Agriculture (Pol'nohospodárstvo) Feed

Genetic Variability and Selection of Doubled Haploid Lines of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Obtained from Anther Culture

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Genetic variability is essential for accelerating the selection of high-yield varieties. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the genetic variability and agronomic performance of eggplant doubled haploid obtained through anther culture. A total of 18 genotypes (15 doubled haploid lines and 3 commercial varieties) were assessed using a randomised complete block design with 4 replications. Data were analysed for heritability, cluster analysis, phenotypic correlations, and a weighted selection index. Significant variation was observed among genotypes, with stem diameter, plant height, fruit number, fruit weight, and fruit length showing high heritability and extensive genetic diversity. In addition, cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into 3 clusters at a 20% similarity threshold. The results showed that fruit weight per plant exhibited strong positive correlations with fruit weight, diameter, length, stalk length, plant height, and stem diameter. The weighted selection index identified 11 promising doubled haploid lines, including derivatives of Hitavi F1 (AM8H, AM9H, AM10H, and AM11H), Mustang F1 (AM13M and AM14M), and Provita F1 (AM4P, AM6P, AM23P, AM28P, and AM29P). These results indicated the strong potential of the selected doubled haploid lines for eggplant variety development.

Advances in Agriculture-Based Technology for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In recent decades, the intensive use of synthetic pesticides and agrochemicals to maximise crop productivity has severely degraded soil physicochemical properties, contaminated water resources, caused environmental pollution, and reduced food quality and safety. In addition, heavy metals and toxicants released from agricultural activities have accumulated within agroecosystems, posing serious risks to environmental and human health. This review describes sustainable agricultural technologies and integrated management systems that can reduce chemical dependency while improving soil fertility, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. Eco-friendly approaches, such as natural farming, biofertilisers, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), biocontrol agents, bioremediation, and phytoremediation, contribute to enhanced nutrient cycling, stress tolerance, contaminant detoxification, and the restoration of ecological balance. Special emphasis is placed on how PGPR, biofertilisers, biocontrol agents, and remediation technologies can be integrated within sustainable management systems to improve agricultural resilience and soil health. Recent advances in microbial ecology, formulation technologies and integrated soil management practices are also explained to highlight their role in sustainable crop production and environmental restoration. It further demonstrates that combining these biological and remediation-based technologies can effectively mitigate the adverse impacts of conventional agricultural practices while promoting climate-resilient and resource-efficient farming systems. Overall, the study concludes that large-scale adoption of integrated sustainable agricultural strategies is essential for improving food security, reducing environmental pollution, restoring degraded ecosystems, and supporting global sustainability goals.

The Effect of Trichoderma harzianum and its Mutant Isolate on Biological Control of Pythium ultimum in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In this study, we induced mutations in the genome of Trichoderma harzianum (NAS-T101) via gamma irradiation to enhance its antagonistic potential against Pythium ultimum. Efficacy testing of mutants and the wild type was conducted in a completely randomised design (CRD) with four replications in the greenhouse on lettuce (Grand Rapid cultivar) at the Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute collection (NSTRI, AEOI) in spring 2018. The experiments included plants treated with T. harzianum NAS-T101 (non-irradiated) and its selected mutant TM4 against the P. ultimum pathogen, and the control plant. Disease incidence (DI), morphological traits (length and dry weight of shoots and roots), and physiological traits (total protein, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, chlorophyll a and b, and malondialdehyde activity) were measured. The results showed that T. harzianum (NAS-T101 and TM4) significantly reduced DI and developed the plant root system. T. harzianum (NAS-T101 and TM4) treatments increased the accumulation of proteins of molecular weight associated with peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes, enhanced their activity, and led to a significant increase in chlorophyll a and b. The TM4 treatment showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activities and protein accumulation compared to the control. This study showed that the mutant (TM4) was significantly more efficient at biocontrol of P. ultimum than its parental, un-irradiated isolate, and that lettuce plants treated with TM4 maintained morphological and physiological processes under disease conditions.

