Search Results (36,778)

A two-year (2023–2024) multifactorial field study was conducted under the agro-climatic conditions of Northern Kazakhstan, with the objective of refining cultivation practices for hayfields of perennial legumes and grasses, including alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.), and sainfoin (Onobrychis arenaria Kit). The elements targeted for optimization included the species composition and component ratios in the mixtures, as well as the regimes of pre-sowing and foliar applications of growth regulators (AminoMax, Black Jak, Miller Start, Lider-S). The integrated experimental design accounted for laboratory and field germination, biometric parameters (plant height, leafiness), phenophase dynamics, autumn survival and overwintering, indicators of photosynthetic activity, as well as yields of green biomass and dry matter, and chemical composition (crude protein, fiber, ash, fat, and nitrogen-free extract). Grass–legume mixtures ensured more stable progression of phenophases, improved overwintering, and enhanced protein value compared to monocultures; the inclusion of sainfoin contributed to improved forage quality without compromising yield. Growth regulators promoted accelerated initial plant development and enhanced the intensity of net photosynthetic productivity. The greatest effect of application was observed in the grass component with Miller Start, whereas in the legume species it was most pronounced with AminoMax. The results of the study revealed that the optimal proportion of legumes in the forage mixtures is 30–40%. Under contrasting hydrothermal conditions, the yield of fresh and dry matter ranged from 4.19 to 4.81 t ha⁻¹ and 1.27–1.51 t ha⁻¹ (2023) to 10.43–14.46 t ha⁻¹ and 3.05–4.63 t ha⁻¹ (2024). The greatest effect was observed with Miller Start and AminoMax treatments (p < 0.05), whereas the action of Black Jak and Lider-S was moderate, confirming differences in their mechanisms of action under contrasting weather conditions. Full article

Rice sheath rot has progressively developed into a growing threat to global rice production, particularly in intensively managed systems conducive to disease development. Therefore, accurate identification of the causal pathogen and the development of sustainable management strategies represent urgent scientific requirements. In this study, we isolated the causal organism of rice sheath rot from infected rice tissues and identified it as Fusarium verticillioides based on multi-locus sequence analysis. Eight endophytic bacterial strains were recovered from healthy rice root systems. Among the isolates, Bacillus velezensis isolate 7-A exhibited the strongest antifungal activity against F. verticillioides. This isolate demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal activity, with inhibition rates ranging from 54.8% to 71.8%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences identified it as B. velezensis. Further characterization revealed that B. velezensis 7-A is capable of secreting proteases and synthesizing siderophores. The filtered liquid from sterile fermentation markedly inhibited the growth of mycelium in F. verticillioides and induced marked morphological abnormalities. Liquid LC-MS analysis identified multiple antifungal active substances, including camphor, ginkgolides B, salicin, cinnamic acid, hydroxygenkwanin, stearamide, β-carotene, and others. A pot experiment demonstrated that the fermentation broth of B. velezensis 7-A effectively suppressed the occurrence of rice sheath rot, achieving a relative control efficacy of 61.3%, which is comparable to that of a 10% carbendazim water-dispersible granule (WDG). Additionally, isolate 7-A enhances plant disease resistance by activating the activities of key defense enzymes. These findings provide preliminary insights into its potential application in integrated and sustainable disease management programs. Full article

Drought stress during the reproductive phase substantially reduces seed yield and quality, posing a major challenge to sustainable crop production under climate change. This study investigated the effects of drought stress at the flowering stage on selected biochemical and physiological parameters in 18 carrot accessions. To describe the long-term consequences of drought comprehensively, we examined seed quality parameters. Our analyses revealed that stress responses are highly dependent on the genotype and the parameter examined. Regarding antioxidant responses and potential tissue damage caused by drought, ‘Dolanka’, DC97, DC265, DC359, DC522, DC701, DC704, and DC720 exhibited the highest tolerance. The photosynthetic apparatus and pigments were maintained under stress in DC233, DC522, DC717, and DC728. Germination parameters served as reliable indicators of stress tolerance in DC97, DC359, DC432, DC522, DC701, and DC722 accessions. Based on these findings and detailed discussion of the results, we conclude that tolerance/sensitivity assessment of carrot genotypes should consider the holistic response of the plant rather than individual parameters. Through overall assessment, we recommended DC522 accession as the most drought-tolerant, given its enhanced ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) scavenging mechanisms, increased chloroplast pigments accumulation, and superior germination parameters under drought conditions. Conversely, DC295 should not be cultivated under water-deficient conditions due to its impaired ability to detoxify ROS, altered photosynthetic activity, and disrupted seed germination under such conditions. These results collectively highlight the potential for selecting drought-tolerant carrot genotypes in breeding programs targeting improved seed performance under water-limited conditions, thereby supporting the development of resilient cultivars adapted to future climate challenges. Full article

