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Special Issue "Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System"

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A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Protection, Diseases, Pest and Weeds".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2023) | Viewed by 16990

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jolanta Kowalska

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Guest Editor

Department of Organic Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Institute of Plant Protection—National Research Institute, 60-318 Poznań, Poland
Interests: basic substances; beneficial microorganisms; biodiversity; copper replace; non-chemical methods of plant protection; protection of organic crops

Dr. Kinga Matysiak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Weed Science and Plant Protection Techniques, Institute of Plant Protection—National Research Institute, 60-318 Poznań, Poland
Interests: crops rotations; bioherbicides; allelopathy; weeds control; plant growth strengthener

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Green Deal assumes a significant reduction in chemicals in agriculture production. Rules of organic production are in line with the changes planned in European agriculture. Caring for the biodiversity of the agricultural environment, as well as maintaining safe agricultural production and the productivity of farms, represents a big challenge. Therefore, the results of the scientific research should be helpful in making decisions about the implementation of protective measures in organic crops. The principles of combined methods and protective agents used in pesticide-free plant protection strategies should be the continuously developed. Accurate pointing of factors limiting the effectiveness of protective methods and agents would allow to minimizing yield losses of organic crops. This Special Edition welcomes papers focusing on the use of available agents and protective methods, used alone or in combination. Searching for some new substances with protective activity and alternatives to copper is a particularly important aspect of protecting organic farming. The use of beneficial microorganisms to reduce pests and keep plants in good condition, also by stimulating the plant defense system, could maintain the health of plants. Protective methods in organic farming, including the selection of non-chemical methods in weed control and all the studies on weed-crop interactions and allelopathy, are also desired. The impact of biotic and abiotic factors in potential failures in plant treatments should be also considered. The Guest Editors invite researchers to share papers presenting relevant studies of important solutions in the organic agriculture.

Prof. Dr. Jolanta Kowalska
Dr. Kinga Matysiak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

basic substances
beneficial microorganisms
biodiversity
copper replace
elicitors
organic crops
plant health
plant growth strengtheners
non-chemical methods of plant protection
weed control

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Mixed Green Covers, a New Trend in Organic Olive Growing, on the Efficiency of Predatory Insects

Ramón González-Ruiz

José Alfonso Gómez-Guzmán

Minerva Martínez-Rojas

Antonio García-Fuentes

María del Pilar Cordovilla

María Sainz-Pérez

Antonio M. Sánchez-Solana

Juan Carlos-Hervás

and

Antonio Rodríguez-Lizana

Agriculture 2023, 13(4), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13040785 - 29 Mar 2023

Viewed by 531

Abstract

Intensive soil tillage and the resulting erosion constitutes one of the main problems in olive growing. Palliative practices such as implementing vegetable covers are encouraged. Recently, the method of adding inert green roofs to the soil, either alone or in combination with adventitious vegetation, has stood out. Assessing this agronomic measure is our main objective. This research was conducted in 2022 in the Jaén province (southern Spain), wherein olive groves with different managements were selected: (i) conventional, free from vegetation, (ii) ecologically managed olive grove containing a cover of adventitious vegetation (VC), and (iii) ecologically managed olive grove in which the remains of pruning are added to the adventitious cover (VC-MIX). Vegetation inventories and beneficial insect monitoring were performed using a combined device with chromatic and olfactory trapping. The olive moth (Prays oleae) and lacewing predators were selected as the indicator species. Both the beneficial insect diversity and relative plant abundance were higher in the VC-MIX, where the highest rates of predation by lacewings were found (88%). In turn, these parameters in the VC olive surpassed those of the conventional olive grove. The factors involved in the notable differences between the three management types are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

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Open AccessArticle

Phytostimulator Application after Cold Stress for Better Maize (Zea mays L.) Plant Recovery

