Agriculture

23 pages, 3885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Fusarium culmorum on the Technological Value of Winter Wheat Cultivars

by Edyta Aleksandrowicz, Krzysztof Dziedzic, Anna Szafrańska and Grażyna Podolska

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060666 - 20 Mar 2025

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The research hypothesis assumes that Fusarium culmorum infection affects the baking value of wheat. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the cultivar on the rheological properties of wheat dough in response to Fusarium culmorum infection of wheat. A two-factor [...] Read more.

The research hypothesis assumes that Fusarium culmorum infection affects the baking value of wheat. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the cultivar on the rheological properties of wheat dough in response to Fusarium culmorum infection of wheat. A two-factor experiment conducted during the 2018–2020 growing seasons in Osiny, Poland, was set up using the completely randomized block design with three replications. The first factor was winter wheat cultivars (six cultivars), while the second factor was inoculation (two levels—Fusarium culmorum and distilled water—control). The immunoenzymatic ELISA method was used to determine the content of deoxynivalenol (DON) in grain. The DON content in the grain varied between cultivars. Fusarium culmorum inoculation resulted in an increase in protein, ash content, and flour water absorption, changes in dough rheological properties, and a decrease in the sedimentation index. Inoculation also caused negative changes in starch properties. The observed interaction between Fusarium culmorum inoculation and cultivars in shaping the qualitative parameters and rheological properties of the dough indicates that there are wheat cultivars less susceptible to Fusarium infection, which do not show any significant changes as a result of infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategies to Improve the Security and Nutritional Quality of Crop Species)

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16 pages, 11868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Robust YOLOv5 Model with SE Attention and BIFPN for Jishan Jujube Detection in Complex Agricultural Environments

by Hao Chen, Lijun Su, Yiren Tian, Yixin Chai, Gang Hu and Weiyi Mu

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060665 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 306

Abstract

This study presents an improved detection model based on the YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once version 5) framework to enhance the accuracy of Jishan jujube detection in complex natural environments, particularly with varying degrees of occlusion and dense foliage. To improve detection performance, [...] Read more.

This study presents an improved detection model based on the YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once version 5) framework to enhance the accuracy of Jishan jujube detection in complex natural environments, particularly with varying degrees of occlusion and dense foliage. To improve detection performance, we integrate an SE (squeeze-and-excitation) attention module into the backbone network to enhance the model’s ability to focus on target objects while suppressing background noise. Additionally, the original neck network is replaced with a BIFPN (bi-directional feature pyramid network) structure, enabling efficient multiscale feature fusion and improving the extraction of critical features, especially for small and occluded fruits. The experimental results demonstrate that the improved YOLOv5 model achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of 96.5%, outperforming the YOLOv3, YOLOv4, YOLOv5, and SSD (Single-Shot Multibox Detector) models by 7.4%, 9.9%, 2.5%, and 0.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed model improves precision (95.8%) and F1 score (92.4%), reducing false positives and achieving a better balance between precision and recall. These results highlight the model’s effectiveness in addressing missed detections of small and occluded fruits while maintaining higher confidence in predictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)

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17 pages, 2180 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emergy, Environmental and Economic (3E) Assessment of Biomass Pellets from Agricultural Waste

by Yun Deng, Xueling Ran, Hussien Elshareef, Renjie Dong and Yuguang Zhou

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060664 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 189

Abstract

Biomass pellets are increasingly recognized as a cost-effective and sustainable renewable energy source worldwide. However, comprehensive sustainability assessments of their production processes are scarce. To address this gap, three distinct scenarios in Northeast China were evaluated using emergy, economic, and environmental analysis methods: [...] Read more.

Biomass pellets are increasingly recognized as a cost-effective and sustainable renewable energy source worldwide. However, comprehensive sustainability assessments of their production processes are scarce. To address this gap, three distinct scenarios in Northeast China were evaluated using emergy, economic, and environmental analysis methods: corn single production, corn–pellet co-production, and pellet production. A modified method for calculating the environmental loading rate (ELR) was proposed, which accounts for the environmental benefits associated with replacing coal with biomass pellets for heating. The results showed that corn–pellet co-production demonstrates superior energy efficiency compared to corn-only production, but presents a contrasting economic profile. The ELR for corn single production and corn–pellet co-production are 1.57 and 1.63, respectively, with corresponding emergy sustainability indices (ESI) of 0.89 and 0.84. After applying the modified method, the ELR and ESI for corn–pellet co-production were adjusted to 0.84 and 1.63, respectively, and the ESI of pellet production increased from 8.24 to 21.15. Furthermore, processing corn straw into biomass pellets for heating can reduce heating costs by approximately USD 254.26/hm² and reduce emissions of SO₂, NO_x, CO, PM_2.5, and CO₂ by 9.12, 19.82, 580.31, 65.86, and 13,060.66 kg/hm², respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed that transportation distance and renewable electricity have a greater impact on pellet production than corn–pellet co-production. The ESI for pellet production decreases from 21.15 to 14.02 as transport distance increases from 20 km to 100 km, while it rises to 57.81 as the proportion of renewable energy in the power supply increases from 0% to 100%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Biomass Generation and Utilization: Progress, Challenges and Prospects)

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17 pages, 1154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agronomic Effects of Different Rock Powder Rates Associated with Irrigation Water Depths: Potential for Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Production

by Patrícia Costa Silva, Matheus Batista Sabino, Maria Beatriz Ferreira, Narla Costa Oliveira Sabino, Larissa Silva Sousa, Mariana Batista Elias, Amanda de Brito Silva, Ana Flávia Alves Ferreira, Adriana Rodolfo da Costa, Josué Gomes Delmond, Jhon Lennon Bezerra da Silva, Henrique Fonseca Elias de Oliveira, Thieres George Freire da Silva and Marcos Vinícius da Silva

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060663 - 20 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 294

Abstract

Lettuce is among the 10 most valued vegetables for fresh consumption in Brazil. The use of rock powder in lettuce crops for soil acidity correction or fertilization is an option for reducing production costs. In this context, the objective of this study was [...] Read more.

