Search Results (2,307)

Most studies in the field of application technology have focused on the interaction between adjuvants and agrochemicals, highlighting the need for further research to evaluate the behavior of adjuvants in association with other classes of crop protection products. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of adjuvants and air velocity on spray drift deposition in simulated applications conducted in a wind tunnel using a bioinsecticide based on Bacillus thuringiensis. The experiment was carried out in an open-circuit, blower-type wind tunnel installed at the Agricultural Machinery Laboratory of the State University of Goiás—Central Campus. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design arranged in a 5 × 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with three replications. Treatments consisted of five horizontal distances from the spraying point (0.45, 0.75, 1.05, 1.35, and 1.65 m), four wind speeds inside the tunnel (1 m s⁻¹, 2 m s⁻¹, 3 m s⁻¹, and 4 m s⁻¹), and four spray solution formulations (water; Dipel^®, Dipel^® + Veget’Oil^®, and Dipel^® + Break Thru^®). Artificial targets positioned transversely to the airflow were used to collect spray deposition and, after spraying, were divided into lower, middle, and upper thirds according to the height of the test section. Data were obtained by spectrophotometry and, after verification of the ANOVA assumptions, were subjected to analysis of variance (p < 0.05). When significant effects were observed, regression analyses were applied. Statistical analyses were conducted using the R and Sisvar software packages. Mean deposition values were converted into deposition percentage as a function of the total sprayed volume. The experimental data were also subjected to geostatistical analysis using GS+ software (Version 7^®). After confirming spatial dependence, contour maps were generated using kriging. Higher wind speeds led to higher deposition percentages. The use of adjuvants affected spray deposition in the upper and middle thirds, with responses depending on the spray solution composition. Spray deposition in the wind tunnel can be analyzed using geostatistics, as this variable showed a high degree of spatial variability across all treatments evaluated. Full article

Soybean is a critical economic, oil and industrial raw material crop, yet its production is often hindered by pathogen infection and pesticide residues. This study explored the synergistic effects of Rhizophagus intraradices and mycorrhizal helper bacteria (MHB) on AMF colonization, AMF spore density, total number of bacterial colonies, soybean growth, root rot disease index, and carbendazim residues. Hydroponic and pot experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with five biological replicates per treatment; after 30 days of growth, three replicates were randomly selected for all measurements. Results showed that inoculation with microbial agents, particularly co-inoculation, increased soybean biomass, reduced disease index, and decreased carbendazim residues. In the hydroponic experiment, co-inoculation increased plant height, aboveground fresh weight, and underground dry weight by 64.28%, 78.13%, and 109.09%, respectively, and decreased carbendazim residues by 71.84% relative to the carbendazim-alone group. In the pot experiment, co-inoculation reduced carbendazim residues by 81.25% and root rot disease index by 45.56% compared with the carbendazim-alone group. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.001) between carbendazim degradation in hydroponic and pot systems, indicating stable degradation function across environments. Co-inoculation of R. intraradices and MHB synergistically promotes soybean growth, suppresses root rot, and reduces carbendazim residues, providing a theoretical basis for developing functional microbial inoculants for safe and green soybean production. Full article

Sesame is a considerable oilseed crop, but its growth and production are restricted by drought. Potassium (K) is well known for its mitigating effects against drought. Here, two consecutive years of experiments were conducted with varying K fertilizer rates (0, 60, and 120 kg K₂O ha⁻¹) under well-watered and drought conditions to evaluate the impacts of K on sesame seed quality. The results demonstrated that, compared to well-watered conditions, drought caused a decline in seed oil content (5.9–8.6%) but inversely induced an increase in seed K (8.5–23.8%), lignans (10.2–21.6%), and essential amino acids over a period of 2 years. Potassic fertilizer significantly increased seed K, oil, and lignans contents, aligning with ameliorative oil and protein yield relative to K deficiency plants under drought. Moreover, K supply (especially 120 kg K₂O ha⁻¹) increased proline and tryptophan contents by 5.2% and 4.9% under drought compared to the plants without K application, which contributed to producing lignans and enhancing the capacity against oxidative changes. Under drought, 60 and 120 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ application significantly increased linoleic (5.5–9.3%), and stearic acids (7.1–13.7%) content while decreasing palmitic (5.3–14.7%), oleic (4.6–6.4%), and linolenic acids (4.8–11.9%) content, respectively, thereby increasing the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids and unsaturation index compared with control without K. Overall, K application at the rate of 120 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ could be considered as a practical and straightforward strategy to improve the quality of sesame seed products by increasing seed K, oil, lignans, linoleic acid, and unsaturated index for pharmaceutical and food purposes in areas encountering drought stress. Full article

Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a major cruciferous crop pest worldwide with resistance to multiple insecticide classes, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are promising biocontrol agents, but their efficacy is limited by slow pathogenicity, environmental sensitivity, and low persistence on insect cuticles. This study evaluated integrated formulation strategies to enhance the virulence of Beauveria namnaoensis PM-02 against P. xylostella under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Putative copper and zinc nanoparticle preparations were generated using fungal biomass extracts, with nanoparticle formation inferred from visual changes in the reaction mixtures. Oil-emulsified fungal formulations and combinations with emamectin benzoate were also evaluated. Larval mortality increased significantly with concentration, indicating a clear dose-dependent response. The combined treatment of oil-emulsified fungus and emamectin benzoate, along with emamectin benzoate alone, resulted in the highest larval mortality (100%), whereas fungus alone caused the lowest mortality (43.3%). Lethal concentration (LC₅₀₎ analysis indicated high toxicity of the combined treatment, while lethal time (LT₅₀) values demonstrated more rapid mortality for emamectin benzoate (0.176 days) and the combined treatment (0.830 days) compared with fungus alone (6.25 days). Under greenhouse conditions, the combined treatment showed the highest efficacy, reducing larval survival to 30% and demonstrating enhanced insecticidal activity. Overall, integrated formulation strategies significantly improved fungal efficacy against P. xylostella. Full article

Enhancing nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) is crucial for reconciling food security with fertilizer reduction and environmental protection in Sichuan province. This study used statistical data of rice, wheat, maize, and rapeseed in Sichuan Province from 2008 to 2022 to evaluate crop NUE within a regional N balance framework and compare spatiotemporal differences across the five major economic zones. Results showed that provincial NUE presented a distinct three-stage pattern: a gradual increase from 2008 to 2014, a significant surge in 2015, and a period of high-level but fluctuating NUE after 2016, the drivers of which require further investigation. By 2022, rice and rapeseed demonstrated the highest NUE values (42.89% and 42.90%, respectively), followed by maize (35.46%) and wheat (28.77%). Notable spatial heterogeneity was detected, with a general tendency of higher NUE in the southeastern and basin areas and lower NUE in the northwestern mountainous areas. Northeastern Sichuan, Southern Sichuan and the Chengdu Plain consistently exhibited better performance, while Northwest Sichuan remained the region with the weakest performance. These findings suggest that improving NUE in Sichuan province necessitates region- and crop-specific strategies, with priority being given to stabilizing the high NUE of rice and rapeseed, while targeting infrastructure improvement and precision fertilizer management in wheat-dominated and low-efficiency areas. Full article

The sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), is one of the most destructive pests of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] crops worldwide. Current management of the sweet potato weevil relies heavily on conventional pesticides, raising concerns about pesticide residues, environmental impacts, and the development of pesticide resistance. This study evaluated the effects of seven essential oils (EOs): eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), garlic (Allium sativum), marigold (Calendula officinalis), mustard seed (Sinapis alba), peppermint (Mentha piperita), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and thyme (Thymus gobicus) against different life stages of C. formicarius under laboratory conditions. Feeding activity, oviposition, larval mortality, pupal mortality, and adult survival were evaluated using EO concentrations of 1%, 5%, and 10%, with acetone and distilled water as control treatments. Each treatment consisted of six replicates, with 10 insects per replicate. Statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression models with a binomial distribution. Significant effects of oil type and concentration were observed as lethal to weevil larval and pupal stages. Similarly, the feeding and oviposition were significantly impacted (p < 0.0001). Peppermint oil exhibited the highest efficacy, causing complete or near-complete mortality of second- and third-instar larvae and pupae at 10%. This also substantially reduced adult survival, feeding activity, and oviposition. Rosemary, thyme, and eucalyptus, at higher concentrations. Most oils almost completely suppressed oviposition. These findings demonstrate that plant-derived essential oils (EOs) exhibit significant insecticidal activity against Cylas formicarius, indicating their promise as sustainable tools for integrated pest management programs in sweet potato production systems. Full article