Karolina Ratajczak

Hanna Sulewska

Katarzyna Panasiewicz

Agnieszka Faligowska

and

Grażyna Szymańska

Agriculture 2023, 13(3), 569; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13030569 - 26 Feb 2023

Viewed by 771

Abstract

Phytostimulators are attracting considerable attention for replacing mineral fertilizers, which are of environmental concern, being especially forbidden in organic farming. The benefit of applying such products based on microorganisms (e.g., algae extract) or minerals of nano-meter-sized particle (e.g., nanofertilizers) is that plants can uptake them faster than soil fertilizers, targeting plant growth by regulating their phytohormones, as well as improving plant tolerance to unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g., cold stress). The aim of this study was to test and evaluate the effects of three commercial phytostimulators, called biostimulants (a seaweed-based extract—Kelpak^®, mineral nanoparticles—Nano Active^®, zinc nanoparticles—Dynamic Cresco^®) on yield, chlorophyll content, level of CO₂ assimilation and the effectiveness of PSII under cold stress. The values of all chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters significantly decreased under cold, which indicated a strong inhibition of light-phase photosynthesis in maize leaves. Predicted by the regression analysis minimum, 20 days was enough for maize plants to recover from the inhibition caused by stress damages in their photosynthetic apparatus. At the final measurement in maize growth stage BBCH 65, all the tested phytostimulators showed significant effects in increased values of effective quantum yield of photosystem II, maximum photosynthetic efficiency of PSII and electron transport rate. At this stage, Dynamic Cresco^® and Nano Active^® treatment significantly increased the value of maximum net photosynthetic rate (15.37% and 18.85%, respectively) and leaf chlorophyll content (7.8% and 8.7%, respectively). The application of Dynamic Cresco^® significantly promoted total dry weight by 43.4% in comparison to control under stress growth conditions with cold. These phytostimulators can be used to enhance yield and physiological status of plants after abiotic stress (such as cold) to improve crop productivity, especially in organic farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

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Open AccessArticle

Effect of Plant Seed Mixture on Overwintering and Floristic Attractiveness of the Flower Strip in Western Poland

Jolanta Kowalska

Małgorzata Antkowiak

and

Alicja Tymoszuk

Agriculture 2023, 13(2), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13020467 - 16 Feb 2023

Viewed by 783

Abstract

In order to increase biodiversity in cultivated areas, the implementation of agri-environmental programs is proposed, including interventions and eco-schemes. Flower strips are one such proposal. In order to achieve satisfactory results, the appropriate selection of plants is crucial. In flower strips, the number and diversification of overwintering plant species are important. Our observations suggest that the species diversity observed in the second year of the strip’s presence in western Poland composed of mostly annual 14 plant species did not overlap in the next year. The flower strip was established on soils in a very good rye complex. The average monthly air temperature in both seasons was similar. In the winter months after the establishment of the flower strip, the lowest temperature at the ground level and the lowest air temperature were recorded in December (−5.4 °C and −13.7 °C, respectively). Hydrological conditions were not favorable, including a very dry March. Wild species originally from the soil seed bank were dominant. The selection of the appropriate species composition of mixtures intended for flower strips should take into account not only the preferences of beneficial insects but also environmental conditions. The possibilities of the selected plant species are important. A large variety of spontaneously emerging species (considered weeds) can also successfully colonize existing gaps in the flower strips, providing an increase in biodiversity. From the beginning of June to the end of July, the share of flowering plants from the seed bank ranged from 42.59% to 88.19%, while among originally intended plant species, it was only 11.81–57.41%. In May and at the beginning of June, two intended species that were intensively flowering, Trifolium incarnatum L. (over 70.5%) and Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. (26.47%), were definitely dominant. In later observations, it was noted that, unfortunately, the sown plants had a low level of flowering compared to the wild plants found in the flower strip. It is very important that flower strips include species that also bloom in July and August, and wildflower plants can highlight the attractiveness of the flower strip to beneficial insects and are a valuable addition. This paper evaluates the suitability of a commercially available seed mixture in terms of the floristic attractiveness and overwintering potential of annual plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

