Agronomy

22 pages, 9061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating UAV-Based Multispectral Data and Transfer Learning for Soil Moisture Prediction in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China

by Tong Zhou, Shoutian Ma, Tianyu Liu, Shuihong Yao, Shenglin Li and Yang Gao

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030759 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 401

Abstract

The rapid and accurate acquisition of soil moisture (SM) information is essential. Although Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technology has made significant advancements in SM monitoring, existing studies predominantly focus on developing models tailored to specific regions. The transferability of these models [...] Read more.

The rapid and accurate acquisition of soil moisture (SM) information is essential. Although Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing technology has made significant advancements in SM monitoring, existing studies predominantly focus on developing models tailored to specific regions. The transferability of these models across different regions remains a considerable challenge. Therefore, this study proposes a transfer learning-based framework, using two representative small agricultural watersheds (Hongxing region and Woniutu region) in Northeast China as case studies. This framework involves pre-training a model on a source domain and fine-tuning it with a limited set of target domain samples to achieve high-precision SM inversion. This study evaluates the performance of three algorithms: Random Forest (RF), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network. Results show that the fine-tuned model significantly mitigates the decline in prediction accuracy caused by regional differences. The fine-tuned LSTM model achieved the highest retrieval accuracy, with the following results: 10% samples (R = 0.615, RRMSE = 15.583%), 30% samples (R = 0.682, RRMSE = 13.97%), and 50% samples (R = 0.767, RRMSE = 16.321%). Among these models, the LSTM model exhibited the most significant performance improvement and the best transferability. This study underscores the potential of transfer learning for enhancing cross-regional SM monitoring and providing valuable insights for future UAV-based SM monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

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26 pages, 2575 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tenebrio molitor Frass: A Cutting-Edge Biofertilizer for Sustainable Agriculture and Advanced Adsorbent Precursor for Environmental Remediation

by Alessandra Verardi, Paola Sangiorgio, Brigida Della Mura, Stefania Moliterni, Anna Spagnoletta, Salvatore Dimatteo, Daniela Bassi, Claudia Cortimiglia, Raffaella Rebuzzi, Salvatore Palazzo and Simona Errico

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030758 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 366

Abstract

The projected growth of the global population to over 10 billion by 2080 necessitates groundbreaking sustainable agricultural solutions that enhance productivity while mitigating environmental impacts. Tenebrio molitor frass (TMF), derived from larval excrement and exuviae, has emerged as a promising organic fertilizer. Enriched [...] Read more.

The projected growth of the global population to over 10 billion by 2080 necessitates groundbreaking sustainable agricultural solutions that enhance productivity while mitigating environmental impacts. Tenebrio molitor frass (TMF), derived from larval excrement and exuviae, has emerged as a promising organic fertilizer. Enriched with macro- and micronutrients, TMF enhances soil functions through microbial communities that promote nutrient cycling, decompose organic matter, and suppress soilborne pathogens. Additionally, functional compounds like chitin, cellulose, xylans, and lignin improve the soil structure, foster beneficial microbes, and activate natural plant defence responses. The synergy of microbial activity and bioactive compounds positions TMF as a valuable resource for enhancing plant growth and soil health. Its role as a nutrient source, biostimulant, and soil amendment aligns with circular economy principles by recycling agro-industrial by-products and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. TMF also contributes to sustainable agriculture by improving soil fertility, microbial biodiversity, and plant stress resilience, while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient runoff. Additionally, TMF-derived biochar offers the potential for environmental remediation as an effective adsorbent. Despite its advantages, TMF faces challenges in scalability, cost, and regulations, requiring advancements in processing, enrichment, and supportive policies to maximize its potential in sustainable farming. Full article

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22 pages, 1537 KiB

Open AccessReview

Breeding of Solanaceous Crops Using AI: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches—A Critical Review

by Maria Gerakari, Anastasios Katsileros, Konstantina Kleftogianni, Eleni Tani, Penelope J. Bebeli and Vasileios Papasotiropoulos

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030757 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 821

Abstract

This review discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and its subset, deep learning (DL), in advancing the genetic improvement of Solanaceous crops. AI has emerged as a powerful solution to overcome the limitations of traditional breeding techniques, which [...] Read more.

This review discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and its subset, deep learning (DL), in advancing the genetic improvement of Solanaceous crops. AI has emerged as a powerful solution to overcome the limitations of traditional breeding techniques, which often involve time-consuming, resource-intensive processes with limited predictive accuracy. Through advanced algorithms and predictive models, ML and DL facilitate the identification and optimization of key traits, including higher yield, improved quality, pest resistance, and tolerance to extreme climatic conditions. By integrating big data analytics and omics, these methods enhance genomic selection (GS), support gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9, and accelerate crop breeding, thus enabling the development of resilient and adaptable crops. This review highlights the role of ML and DL in improving Solanaceae crops, such as tomato, potato, eggplant, and pepper, with the aim of developing novel varieties with superior agronomic and quality traits. Additionally, this study examines the advantages and limitations of AI-driven breeding compared to traditional methods in Solanaceae, emphasizing its contribution to agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress and Innovations in Breeding Objectives and Technologies for Solanaceae Crops Production)

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18 pages, 2864 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Organic Carbon Stocks Under Daylily Cultivation and Their Influencing Factors in the Agro-Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China

by Zhen Wang, Zelong Yao, Hongfen Zhu and Rutian Bi

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030756 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 201

Abstract

Perennial crops are crucial for enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks to mitigate climate change, yet the effects of planting duration on SOC stocks remain inconsistent. In the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China, where soil degradation is a growing concern, daylily, a perennial [...] Read more.

Perennial crops are crucial for enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks to mitigate climate change, yet the effects of planting duration on SOC stocks remain inconsistent. In the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China, where soil degradation is a growing concern, daylily, a perennial crop cultivated for over 600 years, presents both ecological and agricultural potential. This study evaluates the impact of long-term (LD, >10 years) and short-term (SD, ~5 years) daylily cultivation on SOC stocks and identifies key drivers. Paired soil samples (0–100 cm) from eight sites under LD, SD, and long-term maize cultivation (CK) were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation analysis, random forest, and structural equation modeling (SEM). LD significantly increased SOC stocks by 19.63% compared to CK, while SD showed no significant difference. The sampling site had a greater impact on SOC stocks than the treatment across different geographic locations. At the same location, SEM revealed that soil factors influenced SOC differently across treatments: for LD, soil total nitrogen (TN) > pH > soil water content (SWC); for SD, TN > SWC > soil available phosphorus (AP); for CK, TN > soil available potassium (AK) > SWC. This study provides insights for regional soil management and carbon sequestration strategies, highlighting the role of LD in enhancing soil quality and promoting ecological restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Pathways Towards Carbon Neutrality in Agricultural Systems)

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16 pages, 12679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Distinct Nitrogen Forms Shape Flavonoid Biosynthesis and Gene–Metabolite Networks in Erigeron breviscapus

by Yan Yang, Linyu Li, Xing Wang, Bin Yang, Weisi Ma, Hang Jin and Yongmei Li

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030755 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 295

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) sources critically influence both agronomic performance and secondary metabolism in medicinal plants. Understanding how different forms of nitrogen affect plant growth and the biosynthesis of valuable secondary metabolites is essential for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing crop medicinal quality. In this [...] Read more.

