related to plant propagation material. The PGI “Faba de Lourenzá” encompasses a 1660 km² area in northern Galicia, Spain, renowned for its “Faba Galaica” (FG) and Faba do marisco” (FM) bean cultivars. The lack of certified virus-free seeds poses a challenge. From 2019 to 2023, seeds from 60 lots were tested for BCMV. Plants from several plots were tested periodically to develop disease progress curves (DPCs). Control methods (plots out PGI zone, virus-free seedlings, rogueing, corn borders, and intercropping) were tested. Yields in five plots were used to assess BCMV’s economic impact. Seed lots were 22.3% FG-infected and <5% FM-infected. The transmission rate of BCMV from infected FG plants to their seeds was 25.5 ± 5%, while for FM it was 12 ± 3%. FG yield losses were on average 31.6 ± 4.5%. Combining virus-free seedlings and infected plant removal in plots outside the PGI area proved effective at reducing infection rates; combining with intercropping resulted in the lowest incidence in an FG plot. Farmer training and off-site plot selection to produce healthy sowing beans are key to improving results. Full article

The criteria of “Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability” as well as a high “overall quality index” are used to register the Italian modern varieties to the national register. Differently, local conservation varieties can be certified under different EU Directives that facilitate, as an overall objective, the preservation of biodiversity and the containment of genetic erosion. In recent years, products derived from ancient grains are perceived to be healthier and more sustainable by consumers, especially in Italy, with consequent higher market prices. The ancient tetraploid wheat varieties registered in the national register of conservation varieties amount to 28, 24 of which are Sicilian. They are supposed to have wide genetic variability compared to modern ones, making them vulnerable to fraud because they are difficult to trace. It is therefore important to have tools able to discriminate between autochthonous Sicilian varieties. This can be completed by gluten proteins composition, which also provides information on the technological properties of derived products. Fifty-one accessions belonging to twenty-two ancient varieties of Sicilian tetraploid (mostly durum) wheat were analyzed. Although wide intra-accession and intra-varietal variability measurements were assessed, the gliadin pattern of bulks of seeds belonging to each variety was discriminatory. Moreover, differences in technological attitudes were found between landraces. This paves the way to use gluten protein patterns for traceability, allowing local farmers and producers to valorize their products and assure consumers regarding the transparency of the entire supply chain. Full article

Although plant characterization under the International Potato Center’s (CIP’s) aeroponic system requires many morpho-physiological parameters to evaluate a cultivar, there is no method to evaluate the best parameters or the most suitable cultivation time. Thus, several morpho-physiological parameters were compared under a modified aeroponic system, using different statistical tools, to determine the best parameters and most efficient time to characterize seed-potato plants. We evaluated 21 parameters for cv. Agata under a randomized complete block design with weekly harvests for 9 weeks. The best parameters for growth characterization were selected based on multivariate statistical approaches involving correlation plots, similarity clusters (dendrograms), and principal component analysis. The best parameters for seed potato characterization were as follows, in order of importance: main stem diameter, leaf number, the length of the fourth leaf, leaf area, number of mini-tubers, mini-tuber fresh weight, root dry weight, and total dry weight. The days after transplanting (DAT) significantly affected the morpho-physiological parameters, with 45 DAT being the best cultivation time to estimate mini-tuber yield, and the data for bi-weekly harvests were as reliable as for weekly harvests. Our results, applied to either the CIP or to our modified aeroponics method, will be valuable in streamlining the characterization of other seed potato cultivars used by certified producers. Full article

Today, plastic materials are mostly made from fossil resources, and they are characterized by their long lifetime and pronounced persistence in the open environment. These attributes of plastics are one cause of the ubiquitous pollution we see in our environment. When plastics end up in the environment, most of this pollution can be attributed to a lack of infrastructure for appropriately collecting and recycling plastic waste, mainly due to mismanagement. Because of the huge production volumes of plastics, their merits of being cheap to produce and process and their recalcitrance have turned into a huge disadvantage, since plastic waste has become the end point of our linear economic usage model, and massive amounts have started to accumulate in the environment, leading to microplastics pollution and other detrimental effects. A possible solution to this is offered by “bioplastics”, which are materials that are either (partly) biobased and/or degradable under defined conditions. With the rise of bioplastics in the marketplace, several standards and test protocols have been developed to assess, certify, and advertise their properties in this respect. This article summarizes and critically discusses different views on bioplastics, mainly related to the properties of biodegradability and biobased carbon content; this shall allow us to find a common ground for clearly addressing and categorizing bioplastic materials, which could become an essential building block in a circular economy. Today, bioplastics account for only 1–2% of all plastics, while technically, they could replace up to 90% of all fossil-based plastics, particularly in short-lived goods and packaging, the single most important area of use for conventional plastics. Their replacement potential not only applies to thermoplastics but also to thermosets and elastomers. Bioplastics can be recycled through different means, and they can be made from renewable sources, with (bio)degradability being an option for the mismanaged fraction and special applications with an intended end of life in nature (such as in seed coatings and bite protection for trees). Bioplastics can be used in composites and differ in their properties, similarly to conventional plastics. Clear definitions for “biobased” and “biodegradable” are needed to allow stakeholders of (bio)plastics to make fact-based decisions regarding material selection, application, and end-of-life options; the same level of clarity is needed for terms like “renewable carbon” and “bio-attributed” carbon, definitions of which are summarized and discussed in this paper. Full article