Search Results (90)

Synthetic herbicides such as glyphosate and 2,4-D are widely used in agriculture but can negatively impact non-target organisms, including microorganisms essential for ecological balance. Yeasts associated with pollinating insects play crucial roles in plant–insect interactions, yet their responses to herbicides remain understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of yeasts isolated from bees and beetles to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a plant-growth-promoting hormone, as well as their ability to tolerate or degrade glyphosate (in the commercial herbicide Zapp QI 620^®) and 2,4-D (in the commercial Aminol 806^®). Seven yeast strains were isolated from insects, identified via ITS sequencing, and assessed for IAA production in YPD medium. Growth assays were conducted under varying herbicide concentrations, and 2,4-D degradation was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. All strains produced IAA, with Papiliotrema siamensis CHAP-239 exhibiting the highest yield (4.17 mg/L). Glyphosate completely inhibited growth in all strains, while 2,4-D showed dose-dependent effects, with four strains tolerating lower concentrations. Notably, Meyerozyma caribbica CHAP-248 degraded up to 46% of 2,4-D at 6.045 g/L. These findings highlight the ecological risks herbicides pose to beneficial yeasts and suggest the potential of certain strains for bioremediation in herbicide-contaminated environments. Overall, the study underscores the importance of preserving microbial biodiversity in the context of sustainable agriculture. Full article

Humin, as the most stable fraction in soil organic matter, determines possibility of sustainable environmental development by influencing, among other things, the binding and migration of different chemicals in soil. The aim of this paper was to determine changes in the properties of humins after interaction with three selected active substances of herbicides differing in structure and chemical properties (pendimethalin, metazachlor, and flufenacet) and two different commercial products. In accordance with OECD 106 guidelines, humins isolated from eight different soils were saturated with herbicide compounds under study. As humin is a non-hydrolyzable organic carbon fraction, solid state research techniques (elemental analysis, NMR, FTIR, EPR, and UV-Vis) were applied. The results clearly showed that the interaction between humin and herbicides increases the concentration of oxygen-containing groups and the internal oxidation (ω) in humin. For all investigated humins, a reduction in radical concentration was observed. Radicals in humins were not completely quenched; a certain concentration of radicals with unchanged structure always remained in the samples. Other spectroscopic analyses showed no significant changes in the structure of pesticide-saturated and non-saturated humins. This suggests that sorption of the studied compounds occurs on the humins only as a result of the interaction of physical forces on the surface of the studied organic matter fraction. Thus, interaction with the studied herbicides occurs as a surface phenomenon, and the inner core remains protected by the condensed structure and/or strong binding to the clay minerals. Full article

Florida citrus production has declined by over 90% since the bacterial disease huanglongbing (HLB) was found in the state. In the absence of an effective cure, growers are adopting more frequent fertilization and irrigation practices to improve tree health and prolong the life span of their orchards. However, Florida’s soils under citrus production are sandy, with little organic matter, a low water holding capacity, and a low cation exchange capacity (CEC), rendering them prone to nutrient leaching. Organic amendments can be used to improve soil health and the environment for citrus roots, but may promote a higher incidence of weeds competing with trees for water and nutrients. A large field trial was established in a commercial citrus orchard in southwest Florida to evaluate the effects of organic amendments and weed management on young tree growth. The organic amendment treatments were as follows: (1) plant-based compost, (2) humic acid, and (3) a non-amended control. The weed management (herbicide) treatments were (1) glyphosate, (2) glufosinate, (3) flumioxazin, and (4) a maintenance herbicide control. Trees were planted in August 2019, and treatments began in 2021. Tree growth and physiological variables and soil physicochemical properties were evaluated during the two-year study. Compost-amended plots had a higher volumetric water content throughout the experiment, and soil nutrient content, organic matter, CEC, and pH were higher after two years of application. Humic acid amendments were less effective in altering these soil properties. Compost’s effects on tree and fibrous root physiology were moderate, and tree growth, fruit yield and fruit quality were not affected by either organic amendment. In contrast, the use of post-emergent herbicides (glyphosate and glufosinate) improved tree growth and nutrient uptake. The results suggest that in Florida, the use of organic amendments needs to be integrated with weed management to prevent resource competition. In the short term, these practices did not improve the productivity of the trees in the current Florida production environment. Full article

