Agronomy

17 pages, 8971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remote Measurement of Apple Orchard Canopy Information Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Photogrammetry

by Guoxiang Sun, Xiaochan Wang, Yongqian Ding, Wei Lu and Ye Sun

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 774; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110774 - 19 Nov 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4550

Information on fruit tree canopies is important for decision making in orchard management, including irrigation, fertilization, spraying, and pruning. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging system was used to establish an orchard three-dimensional (3D) point-cloud model. A row-column detection method was developed based [...] Read more.

Information on fruit tree canopies is important for decision making in orchard management, including irrigation, fertilization, spraying, and pruning. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging system was used to establish an orchard three-dimensional (3D) point-cloud model. A row-column detection method was developed based on the probability density estimation and rapid segmentation of the point-cloud data for each apple tree, through which the tree canopy height, H, width, W, and volume, V, were determined for remote orchard canopy evaluation. When the ground sampling distance (GSD) was in the range of 2.13 to 6.69 cm/px, the orchard point-cloud model had a measurement accuracy of 100.00% for the rows and 90.86% to 98.20% for the columns. The coefficient of determination, R², was in the range of 0.8497 to 0.9376, 0.8103 to 0.9492, and 0.8032 to 0.9148, respectively, and the average relative error was in the range of 1.72% to 3.42%, 2.18% to 4.92%, and 7.90% to 13.69%, respectively, among the H, W, and V values measured manually and by UAV photogrammetry. The results showed that UAV visual imaging is suitable for 3D morphological remote canopy evaluations, facilitates orchard canopy informatization, and contributes substantially to efficient management and control of modern standard orchards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Remote Sensing in Orchard Management)

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13 pages, 2145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioregulators Can Improve Biomass Production, Photosynthetic Efficiency, and Ornamental Quality of Gazania rigens L.

by Faisal Zulfiqar, Adnan Younis, Zainul Abideen, Alessandra Francini and Antonio Ferrante

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110773 - 19 Nov 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4465

Abstract

Gazania rigens L. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, widely used as bedding or ornamental potted plants. The environmental and economic sustainability of ornamental production can be enhanced using environmentally friendly bioregulators. A pot experiment was conducted to [...] Read more.

Gazania rigens L. is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family, widely used as bedding or ornamental potted plants. The environmental and economic sustainability of ornamental production can be enhanced using environmentally friendly bioregulators. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of key bioregulators gibberellic acid ((GA₃) at 50, 100 or 150 mg L⁻¹), humic acid ((HA) at 100, 300 or 600 mg L⁻¹), and ascorbic acid ((AA) at 50, 100 or 200 mg L⁻¹)), on the growth, leaf gas exchange, and ornamental quality of G. rigens. The results indicated that plants treated with foliar applications of GA₃, HA, or AA exhibited higher plant fresh and dry biomass, plant height, leaf area, and leaf area ratio, root-shoot ratio, root-shoot mass fractions, and number of flowers, as well as the flowers display time. All bioregulator treatments enhanced the vegetative and floral characteristics of Gazania plants. The GA₃ was the most efficient at the concentration of 100 mg L⁻¹. The highest efficacy of HA and AA treatments was observed at the higher concentrations, 600 and 200 mg L⁻¹, respectively. These results were associated with higher photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration rate (E) as well as stomatal conductance (gs), and water use efficiency (WUE). In conclusion, the results suggest that foliar-applied bioregulators to Gazania are promising and represent sustainable strategies to enhance growth, flowering, and flower display time of Gazania plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Quality in Ornamental Horticulture: Challenges and Perspectives)

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16 pages, 3248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Sowing Irrigation Plus Surface Fertilization Improves Morpho-Physiological Traits and Sustaining Water-Nitrogen Productivity of Cotton

by Zongkui Chen, Hongyun Gao, Fei Hou, Aziz Khan and Honghai Luo

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110772 - 19 Nov 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3235

Abstract

The changing climatic conditions are causing erratic rains and frequent episodes of moisture stress; these impose a great challenge to cotton productivity by negatively affecting plant physiological, biochemical and molecular processes. This situation requires an efficient management of water-nutrient to achieve optimal crop [...] Read more.

The changing climatic conditions are causing erratic rains and frequent episodes of moisture stress; these impose a great challenge to cotton productivity by negatively affecting plant physiological, biochemical and molecular processes. This situation requires an efficient management of water-nutrient to achieve optimal crop production. Wise use of water-nutrient in cotton production and improved water use-efficiency may help to produce more crop per drop. We hypothesized that the application of nitrogen into deep soil layers can improve water-nitrogen productivity by promoting root growth and functional attributes of cotton crop. To test this hypothesis, a two-year pot experiment under field conditions was conducted to explore the effects of two irrigation levels (i.e., pre-sowing irrigation (W₈₀) and no pre-sowing irrigation (W₀)) combined with different fertilization methods (i.e., surface application (F₁₀) and deep application (F₃₀)) on soil water content, soil available nitrogen, roots morpho-physiological attributes, dry mass and water-nitrogen productivity of cotton. W₈₀ treatment increased root length by 3.1%–17.5% in the 0–40 cm soil layer compared with W₀. W₈₀ had 11.3%–52.9% higher root nitrate reductase activity in the 10–30 cm soil layer and 18.8%–67.9% in the 60–80 cm soil layer compared with W₀. The W₈₀F₁₀ resulted in 4.3%–44.1% greater root nitrate reductase activity compared with other treatments in the 0–30 cm soil layer at 54–84 days after emergence. Water-nitrogen productivity was positively associated with dry mass, water consumption, root length and root nitrate reductase activity. Our data highlighted that pre-sowing irrigation coupled with basal surface fertilization is a promising option in terms of improved cotton root growth. Functioning in the surface soil profile led to a higher reproductive organ biomass production and water-nitrogen productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbaceous Field Crops Cultivation)

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17 pages, 667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Steeping of Biofortified Orange Maize Genotypes for Ogi Production Modifies Pasting Properties and Carotenoid Stability

by Darwin Ortiz, Smith G. Nkhata, Torbert Rocheford and Mario G. Ferruzzi

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 771; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110771 - 18 Nov 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4014

Abstract

Biofortified orange maize open-pollinated varieties and hybrids with higher provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs) have been released in sub-Saharan Africa and will be introduced throughout the local food systems. This study assessed the impact of steeping, a traditional processing method, on retention of carotenoids [...] Read more.

