Whole-crop rye harvested before maturity represents a valuable forage for silage production. Due to the scarcity of data on fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability (ASTA) and the lack of information on mycotoxin formation during aeration of early-cut rye (ECR) silage after silo opening, we evaluated the effects of different additive types and compositions. Wilted forage was treated with

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are described in the literature as having a significant role in securing crop management of modern agriculture in conditions of abiotic and biotic stressors. A joint field experiment was carried out to assess the role of seaweed-based extracts in pear trees and to test the “less for more” theory, which consists of getting more and better agricultural produce using fewer

Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) is the most common legume cover crop in the United States. Previous research found limited genetic variation for crimson clover within the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) collection. The aim of this study was to assess the phenotypic and nodule microbial diversity within the NPGS crimson clover collection, focusing on traits important for cover crop performance

The largest abiotic constraint threatening banana (Musa spp.) production is water stress, impacting biomass buildup and yields; however, so far no studies have investigated the effects of water stress on allometric equations in banana. Weighted least square regression models were built for (i) estimating aboveground vegetative dry biomass (ABGVD) and corm dry biomass (cormD) and (ii) forecasting bunch

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 kg ha−1) and sulfur (0, 15, and 30 kg ha−1) fertilization on the morphometric parameters of plants, seed yield components, seed and straw yield, N fertilizer use efficiency (NFUE), and quality of crambe seeds. The experiment had a randomized complete block design, and it was carried out in Bałcyny (northeastern Poland)

For some years now, part of society has been demanding the implementation of circular economy models and so the use of organic matter as a source of nutrients is once again taking center stage. In this scenario, the aim of this work was to implement an integrated management model for a farm and to study the influence on a celery crop of organic amendments (animal and vegetable) obtained on the farm

The effects of silicon (Si) on temperature stresses were investigated in poinsettia. Well-rooted cuttings supplemented with and without Si were exposed to 40 °C, and plants treated with or without Si during cutting propagation and cultivation were subjected to 4 °C. The results showed that almost all the stomata of cuttings without Si supplementation were closed, while some of them were still open

Organic production is one of the fastest growing food sectors globally. However, average yield in organic vegetable production is up to 33% lower than in conventional production. This difference could be due to higher fertilization rates in conventional, compared to organic, farming. We aimed to compare yield and quality characteristics of carrots produced under equal nitrogen fertilization rates over

Biochar can be used as an alternative component in growing media, positively affecting plant growth/yield, but also media properties. In the present study, two commercial grade biochars (BFW-forest wood; and BTS-fresh wood screening), mainly wood-based materials, were used at 7.5% and 15% (v/v), adding nutrient in two levels (100% and 150% standard fertilizer level-Fert). Biochar affected growing media

Kaolin protective effect was assessed in a white grapevine cultivar ‘Cerceal’ in ‘Alentejo’ Region (southeast Portugal) where plants face extreme conditions during the summer season. We addressed the hypothesis that kaolin effects lead to several changes in leaves, fruits, and wine characteristics on the primary and secondary metabolism. Results showed that kaolin reduces leaf temperature which provokes

Cattle dung distribution in pastoral ecosystems is uneven and affects nutrient availability to plants. Thus, identifying its spatiotemporal patterns is crucial to understanding the mechanisms underlying the system functioning. We aimed to characterize the spatiotemporal distribution of dung patches in mixed black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) pastures grazed

The interaction between salinity and nitrogen metabolism has been investigated in two barley landraces, one tolerant (“100/1B”) and one susceptible to salinity (“Barley medenine”) from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Barley plants were exposed to 50 mM NaCl for 7 days; then, salinity was increased to 150 mM NaCl in the presence (10 mM) or limitation (1 mM) of ammonium as a nitrogen

Field and greenhouse studies were conducted to investigate the influence of sequence and timing of synthetic auxins and glufosinate on large Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) control. Field studies were performed in Henry County, AL where treatments were applied to Palmer amaranth with average heights of 37 and 59 cm in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Sequential applications of 2,4-D/dicamba + glyphosate

Sprouts and microgreens have attracted tremendous interest across multiple disciplines in recent years. Here, we critically review the most recent advances to underscore research prospects and niches, and related challenges, not yet addressed or fully pursued. In particular, we report a number of themes that merit special attention as a result of their relevance to plant science, nutrition, health

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a complex disease of cereals caused by Fusarium species, which causes severe damages in terms of yield quality and quantity worldwide, and which produces mycotoxin contamination, posing a serious threat to public health. In the study presented herein, the antifungal activity against Fusarium culmorum of chitosan oligomers (COS)–amino acid conjugate complexes was investigated