Nitrogen (N) sources critically influence both agronomic performance and secondary metabolism in medicinal plants. Understanding how different forms of nitrogen affect plant growth and the biosynthesis of valuable secondary metabolites is essential for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing crop medicinal quality. In this study, Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.–Mazz., a medicinal herb renowned in traditional Chinese medicine for its bioactive flavonoids such as scutellarin with neuroprotective and cardiovascular therapeutic effects, was cultivated under various N treatments—nitrate (NO₃⁻–N), ammonium (NH₄⁺–N), and urea [CO(NH₂)₂]—and compared to an N-free control. All N treatments significantly enhanced plant height, leaf area, biomass, and overall yield, with nitrate-N providing the most pronounced growth benefits. Metabolomic profiling identified 387 known metabolites, primarily flavonoids, exhibiting distinct accumulation patterns under each N form. Transcriptomic analyses revealed substantial differences in gene expression, with nitrate-N inducing the greatest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Integration of metabolomic and transcriptomic data uncovered co-expression modules linking candidate regulatory genes, such as cytochrome P450s, MYB transcription factors, and glycosyltransferases, to specific flavonoids, including quercetin-3-O-glucoside and apigenin. These findings elucidate how different N sources modulate flavonoid biosynthesis in E. breviscapus, revealing molecular mechanisms underlying N-mediated flavonoid biosynthesis, which can contribute to optimized fertilizer strategies. This research enhances both the medicinal quality and yield of this important medicinal plant by revealing key gene–metabolite networks, thereby offering valuable insights for metabolic engineering and sustainable cultivation practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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13 pages, 5867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Application of γ-Polyglutamic Acid Enhances Growth, Yield, and Rhizosphere Microbiota of Summer Maize Under Varied Water Regimes

by Yi Wang, Zhenfeng Guo, Shujie Zhang, Fang Li and Yanlai Han

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030754 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 407

Abstract

Amidst escalating global water scarcity and the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, the exploration of efficient and eco-friendly agricultural aids has become paramount. This field experiment investigated the effects of foliar γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) application on summer maize under two irrigation levels [...] Read more.

Amidst escalating global water scarcity and the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices, the exploration of efficient and eco-friendly agricultural aids has become paramount. This field experiment investigated the effects of foliar γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) application on summer maize under two irrigation levels (0 m³·ha⁻¹ and 900 m³·ha⁻¹ at the bell-mouth stage) and three γ-PGA spraying treatments. The results demonstrated that both irrigation and γ-PGA spraying significantly influenced maize yield and various growth parameters, with notable interaction effects. Compared to the control, single and double applications of γ-PGA increased summer maize yield by 33.3% and 37.0%, respectively, while enhancing dry matter accumulation and nutrient uptake. Foliar γ-PGA application also altered the rhizosphere microbial community composition, increasing the abundances of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, as well as beneficial bacteria such as Arthrobacter, Sphingomonas, Streptomyces, and Altererythrobacter. Additionally, it significantly increased the population of Dung Saprotroph fungi, which are beneficial for crop growth. These findings suggest that foliar γ-PGA application can promote summer maize growth and holds significant potential for agricultural applications. Full article

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23 pages, 5085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Process Importance Identification for the SPAC System Under Different Water Conditions: A Case Study of Winter Wheat

by Lijun Wang, Liangsheng Shi and Jinmin Li

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030753 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 216

Abstract

Modeling the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum (SPAC) system requires multiple subprocesses and numerous parameters. Sensitivity analysis is effective to identify important model components and improve the modeling efficiency. However, most sensitivity analyses for SPAC models focus on parameter-level assessment, providing limited insights into process-level importance. [...] Read more.

Modeling the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum (SPAC) system requires multiple subprocesses and numerous parameters. Sensitivity analysis is effective to identify important model components and improve the modeling efficiency. However, most sensitivity analyses for SPAC models focus on parameter-level assessment, providing limited insights into process-level importance. To address this gap, this study proposes a process sensitivity analysis method that integrates the Bayesian network with variance-based sensitivity measures. Four subprocesses are demarcated based on the physical relationships between model components revealed by the network. Applied to a winter wheat SPAC system under different water conditions, the method effectively and reliably identifies critical processes. The results indicate that, under minimal water stress, the subprocesses of photosynthesis and dry matter partitioning primarily determine agricultural outputs. As the water supply decreases, the subprocesses of soil water movement and evapotranspiration gain increasing importance, becoming predominant under sever water stress. Throughout the crop season, the subprocess importance and its response to water stress are modulated by the crop phenology. Compared to conventional parameter sensitivity analysis, our method excels in synthesizing divergent parameter importance changes and identifying influential subprocesses, even without high-sensitivity parameters. This study provides new insights into adaptive SPAC modeling by dynamically simplifying unimportant subprocesses in response to environmental changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

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21 pages, 9035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Elite Agronomic Traits Using Chromosome Arm Substitution Lines of Triticum dicoccoides in the Background of Common Wheat

by Yanhao Zhao, Xiaofen Wei, Yurong Jiang, Xin Hu and Junkang Rong

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030752 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 132

Abstract

To effectively mine and utilize the valuable genes of wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides, 2n = 4x = 28, AABB), this study conducted an investigation of agronomic traits using two sets of chromosome arm substitution lines (CASLs) of wild emmer wheat [...] Read more.

To effectively mine and utilize the valuable genes of wild emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccoides, 2n = 4x = 28, AABB), this study conducted an investigation of agronomic traits using two sets of chromosome arm substitution lines (CASLs) of wild emmer wheat in the backgrounds of the common wheat varieties Bethlehem (BLH) and Chinese Spring (CS). The results indicated significant differences in growth parameters, including seedling agronomic traits, heading date (HD), and yield traits among the various CASLs in both the BLH and CS backgrounds. In both genetic backgrounds, the number of tillers in CASL7BS was significantly fewer than that of the parents. Additionally, the average leaf width of six CASLs (2BS, 1AL, 7AL, 5BS, 4AS, and 2BL) was significantly narrower compared to the parents. Among CASLs in the CS background, CASL2BS exhibited a significantly narrower average leaf width and shorter average plant height compared to both the parents and early-maturing CASLs. Conversely, CASL4AL exhibited significantly more tillers and a shorter average plant height than the other CASLs. In the BLH background, the spike phenotypes of all CASLs showed no significant differences from BLH. However, in the CS background, CASL6AS and CASL5AL demonstrated significantly longer spike lengths than CS. Moreover, CASL6BL had more spikelets per spike than CS. CASLs 4AS, 4AL, 6BS, and 6BL exhibited basal short awns and apical long awns, whereas the remaining CASLs displayed no awns, a pattern consistent with CS. We hypothesize that genes governing physiological traits such as seedling tiller number, leaf width, plant height, and spike traits are likely located on the corresponding chromosome arms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity and Pathogenic Mechanisms in Plant Pathogenic Bacteria)

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19 pages, 4095 KiB

Open AccessArticle

System Design and Reliability Improvement of Wireless Sensor Network in Plant Factory Scenario

by Wenhao Luo, Yuan Zeng, Ximeng Zheng, Lingyan Zha, Weicheng Cai, Qing Wang and Jingjin Zhang

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030751 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 223

Abstract

Creating a suitable growing environment is necessary to ensure good plant growth in a plant factory, which requires wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to monitor the environment in real time. However, existing WSN clustered routing methods hardly take into account the network unreliability caused [...] Read more.