Lettuce is among the 10 most valued vegetables for fresh consumption in Brazil. The use of rock powder in lettuce crops for soil acidity correction or fertilization is an option for reducing production costs. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of rock powder rates mica schist and irrigation water depths on the development and production characteristics of lettuce crops. The study was conducted in the experimental area of the State University of Goiás, using pelletized seeds of the lettuce cultivar Crespa Vanda. A randomized block experimental design with four replications was used, in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement composed of four irrigation water depths: 50%, 75%, 100%, 125% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and four rock powder rates: 6, 8, 10, and 12 tons per hectare (t ha⁻¹), associated with mineral soil fertilizer application, totaling 16 treatments and 64 experimental plots. The variables evaluated were plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, head diameter, total fresh weight, commercial fresh weight, leaf area index, useful leaf area, estimated yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and water use efficiency. The data were subjected to regression analysis and principal component analysis. The variables studied exhibited predominantly low to medium coefficients of variation in all treatments, confirming the homogeneous conditions and precision of the study. The treatment with the highest rock powder rate (12 t ha⁻¹) provided the best results regarding agronomic effects for all lettuce crop variables evaluated. This rate provided better plant growth and development, resulting in improved response for production variables that are agronomically and economically relevant. The highest water use efficiency was found for the water depth of 50% ETc; however, the best lettuce production results were found for the irrigation water depth of 100% ETc. This water depth highlighted the strong correlation of commercial and total fresh weights with commercial and total production, as they are production components of the crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Management Approaches and Practices to Support Sustainable Horticultural and Fruit Plants Production)

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14 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Olive Leaves and Olive Pulp on the Oxidative Status and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens

by Vida Rezar, Manca Pečjak Pal, Janez Salobir and Alenka Levart

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060662 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 264

Abstract

The production of olive oil results in various by-products such as olive leaves and olive pulp, which can be utilized in animal nutrition. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary olive leaves and olive pulp on the [...] Read more.

The production of olive oil results in various by-products such as olive leaves and olive pulp, which can be utilized in animal nutrition. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary olive leaves and olive pulp on the oxidative status and fatty acid (FA) composition of broiler breast meat. A total of 120 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 5 experimental groups: 1 control group (Cont) without supplementation and 4 experimental groups supplemented with either 5% or 10% olive leaves (OLeav5; OLeav10) or olive pulp (OPulp5; OPulp10). Blood and breast muscle samples were taken at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the addition of olive leaves or olive pulp did not significantly alter the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the antioxidant capacity of lipid-soluble compounds (ACL) in the blood or the enzyme activities of the liver. However, the antioxidant capacity of water-soluble compounds (ACW) in serum was reduced in broilers receiving 5% olive pulp or 10% olive leaves (p = 0.002). In addition, meat quality parameters were not affected by olive leaves or pulp intake, although 10% olive leaves reduced lightness (L*) (p = 0.023) and α-tocopherol concentration in breast muscle (p = 0.001) compared to control. Olive leaves and pulp intake also affected the FA profile of the breast muscle, with 5% olive pulp increasing monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (p = 0.002), while 10% olive leaves increased polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (p = 0.015). In conclusion, supplementation with up to 5% olive leaves or pulp had no adverse effects on the oxidative status and meat quality of broilers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Alternative and Novel Feeds for Poultry: Nutritive Value, Product Quality and Environmental Aspects)

29 pages, 3514 KiB

Open AccessReview

Research into the Application of ResNet in Soil: A Review

by Wenjie Wu, Lijuan Huo, Gaiqiang Yang, Xin Liu and Hongxia Li

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060661 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 405

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of deep learning technology, the residual networks technique (ResNet) has made significant strides in the field of image processing, and its application in soil science has been steadily increasing. ResNet outperforms traditional methods by effectively mitigating the vanishing gradient [...] Read more.

With the rapid advancement of deep learning technology, the residual networks technique (ResNet) has made significant strides in the field of image processing, and its application in soil science has been steadily increasing. ResNet outperforms traditional methods by effectively mitigating the vanishing gradient problem, enabling deeper network training, enhancing feature extraction, and improving accuracy in complex pattern recognition tasks. ResNet, as an efficient deep learning model, can automatically extract features from complex soil image data, enabling accurate soil classification and assessment of soil health. Recent research is increasingly applying ResNet to various fields, including soil type classification and health assessment. Firstly, this manuscript outlines various methods for collecting soil data, highlighting the significance of employing diverse data sources to comprehensively understand soil characteristics. These methods include the acquisition of soil microscopic images, which provide high-resolution insights into the soil’s particulate structure at the cellular level; remote sensing images, which offer valuable information regarding large-scale soil properties and spatial variations through satellite or drone-based technologies; and high-definition images, which capture fine-scale details of soil features, enabling more precise and detailed analysis. By integrating these techniques, a solid foundation is established for subsequent soil image analysis, thereby enhancing the accuracy of soil classification, health assessments, and environmental impact evaluations. Furthermore, this approach contributes to advancements in precision agriculture, land use planning, soil erosion monitoring, and contamination detection, ultimately supporting sustainable soil management and ecological conservation efforts. Then, the advantages of using ResNet in soil science are analyzed, and its performance across different soil image processing tasks is explored. Finally, potential future development directions are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

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27 pages, 4560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Gigaspora albida (Gigasporaceae) on the Physiology, Growth, and Na/K Balance of Creole Corn (Poaceae) Under Different Salinity Levels

by Maria Valdiglezia de Mesquita Arruda, Nildo da Silva Dias, Cynthia Cavalcanti de Albuquerque, Eduardo Cezar Medeiros Saldanha, Pedro Henrique de Araújo Gurgel, Marcondes Ferreira Costa Filho, Matheus Henrique de Alencar Souza, Natanael da Silva Rodrigues, Marcelo Augusto Costa Lima, Maria Elisa da Costa Souza, Leonardo Ângelo Mendonça, Kleane Targino Oliveira Pereira, Rômulo Carantino Lucena Moreira, Micharlyson Carlos de Morais and José Francismar de Medeiros

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060660 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 261

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) can alleviate salt stress in plants by promoting growth. The mitigating effect of the AMF Gigaspora albida on the physiology, growth, and Na⁺/K⁺ balance in heirloom maize under different dilutions of saline wastewater was evaluated. The study was conducted [...] Read more.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs) can alleviate salt stress in plants by promoting growth. The mitigating effect of the AMF Gigaspora albida on the physiology, growth, and Na⁺/K⁺ balance in heirloom maize under different dilutions of saline wastewater was evaluated. The study was conducted in a greenhouse under a completely randomized design (CRD) in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme, with six replicates. The treatments consisted of three mycorrhizal conditions (M1—control plants without the AMF; M2—plants inoculated with G. albida; and M3—plants inoculated with G. albida plus the soil microbiota) and four levels of electrical conductivity (ECw): 0.5, 1.8, 3.1, and 4.4 dS m⁻¹. The results indicate that saline wastewater affects the physiology of heirloom maize. The symbiosis in M2 and M3 mitigated the stress in PSII by dissipating heat. The M3 treatment alleviated ionic stress in maize, reduced the Na⁺/K⁺ ratio in the aerial part, and increased the MSPA, MSRA, AP, and DC at EC_a levels of 1.8 and 3.1 dS m⁻¹. The M1 plants adapted by investing in root growth to tolerate the high salinity. In M2, the plant–AMF interaction did not mitigate the effects of high salinity, showing the worst growth performance. The saline wastewater reduced the percentage of G. albida colonization. An EC_a of 2.9 dS m⁻¹ favored a high spore density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Crops Subjected to Drought and Salinity Stress)

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29 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Farmers’ Insurance-Adoption Behavior on Input for Beef-Cattle Disease Prevention: Endogenous Switching Regression Model

by Liangying Zhang and Yunhua Wu

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 659; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060659 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 211

Abstract

This study selects the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR), among the most crucial beef-cattle farming areas in China, to obtain data from the micro-surveys of 447 beef-cattle farmers. Utilizing an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model, this research empirically investigates the effect of farmers’ [...] Read more.