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key component of soil that determines the possibility of sustainable development of the environment by influencing, among other things, the binding and migration of elements in the soil. The properties of SOM are largely dependent on the properties of humic acids (HAs). New information about changes in their structure, determining their characteristics, can be obtained on the basis of their optical properties. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the selected herbicides on the optical properties of HAs indicating changes in their structure. HAs were extracted from the mollic horizon of different phaeozems. The effect of HA interaction with two herbicides was assessed using UV–Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence. The investigation indicated clear differences in the structure of the HA molecules investigated as a result of interaction with the herbicides used. Each herbicide showed a different effect, likely due to the adjuvants used, which enhanced or weakened the process of HA–herbicide–HA complex formation. The results obtained show that the different additives used in the commercial products strongly influence the ability of HA to bind pesticides. Full article

Citrus is a major crop in the SE US, with groves located primarily in Florida, but adapted cultivars have allowed for the expansion of commercial production into the Coastal Plains region of Georgia. Indaziflam, a cellulose biosynthesis inhibiting residual herbicide, controls numerous grass and broadleaf weed species. Research conducted in Georgia from 2020 to 2022 determined the optimal rate and tree response to indaziflam applications. Biannual treatments applied in April and November in established satsuma citrus groves included residual herbicides indaziflam, flumioxazin, diuron, pendimethalin, simazine, and norflurazon. The data indicated no negative impact on tree diameter growth over 30 months after application initiation. Indaziflam provided residual activity in the first year with >80% weed control for bermudagrass and pink purslane and >70% of cutleaf evening primrose, cutleaf geranium, and wild radish. Greater than 69% of weed control was maintained with indaziflam after sequential application for 2 years. All other herbicides provided inadequate residual weed control. Indaziflam PRE applied in citrus groves in Georgia can provide growers with a reliable herbicide option that has been proven to be safe for trees and season-long weed control. Full article

Recurrent selection for early vigour traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has provided an opportunity to generate competitive biotypes to suppress agronomically important weeds. Quantifying the potential benefits of competitive genotypes, including yield improvement and reduced frequency of herbicide application when incorporated into a long-term rotation, is vital to increase grower adoption. In this simple economic model, we evaluated a weed-suppressive early vigour genotype utilising on-farm experimental results and simulation analysis to predict gross margins for a seven-year wheat-canola rotation in southeastern Australia. The model applied a local weather sequence and predicted wheat production potential, costs and benefits over time. An early vigour wheat genotype was compared to commercial wheat cultivars for weed control, yield and actual production cost. With respect to weed control, three scenarios were evaluated in the model: standard herbicide use with a commercial cultivar (A), herbicide use reduced moderately by inclusion of an early vigour wheat genotype and elimination of the postharvest grass herbicide (B) or inclusion of an early vigour wheat genotype and withdrawal of both postharvest grass and broadleaf herbicides (C). Cost savings for the use of a competitive wheat genotype ranged from 12 AUD/ha in scenario B to 40 AUD/ha in scenario C, for a total saving of 52 AUD/ha. The model generated annual background gross margins, which varied from 300 AUD/ha to 1400 AUD/ha based on historical weather conditions, production costs and crop prices over the 30-year period from 1992 to 2021. The benefits of lower costs for each of the three scenarios are presented with rolling seven-year average wheat–canola rotation gross margins over the 30-year period. The limitations of this model for evaluation of weed suppression and cost benefits are discussed, as well as relative opportunities for adoption of early vigour traits in wheat. Full article