Creating a suitable growing environment is necessary to ensure good plant growth in a plant factory, which requires wireless sensor networks (WSNs) to monitor the environment in real time. However, existing WSN clustered routing methods hardly take into account the network unreliability caused by varying link quality among nodes, resulting in reduced stability and accuracy of environmental monitoring. This study proposes a wireless sensor network system strategy for improving network reliability in large-scale reliable wireless sensor networks suitable for plant factory scenarios. Firstly, a hybrid wireless sensor network was designed and built based on Wi-Fi and ZigBee communication protocols. Secondly, a nonlinear link quality prediction model for plant factory scenarios was developed using a function fitting method, taking into account the interference and attenuation caused by the dense concentration of agricultural facilities and plants in plant factories on the wireless signal propagation. Finally, a network coverage optimization scheme was designed by combining a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and link quality prediction model, and a reliable cluster routing protocol was designed by combining K-means algorithm. The results indicated that the coefficient of determination (R²) for the prediction model was 0.9962. The impact of agricultural facilities and vegetation on link quality was most significant when the node height was 0.7 m. Under the optimal node deployment, the number of nodes was 33, and the network coverage rate (CR) reached 97.512%. Compared with the traditional clustered routing method, the wireless sensor network designed in this study is more applicable to the field of plant factories; it further enhances data transmission effectiveness and link quality, improves the reliability of the network, and realizes the load balancing of the internal transmission of the network, which in turn ensures the accuracy of environmental monitoring and the stability of the system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

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14 pages, 2018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Different Altitude Conditions on the Quality Characteristics of Turnips (Brassica rapa)

by Peng Jin, Min Liu, Meirong Chen, Weiwai Zhao, Xuemin Zhang, Tao Mou, Wang A., Zongsong Wang, Xingliang Xu and Lili Jiang

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030750 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 253

Abstract

The turnip (Brassica rapa) is a multipurpose crop traditionally utilized for food, fodder, and medicinal materials in China. However, it remains unclear how it adapts to harsh environments in Xizang. To clarify the gap, this study investigates the impact of altitude [...] Read more.

The turnip (Brassica rapa) is a multipurpose crop traditionally utilized for food, fodder, and medicinal materials in China. However, it remains unclear how it adapts to harsh environments in Xizang. To clarify the gap, this study investigates the impact of altitude on the nutritional profile of the “Zhongke 1” turnip across five altitude gradients (3300 m, 3600 m, 4270 m, 4300 m and 4450 m). Comprehensive post-harvest analyses of key nutritional parameters were conducted to evaluate quality variations at different altitudes. The results indicated that both the relative fodder value and relative grass quality of the turnips reached levels comparable to high-quality forage grasses. Additionally, the sugar and soluble carbohydrate content of the turnips exhibited a distinct pattern, initially declining and then rising with altitude. Total digestible nutrients exceeded 60%, while the crude protein content remained above 14% across all elevations. The lignin content in the belowground part of the turnip at 4450 m was more than two times higher than at 3300 m (6.59% vs. 2.96%). Notably, most nutritional indicators remained stable even at the highest elevation of 4450 m, highlighting the strong adaptability of turnips to the diverse environmental conditions of Xizang. The study further identified soil chemical properties, rather than temperature or precipitation, as the primary factors driving nutritional variations across altitudes. In conclusion, the turnip variety showed significant potential as a high-quality and high-productivity forage crop in high-altitude regions more than 4000 m above sea level. This study is of great significance for understanding the altitude adaptability of turnip quality and promoting the development of animal husbandry in the high altitude area of the Xizang Autonomous Region. Full article

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15 pages, 4870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Bacterial Community Structure in Yellow Paddy Soil After Long-Term Chemical Fertilisation, Organic Fertilisation, and Fertilisation Mode Conversion

by Yehua Yang, Xingcheng Huang, Huaqing Zhu, Yanling Liu, Yarong Zhang, Song Zhang, Han Xiong, Huan Yang and Yu Li

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030749 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 189

Abstract

This study aimed to compare bacterial community structure differences in yellow paddy soil under long-term chemical/organic fertilisation and fertiliser conversion to guide farmland fertilisation strategies in yellow loam areas. Treatments included (1) continuous application of chemical fertilisers for 27 years (CF-CF); (2) application [...] Read more.

This study aimed to compare bacterial community structure differences in yellow paddy soil under long-term chemical/organic fertilisation and fertiliser conversion to guide farmland fertilisation strategies in yellow loam areas. Treatments included (1) continuous application of chemical fertilisers for 27 years (CF-CF); (2) application of chemical fertiliser continuously for 24 years and then application of organic fertiliser for 3 years (CF-OF); (3) continuous application of organic fertiliser for 27 years (OF-OF); and (4) application of organic fertiliser continuously for 24 years and then application of chemical fertiliser for 3 years (OF-CF). The results show that long-term fertilisation alters genus-level bacterial taxa, while fertilisation mode changes significantly increase taxa quantities at both phylum and genus levels. Different fertilisation treatments affect the relative abundance of bacteria; the relative abundance of Firmicutes in OF-OF is significantly greater than that in CF-CF, while Gemmatimonadota and Patescibacteria show the opposite trend. Compared to CF-CF, CF-OF increases the relative abundance of Firmicutes and decreases that of Cyanobacteria, whereas OF-CF increases the relative abundance of Firmicutes compared to OF-OF. Notably, Patescibacteria is significantly enriched in CF-CF, while Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidota are significantly enriched in CF-OF, and Firmicutes and Myxomycophyta are significantly enriched in the OF-OF treatment. The bacterial community composition of CF-CF and CF-OF is similar, while the bacterial community composition of OF-OF and OF-CF is similar. In bacterial assembly processes, OF-CF improves the heterogeneous selection process and reduces the homogeneous dispersal process compared to OF-OF. The bacterial assembly process of OF-CF gradually becomes similar to that of CF-CF and CF-OF. Further analyses indicate that fertilisation influences the soil bacterial community composition by affecting total nitrogen, organic matter, available phosphorus, and pH. Overall, long-term different fertilisation predominates bacterial community distribution, while short-term changes in fertilisation mode have a smaller but significant effect on bacterial community distribution, influencing the quantity and relative abundance of bacterial taxa; the application of organic fertilisers is more beneficial for the even distribution of bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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22 pages, 13145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals Divergent Drought-Response Mechanisms Between Resistant and Susceptible Apple Genotype Roots

by Jinjiao Yan, Shicong Wang, Dan Xiao, Mengyao Yang, Bingjie Miao, Bolin Niu, Jiangbo Wang, Jie Wei, Fengwang Ma and Jidi Xu

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030748 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 247

Abstract

Drought stress caused a significant threat to apple growth and production. Although there is an increasing studies concerning the molecular mechanism in apple response to drought, most of these studies focus on the leaves. However, the roots is the first organism to sense [...] Read more.