Screening of Barley Genotypes for Resistance to Pyrenophora teres f. teres under Controlled Inoculation Conditions

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Net blotch, caused by Pyrenophora teres Drechsler, is a major constraint on barley production. We assembled a panel of 276 spring barley genotypes from 18 countries and evaluated resistance to net form net blotch (P. teres f. teres) using lesion scoring after controlled artificial inoculation of detached leaf segments. Inoculum identity was verified by species-specific PCR, confirming the presence of P. teres f. teres (378 bp) and the absence of P. teres f. maculata. To track inoculum performance and normalise lesion scores, three reference barley genotypes (‘Pax’, ‘P22-SP’, ‘Polo’) were included in every inoculation run. Across 26 inoculation time points, lesion severity in reference barley genotypes remained within a narrow, biologically consistent range, indicating stable yet discriminatory infection pressure. Two independent datasets of 276 barley genotypes showed similar distributions of relative lesion score (paired non-parametric test: no shift in central tendency). At the genotype level, categorical agreement between datasets was high: 62.0% exact matches, 37.7% one-step differences and 0.4% ≥2-step differences. Rank concordance was moderate (Spearman ρ = 0.619; Kendall τ_b = 0.584; both p < 0.001), and chance-corrected agreement was fair (Cohen’s κ ≈ 0.36 – 0.40), driven mainly by Susceptible ↔ Intermediate reclassifications. Thirty-four genotypes were consistently classified as resistant or highly resistant in both datasets; three (‘Romans’, ‘SK-3212’, ‘Svit’) showed particularly low within-genotype variability across replicates, indicating stable expression of resistance. These results demonstrate the robustness and reproducibility of the phenotyping pipeline and identify promising germplasm for resistance breeding against net form net blotch.

Morphological and Phytochemical Assessment of Six Fennel Genotypes from Different Origins Using GC-MS Profiling

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This field experiment evaluated six fennel genotypes from different geographical locations (Jordan, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, and Iraq) for their agronomic performance and chemical profiles using GC-MS with alcoholic and aqueous extraction methods. Significant variation was observed in most agronomic attributes except branch number per plant. The Hannan genotype excelled in seed weight (10.90 g) and total yield (279.20 g/m2), making it ideal for commercial use, while the Amigo genotype was superior in umbel yield (48.22 umbel/plant). Chemical profiles showed considerable variation due to genetic background and extraction methods, with aqueous extracts containing more polar compounds and methanolic extracts containing more non-polar compounds such as terpenoids and esters. The Di Firenze genotype had the highest number of compounds (32) in its methanolic extract, while the Amigo genotype had the fewest compounds. Cluster analysis revealed high genetic variability between genotypes, especially with methanolic extraction, indicating the role of genetic diversity in metabolite variation. The findings suggest the Hannan genotype is suitable for seed production and the Amigo for umbel production. Further research is needed to explore genotype stability across environments and to investigate genetic mechanisms underlying metabolite biosynthesis.

Evaluation of Vermicompost and Vermiwash as Organic Amendments for Enhancing Growth and Yield of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study examined the effects of vermicompost (VC) and vermiwash (VW) on the growth and yield of three mung bean varieties (MI5, MI6 and MIMB7) recommended by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka. Treatments included VC and VW applied at 25 – 100%, alongside chemical fertiliser and an untreated control. Treatments with higher nutrient inputs, particularly 75% VC and 100% VC, were consistently associated with superior vegetative growth and pod production, identifying them as the most promising for improving mung bean performance. Among these, VC-based treatments showed the strongest and most consistent positive associations with yield-related traits, confirming the greater effectiveness of VC over VW and chemical fertiliser. At the varietal level, MIMB7 emerged as the best-performing variety, exhibiting superior growth and yield characteristics, particularly under 75% and 100% VC treatments. In contrast, MI6 and MI5 showed intermediate and lower performance, respectively, suggesting that MI6 is moderately responsive and may benefit from balanced nutrient treatments; however, neither variety matched the productivity of MIMB7. The 75% VC treatment demonstrated significantly higher responses in most measured parameters compared with both chemical fertiliser and the control across all varieties, and its performance was comparable to 100% VC; therefore, 75% VC was identified as the most appropriate level for practical field application to enhance vegetative growth and yield. These results suggest that VC provides a sustainable and efficient organic fertilisation strategy; however, further field-based studies are required to validate its long-term effects on crop productivity and soil health.