This study selects the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR), among the most crucial beef-cattle farming areas in China, to obtain data from the micro-surveys of 447 beef-cattle farmers. Utilizing an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model, this research empirically investigates the effect of farmers’ beef-cattle insurance enrollment behavior on their input of disease prevention. This study finds that farmers adopting beef-cattle insurance reduce beef-cattle disease-prevention input. Based on counterfactual assumptions, if insured farmers had not adopted insurance, their input in disease prevention would increase by 33.45%. Further research confirms that a decrease in the market purchase price of beef cattle enhances the negative effect of farmers’ insured behavior on input for beef-cattle disease prevention. The heterogeneity analysis leads to two more conclusions. One is that insured farmers have the largest reduction in shed-disinfection input, the smallest reduction in voluntary vaccination input, and an intermediate reduction in deworming input. The other is that the act of adopting insurance reduces disease-prevention input to a greater extent for farmers who are far from the core areas of beef-cattle farming or who have not experienced beef-cattle deaths. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)

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28 pages, 7770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gypsum and Tillage Practices for Combating Soil Salinity and Enhancing Crop Productivity

by Njomza Gashi, Zsombor Szőke, Antal Czakó, Péter Fauszt, Péter Dávid, Maja Mikolás, László Stündl, Ferenc Gál, Judit Remenyik, Zsolt Sándor and Melinda Paholcsek

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060658 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 374

Abstract

Soil salinity is a major global challenge, reducing fertility and crop productivity. This study evaluated the effects of various soil management practices on the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of saline soils. Six treatments, combining loosening, ploughing, disking, and gypsum amendment, were applied [...] Read more.

Soil salinity is a major global challenge, reducing fertility and crop productivity. This study evaluated the effects of various soil management practices on the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of saline soils. Six treatments, combining loosening, ploughing, disking, and gypsum amendment, were applied to solonetzic meadow soil with high sodium levels. Soil penetration resistance was measured using a Penetronik penetrometer, while chemical analyses included pH, total salt content, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), humus, and exchangeable cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺). Microbial composition was determined through DNA extraction and nanopore sequencing. The results showed that level A had the lowest penetration resistance (333 ± 200 N/m²), indicating better conditions for plant growth. Gypsum and loosening treatment significantly improved penetration resistance (141 N/m², p < 0.001), while gypsum amendment enhanced chemical properties (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). Gypsum application balanced soil parameters and influenced microbial communities. Reduced tillage favored functionally important microbial genera but did not support fungal diversity (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the effectiveness of gypsum amendment and tillage practices, like loosening and disking, in mitigating salinity stress and fostering beneficial microbial communities. Combining gypsum with these tillage methods proved most effective in enhancing soil health, offering insights for sustainable soil management in saline environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

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24 pages, 6857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Adsorption Mechanism of Spherical Particles near the Seed Metering Disk Surface by Narrow Elongated Suction Holes

by Guocheng Bao, Zhendong Zhang, Lijing Liu, Jiandong Li, Chunshun Tao and Wei Yang

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060657 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 145

Abstract

The long-edge characteristics of narrow elongated suction holes in air suction seed metering devices guide the alignment of multiple seeds during multiple-seed adsorption. This feature offers advantages in applications requiring seed singulation. However, research on the application of narrow elongated suction holes in [...] Read more.

The long-edge characteristics of narrow elongated suction holes in air suction seed metering devices guide the alignment of multiple seeds during multiple-seed adsorption. This feature offers advantages in applications requiring seed singulation. However, research on the application of narrow elongated suction holes in air suction seed metering devices is still limited. To explore the applicability of such suction holes in seeding operations, we conducted single-factor experiments and Box–Behnken experiments. The single-factor experiments, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, analyzed the effects of suction hole width, length, vacuum pressure, and particle diameter on the suction force acting on a single spherical particle as it moved from the suction hole center to the outer region near the seed metering disk wall. Additionally, the Box–Behnken experiments were conducted using a dynamic–static combined adsorption measurement test platform, establishing a regression equation with suction hole width, particle diameter, and vacuum pressure as the experimental factors and the critical suction hole length for dual-particle adsorption as the response variable. The single-factor experiments indicated that suction hole width, length, vacuum pressure, and particle diameter significantly influenced the near-wall adsorption capacity of the suction hole. Analysis of the dual-particle adsorption experiments revealed that when the narrow elongated suction hole was in a vertical position, the lower particle in the adsorbed pair was more likely to detach. The critical adsorption characteristics of the narrow elongated suction hole enable dual-particle deduplication while ensuring continuous single-particle capture, thereby facilitating precision seeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)

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14 pages, 1465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Mineral Contents of Lettuce and Carrot Harvested from Soil Treated with Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

by Olawole E. Aina, Liziwe L. Mugivhisa, Joshua O. Olowoyo and Lawrence C. Obi

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060656 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 233

Abstract

The dichotomy of striking a balance between sustainable food crop production for the skyrocketing human population and ensuring agricultural practices that mitigate environmental degradation has prompted much research into sustainable crop production methods. The application of amendments has become an integral part of [...] Read more.

The dichotomy of striking a balance between sustainable food crop production for the skyrocketing human population and ensuring agricultural practices that mitigate environmental degradation has prompted much research into sustainable crop production methods. The application of amendments has become an integral part of arable soil management in restoring declining soil fertility for sustainable and high-quality crop production. This study was conducted on lettuce and carrot cultivated on soil treated with three different amendments: cow dung, sewage sludge, and nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK) mineral fertilizer. The vegetables were harvested at maturity at 60 and 110 days for lettuce and carrot, respectively, dried in a hot air oven, crushed, and then digested to obtain an aliquot sample. The level of macronutrients was quantified from the aliquots using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Avio 550 Max, PerkinElmer, USA. It was observed that both soil treatment and types of vegetables significantly impacted the level of mineral contents in the vegetables. The highest values of 58.00 ± 8.36 mg/kg and 72.97 ± 12.53 mg/kg were recorded for Na and P in carrots from soil treated with sewage sludge, respectively. The highest values of 247.97 ± 17.07 mg/kg and 104.72 ± 4.12 mg/kg were recorded for Ca and Mg in lettuce from sewage sludge-treated soil, respectively. Similarly, the highest value of 546.75 ± 76.44 mg/kg for K was also recorded in lettuce, but from cow dung-treated soil. The overall pattern of mineral accumulation by vegetables shows that carrots accumulate more Na than lettuce, and lettuce accumulates more Mg, Ca, and K than carrots, while there was no significant difference in the level of P in both lettuce and carrots. The findings reveal that lettuce and carrots from soil treated with organic manure cow dung and sewage sludge accumulated higher mineral contents of most of the investigated minerals. It was also observed that lettuce accumulated higher contents of most of the minerals investigated. This study therefore concludes that organic manures are better alternatives to mineral fertilizers for vegetable production, which supports the effort to strike a balance between sustainable and ecofriendly agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

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18 pages, 7448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of H18 Pepper Color Change

by Han Wang, Li Jia, Dongchen Li, Muhammad Aamir Manzoor, Congsheng Yan, Qiangqiang Ding, Yan Wang, Xiujing Hong, Tingting Song and Haikun Jiang

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 655; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060655 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 270

Abstract

Pigments in plants not only determine their visual characteristics but also play crucial roles in photosynthesis, pollinator attraction, and disease resistance. The diverse colors of chili peppers arise from various pigments. However, detailed reports on the genetic and metabolic changes of these pigments [...] Read more.