Drought stress caused a significant threat to apple growth and production. Although there is an increasing studies concerning the molecular mechanism in apple response to drought, most of these studies focus on the leaves. However, the roots is the first organism to sense the drought signal and play important role in drought response. The molecular mechanisms underlying the apple roots in response to drought needs to be further explored. In this study, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of roots from drought-resistant (Malus prunifolia) and drought-susceptible (Malus hupehensis) apple genotypes under different soil water contents with 60% (control), 30% (mild drought), 10% (moderate drought), and 5% (severe drought). The further Mapman pathways analysis showed that Malus prunifolia exhibited more rapid activation of abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis (NCED, PYL) and signaling pathway, as well as the induction of transcription factors (NAC, WRKY, MYB) compare to Malus prunifolia under mild and moderate drought treatments. This might be one of the reasons why Malus prunifolia exhibits greater drought resistance. Furthermore, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was adopted for the identification of core drought-responsive genes. Notably, three hub genes, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 32 (UBC32), basic leucine-zipper 4 (bZIP4), and highly ABA-induced PP2C gene 2 (HAI2), were selected from the different modules, suggesting their vital roles in drought response. Taken together, our results gain insights into the global expression alterations in drought-resistance and susceptible germplasms under different drought conditions and identify some key genes involved in drought response, which is helpful for drought-resistant apple breeding in future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Crop Production: Unveiling the Vital Role of Plant Roots and Their Dynamic Interplay with Soil and the Environment)

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14 pages, 1855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Fruit Ripeness on Physiological Seed Quality of Maax Pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum)

by María Gabriela Dzib-Ek, Rubén Humberto Andueza-Noh, René Garruña, Manuel Jesús Zavala-León, Eduardo Villanueva-Couoh, Benigno Rivera-Hernández, Walther Jesús Torres-Cab, Carlos Juan Alvarado-López and Roberto Rafael Ruíz-Santiago

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030747 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 315

Abstract

Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum is a semi-domesticated species of economic importance; however, its establishment in commercial plantations has been hampered by the low germination and emergence rates of its seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the [...] Read more.

Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum is a semi-domesticated species of economic importance; however, its establishment in commercial plantations has been hampered by the low germination and emergence rates of its seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the fruit ripening stage on seed germination and seedling emergence in C. annuum var. glabriusculum. Seeds were extracted from fruits with six different ripening stages. The evaluated traits were the germination and emergence percentages, germination and emergence rates, and 17 physical traits of the seeds. According to the results, seeds extracted from red, orange, and pinto fruits presented better germination and seedling emergence percentages (85, 86, and 82% and 95, 93, and 94%, respectively). A principal component analysis showed that some differences in the physical traits of the seed were associated with the fruit ripening stages and seed development. A canonical discriminant analysis showed a high correlation between the fruit ripening stages and the physical and physiological characteristics of the seed, allowing the formation of four groups. The fruit ripening stages (pinto, orange, and red) influence the germination of the seeds and the emergence of the seedlings of C. annuum L. var. glabriusculum, so obtaining seeds from physiologically ripe fruits allows for obtaining seeds of better quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Seeds: Chips of Agriculture)

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13 pages, 2103 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Sustainable Development of Wetlands and Agriculture: A Literature Review

by Hanqiong He, Xiaoyu Li and Tingliang Li

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030746 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 437

Abstract

Wetland agriculture is an important component of agricultural heritage worldwide and an example of human agricultural civilization. With the progress of society, human beings have an increasing demand for using wetland ecological environments. However, traditional agricultural reclamation has damaged wetland resources, leading to [...] Read more.

Wetland agriculture is an important component of agricultural heritage worldwide and an example of human agricultural civilization. With the progress of society, human beings have an increasing demand for using wetland ecological environments. However, traditional agricultural reclamation has damaged wetland resources, leading to the disappearance of 50% of wetlands worldwide. The sustainable and coordinated development of wetland and agricultural ecosystems is urgently needed. A bibliometric analysis method was used for analyzing wetland agriculture research, based on the Web of Science TM database. There were 2251 documents retrieved when the keywords “wetland agriculture” were searched, and 659 documents were obtained by manually removing non-relevant articles and duplicates to analyze the wetland agriculture research systematically. Based on high-frequency keyword analysis, wetland agriculture has evolved from the agricultural reclamation of wetlands, the return of farmland for wetlands, to the coexistence of wetland and agriculture. Furthermore, the functions of wetland agriculture are summarized and factors impacting its sustainability and healthy development are discussed. Therefore, the scientific use of wetlands based on their ecological services is an effective method for achieving the sustainable development of both ecosystems. Some advances are proposed for the future development of wetland ecological agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience)

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17 pages, 655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Organic Matter Quality and Glomalin-Related Soil Protein Content in Cambisol

by Jiří Balík, Pavel Suran, Jindřich Černý, Ondřej Sedlář, Martin Kulhánek and Simona Procházková

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030745 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 538

Abstract

The influence of different mineral and organic fertiliser applications on the soil organic matter (SOM) content and quality was monitored in long-term field trials. We used long-term field experiments (27 years) with a crop rotation of potatoes, winter wheat, and spring barley on [...] Read more.

