Introduction: Horned melon (Cucumis metuliferus E. Mey. ex Naudin) remains an underutilized crop in Zimbabwe, despite its significant potential to bolster food and nutritional security in challenging environments due to its adaptive nature.

Methods: This study, conducted over two growing seasons (2024–2025) at Midlands State University, characterized the agro-morphological diversity of 24 landrace accessions collected from Mashonaland East using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD).

Results: The research revealed substantial phenotypic variation (p < 0.001) across all measured traits. Certain accessions, notably Acc5, Acc8, Acc2, and Acc20, demonstrated superior agronomic performance, with Acc5 emerging as a particularly promising candidate for high-yield variety development or hybridization. Furthermore, Acc1 exhibited early maturity, a critical characteristic for developing climate-resilient cropping systems, while Acc24's thornless phenotype offers distinct advantages for handling and marketability. Yield displayed strong positive correlations with vine length (r = 0.58**), individual fruit weight (r = 0.59**), and the total number of fruits (r = 0.76**), underscoring these traits as primary determinants of productivity. A nearly perfect correlation (r = 0.99**) between the timing of male and female flowering indicated a tightly synchronized reproductive phase, which is essential for optimizing yield. Conversely, traits related to germination and seeds showed minimal impact on overall yield. A linear model (R² = 0.93) further confirmed that vine length, fruit weight, and fruit count significantly drive yield, while the number of thorns negatively influence it.

Conclusion: Yield is primarily influenced by vegetative vigor and reproductive efficiency. Breeding germplasm, such as high-yielding accessions (Acc5 and Acc8), an early-maturing line (Acc1), and a thornless variety (Acc24), emphasize the need to focus future breeding efforts on enhancing vegetative and reproductive characteristics.

The medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) is of great pharmaceutical importance due to its bioactive compounds, such as hypericin and hyperforin, which exhibit antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities (Suryawanshi et al., 2024). However, the natural production of these secondary metabolites is limited and influenced by environmental and genetic factors. In vitro culture techniques, particularly callus culture, offer an effective approach to enhance and regulate their production. Abiotic stresses, such as salinity, can stimulate biosynthetic pathways, increasing the accumulation of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant enzyme activities, which contribute to stress tolerance and cellular defense. Considering this, the present study investigated the effect of different NaCl concentrations on secondary metabolite production and antioxidant activity in H. perforatum callus under in vitro conditions. Seeds were surface-sterilized and germinated, and leaf explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D and 1 mg/L BAP for callus induction. After callus formation and one subculture, calli were transferred to media containing 0, 50, 100, or 150 mM NaCl. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured using standard spectrophotometric methods, and antioxidant capacity was assessed by a DPPH assay. The results showed that salinity elicitation significantly enhanced secondary metabolite accumulation and antioxidant activity. The highest production of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity was observed at 150 mM NaCl, while the lowest values were recorded in the control (0 mM). These findings indicate that elicitors can effectively simulate environmental stress and stimulate biosynthetic pathways, enhancing the production of pharmacologically valuable compounds in H. perforatum.

Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) are highly valued for their culinary and medicinal uses, yet the diversity of local variants remains under-explored. We investigated the morphological and genetic variation of curry leaf trees in Jaffna District, Sri Lanka, and assessed key biochemical properties to evaluate their potential for high-quality export. A survey and field sampling across 128 households (all divisional areas except Delft Island) recorded cultivation practices and plant characteristics. Notably, 83% of households used no fertilizers or agrochemicals, and only 20% reported any pest or disease issues (with occasional sightings of tortoise beetles, mites, ash weevils, and foliar diseases like white spot or leaf curl). Challenges in cultivation included seasonal leaf fall, fluctuations in leaf aroma, water scarcity, and occasional low yields due to pest or disease outbreaks or drought. We identified 22 distinct morphological variants of M. koenigii, distinguished by differences in leaf size, shape, texture, color, petiole and rachis coloration, and number of leaflets per rachis. Aroma intensity varied among variants (rated 4 to 9 on a sensory scale). ITS region sequencing revealed two genetic groups among these samples, each defined by a specific nucleotide substitution at positions 199 (C→T) and 434 (C→A) of the 531 bp sequence. Biochemical profiling showed significant variation in phytochemical and nutrient content: total phenolic content ranged from 20 to 50 mg/100 g, iron from 8 to 40 mg/100 g, and phosphorus up to 273 mg/100 g in the most nutrient-rich variant. Sodium, potassium, vitamin C levels, and antimicrobial activity also differed across variants. These findings highlight the rich diversity of Jaffna’s curry leaf germplasm and underscore its economic potential. Developing a robust export market for these high-quality curry leaf variants will require effective networking and increased awareness of their unique qualities.

Nigeria is an agrarian society with various crops and animals, leading to the production of enormous wastes from agriculture known as agro-wastes. This paper examined the types and amount of agro-waste generated and the effects of agricultural by-products on man, the environment, and soil health, as well as the various management practices targeted at improving soil health and crop yield. The country produces agro-wastes based on geographical locations, and the management practices are different from one location to the other. The outstanding waste management practices include farmers’ simulation methods and integrated plant nutrition management, which involves the combined use of various agro-wastes and mineral fertilizers, compost making, farm yard manure, dumping of refuse inside gutters or streams, and burying of agro-wastes. Among all the agro-waste management strategies identified, controlled burning of the agro-wastes, the use of organomineral fertilizers and manufactured organic fertilizers or bio fertilizers, and compost making, as means of reducing agro-waste's negative effects on humans, water bodies, and the environment, are recommended.

The demand for cost-effective, high-throughput soil analysis is growing and can be addressed using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the visible–near-infrared (Vis-NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) regions. This study compares the predictive performance of raw and pre-processed (baseline correction and standard normal variate) spectra from both MIR and Vis-NIR for estimating 11 soil properties: organic carbon (OC), total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), cation exchange capacity (CEC), clay, sand, total solids (TS), pH, potassium (K), bulk density (BD), and nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N). A dataset of 8,304 samples common to both spectral domains was selected from the USDA-NRCS Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory library. The MIR spectra (2,500–16,260 nm) were collected using a Bruker Vertex 70 FTIR with HTS-XT, and Vis-NIR spectra (350–2,500 nm) using an ASD LabSpec. Eight machine learning models were evaluated. For MIR, spectral pre-processing improved prediction performance for all soil properties. The largest R² gains were observed for K (0.59 → 0.74), NO₃⁻-N (0.56 → 0.69), BD (0.53 → 0.59), and pH (0.84 → 0.87). Already strong models for OC, TC, TN, CEC, TS, and clay show further improvement (e.g., TN: 0.93 → 0.95; OC: 0.98 → 0.99). For Vis-NIR, preprocessing yielded more significant improvements. R² increased notably for clay (0.64 → 0.74), sand (0.50 → 0.67), silt (0.43 → 0.63), K (0.38 → 0.56), and pH (0.68 → 0.73). OC and TC maintained high predictability (R² > 0.90), while BD and NO₃⁻-N remained challenging (R² ≤ 0.56). Overall, MIR outperformed Vis-NIR across all properties, and preprocessing notably enhanced model performance, for both spectral regions. ANN and CatBoost emerged as the most robust algorithms across both spectral regions and pre-processing conditions. These findings support the strategic use of MIR spectroscopy and pre-processing techniques to improve the reliability of soil property estimation in large-scale applications.

