Genotype × environment (G×E) interaction plays a pivotal role in determining the stability and adaptability of rice cultivars under diverse agro-ecological conditions. This study evaluated five gamma-irradiation-derived UiTM advanced rice mutant lines and six commercial varieties across 12 locations in Malaysia to assess yield performance, phenotypic variability, and stability. The two-way ANOVA revealed highly significant (p < 0.001) effects of genotype, environment, and their interaction on most agronomic traits. Notably, substantial genotypic variation was observed in days to 50% flowering (DTF50), days to maturity (DTM85), number of filled spikelets (NFS), and yield per plant (YLDPLT), while environmental effects were dominant for plant height (PH) and number of spikelets (NOS), highlighting the influence of location-specific factors such as rainfall and soil fertility.

Significant G×E interactions for traits including NFS, YLDPLT, and seed length-to-width ratio (SLSWR) indicated crossover performance among genotypes across environments. Several UiTM mutant lines demonstrated consistent flowering times and stable yield expression, suggesting their suitability for broad or specific adaptation. Descriptive statistics revealed high coefficients of variation in sterile spikelets (CV = 54.91%) and yield traits, indicating environmental sensitivity. The correlation analysis showed strong positive associations between yield components such as NFS, TSW, and YLDPLT, supporting their role as key selection criteria.

The principal component analysis (PCA) identified yield traits as major contributors to phenotypic variability (PC1 = 45.8%), while grain morphology traits loaded strongly onto PC2 (22.8%). The cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two categories: early-maturing, high-yielding lines and late-maturing types with greater spikelet numbers. These findings emphasize the need for multi-location trials and a G×E analysis to guide varietal selection. The stable performance of the UiTM lines under varying conditions underscores their potential as candidates for climate-resilient rice cultivation in Malaysia.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital cereal crop that is significantly impacted by biotic and abiotic stresses. Insect pests, causing 21% of annual yield losses, are the primary biotic stressors. Among them, the rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), a major foliage feeder, is the most devastating one. Abiotic stresses, including rising temperatures and CO₂ levels, also threaten rice yield. Atmospheric CO₂ levels are projected to reach 570 ppm by 2050 due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the stress on rice production. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) on biochemical changes in rice leaf folder. This study was conducted in Open-Top Chambers (OTCs), provided by the Division of Plant Physiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. Under eCO2 conditions, the rice plants showed a 26.47% increase in the total number of leaves and improved yield; however, leaf folder infestation reduced the leaf increase to 22.69% and led to a decline in yield. Biochemical changes in the rice plants included a reduced protein content, increased carbon-based compounds (TSS and phenols), elevated catalase activity, and stable peroxidase and SOD activities. The eCO₂ conditions had a significant impact on the rice leaf folder as well, as the larval duration was found to be increased, the percentage survival was reduced, and the larval weight increased. The biochemical analysis of the larval population revealed that the protein content had reduced significantly, while the defense enzymes, viz. catalase, peroxidase, and SOD, were found to have increased. While the effects of eCO₂ and rice leaf folder infestation on the morpho-chemical traits of rice are well studied, their combined impact remains less explored. Hence, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to reduce the complexity of the dataset, revealing that eCO₂ enhanced the growth and yield of rice but negatively affected rice leaf folder survival and development, although the larvae's damage capacity increased.

Sericulture is an agro-based industry that supports rural development, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic upliftment. Recognized for its eco-friendly nature and inclusivity, sericulture provides livelihood opportunities, particularly for marginalized rural communities. The Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University–Sericulture Research and Development Institute (DMMMSU-SRDI) in the Philippines implemented extension projects in Binalonan, Pangasinan, from 2018 to 2023, supported by the Senator Loren Legarda Fund and DMMMSU-SRDI Regular Fund. These projects aimed to demonstrate sustainable sericulture practices, assess profitability, and promote employment and environmental benefits through pilot farms. The initiative involved sapling and mulberry leaf production, silkworm rearing, and the utilization of sericulture by-products. Best practices included sapling propagation (pot and plot methods), rainfed mulberry establishment (0.9 ha), rearing house construction, synchronized silkworm rearing, and value-adding activities. Over five years, 69 silkworm batches were reared using 52.05 boxes of fourth-instar larvae, fed with over 144,000 kg of mulberry leaves. This resulted in 1,377.19 kg of fresh cocoons, generating PHP 411,320.00 in sales and a net income of PHP 248,164.10 with a return on investment (ROI) of 155.17%. Furthermore, additional income was generated through sericulture by-products (PHP 27,307.00; ROI: 94.93%). Overall, farmer income increased by 131.38%, and the projects created 306.46 person-days of employment valued at PHP 75,372.50. These findings underscore the viability of sericulture as a low-capital, high-return rural enterprise, contributing to agricultural diversification, environmental restoration, and rural socio-economic resilience.