The influence of different mineral and organic fertiliser applications on the soil organic matter (SOM) content and quality was monitored in long-term field trials. We used long-term field experiments (27 years) with a crop rotation of potatoes, winter wheat, and spring barley on cambisol soil. The treatments were as follows: an unfertilised control (Cont), sewage sludge in normal and triple doses (SS1 and SS3, respectively), farmyard manure (F1) in a conventional dose, a half dose of farmyard manure with a half dose of mineral nitrogen (F1/2 + N1/2), straw with mineral nitrogen fertiliser (N + St), and mineral nitrogen without any organic fertiliser (N). This study focused on the ability of the total and easily extractable glomalin-related soil protein (T-GRSP and EE-GRSP, respectively) and the water stability of aggregates (WSA) as indicators of long-term SOM quality changes. The results were compared with the content of humic substance fractions and the carbon in humic substances (C_HS), humic acids (C_HA), and fulvic acids (C_FA). The lowest SOM content and quality were observed in the control treatment. The highest overall SOM quality, including the degree of polymerisation (HA) and the GRSP content, was found in the F1 treatment. The organic matter in sewage sludge contributed less to the formation of stable SOM than straw. A significant correlation was found between both the EE-GRSP and the T-GRSP and the content of the C_SOM, C_HS, C_HA, and HA, but not with the C_FA. The influence of fertiliser on the GRSP content was demonstrated. However, no relationship was observed between the WSA and SOM quality, the EE-GRSP, or the T-GRSP content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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19 pages, 2849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Rotational Cultivation System for Indoor-Grown Lettuce: Feasibility in Terms of Yields, Resource Efficiency, Quality, and Postharvest Storage Capacity

by Cédric Dresch, Véronique Vidal, Séverine Suchail, Olivier Chevallier, Huguette Sallanon, Vincent Truffault and Florence Charles

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030744 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 347

Abstract

Indoor farming in plant factories with artificial lighting (PFAL) offers optimized growing conditions and higher water, light, and land surface use efficiencies compared to greenhouses or open field agriculture but faces challenges related to energy consumption. The objective of this work is to [...] Read more.

Indoor farming in plant factories with artificial lighting (PFAL) offers optimized growing conditions and higher water, light, and land surface use efficiencies compared to greenhouses or open field agriculture but faces challenges related to energy consumption. The objective of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of using a rotational cultivation system for indoor-grown lettuce production. We compare a rotational cultivation system to a horizontal control cultivation system in terms of yields, resource efficiency, quality at harvest, and postharvest storage capacity. No significant differences were observed in yields, water use efficiency, light use efficiency, or postharvest storage capacity between the systems. Energy and land surface use efficiencies were higher in the rotational cultivation system compared to the control and consistent with the literature. However, a slight trend toward lower fresh and dry weights throughout the cultivation period in the rotational system was noted, correlating with reduced net photosynthesis during the first two hours and at the end of the lighting period. This effect was attributed to decreased stomatal conductance and photosystem II efficiency. Furthermore, the rotational cultivation system modified the quality by modifying the global polyphenol profile of the lettuce compared to the control. Based on yields and efficiencies, we show the feasibility of using a rotational cultivation system for indoor lettuce production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Optimizing Plants and Cultivation System for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA))

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23 pages, 4660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Latitude, Planting Density, and Soil Available Potassium Are the Key Driving Factors of the Cotton Harvest Index in Arid Regions

by Xiaopeng Yang, Wanli Yu, Qve Li, Dongdong Zhong, Jiajing He and Hegan Dong

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030743 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 263

Abstract

The lint harvest index (HI) of cotton is the ratio of cotton lint yield to the total aboveground biomass of cotton, which is not yet clear in arid-zone cotton areas. In 2022–2023, large-scale sampling was carried out in Xinjiang, and the HI of [...] Read more.

The lint harvest index (HI) of cotton is the ratio of cotton lint yield to the total aboveground biomass of cotton, which is not yet clear in arid-zone cotton areas. In 2022–2023, large-scale sampling was carried out in Xinjiang, and the HI of different variety types of cotton in Xinjiang and their key drivers were clarified using methods such as random forest modeling (RFM) and structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show that the overall cotton HI in Xinjiang ranged from 0.276 to 0.333 and 0.279 to 0.328 for the Xinluzao (XLzao) variety types, and from 0.276 to 0.333 for the Xinluzhong (XLzhong) variety types. The results of the SEM analysis show that the latitude (−0.99) and planting density (0.50), in the climatic geography factors, and available potassium in soil (0.88), in the soil nutrient factors, have the greatest effects on the overall cotton HI in Xinjiang. The key driving factors of cotton HI were found to be different among different variety types. This study aimed to clarify the HI of different variety types of cotton in arid-zone cotton and to explore its key driving factors. This was undertaken in order to provide a theoretical basis for the accurate estimation of cotton and cotton straw yields in the arid zone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

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21 pages, 8354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Effects of Potassium Fertilization and Wheat Straw Return on Cropland Soil Fertility and Microorganisms in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau

by Tingting Xu, Rong Zhang, Yang Zhang, Xiaojun Wang, Zhengpeng Li and Yajun Gao

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030742 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 294

Abstract

Imbalanced fertilization and inadequate of straw return have led to soil potassium (K) depletion and fertility decline in croplands of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. However, how these changes affect soil microbial communities remains unclear. We analyzed soil properties, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, enzyme [...] Read more.

Imbalanced fertilization and inadequate of straw return have led to soil potassium (K) depletion and fertility decline in croplands of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. However, how these changes affect soil microbial communities remains unclear. We analyzed soil properties, microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen, enzyme activities, and microbial communities in a long-term field experiment initiated in 1992 with K fertilization and varying wheat straw return amounts. Long-term K application significantly reduced microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and bacterial species richness and inhibited positive bacteria–fungi interactions. By contrast, long-term straw return not only enhanced soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) but also increased MBC, microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), enzyme activities, and fungal species richness. Furthermore, it restructured microbial community composition and improved the stability and connectivity of microbial co-occurrence networks. Critically, these benefits did not scale linearly with straw input quantity. Excessive straw return (>5000 kg ha⁻¹) reduced beneficial effects, destabilized microbial interactions, and elevated risks associated with parasitic protozoa. Balanced potassium application with moderate straw return (approximately 5000 kg ha⁻¹) enhances soil fertility and promotes positive microbial effects in croplands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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17 pages, 6754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CSF-YOLO: A Lightweight Model for Detecting Grape Leafhopper Damage Levels

by Chaoxue Wang, Leyu Wang, Gang Ma and Liang Zhu

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030741 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 239

Abstract

Grape leafhoppers (Erythroneura spp.) are major pests in grape cultivation, leading to significant economic losses. Accurate and efficient damage level assessment is crucial for effective pest management and reducing financial impact. In this study, we categorized damage into uninfested leaves and five [...] Read more.

Grape leafhoppers (Erythroneura spp.) are major pests in grape cultivation, leading to significant economic losses. Accurate and efficient damage level assessment is crucial for effective pest management and reducing financial impact. In this study, we categorized damage into uninfested leaves and five damage levels (I–V) and constructed a grape leafhopper damage dataset. Based on this dataset, we developed a lightweight detection model for grape leafhopper damage levels, incorporating improvements to the YOLOv8n architecture. The model employs FasterNet as the backbone network to enhance computational efficiency and reduce model complexity. It substitutes for the nearest-neighbor upsampling with CARAFE to improve small target detection capabilities. Additionally, the SE attention mechanism is integrated to optimize leaf feature extraction, thereby enhancing recognition accuracy in complex vineyard environments. The experimental results demonstrate that CSF-YOLO achieves a mAP of 90.15%, which is 1.82% higher than the baseline model, YOLOv8n. Additionally, the model’s inference results can be accessed via mobile devices, demonstrating the feasibility of real-time vineyard pest monitoring. This study provides a solid technical foundation for advancing intelligent pest monitoring systems in vineyards and the development of smart agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

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19 pages, 5808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Corn Point Cloud Stem-Leaf Segmentation Method Based on Octree Voxelization and Region Growing

by Qinzhe Zhu and Ming Yu

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030740 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 300

Abstract

Plant phenotyping is crucial for advancing precision agriculture and modern breeding, with 3D point cloud segmentation of plant organs being essential for phenotypic parameter extraction. Nevertheless, although existing approaches maintain segmentation precision, they struggle to efficiently process complex geometric configurations and large-scale point [...] Read more.