The rising global demand for high-quality animal protein has driven the development of advanced technologies in high-density livestock farming. Rabbits, with their rapid growth, high reproductive efficiency, and excellent feed conversion, play an important role in modern animal agriculture. However, large-scale rabbit farming poses challenges in timely health inspection and environmental monitoring. Traditional manual inspections are labor-intensive, prone-to-error, and inefficient for real-time management. To address these issues, we propose Livestock Environmental Monitoring System–Gantry (LIVEMOS-G), an intelligent gantry-based monitoring system tailored for large-scale rabbit farms. Inspired by plant phenotyping platforms, the system integrates a three-axis motion module with multi-source imaging (RGB, depth, near-infrared, thermal infrared) and an environmental sensing module. It autonomously inspects around the farm, capturing multi-angle, high-resolution images and real-time environmental data without disturbing the rabbits. Key environmental parameters are collected accurately and compared with welfare standards. After training on an original dataset, which contains a total of 2325 sets of images (each set includes RGB, NIR, TIR, and depth image), the system is able to detect dead rabbits using a fusion-based object detection model during inspections. LIVEMOS-G offers a scalable, non-intrusive solution for intelligent livestock inspection, contributing to enhanced biosecurity, animal welfare, and data-driven management in high-density, modern rabbit farms. It also shows the potential to be extended to other species, contributing to the sustainable development of the animal farming industry as a whole. Full article

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are becoming one of the key trends in the development of nuclear technology, offering a flexible, safe and cost-effective alternative to large nuclear power plants. This review defines the “driving force” of SMRs as their ability to enhance safety, modular scalability, and fuel sustainability through innovative design and policy integration. It aims to provide a systematic assessment of technological trends, deployment strategies, and fuel innovations that underpin the future of nuclear energy. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the main classes of SMRs, categorised by fuel type and application, ranging from Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) and High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) reactors to thorium-232, metallic fuel and reprocessed nuclear materials. The key technical advantages of SMRs are discussed—passive safety systems, extended fuel cycles (longer operational periods before refuelling compared to conventional reactors), modular production and compactness—which make such reactors particularly suitable for use in hard-to-reach regions, military facilities, in space and as part of hybrid power systems. Special attention is paid to the prospects of advanced fuel cycles, including the conversion of thorium to uranium-233 and the reuse of actinides, which contributes to waste reduction and supports the realisation of a closed nuclear cycle. The current status of SMR projects around the world is also analysed, highlighting the most promising solutions and discussing regulatory, infrastructure readiness and geopolitical factors. Full article

Phytotherapy is a growing field of modern medicine, offering natural alternatives with multidirectional pharmacological effects. Among plant-derived bioactive compounds, isoquinoline alkaloids exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Our in vitro model of campylobacteriosis confirmed that berberine reduces pathological changes in colonocytes not only through its direct antibacterial (minimum inhibitory concentration for pure berberine against Campylobacter jejuni was 64 μg/mL) and anti-biofilm (fourfold reduction in C. jejuni biomass) effects, but also through its protective effect on the morphostructure and secretory profile of host cells exposed to bacterial components. Furthermore, berberine stabilized intercellular junction proteins, modulated bile acid and arachidonic acid metabolism, and supported host-protective signaling pathways. These findings indicate that berberine acts through a dual mechanism—directly reducing bacterial virulence while enhancing intestinal barrier integrity and metabolic homeostasis. In summary, berberine appears to be a multifunctional phytochemical in the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of C. jejuni-induced gastrointestinal infections and epithelial barrier dysfunctions. The protective effect we have demonstrated may contribute to alleviating the phenomenon of “leaky gut,” commonly associated with campylobacteriosis. Full article

