Although new materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylic, have been introduced for greenhouse covering applications, their use still poses challenges in the agricultural sector due to high cost, heaviness, and low biodegradability. This study provides a forward-looking perspective for improving low-density polyethylene (LDPE) by developing it into a fiber-reinforced composite matrix. It also investigates the ability of this composite material to withstand various mechanical and environmental stresses, comparing its performance with the matrix material alone and the fibers alone. The study further integrates statistical and mathematical analyses of material property inputs to achieve optimal mechanical resistance. Additionally, it addresses the statistical and mathematical optimization of key composite material parameters, including thickness, test temperature, and tensile speed, aiming to build a predictive model for enhancing the mechanical properties of the materials used.

This research explores the potential of Taguchi models following the L9 design and employs analysis of variance (ANOVA) to evaluate the mechanical resistance of the studied materials. The study evaluates mechanical tensile strength based on three primary inputs: matrix material (LDPE), fiber material with a copper core, and the composite (LDPE + fibers), which combines matrix flexibility with fiber strength. Three levels were defined for each factor: thickness (100–150–200 µm), test temperature (0–23–40 °C), and tensile speed (10–50–100 mm/min), enabling precise assessment of each factor’s individual effect.

Taguchi ANOVA analysis revealed the material type’s influence on tensile strength as follows: Composite (LDPE + fibers) 51.11%, fibers (Cu-core) 28.34%, and matrix (LDPE) 20.55%, with the composite achieving a maximum tensile strength of 31.97 MPa. The effects of other factors varied: thickness (18.35–21.60%), test temperature (12.83–14.29%), and tensile speed (16.08–17.41%). For optimal mechanical performance, the composite (LDPE + fibers) is recommended, as it provides the highest tensile strength and superior resistance to puncture and tear compared to the matrix or fibers alone.

Soil moisture is a challenging environmental factor adversely affecting the growth of plants under water stress conditions. To cope with water scarcity, plants compromise their growth and switch on their adaptive machineries; however, responses vary with species. How water stress affects Aquilaria malaccensis and how to mitigate water stress to keep the optimum growth of the plant is of high importance considering the socio-economic value of the species. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of environmentally friendly mitigation measures of water stress by applying biochar, Bacillus altitudinis (PGPR) and Trichoderma asperellum. The results showed that the seedling of Aquilaria exhibited comparable growth performances under water stress conditions with the application of biochar and the two microbes. Stress was alleviated by reducing the oxidative damage of Reactive Oxygen Species (67.63%) and Malondialdehyde (58.78%) and elevating the accumulation of proline (39.72%) in the single or combined treatments of biochar, PGPR and Trichoderma. Consequently, the photosynthesis pigment chlorophyll (43.89%) and stomatal conductivity (50.71%) increased in the treated plants grown under water stress. Applying biochar, PGPR and Trichoderma asperellum reduced H₂O₂ (67.63%) and MDA (58.78%) levels and helped to accumulate proline (39.72%), reducing oxidative damage. On the other hand, the photosynthesis pigment chlorophyll (43.89%) and stomatal conductivity (50.71%) helped increase gas exchange and the photosynthesis rate. This study highlights a promising result for enhancing Aquilaria malaccensis resilience to drought conditions for its sustainable production in arid and semi-arid areas.

The main objective of this article was to select a set of suitable and priority indicators to assess the sustainability of sugarcane production in the province of Sofala, in Mozambique. The Delphi method was used, and the process was conducted in two rounds with the participation of experts from academia, a sugarcane factory and government institutions. From the previous 68 indicators, a total of 38 indicators—which consisted of 9 environmental, 16 economic and 13 social indicators—were selected. Based on the priority of indicators, the following are the seven main sugarcane sustainability indicators, with 100% consensus: water availability during the entire sugarcane production process, sugarcane yield, sugarcane price, evaluation of the production based on market size and prices, sharing production risks between producers and factories, access to adequate protective equipment and wage satisfaction. Monitoring performance through these indicators can provide decision-makers with quantitative information that can contribute towards a sustainable sugarcane production system.

Nutrients recovered from municipal and dairy wastewaters in a bioelectrochemical system constructed with terracotta and biochar were used in different soil amendments. These amendments included terracotta addition (TS), biochar (BS), terracotta and biochar nutrient-rich mixtures from bioelectrochemical systems, DWW, and SWW, respectively. Corn growth affected by these amendments wascompared with straight soil (SS). The first experimental setup consisted of 60 plants, four replications per group, and nutrient loadings (0%, 50%, and 100% Hoagland Nutrient Solution, HNS). The experiment lasted 38 days at Mississippi State University in the fall season. The plants were grown under a prefabricated mini-hoop module with two heaters at each end to minimize the weather effects. After harvesting, the plants and soil were analyzed by various methods. At the 100% nutrient treatment, the TS soil had the best yielding plants. The plants grown in the DWW and SWW soil with the 0% and 50% nutrient treatment had the best results in plant height, total plant dry weight, the average number of leaves per plant, leaf surface area, shoot dry weight, root/shoot ratio, root surface area, and NBI when compared to the control group. Following this test, another test consisted of 80 corn plants grown using five different soil mediums and using four different nutrient treatments in the spring season. Twentyof the plants were put through a simulated drought to see how well the different soil mediums can resist the negative effects caused by droughts. In this test, the SWW soil amendment had a negative effect at 0% HNS and in warm weather. The SWW soil medium had a large retention in soil moisture, which had a negative growth effect. It is recommended that the irrigation be monitored closely when applying the SWW soil amendment to avoid overwatering. This presentation will provide critical insights and will highlight future recommendations.