Prolonged drought and extreme precipitation can have a significant impact on the activity and structure of soil microbial communities. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of drought length on the dynamics of mineral nitrogen, enzyme activities and bacterial diversity in two soils of different texture (sand and silt loam, according to USDA classification). An additional objective was to evaluate

Inoculation with beneficial microbes has been proposed as an effective practice for the improvement of plant growth and soil health. Since soil acts as a physicochemical background for soil microbial communities, we hypothesized that its management will mediate the effects of microbial inoculants on the indigenous soil microbes. We examined the effects of bacterial inoculants [Bacillus subtilis (Ba)

The study evaluated the feasibility of simplified hydroponics for the growth of rooted cuttings of geranium (Pelargonium zonale) for commercial purposes in local farms in Northern Italy. Tested systems included a control where soilless system on substrate (peat) (T-1), usually adopted by local farmers, was compared against an open-cycle drip system on substrate (peat) (T-2), and a Nutrient Film Technique

Terpenes contribute to the desirable flavour and aroma of grapes and wine. The biosynthesis of these plant secondary metabolites is influenced by both physiological and environmental factors, such as grapevine phenological stage and sunlight exposure. In this study, we investigated the influence of ultraviolet (UV) at different grapevine phenological stages on free terpenes in grape at harvest. Two

The field experiment was carried out in 2015–2017 on a family farm in Toczyski Czortki, in the Mazovia voivodeship in Poland. The experiment was set up in a split–split–plot system in three replications. The area of one plot was 30 m−2. The studied factors were: I—two maize varieties: PR38N86 (medium late hybrid cultivar 280 FAO), P8400 (medium early hybrid cultivar 240 FAO); II—four doses of nitrogen

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used non-selective systemic herbicides, but nowadays its application is controversially discussed. Optical remote sensing techniques might provide a sufficient tool for monitoring glyphosate use. In order to investigate the potential of this technology, a laboratory experiment was set-up using pots with rolled grass sods. Glyphosate-treated plants were compared

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), an important forage grass species in temperate regions, is genetically improved by population breeding. Although valued for their broad genetic base, the resulting synthetic varieties only partially exploit heterosis. Hybrid breeding offers opportunities to fix beneficial heterotic patterns more effectively and, hence, to increase the yield potential. A suspected

Cover crops can be an effective means to protect soil and reduce risks of erosion in olive groves. However, for this protection to be significant, the vegetation must attain a significant amount of ground cover, which is estimated to be at least 30% during the rainy season. In olive groves on degraded soils, which occupy large surface areas in the olive-growing areas of the Mediterranean region, the

Selenium (Se) deficiency in humans could be improved by biofortification of food with selenium, 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment is beneficial for the non-sulfur storage of fresh fruit. This study investigated fruit quality of table grape (Hutai No.8) with foliar Se fertilizer at maturity, and fruit quality changes of table grape during shelf life stages that caused by postharvest 1-MCP treatment

Maine is the largest producer of wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) in the United States. Pollination comes from combinations of honey bees (Apis mellifera (L.)), commercial bumble bees (Bombus impatiens Cresson), and wild bees. This study addresses (1) previous research addressing wild-blueberry pollination, (2) effects of wild-bee and honey-bee activity densities on fruit set, yield,

Aquaponic facilities allow the joint production of fish and plants in a reduced space. This hydroponic technique, combined with vertical farming, is not well studied. The main objective of this work was to compare basil production between horizontal and vertical decoupled aquaponic systems and assess the utilization of supplemental lighting in a greenhouse environment. Six independent vertical racks

Cultivation of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) on the same land contributes to the accumulation of root exudates, leading to increased soil pathogens and decreased yield. Trichoderma harzianum is a naturally occurring endophytic biocontrol fungus that can enhance plant growth, nutrient uptake, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Separately, Bradyrhizobium spp. is a biological nitrogen-fixing

In the present study plant growth, nutritional value and chemical composition of leaves from twenty-five plain-leafed, curly-leafed and turnip-rooted parsley cultivars were evaluated. Total fresh yield was higher for the plain-leafed cv. Rialto Bejo: 192 ± 11 g/pot, while significant differences were observed between the three types in the nutritional parameters, except for the carbohydrates content

Association panels represent a useful tool for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and pre-breeding. In this study, we report on the development of a European and Mediterranean chickpea association panel as a useful tool for gene discovery and breeding. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important food legumes worldwide and a key crop in the Mediterranean environments. The selection

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is considered as one of the most expensive spices. Fusarium corm rot of saffron, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, is known to cause severe yield losses worldwide. In the present study, efficacy of biocontrol agents (Trichoderma asperellum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus stratosphericus, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus subtilis)