Furrow irrigation in cropping systems creates distinct environments within fields, with raised beds remaining relatively aerobic, while furrows experience wetter, flood-like conditions during irrigation. The distinct adjacent environmental conditions can differentially affect production and release of greenhouse gases (GHGs). While the aerobic raised beds can enhance soil respiration, the wet to saturated furrow can intensify methanogenic activity during irrigation and nitrification–denitrification during drying periods. To date, no study has simultaneously compared carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes from adjacent raised beds and furrows in a soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production system. This study evaluated the effect of measurement position (i.e., raised bed or furrow) on GHG (i.e., CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O) fluxes and season-long emissions in a conventionally tilled soybean field on a silt loam soil (Aeric Epiaqualfs) in southeast Arkansas. Gas fluxes were measured weekly from May to August 2024 using a field-portable measurement system. A linear mixed model was used to assess the effects of measurement position (i.e., raised bed and furrow), time (weekly measurements), and their interaction on CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O fluxes. Carbon dioxide fluxes were consistently greater (P ≤ 0.05) in the raised bed than in the furrow across the growing season. Methane fluxes were generally greater in the furrow (P ≤ 0.05), while N₂O fluxes were typically greater in the raised bed (P ≤ 0.05). The results demonstrated substantial variation in CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O fluxes between raised beds and furrows, emphasizing the need for field position-specific GHG flux measurements to accurately scale emissions to the whole-field level.

Salinity is one of the most impactful abiotic stresses limiting the growth and productivity of many plant species. This study aimed to evaluate the salt tolerance of Acacia saligna by exposing juvenile Acacia plants to increasing NaCl concentrations (control 0.35 g/L, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/L) for 10 days following 9 months of greenhouse cultivation. We assessed the physiological and biochemical parameters using six replicates per treatment. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) with Minitab 17 software, and group differences were determined via Tukey’s test. Normality of residuals was confirmed using the Shapiro–Wilk test.

Salt stress negatively affected growth, with the lowest number of leaves (7.8 leaves/plant) and the slowest growth rate (0.01 cm/day) observed at 40 g/L. Dry matter content increased with salinity, peaking at 30.38% under 40 g/L NaCl, while water content declined to 69.62%. Proline levels rose with salinity, reaching 0.173 µg/mg FW at 40 g/L, though a notable dip was observed at 20 g/L. Soluble sugar content peaked at 10 and 20 g/L (11.44 and 7.70 µg/mg FW, respectively) and then declined sharply at higher concentrations. Chlorophyll content increased progressively with salinity, reaching 12.28 mg/g FW at the highest stress level.

Our findings suggest that A. saligna exhibits flexible osmotic adjustment mechanisms favouring sugar accumulation under moderate salinity and proline under higher stress. However, optimal tolerance appears to be maintained up to 20 g/L NaCl, beyond which growth performance and sugar levels decline despite continued biochemical adaptation. Due to its resilience, A. saligna shows promise for use in reforestation and land rehabilitation on saline or degraded soils.

African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to pose a significant threat to swine production in the Philippines, particularly impacting backyard farmers due to limited access to veterinary services and insufficient biosecurity practices. This study assessed ASF awareness, existing biosecurity measures, and outbreak preparedness among backyard swine raisers in Hungduan, Ifugao. Employing a descriptive research design, data were gathered from 78 farmers through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and on-site observations. While ASF awareness was universal (100%), only 22% of respondents had received formal training. Key biosecurity practices—including regular disinfection (38%), the presence of quarantine areas (13%), and rodent control (14%)—were poorly implemented. Notably, 36% of respondents continued the high-risk practice of swill feeding, which increases the risk of ASF transmission. Despite these gaps, 82% expressed willingness to adopt improved biosecurity measures if training and support were provided. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between educational attainment and the practice of swill feeding, while no significant associations were found between educational attainment and rodent control, or occupation and the implementation of quarantine measures. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted education campaigns, localized veterinary services, and community-based surveillance systems to enhance ASF prevention and control in backyard swine operations.