Ensuring food security and safety by guaranteeing the quality of inputs that enter the crop production continuum is an important aspect of research and development. It is based on this premise that this research investigation was conducted, cutting across the foregoing areas of concern. This study aimed to determine the effect of compost-based soil amendments applied in various forms on the production performance, the lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) dynamics in soil, and the uptake of selected crops. Field experiments were established using four selected food crops: radish (Raphanus sativus), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), sweetcorn (Zea mays var. saccharata), and kangkong (Ipomoea reptans) treated with different forms of compost-based soil amendment, namely vermicast, vermi tea, and ordinary compost following a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Standard cultural management practices for the culture of each crop were followed. Growth and yield data were gathered for each crop and analyzed statistically. The initial concentrations of Pb and cadmium Cd in thesoil in the experimental area were recorded. The soil was also sampled at the end of every cropping season to determine the changes in the Pb and Cd level. The different economically important parts of the crop were subjected to plant tissue analysis to determine the heavy metal (Pb and Cd) uptake. The results revealed that better growth and yield of radish, cucumber, sweetcorn, and kangkong were attained with the application of vermicast. Application of solid forms of compost-based soil amendment, namely vermicast and ordinary compost, favored net accumulation of Pb in soil grown with radish and cucumber, while vermi tea application favored net uptake. There was net accumulation of Pb in soil in which sweetcorn was grown, regardless of the form of compost that was applied. Kangkong proved to be a hyperaccumulator plant in terms of Pb uptake regardless of the compost used.

Industrialization has contributed largely to the non-availability of arable lands targeted for growing staple crops. The advent of phytoremediation has revealed the possibility of the deployment of eco-friendly and cost-effective alternatives to traditional remediation approaches, utilizing plants to reduce harmful substances from the soil. Although conventionally overlooked in this role, staple crops have shown emerging promise as dual-function plants, supporting both food production and agricultural soil recovery. This study aimed to assess the phytoremediation potential of a locally used soybean landrace, known to farmers in Ogbomoso as “ewa bimpe”. The experiment was carried out at the Botanical Gardens of the Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD), replicated four times. The soil was contaminated with industrial effluent at different concentrations (0%, 50%, and 100%). Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) were detected in the effluents using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that the concentration of the effluent had a minimal effect on the plant, although a significant one (P ≤ 0.05). Generally, the growth of the soybean planted on non-polluted soil significantly differed (P ≤ 0.05) from that of the plant established on soil contaminated with 50% and 100% concentrations. The level of Cd (0.05 mgkg⁻¹) and Pb (0.04 mgkg⁻¹) uptake by the plants was higher, reducing its concentration in the soil. Landraces of other staple crops such as “ewa bimpe” show strong pollutant tolerance and uptake potential for phytoremediation. Considering their nutritional and economic value, they are ideal for low-resource environments. This study ideates the consideration of staple legumes as powerful tools for the recovery of the soil on arable land.

This study evaluated soil health in response to five cover treatments at Rodale Institute California Organic Center (Camarillo, CA) during the 2023–2024 strawberry growing seasons. The goal of the Institute was to identify sustainable alternatives to plastic mulch by examining edaphic properties under the different cover crop treatments: Perennial White Clover, Buckwheat and Peas, and Sorghum and Peas (112 kg/ha and 224 kg/ha); polyethylene plastic film mulch was the control. Soil sampling occurred in February of Year 2 of this study, immediately prior to the spring strawberry season.

At Pierce College, organic matter was determined by dry combustion, percent moisture by the oven dry method, N, P, and K by spectrophotometry using Hach reagents, TDS of soil filtrate using a ThermoFisher meter, and pH using a ThermoFisher meter and 1:5 water. Preliminary data analysis was carried out in Excel. PLFA was carried out by Trace Genomics, and diagnostics were visualized with TraceView.

Results showed that Buckwheat and Peas had the highest organic matter (3.2%) and favorable moisture and phosphorus levels. Sorghum and Peas at 112 kg/ha had the highest potassium (250 ppm) and phosphorus levels (45 ppm). Perennial Clover exhibited the highest nitrogen concentrations (17–19 ppm) and low pH, making it a suitable alternative to plastic where nitrogen is prioritized. Sorghum–Peas at 224 kg/ha displayed the highest mycorrhizal fungi levels, elevated pH (7.95), and high TDS, but also increased Phytophthora fragariae.