Biofortified orange maize open-pollinated varieties and hybrids with higher provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs) have been released in sub-Saharan Africa and will be introduced throughout the local food systems. This study assessed the impact of steeping, a traditional processing method, on retention of carotenoids and starch pasting properties of porridges made from select biofortified maize genotypes. Steeping had a modest effect (<9% loss) on total carotenoid stability during relatively shorter steeping periods (<72 h). However, more extended steeping periods (up to 120 h) had a detrimental effect on total carotenoid recovery (61% loss). Xanthophylls showed greater stability (82% retention) compared to carotenes (30% retention) during subsequent wet cooking of fermented flours. Interestingly, steeping of maize did modify pasting properties, with peak viscosities increasing from 24–72 h of steeping potentially impacting cooking stability. These results suggest that steeping can impact carotenoid retention and potentially optimal steeping times would be 24–72 h for acceptable carotenoid retention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofortification of Crops)

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13 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Pathotype Testing of Selected Kenyan Wheat Germplasm and Watkin Landraces for Resistance to Wheat Stripe Rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp tritici) Races

by Mercy N. Wamalwa, James Owuoche, Joshua Ogendo and Ruth Wanyera

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 770; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110770 - 18 Nov 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2945

Abstract

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the key diseases of economic importance in wheat worldwide. Host resistance, which follows the gene-for-gene hypothesis between the host and pathogen, has been used in wheat lines [...] Read more.

Wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the key diseases of economic importance in wheat worldwide. Host resistance, which follows the gene-for-gene hypothesis between the host and pathogen, has been used in wheat lines to resolve resistance specificities and postulate resistant genes. The objective of this study was to elucidate stripe rust resistance in a collection of Kenyan wheat lines and Watkin landraces to identify new sources of stripe rust (Yr) resistance. In this study, the resistance in twenty wheat lines was determined by comparing their infection type with those of twenty differential lines using isolates representing twelve Puccinia striiformis races from Kenya, Denmark, U.K., Sweden, and Eritrea at the seedling stage. Among the twenty wheat lines, none was resistant to all the twelve Pst races and isolate DK02d/12 (“Kranich” race) was virulent on all the genotypes except wheat genotype “Kenya Tai.” This genotype (“Kenya Tai”) had the highest resistance as it was resistant to all the twelve stripe rust races used in this study. From this study, the introduction and utilization of wheat genotypes with adult plant resistant (APR) stripe rust genes, such as Yr15, are important in breeding wheat genotypes with effective resistance to wheat stripe rust in Kenya and worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cereal Rust Management for Improving Global Food Security)

12 pages, 4245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CFD Models as a Tool to Analyze the Performance of the Hydraulic Agitation System of an Air-Assisted Sprayer

by Jorge Badules, Mariano Vidal, Antonio Boné, Emilio Gil and F. Javier García-Ramos

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110769 - 18 Nov 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2804

Abstract

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the fluid velocities generated by the agitation system of an air-assisted sprayer was developed and validated by practical experiments in a laboratory. The model was developed considering different settings of the agitation system: Three water levels [...] Read more.

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the fluid velocities generated by the agitation system of an air-assisted sprayer was developed and validated by practical experiments in a laboratory. The model was developed considering different settings of the agitation system: Three water levels in the tank (1000, 2000, and 3000 L); two different numbers of active nozzles (2 or 4); and three working pressures of the agitation circuit (8, 10, or 12 bar). Actual measurements of the fluid velocity into the tank were taken using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). CFD simulations made it possible to estimate fluid velocities at 38% of the measuring points with relative errors of less than 30%. Additionally, the CFD models have allowed the correct prediction of the general behavior of the fluid in the tank considering mean velocities depending on the setting parameters of the agitation system (water level in the tank, hydraulic circuit pressure, and number of active nozzles). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from 10th Iberian Agroengineering Congress)

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10 pages, 9165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration from Cotyledon and Hypocotyl Explants of Fagopyrum esculentum Moench lpls Mutant

by Yue Fei, Lan-Xiang Wang, Zheng-Wu Fang and Zhi-Xiong Liu

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 768; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110768 - 18 Nov 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4028

Abstract

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum, Family Polygonaceae) is an annual pseudo-cereal crop with healing benefits. However, the genetic improvement of common buckwheat has achieved only limited success, mainly due to buckwheat’s dimorphic flowers and heteromorphic self-incompatibility. Here, we develop a useful protocol for [...] Read more.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum, Family Polygonaceae) is an annual pseudo-cereal crop with healing benefits. However, the genetic improvement of common buckwheat has achieved only limited success, mainly due to buckwheat’s dimorphic flowers and heteromorphic self-incompatibility. Here, we develop a useful protocol for indirect somatic embryogenesis and subsequent plant regeneration from hypocotyl explants of F. esculentum. Firstly, the initial calli of hypocotyl explants were induced on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium containing 2.0 mgL⁻¹ 2,4-D and 1.5 mgL⁻¹ 6-BA for 30 days culture, and then the yellowish white friable embryogenic calli were developed when the initial calli were transferred to fresh MS basal medium supplemented with 1.0 mgL⁻¹ 6-BA and 0.5 mgL⁻¹ thidiazuron (TDZ)two to three times subculture at 40–60 days intervals. Subsequently, the somatic embryos were able to germinate from embryogenic callus sub-cultured on MS basal medium containing 1.0 mgL⁻¹ 6-BA and 0.5 mgL⁻¹ TDZ with 15% potato puree for 20 days subculture. Finally, maximum mean percentage (75.75%) of somatic embryo-derived plants were obtained when the mature somatic embryos were transferred to MS basal medium without growth regulators for 40 days culture. Our result provides a useful protocol for plant regeneration and SE from hypocotyl explants of F. esculentum. Full article

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14 pages, 1421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing the Grain Yields of Direct-Seeded and Transplanted Rice: A Meta-Analysis

by Le Xu, Xiaoxiao Li, Xinyu Wang, Dongliang Xiong and Fei Wang

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110767 - 17 Nov 2019

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 11041

Abstract

Conventional transplanted rice (TPR) has been increasingly replaced by direct-seeded rice (DSR) because of its low water and labour requirements. Whether and how DSR can be as productive as TPR has received widespread attention. Here, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to quantify the [...] Read more.