The 21st century presents unprecedented challenges for global agriculture. The sector is at the forefront of this turbulence, tasked with feeding a growing population while contending with resource limitations and significant environmental constraints. Foresight enables agricultural systems to be more resilient and sustainable by anticipating and preparing for potential challenges and opportunities. The capacity for forward-thinking is particularly vital for agriculture functioning within highly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments. This is achieved through the identification of emerging trends and drivers that can impact food safety, climate change, and other factors affecting agriculture. Resilience in agriculture is the capacity of systems to absorb shocks and stresses while maintaining essential functions. Agriculture refers to sudden and unpredictable fluctuations in market prices, weather events, and input costs. Strategic foresight enables a deeper understanding of potential agricultural futures and the associated challenges. Furthermore, this sector is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, economic, social, and political factors that collectively shape agricultural outcomes. Highlighting the significance of resilience, the agricultural sector should take proactive measures to anticipate and respond to forthcoming challenges. Future strategies that incorporate diversification of crops, livestock, and income streams are fundamental to building and sustaining resilience within industry. Climate-Smart Agriculture encompasses practices designed to sustainably improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Digital agriculture, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics are transforming farm management. Precision agriculture technologies improve input use efficiency and reduce vulnerability to supply chain disruptions. Agricultural insurance, futures contracts, and other financial instruments help buffer farmers against price and yield volatility. Resilient agricultural systems are associated with the presence of appropriate policies, institutional backing, and investments in research and infrastructure. Although progress has been made, several significant challenges remain. Data gaps persist, as limited access to reliable data hampers effective foresight and risk management, particularly in low-income regions. Policy fragmentation is evident, with inconsistencies across sectors potentially undermining resilience initiatives. Resource inequity continues to be an issue, as small-scale farmers, women, and marginalized groups frequently lack sufficient access to finance, technology, and essential knowledge needed to enhance resilience. Moreover, the emergence of new pests, diseases, and market disruptions necessitates continuous efforts to adapt effectively.

With urban populations rapidly increasing, the demand for efficient, sustainable food production in cities is becoming more urgent. Traditional agriculture struggles to meet the needs of urban areas due to limited land and environmental concerns. Vertical farming (VF), which utilizes stacked layers and controlled environments to grow crops, presents a potential solution. This study evaluates the viability of VF through a combination of data collection from urban farms using hydroponic and aeroponic systems, along with a review of existing case studies. Key metrics such as water usage, crop yields, energy consumption, and economic costs were analyzed across multiple VF operations. Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and automation were also examined for their impact on yield optimization. Vertical farming systems demonstrated a 90% reduction in water usage compared to traditional farming methods. Additionally, AI-driven systems were found to increase crop yields by 30-50% by optimizing environmental conditions. Initial setup costs ranged between USD 50,000 and USD 200,000 per facility, with long-term benefits such as reduced transportation costs and job creation offsetting the initial investment. VF also contributed to increased local food security, particularly in urban food deserts. Despite challenges such as high energy consumption and technological complexity, vertical farming has the potential to revolutionize urban agriculture. It offers a sustainable, efficient solution to food production in cities, contributing to food security and resilience. Vertical farming could play a crucial role in addressing the future food demands of urban populations, offering a transformative approach to urban agriculture.

A controlled study was conducted on the susceptible olive cultivar "Picholine Marocaine" to examine the relationship between Verticillium dahliae and Rhizophagus irregularis. After three months of pre-inoculation with R. irregularis, olive trees were post-inoculated with V. dahliae for nine months. The current study evaluated how combined inoculation affected disease tolerance, nutrient uptake, root colonization, and plant development factors. The findings demonstrated that, even when V. dahliae was present, R. irregularis considerably enhanced mycorrhizal colonization, including the development of vesicles and arbuscules, in comparison to non-mycorrhizal controls. Increased shoot and root lengths, more leaves and branches, and a larger total dry biomass were all indicators of better plant growth that was linked to enhanced colonization. Lower dwarfing and leaf alteration indices further demonstrated that R. irregularis considerably lessened the severity of the disease. Additionally, mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased the uptake of nutrients, especially potassium, calcium, and available phosphorus, in the roots and shoots of olive plants. Remarkably, plants colonized exclusively by R. irregularis had increased salt uptake, indicating a possible influence on particular nutrient dynamics. Overall, this study shows that R. irregularis greatly increases disease tolerance against Verticillium wilt in sensitive olive cultivars, boosts plant growth and nutrient uptake, and efficiently encourages root colonization.

