Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are promising biological control agents against pink pineapple mealybug (PPMB), Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an important insect pest of pineapple. Three EPFs, namely, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria sp., and Lecanicillium lecanii, were tested against PPMB crawlers and adults in a laboratory. Methods of EPF application were direct spraying on insects and pineapple leaf and dipping with a single dosage of a 1 mL suspension of 1x10⁸ spores/mL. Mortality rates were determined at 1 to 10 days after treatment (DAT). The results indicated that the three EPFs showed pathogenicity against the PPMB at varying degrees. At 10 DAT, a 100% mortality rate was observed for the treatment of M. anisopliae on all application methods and PPMB stages, followed by L. lecanii ( 55.91%) and Beauveria sp. ( 27.98 %). No significant difference in the percentage of infection was observed between PPMB crawlers and adults. Moreover, a slightly higher percentage of infection was observed in the spraying of the conidial suspension at 1x 10⁸ but this was not statistically significant compared to the leaf dipping method. This study suggests that among the EPFs used, M. anisopliae has the potential to be used as a biological control against PPMB.

Sugar beet cultivation has gained prominence as a viable alternative to sugarcane in regions where climatic conditions are less favorable for sugarcane growth. This study, conducted at Barangay Paagahan, Mabitac, Laguna, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) and Acapulco (Cassia alata) leaf extracts as biopesticides for managing pests in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). A single-factorial experiment was employed with five treatments, laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), and replicated across four blocks. The treatments included T1—Control (no biopesticide), T2—Commercial pesticide, T3—Kakawate extract, T4—Acapulco extract, and T5—50% Kakawate + 50% Acapulco. A total of 1,600 sugar beet plants were planted in the experimental area. Our results indicated that Treatment 5 (50% Kakawate and 50% Acapulco) was the most effective, leading to the highest economic yield and heaviest plants. Treatment 3 (Kakawate) produced the longest roots and tallest plants, while Treatment 4 (Acapulco) resulted in the largest root diameter. Furthermore, sugar beets treated with Kakawate and Acapulco were preferred for their appearance, taste, and overall acceptability. Treatment 5 also generated the highest net income (9,000 pesos). These findings suggest that Kakawate and Acapulco leaf extracts are promising, eco-friendly biopesticides for sugar beet pest control, offering potential for sustainable pest management strategies. Further research is recommended to assess their long-term sustainability and explore additional complementary pest control methods.

This study delves into the essential role of allelopathy and cover crops for sustainable agriculture, particularly relevant in addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change. By synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of studies to examine allelopathic mechanisms, we explored the proven efficacy of cover crops in weed suppression, their significant contribution to improving soil health, and their role in reducing agriculture's environmental footprint in modulating crop and weed growth, while evaluating their potential to enhance agricultural sustainability. Drawing on empirical data from peer-reviewed studies (2013–2023), we synthesized evidence demonstrating that allelochemicals exert dual effects: they suppress weeds by disrupting physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and enzyme activity
while simultaneously promoting crop health through induced systemic resistance and improved soil microbial dynamics.For instance, allelochemicals from cover crops like Rhododendron capitatum reduced weed biomass by 40–60% in field trials, correlating with enhanced crop yields (15–30%) under drought and elevated temperature conditions.
Key findings reveal that allelochemical-driven practices mitigate climate-induced stress by stabilizing soil organic matter, altering pH, and fostering microbial communities that bolster plant tolerance to abiotic stressors. The analysis underscores the critical role of integrating allelopathic strategies with agroecological principles, such as crop diversification and conservation tillage, to maximize yield stability while reducing synthetic herbicide dependence. This work identifies three primary research avenues: (1) advancing metabolomic tools to isolate high-efficacy allelochemicals, (2) modeling climate–allelopathy interactions to predict outcomes under future climate scenarios, and (3) scaling farmer-led trials to validate allelochemical applications in diverse agroecosystems. By bridging knowledge gaps, allelopathy emerges as a cornerstone for achieving the dual goal of global food security and environmental sustainability, offering a scalable pathway to decarbonize agriculture and enhance resilience to climatic changes.

Problem Statement : Conventional agriculture’s reliance on synthetic inputs undermines long-term productivity and ecological balance, demanding sustainable alternatives to address climate vulnerability and weed proliferation.
Key Findings :

Allelochemicals suppress weeds by 40–60% while increasing crop yields by 15–30% under stress conditions.
Soil microbial and physicochemical modifications by allelochemicals enhance drought and heat tolerance in crops.

Integrated allelopathic systems reduce synthetic herbicide use by 50–70% without compromising yield.

1) Introduction: In light of the harmful impacts of synthetic pesticides on both environmental and human health, the need to identify eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives of natural origin has become increasingly urgent. This study explores the potential of plant-derived extracts combined with beneficial microorganisms to develop a bio-based pesticide. Inspired by traditional agricultural practices, the proposed formulation aims to ensure both biological efficacy and ecological safety.

