Cichorium spinosum L. (spiny chicory), is one of the most well known wild edible plant (WEP) due to its valuable phytonutrient and macronutrient content. Spiny chicory leaves are harvested in nature for food and phytomedicinal purposes. In the search for sustainable agricultural systems, several studies have focused on deficit irrigation as an option for commercial cultivation of WEPs in marginal conditions. The present study aimed to chemically characterize, by chromatographic methods, the tocopherols, organic acids, and fatty acids content in the leaves of C. spinosum cultivated under three different irrigation levels, namely: drought stress (C1: 50% of field capacity (FC)), full irrigation (C2: 100% FC) and control (C3: rain-fed conditions). Moreover, the individual phenolic compounds profile and bioactive properties (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity activities) were assessed in the hydroethanolic extracts.

The studied spiny chicory leaves presented only two tocopherol isoforms (α- and γ-), while quinic, oxalic, and succinic acids were the organic acids found in the highest concentrations. Regarding the phenolic profile, flavonoids and phenolic acids were found, mostly O-glycosylated derivatives of quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and caffeoylquinic acids, especially in C1 samples (water stress caused the accumulation of secondary metabolites). Gram-positive bacteria showed greater sensitivity to the C3 hydroethanolic extract; overall, the extracts did not show anti-inflammatory, hepatotoxic, and cytotoxic activities except for the AGS tumour cell line. These results emphasize the influence of water stress on the quality of plants, further underscoring the potential and significant added value of C. spinosum cultivated under marginal conditions.

Fusarium spp. is one of the most prominent genera of plant pathogens due to its wide range of hosts and mycotoxin production. The Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) encompasses several known plant pathogens, such as Fusarium circinatum, F. fujikuroi, F. sacchari, and F. verticillioides. Cymbopogon citratus is a widely distributed aromatic and medicinal plant rich in secondary metabolites. Most of C. citratus cultivation is related to essential oil (EO) extraction since their volatiles have applications in the food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical industries. In the present study, the first report of C. citratus wilt caused by a FFSC species in Portugal is described. Symptomatologic, cultural, morphologic, genetic, and cytogenomic characteristics associated with this pathogen and disease are displayed. The cultural features included flat, white-colored colonies with filiform margins and abundant cottony aerial mycelia at the upper surface and orange-violet colored at the lower surface. On Carnation Leaf-Piece Agar, septate fusoid macroconidia were present, displaying a flattened tapering toward the basal part and a number of septa ranging from one to four. The comparison of amplified and aligned ITS sequences revealed a 100% similarity between the isolated fungus and the FFSC. Finally, a flow cytometry assay revealed an estimated genome size of 29.9 Mbp, contrasting with other FFSC-known pathogens. Ultimately, by examining these various aspects, this work aims to comprehensively understand the wilt and its causal agent.

The Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is an important intracellular pathogen in tomato plants, with high dissemination in commercial greenhouses. Previous studies have confirmed the presence of several ToBRFV isolates from the Netherlands and the Middle East, however, there are few severity studies for these in Mexico. In this study, the pathogenicity of three ToBRFV isolates from greenhouses in Coahuila, Mexico, was analyzed using agronomic, morphological and quality parameters and the design of a diagrammatic scale of severity for leaflets and fruits. The isolates were determined by statistical sampling from the collection of tomato leaflets with positive symptoms of the virus, and its confirmation by immunoStrip® Agdia and RT-PCR. An experimental design was established under a greenhouse conditions with tomato plants var. Río Grande®, with three treatments and 10 repetitions: TB1, TQ2 and FQ3 isolates. For the quantification of the severity in foliages, the sampling was carried out every 15 days after the appearance of the symptoms, until the death of the plant. The fruit damage scale was carried out at the beginning of the harvest until its conclusion. As a result, it was obtained that the agronomic parameters coincided with the intensity of the virus in the analyzed isolates, where; FQ3 stood out, with greater virulence and shorter incubation period. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first reported sighting of ToBRFV from tomato greenhouses in Coahuila, Mexico, as well as the first study that demonstrates the effect of ToBRFV on tomato, using agronomic parameters.

Effective disease, pest, and weed control are crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural practices. The ever-growing global population, coupled with the increasing demand for food, poses a significant challenge to agriculture systems worldwide. To address this challenge sustainably, farmers must employ effective disease, pest, and weed control measures that minimize the negative impacts on the environment, human health, and biodiversity. This study investigates the impact of innovative control methods on agricultural productivity, focusing on 30 farmers (21 male and 9 female) in the Bosome Freho District of Ghana. By implementing innovative strategies, this research aims to provide scalable solutions to optimize crop yields while minimizing the reliance on harmful pesticides.