Conventional transplanted rice (TPR) has been increasingly replaced by direct-seeded rice (DSR) because of its low water and labour requirements. Whether and how DSR can be as productive as TPR has received widespread attention. Here, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to quantify the effects of direct seeding on rice yield and identify the management and environmental factors that contribute to the yield gap between DSR and TPR. The results showed that, overall, the yield of DSR was 12% lower than that of TPR. However, the yield loss of DSR relative to TPR was highly variable depending on management practices, soil type, and climate conditions, ranging from −2% to −42%. Weed and water management and climatic stress had the largest impact on yield performance, resulting in over 15% yield variation. With respect to soil properties, the yield gap can be significantly reduced by planting in areas with high organic carbon content, such as clayed and acidic soils. Furthermore, the DSR yield penalty was only 4% in a high-yielding condition compared to 14% in a low-yielding condition. All these factors indicate that optimizing management practices is necessary to improve DSR yield performance and narrow the yield gap between DSR and TPR. In conclusion, DSR could produce comparable yields to TPR but is more prone to yield losses due to inappropriate management practices, unsuitable soil properties, and climatic stresses. Full article

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21 pages, 775 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitrogen Nutrition Optimization in Organic Greenhouse Tomato Through the Use of Legume Plants as Green Manure or Intercrops

by Anastasios Gatsios, Georgia Ntatsi, Luisella Celi, Daniel Said-Pullicino, Anastasia Tampakaki, Ioannis Giannakou and Dimitrios Savvas

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110766 - 17 Nov 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3907

Abstract

In the present study, in addition to farmyard manure (FYM), cowpea was applied as green manure and faba bean as an intercrop in an organic greenhouse tomato crop, aiming to increase the levels of soil N. Three experiments (E1, E2, E3) were carried [...] Read more.

In the present study, in addition to farmyard manure (FYM), cowpea was applied as green manure and faba bean as an intercrop in an organic greenhouse tomato crop, aiming to increase the levels of soil N. Three experiments (E1, E2, E3) were carried out, in which legumes were either noninoculated or inoculated with rhizobia alone or together with plant growth, promoting rhizobacteria. Inoculation of legumes with rhizobia considerably increased N₂ fixation in E1 but had no impact on N₂ fixation in E2 and E3. In E1, the application of cowpea decreased yield because it imposed a stronger nematode infection as the cowpea plants acted as a good host for Meloidogyne. However, in E2 and E3 the nematode infection was successfully controlled and the legumes significantly increased the tomato yield when inoculated in E2, irrespective of legume inoculation in E3. The total N concentration in the tomato plant tissues was significantly increased by legume application in E2 and E3, but not in E1. These results show that legumes applied as green manure can successfully complement N supply via FYM in organic greenhouse tomato, while legume inoculation with rhizobia can increase the amounts of nitrogen provided to the crop via green manure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Fertilization in Vegetable Crops)

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15 pages, 2096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Species Interactions Improve Above-Ground Biomass and Land Use Efficiency in Intercropped Wheat and Chickpea under Low Soil Inputs

by Mourad Latati, Peter Dokukin, Adel Aouiche, Nazih Yacer Rebouh, Riad Takouachet, Elalia Hafnaoui, Fatima Zohra Hamdani, Fadila Bacha and Sidi Mohamed Ounane

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110765 - 16 Nov 2019

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4097

Abstract

Little is known about how the performance of legumes symbiosis affects biomass and nutrient accumulation by intercropped cereals under the field condition. To assess the agricultural services of an intercropping system; durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L.cv. VITRON) and chickpea (Cicer [...] Read more.

Little is known about how the performance of legumes symbiosis affects biomass and nutrient accumulation by intercropped cereals under the field condition. To assess the agricultural services of an intercropping system; durum wheat (Triticum turgidum durum L.cv. VITRON) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.cv. FLIP 90/13 C) were cultivated as both intercrops and sole cropping during two growing seasons under the field trial, to compare plant biomass, nodulation, N and phosphorus (P) uptake, and N nutrition index. Both the above-ground biomass and grain yield and consequently, the amount of N taken up by intercropped durum wheat increased significantly (44%, 48%, and 30%, respectively) compared with sole cropping during the two seasons. However, intercropping decreased P uptake by both durum wheat and chickpea. The efficiency in use of rhizobial symbiosis (EURS) for intercropped chickpea was significantly higher than for chickpea grown as sole cropping. The intercropped chickpea considerably increased N (49%) and P (75%) availability in durum wheat rhizosphere. In the case of chickpea shoot, the N nutrition (defined by the ratio between actual and critical N uptake by crop) and acquisition were higher in intercropping during only the first year of cropping. Moreover, biomass, grin yield, and resource (N and P) use efficiency were significantly improved, as indicated by higher land equivalent ratio (LER > 1) in intercropping over sole cropping treatments. Our findings suggest that change in the intercropped chickpea rhizosphere-induced parameters facilitated P and N uptake, above-ground biomass, grain yield, and land use efficiency for wheat crop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Cycling in Cropland and Grassland Ecosystems)

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26 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessReview

Possible Roles of Rhizospheric and Endophytic Microbes to Provide a Safe and Affordable Means of Crop Biofortification

by Yee-Shan Ku, Hafiz Mamoon Rehman and Hon-Ming Lam

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110764 - 16 Nov 2019

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 7629

Abstract

Biofortification has been used to improve micronutrient contents in crops for human consumption. In under-developed regions, it is important to fortify crops so that people can obtain essential micronutrients despite the limited variety in their diets. In wealthy societies, fortified crops are regarded [...] Read more.

Biofortification has been used to improve micronutrient contents in crops for human consumption. In under-developed regions, it is important to fortify crops so that people can obtain essential micronutrients despite the limited variety in their diets. In wealthy societies, fortified crops are regarded as a “greener” choice for health supplements. Biofortification is also used in crops to boost the contents of other non-essential secondary metabolites which are considered beneficial to human health. Breeding of elite germplasms and metabolic engineering are common approaches to fortifying crops. However, the time required for breeding and the acceptance of genetically modified crops by the public have presented significant hurdles. As an alternative approach, microbe-mediated biofortification has not received the attention it deserves, despite having great potential. It has been reported that the inoculation of soil or crops with rhizospheric or endophytic microbes, respectively, can enhance the micronutrient contents in various plant tissues including roots, leaves and fruits. In this review, we highlight the applications of microbes as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for biofortification by improving the mineral, vitamin, and beneficial secondary metabolite contents in crops through naturally occurring processes. In addition, the complex plant–microbe interactions involved in biofortification are also addressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biofortification of Crops)

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11 pages, 1897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Germination Inhibitors Elimination from Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Seeds of Different Maturity Classes

by Zahra Salimi and Birte Boelt

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110763 - 16 Nov 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4113

Abstract

Endogenous inhibitors have a crucial effect on the success of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) seed germination. The strength of this effect changes during seed maturation, and washing away these inhibitors can facilitate germination. Investigation of various washing factors such as water-to-seed [...] Read more.