2) Methodology: A natural formulation was manually developed using a synergistic blend of essential oils, botanical powders, agricultural sulfur, lactic acid bacteria, and purified water. Each component was specifically selected based on its demonstrated or potential bioactivity on plants, including antifungal, insecticidal, and bio-stimulant properties. The final formulation was applied as a foliar spray to selected fruit trees in order to evaluate its effectiveness under field conditions.

Results: The application of the treatment on pear, peach, and apple trees yielded convergent results, demonstrating a notable reduction in pest infestation and a visible improvement in leaf condition. No phytotoxic effects were observed throughout the trials, indicating the formulation’s safety for plant health. Moreover, treated plants exhibited enhanced resistance to pests and maintained vigorous growth, outperforming untreated controls in terms of both vitality and resilience.

Conclusion: This natural formulation represents a promising alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, offering a combination of safety, environmental sustainability, and tangible efficacy under field conditions. Its successful application highlights its potential as a bio-based plant protection solution. Further research is planned to validate its effectiveness across larger cultivation areas and on a broader range of crops.

Description of the subject:

Current control methods against Locusta migratoria use liquid insecticides whose active ingredients belong to the family of organophosphorus pyrethroids and synthetic carbamates, but these preparations have been found to be very harmful to the environment.

Objective:

The objective of the present study is to determine effect of the aqueous extract of Cornulaca monacantha on fifth-instar larvae (L5) of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria.

The methods:

The parameter studied was the mortality rate. We used three doses: a high dose (D1), an average dose (D2) and a low dose (D3). They were administered with two methods: contact and ingestion.

Results:

According to the results, a maximum mortality rate of 100% was recorded from the first day with the high D1 dose (by contact mode). However, the high D1 dose (by ingestion) induced a mortality rate of 83.33% on the first day, with a maximum mortality rate of 100% reached on the 2nd day. On the other hand, we note that the mortality rate began at 30% with the D2 dose (by ingestion), evolved towards 86.66% mortality on the third day and reached a maximum rate of 100% around the fourth day. The aqueous extract of Cornulaca monacantha was toxic by ingestion, with a highly significant difference between controls and treated larvae for the three doses—D1 (p = 0.0001074 < 5%), D2 (p = 0.0001382 < 5%) and D3 (p=0.0001387).

Conclusion:

The aqueous extract of C. monacantha greatly reduced the L5 population of Locusta migratoria.

The toxicity of the biopreparation is induced by the secondary molecules present in the leaves of the plant, especially polyphenols.

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of different lactic acid bacteria on intestinal flora, morphological structure, pH and immune organ index of Zi geese. Ninety 28 d old healthy Zi geese were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates in each group, with ten geese in each replicate. Geese in the control group were fed a basal diet, and the experimental groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 10⁹ CFU/kg Lactobacillus plantarum (ordinary lactic acid bacteria, group I) and 10⁹ CFU/kg Pediococcus acidilactici B2 (isolated lactic acid bacteria, group II), respectively. The experiment lasted for 28 days. The results showed as follows: (1) The number of lactic acid bacteria in cecum of Zi geese in group II was higher than that in group I and control group (P<0.01), and the number of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in cecum of Zi geese in group II was lower than in the control group (P<0.05). (2) The villus height of jejunum in group II was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), the crypt depth was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the villus height/crypt depth was higher than that in group I and the control group (P<0.01). The villus height/crypt depth of jejunum in group I was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The villus height and crypt depth of ileum in group II were higher than those in group I and the control group (P<0.05). (3) The pH of jejunum in group II was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). (4) The thymus, bursa of fabricius and spleen index of group II were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). It can be seen that the addition of isolated P. acidilactici B2 in the diet can maintain the balance of intestinal flora, improve the intestinal morphology and improve the immunity of Zi geese, and the effect is better than that of ordinary L. plantarum.

The herb epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides (L. Mosyakin and Clemants) (Amaranthaceae), is affected by species that belong to the Hemiptera order, principally those from the Cocoidea family such as soft scale insects. The latter maintain different biotic interactions with species of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and a wide variety of parasitoids from the Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae, Pteromalidae and Eulophidae (Hymenoptera) families. During February and March 2024, a study was conducted in a homegarden located in Petatlán, Guerrero, Mexico (17°32'50.0"N 101°16'31. 0"W, at an altitude of 41 metres above sea level), with the aim of identifying the hemipteran insects associated with epazote, as well as their interactions with ants and natural enemies. The urbicola scale insect Pulvinaria urbicola Cockerell (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) was recorded as the main phytophagous species present on the plant. Among the biotic interactions observed, the ant Dorymyrmex smithi Cole (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) was documented for the first time as being associated with colonies of P. urbicola. Although in Mexico, D. smithi has previously been recorded interacting with scale insects and Pseudococcids, there are no reports of any interactions with P. urbicola. As for natural enemies, the parasitoid Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was identified, a species introduced in Mexico in 1954 for the biological control of soft scale insects. This study provides new records of interactions associated with a traditional crop of Mexico.