Selenium (Se) is an essential element in mammals; however, there is frequently an insufficient intake due to several factors. Different techniques have been used to deal with this problem, such as plant biofortification with Se in its ionic forms and, more recently, at the nanoscale. Additionally, despite the fact that Se is not considered an essential element in plants, it has been shown to stimulate

Black rot is a destructive disease that affects B. oleracea crops, causing significant losses to growers throughout the world. The purpose of this study was to screen out new sources resistant to Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris race 4 (Xcc4) in 26 cauliflower and six related wild species, and to assess the inheritance of resistance. The results indicate that most of the tested accessions were

The commercial Nigerian peanut cultivars Ex-Dakar, Samnut-22 and Samnut-26, the Egyptian cultivar Ismailia-1 and the American cultivar NC-7 were genetically differentiated and the cultivars’ effects on growth and yield components, total lipid contents, including saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, and oil body size and number were investigated. Experiments were carried out at Cairo University Research

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is among the most important vegetable crops worldwide. Early blight disease, caused by Alternaria solani, is a destructive foliar disease of tomato and other Solanaceae species. Herein, we investigated the in vitro antifungal properties of gallic acid and two of its derivatives (syringic and pyrogallic acids) against A. solani during 2019 and 2020 seasons. The physiological

Many arid and semiarid regions of the world face serious water shortages that are projected to have significant adverse impacts on irrigated agriculture and create unprecedented challenges for providing food and water security for the rapidly growing human population in a changing global climate. Consequently, there is a momentous incentive to shift to more resource-efficient soilless greenhouse production

The giant willow aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus) is a large stem-feeding insect which forms dense colonies on infested plants. Since T. salignus is a new invasive species in New Zealand, we have a poor understanding of the plant chemical responses to aphid infestation. This study aimed to characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions of fifteen different willow species and hybrids growing

There is a lack of research on the practice of intercropping sugar beet and the impact of such agrocenoses on soil and crop fertility, especially under organic farming conditions. For this reason, a three-year stationary field experiment was performed at Vytautas Magnus University, Agriculture Academy, Lithuania. Sugar beet was grown continuously with intercropped Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum

Methods of growing plant biomass for the production of biogas in anaerobic digestion plants have a decisive influence on arable land and on the evaluation of biogas plant technologies from the environmental point of view. The main benefit of anaerobic digestion is the possibility to use various agricultural crops for energy production. Some of these plant species, e.g., legumes, are generally considered

The plant “False Lily of the Valley”, Speirantha gardenii is restricted to south-east China and considered as an endemic plant. Due to its limited availability, this plant was less studied. Hence, this study is focused on its molecular studies, where we have sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of S. gardenii and this is the first report on the chloroplast genome sequence of Speirantha. The complete

Plant water availability in soilless substrates is an important management consideration to maximize water efficiency for containerized crops. Changes in the characteristics (i.e., shrink) of these substrates at low water potential (<−1.0 MPa) when using a conventional pressure plate-base can reduce hydraulic connectivity between the plate and the substrate sample resulting in inaccurate measures of

Coffee breeding based on root traits is important to identify productive genotypes under adverse environmental conditions. This study assessed the diversity of root traits in Coffea canephora and its correlation with plant height and crop yield. Undisturbed soil samples were collected down to 60 cm from 43 coffee genotypes, in which one of them was propagated by seed and all others by stem cutting

The use of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) is being promoted globally. However, information on nitrogen (N) fertilizer equivalence (NFE) value and synchrony of N mineralization for crop production remains largely unknown. Comparative studies between BSFFF and commercial organic fertilizer (SAFI) were undertaken under field conditions to determine synchrony of N release for maize uptake.

Vegetable grafting has become entrenched as a sustainable tool for addressing biotic and abiotic stresses of vegetable crops, including watermelon. The concerted action of scion–rootstock genotypes in shaping crop performance, fruit quality and postharvest behavior of watermelon is critical. In this respect, scions of different ploidy grafted on interspecific and gourd rootstocks were assessed. Yield

Sweet sorghum seems to be one of the most promising energy crops for a wide range of ecological conditions thanks to its high yield potential and drought tolerance. A two-year field trial was conducted in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment in Turkey to evaluate the interactive effects of different nitrogen fertilizer levels (100, 150, and 200 kg ha−1) and humic substances (0, 15, 30, and 45 L ha−1)

Prunus species are important crops in temperate regions. In these regions, drought periods are predicted to occur more frequently due to climate change. In this sense, to reduce the impact of climate warming, obtaining new tolerant/resistant cultivars and rootstocks is a mandatory goal in Prunus breeding. Therefore, the current study assembled three Prunus species including almond, (P. dulcis Mill