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Open AccessArticle

Screening for Antagonistic Yeasts to Manage Alternaria spp. in Organic Farming

and

Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1693; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101693 - 14 Oct 2022

Viewed by 832

Abstract

Early blight of potatoes when not controlled can lead to major yield loss. In organic farming, disease control methods using beneficial microorganisms are needed. This study aimed to use commercially available yeast strains to prevent early blight in organically grown potatoes. Six commercially yeast strains used in the food industry, mainly in baking, brewing and winemaking, were evaluated against Alternaria alternata and A. solani. An in vitro test was conducted to assess yeast antagonistic properties. Production of lytic exoenzymes by yeast strains was determined. In the greenhouse experiments, the abilities of yeast strains to colonize potato leaf surface and to minimize Alternaria symptoms on plants were assessed. Saccharomyces cerevisiae Coobra strain inhibited in vitro Alternaria mycelium growth and most effectively reduced Alternaria symptoms on inoculated plants (from approximately 60% to 9% for A. solani and 14% for A. alternata) after seven days. This strain produced the most enzymes, i.e., amylase, pectinase and protease. After eighteen days, only the S. cerevisiae Coobra population was isolated from the leaves. In conclusion, the Coobra strain shows antagonistic properties against Alternaria spp. and is promising for further field tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

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Open AccessArticle

Characterizing Droplet Retention in Fruit Tree Canopies for Air-Assisted Spraying

and

Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081093 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 952

Abstract

As a mainstream spraying technology, air-assisted spraying can increase the penetration and droplet deposition in the tree canopy; however, there seems to be less research on the maximum deposition volume of leaves. In this paper, the maximum deposition volume of a single leaf and the attenuation characteristics of droplets in the canopy were studied. By coupling them, the prediction equation of the total canopy droplet retention volume was obtained. The single-leaf test results showed that too small a surface tension reduced the total volume of droplet deposition on the leaf. In this paper, when the Weber number was equal to 144.3, the deposition form changed from particles to a water film, yielding the best deposition effect. The canopy droplet penetration test results show that the air velocity at the outlet increased first and then decreased, and the best effect was achieved when the air velocity at the outlet was 10 m/s. At the same time, when the surface tension of pesticides was 50 mN/m, the effect of canopy droplet deposition was better, which was consistent with the results of the single-leaf test. An average relative error of prediction equation of the total canopy droplet retention volume with 15.6% was established. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

Flower Strips and Their Ecological Multifunctionality in Agricultural Fields

Jolanta Kowalska

Małgorzata Antkowiak

and

Paweł Sienkiewicz

Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091470 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1961

Abstract

Flower strips can be an important component of integrated pest management and contribute to reducing pressure on agroecosystems, which is why they are increasingly implemented as part of agri-environmental programs. They can be used as a multifunctional agronomic tool because they can prevent the decline of species diversity in the agroecosystem and increase functional biodiversity, which is a prerequisite for the provision of ecosystem services, such as pollination and natural pest control. Research highlights the great potential and multifunctionality of flower strips. This paper provides a synthesis of the most important information and research findings regarding flower strips and may be a useful tool in relation to the European Green Deal, which aims to move the EU towards a green transformation. Where intensive chemical treatments in agriculture have contributed to the degradation of the agricultural landscape, flower strips can support its ecological intensification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

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Open AccessReview

Yeasts as a Potential Biological Agent in Plant Disease Protection and Yield Improvement—A Short Review

Jolanta Kowalska

Joanna Krzymińska

and

Józef Tyburski

Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091404 - 06 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2091