PCBs: Ex situ short-term vegetation screening of the immobilization effect of differentially activated soil-applied humic preparations

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The container trial scope was to screen the immobilisation effect of humic acids on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), verifying a set of soil-applied preparations of HUMAC® Agro (HA) – Enviro (HE) – Sorbent (HS). A secondary goal was to formulate main closures for subsequent semi-operational in situ experiments focused on the Slovakian infamous case of Chemko Strážske, a facility of the former PCB producer, where the surrounding environment is polluted. Two experiments were established on August 3, 2020, by treating the upper 15 cm layer of soil. A week later, the sown radish Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus cv. Vinara F1 was sown. The crop was harvested in four cumulative harvests according to maturity, with soil samples collected on September 30 at the end of the trial. In trial A, the substrate was contaminated by extremely highly polluted bottom sediment taken from the waste channel of the facility and separately treated with the humic preparation in the ameliorative dose of 3 t/ha. In radish tubers, the sum of PCBs (PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, 180) decreased by 32.73, 39.41 and 29.4% in comparison to the contaminated control, while in the leaves this reduction was 7.0, 15.6, 53.8%, to HA – HE – HS. The content of PCBs released from the soil into the soil leachate decreased by 49.3, 48.8 and 32.2%, respectively. Trial B was designed to test the double-dose effect, where agricultural soil with aged contamination was treated with HE only. Relating to the untreated control, a higher effect of a simple dose was recorded in comparison to double one, the content of PCBs was reduced by 73.2 vs. 60.5% in tubers, and by 23.1% vs 22.2% in leaves, respectively.

Growing Media Affects Biomass-Water Use Efficiency Trade-Off in Sub-Surface Irrigated Pak Choi (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis)

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Efficient water use is crucial for the sustainable production of leafy vegetables under limited water resources. This study evaluated the trade-off between biomass production and water use efficiency (WUE) in pak choi (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis) grown under a sub-surface capillary irrigation system across three growing media: rice husk charcoal (RHC), sand (SPM), and cocopeat (CPT). A completely randomised design with three replications was used over a 24-day growth period. Results showed that while CPT produced the highest total biomass (108.8 g/plant) and canopy area (472.8 cm²), these vegetative parameters were not significantly different across media (p > 0.05). In contrast, water relations varied significantly; SPM achieved the highest water productivity (87.8 kg/m³), representing a 34.4% improvement over CPT (p < 0.05). Root biomass and length also varied significantly among media. No significant linear correlation was found between vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and daily evapotranspiration (ETc) for any growing medium (|r| ≤ 0.101, p > 0.05). These findings highlight a trade-off between biomass yield and water efficiency. For water-limited systems, SPM is recommended; for balanced performance, RHC is suitable. The hypothesis that a mixture of CPT and SPM could optimise both biomass yield and water conservation requires direct testing in future studies.