A bulked PLFA (Phospholipid Fatty Acid) analysis at the end of Year 2 indicated that the Buckwheat–Peas plots had the lowest levels of Phytophthora spp., while Plastic and White Clover showed the highest Phytophthora cactorum and Verticillium levels, respectively. Oxygen availability was similar across treatments, slightly below the benchmark (~75%).

Buckwheat and Peas and Sorghum–Peas (112 kg/ha) show promise as alternatives to Plastic for moisture retention and fertility, while Perennial Clover may be more suitable where nitrogen is a concern. Disease suppression and salt accumulation varied among treatments.

The biogeochemical cycling of elements in the environment is significantly influenced by litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems; yet, little is known about the processes involved in the early phases of litter decomposition in temperate forest ecosystems. Because forest ecosystems' soil organic matter is so sensitive to temperature increases, it is particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming. We evaluate how aspen litter (leaves and twigs) affects the activity and quantitative traits of soil microbial communities under climate change-modeling circumstances. In order to conduct the studies, samples of gray forest soil from the Moscow region's typical forest biocenosis in Europe were used. Crushed leaves and twigs were applied to soil samples at a rate of 0.5% by weight during a 28-day incubation period at constant temperatures of 5, 15, and 25°C. CO₂ emissions, organic carbon, and the amount of microbial biomass were assessed in relation to the quantity of ribosomal genes found in bacteria, archaea, and fungi. The ideal temperature for the plant litter's breakdown was determined to be 15°C, and both decreases and increases resulted in a less severe litter degradation process. When plant wastes were applied, the temperature sensitivity of the soil respiration process increased significantly in the 5–15ºC temperature range, and the temperature coefficient Q10 rose from 1.75 to 3.44–3.54. Incorporating plant leftovers promoted the breakdown of soil organic matter at elevated temperatures. The number of bacteria, fungus, and microbial biomass did not alter much. The bacterial and archaeal succession was investigated using a MiSeq sequencing technique using ribosomal markers in order to gain a thorough understanding of the initial phases of aspen litter decomposition. Bettaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Acidobacteria were among the fast-cycling microorganisms that were present during the early phases of decomposition. This succession was probably caused by a decline in readily degradable carbohydrates. The results gained can be utilized in predictive models of plant litter decomposition processes and soil organic matter dynamics in Eurasian forest biocenoses under climate change, improving our understanding of soil carbon dynamics.

Soil degradation is a growing concern, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where unsustainable agricultural practices often lead to a significant decline in soil fertility and structure. One of the major consequences of this degradation is nutrient depletion, which adversely affects crop productivity and ecological balance. In this context, sustainable soil management practices that restore soil health are of paramount importance. Among these, the use of organic amendments such as compost derived from agricultural residues particularly date palm waste offers a promising, eco-friendly solution. This study was conducted in a controlled greenhouse environment at the Department of Agronomic Sciences, University of Biskra, to evaluate the effect of different fertilization treatments on key physical soil properties. The treatments included palm-based compost, farmyard manure, and a commercial NPK mineral fertilizer. The parameters assessed were soil moisture content, bulk density, porosity, useful water reserve, and readily available water (RFU). Results showed that compost based on date palm residues significantly improved soil physical characteristics, particularly enhancing water retention capacity, increasing porosity, and reducing bulk density attributes that collectively promote better soil structure and microbial activity. These changes contributed positively to plant development. While NPK fertilizer improved plant growth, its impact on soil physical properties was relatively limited. Farmyard manure showed intermediate effects but was less effective than compost. Overall, this study highlights the potential of date palm compost as a sustainable and locally available soil amendment that not only supports plant growth but also contributes to long-term soil health and resilience in arid regions.