Lepidopteran pests cause severe global economic damage; they are currently mitigated by synthetic pesticides that trigger widespread resistance and environmental toxicity. This systematic review evaluates the potential of Piper essential oils (EOs) as high-performance, sustainable bio-based insecticides, aligning with the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. Analyzing studies covering Piper species, we identified phenylpropanoids (e.g., dillapiole and safrole) and terpenoids as key biodegradable scaffolds for pest management. The results highlight P. aduncum and P. divaricatum for their exceptional efficacy against Spodoptera frugiperda and Plutella xylostella, often exhibiting toxicity levels comparable to botanical standards like azadirachtin. Crucially, this review reveals that Piper EOs can outperform the synthetic industrial synergist piperonyl butoxide (BPO), with natural binary mixtures enhancing insecticidal potency by up to 11-fold. Furthermore, specific EOs contribute to a preventative green strategy by causing the structural disintegration of the egg chorion. By focusing on renewable biomass and design for degradation (Principles 7 and 10), this work anchors the Piper genus as a cornerstone for the circular bioeconomy and sustainable agricultural innovation, reducing the chemical footprint of modern crop protection. Full article

Global warming-triggered heat stress severely restricts plant growth and crop productivity. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a vital oilseed and cash crop that is susceptible to high temperatures throughout its growth cycle, exhibits inhibited peg and pod development, growth retardation, and premature leaf senescence under heat stress, which ultimately causes substantial yield losses. Heat shock factors (Hsfs) serve as core regulatory modulators of plant abiotic stress tolerance, among which the HsfB subfamily exerts a critical function in thermotolerance modulation. Nevertheless, the biological functions of peanut HsfB genes remain largely uncharacterized. In the present study, a total of 16 HsfB subfamily members were identified from the peanut genome, possessing highly conserved gene structures and protein motifs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the peanut AhHsfB genes are classified into four distinct subfamilies. Chromosomal localization analysis indicated that these 16 AhHsfB genes are unevenly distributed across nine peanut chromosomes. Transcriptomic profiling demonstrated that the transcript levels of AhHsfB genes were significantly upregulated by 6- to 120-fold upon heat stress exposure. Subcellular localization and transcriptional activity assays further validated that AhHsfB1-5A is a nucleus-localized protein with intrinsic transcriptional activation activity. Ectopic overexpression of AhHsfB1-5A in Arabidopsis thaliana remarkably enhanced seed germination ability and antioxidant capacity under heat stress conditions, with a maximum 18.84% increase in green seedling rate. This study systematically characterizes the HsfB subfamily in peanut and elucidates the positive regulatory role of AhHsfB1-5A in plant thermotolerance. These findings deepen our understanding of the role of HsfB and provide valuable genetic resources for molecular breeding of heat-resistant peanut varieties. Full article

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a key grain food crop worldwide, faces increasing threats from combined abiotic stresses exacerbated by climate change. However, the comprehensive effects of drought, salinity, and high-temperature pressure on wheat seedlings remain poorly understood. Using the cultivar “Yannong 1212”, we conducted hydroponic experiments to investigate the physiological, morphological, antioxidant, osmoregulatory, membrane lipid peroxidation, and molecular responses of wheat seedlings to single and combined stresses, and then conducted multivariate statistical analyses. The results showed that drought or salt stress inhibited seed germination in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the combined stresses significantly inhibited germination and seedling growth, leading to leaf chlorosis, chlorophyll degradation, stomatal closure, and chloroplast damage. Physiologically, the combined effect of multiple stresses induced excessive ROS and MDA accumulation, promoted proline and soluble sugar synthesis, and triggered the dynamic responses of antioxidant enzymes. Drought stress increased SOD, POD, and CAT activities, whereas salt stress had the opposite effect, and combined stresses further increased SOD and POD activities, but reduced CAT activity. Additionally, stress-responsive genes were rapidly upregulated. Multivariate analyses confirmed that the combined stress of drought and heat was the most damaging. These findings explain the synergistic damage mechanisms of combined stresses, providing a theoretical basis for genetic improvement of wheat’s stress tolerance. Full article