The study employed a participatory approach, engaging farmers in the co-creation and implementation of sustainable control measures. Through a combination of integrated pest management techniques, biological control agents, and cultural practices, farmers were able to significantly reduce the prevalence of diseases, pests, and weeds in their fields. The results demonstrated a remarkable improvement in crop health, with increased yield and quality observed across various crops, such as maize, pepper, and plantain.

The scalability of these achieved results is a key highlight, as the implemented strategies are easily transferable to other farmers within the Bosome Freho District and beyond. The innovative nature of this study lies in the collaborative approach, which incorporates traditional knowledge and modern agricultural techniques, thereby bridging the gap between traditional and sustainable farming practices. By addressing the critical issue of disease, pest, and weed control in a sustainable manner, this study offers practical solutions to enhance agricultural productivity while preserving the environment and ensuring the long-term viability of farming communities.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrating Jamnapari goats into underutilized pasture lands under coconut cultivations managed by the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Naturally grown and improved pasture samples were collected from coconut estates in the intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Samples were taken randomly using a quadrant and analyzed for dry matter yield (kg/ha), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) contents. An economic feasibility analysis was carried out based on average dry matter yields and respective carrying capacities of pastures and related production and economics data. The mean dry matter yield of natural and improved pastures ranged from 2141±193 kg/ha to 3314±212 kg/ha and 4231±407 kg/ha to 9152±531 kg/ha, respectively. Accordingly, CP and CF of natural and improved pastures ranged from 6.3±0.2 % to 18.5±0.2 % and 30.0±0.4 % to 33±0.3 %, respectively. Grass and legume percentages of natural and improved pastures varied from 1.9 % to 66.3 % and 7.0 % to 83.9 %. Estimated Jamnapari goat carrying capacities for natural and improved pastures were 8-11 heads/ha and 24-27 heads/ha, respectively including does, kids, and a buck. At a 15 % discount rate for 10 years, the net present value (NPV) for the coconut monoculture system was approximately 0.45 million rupees, and for integrated systems with natural and improved pastures, it was 1.4 and 4.7 million rupees, respectively. This study concluded that, when goats were integrated with improved and natural pastures rather than maintaining a monoculture, the economic feasibility and profitability will be higher.

The management of soil fertility is a fundamental aspect of agriculture. Modern agriculture is deeply dependent on the overuse of mineral fertilizers to support increased crop production, reducing framer’s profits, lessening farm sustainability and endangering the surrounding ecosystems. Resorting to grassland crops to strengthen soil fertility offers many advantages in comparison to mineral fertilization. Grasslands are extensive natural or agricultural lands, mainly composed of Poaceae and Fabaceae, but may also include woody species. Pastures and forages are the most important feed resources for many livestock species and mixed farming systems worldwide, contributing to minimize farmers' economic risks and preserving natural resources. The decrease in soil health imposed by fertilizer-based agricultural practices may be overcome by implementing permanent grassland crops or in rotation. Soils from grassland crops show higher amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and organic matter, when compared to croplands. Additionally, phosphorus inputs from mineral fertilizers are reduced, which lessens farmers expenses. The improvement of soil fertility assessed by its physical and biological components has been reported after the implementation of grassland crops, suggesting the potential role of pastures and forages as promoters of land restoration by limiting erosion and boosting biological diversity in agricultural soils. The present report reviews published work on the benefits of using grassland crops, with special emphasis on the characteristic agrosilvopastoral systems of the Iberian Peninsula, the Montado and Dehesas, providing a comprehensive summary on soil fertility and restoration of soil quality. Ultimately, the potential of implementing grassland crops is discussed.

Tomato fruit are a rich source of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and provitamin A, which are associated with protection against certain diseases and potentially contribute to cancer prevention. The present study evaluated the effect of a biostimulant formulation applied at different concentrations on the chemical composition and nutritional properties of greenhouse tomato fruit grown under deficit irrigation conditions. The applied biostimulant consisted of CaO and SiO₂, along with a calcium mobilization and translocation factor, as well as trace elements including Mo, Bo, and Zn. The tested treatments included different concentrations of the biostimulant formulation (TR1, TR2, TR3, TR4), as well as the Control treatment (no biostimulants added). Additionally, two different irrigation regimes were applied including normal irrigation denoted as RI, while deficit irrigation is referred to as DI. Tomato plants of the variety Ben-Hur were established on May 2021, at the experimental greenhouse of the University of Thessaly in Velestino, Greece. Harvest took place on September 29, 2021. The analysis revealed significant variations in total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity, fatty acid composition, tocopherol levels, and sugar and organic acid composition among the studied treatments. In terms of energy value, the values ranged between 17.8 and 23.6 kcal/100 g fw, with TR2 x DI having the highest energy value, while Control x RI had the lowest one. TR4 x DI treatment demonstrated low lipid peroxidation, suggesting enhanced oxidative stability and potentially longer shelf life, while TR4 x RI treatment recorded the highest antioxidant capacity, indicating its superior ability to scavenge free radicals. The sugar and organic acid composition also varied among the samples, with TR1 x DI and TR3 x DI treatments exhibiting higher sugar and organic acid contents in relation to the control of regular irrigation, respectively. These parameters are associated with the taste of tomato fruit and could be used to improve the quality of the edible product. Regarding tocopherol levels, TR1 x DI and TR2 x DI showed higher α-tocopherol and β-tocopherol contents, respectively, while Control x RI displayed relatively lower levels. In conclusion, our findings indicaten that the tested concentrations of the biostimulant formulation can alleviate the negative effects of deficit irrigation and improve the nutritional value and chemical composition of tomato fruit.