Herbicides are essential tools for the phytosanitary security of agricultural areas, but their excessive use can cause problems in agricultural production systems and have negative impacts on human health and the environment. The objective of this study was to present and discuss the main causes behind the increase in herbicide commercialization in Brazil between 2010 and 2020. Data from the Brazilian pesticide database, provided by the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (IBAMA), were used. In 2010 and 2020, Brazil sold 157,512 and 329,697 tons of herbicide active ingredients, respectively, representing a 128.1% increase in commercialization over 11 years. Some herbicides, such as clethodim, haloxyfop-methyl, triclopyr, glufosinate, 2,4-D, diclosulam, and flumioxazin, showed increases in sales volumes between 2010 and 2020 of 2672.8%, 896.9%, 953.5%, 290.2%, 233.8%, 561.3%, and 531.6%, respectively, percentages far exceeding the expansion of Brazil’s agricultural area. The primary reason for this sharp increase in herbicide sales was the worsening cases of weeds resistant and tolerant to glyphosate, with species such as Conyza spp., Amaranthus spp., Digitaria insularis, and Eleusine indica standing out. This situation created the necessity of the use of additional herbicides to achieve effective chemical control of these weed species. Full article

Improving the efficiency of germplasm innovation has always been the aim of rice breeders. Traditional hybrid breeding methods for variety selection rarely meet the practical needs of rice production. The emergence of genome-editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9, provides a new approach to the genetic improvement of crops such as rice. The number of published scientific papers related to “gene editing” and “CRISPR/Cas9” retrievable on websites both from China and other countries exhibited an increasing trend, year by year, from 2014 to 2023. Research related to gene editing in rice accounts for 33.4% and 12.3% of all the literature on gene editing published in China and other countries, respectively, much higher than that on maize and wheat. This article reviews recent research on CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology in rice, especially germplasm innovation and genetic improvement of commercially promoted varieties with improved traits such as disease, insect, and herbicide resistance, salt tolerance, quality, nutrition, and safety. The aim is to provide a reference for the precise and efficient development of new rice cultivars that meet market demand. Full article

Selectable marker genes are useful for recognizing which cells have integrated specific sequences in their genome after genetic transformation processes. They are especially important for fruit trees genetic transformation to individuate putatively genetically modified events, because most of the protocols used to genetic engineer these species are often unsuccessful or with low efficiency. Traditional selectable marker genes, mainly of bacterial origin, confer antibiotics/herbicides-resistance or metabolic advantages to transformed cells. Genes that allow the visual recognition of engineered tissues without using any selective agent, such as morphogenic regulators and reporter genes, are also used as selection tools to in vitro identify genetically modified regenerated lines. As final step, genetic engineered plants should be tested in field conditions, where selectable marker genes are no longer necessary, and strongly unpopular especially for the commercial development of the new products. Thus, different approaches, mainly based on the use of site-specific recombinases and/or editing nucleases, are being now used to recover marker-free fruit crops. This review describes and comments the most used and suitable selection tools of interest, particularly for fruit tree genetic engineering. Lastly, a spotlight highlights the biosafety aspects related to the use of selectable marker genes exploited for fruit species genetic engineering. Full article

Using plant extracts to replace traditional chemical herbicides plays an essential role in sustainable agriculture. The present work evaluated the quality of durum wheat cv Valbelice in two years (2014 and 2016) using plant aqueous extracts of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) and mugwort (Artemisia arborescens L.) as bio-herbicides on the main quality characteristics of durum wheat. The untreated, water-treated, and chemically treated durum wheat products were also analyzed as controls. Following the official methodologies, grain commercial analyses and defects of the kernels were determined. The main chemical and technological features were determined on the wholemeal flour: proteins, dry matter, dry gluten, gluten index, colorimetric parameters, mixograph, falling number, and sedimentation test in SDS. An experimental bread-making test was performed, and the main parameters were detected on the breads: bread volume, weight, moisture, porosity, hardness, and colorimetric parameters on crumb and crust. Within the two years, grain commercial analyses of the total five treatments showed no statistically significant differences concerning test weight (range 75.47–84.33 kg/hL) and thousand kernel weight (range 26.58–35.36 kg/hL). Differently, significant differences were observed in terms of kernel defects, particularly starchy kernels, black pointed kernels, and shrunken kernels, mainly due to the year factor. Analyses on the whole-grain flours showed significant differences. This affected dry gluten content (7.35% to 16.40%) and gluten quality (gluten index from 6.44 to 45.81). Mixograph results for mixing time ranged from 1.90 min to 3.15 min, whilst a peak dough ranged from 6.83 mm to 9.85 mm, showing, in both cases, statistically significant differences between treatments. The falling number showed lower values during the first year (on average 305 s) and then increased in the second year (on average 407 s). The sedimentation test showed no statistically significant differences, ranging from 27.75 mm to 34.00 mm. Regarding the bread produced, statistically significant year-related differences were observed for the parameters loaf volume during the first year (on average 298.75 cm³) and then increased in the second year (on average 417.33 cm³). Weight range 136.85 g to 145.18 g and moisture range 32.50 g/100 g to 39.51 g/100 g. Hardness range 8.65 N to 12.75 N and porosity (range 5.00 to 8.00) were closely related to the type of treatment. Finally, the color of flour and bread appeared to be not statistically significantly affected by treatment type. From a perspective of environmental and economic sustainability, the use of plant extracts with a bio-herbicidal function could replace traditional chemical herbicides. Full article