Pigments in plants not only determine their visual characteristics but also play crucial roles in photosynthesis, pollinator attraction, and disease resistance. The diverse colors of chili peppers arise from various pigments. However, detailed reports on the genetic and metabolic changes of these pigments in the developmental stages of colorful chili peppers are limited. In this study, we analyzed the content of anthocyanins and carotenoids in the fruits of the cultivated pepper variety H18 at different growth and development stages. Our findings revealed that, as the fruits mature, the anthocyanin content gradually decreases while the carotenoid content increases. Using the transcriptomic and metabolomic sequencing of pepper fruits at various developmental stages, we identified four types of anthocyanins: pelargonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, and peonidin, as well as a small amount of proanthocyanidins. The concentrations of these anthocyanins generally showed a decreasing trend, and the expression patterns of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes were consistent with the metabolic data. In the analysis of carotenoids, we found that, apart from Lutein, the concentrations of all other detected carotenoids increased during fruit development. Most carotenoids began to accumulate significantly at the orange fruit stage (H18-O) and peaked at the red fruit stage (H18-R). Transcriptomic and RT-qPCR data indicated that the expression of carotenoid biosynthesis genes also increased progressively. Furthermore, we investigated the degradation of anthocyanins and identified potential degradation genes, including BGLU, POD, and PPO. This study provides deep insights into the mechanisms underlying pigment changes in colorful peppers, which may contribute to the improvement of pepper varieties and future research on pigment regulatory mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Genetics, Genomics and Breeding)

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16 pages, 2619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ε-Poly-l-lysine Suppressed Decay Development and Maintained Storage Quality in Guava Fruit by ROS Level Regulation and Antioxidant Ability Enhancement

by Yingying An, Li Li, Mingming Wen, Feng Luo, Mei Tan, Yuzhao Lin and Hongbin Chen

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060654 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 248

Abstract

Guava fruit is susceptible to decay, leading to losses in storability and quality. ε-Poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) is a safe antimicrobial polypeptide that has proven to be effective in preserving produce’s quality. In the present research, ε-PL, at multiple [...] Read more.

Guava fruit is susceptible to decay, leading to losses in storability and quality. ε-Poly-l-lysine (ε-PL) is a safe antimicrobial polypeptide that has proven to be effective in preserving produce’s quality. In the present research, ε-PL, at multiple concentrations (1, 2 and 4 g/L), was adopted to treat guavas, and the fruit were stored at 25 °C for 15 d. The results indicated that ε-PL retarded the guava storability decline and enhanced its quality. Treated guavas had a better appearance, as well as the lower disease index, relative electrolytic leakage, weight loss, respiration intensity, a* and b* values and reducing sugar content. They also showed higher firmness, commercially acceptable fruit rate, titratable acidity, L* value, total soluble sugar, vitamin C and sucrose levels. The optimal concentration of ε-PL was determined to be 2 g/L. Furthermore, compared to control guavas, fruit treated with 2 g/L ε-PL exhibited lower levels of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde but higher antioxidant enzyme activities in terms of ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase. These findings suggested that ε-PL raised the antioxidant enzyme activities to enhance the fruit’s antioxidant ability. This, in turn, reduced the reactive oxygen species levels and lipid peroxidation, ultimately improving the guava’s quality. Consequently, ε-PL is of practical significance for commercial application as it suppresses decay and stabilizes the quality of guavas, enhancing their postharvest marketability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Product Quality and Safety)

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23 pages, 5714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Jelly Candies with Apple Pomace—A Circular Economy Solution for a Food Processing Waste

by Iuliana-Maria Enache, Liliana Ciurlă, Antoanela Patraș, Elena Leonte and Petru-Marian Cârlescu

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060653 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 283

Abstract

Apple juice processing by-product (apple pomace), considered as waste that generates important pollution problems, is also a rich source of bioactive compounds, including minerals, dietary fibers, phenolic compounds, and vitamins. The recovery and reuse of these valuable compounds from apple pomace into new [...] Read more.

Apple juice processing by-product (apple pomace), considered as waste that generates important pollution problems, is also a rich source of bioactive compounds, including minerals, dietary fibers, phenolic compounds, and vitamins. The recovery and reuse of these valuable compounds from apple pomace into new food products combats environmental pollution, benefits the population and supports the circular economy. The current study proposes jelly candies made from apple pomace as an innovative way to valorize this by-product. The candies are analyzed from the point of view of the environmental impact and consumer acceptance. The environmental impact of the jelly candy was assessed by its carbon footprint (CF), calculated on the base of ingredients and equipment. The results showed a small CF value of 1.3946 kg CO₂ for 1 kg of jelly, emphasizing its minimal environmental impact. Consumer research was carried out through an online questionnaire to assess the customer acceptance of this product, and the results revealed significant interest. These findings were considered when the consumer-oriented marketing plan was developed for this healthy, clean label, eco-friendly and sustainable jelly candy, with a view to launching it on the market. Considering the origin of the main ingredient, the reduced environmental impact, and the high acceptability of the product, it can be concluded that the analyzed jelly candy represents a good solution for apple juice processing waste recovery, which supports the circular economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)

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25 pages, 5079 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Temperature of Two-Year Storage of Varietal Honeys on 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Content, Diastase Number, and CIE Color Coordinates

by Monika Kędzierska-Matysek, Anna Teter, Tomasz Daszkiewicz, Barbara Topyła, Piotr Skałecki, Piotr Domaradzki and Mariusz Florek

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060652 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 234