Endogenous inhibitors have a crucial effect on the success of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) seed germination. The strength of this effect changes during seed maturation, and washing away these inhibitors can facilitate germination. Investigation of various washing factors such as water-to-seed ratio, stirring time, and speed of stirring on a mixed-maturity lot of sugar beet seeds revealed the significant effect of the interaction of all factors. Seeds with different maturity classes, from the same lot, were washed using procedures determined from the first experiment. Statistical analysis of the germination data of the washed seeds showed a significant difference in mean germination time depending on maturity class. Washing seeds of different maturity classes with 40 mL of water per gram of seed improved the germination performance of maturity classes 2 and 5, compared with 20 mL water per gram of seed. The UV absorbance of inhibitors washed from seeds differed between maturity classes. The change in seed moisture content during the washing process is another factor altered by the extent of seed development, and this variation in water uptake may reflect the pericarp structure of seed in different maturity classes. The findings in this manuscript highlight the importance of optimizing the pre-treatment procedures in accordance with the individual seed lot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)

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17 pages, 2379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Commercial Humic Substances and Other Organic Amendments for the Immobilization of Copper Through 13C CPMAS NMR, FT-IR, and DSC Analyses

by Begoña Mayans, Javier Pérez-Esteban, Consuelo Escolástico, Enrique Eymar and Alberto Masaguer

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110762 - 16 Nov 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3191

Abstract

The application of organic amendments to contaminated agricultural lands can immobilize metals and improve soil conditions. The chemical structures and long-term stability of commercial humic substances and other composted organic amendments (sheep and horse manure, vermicompost, pine bark, and pruning waste) were analyzed [...] Read more.

The application of organic amendments to contaminated agricultural lands can immobilize metals and improve soil conditions. The chemical structures and long-term stability of commercial humic substances and other composted organic amendments (sheep and horse manure, vermicompost, pine bark, and pruning waste) were analyzed using ¹³C CPMAS NMR, FT-IR, and DSC to evaluate their use in soil remediation. The interactions of humic substances and manure with Cu (0 and 5000 mg kg⁻¹) at different pH (2.5 and 5.0) were studied through a batch adsorption experiment observing the changes in their molecular structure using spectroscopic techniques. Humic substances exhibited high aromaticity and phenolic and carboxylic group content, with great affinity for Cu complexation. Humic substances and pruning waste were the most stable due to their high recalcitrant organic matter contents, whereas manure was the least stable, given the labile nature of its organic matter content. There were considerable changes in the carboxylic and phenolic groups of humic substances with pH, and also with Cu, albeit in a lesser extent, especially at pH 5.0, suggesting the great sorption capacity of humic substances and the key role of pH and these functional groups in metal complexation. Manure did not exhibit such changes. Commercial humic substances could be useful amendments for the remediation of contaminated agricultural soils due to their high sorption capacities and long-term stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remediation of Contaminated Soil for Food Security)

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15 pages, 3352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Impact of Biostimulants on the Row Crops Corn and Soybean Using High-Efficiency Phenotyping and Next Generation Sequencing

by Nunzio Briglia, Angelo Petrozza, Frank A. Hoeberichts, Nathalie Verhoef and Giovanni Povero

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110761 - 16 Nov 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5140

Abstract

Row crops represent the most important crops in terms of global cultivated area. Such crops include soybean, corn, wheat, rice, rapeseed, sunflower, and cotton. Row crops agriculture is generally an intensive system of farming used to obtain high yields by employing elevated quantities [...] Read more.

Row crops represent the most important crops in terms of global cultivated area. Such crops include soybean, corn, wheat, rice, rapeseed, sunflower, and cotton. Row crops agriculture is generally an intensive system of farming used to obtain high yields by employing elevated quantities of organic and mineral fertilizers. Considering this, and the decrease in area of arable land, it becomes crucial to ensure high yield and quality using alternative strategies, such as the use of plant biostimulants. These compounds are increasingly recognized as sustainable solution to optimize nutrient uptake, crop yield, quality, and tolerance to abiotic stresses. In this work, by means of high-throughput plant phenotyping, we evaluated the effectiveness of a set of three new foliar biostimulant prototypes (coded as 52096, 52097, 52113) applied on corn and soybean at application rates 2.5 and 5 mL/L (corresponding to 1 and 2 L/ha respectively). This allowed us to select the most effective prototype (52097, commercial name “YieldOn^®”) in increasing digital biovolume (DB) and greener area (GGA) either in soybean (both application rates) or corn (rate 5 mL/L) and decreasing Stress Index (SI) in soybean (both application rates). Molecular mechanism of action of selected prototype 52097 was subsequently characterized through Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). In corn, genes involved in hormone (cytokinin and auxin) metabolism/catabolism, maltose biosynthesis, sugar transport and phloem loading were upregulated after application of prototype 52097. In soybean, genes involved in nitrogen metabolism, metal ion transport (mainly zinc and iron), sulfate reduction, and amino acid biosynthesis were induced. The proposed approach supports the integration of multiple omics to open new perspectives in the discovery, evaluation, and development of innovative and sustainable solutions to meet the increasing needs of row-crops agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toward a Sustainable Agriculture Through Plant Biostimulants: From Experimental Data to Practical Applications)

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21 pages, 4835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blooming under Mediterranean Climate: Estimating Cultivar-Specific Chill and Heat Requirements of Almond and Apple Trees Using a Statistical Approach

by Isabel Díez-Palet, Inmaculada Funes, Robert Savé, Carmen Biel, Felicidad de Herralde, Xavier Miarnau, Francisco Vargas, Glòria Àvila, Joaquim Carbó and Xavier Aranda

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110760 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 5636

Abstract

Climate change, and specifically global temperature increase, is expected to alter plant phenology. Temperate deciduous fruit trees have cultivar-specific chill and heat requirements to break dormancy and bloom. In this study, we aimed to estimate chill and heat requirements (in chill portions, CP, [...] Read more.