Remote sensing data is a powerful tool that contributes to sustainability and efficiency in crop management. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is widely recognized as one of the most important crops in terms of economic and social impact. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in two rice varieties (Ariete and Ceres) submitted to a biofortification workflow with two types of selenium (sodium selenate and sodium selenite) in providing valuable information regarding plant health and status. In this context, through the use of an UAVs synchronized, the state of the culture was further assessed, digital elevation model, water lines, slope classes / infiltration suitability and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were considered. Additionally, leaf gas exchange measurements were conducted during the biofortification process and Se content in rice was quantified. The NDVI index ranged from 0.76 to 0.80 without significant differences regarding control. It was observed that the water drainage pattern following the artificial pattern created by grooves between plots. Furthermore, selenite application up to 100 g Se.ha⁻¹ did not exhibit toxicity effects on the biofortified plants and presented a grain enriched of 16.09 µg g^-1 (Ariete) and 15.46 µg g^-1 (Ceres). In conclusion, through precision agriculture techniques and utilizing data from leaf gas exchanges allows an efficient monitoring of the experimental field conditions and is a highly useful tool in decision making.

The leaf vein is the structure for the physical support and transport of molecules in the leaf, which contributes to its growth and development. Therefore, leaf venation is strongly related to hydraulic conductance and gas exchange. In recent years, the development of polyploid cultivars of fruit trees has gained momentum in certain species; however, there are few studies about polyploidization in mango (Mangifera indica L.) and the effects on its physiology. In this study, adult trees of the cultivars Kensington, Torbert, Manga Blanca and Turpentine, with different ploidy and interest for the Canary Islands, were selected and sampled. A foliar clearance protocol was carried out for the venation study, and for the stomatal analysis, prints were taken with nail lacquer that were visualized and analyzed under a microscope. The results obtained indicate that diploid cultivars presented a higher stomatal density than tetraploids. The average stomatal density in the diploids was 650 stomata per mm²; while in tetraploid was 450 stomata per mm². A lower stomatal density can limit the leaf capacity to exchange gases with the environment, which in dry conditions could help reduce water loss and improve plant survival. The length of veins per area was also greater in diploid leaves, which may indicate a greater capacity of the leaf to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the aerial parts. Finally, the implications of these changes with ploidy will depend on environmental conditions and the ability of the plant to adjust its physiology to environmental conditions.

Nowadays, to ensure supplies for the population, it is paramount to maintain the sustainability of rice cultivation. Herbicides application play a key role managing the weed competition, improving labour efficiency, maintaining water management and facilitating effective crop residue management. Recent use of organic amendments in the rice cultivation process presents both benefits and drawbacks. However, a lack of information and understanding exists regarding this technique. Our objective was to assess the influence of an organic amendment (biochar) on the efficacy of two selected herbicides in rice farming, as well as their impact on its final yield.

A field trial set up on the ‘El Coronil’ farm (BASF Company, Seville, Spain) was carried out to compare combined efficacy of a pre-emergence herbicide, Stomp Aqua (active substance: Pendimethalin), and a post-emergence herbicide, Aura (active substance.: Profoxydim), at two different doses, with a conventional fertiliser or biochar (organic amendment).

The percentage of weed control (Echinochloa spp. and/or Leptochloa spp.) was calculated throughout the crop cycle by three visual assessments. At rice harvest, the number of stems, fresh and dry final biomass from weeds and crop were determined.

Our results highlighted that all treatments employed had a significant influence on weed control. The highest control was observed with the commercial doses of both herbicides. The application of biochar increased the number of stems, and fresh and dry biomass in rice crop compared to conventional fertiliser. Biochar increased rice growth compared to conventional fertiliser, but no differences in crop yields were observed.