Aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with multiple applications. Their valorization allows the development of natural alternatives to chemical inputs and promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris, belonging to the Apiaceae family, is a plant traditionally used for its medicinal properties, but whose herbicidal potential remains unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the phytotoxic effect of its aqueous extract on the growth of Sinapis alba, a weed widely distributed in northern Morocco.

Phytochemical analysis of R. segetum highlighted the presence of several allelochemical compounds, including polyphenols, steroids, flavonoids, ascorbic acids, quinones, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, suggesting a potential phytotoxic activity. To test its effect, three concentrations of aqueous extract (100%, 50%, and 25%), prepared at 50 g/L, were applied under laboratory conditions, with glyphosate as a positive control.

The results revealed significant inhibition of S. alba growth, especially with the 100% extract, resulting in a marked reduction in leaf numbers, root and shoot length, and fresh weight of seedlings. In addition, the content of chlorophylls a and b as well as carotenoids decreased significantly with increasing extract concentration. At the same time, the accumulation of oxidative stress markers (MDA, H₂O₂ and O^2-) in treated plants confirmed the inhibitory effect of the extracts on seedling physiology.

These results highlight the potential of R. segetum as a source of biodegradable bioherbicides, offering a natural alternative to chemical herbicides. This study thus contributes to the promotion of this aromatic and medicinal plant by proposing an ecological approach to the management of weeds.

With growing interest in the broader use of medicinal and nutritionally valuable plant parts, attention is expanding beyond the fruit of honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) to include other organs such as leaves. These leaves constitute a valuable source of bioactive substances and essential minerals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zoocompost derived from black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae on the macrominerals of honeysuckle leaves.

A field experiment was conducted in the Alytus district of Lithuania, involving three cultivars: ‘Zojka’, ‘Wojtek’, and ‘Indigo Yum’. Plots were arranged in a randomized design with four replicates. Zoocompost was applied at 0 (control), 1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha⁻¹ at the end of March. Leaf samples were collected in mid-July, freeze-dried, and analyzed for nitrogen (N) using the Kjeldahl method. Phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were determined by means of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Soil samples collected in June were analyzed for available P₂O₅, K₂O, mineral nitrogen, and pH.

The leaf sample results showed that N content was significantly highest in ‘Zojka’ leaves treated with 1500 kg ha⁻¹ of zoocompost, while the highest P content was recorded in the same cultivar at the 2000 kg ha⁻¹ application rate. The ‘Indigo Yum’ treated with 2000 kg ha⁻¹ showed significantly increased Ca content but significantly lower K content. The lowest Ca content was observed in ‘Zojka’ leaves under the 2000 kg ha⁻¹ treatment. No significant effect was found on Mg levels. Application of zoocompost at the highest fertilization rate significantly increased the contents of available P₂O₅, K₂O, and mineral nitrogen in the soil. Fertilization did not have a significant effect on soil pH.

The results of this study demonstrate that zoocompost can effectively improve both the macromineral composition of honeysuckle leaves and soil fertility by increasing the availability of key nutrients.

Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is one of the most widespread fungal diseases, with a major impact on plant health and berry quality. The present study aims to describe the symptomatic response of Muscat Ottonel and Chasselas varieties grown in vineyards in eastern Romania and to highlight the manifestations of the infection at the visual and microscopic level. Observations were made during the active vegetative stages of the leaves and berries, with the symptoms of the disease being qualitatively documented through visual observations and photographs, and microscopic images were used to confirm the presence of the mycelium and characteristic spores of Plasmopara viticola. Initial symptoms included the appearance of yellow spots on the upper leaves, followed by the development of white mycelium on the lower side of the leaves. Microscopic images revealed dense mycelium and spores of the pathogen, confirming the nature of the infection. As the berries and young shoots were affected, discolorations and necrosis were observed. Differences in symptom intensity were noted between Muscat Ottonel and Chasselas cultivars, indicating variability in susceptibility to infection. Qualitative observations and microscopic images provide relevant information on the progression and manifestations of downy mildew, contributing to the understanding of the interaction between vines and the pathogen. These data can be used for the selection of resistant cultivars and the development of sustainable vineyard management strategies.

The growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka has increased interest in liquid fertilizers as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional chemical inputs. To evaluate their effectiveness, a pot experiment was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 at the Agriculture Farm of the University of Jaffna. This study examined the impact of different liquid fertilizers on the growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) under insect-proof net house conditions. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with ten replicates was used, consisting of four treatments: T1 (control with distilled water), T2 (Nitrobenzene, a chemical growth promoter), T3 (Azolla extract), and T4 (fermented cow urine). Organic treatments were prepared and applied as foliar sprays beginning two weeks after seeding and continued weekly. Statistical analysis (p < 0.05) was performed using SAS software. It revealed that fermented cow urine (T4) significantly enhanced plant height, leaf number, and leaf area, as well as yield attributes such as head diameter, girth, and total yield. Beyond its fertilizing properties, fermented cow urine also acted as a natural pest repellent, contributing to healthier crop growth. These results underscore the potential of fermented cow urine as a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative for smallholder farmers to improve cabbage production while advancing sustainable farming practices.

Potato plays a huge role in addressing food security in lower-income countries; however, smallholder substandard agronomic practices compromise potato tuber quality. This study was conducted in a smallholder setting to determine effective agronomic practices that can improve potato tuber quality. Four potato cultivars (Sababa, Mondial, Electra, and Panamera), two different levels of mulch (no mulch and mulch), and fungicides (sprayed and unsprayed) were laid out in a randomized complete block design under five localities (Mbalenhle, Hlathikhulu, Mbhava, Stezi, and Gobizembe) for two seasons (2022/23 and 2023/24). Tuber quality traits and nutrient reference values were assessed on protein, fat, dry matter, starch carbohydrates, and energy. The results revealed integration of late maturing cultivars (Panamera) with mulch application and fungicide spraying, and Electra with application of mulch and fungicide (for 2023/24 season only) improved dry matter content. Also tubers that had higher dry matter content resulted in higher starch, carbohydrate content, and energy. Sababa has the lowest nutritional profile for all traits across localities. Overall, mulch application was found to have an insignificant effect on the tuber quality. Hence, it can be suggested that farmers can improve potato tuber quality by adopting Electra and Panamera with the application of fungicides; this combination works together to improve plant health and facilitate the uptake of soil nutrients, which boost plant growth and development.

The application of herbicides in agricultural systems raises concerns regarding their non-target effects on soil microbial communities, particularly symbiotic nitrogen-fixing rhizobia. This study investigated the effect of herbicide-treated soil inoculum on rhizobia nodulation in cowpea and soybean. A glasshouse experiment was conducted with 15 herbicide-treated and 15 untreated soils collected from farmers’ fields. Seeds were surface-sterilized (70% ethanol and sodium hypochlorite) and sown at 2–3 cm depth. Seedlings were inoculated with soil suspensions (5–10 g soil in 300 mL distilled water; 100 mL per pot), with three replicates per treatment. Plants were irrigated with nitrogen-free nutrient solution and harvested at flowering (65 days after planting, DAP). Nodulation and growth parameters—including nodule number, nodule DM, shoots DM, and roots—were quantified to assess herbicide-induced effects. The results revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in nodulation, plant growth, and nitrogen fixation in herbicide-treated soils compared to untreated controls, with variability influenced by crop species and soil origin. Untreated soils increased whole-plant dry matter (DM), particularly in cowpea, at locations Nator (6.05 g/plant) and McCoy (5.87 g/plant). Soybean exhibited notable nodule reduction in herbicide-treated soils, except in Dapuori, suggesting potential herbicide tolerance in local rhizobial strains. Conversely, untreated soil from Lambussie recorded an increase in soybean nodulation (19.00 nodules/plant). Cowpea exhibited greater sensitivity to herbicide residues, with pronounced declines in nodule formation, while soybean demonstrated moderate resilience. These findings underscore that herbicides significantly impair nodulation, with cowpea being more adversely affected than soybean. Untreated soil inoculum promoted superior nodulation and biomass, emphasizing the necessity for herbicide selection based on soil-microbe compatibility. Site-specific variations suggest the existence of herbicide-tolerant rhizobial strains in certain soils. Prolonged herbicide use may compromise soil fertility and sustainable crop production, warranting further investigation into microbial adaptation strategies.