Global warming has led to frequent occurrences of extreme heat, posing a huge threat to soybean (Glycine max L.) yield. As a major source of plant protein and oil, soybean is particularly sensitive to heat stress during its growth and development, especially in critical stages such as flowering and seed filling. Heat tolerance in crops is a complex trait governed by polygenic networks and environmental interactions; although existing studies have identified several heat-tolerance-related genes, the molecular regulatory networks regulating crop responses to heat stress remain elusive. This review synthesizes recent advances in soybean heat tolerance research, with a particular emphasis on physiological responses and molecular regulatory mechanisms under heat stress. We further evaluate the potential of modern technologies, including gene editing, marker-assisted selection, and pan-genomics, for the precise improvement of heat tolerance in soybean. Additionally, we outline sustainable agronomic practices and field management strategies to mitigate heat stress. The development of heat-tolerant soybean varieties depends not only on the identification of superior alleles but also requires a shift from gene-centric genetic improvement toward a system-wide solution that integrates “Genotype × Environment × Management”. Full article

Seaweed-derived biostimulants are a promising strategy for improving crop performance in sustainable agriculture. In this context, this study evaluated the effects of foliar application of Kappaphycus alvarezii extracts, obtained from two Brazilian regions (São Paulo: Kal-SP and Santa Catarina: Kal-SC), at different concentrations (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) on the growth, biochemical profile, essential oil yield, and rhizosphere microbiome of Ocimum basilicum under field conditions. Morphological analysis indicated that the 5% and 7% concentrations increased plant height, biomass, root development, and inflorescence production, with biomass gains of up to 51% and essential oil production increases of up to 142% compared to the control. Biochemical responses varied by extract origin, with Kal-SC promoting greater increases in photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant activity, and carbon-related metabolites, whereas Kal-SP induced only minor metabolic changes. The algal biostimulant modulated essential oil yield and composition, promoting treatment-dependent shifts in major terpenoid compounds. Microbiome analysis showed no significant changes in alpha diversity, but significant shifts in beta diversity and functional groups, such as Bacillaceae, indicating rhizosphere reorganization. Overall, the effectiveness of K. alvarezii-based biostimulants depends on concentration and biomass source, highlighting their potential as sustainable agricultural bioproducts and the importance of standardized extraction for consistent outcomes. Full article

The use of natural products as alternatives to synthetic fungicides has gained increasing importance in crop protection. Among these, clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and its active compound, eugenol, are well known for their antifungal properties. However, it remains unclear whether the antifungal activity of clove is primarily driven by its major constituent, eugenol, or whether the whole essential oil exhibits greater or synergistic efficacy. Addressing this question is crucial for optimizing their application as biofungicidal agents; The chemical composition of clove essential oil was characterized using gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The antifungal activity of the essential oil and pure eugenol (300 µg/mL) was evaluated in vitro against Botryotinia fuckeliana, Rhizoctonia solani, and Verticillium dahliae on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Mycelial growth inhibition was quantified, and data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test (α = 0.05); Eugenol exhibited higher antifungal activity than the essential oil across all tested species. V. dahliae was completely inhibited (100%) by eugenol, while the essential oil showed lower efficacy. Despite the high eugenol content (87.3%) in the oil, its reduced activity suggests that minor constituents may modulate overall antifungal performance. These findings demonstrate that eugenol is more effective than clove essential oil as an antifungal agent. This highlights that the biological activity of clove is largely driven by its major active component, providing key insights for the development of more efficient biofungicidal strategies. Full article