Evaluation of Soil Organic Carbon Changes on Key Monitoring Sites

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Monitoring of soil organic carbon (SOC) is a part of the Partial Monitoring system – Soil (ČM S-P). ČM S-P consists of two subsystems. One of them is a subsystem of the key monitoring sites (16) in sampling repetition every year. The key monitoring localities cover all soil types, soil use (cropland, grassland) and a wide range of altitudes (111 – 975 m). In 16 key monitoring localities the content of SOC in topsoil is measured every year. This article shows the development of SOC content for a 30-year period on all key monitoring sites, separately on cropland, grassland and sites with land use changes, in lowland (< 300 m) and mountain soils (> 300 m). The 30-year monitoring period was divided into three time periods. On all key monitoring localities, separately on grassland and cropland and on lowland and mountain soils, the lowest median SOC content in the first time period was found. The reason could be substantial changes in Slovakia´s agriculture, mainly a sharp drop in organic fertiliser consumption on 90-ties. Between the first and second time period, SOC content is statistically significantly increased. We assume that it was caused by the state subsidy policy to increase the content of organic matter in the soil. Between the second and the third time period, changes of SOC content were negligible. Our results also show that the main driving forces affecting SOC content are altitude (statistically significantly higher SOC content on mountain soils compared to lowland), land use and land use changes (statistically significant higher SOC content on grassland compared to cropland).

Bio-Organic Hydroponic Cultivation of Curly Greens Leaf Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa var. Crispa ‘Grand Rapids’)

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Hydroponic cultivation, a climate-smart technology that complements conventional agriculture, is increasingly recognised as a key strategy for enhancing food security, optimising resource efficiency and reducing environmental impacts. Over the years, several high-value crops, such as leafy vegetables and herbs, have been successfully grown in hydroponic systems on a commercial level, with limited exploration of their potential for healthier organic cultivation. This study has effectively described the effects of indigenous bio-organic nutrient solutions on the growth and development of curly green leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa ‘Grand Rapids’) grown under hydroponic cultivation. Five nutrient solution treatments using combinations of inorganic and bio-organic fertilisers namely, pure inorganic nutrient solution, pure vermitea, inorganic-vermitea, indigenous microorganisms (IMO)-vermitea, and fish amino acid (FAA)-vermitea were used. The pure vermitea nutrient solution showed the greatest improvements in plant growth, including plant height, number of leaves, leaf width, leaf length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight at harvest. The combination of vermitea with inorganic nutrient solution exhibited higher plant growth parameters compared to those grown using combinations of IMO and FAA, indicating the possible stunted growth of lettuce due to several factors, including the inhibitory effects of the abundant presence of microorganisms in a static solution culture. Our data revealed that pure vermitea organic nutrient solution promoted strong lettuce growth, comparable to plants grown with commercially available inorganic nutrient solution. This indicates that locally available organic nutrients can serve as a potentially effective nutrient solution for organic hydroponics, promoting healthier crop cultivation while being less harmful to the environment.

Yield Performance and Genotype × Environment Interaction of White-Fleshed Sweetpotato Genotypes across Different Agro-Ecologies in Ethiopia

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The white-fleshed sweetpotato (WFSP) remains vital to household food security in Ethiopia, where its adoption is limited by vulnerability to sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD) and low dry matter content (DMC). We assessed 10 WFSP genotypes (nine advanced lines and the standard check ‘Awassa‑83’) across six environments (Halaba, Arbaminch, Werer; 2024 – 2025 main seasons) using a randomised complete block design with three replications. The analysis of variance was computed, and the results detected significant genotypic differences (p < 0.05) for storage root yield, DMC, and SPVD response. Genotype G2 (Ininda‑1‑20) achieved the highest mean yield (28.1 t/ha), a 32.3% advantage over the check, high DMC (~33%), and low SPVD severity (mean ≈1.5). The notable G × E interaction was observed for all traits recorded, including SPVD, vine length (VL), number of roots per plant (NRPP), above-ground fresh biomass weight (AGFW), storage root yield, and DMC, with variable magnitudes such as SPVD=21.3%, VL=6.7 %, storage root yield=8.9%, NRPP=8.7%, AGFW=3.2%, and DMC=7.6%. This demonstrates that the tested genotypes are sensitive to G × E interaction, warranting further stability analysis. GGE biplots (mean versus stability and the ‘which‑won‑where’ approach) indicated that G2 combined superior performance with acceptable stability across environments. Most genotypes scored less than 3.0 for SPVD, indicating resistance/or tolerance under the test conditions. We recommend on‑farm participatory trials for G2 towards potential release in similar agro‑ecologies. The results highlight the feasibility of selecting WFSP genotypes that simultaneously meet productivity, quality (DMC), and SPVD resistance requirements in Ethiopia’s diverse environments.