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two-year storage of varietal honeys (buckwheat, linden, rapeseed, honeydew, and multifloral) at various temperatures (4 °C, −18 °C, −40 °C, and −80 °C) on the content of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), diastase number (DN), and color assessed [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two-year storage of varietal honeys (buckwheat, linden, rapeseed, honeydew, and multifloral) at various temperatures (4 °C, −18 °C, −40 °C, and −80 °C) on the content of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), diastase number (DN), and color assessed in the CIE L*a*b* system. The control samples were stored at room temperature (RT, ca. 20 °C). The results indicate that storing honey at low temperatures effectively mitigates undesirable quality changes, particularly enzymatic degradation and color alterations, while preventing excessive 5-HMF accumulation. After storage, a significant (p ˂ 0.01) decrease was noted in the diastase number (DN) of the honeys, regardless of the temperature (by ca. 66.7% at RT and by 53.1% to 58.3% at low temperatures, p > 0.05). Low storage temperatures led to higher enzymatic activity in buckwheat, linden, and honeydew honeys compared to rapeseed honeys. RT significantly (p ˂ 0.01) increased 5-HMF concentration by 79.3%, whereas the cold and frozen storage conditions increased 5-HMF concentration only by 25.1% at −18 °C and 33.2% at 4 °C. The greatest color changes manifested by significant (p ˂ 0.01) darkening, with a decrease in the h° value (p ˂ 0.01), and a lower contribution of the yellow color and a greater contribution of red color (p > 0.05) in the color profile were noted in the honeys stored at RT. Storage at this temperature resulted in a significantly (p ˂ 0.01) higher total color difference of the honeys (ΔE = 9.53) compared to the other temperatures tested (3.71 < ΔE < 5.58). The low storage temperatures may elicit a positive and comparable effect on preserving the satisfactory quality of the analyzed varietal honeys. It is noteworthy that this positive effect could already be achieved at a storage temperature of +4 °C without the need to apply frozen storage temperatures, which is essential given the economic and environmental concerns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bee Products and Nutritional Value)

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17 pages, 2484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Diagnosis of Macronutrients in Patchouli Leaves and Response to Fertilizers in Inceptisols of Aceh: A Case Study in Aceh Besar Regency, Indonesia

by Zuraida Zuraida, Sufardi Sufardi, Helmi Helmi and Yadi Jufri

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060651 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 258

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the nutrient status in the leaves of patchouli grown in Inceptisols soil in Aceh, Indonesia. The experiment utilized a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The study’s factor was applying fertilizer nutrients across eight treatments designed according [...] Read more.

This study aims to evaluate the nutrient status in the leaves of patchouli grown in Inceptisols soil in Aceh, Indonesia. The experiment utilized a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The study’s factor was applying fertilizer nutrients across eight treatments designed according to omission trials. The response to fertilizer nutrients was analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations in patchouli leaves 120 days after planting seedlings in pots. The patchouli seeds used were local varieties from Aceh (“Tapak Tuan”). Urea (45% N), triple phosphate/SP-36 (15.65% P), potassium chloride (49.8% K), calcium carbonate (40% Ca), magnesium oxide (60% Mg), and S elementary (88.9% S) are used as fertilizer sources of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S, respectively. The Inceptisols soil used was topsoil (0–20 cm). The experimental results showed that fertilizer nutrient stress treatment influenced the nutrient content of patchouli leaves in Inceptisols. The concentrations of N, P, K, and Ca in the patchouli leaves were below the adequacy threshold, showing deficiency symptoms. The critical nutrient levels in patchouli plants for macroelements N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were 4.5%, 0.35%, 1.2%, 2.5%, and 0.25%, respectively. Only Mg reached the nutrient adequacy standard in patchouli. The limiting nutrients for patchouli plants in Aceh Besar Inceptisols are N, P, K, and Ca. It is necessary to add nutrients of N, P, K, and C macro fertilizers to increase the growth and yield of patchouli in Aceh Besar, Indonesia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition for Sustainable Agriculture—2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Effect of Lime Application on Quantity and Quality of Soil Organic Carbon in Double Rice Cropping System

by Yuxiang Zhang, Zhigang Wang, Yanni Sun, Yongjun Zeng and Shan Huang

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060650 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 323

Abstract

Lime application is an effective measure for improving rice yield and alleviating soil acidity, whereas its long-term effects on the sequestration and stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) remain unclear in paddy fields. Here, we report on the first 10-year long-term experiment to [...] Read more.

Lime application is an effective measure for improving rice yield and alleviating soil acidity, whereas its long-term effects on the sequestration and stability of soil organic carbon (SOC) remain unclear in paddy fields. Here, we report on the first 10-year long-term experiment to examine the impact of lime application on the quantity and quality of SOC in an acidic paddy field with double rice cropping. Lime was applied every 4 years with and without rice straw incorporation. Size and density fractionation and solid-state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were employed to examine the physical fractions and chemical composition of SOC, respectively. The results showed that lime application had no significant effect on either the total SOC concentration or stocks. Compared to the non-lime control, lime application led to a 60.0% decrease in the free particulate organic carbon (fPOC) concentration but a significant 17.9% increase in the concentration of occluded particulate organic carbon (oPOC) while reducing the concentration of mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) by 5.3%. Chemical composition analyses revealed a 5.1% reduction in the content of alkyl carbon (C) and a 6.8% decrease in the ratio of Alkyl C to O-Alkyl C. Lime application and straw retention had a significant interactive effect on the composition of SOC. Under straw removal, lime application increased the oPOC concentration by 56.6%, while no significant effect was observed under straw return. Lime application had no significant effect on the MAOC concentration under straw removal, whereas it reduced this concentration by 9.8% under straw return. Under straw removal, lime application reduced the proportion of Alkyl C by 9.5%, while no significant effect was observed under straw return. Therefore, we conclude that although the total SOC stocks are not altered, long-term lime application reduces the content of MAOC and Alkyl C in the acidic paddy soil, suggesting that long-term liming may reduce SOC stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Soils)

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25 pages, 2134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Environmental Regulation Affect China’s Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity? Considering the Role of Technological Innovation

by Yi Shi, Wencong Lu, Li Lin, Zenghui Li and Huangxin Chen

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060649 - 19 Mar 2025

Viewed by 281

Abstract

Agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) is vital to sustainable agricultural development (SAD), which plays a pivotal role in achieving high-quality economic growth in China. The current research quantified China’s AGTFP from 2007 to 2019 with the Super-SBM model and the GML index. [...] Read more.

Agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) is vital to sustainable agricultural development (SAD), which plays a pivotal role in achieving high-quality economic growth in China. The current research quantified China’s AGTFP from 2007 to 2019 with the Super-SBM model and the GML index. Subsequently, it examined the impact of environmental regulation (ER) on AGTFP and its heterogeneity. Finally, this study developed a mediating effect model and a panel threshold model to investigate the role of technological innovation (TI) in affecting environmental regulation (ER) on AGTFP. The findings indicate that the following: (1) The average annual growth rate of AGTFP is 7.84%, which is mostly driven by green technological innovation progress. (2) ER has a significant positive impact on AGTFP with noticeable regional differences. The eastern and central regions experience a more substantial promotion effect compared to the western region. Additionally, the prominent grain-producing areas and main grain-marketing areas have a more significant promotion effect compared to the grain-balanced areas. The promotion effect of heterogeneous ER on AGTFP varies, with the effects of command-and-control environmental regulation (ERC), market-based incentives for environmental regulation (ERM), and public participation regulation (ERP) decreasing in magnitude. (3) The mechanism analysis reveals that promoting TI is a crucial way to enhance AGTFP through ER. There exists a notable dual threshold for TI in ER, encompassing both ERC and ERM. Moreover, AGTFP becomes increasingly pronounced. This study presents a novel perspective for promoting SAD, with a focus on the rise in AGTFP and the path to achieving it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)

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26 pages, 1058 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revolutionizing Wine Waste: Advanced Techniques for Polyphenol Recovery from White Wine Byproducts

by Christina Drosou, Konstantina Kyriakopoulou, Konstantina Theodora Laina, Andreas Bimpilas, Dimitrios Tsimogiannis and Magdalini Krokida

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060648 - 18 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 341

Abstract

This study investigates the recovery of bioactive polyphenolic compounds from the pomace of two white winemaking grape varieties, Moschofilero and Rhoditis. The pomace was subjected to two drying techniques: air drying (AD) and solar drying (SD). Extraction methods included microwave-assisted extraction (MW), ultrasound-assisted [...] Read more.

This study investigates the recovery of bioactive polyphenolic compounds from the pomace of two white winemaking grape varieties, Moschofilero and Rhoditis. The pomace was subjected to two drying techniques: air drying (AD) and solar drying (SD). Extraction methods included microwave-assisted extraction (MW), ultrasound-assisted extraction (US), and Soxhlet extraction (S), using water and water–ethanol (WE) solvents. Antioxidant activity (IC50), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavan-3-ol content (TFC) were determined. For Moschofilero, SD pomace extracted with US-WE showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50: 0.59 mg/mL) and the highest phenolic recovery (TPC: 285.76 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) and flavan-3-ol content (TFC: 46.21 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g). For Rhoditis, AD pomace extracted with US-WE demonstrated superior antioxidant activity (IC50: 1.08 mg/mL), phenolic content (TPC: 216.51 mg GAE/g), and flavan-3-ol content (TFC: 35.96 mg CE/g). HPLC analysis identified quercetin-3-glucuronide, myricetin, and quercetin as the main flavonols in both grape varieties, with Moschofilero also containing isorhamnetin-3-glucoside and syringetin-3-glucoside. Drying and extraction methods significantly influenced the recovery of bioactive compounds, with US combined with AD or SD yielding the best results for both grape varieties These findings show that improved drying and extraction methods can add value to grape pomace for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)

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24 pages, 10139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Track-Type Orchard Mower Automatic Line Switching Decision Model Based on Improved DeepLabV3+

by Lixing Liu, Pengfei Wang, Jianping Li, Hongjie Liu and Xin Yang

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060647 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 175

Abstract

To achieve unmanned line switching operations for a track-type mower in orchards, an automatic line switching decision model based on machine vision has been designed. This model optimizes the structure of the DeepLabV3+ semantic segmentation model, using semantic segmentation data from five stages [...] Read more.

To achieve unmanned line switching operations for a track-type mower in orchards, an automatic line switching decision model based on machine vision has been designed. This model optimizes the structure of the DeepLabV3+ semantic segmentation model, using semantic segmentation data from five stages of the line switching process as the basis for generating navigation paths and adjusting the posture of the track-type mower. The improved model achieved an average accuracy of 91.84% in predicting connected areas of three types of headland environments: freespace, grassland, and leaf. The control system equipped with this model underwent automatic line switching tests for the track-type mower, achieving a success rate of 94% and an average passing time of 12.58 s. The experimental results demonstrate that the improved DeepLabV3+ model exhibits good performance, providing a method for designing automatic line switching control systems for track-type mowers in orchard environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)

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17 pages, 2361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Modified Extraction and Saponification Method for the Determination of Carotenoids in the Fruit of Capsicum annuum

by Hung Trieu Hong, Rimjhim Agarwal, Tatsuyoshi Takagi, Michael E. Netzel, Stephen M. Harper and Tim J. O’Hare

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060646 - 18 Mar 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 228

Abstract

Quantification of free and bound carotenoids in pigmented fruit and vegetable matrices has previously been challenging due to carotenoid instability, degradation during extraction, and the prevalence of predominant carotenoid esters. The aim of the present study was to develop an optimized extraction procedure [...] Read more.

Quantification of free and bound carotenoids in pigmented fruit and vegetable matrices has previously been challenging due to carotenoid instability, degradation during extraction, and the prevalence of predominant carotenoid esters. The aim of the present study was to develop an optimized extraction procedure that minimises the loss of free and bound carotenoids by utilising a combination of extraction solutions, followed by an improved saponification process. A mixture of hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol and water achieved the highest extraction efficiency (>97%) from the chili/capsicum matrix. The study also addressed the previously unexplained loss of carotenoids during saponification by adding phosphate buffer to the sample–extract mixture, which prevented soap micelle formation. Additionally, the duration and temperature of the saponification procedure and pH of the final extraction solution were further optimised to achieve a higher total carotenoid recovery. A total of 48 free and bound carotenoids were identified in the capsicum fruit samples using UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS. The total carotenoid content within six bell pepper and chili fruits ranged between 1.63 (green bell capsicum) and 32.08 mg/100 g fresh weight (sweet red baby capsicum). The current methodology potentially could be used in a broad range of different carotenoid-containing matrices and commodities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Product Quality and Safety)

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12 pages, 1719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Technique for Marking Queen Bees (Apis mellifera) for Better Visibility and Easier Spotting

by Slobodan Dolasevic, Nikola Delic, Maja Petricevic, Tanja Keskic, Ratko Pavlovic, Jevrosima Stevanovic and Zoran Stanimirovic

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060645 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 410

Abstract

While marking queens is an optional rather than mandatory technique, it is increasingly becoming a standard practice in modern beekeeping. Finding queens in strong colonies and large apiaries is a time-consuming process. The visible and durable marking of the queen enables it to [...] Read more.

While marking queens is an optional rather than mandatory technique, it is increasingly becoming a standard practice in modern beekeeping. Finding queens in strong colonies and large apiaries is a time-consuming process. The visible and durable marking of the queen enables it to be seen more quickly, directly improving productivity in apiary management. This study examined a new technique for marking queens using an oil-based marker, which involved marking not only the thorax (as a standard technique) but also the wings and abdomen. The durability of the marking was assessed by measuring color retention at the start of the experiment and after five months. Two groups of queens were formed: an experimental group, marked with the new technique on three body parts—Group O (n = 12) and a control group of unmarked queens—Group N (n = 12). The most durable color retention was observed on the thorax (54.4%) and abdomen (14.4%), while retention on the wings was weaker (2.4%), necessitating reapplication during the season. Considering the proportion of the total marked area, abdomen marking gave better results (9.5%) compared to the thorax (5.4%) and wings (0.6%) marking. The application of this marking technique showed no negative effects on queen acceptance, survival, or supersedure. Marking three body parts can increase the queen’s visibility in a non-invasive way, improving work efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Bee Rearing and Production)