Plant phenotyping is crucial for advancing precision agriculture and modern breeding, with 3D point cloud segmentation of plant organs being essential for phenotypic parameter extraction. Nevertheless, although existing approaches maintain segmentation precision, they struggle to efficiently process complex geometric configurations and large-scale point cloud datasets, significantly increasing computational costs. Furthermore, their heavy reliance on high-quality annotated data restricts their use in high-throughput settings. To address these limitations, we propose a novel multi-stage region-growing algorithm based on an octree structure for efficient stem-leaf segmentation in maize point cloud data. The method first extracts key geometric features through octree voxelization, significantly improving segmentation efficiency. In the region-growing phase, a preliminary structural segmentation strategy using fitted cylinder parameters is applied. A refinement strategy is then applied to improve segmentation accuracy in complex regions. Finally, stem segmentation consistency is enhanced through central axis fitting and distance-based filtering. In this study, we utilize the Pheno4D dataset, which comprises three-dimensional point cloud data of maize plants at different growth stages, collected from greenhouse environments. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves an average precision of 98.15% and an IoU of 84.81% on the Pheno4D dataset, demonstrating strong robustness across various growth stages. Segmentation time per instance is reduced to 4.8 s, offering over a fourfold improvement compared to PointNet while maintaining high accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, validation experiments on tomato point cloud data confirm the proposed method’s strong generalization capability. In this paper, we present an algorithm that addresses the shortcomings of traditional methods in complex agricultural environments. Specifically, our approach improves efficiency and accuracy while reducing dependency on high-quality annotated data. This solution not only delivers high precision and faster computational performance but also lays a strong technical foundation for high-throughput crop management and precision breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

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18 pages, 6663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrative Analysis of the Methylome, Transcriptome, and Proteome Reveals a New Mechanism of Rapeseed Under Freezing Stress

by Guoqiang Zheng, Zigang Liu, Jinxiong Wang, Jiaping Wei, Xiaoyun Dong, Hui Li, Ying Wang, Haiyang Tian, Zefeng Wu and Junmei Cui

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030739 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 161

Abstract

Winter rapeseed is susceptible to freezing stress during winter, making it difficult to overwinter safely and resulting in a reduction of yield and quality. DNA methylation, the main epigenetic modification, can regulate plant responses to various stresses. However, the regulatory mechanism of DNA [...] Read more.

Winter rapeseed is susceptible to freezing stress during winter, making it difficult to overwinter safely and resulting in a reduction of yield and quality. DNA methylation, the main epigenetic modification, can regulate plant responses to various stresses. However, the regulatory mechanism of DNA methylation in response to freezing stress in winter rapeseed remains unclear. This study investigates how DNA methylation regulates gene expression and protein abundance in response to freezing stress, revealing key regulatory pathways involved in rapeseed cold tolerance. A total of 6776 unique differentially methylated genes (DMGs), 4285 unique differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 269 unique differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were identified between the two cultivars under T1 and T2 freezing stress. Function enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were involved in signal transduction, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, sugar metabolism, peroxidase, peroxisome, photosynthesis, and additional pathways. An integrative analysis of methylome, transcriptome, and proteome showed that only nine genes were shared among all three datasets, and they were closely related to cold tolerance metabolism in rapeseed. The findings provide molecular insights into rapeseed freezing tolerance, which can be applied in breeding programs to enhance cold resistance in oilseed crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant-Crop Biology and Biochemistry)

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21 pages, 3015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Responses of Soybean Biomass and Bacterial Community Diversity of AMF Spore-Associated and Soybean Rhizosphere Soil to Microbial Inoculation and Chlorothalonil

by Weiguang Jie and Min Zhang

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030738 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 129

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) play crucial roles in enhancing crop growth, increasing yields, and improving the soil microbial environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of microbial inoculation and chlorothalonil on the AMF colonization rate [...] Read more.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) play crucial roles in enhancing crop growth, increasing yields, and improving the soil microbial environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of microbial inoculation and chlorothalonil on the AMF colonization rate in soybean roots, AMF spore density, nodule number, soybean biomass, and the composition of bacterial communities associated with soybean rhizosphere soil and AMF spores. The results indicated that the AMF colonization rate in soybean roots, AMF spore density, nodule number, and soybean biomass in the treatment inoculated with both Rhizophagus intraradices and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus were significantly greater than those in the other treatments. Inoculation with R. intraradices and A. calcoaceticus and spraying with chlorothalonil could influence the bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere soil of soybean. Compared with that in the control treatment, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the rhizosphere soil of soybean plants inoculated with R. intraradices increased by 1.40%. In addition, both spraying with chlorothalonil and inoculation with A. calcoaceticus influenced the composition of AMF spore-associated bacterial communities. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria in AMF spore from soybean rhizosphere soil inoculated with R. intraradices and A. calcoaceticus increased by 12.42% compared to that in samples inoculated solely with A. calcoaceticus. This study provides a theoretical basis for microbial inoculation in improving the microenvironment of soybean rhizosphere soil and increasing soybean biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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20 pages, 2708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Pest Management with Hollow Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with β-Cypermethrin

by Min Li, Linmiao Xue, Teng Gao, Zhuo Zhang, Dan Zhao, Xing Li and Zhanhai Kang

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030737 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 340

Abstract

β-cypermethrin (BCP) is a broad-spectrum insecticide known for its rapid efficacy. However, it is highly toxic to non-target organisms such as bees and fish, and its effectiveness is limited by a short duration of action. Improving the release profile of BCP is essential [...] Read more.