Enhancing the Biocontrol Potential of Compost and Vermicompost Tea with Bacillus spp. Against Bacterial Wilt of Tomato

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The ability to suppress Ralstonia solanacearum using compost and vermicompost tea enriched with Bacillus spp. was assessed both under in vitro and in vivo conditions in this study. Tomato is one of the most important vegetables in the world, which are highly susceptible to bacterial wilt disease. Three distinct media were used to evaluate the antagonistic efficacy of 21 Bacillus isolates, of which 14 isolates showed an antagonistic effect and three isolates, B1 – Bacillus megaterium (B40DhanSat), B2 – Bacillus cereus (BD49IslamSat) and B3 – Bacillus cereus (EB36KalSat), exhibited the highest inhibition percentage, particularly in vermicompost tea media. Vermicompost and compost tea were enriched with three promising antagonistic isolates and used as treatments on the tomato variety named ‘Roton’. Disease incidence and severity [%] measured at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting (DAT) showed that T4 (soil + vermicompost tea + B2, 8%), T10 (soil + vermicompost tea + B1 + B2 + B3, 7.9%) and T12 (Bactroban,7.37%) had the highest disease suppression ability than control treatment at 90 DAT, following the application of total twelve treatments. Data recorded on vegetative, reproductive, as well as biochemical parameters at various growth stages showed the best performance of T4, T10 and T12 treatments. Thus, it can be concluded that compost and vermicompost tea fortified with Bacillus spp. can have a potential suppressive effect on the bacterial wilt pathogen of tomato by reducing mycelial growth. Therefore, farmers may be guided to use eco-friendly organic amendments, ensuring efficient disease management without adverse effects on human health or environmental safety.

Effect of Soil-Applied Humic Amendment on Photosynthesis Rate and Lycopene Content of Tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. Seven Landraces, Involving Newly Characterised ‘Zemplínskyʼ

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This research aimed to examine the effect of soil improvement based on leonardite on the intensity of photosynthesis and the lycopene content of tomatoes. Seven landraces of Hungarian and Slovakian origin were tested at two sites (Site-1, Site-2) under field conditions in the temperate continental climate of Central Europe. The treatments: (i) NPK nutrition (43.5:30:30 kg/ha NPK), and (ii) HUMAC Agro (HA), with the same nutrition and a soil-applied humic preparation from HUMAC Agro at a dose of 1,500.00 kg/ha. The lycopene content averaged 285.94 mg/kg and ranged from 6.18 to 658.54 mg/kg. The content was mainly influenced by the landraces (F-ratio 70,856.00, P-value 0.00), followed by the treatments (F-ratio 20,189.00, P-value 0.00), then by the sites (F-ratio 16,291.00, P-value 0.00), and finally by the replications (F-ratio 17.62, P-value 0.00). Lycopene orders, by: (i) land-races ‘Cegléd’ < ‘Zemplínsky’ < ‘Máriapócs’ < ‘Fadd’ < ‘Tolna’ ≤ ‘Mátrafüredi’ < ‘Gyöngyös’ (10.83 < 181.47 < 233.85 < 329.36 < 411.93 ≤ 413.293 < 420.85 mg/kg); (ii) treatments HA < NPK (254.96 < 316.92 mg/kg); and (iii) Site-2 < Site-1 (258.11 < 313.77 mg/kg). A phenomenon of harmonising effect of the humic amendment was observed, as the lycopene content changed from the extreme values to the medium values at both sites. Photosynthetic rate (PR) was monitored on Site-1 under two sequences: (i) TS (sequence temperature 20.3 – 41.7°C at constant FAR of 608 mmol/m2/s) and (ii) LS (sequence light/photosynthetically active radiation, FAR 0 – 1,304.00 mmol/m2/s at constant temperature 38.2°C). In both sequences, the higher PR was found in NPK (30.753 and 12.589 mmol/m2/s; LS vs. TS) compared to HA (22.347 and 9.271 mmol/m2/s). This indicates a climatic anti-stress effect of the humic treatment, which is probably related to the better-known effect of humic amendments on plant root improvement.