Sewage sludge (SS), a by-product of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), poses significant environmental and public health challenges if not properly managed. However, when adequately treated, SS can become a valuable source of essential nutrients for crops, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and circular economy initiatives. This study presents a comprehensive long-term analysis of the physicochemical properties of anaerobically digested SS from the central WWTP in Zagreb, Croatia. Key parameters, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and carbon (C), demonstrate that the sludge meets established criteria for agricultural reuse. In addition, concentrations of potentially toxic metal(loid)s (e.g., Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mo, As, and Co) remained within permissible limits and complied with strict national and international regulations governing their use in agriculture and soil amendments. Most indicators showed stable or declining trends over the monitoring period, indicating consistent treatment quality and low environmental risk. Nevertheless, actual reuse of SS in agriculture remains limited, largely due to regulatory, infrastructural, and logistical barriers, including limited access to suitable land near WWTPs. This study underscores the agronomic value and safety of SS and highlights the need for targeted strategies to support its sustainable application. Policy adjustments, infrastructure investment, and greater public awareness are essential to unlock the full potential of SS and advance circular, resource-efficient wastewater management systems.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most economically damaging pests in agriculture, capable of severely impairing crop productivity by disrupting root function and nutrient uptake. These soil-borne phytoparasites manipulate the host plant’s root system to form specialized feeding structures, compromising plant vigor and yield. Understanding how crops respond to nematode infection at the physiological level is essential for developing effective control strategies. However, traditional field and greenhouse studies often face challenges due to environmental variability and biological complexity.

In this study, we resorted to in vitro culture systems of tomato transgenic roots to examine host responses to Meloidogyne incognita under controlled conditions. Oxidative stress markers were assessed by spectrophotometric analysis, focusing on the accumulation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), a proxy for lipid peroxidation, and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Nematode-infected roots exhibited a 25% increase in APX activity, along with higher TBARS levels, indicating a noticeable oxidative response following root infection.

These results suggest that M. incognita may alter the redox status of host root tissues, reflecting both a plant defense strategy and/or nematode-induced physiological disruption. Understanding these stress pathways provides valuable insight into the mechanisms underlying crop susceptibility and resilience, offering potential targets for improving resistance and minimizing nematode-related yield losses.

Meeting the increasing global food demand has required an intensification of agricultural production, largely supported by the extensive use of chemical fertilizers. While effective in raising yields, their overuse has resulted in significant environmental challenges. Therefore, developing fertilizers that are both efficient and sustainable is a key priority. Biochar-based enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) represent a promising alternative, as they can regulate nutrient release in line with plant requirements, thereby minimizing nutrient losses, mainly through leaching and evaporation. In this work, vineyard pruning biochar (BV) was investigated as a matrix for producing EEFs. Two nutrient incorporation strategies were compared: direct enrichment with nitrogen (BV-N) and phosphorus (BV-P) and combinations of BV with nutrient-loaded layered double hydroxides (LDH-N and LDH-P). Nutrient release was first evaluated in static water systems and subsequently in soil-mimicking column leaching experiments. Results showed that unmodified BV released only small nutrient amounts (0.24 mg of N and 0.49 mg of P), whereas enriched biochars provided substantially higher nutrient release after 72 hours (11.32 mg N/g and 4.85 mg P/g). Among the tested formulations, BV-N achieved a more gradual nitrogen release profile, while LDH-P allowed for a more extended phosphorus supply. Overall, these results emphasize the potential of biochar-based fertilizers not only to improve nutrient use efficiency but also to support circular economy practices by valorizing agricultural residues.

Climate change is increasing the incidence of abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought, which threaten both biodiversity and crop production, leading to economic losses and undermining food security. In this context, promoting sustainable agriculture requires not only the evaluation of stress-tolerant crops but also the identification of beneficial microorganisms capable of enhancing resilience, soil health, and productivity while reducing reliance on agrochemicals.

In this study, we evaluated whether nodule-associated bacteria, isolated from two Mediterranean ecosystems, modulate the response of Lablab purpureus—an underutilised legume with high nutraceutical potential—to salinity and drought. Three salt-tolerant strains (CJND1, LN1RA and LN3BA) were selected, and phenological parameters, biomass and root architecture, photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes, ionic content (Na⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺, Ca²⁺), oxidative stress markers, antioxidant compounds, and antioxidant enzyme activies were assessed.

The inoculated strains exhibited distinct effects. CJND1 and LN3BA promoted root elongation, with LN3BA additionally increasing root surface area and enhancing K⁺ accumulation in leaves. LN1RA increased the chlorophyll a/b ratio and improved nodulation under drought conditions. Overall, bacterial inoculation positively influenced root traits. Salinity reduced biomass, increased proline content, and promoted Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ accumulation in roots while restricting Na⁺ translocation to the shoots. Moreover, salinity tended to increase catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, whereas drought significantly induced glutathione reductase activity and also slightly increased superoxide dismutase activity.

In conclusion, local microbiota, particularly nodule-associated bacteria tolerant to salinity and drought, may represent a valuable tool for the introduction of new agronomic crops such as L. purpureus. Their application could contribute to more sustainable production systems and help safeguard food security in regions such as the Mediterranean, where climate-driven threats are expected to reduce crop yields and water availability.