β-cypermethrin (BCP) is a broad-spectrum insecticide known for its rapid efficacy. However, it is highly toxic to non-target organisms such as bees and fish, and its effectiveness is limited by a short duration of action. Improving the release profile of BCP is essential for reducing its environmental toxicity while preserving its effectiveness. In this study, hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) were synthesized using a self-templating method, and BCP-loaded HMSNs were prepared through physical adsorption. The structural and physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The BCP release profile was assessed using the dialysis bag method. The results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited uniform morphology, thin shells, and large internal cavities. The HMSNs had a pore size of 3.09 nm, a specific surface area of 1318 m²·g⁻¹, a pore volume of 1.52 cm³·g⁻¹, and an average particle size of 183 nm. TEM, FT-IR, and TGA analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of BCP into the HMSNs, achieving a drug loading efficiency of 32.53%. The BCP-loaded nanoparticles exhibited sustained-release properties, with an initial burst followed by gradual release, extending efficacy for 30 days. Safety evaluations revealed minimal toxicity to maize seedlings, confirming the biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. These findings indicate that BCP-loaded HMSNs can enhance the efficacy of BCP while reducing its environmental toxicity, providing a biocompatible and environmentally friendly solution for pest control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Integrated Pest Management: New Tools and Tactics for Pest Control)

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25 pages, 1944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Effects of Mercury on Handroanthus impetiginosus (Ipê Roxo) Plants

by Evandro Alves de Oliveira, Daniela Roberta Borella, Vinícius José Santos Lopes, Leandro Dênis Battirola, Ricardo Lopes Tortorela de Andrade and Andréa Carvalho da Silva

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030736 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 374

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) poses significant risks to human health, the environment, and plant physiology, with its effects influenced by chemical form, concentration, exposure route, and organism vulnerability. This study evaluates the physiological impacts of Hg on Handroanthus impetiginosus (Ipê Roxo) seedlings through SPAD index [...] Read more.

Mercury (Hg) poses significant risks to human health, the environment, and plant physiology, with its effects influenced by chemical form, concentration, exposure route, and organism vulnerability. This study evaluates the physiological impacts of Hg on Handroanthus impetiginosus (Ipê Roxo) seedlings through SPAD index measurements, chlorophyll fluorescence analysis, and Hg quantification in plant tissues. Four-month-old seedlings were exposed for eight days to distilled water containing Hg at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 mg L⁻¹. The SPAD index decreased by 28.17% at 3, 5, and 7 mg L⁻¹, indicating reduced photosynthetic capacity. Chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis revealed a 50.58% decline in maximum efficiency (Fv/Fm) and a 58.33% reduction in quantum yield (ΦPSII) at 7 mg L⁻¹, along with an 83.04% increase in non-photochemical quenching (qn), suggesting oxidative stress and PSII damage. Transpiration decreased by 26.7% at 1 mg L⁻¹ and by 55% at 3, 5, and 7 mg L⁻¹, correlating with Hg levels and leaf senescence. Absorption, translocation, bioconcentration, and bioaccumulation factors varied among treatments. Hg accumulated mainly in stems (40.23 μg g⁻¹), followed by roots (0.77 μg g⁻¹) and leaves (2.69 μg g⁻¹), with limited translocation to leaves. These findings highlight Hg’s harmful effects on H. impetiginosus, an ecologically and commercially valuable species, addressing a gap in research on its Hg tolerance and phytoremediation potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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16 pages, 4557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome and Physio-Biochemical Profiling Reveals Differentially Expressed Genes in Seedlings from Aerial and Subterranean Seeds Subjected to Drought Stress in Amphicarpaea edgeworthii Benth

by Jiancheng Kou, Yue Su, Tianyu Lei, Siqi Hou, Jiali Tian, Minglong Li, Shuzhen Zhang, Xiaodong Ding, Qiang Li and Jialei Xiao

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030735 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 200

Abstract

Drought stress represents a prevalent environmental challenge that significantly impedes plant growth. The Chinese hog-peanut (Amphicarpaea edgeworthii Benth.), an amphicarpic legume, can produce both aerial seeds (ASs) and subterranean seeds (SSs). However, it is largely unknown whether there are differences between the [...] Read more.

Drought stress represents a prevalent environmental challenge that significantly impedes plant growth. The Chinese hog-peanut (Amphicarpaea edgeworthii Benth.), an amphicarpic legume, can produce both aerial seeds (ASs) and subterranean seeds (SSs). However, it is largely unknown whether there are differences between the seedlings from ASs and SSs in response to drought stress. In this study, the 30-day old AS and SS seedlings of A. edgeworthii are subjected to drought stress by withholding watering for five or ten days. Then, we identify the morphological and physio-biochemical characteristics of seedlings from both ASs and SSs under drought stress. Following ten days of drought treatment, the contents of proline (PRO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), the root shoot ratio, and the rate of water loss were significantly increased, whereas the chlorophyll content and the relative water content were significantly decreased in both AS and SS seedlings. Moreover, compared to AS seedlings, SS seedlings accumulated more hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) while exhibiting significantly lower peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities after exposure to ten days of drought stress. These findings indicate that SS seedlings are more susceptible to drought stress. To identify drought-associated genes and reveal the mechanisms underlying drought adaptability in AS and SS seedlings, we performed an RNA-seq-based transcriptomic analysis in AS and SS seedlings exposed to drought stress. We identified 1317 and 2029 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AS seedlings five and ten days post-drought treatment, respectively, and 1793 DEGs in SS seedlings ten days post-drought treatment compared to the normal treatment (CK). These DEGs were commonly enriched in response-related GO terms. Furthermore, hundreds of transcription factor (TF) genes were identified among the DEGs in AS and SS seedlings after drought treatment. Notably, the ERF, bHLH, NAC, and C2H2 families were predominant in AS seedlings five days following drought treatment, while the bHLH, ERF, MYB-related, and WRKY families were prevalent in both AS and SS seedlings ten days following drought treatment. These findings suggest that the identified TFs may play crucial roles in the response of AS and SS seedlings of A. edgeworthii to drought stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Germplasm Resources, Molecular Breeding, and Utilization in Soybean)

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13 pages, 1465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizer Application for Wheat Yield on Alkali Soils: Mechanisms and Effects

by Peng Hou, Bowen Li, Enkai Cao, Zhaohui Liu, Yan Li, Zeqiang Sun, Yang Xiao and Changjian Ma

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030734 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 309

Abstract

Enhancing crop productivity on alkali soils is essential for food security; however, excessive fertilizer use can lead to soil salinization. Wheat, as a key staple crop, requires an appropriate nitrogen-to-phosphorus fertilization ratio to optimize its yield, yet the ideal ratio remains unclear. In [...] Read more.