Leaf stomatal density directly regulates the rates of gas exchange and water loss and is a core indicator of plants’ water-retention capacity and drought adaptability. Because detecting leaves over a macroscopic range requires large-stroke motion, whereas accurate identification of stomata demands high-precision positioning, the operational platform for stomatal-density detection faces the dual challenge of large strokes and high resolution. This paper proposes a novel two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) cross-scale piezoelectric platform that employs a new three-degree-of-freedom (3-DOF) piezoelectric stator to address the backlash issue in inertial drive and combines it with finite-element simulation for verification. The prototype of the 2-DOF cross-scale piezoelectric positioning platform is developed, and a series of experiments are conducted to evaluate its performance. The experimental results show a motion range of 15 mm × 15 mm; the displacement backlash rates in the X and Y directions range from 0% to 9.84% and 0% to 28.42%, respectively; and the displacement resolutions reach 11.39 nm and 13.61 nm, respectively. In addition, an application experiment on leaf stomatal-density detection is carried out on the developed 2-DOF platform, demonstrating its potential for botanical micro-detection. Full article

In an era of global warming, sustainable agriculture, which emphasises the conservation of biodiversity and the rational use of natural resources, is growing in importance. One of the key elements is to increase the genetic diversity of crops through the use of crop wild relatives (CWRs) and local varieties, which provide a source of genes for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Modern agricultural systems are characterised by low biodiversity, which increases the susceptibility of plants to diseases and pests. Growing mixtures of varieties, both intra- and interspecific, is a practical strategy to increase plant resistance, stabilise yields and reduce pathogen pressure. This manuscript has a review character and synthesises the current literature on the use of CWRs, local varieties, and variety mixtures in sustainable agriculture. The main research question of the study is to what extent plant genetic resources, including CWRs and local varieties, as well as the cultivation of variety mixtures, can promote plant resistance, stabilise yields and contribute to sustainable agriculture under climate change. The objectives of the study are to assess the role of genetic resources and variety mixtures in maintaining biodiversity and yield stability, and to analyse the potential of CWRs and local varieties in enhancing plant resistance. Additionally, the study investigates the impact of variety mixtures in reducing disease and pest development, and identifies barriers to the use of genetic resources in breeding along with strategies to overcome them. The study takes an interdisciplinary approach including literature and gene bank data analysis (in situ and ex situ), field trials of cultivar mixtures under different environmental conditions, genetic and molecular analysis of CWRs, the use of modern genome editing techniques (CRISPR/Cas9) and assessment of ecological mechanisms of mixed crops such as barrier effect, and induced resistance and complementarity. In addition, the study considers collaboration with participatory and evolutionary breeding programmes (EPBs/PPBs) to adapt local varieties to specific environmental conditions. The results of the study indicate that the integration of plant genetic resources with the practice of cultivating variety mixtures creates a synergistic model that enhances plant resilience and stabilises yields. This approach also promotes agroecosystem conservation, contributing to sustainable agriculture under climate change. Full article

Control of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, is increasingly difficult due to resistance to synthetic insecticides and environmental concerns. Plant essential oils offer sustainable alternatives with multi-target modes of action and rapid biodegradation. This study evaluated the insecticidal potential of the essential oil of Aniba canelilla (EOANIB), its major constituent 1-Nitro-2-phenylethane (NFTANE), and the derivative 1-Nitro-2-phenylethene (NFTENE) against larvae and adults of A. aegypti. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition was quantified using enzymes from Electrophorus electricus, Aedes aegypti and Drosophila melanogaster. Pluronic^® F127 (5% w/v) nanoformulations loaded with EOANIB, NFTANE, or NFTENE at 1.5% or 0.34% (w/v) improved efficacy and stability. Formulations remained stable for 120 to 190 days at 25 to 60 °C. Larvicidal assay at 24 h yielded LC₅₀ values of 86.9 (CI 78.2–94.7) ppm for EOANIB, 84.8 ppm (CI 75.6–92.4) for NFTANE and 10.9 (CI 8.0–14.0) ppm for NFTENE. Against adults, EOANIB achieved an LC₅₀ of 33.9 ppm at 1.5 h. Nanoformulation reduced the EOANIB LC₅₀ by 22.2% after 24 h and 40.1% after 48 h. Toxicity assays evaluated selectivity with Artemia salina (EOANIB LC₅₀: 77.2 ppm) and no mortality in D. melanogaster at 100 ppm. The convergence of efficacy, formulation-enhanced performance, and demonstrated storage stability positions Aniba canelilla as a promising source of bioinsecticide candidates for Aedes aegypti control and supports further development of micellar delivery systems for integrated vector management. Full article