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4 pages, 169 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Rational Use of Feed to Promote Animal Healthy Feeding

by Tatiana Dumitra Panaite and Mihaela Hăbeanu

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060644 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 203

Abstract

Nowadays, ensuring global food production depends on various factors like climate change, resource scarcity, and a continuously increasing population, which creates tremendous pressure on traditional agricultural practices [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rational Use of Feed to Promote Animal Healthy Feeding)

14 pages, 1475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alleviation of Chilling Injury in Postharvest Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) with Silicon and Abscisic Acid Applications

by Vivian Ly and Youbin Zheng

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060643 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 249

Abstract

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is highly susceptible to chilling injury (CI), resulting in the development of CI symptoms during cold storage that reduce postharvest quality and shelf life. This study evaluated whether silicon (Si) and abscisic acid (ABA) applications can mitigate [...] Read more.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is highly susceptible to chilling injury (CI), resulting in the development of CI symptoms during cold storage that reduce postharvest quality and shelf life. This study evaluated whether silicon (Si) and abscisic acid (ABA) applications can mitigate these symptoms. In Trial 1, basil plants had a Si solution (189 mg/L Si from potassium silicate) or deionised water (control) applied during cultivation via rootzone irrigation or foliar spray. Some plants were also foliar sprayed with ABA (1000 mg/L) before harvest. In Trial 2, wollastonite was added to the growing media (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mL/L) as the Si source. Applying the Si solution using either method reduced leaf necrosis, fresh weight loss, and electrolyte leakage, extending shelf life to at least 14 days. There were also no negative impacts on plant performance during cultivation (chlorophyll content, shoot height, and canopy width). The ABA solution, alone or in combination with Si solution, reduced symptoms but less effectively, extending shelf life up to 8 days. Wollastonite had no positive effects. These findings suggest that Si solution applications are a promising strategy to alleviate CI during postharvest cold storage of basil at 3.5 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Enhancing Quality and Yield of Aromatic and Medicinal Crops)

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31 pages, 531 KiB

Open AccessReview

Investigating the Biology of Leaf-Cutting Ants to Support the Development of Alternative Methods for the Control and Management of These Agricultural Pests

by Virginia Elena Masiulionis and Richard Ian Samuels

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060642 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 582

Abstract

Concerns about the environmental and health risks of synthetic insecticides are driving the search for alternative pest control methods. Leaf-cutting ants (LCAs), one of the most significant pests in the neotropics, cause substantial economic damage to agriculture and present challenges for control due [...] Read more.

Concerns about the environmental and health risks of synthetic insecticides are driving the search for alternative pest control methods. Leaf-cutting ants (LCAs), one of the most significant pests in the neotropics, cause substantial economic damage to agriculture and present challenges for control due to their complex biology and ecology. While chemical control remains the primary strategy, its intensive use has negative environmental impacts, promotes pest resistance, and endangers non-target species, including plants, animals, and humans. This review describes the biology of LCAs, examines traditional control methods and suggests alternative strategies such as the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) combined with sublethal doses of insecticides, plant essential oils (EOs), and RNAi techniques. Here, we emphasize the need to address LCA management sustainably by investigating the biology and ecology at both the “colony” and “individual” levels. Colony-level factors include morphology, life cycle, behavior, division of labor, and nest structure, while individual-level mechanisms involve sensory, biochemical, and behavioral adaptations for garden sterilization and decontamination. This review also highlights the potential of sublethal insecticide doses combined with EPFs to induce behavioral changes and worker mortality, and it details the mode of action of EOs and the use of RNAi as promising control strategies. The integration of biological and chemical approaches could offer sustainable alternatives to synthetic insecticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds)

36 pages, 2761 KiB

Open AccessReview

Factors Affecting the Ig Content of Sow’s Colostrum: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Csaba Szabó, Arth David Sol Valmoria Ortega, James Kachungwa Lugata, Levente Czeglédi, Brigitta Csernus, Gabriella Gulyás, Béla Kovács, Károly Pál, Tünde Pusztahelyi, Rozália Kasza, Gábor Czakó and Márta Horváth

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060641 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 440

Abstract

Over the last few decades, the productivity of sows has improved tremendously, especially in terms of litter size. Colostral immunoglobulins (Igs) are essential for the early protection of piglets against pathogens. We hypothesized that with the increase in sows’ productivity, the Ig content [...] Read more.

Over the last few decades, the productivity of sows has improved tremendously, especially in terms of litter size. Colostral immunoglobulins (Igs) are essential for the early protection of piglets against pathogens. We hypothesized that with the increase in sows’ productivity, the Ig content of colostrum has declined. The research results reviewed confirmed a negative trend in the case of IgG and IgA. The sows’ blood IgG and IgM concentrations decreased from late gestational levels, confirming the transfer from serum (with most of them not synthesized in the mammary gland). This connection was also confirmed by our correlation analyses. Colostrum Ig levels correlate well with the piglets’ blood Ig concentrations, proving the importance of colostral Ig intake. The most effective feed supplements are antioxidants and arginine to improve the Ig content of the blood (about 30 to 70%) and colostrum (about 10 to 70%). Pre- and probiotics and other feed supplements express only a modest (about +10 to 20%) but positive effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farm Animal Production)

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22 pages, 1604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Difficult Decision of Using Biopesticides: A Comparative Case-Study Analysis Concerning the Adoption of Biopesticides in the Mediterranean Region

by Elena Fusar Poli, José Miguel Campos, María Teresa Martínez Ferrer, Ridha Rahmouni, Souad Rouis, Zeynep Yurtkuran and Michele Filippo Fontefrancesco

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060640 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 450

Abstract

The adoption of biopesticides in Mediterranean agriculture is shaped by environmental, economic, and socio-cultural factors. This study explores the push and pull factors influencing farmers’ decisions in Spain’s Ebro Delta, Tunisia’s Nabeul region, and Turkey’s Adana province. Through qualitative fieldwork and comparative analysis, [...] Read more.