Salinity stress progressively restricts rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) growth and productivity. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its tolerance remains poorly understood. This study aims to shed light on differential responses between shoots and roots, and further clarify the regulatory mechanisms of ion homeostasis and oxidative defense under early-and long-term salt stress. Under salt stress, the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio increased by 46.26% and 26.33% in shoots and roots, respectively. Activities of SOD and POD increased in both tissues, while CAT activity declined in shoots. MDA content was significantly higher in roots. Transcriptome PCA clearly separated samples of early-term (3–48 h for shoots, 3–24 h for roots) from long-term (72 h 25 d for shoots, 48 h 25 d for roots) salt stress. SOD2 and UGT72E1 were significantly up-regulated in shoots but down-regulated in roots. CAT2 exhibited strongly up-regulation in roots than shoots, whereas RBOHC was markedly down-regulated in roots relative to shoots. Additionally, CAT1 was mainly up-regulated at the early-term salt stress. Most DEGs involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (CYP73A5, PAL2, CCR1/2, CAD1/5, COMT1 and PER66) were up-regulated in both tissues. Notably, HCT and CSE exhibited a striking tissue-specific antioxidant pattern, down-regulated in shoots but up-regulated in roots. PER34 was specifically induced at early-term, and PER31/63/169 were exclusively activated under long-term salt stress in roots. Moreover, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to describe tissue- and time-specific transcriptional dynamics that occur in rapeseed under salt stress. Several hub genes, including ABI5, MPK6, CAD5, NADK1 and LFG2, exhibited high correlations with early-term salt stress responses in roots. These genes are mainly enriched in transcription factors and hormone signaling pathways, and function in antioxidant defense and redox homeostasis. This study suggests distinct spatiotemporal salt stress response patterns in rapeseed and identifies key genes for salt-tolerance breeding. Full article

Upland cotton is an important fiber and oilseed crop. Cottonseed size, measured by seed index, is an important seed quality trait that affects seed germination, seedling vigor, fiber yield, and cottonseed nutrient content. However, genetic variation in cottonseed size is highly limited within upland cotton, limiting the genetic gain in cottonseed size. Introgression breeding can alleviate this bottleneck effect by introducing desirable genes from pima to upland cotton. This study was conducted to analyze the seed size from both fuzzy and acid-delinted seeds and to assess the appropriate cottonseed size. In 2022, a population of 1600 cotton introgression lines (ILs) was grown at Leyendecker Plant Science Center, NMSU, while three field tests were conducted in 2023, including NM with all the ILs and MS and TX each with 1000 ILs. The analysis of variance of seed size showed that genotypic and environmental variation were found in both types of seeds. The acid-delinted and fuzzy cottonseeds had a mean seed index of 9.58 g and 11.26 g, while the broad sense heritability was 0.56 and 0.32, respectively. Furthermore, the seed index was not significantly correlated with cottonseed oil and different fatty acids. Full article

Babassu (Attalea speciosa) is one of the most abundant palm species in the Brazilian Amazon and an important unconventional crop, playing a key socioeconomic role due to the commercial exploitation of its oil-rich almonds. However, approximately 90–93% of the fruit biomass—mainly mesocarp, epicarp, and endocarp—is generated as underutilized residue. This systematic review aims to analyze extraction methods, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant capacity of bioactive compounds derived from different babassu fractions. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches of five databases (Embase, ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) retrieved 410 records, of which 23 met the inclusion criteria. The results show that, although research has predominantly focused on the almond fraction, non-edible parts contain significant levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytosterols, and other bioactive metabolites with antioxidant properties. Green and non-thermal extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), supercritical CO₂ extraction (SC-CO₂), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), demonstrated advantages in improving extraction efficiency while reducing solvent consumption and thermal degradation. Overall, the available evidence indicates that babassu residues represent a promising and still underexplored source of bioactive compounds. Their valorization may contribute to sustainable extraction strategies, waste reduction, and the development of value-added products within agricultural and bioeconomic systems. Full article