In the evolution of agricultural development, crop protection has always served as a critical mechanism for ensuring both yield security and product quality, undergoing profound technological paradigm shifts. Traditional pest management systems have long relied on chemical inputs—a technological approach that, while significantly boosting per-unit productivity during specific historical periods, has progressively revealed substantial ecological costs through secondary environmental externalities. Of particular concern is the global public health challenge posed by chemical residues, the bio-amplification effects of which cause acute food safety risks through trophic transfer mechanisms . In this context, zero-pollution crop protection solutions have emerged as a transformative response. These strategies aim to minimize or eliminate chemical usage while adopting ecologically harmonious and sustainable crop safeguarding methodologies. Their influence not only addresses the limitations of conventional technologies but also epitomizes a paradigm shift in agricultural philosophy—from a narrow focus on yield maximization to a holistic integration of ecological stewardship and food safety imperatives. The transition from unitary technological approaches to systemic operational models constitutes the core trajectory of evolving zero-pollution solutions. Grounded in agricultural techno-historical analysis and framed by technological systems theory, this study systematically examines the developmental trajectory of zero-pollution crop protection systems. Methodologically, it employs paradigm analysis based on systems thinking to deconstruct technical–institutional co-evolution. The results reveal the synergistic co-evolutionary mechanisms linking technological advancement, ecological adaptation, and societal transformation within agricultural sustainability transitions. This systemic shift accommodates the inherent complexity and diversity of agricultural production, synthesizing multidisciplinary technologies and strategies to achieve comprehensive, efficient, and sustainable crop protection, reflecting a fundamental reorientation in agricultural paradigms—from a “conquest of nature” ethos to a philosophy of “symbiotic coexistence”.

In this study, an aqueous suspoemulsion (SE) of emamectin benzoate, an effective insecticide, was developed using a mixture of non-ionic and anionic surfactants and soy lecithin as an emulsifying and stabilising agent of natural origin, avoiding the use of toxic organic solvents. The stability of this formulation was evaluated by CIPAC MT-180 methods, obtaining values of 0.03 mL cream, 0.01 mL free oil and no observable sediment at 0.5 h after dispersion. At 24.5 h after dispersion, values of 0.04 mL cream, 0.01 mL free oil and no observable sediment were obtained, ensuring the stability of the dispersion of SE in water. The concentrated SE had a density of 0.95 g/mL at 25 °C, pH = 7.29 at 25 °C, and a dynamic viscosity of 170 cP at 25 °C. The results obtained offer new opportunities for the design of plant protection products with lower environmental impact by incorporating biodegradable additives, favouring the development of a more responsible and efficient agriculture, in line with the principles of sustainability.

Eldana saccharina Walker is one of the most destructive sugarcane pests in South Africa. The application of chemical pesticides mainly controls this pest; however, the resistance in pest populations threatens the effectiveness of these pesticides. Laboratory bioassays were conducted at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute to assess the baseline susceptibility of E. saccharina against different concentrations (0.005, 0.014, 0.024, 0.033, 0.041 and 0.049 µg/ml) of CORAGEN® SC (chlorantraniliprole) insecticide. Two-day-old larvae were inoculated into an artificial diet with CORAGEN® SC solution. Daily monitoring of larval feeding and movement behaviour on the diet was performed for seven days, and the mortality rate and larval weight data were determined. The data was subjected to probit analysis using IBM SPSS version 27 to determine a lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of the E. saccharina population and its 95% confidence limits. Differences in mortality and larval weight across different concentrations were assessed using a one-way ANOVA in IBM SPSS. Tukey’s multiple comparisons were used to assess differences in larval mortality and weight between concentration groups. The study showed that mortality increases progressively from the lowest to the highest concentration. The highest concentration (0.049 µg/ml) resulted in 79% mortality, while the control (15%) exhibited minimal effects. Additionally, larval weight decreased as concentration increased, with the control having the highest mean weight (8 mg) and the highest concentrations (0.041 and 0.049 µg/ml), resulting in the lowest weight (0.2 mg). The LC50 value was 0.0298 ug/ml with a 95% CI of 0.0252 - 0.0353 ug/ml. The results demonstrated a positive correlation between insecticide concentration, mortality rate and larval weight reduction. These findings provide crucial data for resistance monitoring, aiding in developing sustainable pest management strategies for sugarcane production. This study could further serve as a foundation for developing an IRAC laboratory-based resistance monitoring protocol.