Investigating ecological irrigation risks associated with mine water utilization is of great significance for alleviating water resource shortages in arid mining regions of western China, thereby supporting efficient coal extraction and coordinated ecological development. In this study, a representative mining area in Xinjiang was investigated to reveal the evolution patterns of mine water quality under arid geo-environmental conditions in western China and to systematically assess environmental risks induced by ecological irrigation. Surface water, groundwater, and mine water samples were collected to study ion ratio coefficients, hydrochemical characteristics, and evolution processes. Based on this, a multi-index analysis was employed to evaluate ecological irrigation risks and establish corresponding risk control measures. The results show that the total dissolved solids (TDS) of mine water in the study area are all greater than 1000 mg/L. The evolution of mine water quality is mainly controlled by water–rock interaction and is affected by evaporation and concentration. The main ions Na⁺, Cl⁻, Ca²⁺, and SO₄²⁻ originate from the dissolution of halite, gypsum, and anorthite. If the mine water is directly used for irrigation without treatment, the soluble sodium content, sodium adsorption ratio, salinity hazard, and magnesium adsorption ratio will exceed the limits, leading to the accumulation of Na⁺ in the soil, affecting plant photosynthesis, and posing potential threats to the groundwater environment. Given the evolution process of mine water quality and the potential risks of direct use for irrigation, measures can be taken across three aspects: nanofiltration combined with reverse osmosis desalination, adoption of drip irrigation and intermittent irrigation technologies, and selection of drought-tolerant vegetation. These measures can reduce the salt content of mine water, decrease the salt accumulation in the soil layer, and lower the risk of groundwater pollution, thus reducing the environmental risks of ecological irrigation with mine water. The research will provide an important theoretical basis for the scientific utilization and management of mine water resources in arid areas by revealing the evolution law of mine water quality in arid areas and clarifying its ecological irrigation environmental risks. Full article

Among the players for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda, global energy transition plays a pivotal role. Among the emerging strategies, energy sharing mechanisms, such as peer-to-peer (P2P) trading, virtual power plants (VPPs), energy communities, and local energy markets are widely recognized for their potential to increase energy justice, resilience, and sustainability. These models redistribute energy production and consumption responsibilities among users, fostering decentralization, democratization, and inclusivity in energy systems. This review synthesizes current literature on energy sharing and evaluates their contributions to specific SDGs, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Furthermore, the paper discusses regulatory frameworks, technological enablers, and socio-economic barriers to implementation. It concludes with policy recommendations for promoting energy sharing schemes as effective tools in the global pursuit of sustainable development. Full article

Over the past decade, the rapid development of geospatial tools has significantly expanded the scope of archaeobotanical research, enabling unprecedented insights into ancient plant domestication, agricultural practices, and human-environment interactions. Within the Chinese context, where rich archaeobotanical records intersect with complex socio-ecological histories, GIS-driven approaches have revealed nuanced patterns of crop dispersal, settlement dynamics, and landscape modification. However, despite these advances, current applications remain largely exploratory, constrained by fragmented datasets and underutilized spatial-statistical methods. This paper argues that a more robust integration of large-scale archaeobotanical datasets with advanced ArcGIS functionalities—such as kernel density estimation, least-cost path analysis, and predictive modelling—is essential to address persistent gaps in the field. By synthesizing case studies from key Chinese Neolithic and Bronze Age sites, we demonstrate how spatial analytics can elucidate (1) spatiotemporal trends in plant use, (2) anthropogenic impacts on vegetation, and (3) the feedback loops between subsistence strategies and landscape evolution. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges of data standardization, scale dependency, and interdisciplinary collaboration in archaeobotanical ArcGIS. Ultimately, this study underscores the imperative for methodological harmonization and computational innovation to unravel the intricate relationships between ancient societies, agroecological systems, and long-term environmental change. Full article