Over the past 15 years, thirty different sheep breeds have been raised in Latvia, yet only one, the Latvian Dark-head sheep (Latvijas tumšgalve; LT), is a nationally developed breed. With the growing dominance of commercially attractive breeds, there is an increasing risk of losing local genetic resources, especially in small farming communities. The LT breed fully adapts to local environmental conditions and holds cultural significance, contributing to traditional lifestyles, landscape preservation, and regional identity. Therefore, genetic studies on LT are essential to preserve its diversity and inform future breeding programs.

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity within the LT breed and compare it to other commonly raised sheep breeds in Latvia. For the first time, lambs from sire rams representing major breeds in Latvia were genotyped using the Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip®. Genetic diversity was assessed by minor allele frequency (MAF) analysis, and breed-specific markers were identified by locating fixed SNPs (MAF = 0 or 1) unique to each breed.

We identified 47,139 highly polymorphic (MAF 0.3 – 0.5) SNPs in LT breed samples, observing a large genetic differentiation (FST > 0.15) from other breeds. Among all analysed SNPs, 2735 (1540 (3.00%) MAF = 0 and 1195 (2.33%) MAF = 1) were found to be fixed SNPs in the LT breed, while from 55 to 296 SNPs were unique to the LT breed compared to other frequently raised breeds in Latvia.

The OvineSNP50 panel provides a sufficiently informative set of molecular markers for distinguishing the LT breed and monitoring its genetic diversity. Given the high level of polymorphism, the data also holds potential for future studies in genetic selection and breed improvement.

Acknowledgements: This study was supported by the Latvian Council of Science, Latvia, projects LZP-2021/1-0489 and LZP-2024/1-0092.

Drought stress is a major abiotic factor that affects agricultural productivity globally. Drought limits plants growth, physiology, and yield. This study was conducted to evaluate the drought tolerance of nine accessions of African Yam Bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis stenocarpa), a nutrient-rich leguminous crop with potentials for food security in drought-prone regions. The experiment was conducted using standard methods in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design (CRD), with three treatments and three replicates: control, mild drought, and severe drought. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and growth traits were analyzed. Significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in morphological traits under drought stress. Plant height decreased in Ohong (33.3 cm) and Ediba (28.7 cm) relative to control values of 41.3 cm and 29.7 cm, respectively. Leaf area declined in Gakem (32.4 cm²) and Wula (21.3 cm²). Shoot fresh weight dropped in Okpoma (1.4 g) and Adadama (1.6 g) from 4.2 g and 3.8 g, respectively. While most accessions recorded negative relative growth rates (RGR), Ediba maintained a positive RGR (0.002). Ediba and Ohong also exhibited higher peroxidase and catalase activities, while Ukwel and Gakem showed the lowest. The root-to-shoot ratio increased under severe drought, with Ohong (0.36) and Okpoma (0.27) showing the highest adjustments. Drought stress response indices (DSRIs) shows Ediba (10.42) and Ohong (10.54) as the most drought-tolerant accessions. These findings suggest that Ediba and Ohong possess higher drought-resilience traits and thus should be further used in breeding programs that are aimed at improving drought tolerance in AYB and other legumes for sustainable agriculture and food security.

Feed efficiency is an economically important trait in sheep farming, directly influencing productivity and profitability. As a complex quantitative trait, FE is regulated by multiple genes, including the mechanistic target of the rapamycin MTOR gene, which plays a key role in skeletal muscle development, metabolism, and body weight regulation.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between MTOR gene expression levels and SNP genotypes in sheep with different FE values raised in Latvia. Blood samples were collected from 76 lambs at approximately 81 days of age and 92 lambs at around 150 days, across two intensive fattening groups. About 60% of the lambs represented the Latvian Dark-Head breed. Expression of the MTOR gene and 14 SNPs within the gene were analysed using comparative and correlation analyses.

The results showed that MTOR gene expression increased significantly after the fattening period, suggesting a rising demand for MTOR protein as muscle and body mass increase. In seven SNPs, significant differences in gene expression were observed between genotype groups. Additionally, eight SNPs showed potential associations with increased gene expression during intensive fattening. Statistically significant correlations were found between pre-fattening MTOR expression and the Kleiber ratio at 60 days, as well as between post-fattening expression and relative growth rate.

These findings suggest that MTOR gene expression and its associated SNP variants could serve as promising molecular markers in genetic selection for improved feed efficiency. This study provides new insights into the genetic regulation of growth and metabolism in Latvian sheep populations.

Acknowledgements: This research was supported by the Latvian Council of Science, Latvia, under projects LZP-2021/1-0489 and LZP-2024/1-0092.