Abstract

The role of biocontrol products is expected to increase worldwide consumer demand and facilitate the implementation of sustainable agricultural policies. New biocontrol agents must allow for an effective crop-protection strategy in sustainable agriculture. Yeasts are microorganisms living in various niches of the environment that can be antagonists of many plant pathogens. Yeasts rapidly colonize plant surfaces, use nutrients from many sources, survive in a relatively wide temperature range, produce no harmful metabolites and have no deleterious effects on the final food products. Hence, they can be a good biocontrol agent. In this paper, the biological characteristics and potential of yeast are summarized. Additionally, the mechanisms of yeasts as plant-protection agents are presented. This includes the production of volatile organic compounds, production of killer toxins, competition for space and nutrient compounds, production of lytic enzymes, induction of plant immunity and mycoparasitism. The mechanisms of yeast interaction with plant hosts are also described, and examples of yeasts used for pre- and postharvest biocontrol are provided. Commercially available yeast-based products are listed and challenges for yeast-based products are described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

Open AccessReview

Reducing Carbon Footprint of Agriculture—Can Organic Farming Help to Mitigate Climate Change?

Małgorzata Holka

Jolanta Kowalska

and

Magdalena Jakubowska

Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1383; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091383 - 03 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4451

Abstract

In the face of a changing climate, intensive efforts are needed for limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 °C. Agricultural production has the potential to play an important role in mitigating climate change. It is necessary to optimize all of the agricultural practices that have high levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the plant production processes, mineral fertilization is of the greatest importance in the formation of the carbon footprint (CF) of crops. There are many possibilities for reducing GHG emissions from the application of fertilizers. Further benefits in reducing the CF can be obtained through combining tillage treatments, reduced and no-till technologies, and the cultivation of catch crops and leguminous plants. Organic farming has the potential for reducing GHG emissions and improving organic carbon sequestration. This system eliminates synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and thus could lower global agricultural GHG emissions. Organic farming could result in a higher soil organic carbon content compared to non-organic systems. When used together with other environmentally friendly farming practices, significant reductions of GHG emissions can be achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

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Open AccessReview

A Review of Crop Protection Methods against the Twospotted Spider Mite—Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)—With Special Reference to Alternative Methods

and

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 898; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12070898 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2043

Abstract

Tetranychus urticae is one of the most important pests of many species of economically important crops, cultivated both under cover and in open ground. Feeding T. urticae reduces the size and quality of the yield. Nowadays, in connection with the popularization of organic farming and the green order policy, non-chemical methods that provide an effective reduction in the harmfulness of this spider mite are sought. The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge on methods of reducing the undesirable effects of T. urticae feeding. The paper discusses the main directions of searching for biopesticides against T. urticae and provides a list of natural components on which commercially available products are based. The aspect of using the natural properties of plants, micro- and macro-organisms is presented. The paper also deals with the issue of the spread of spider mites in connection with the observed climate changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

Other

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Open AccessPerspective

Viewpoint of Chitosan Application in Grapevine for Abiotic Stress/Disease Management towards More Resilient Viticulture Practices

Rosa Luz Gómez-Peraza

and

Francisco Roberto Quiroz-Figueroa

Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091369 - 02 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1295

Abstract

Chitosan is a biopolymer with various favorable properties (biotic/abiotic stress mitigation, qualitative improvement, bio-fertilizer, bio-stimulant and postharvest management) to meet multiple agricultural objectives. Grapevine is an important crop and has an enormous impact on the world’s economy due to its derived products, notably the different wine styles. In viticulture, chitosan application made significant developments towards higher contents of beneficial metabolites in grape berries as well as stress and postharvest management during recent decades, although the reports are limited. Recent investigations by our group demonstrated chitosan as a potential elicitor molecule at a molecular level and opened the possibility to use chitosan for trunk disease management; moreover, there are not yet any methods to combat trunk diseases in grapevine. The present viewpoint aimed to summarize the different aspects of chitosan application in grapevine in facilitating the development of inclusive and more integrated sanitary viticulture practices in a sustainable manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Crop Protection in Organic Farming System)

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