DNA Profiling of Indonesian Maize Hybrids and their Parental Lines Using SSR Markers

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

DNA fingerprinting is an effective genomic tool for hybrid/elite genotype identification. The objective of the research was to conduct DNA fingerprint characterisation of national maize hybrids and their parental lines using SSR markers. This research was conducted from April to July 2020. Moreover, 57 SSR markers were used for genotyping 10 maize genotypes of 4 national maize hybrids, three male and three female parents. SSR analysis in maize fingerprinting evaluates allele number, frequency, polymorphism, heterozygosity, PIC value, genetic similarity, distance, and relationships among samples. A dendrogram was constructed using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean and Sequential Agglomerative Hierarchical Non-overlapping (SAHN) clustering. The results indicated that 230 SSR alleles were generated with molecular weights of 75.60 – 553.00bp. The polymorphism information content values varied between 0.10 – 0.85 (average = 0.59). A coefficient similarity of 42% classified the maize genotypes into 4 clusters, A, B, C, and D. JH 27 and two-parent lines (CY7 and MR14) made up Cluster A while B11209 was in Cluster B with 35% resemblance to Cluster A. Two pure lines and two hybrids comprised cluster C, C1, and C2 formed out of cluster C. The hybrid (JH 37) and its parental line (MAL03) had the most similarity (70%) in the C2 subcluster. A hybrid (NASA 29) and a single parental line (G1026-12) comprise cluster D.

The Compost-Vivianite Powder-Liquid Manure Combination: a Better Fertiliser for Excellent Tomato Profitability

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This study aims to improve tomato growth under the High Guinean Savannah Climate of Adamawa-Cameroon through agro-ecology fertilisation. Field experimentations were carried out during both 2023 and 2024 cropping years. A randomised complete block experimental design with 8 treatments (unfertilised plot (T0), chemical fertiliser (T1), compost derived poultry litter (T2), Pennisetum purpureum manure (T3), vivianite powder (T4), compost derived poultry litter + P. purpureum manure (T5), compost derived poultry litter + vivianite powder (T6), and compost derived poultry litter + vivianite powder + P. purpureum manure (T7)) with 3 replications was used. Physico-chemical properties of growth substrates (growing soil, composts and P. purpureum manure), tomato growth and production parameters were assessed. results showed that the soil of Bini-Dang is acidic and poor in nutrient elements necessary for improving tomato production. Studied agronomic parameters varied significantly (p ˂ 0.05) according to fertiliser and experimentation year. T7 fertiliser increased significantly (p ˂ 0.05) tomato fruit yield compared to other treatments. This increase was at 110.90% and 55.40% in the 2023 cropping year, and at 94.48% and 56.66% in the 2024 cropping year, compared to unfertilised soil and chemical fertiliser, respectively. The economic rentability of T7 fertiliser is excellent, while that of chemical fertiliser is profitable. The following combination, compost + P. purpureum manure + vivianite powder for tomato growth, is a good alternative to chemical fertiliser for growing this vegetable.

Forage and Silage Quality Performance of Maize and Sorghum Intercropped with Soybean, Cowpea and Guar in Northwest Türkiye