Climate change, and specifically global temperature increase, is expected to alter plant phenology. Temperate deciduous fruit trees have cultivar-specific chill and heat requirements to break dormancy and bloom. In this study, we aimed to estimate chill and heat requirements (in chill portions, CP, and growing degree hours, GDH, respectively) of 25 almond (30–36 years) and 12 apple (14–26 years) cultivars grown under a Mediterranean climate. The set included early and late blooming genotypes. Long-term phenological and temperature records were analyzed by means of partial least squares (PLS) regression. The main difference between early and late genotypes was chill requirement, ranging from 8.40 CP of early genotypes to 55.41 CP of extra-late genotypes. However, as chill requirements are quite easily attained by all almond cultivars in this study, year-to-year variations in actual blooming dates for each genotype are governed by variability of mean forcing temperatures. In contrast, different chill and heat combinations resulted in similar mean blooming dates for the studied apple cultivars. Mean temperature in both chilling and forcing phases determined their blooming time in the location studied. Overlaps and gaps between both phases were obtained. Despite some limitations, the PLS analysis has proven to be a useful tool to define both chilling and forcing phases. Nevertheless, since the delineation of these phases determine the total amount of CP and GDH, further efforts are needed to investigate the transition of these phases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit and Nut Tree Phenology in a Warming World)

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24 pages, 3070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Response of Bt and Non-Bt Cottons to High Infestations of Bollworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) and Tobacco Budworm (Heliothis virescens (F.)) under Sprayed and Unsprayed Conditions

by Kerry C. Allen, Randall G. Luttrell, Nathan S. Little, Katherine A. Parys and Omaththage P. Perera

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110759 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2983

Abstract

Early-maturing and full-season Bt and non-Bt cottons were exposed to high densities of tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens (F.)) and bollworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) in 0.04 ha field cages during the summers of 2011 and 2012 to measure the possible need for [...] Read more.

Early-maturing and full-season Bt and non-Bt cottons were exposed to high densities of tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens (F.)) and bollworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie) in 0.04 ha field cages during the summers of 2011 and 2012 to measure the possible need for supplemental use of insecticides on Bt cotton. Fruit survival within-season and at-harvest was carefully mapped on individual plants within comparative plots of all cottons untreated and sprayed with lambda-cyhalothin (0.0448 kg a.i./ha) or chlorantraniliprole (0.1009 kg a.i./ha) following insect infestations. Differences in lint yields among cotton maturity groups were not always detected, but early-maturing Bt cottons were among the higher yielding experimental plots for both years. Depending on the insecticide treatment, average harvested fruit ranged from 0.3 to 7.1 open bolls per plant for non-Bt cotton plots, while Bt cotton plots ranged from 1.8 to 7.5 open bolls per plant during the two-year study. Bt cottons generally protected fruit from insect damage and resulted in final yields comparable to those of insecticide sprayed Bt and non-Bt cottons. Unsprayed non-Bt cottons were significantly damaged by insects in these high-infestation environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Pest Management into Agricultural Production Systems)

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21 pages, 3296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Amendment with Biochar Affects Water Drainage and Nutrient Losses by Leaching: Experimental Evidence under Field-Grown Conditions

by Angela Libutti, Anna Rita Bernadette Cammerino, Matteo Francavilla and Massimo Monteleone

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110758 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4649

Abstract

Leaching of soluble elements from cultivated soils is a major concern to meet the target of agricultural sustainability in most areas. The effect of biochar application to a cultivated soil on water drainage and the consequent solute losses was assessed during a trial [...] Read more.

Leaching of soluble elements from cultivated soils is a major concern to meet the target of agricultural sustainability in most areas. The effect of biochar application to a cultivated soil on water drainage and the consequent solute losses was assessed during a trial carried out over two consecutive growing seasons. Biochar was added to a loam-texture soil, at 0, 1, and 2% d.w. rates. A lysimeter-like set-up arranged in the experimental field-unit, allowed collecting the percolating water. Two multiple linear regressions (ANCOVA models) were applied to detect biochar effect on: (1) The seasonal amount of drained water; and (2) the concentration of solutes in the drained water. The statistical comparison among a set of slope coefficients as affected by treatments (growing season and biochar) was used as modelling approach. The lower biochar application rate (1%) significantly reduced both the amount of drained water and its concentration in solutes. Conversely, the higher biochar application rate (2%) showed no significant effects. Nitrate and chloride showed a significant interaction with biochar application rates. Higher biochar application increased nitrate leaching while reduced that of chloride. Biochar application within a rate no more than 1% resulted in a useful and quite effective technical operation. Full article

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21 pages, 3231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ascorbic Acid Priming Enhances Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Winter Wheat under Low Temperature Due to Late Sowing in Pakistan

by Tariq Shah, Sadia Latif, Hamad Khan, Fazal Munsif and Lixiao Nie

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110757 - 15 Nov 2019

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 7145

Abstract

Poor seed germination is a crucial yield-limiting factor when winter wheat is sown under low temperature. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of ascorbic acid (AsA) in the extenuation of the harmful effects of low temperature at early and [...] Read more.

Poor seed germination is a crucial yield-limiting factor when winter wheat is sown under low temperature. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of ascorbic acid (AsA) in the extenuation of the harmful effects of low temperature at early and reproductive stages of wheat during 2016–2017 (15 November to 15 December). A two-year experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement and with three replicates. Sowing dates (15 November and 15 December) were allotted to the main plot while seed priming (control, hydro-priming, and AsA priming) were allotted to the sub-plot. Results demonstrated that AsA priming significantly boosted different yield characteristics including chlorophyll content, tillers per unit area, number of grains per spike, and 1000-grain weight, contributing higher productivity and biomass during 2016–2017. The results further revealed that AsA could induce the up-regulation of diverse antioxidants (super oxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT)), thus offsetting the adverse effects of sub-supra optimum temperatures of late sowing wheat. It is therefore concluded in this work that AsA priming enhances stand establishment, yield and yield-related traits, antioxidant enzyme activities, and chlorophyll contents when wheat is sown under low temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change on Sustainable Agricultural Development)

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11 pages, 2350 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lysimeter-Based Water Use and Crop Coefficient of Drip-Irrigated Potato in an Arid Environment

by Abed Alataway, Hussein Al-Ghobari, Fawzi Mohammad and Ahmed Dewidar

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110756 - 14 Nov 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3493

Abstract

The determination of the water requirements and crop coefficient (K_c) of agricultural crops helps to create an appropriate irrigation schedule, and with the effective management of irrigation water. The aim of this research was to estimate the water requirement, K_c [...] Read more.