Rape is one of the most widely cultivated and highest-yielding fruit crops in the world. However, research on its precise nutrient diagnosis and fertilization theory is severely lacking, significantly restricting the development of the grape industry. In this study, an L₁₆(4⁵) orthogonal experimental design was applied to determine the effects of varying ratios of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) on the fruit quality of ‘87-1’ grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivated in a facility, aiming to optimize nutrient application rates and improve fruit quality. Among the treatments T5 (N2P1K2Ca3Mg4), T14 (N4P2K3Ca1Mg4), and T9 (N3P1K3Ca4Mg2), treatment T9 had the most significant effect on single fruit weight, total soluble solids (TSS) content, fruit firmness (FF), and fruit quality index (FQI) and was conducive to the positive accumulation of the above quality indicators. Based on a comprehensive multi-factor analysis of variance, the optimal fertilization combination for achieving a high FQI was N3P1K2Ca1Mg2, corresponding to application rates of 375.0, 0, 168.8, 0, and 70.5 kg·hm⁻² for N, P₂O₅, K₂O, CaO, and MgO, respectively. Furthermore, to establish standards for multivariate compositional nutrient diagnosis (CND) and define the nutrient sufficiency range for ‘87-1’ grape fruit cultivated in a facility, the nutrient concentrations in various plant tissues and the soil and the FQI were measured across 80 treatments over five consecutive years. The nutritional status of the grapes cultivated under these treatments was calculated using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution and the CND method. Based on the optimal nutrient ranges for high FQI sub-populations, a precise fertilization model was developed to facilitate economic fertilizer savings, quality improvement, and standardized grape cultivation in a facility. Full article

Geoenergy engineering, which includes the use of geothermal energy and other forms of energy stored inside the Earth, is of key importance for the transition to renewable energy sources in the global energy mix. The article discusses the role of geoenergy science and engineering in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular attention to SDG 6 (access to clean water), SDG 7 (clean energy), SDG 9 (innovativeness), SDG 11 (sustainable cities), and SDG 13 (climate-related actions). The article also describes the role of the life-cycle assessment (LCA) of geothermal projects in pursuing Sustainable Development Goals. The analyses and reviews presented in the article indicate that geoenergy engineering will have a significant role in the meeting of Sustainable Development Goals by the energy sector. Energy production in geothermal power plants is expected to increase, reducing the demand for energy from conventional sources. The article also lists the most significant challenges faced by the geoenergy industry, such as high initial costs, demand for highly specialized workers and for adequate financing, as well as for LCA-based research regarding the general environmental impact of new geoenergy facilities. Full article

Experimental studies published to date on the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on plants have yielded highly contradictory results: reported outcomes range from growth inhibition to stimulation. The objective of this research was to test the hypothesis that the ontogenetic stage at the time of exposure to AgNPs is a key determinant of both the qualitative profile and quantitative magnitude of plant responses. For this purpose, laboratory seed priming and small-plot field experiments with wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) treated with stabilized dispersions of AgNPs at 1–100 mg∙L⁻¹ were conducted. It was shown that seed priming with low concentrations of AgNPs (1–5 mg∙L⁻¹) did not affect wheat seedling growth, whereas dispersions at ≥25 mg∙L⁻¹ suppressed development. In agreement, antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, CAT, PPO) increased at 1–5 mg·L⁻¹ and decreased at 100 mg·L⁻¹. By contrast, foliar treatments of field-grown wheat increased plant population density, plant height, spike structure metrics, and grain yield. The optimal regimen—three foliar applications at 5 mg·L⁻¹—increased grain yield by 12.1% from 5.89 t·ha⁻¹ to 6.60 t·ha⁻¹. At low doses of AgNPs, activities of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase in seedlings tissues increased, indicating activation of nonspecific defense mechanisms; at higher concentrations, activities of these enzymes decreased, indicating antioxidant system exhaustion and dysfunction. The findings demonstrate dose- and stage-dependent effects and corroborate the central role of the developmental stage of wheat in determining responses to AgNPs, indicating opportunities to optimize stage-aware, low-dose application regimes to enhance productivity while minimizing phytotoxic risk. Full article