Enhancing crop productivity on alkali soils is essential for food security; however, excessive fertilizer use can lead to soil salinization. Wheat, as a key staple crop, requires an appropriate nitrogen-to-phosphorus fertilization ratio to optimize its yield, yet the ideal ratio remains unclear. In this study, alongside the application of potassium and organic fertilizers, we investigated varying nitrogen application rates (100 kg/ha, 180 kg/ha) and phosphorus application rates (40 kg/ha, 80 kg/ha, 120 kg/ha). The results revealed that, under consistent nitrogen application conditions, when phosphorus application increased from 40 kg/ha to 80 kg/ha and 120 kg/ha, average yield increased by 13.6–25.1% and 0.1–12.6%, respectively. In contrast, under the same phosphorus application conditions, increasing nitrogen application from 100 kg/ha to 180 kg/ha resulted in a 2.6–17.6% increase in average yield. Among the factors considered, biomass emerged as the most significant determinant of yield (Standardized Path Coefficient (SPC) = 0.84), with key influences on biomass including soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, phosphorus uptake, and potassium uptake. The optimal fertilization strategy for wheat production on alkali soils was found to be 180 kg/ha of nitrogen and 80 kg/ha of phosphorus. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing fertilizer management in wheat cultivation on alkali soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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13 pages, 3373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Distribution Characteristics of Trichoderma in Turf and Its Inhibitory Effect on Rhizoctonia solani

by Qichen Niu, Lu Gan, Shuxia Yin, Ning Zhang, Xin Suo, Guanfang Jin, Ruoyi Tang and Man Liu

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030733 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 195

Abstract

Effective disease management is crucial for maintaining healthy turf. Trichoderma agents have emerged as a promising strategy for controlling turf diseases while reducing reliance on chemical fungicides. However, the distribution, diversity, and biocontrol potential of Trichoderma in turf ecosystems remain poorly understood. This [...] Read more.

Effective disease management is crucial for maintaining healthy turf. Trichoderma agents have emerged as a promising strategy for controlling turf diseases while reducing reliance on chemical fungicides. However, the distribution, diversity, and biocontrol potential of Trichoderma in turf ecosystems remain poorly understood. This study investigated Trichoderma strains isolated from rhizosphere soil of turf under different environmental and management conditions. Genetic distances were used to assess diversity, while co-culture assays evaluated inhibitory activity against Rhizoctonia solani. The Wilcoxon test was used for comparing diversity and antagonistic potential across environmental factors. The study identified Trichoderma brevicompactum and Trichoderma harzianum as the dominant species in turf ecosystems. Trichoderma diversity was highest in healthy turf under moderate management. However, strains from diseased turf showed stronger inhibitory effects on Rhizoctonia solani, suggesting that pathogen pressure and plant stress responses may enrich antagonistic Trichoderma. These findings provide valuable insights for the isolation and screening of Trichoderma species for effective biocontrol in turf management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress on Pathogenicity of Fungi in Crops—2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 3313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developmental Stages of Bell Pepper Influence the Response to Far-Red Light Supplements in a Controlled Environment

by Awa Marina Mouliom-Ntapnze, Georges Yannick Fangue-Yapseu and Tagnon D. Missihoun

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030732 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 283

Abstract

Far-red (FR) additions to white or red/blue light resulted in improved dry biomass and fruit nutritional quality. Despite these positive effects, FR supplementation was also found to induce the abortion of flowers and fruits. We hypothesized that the timing and duration of the [...] Read more.

Far-red (FR) additions to white or red/blue light resulted in improved dry biomass and fruit nutritional quality. Despite these positive effects, FR supplementation was also found to induce the abortion of flowers and fruits. We hypothesized that the timing and duration of the FR supplements determine the positive or negative effects of the FR supplement on the plant. To examine this hypothesis, we compared the effect of a gradient of FR supplements (5.5, 12, and 18.1 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) on bell pepper plants (Capsicum annuum cv. Margrethe) when they were exposed to the FR supplements at the beginning of their vegetative growth phase to when FR supplementation only began at the generative phase. We found that 12 and 18.1 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ of FR supplements resulted in a higher yield than 5.5 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ of FR supplements, but FR supplementation from the onset of flowering delayed fruit ripening by 5–8 days and decreased fruit yield compared to FR supplementation that began at seedling transplantation. These results indicate that the positive effect of the FR supplements on the pepper plants of the cultivar Margrethe depends on the plant’s stages of development, and a much lower FR intensity may suffice to enhance growth and yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Lighting Strategies for Controlling Crop Development and Quality)

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17 pages, 1196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phosphate Fertilizer Effects on Microbial Resource Limitations in Wheat Cropland: Evidence from Ecoenzymatic Stoichiometry

by Yonggang Li, Yanan Cheng, Fei Wang, Xing Liu, Wenwen Huang, Changwei Shen and Ying Zhang

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030731 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 201

Abstract

The application of phosphate fertilizers significantly influences soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling. Soil enzymes, which are sensitive to nutrient levels, play a critical role in microbial metabolism. However, the impact of phosphate fertilizers on nutrient limitations within the microbial metabolism of agricultural [...] Read more.

The application of phosphate fertilizers significantly influences soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling. Soil enzymes, which are sensitive to nutrient levels, play a critical role in microbial metabolism. However, the impact of phosphate fertilizers on nutrient limitations within the microbial metabolism of agricultural soils remains poorly understood. In this study, soil samples were collected from a depth of 0–20 cm from a wheat crop subjected to a three-year field experiment with six different phosphorus (P) application rates. Soil β-glucosidase (BG) and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activities were highest under the P3 (60 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) treatment over the three-year study period. The responses of soil N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) to increasing P additions varied across different years. The EES C:N, C:P, and vector length were significantly greater than 1. Soil nutrient characteristics accounted for 70.71% of the variation in soil enzyme stoichiometry. The vector length and angle of soil enzymes explained by soil nutrient characteristics were 0.65 and 0.73, respectively. Among these factors, ROC exhibited the largest direct and total effect on the soil enzyme vector length and angle. These research findings offer valuable insights for the management of agricultural fertilizers. Consequently, it is recommended to enhance soil carbon levels to alleviate carbon limitations and improve P utilization efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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22 pages, 6068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agrivoltaics: Integration of Reused PV Modules

by María-Beatriz Nieto-Morone, Miguel-Ángel Muñoz-García, David Pérez López, Carlota Bernal-Basurco, Félix García Rosillo and María del Carmen Alonso-García

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030730 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 452

Abstract

This study evaluates the integration of reused PV modules within an agrivoltaic system designed for sustainable horticultural production, focusing on energy performance and agricultural outcomes. The experimental setup included both new and partially repaired PV modules, installed over tomato crops under real operating [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the integration of reused PV modules within an agrivoltaic system designed for sustainable horticultural production, focusing on energy performance and agricultural outcomes. The experimental setup included both new and partially repaired PV modules, installed over tomato crops under real operating conditions. The results demonstrate that reused PV modules exhibit a strong and consistent energy performance, achieving correlations between irradiance and energy output comparable to new panels. Despite slightly lower performance ratios, reused modules maintained stable efficiency and operational viability, emphasizing their potential for sustainable applications. On the agricultural side, shading provided by PV panels protects the crop yield. This study highlights the environmental and economic advantages of incorporating reused PV modules into agrivoltaic systems, including reductions in raw material extraction, electronic waste generation, and overall environmental impact. By leveraging the circular economy principles, agrivoltaics with reused PV modules provide a sustainable pathway to balance energy production and food security while optimizing land use efficiency. These findings establish the potential of agrivoltaics as a key technology in advancing the sustainable energy transition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integration of Agriculture and Solar Energy Production: Advances and Challenges in Agrivoltaic Systems)

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Agronomy, Volume 15, Issue 3 (March 2025) – 253 articles

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