The determination of the water requirements and crop coefficient (K_c) of agricultural crops helps to create an appropriate irrigation schedule, and with the effective management of irrigation water. The aim of this research was to estimate the water requirement, K_c, and water-use efficiency (WUE) of potato using non-weighing-type lysimeters in four regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Qassiem, Riyadh, Al-Jouf, and Eastern). Our results clearly show that the accumulated values of the measured crop evapotranspiration of potato derived from the lysimeters were 573, 554, 592, and 570 mm, while the accumulated values of the predicted crop evapotranspiration from Penman-Monteith equation based on FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) were 651, 632, 672, and 647 mm for the Qassiem, Riyadh, Al-Jouf, and Eastern regions, respectively. The K_c values of potato obtained from the lysimeters were K_c initial (0.58, 0.54, 0.50, and 0.52), K_c middle (1.02, 1.05, 1.13, and 1.10), and K_c end (0.73, 0.74, 0.74, and 0.75) for the Qassiem, Riyadh, Al-Jouf, and Eastern regions, respectively. Based on the amount of water used and the yield achieved, the highest WUE (3.6 kg m⁻³) was observed in the Riyadh region, while the lowest WUE (1.5 kg m⁻³) was observed in the Al-Jouf region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Increasing Agricultural Water Productivity in a Changing Environment)

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10 pages, 1273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery of Wheat Heritage for Traditional Food: Genetic Variation for High Molecular Weight Glutenin Subunits in Neglected/Underutilized Wheat

by Juan B. Alvarez and Carlos Guzmán

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110755 - 14 Nov 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3014

Abstract

Club wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. compactum (Host) Mackey), macha wheat (T. aestivum L. ssp. macha (Dekapr. & A.M. Menabde) Mackey) and Indian dwarf wheat (T. aestivum L. ssp. sphaerococcum (Percival) Mackey) are three neglected or underutilized subspecies of hexaploid [...] Read more.

Club wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ssp. compactum (Host) Mackey), macha wheat (T. aestivum L. ssp. macha (Dekapr. & A.M. Menabde) Mackey) and Indian dwarf wheat (T. aestivum L. ssp. sphaerococcum (Percival) Mackey) are three neglected or underutilized subspecies of hexaploid wheat. These materials were and are used to elaborate modern and traditional products, and they could be useful in the revival of traditional foods. Gluten proteins are the main grain components defining end-use quality. The high molecular weight glutenin subunit compositions of 55 accessions of club wheat, 29 accessions of macha wheat, and 26 accessions of Indian dwarf wheat were analyzed using SDS-PAGE. Three alleles for the Glu-A1 locus, 15 for Glu-B1 (four not previously described), and four for Glu-D1 were detected. Their polymorphisms could be a source of genes for quality improvement in common wheat, which would permit both their recovery as new crops and development of modern cultivars with similar quality characteristics but better agronomic traits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wild Crop Relatives and Associated Biocultural and Traditional Agronomic Practices for Food and Nutritional Security)

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9 pages, 527 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effective Plant Ages for Screening for Field Resistance to Alternaria Leaf Spot (Caused by Alternaria spp.) under Natural Infection in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)

by Wanalai Viriyasuthee, Suwita Saepaisan, Weerasak Saksirirat, Mark L. Gleason, Ruey Shyang Chen and Sanun Jogloy

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110754 - 14 Nov 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2118

Abstract

Host plant resistance has proven to be effective for controlling Alternaria leaf spot on Jerusalem artichoke (JA), but efficient screening techniques have not been developed yet. The objective of this study is to estimate the relationship between disease resistance parameters of JA as [...] Read more.

Host plant resistance has proven to be effective for controlling Alternaria leaf spot on Jerusalem artichoke (JA), but efficient screening techniques have not been developed yet. The objective of this study is to estimate the relationship between disease resistance parameters of JA as a function of plant age. Six JA varieties and three plant ages at the time of inoculation (20, 40 and 60 days after transplanting) (DAT) are evaluated in a factorial experiment in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Disease incidence (DI) and severity (DS) are estimated, from which area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated. Disease parameters are positively and significantly correlated for plant ages of 40 and 60 DAT. Based on our results, screening of JA at 40 DAT for resistance to Alternaria leaf spot is recommended. Knowledge of the impact of plant age on resistance to key diseases can help breeders to accelerate breeding programs so superior genotypes can be identified before reproductive growth stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)

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18 pages, 2630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Cover Crop Usage on Soilborne Diseases in Field Nursery Production

by Sujan Dawadi, Fulya Baysal-Gurel, Karla M. Addesso, Jason B. Oliver and Terri Simmons

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110753 - 14 Nov 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3950

Abstract

Soilborne pathogens are a significant economic problem for nursery production in the Southeastern United States. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of cover crops on soilborne disease suppressiveness in such systems. Soils from red maple (Acer rubrum L.) [...] Read more.

Soilborne pathogens are a significant economic problem for nursery production in the Southeastern United States. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of cover crops on soilborne disease suppressiveness in such systems. Soils from red maple (Acer rubrum L.) plantation fields grown with and without cover crops were sampled, either while the cover crops were growing (pre-disked) or post-season, following cover crop incorporation into the soil (post-disked). Greenhouse bioassays were conducted using red maple seeds on inoculated (with Rhizoctonia solani (J.G. Kühn) or Phytophthora nicotianae (Breda de Haan)) and non-inoculated field soils. The damping-off, root rot disease severity, percent recovery of Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora, and pseudomonad population were examined during the two years of the experiment. Results showed that cover crop incorporation was beneficial for inducing disease supressiveness characteristics of soil. Cover crop incorporation into the soil significantly or numerically reduced disease severity and pathogen recovery in infested soil compared to the bare soil treatment. Cover crop incorporation was found to be partially associated with the reduction of seedling damping-off. The pseudomonad microbial population was greater when cover crop was present, and is thought to be antagonist to soilborne pathogens. Therefore, cover crops can be integrated in field nursery production systems to suppress soilborne pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)

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11 pages, 1015 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) Germplasms Collected Worldwide Using Chloroplast SSR Markers

by Kyung Jun Lee, Gi-An Lee, Jung-Ro Lee, Raveendar Sebastin, Myoung-Jae Shin, Gyu-Taek Cho and Do Yoon Hyun

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110752 - 13 Nov 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4314