The adoption of biopesticides in Mediterranean agriculture is shaped by environmental, economic, and socio-cultural factors. This study explores the push and pull factors influencing farmers’ decisions in Spain’s Ebro Delta, Tunisia’s Nabeul region, and Turkey’s Adana province. Through qualitative fieldwork and comparative analysis, key barriers to adoption are identified, including high costs, limited market availability, skepticism about efficacy, and reliance on conventional pesticides. However, this study also highlights opportunities driven by regulatory changes, increasing market demand for sustainable products, and the potential of biopesticides to improve ecological sustainability. The research follows a comparative case-study approach and was conducted between January and November 2024. The methodology included a literature review, two rounds of qualitative interviews with farmers, and thematic analysis to identify barriers and enabling factors, ensuring methodological rigor and cross-validation. Findings indicate that farmers’ professional ethos and economic conditions significantly limit biopesticide adoption. Perceived inefficacy, high production costs, and low profit margins reinforce reluctance. Spain struggles with skepticism, Tunisia faces economic and informational barriers, and Turkey’s reliance on traditional practices slows innovation. Despite these obstacles, key drivers facilitate adoption, including improved agricultural education, cooperative support, and increasing consumer demand for sustainable products. Legal frameworks, particularly the EU’s “Farm to Fork” strategy, play a crucial role, though top-down policies risk local resistance. This study outlines a model for biopesticide adoption based on seven key factors, with legal frameworks and farm structure emerging as primary drivers. Addressing economic and educational barriers is crucial for widespread adoption. By implementing targeted policies, Mediterranean agriculture can become a model for sustainable practices, balancing productivity and environmental stewardship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)

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20 pages, 2670 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mycobiome and Pathogenic Fusarium Fungi in the Rhizosphere of Durum Wheat After Seed Dressing with Debaryomyces hansenii

by Weronika Giedrojć and Urszula Wachowska

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060639 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 267

Abstract

Debaryomyces hansenii naturally colonize wheat grain and can potentially inhibit the pathogens responsible for Fusarium crown rot (FCR). Seed dressing is a recommended method for protecting crops against FCR pathogens. The effectiveness of seed dressing with antagonistic yeasts in reducing the incidence of [...] Read more.

Debaryomyces hansenii naturally colonize wheat grain and can potentially inhibit the pathogens responsible for Fusarium crown rot (FCR). Seed dressing is a recommended method for protecting crops against FCR pathogens. The effectiveness of seed dressing with antagonistic yeasts in reducing the incidence of FCR remains insufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed dressing with a triazole fungicide and a suspension of D. hansenii cells on the health status and development of durum wheat cultivars (Durasol and Floradur), and to analyze the structure of the mycobiome in the rhizosphere of seedlings. Under field conditions, the incidence of FCR was reduced by 57.1% by triticonazole and 35.7% by the biocontrol agent relative to the control treatment. Seed dressing with D. hansenii decreased the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of Fusarium pathogens by 47.24% in cv. Durasol and 87.4% in cv. Floradur. The number of OTUs of autochthonous yeast species and Mortierellomycota increased in the rhizosphere of both durum wheat cultivars. The effectiveness of seed dressing with yeasts is determined by the quality and local adaptation of biocontrol agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Seed Science and Technology)

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11 pages, 953 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Destructive PTR-ToF-MS Profiling of Red Delicious and Granny Smith Apple Volatilomes During Ripening

by Alessia Panarese, Brian Farneti, Angelo Zanella and Iuliia Khomenko

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060638 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 267

Abstract

The optimal harvest date (OHD) for the long-term storage of apple fruits is of the utmost importance, not only for maintaining high quality levels, but also because the ripening stage, regulated by the autocatalytic activity of the internal ethylene concentration, greatly affects the [...] Read more.

The optimal harvest date (OHD) for the long-term storage of apple fruits is of the utmost importance, not only for maintaining high quality levels, but also because the ripening stage, regulated by the autocatalytic activity of the internal ethylene concentration, greatly affects the VOCs’ synthesis. During apple ripening, chemical compounds undergo changes that affect the fruit’s overall quality, particularly its aromatic profile. Three main classes of organic molecules—aldehydes, alcohols, and esters—play a key role in these modifications. This study investigated the potential of proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-ToF-MS) for the rapid, non-destructive monitoring of VOC profiles in ‘Red Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ apples over a 7-week shelf-life period across three harvest dates with different ripening stages. More than 300 mass peaks in the PTR-ToF-MS spectra of the apple headspace were detected. A total of 127 of them were considered to be relevant for further analysis. Furthermore, respiration rate and I_AD index were used for the non-destructive assessment of the ripening progress during the 7 weeks of shelf-life and for integrating the VOC results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Product Quality and Safety)

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16 pages, 5891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Application on the Lodging Resistance Traits, Yield, and Quality of Two Gluten Types of Wheat

by Xueling Hu, Peiyu Tian, Wen Fu, Zhihao Tian, Mengdi Du, Zhishang Chang, Youliang Ye, Xiangping Meng and Yang Wang

Agriculture 2025, 15(6), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15060637 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 375

Abstract

The Huang–Huai–Hai Plain is a primary wheat production base in China, where lodging remains a critical constraint limiting yield improvement and quality enhancement. Both nitrogen application and wheat varieties are key factors influencing crop lodging resistance. This study aimed to comparatively analyze the [...] Read more.

The Huang–Huai–Hai Plain is a primary wheat production base in China, where lodging remains a critical constraint limiting yield improvement and quality enhancement. Both nitrogen application and wheat varieties are key factors influencing crop lodging resistance. This study aimed to comparatively analyze the differential responses of wheat varieties with distinct gluten properties to nitrogen fertilization gradients and elucidated the physiological mechanisms underlying the nitrogen-mediated regulation of lodging resistance in gluten-type wheat. A two-year field experiment was conducted in Xuchang City, Henan Province, from 2019 to 2021. The experimental design incorporated four varieties of wheat (two medium-gluten wheat varieties, YM49-198 and JM325, and two strong-gluten wheat varieties, XN979 and JM44) and five nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels: 0 kg·ha⁻¹ (N₀), 120 kg·ha⁻¹ (N₁₂₀), 180 kg·ha⁻¹ (N₁₈₀), 240 kg·ha⁻¹ (N₂₄₀), and 360 kg·ha⁻¹ (N₃₆₀). Each treatment was repeated three times, and each plot was completely randomly arranged in the field. An appropriate amount of nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased the wheat yield, with the 240 kg ha⁻¹ treatment achieving maximum yields for YM49-198, JM325, and JM44 from 2020 to 2021, but not for XN979. Quality parameters were significantly affected by varieties and nitrogen fertilizer levels. The results showed that the crude protein contents of XN979 and JM44 were 15.13% and 18.06%, respectively, under the N₂₄₀ treatment; the lodging resistance index of the medium-gluten wheat was higher than that of the strong-gluten wheat. Under the N₂₄₀ treatment in 2020–2021, the lodging resistance indexes of YM49-198, JM325, XN979, and JM44 were 12.2, 13.9, 7.9, and 11.7, respectively. Nitrogen fertilizer can increase wheat yield and ensure quality, but excessive application can decrease these factors and intensify lodging risk. The lodging index of the medium-gluten wheat was more sensitive to the amount of nitrogen fertilizer. When the nitrogen application is 240 kg·ha⁻¹, the quality indicators of medium- and strong-gluten wheat should meet standards, and the yield will be stable in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain. These findings highlight the importance of adopting precision nitrogen management strategies and gluten-type-specific cultivation practices in wheat production systems. This could effectively balance yield stability, quality optimization, and lodging risk mitigation to ensure the sustainable intensification of wheat cultivation in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain and similar agro-ecological regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)

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Agriculture, Volume 15, Issue 6 (March-2 2025) – 98 articles

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