Weeds cause significant agricultural losses worldwide, and herbicides have traditionally been the main solution to this problem. However, the extensive use of herbicides has led to multiple cases of weed resistance, which could generate an increase in the application concentration and consequently a higher persistence in the environment, hindering natural degradation processes. Consequently, more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as microbial bioherbicides, have been sought. Although these bioherbicides are promising, their efficacy remains a challenge, as evidenced by their limited commercial and industrial production. This article reviews the current status of microbial-based bioherbicides and highlights the potential of cell-free metabolites to improve their efficacy and commercial attractiveness. Stirred tank bioreactors are identified as the most widely used for production-scale submerged fermentation. In addition, the use of alternative carbon and nitrogen sources, such as industrial waste, supports the circular economy. Furthermore, this article discusses the optimization of downstream processes using bioprospecting and in silico technologies to identify target metabolites, which leads to more precise and efficient production strategies. Bacterial bioherbicides, particularly those derived from Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas, and fungal bioherbicides from genera such as Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Trichoderma and Phoma, show significant potential. Nevertheless, limitations such as their restricted range of action, their persistence in the environment, and regulatory issues restrict their commercial availability. The utilization of cell-free microbial metabolites is proposed as a promising solution due to their simpler handling and application. In addition, modern technologies, including encapsulation and integrated management with chemical herbicides, are investigated to enhance the efficacy and sustainability of bioherbicides. Full article

Innovations in agricultural bio-inputs can lead to sustainable alternatives to replace synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. However, there is no clear understanding of what technologies can become available to farmers as commercial products, particularly in developing countries. This study summarizes the innovations used in commercial products in Argentina and Brazil based on the countries’ official data and on in-depth surveys conducted with 14 bio-input private companies. The results reveal ongoing development efforts to improve traditional products, such as inoculants that help plants fix nitrogen. There is also progress in mastering the formulation of new bio-inputs, such as bio-fertilizers that promote plant growth and bio-pesticides for pest control. Lastly, the next generation of bio-inputs composed of phytovaccines promises to help prepare plants’ immune systems against the attack of pathogenic fungi and bacteria, while bio-herbicides can potentially reduce the use of synthetic herbicides to prepare fields for harvest. Domestic companies based in Argentina and Brazil play an important role in these innovations that can underpin bio-economy growth in developing countries. Full article

In recent years, interest in natural products with herbicidal activity as new tools for integrated weed management has increased. The European Union is demanding a reduction in the number of herbicides used, forbidding use of the most toxic ones, despite the problem of weed resistance increasing. Pelargonic acid (PA) is the only natural herbicide available in Spain. In this work, two field assays were performed with the natural compounds carvacrol (CAR), citral (CIT), eugenol (EUG), thymol (THY), p-cymene (P-CYM), (PA), and the combination of PA with CIT—all except P-CYM formulated by Seipasa—to test their herbicidal efficacy in real conditions. They were compared with commercial PA, glyphosate (GLY) and oxyfluorfen (OXY). In both experiments, GLY achieved the best weed control. Considering the natural herbicides, PA formulated by Seipasa and PA plus CIT were the most effective. From both experiments, some conclusions can be extracted for better herbicidal performance of natural products: (1) use products on sensitive weed species, (2) treat weeds at earlier phenological stages, (3) find the active doses in field conditions, (4) cover weeds well when treating, (5) ensure adequate formulation of products, and (6) develop a strategy for correct application. Full article