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) is an important food crop widely cultivated in the world. In this study, nine chloroplast simple sequence repeat (cpSSR) markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity and relationships of 558 sweet potato accessions in the [...] Read more.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) is an important food crop widely cultivated in the world. In this study, nine chloroplast simple sequence repeat (cpSSR) markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity and relationships of 558 sweet potato accessions in the germplasm collection of the National Agrobiodiversity Center (NAC). Eight of the nine cpSSR showed polymorphisms, while Ibcp31 did not. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to four. In general, the Shannon index for each cpSSR ranged from 0.280 to 1.123 and the diversity indices and unbiased diversity ranged from 0.148 to 0.626, and 0.210 to 0.627, respectively. Results of the median-joining network showed 33 chlorotypes in 558 sweet potato accessions. In factor analysis, 558 sweet potato accessions were divided into four clusters, with clusters I and II composed only of the sweet potato accessions from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the USA. The results of this study confirmed that the genetic diversity of the female parents of sweet potato accessions conserved at the NAC is low and therefore more sweet potato accessions need to be collected. These results will help to establish an efficient management plan for sweet potato genetic germplasms at the NAC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Crop Genetic and Germplasm Diversity)

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13 pages, 4164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Ecballium elaterium in Almond Orchards

by Lior Blank, Nitzan Birger and Hanan Eizenberg

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110751 - 13 Nov 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3694

Abstract

The concept of site-specific weed management is based on the assumption that weeds are aggregated in patches. In this study, we surveyed four plots in four commercial almond orchards for three years and mapped the locations of Ecballium elaterium, a troublesome weed [...] Read more.

The concept of site-specific weed management is based on the assumption that weeds are aggregated in patches. In this study, we surveyed four plots in four commercial almond orchards for three years and mapped the locations of Ecballium elaterium, a troublesome weed in Israeli agriculture, specifically in almond orchards. We analyzed the spatial pattern of the plants’ locations using nearest neighbor analysis and Ripley’s L function. The number of E. elaterium plants increased by more than 70% in the four plots from 2015 to 2016. In addition, the observed mean distance between nearest neighbors increased by more than 10% from 2016 and 2017. We found in all four plots that the spatial pattern of E. elaterium was clustered and that these weed patch locations were consistent over the years although the density within the patches increased. The extent of these clusters ranged between 40 to 70 m and remained similar in size throughout the study. These features make E. elaterium a suitable target for site-specific weed management and for pre-emergence patch spraying. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal pattern of weeds could aid in understanding their ecology and could help target herbicide treatments to specific locations of the field and, thus, reducing the chemical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Management & New Approaches)

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17 pages, 2662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Physical Properties Spatial Variability under Long-Term No-Tillage Corn

by Ripendra Awal, Mohammad Safeeq, Farhat Abbas, Samira Fares, Sanjit K. Deb, Amjad Ahmad and Ali Fares

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110750 - 13 Nov 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4867

Abstract

Spatial variability of soil physical and hydrological properties within or among agricultural fields could be intrinsically induced due to geologic and pedologic soil forming factors, but some of the variability may be induced by anthropogenic activities such as tillage practices. No-tillage has been [...] Read more.

Spatial variability of soil physical and hydrological properties within or among agricultural fields could be intrinsically induced due to geologic and pedologic soil forming factors, but some of the variability may be induced by anthropogenic activities such as tillage practices. No-tillage has been gaining ground as a successful conservation practice, and quantifying spatial variability of soil physical properties induced by no-tillage practices is a prerequisite for making appropriate site-specific agricultural management decisions and/or reformulating some management practices. In particular, there remains very limited information on the spatial variability of soil physical properties under long-term no-tillage corn and tropical soil conditions. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to quantify the spatial variability of some selected soil physical properties (soil surface temperature (ST), volumetric water content (θ_v), soil resistance (TIP), total porosity (θ_t), bulk density (ρ_b), organic carbon, and saturated hydraulic conductivity (K_sat)) using classical and geostatistical methods. The study site was a 2 ha field cropped no-tillage sweet corn for nearly 10 years on Oahu, Hawaii. The field was divided into 10 × 10 and 20 × 20 m grids. Soil samples were collected at each grid for measuring ρ_b, θ_t, and soil organic carbon (SOC) in the laboratory following standard methods. Saturated hydraulic conductivity, TIP at 10 and 20 cm depths, soil surface temperature, and θ_v were also measured. Porosity and ρ_b have low and low to moderate variability, respectively based on the relative ranking of the magnitude of variability drawn from the coefficient of variation. Variability of the SOC, TIP, and K_sat ranges from moderate to high. Based on the best-fitted semivariogram model for finer grid data, 9.8 m and 142.2 m are the cut off beyond which the measured parameter does not show any spatial correlation for SOC, and TIP at 10 cm depth, respectively. Bulk density shows the highest spatial dependence (range = 226.8 m) among all measured properties. Spatial distribution of the soil properties based on kriging shows a high level of variability even though the sampled field is relatively small. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)

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24 pages, 4876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Avocado Production and Local Trade in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania: A Case of an Emerging Trade Commodity from Horticulture

by Ibrahim Juma, Hanna Fors, Helena Persson Hovmalm, Agnes Nyomora, Moneim Fatih, Mulatu Geleta, Anders S. Carlsson and Rodomiro Octavio Ortiz

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110749 - 12 Nov 2019

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 30666

Abstract

Avocado crop in Tanzania is sparingly investigated regardless of being an important fruit commodity. This study was undertaken to explore the yield and the value chain of this crop in the country. Data were collected mainly by face-to-face interviews with 275 avocado farmers, [...] Read more.

Avocado crop in Tanzania is sparingly investigated regardless of being an important fruit commodity. This study was undertaken to explore the yield and the value chain of this crop in the country. Data were collected mainly by face-to-face interviews with 275 avocado farmers, 231 avocado traders and 16 key informants. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance were used for data analysis. The average crop yield ranged from 76 to 124 kg plant⁻¹ between regions. The average price for the farmers’ produce ranged from US$ 0.30 to 0.45 kg⁻¹ between regions. About 72% of the farmers were dissatisfied with avocado business whereas 79% of the traders were pleased with it. A number of challenges were found hindering the development of the avocado industry in Tanzania, which in turn affects the fruit yield and the value chain. Addressing these challenges at the national, regional, district and village levels is important for improving the livelihood of Tanzanian farmers growing this crop, given the fact that a good proportion of the country’s population is employed in the agricultural sector and most of the reported challenges also affect the value chain of other crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural and Floricultural Crops)

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11 pages, 427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barley Varieties Stoneham and Sydney Exhibit Mild Antibiosis and Antixenosis Resistance to the Wheat Curl Mite, Aceria tosichella (Keifer)

by Lina Maria Aguirre-Rojas, Luaay Kahtan Khalaf and Charles Michael Smith

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110748 - 12 Nov 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2833

Abstract

The wheat curl mite, Aceria tosichella (Keifer), devastates cereal crops worldwide by direct feeding damage and transmission of several deadly viruses. Deployment of cereal crop varieties resistant to A. tosichella is key for reduction of crop yield losses, and management of this mite [...] Read more.