Climate change presents a significant threat to agricultural livelihoods in Nigeria, particularly for smallholder poultry farmers. This study examined climate vulnerability and food security among chicken-rearing households in southern Nigeria. Using a multistage sampling technique, data was collected from 987 households across four states in the region. Household food security was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), while climate vulnerability was evaluated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI–IPCC), comprising exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity components. Descriptive statistics revealed moderate to high vulnerability levels across the sample. Independent sample t-tests showed that rural households had a significantly higher adaptive capacity than their urban counterparts (t = 2.27), while urban households exhibited significantly greater sensitivity to climate risks (t = -2.11). Also, 91.0% of the respondents were moderately food-insecure. No significant differences were observed in the exposure levels (t = 1.68) or HFIAS scores (t = 0.08) between rural and urban households. The results from the Tobit model indicated that adaptive capacity significantly reduced food insecurity (z = -6.26), while a higher constraint burden increased it (z = 4.98). Female-headed households (z = 2.58) and those that reared more Fulani ecotype birds (z = 2.16) were more food-insecure, while literacy in English significantly improved food security (z = -3.64). Climate exposure and sensitivity were not statistically significant in explaining HFIAS scores. These results highlight the need for context-specific adaptation strategies that enhance rural households’ resilience, address production constraints, and promote inclusive access to information and literacy.

In response to increasing pressure on arable land and freshwater resources, this study presents the conceptualisation and development of an integrated fertigation system tailored for the indoor cultivation of paddy (Oryza sativa). The system combines precision irrigation with nutrient delivery in a controlled environment, using sensor-based automation to monitor and regulate key parameters, including soil moisture content, electrical conductivity, and pH in real time. A modified hydroponic design was implemented to replicate paddy’s semi-aquatic conditions while avoiding traditional water-intensive flooding methods. The fertigation process is managed by a programmable logic controller (PLC), with control logic and feedback loops designed and simulated using MATLAB Simulink to optimise irrigation timing and nutrient dosing strategies. Additionally, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed to analyse flow distribution and nutrient dispersion within the root zone, ensuring uniform delivery and mitigating risks of nutrient stratification or stagnation. Experimental trials conducted under LED-regulated photoperiods demonstrated a reduction in water usage by approximately 30% while maintaining effective nutrient uptake and consistent growth throughout the crop cycle. The system’s modular architecture allows scalability and adaptation to various spatial and climatic constraints. These findings highlight the potential of integrating CFD-based fluid analysis and simulation-driven control design with controlled-environment agriculture to promote sustainable, high-efficiency rice production in urban and climate-challenged settings.

Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) is a vital pulse crop in India, but its rabi season cultivation is constrained by low-temperature stress, particularly during germination and early growth. Developing cold-tolerant genotypes is essential for ensuring stable productivity. This study utilizes transcriptome analysis through RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with cold stress in contrasting genotypes. Leaf tissues from cold-treated and control plants were analyzed, revealing numerous DEGs. Key transcription factors like DREB, MYB, NAC, and WRKY, along with genes involved in antioxidant defense (peroxidases, superoxide dismutase), signal transduction (MAPK, calcium signaling), and osmoprotectant biosynthesis (proline, sugars), were significantly upregulated in the tolerant genotype. GO and KEGG analyses indicated the involvement of complex regulatory and metabolic pathways in cold response. Validation through qRT-PCR confirmed expression patterns of selected genes. These findings offer valuable insights for marker-assisted selection and genome editing, aiding in the development of cold-tolerant black gram varieties suited for rabi season cultivation.

African Swine Fever (ASF) remains a serious threat to the swine production in the Philippines; this affects backyard farmers due to limited access to veterinary services and inadequate biosecurity practices. This study assessed the level of ASF awareness, existing biosecurity practices, and outbreak preparedness among backyard swine raisers in Hungduan, Ifugao. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 78 farmers through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and on-site observations. The results showed that while African Swine Fever (ASF) awareness reached 100%, only 22% had received formal training. Key biosecurity practices such as regular disinfection (38%), quarantine areas (13%), and rodent control (14%) were poorly implemented. Remarkably, 36% of respondents continued swill feeding, a high-risk practice for ASF transmission. Despite these gaps, 82% of farmers expressed willingness to adopt improved biosecurity measures if training and support were provided. Chi-square tests showed significant association between a farmer's educational attainment and their practice of swill feeding, while there is no significant association between education and rodent control, or occupation and quarantine practice. The findings stress the urgent need for targeted educational interventions, localized veterinary services, and community-based disease surveillance to strengthen ASF prevention and control strategies in rural backyard settings.