Population growth and the need for increased agricultural productivity pose a global problem. Therefore, the development of green compounds to ensure agricultural sustainability is an urgent necessity. Surfactant compounds hold significant commercial importance due to their diverse industrial uses. However, the synthetic origin of these agents limits their commercial application due to their toxicity. As a result, extensive research has focused on the production of microbial-originated green surfactants, known as biosurfactants, over the past fifteen years. These biomolecules not only offer a green alternative for agriculture but also exhibit reduced toxicity and excellent stability under specific environmental conditions. Biosurfactants can lower surface tension more effectively than synthetic surfactants. With properties such as detergency and foam formation, biosurfactants are suitable for various agricultural applications, particularly in pesticide and agrochemical formulations. They can function as biopesticides to manage pests, pathogens, phytopathogenic fungi, and weeds due to their antimicrobial activity. Moreover, plants can benefit from biosurfactant molecules and microorganisms as nutrients. They can also aid efficiently in the distribution of micronutrients and metals in the soil. They also stimulate plant immunity and are utilized for soil hydrophilization to ensure proper moisture levels and uniform fertilizer distribution. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the role and properties of biosurfactants as agricultural adjuvants, fostering the development of sustainable formulations to replace the chemical surfactants used in pesticides. For this purpose, the general aspects of global agricultural activity are initially described, followed by a discussion of pesticides, including herbicides, fungicides, and insecticide products. Next, the properties of chemical surfactants are discussed and the use of green surfactants, with emphasis on microbial biosurfactants, is demonstrated. The application of biosurfactants in the agricultural industry and trends are addressed and prospects for the application of these agents are discussed. Full article

Agricultural practices such as tilling, sowing, cropping, It’s duty but arvesting, and land-use patterns in any agrarian economy depend on climate. Therefore, any adverse climatic conditions can seriously affect the production or yield of crops. Increased temperature enhances the susceptibility of crops to pests and various plant diseases. Weeds are also known to multiply rapidly and decrease the nutritive value of soil, negatively affecting crop production. Our present study is designed to address similar problems faced by the farming community in the South-24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India, and suggest several probable technological solutions. Importantly, West Bengal is included in one of the six agro-climatic zones. Major crops from this study site are rice, wheat, maize, jute, green gram, black gram, pigeon pea, lentils, sugarcane, pulses, rapeseed, mustard, sesame, linseed, and vegetables. Significantly, cultivable land area has decreased in comparison to the overall crop area in this region. Reduced interest in agriculture, irrigation problems, increased profit in the non-agricultural economy, and rapid conversion of agricultural land for commercial purposes (construction of plots, hatcheries for fishing practices), along with uncertainties associated with rainfall patterns and frequent cyclones, are matters of grave concern in this study area. Agricultural scientists, researchers, environmentalists, local bodies, and government organizations are suggesting alternatives to benefit farmers. Thus, precision agriculture or crop management is required to recognize site-specific variables within agricultural lands and formulate strategies for improving decision-making regarding crop sowing, appropriate use of herbicides, weedicides, and precision irrigation, along with innovative harvesting technologies. Thus, the present paper provides a vision for the farming community in our study area to overcome their traditional practices and adopt different techniques of precision agriculture to increase flexibility, performance, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. Soil temperature, humidity, and moisture monitoring sensors could be beneficial. Precision soil management, precision irrigation, crop disease management, weed management, and harvesting technologies are the different modules considered for discussion in this paper. Machine learning algorithms, such as decision tree, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Gaussian naïve Bayes (GNB), K-means clustering, artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy logic system (FLS), and support vector machine (SVM), could prove helpful for progressive farmers. The use of AI-powered weeding machines, drones, and UAVs for rapid weed removal and the localized application of herbicides and pesticides could also improve the accuracy and efficiency of agriculture. Utilizing drones fitted with high-resolution cameras could help gather precision field images, proving to be quite helpful in crop monitoring and crop health assessment. Unmanned driverless tractors and harvesting machines using robotics integrated with data from GPS/GIS sensors or radars could also be considered an effective and time-saving option. Thus, machine learning, along with innovative agricultural technologies, could contribute to improving the livelihoods of the farming fraternity. Full article