The wheat curl mite, Aceria tosichella (Keifer), devastates cereal crops worldwide by direct feeding damage and transmission of several deadly viruses. Deployment of cereal crop varieties resistant to A. tosichella is key for reduction of crop yield losses, and management of this mite and associated viruses that it transmits. Barley varieties resistant to A. tosichella are not known to exist. The objectives of this study were to determine if A. tosichella resistance exists in the barley varieties Sydney and Stoneham, which are resistant to the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurjumov), and, further, to determine which categories mediate the resistance. Categories of resistance to both A. tosichella biotypes were evaluated independently in non-choice and choice experiments using wheat varieties Ike and OK05312 as susceptible and resistant controls, respectively. Sydney barley displays mild antixenosis and antibiosis resistance to A. tosichella biotype 1 and 2, respectively. Stoneham barley exhibits only mild antibiosis to biotype 2. No evidence for plant tolerance was found in either barley variety to either mite biotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Diversity of Disease Resistance in Crops)

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16 pages, 1687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Effects of Biochar-Based Organic Amendments on Soil Microbial Parameters

by Martin Brtnicky, Tereza Dokulilova, Jiri Holatko, Vaclav Pecina, Antonin Kintl, Oldrich Latal, Tomas Vyhnanek, Jitka Prichystalova and Rahul Datta

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110747 - 12 Nov 2019

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 7052

Abstract

Biochar application to the soil has been recommended as a carbon (C) management approach to sequester C and improve soil quality. Three-year experiments were conducted to investigate the interactive effects of three types of amendments on microbial biomass carbon, soil dehydrogenase activity and [...] Read more.

Biochar application to the soil has been recommended as a carbon (C) management approach to sequester C and improve soil quality. Three-year experiments were conducted to investigate the interactive effects of three types of amendments on microbial biomass carbon, soil dehydrogenase activity and soil microbial community abundance in luvisols of arable land in the Czech Republic. Four different treatments were studied, which were, only NPK as a control, NPK + cattle manure, NPK + biochar and NPK + combination of manure with biochar. The results demonstrate that all amendments were effective in increasing the fungal and bacterial biomass, as is evident from the increased values of bacterial and fungal phospholipid fatty acid analysis. The ammonia-oxidizing bacteria population increases with the application of biochar, and it reaches its maximum value when biochar is applied in combination with manure. The overall results suggest that co-application of biochar with manure changes soil properties in favor of increased microbial biomass. It was confirmed that the application of biochar might increase or decrease soil activity, but its addition, along with manure, always promotes microbial abundance and their activity. The obtained results can be used in the planning and execution of the biochar-based soil amendments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wild Crop Relatives and Associated Biocultural and Traditional Agronomic Practices for Food and Nutritional Security)

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17 pages, 1931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient Status and Root Density of Huanglongbing-Affected Trees: Consequences of Irrigation Water Bicarbonate and Soil pH Mitigation with Acidification

by Kelly T. Morgan and James H. Graham

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110746 - 12 Nov 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3097

Abstract

The Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus bacterium, associated with Huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus trees, moves downward in the phloem and infects the roots soon after transmission by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri) vector into shoots. Before canopy symptoms appear, 30–50% of [...] Read more.

The Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus bacterium, associated with Huanglongbing (HLB) disease of citrus trees, moves downward in the phloem and infects the roots soon after transmission by the Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri) vector into shoots. Before canopy symptoms appear, 30–50% of the roots are damaged. Without aggressive management to reduce abiotic and biotic stress, root loss increases to 70–80%. An extensive survey of HLB-affected groves in central and south-central Florida indicated that a greater decline in fibrous root health as well as a greater expression of HLB symptoms is observed where irrigation water is high in bicarbonates (>100 mg L⁻¹) and soil pH is >6.5. Over three seasons of survey, acidification of irrigation water in the central and south-central citrus growing regions of Florida reduced the decline in root density associated with HLB. Irrigation water treatment with sulfuric acid and soil amendment with elemental sulfur for 36 months to establish a soil pH range from 4.0 to 7.0 increased root growth, soil nutrient availability, and the uptake of Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn in response to a gradual reduction in soil pH in young and mature Valencia orange groves on Swingle citrumelo rootstock. The reduction in soil pH increased yield and soluble solids in fruit and so would improve citrus production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Breeding and Production of Citrus)

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18 pages, 1079 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extraction of Antioxidants from Blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius L.): Comparison between Ultrasound- and Microwave-Assisted Extraction Techniques

by Estrella Espada-Bellido, Marta Ferreiro-González, Ceferino Carrera, Miguel Palma, José A. Álvarez, Gerardo F. Barbero and Jesús Ayuso

Agronomy 2019, 9(11), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy9110745 - 11 Nov 2019

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3891

Abstract

Berries are considered functional food because of their potential health benefits to consumers due to their high concentrations in bioactive compounds. The extraction process of their antioxidant compounds is a crucial step. In this work, ultrasound (UAE) and microwave (MAE) assisted extraction have [...] Read more.

Berries are considered functional food because of their potential health benefits to consumers due to their high concentrations in bioactive compounds. The extraction process of their antioxidant compounds is a crucial step. In this work, ultrasound (UAE) and microwave (MAE) assisted extraction have been evaluated and compared for the recovery of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total anthocyanins (TA) from blackberry. Since several variables have an influence on the extraction processes efficiency, a response surface method using a Box–Behnken design (BBD) was chosen for the optimization of UAE and MAE variables. Six variables (solvent, temperature, amplitude, cycle, pH, and sample:solvent ratio) were optimized for UAE while the optimization for MAE was performed on four variables (solvent, temperature, pH, and sample:solvent ratio). It has been proven that solvent and temperature have a significant influence on the extraction of both TA and TPC. Only 10 and 5 min were necessary to complete the UAE and MAE procedures, respectively. A precision study was also carried out, and coefficient of variation lower than 5% was determined. Non-significant differences were obtained when using UAE and MAE at their respective optimum conditions. Thus, the results demonstrated a successful potential use of both techniques for the extraction of TA and TPC from blackberry. In conclusion, this work shows interesting perspectives for quality control analytical laboratories for the development of rapid extraction techniques to quantify these antioxidant compounds in blackberries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends and Advances in Research and Technology of Berry Crops)

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