Peat-free growing media constituents and stand-alone substrates are the basis for the economic and ecological efficiency of the soilless culture system. Nevertheless, divergence between the model and practice still exists, coming from large gaps in the knowledge of alternative organic materials and of their effects on crop performance. A more detailed understanding of these topics is necessary to increase

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) growth faces two critical problems: variability in storage root (SR) number and size among individual plants, and skinning injuries that render the SR susceptible to pathogen infections during storage. We hypothesized that application of potassium (K) fertilizer, an essential mineral for sweet potato, would contribute to increased yield, uniformity, and skin quality of

The phaseout of methyl bromide and the ban on, or withdrawal of, other toxic soil fumigants and non-fumigant nematicides belonging to the organophosphate and carbamate groups are leading to changes in nematode-control strategies. Sustainable nematode-control methods are available and preferred, but not always effective enough, especially for cash crops in intensive agriculture. A few non-fumigant nematicides

Water storage pit irrigation (WSPI) has been proven effective in improving the water use efficiency of fruit trees in Loess Plateau, but so far there are still no matching efficient fertilization management methods. A two-year experiment was conducted to explore the management strategy of fertilization under the consideration of apple production and environmental sustainability. N isotope tracer technique

Weed management is an important issue since weeds directly compete with crop plants for space, nutrients; serve as habitat for insect pests and diseases, and can create a significant annual reduction in crop productivity. This study focused on evaluating the contribution of the secondary metabolites of the fruit pulp of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. for its potential growth inhibitory effect. Crude extracts

Substrate wettability is an important factor in determining effective and efficient irrigation techniques for container-grown crops. Reduced substrate wettability can lead to lower substrate water capture, excessive leaching and poor plant growth. This research examined substrate water capture using surface and subirrigation under three initial moisture contents (IMC). Sphagnum peat moss, coconut coir

Organic materials from various sources have been commonly adopted as soil amendments to improve crop productivity. Phosphorus deficiency and fixation in alkaline calcareous soils drives a reduction in crop production. A two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of rock phosphate enriched composts and chemical fertilizers both individually and in combination with plant growth promoting

A field experiment was carried out in 2016–2018 in a white lupin (Lupinus albus L.)-winter wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. ‘Bogatka’) crop rotation. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of nitrogen (N) that was biologically fixed by the white lupin crop in the first year of the rotation and to estimate how much of this N was then taken up from the lupin residues by winter wheat in the second

There is an urgent need among plant breeders for a deeper understanding of the links between wheat genotypes and their ability to utilize light for biomass production and their efficiency at converting the biomass into grain yield. This field trail was conducted to investigate the variations in radiation use efficiency (RUE) and harvest index (HI) of four spring wheat cultivars grown on two soil types

Short-term grassland set-asides (GLSA) have been incorporated into intensive annual crop rotations to improve soil quality. The legacy of the GLSA to subsequent annual crops, however, is not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the impacts of 3-year-old GLSA on nitrogen (N) dynamics and the yield of the subsequent cash crop. A regional analysis was conducted over two years

Crop diversity may mediate the intensity of weed-crop competition by altering soil nutrient availability and plant-soil microbe interactions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to analyze weed-crop competition in soils with varying crop diversity legacies. Soil greenhouse treatments included field soils (i.e., soil nutrient and microbial legacies), a sterile greenhouse potting mix inoculated with

Crop water productivity (CWP), irrigation water productivity (IWP), actual seasonal basal crop coefficient (Kab), and actual crop evapotranspiration (ETa) are essential parameters for accurate estimation of crop water requirement to prevent irrigation water waste. These parameters were evaluated by conducting three experiments using a drought-tolerant maize hybrid and a non-drought-tolerant (‘standard’)

The use of native Trichoderma strains has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to control cocoa diseases. The aim of this study was to assess indigenous Trichoderma strains from Bagua Province, Peru, with reference to their antagonistic characteristics in vitro and their potential for in vitro biocontrol against frosty pod rot (FPR) disease. A total of 199 strains were assessed for in vitro mycoparasitism

Preparing agricultural producers to cope with volatile weather changes, specifically drought, requires a better understanding of forage water-use efficiency (WUE) potentials. Options to improve farm resiliency to drought may include the use of C4 annual and perennial forages, which have greater production efficiency during drought than commonly used C3 forages. Our objective was to measure WUE through

Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) is recognized as the key enzyme of the lipid signaling pathway, which involves the transduction of messages from hormones, neurotransmitters, and immunologic and growth factors. Regarding their essential role in animal physiology, many plant biologists have predicted a similar enzymatic influence in plants. However, a small number of recent studies have revealed the complexity