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Intercropping provides benefits over monocultures, such as improved soil fertility, higher yield potential, and better forage quality across different conditions. This study evaluated the forage and silage yield and quality of maize- and sorghum-based intercropping with soybean, cowpea and guar in northwest Türkiye. Field experiments were conducted over two seasons (2016 – 2017) using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The measured parameters included green weight (GW), dry weight (DW), and various quality indicators: dry matter (DM), digestible DM (DMD), crude protein, ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), gross energy (GE), and digestible energy (DE). Overall, intercropping systems produced slightly less total forage than monocultures, as shown by land equivalent ratios below one. However, intercropping significantly improved the forage and silage quality of cereals: Sorghum NDF decreased from 62.9% (monoculture) to 49.6% (with soybean) and 58.3% (with cowpea). Maize crude protein increased from 8.06% alone to 11.21% (with soybean) and 11.38% (with cowpea). Although sole-crop maize produced the highest silage yield, intercropping with soybean or cowpea significantly enhanced silage nutritive value without greatly reducing yield. Guar, a new legume in this region, performed poorly both alone and in mixtures, showing low GW and DW. We recommend maize–soybean and maize– cowpea intercropping for farmers aiming for better silage quality with minimal loss in yield. Future research should focus on identifying guar varieties better suited to northwest Türkiye and improving cereal–legume intercropping practices for local conditions.

Seeds Priming with Gibberellic Acid Enhances Germination and Early Seedling Growth under Salinity Stress in Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A gibberellic acid priming study was conducted at laboratory conditions of Khulna University, Bangladesh, using the maize variety, ‘BARI Hybrid Bhutta-16’, during 2021. The treatments consisted of four salinity levels with electrical conductivities (ECs) of 0, 10, 20, and 30 dS/m, combined with three GA3 concentrations (0, 100 and 150 ppm). Salinity stress significantly impaired germination percentage, germination energy, and germination speed, as well as root and shoot development, particularly at salinity levels exceeding EC of 10 dS/m. GA3 application improved seedling growth across salinity levels, with 100 and 150 ppm concentrations showing the most notable effects under EC of 10 dS/m. Root and shoot lengths, fresh and dry biomass, and seedling vigour index were enhanced by GA3 treatment, especially at EC of 0 – 10 dS/m. However, at ECs of 20 and 30 dS/m, GA3 failed to significantly improve most of the parameters, indicating a threshold beyond which salt stress overrides hormonal benefits. GA3 priming enhances maize germination and early seedling growth under moderate salinity but shows limited efficacy under severe stress.

Development of “Wafaa Halabja”, a New Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivar Adapted to the Rainfed Areas of Northern Iraq – Kurdistan Region

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

To improve wheat productivity under rainfed agriculture in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, a long-term field evaluation was conducted to identify superior bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes adapted to local agroecological environments. A total of 28 genotypes introduced from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, Mexico, were grown and assessed over eight consecutive growing seasons in the Shahrizor plain, a representative rainfed area. The primary objective was to evaluate the productivity and adaptability of these genotypes and select the most promising ones based on yield potential and environmental suitability. In the final three seasons, nine superior genotypes were selected and evaluated alongside three widely grown local cultivars using a randomised complete block design with three replications. The analysis was based on data from two consecutive agricultural seasons (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). The results revealed that genotype no. 22 consistently outperformed all others in grain yield, yield components and stability under rainfed agriculture. Its superior agronomic performance and genetic stability prompted its nomination for official registration. This genotype showed superiority for traits: number of spikes per square meter, 1,000-grain weight and grain yield, as well as stability for grain yield and yield-associated traits over the past three seasons, despite variations in rainfall amounts during these seasons. Following further evaluation by a special committee at the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture in Baghdad, genotype no. 22 was officially approved and released as a new cultivar under the name ‘Wafaa-Halabja’ and recognised for its high productivity and suitability for rainfed farming systems in Northern Iraq. This achievement marks a significant step towards sustainable wheat production and food security in semi-arid regions.

Enhancing Actara and Bayleton Detoxification in Greenhouse Cucumbers Using Plant Growth Stimulants

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Crops cultivated in protected environments often require pesticide applications, which can increase the risk of pesticide residues due to short harvest cycles and slow detoxification. This study tested the efficacy of Biohumus and Fertimicro for accelerating the dissipation of two commonly used pesticides, Actara (thiamethoxam) and Bayleton (triadimefon), in greenhouse-grown cucumbers. Biohumus, an organic amendment rich in beneficial microbes and humic substances, and Fertimicro, a microfertiliser containing essential nutrients, were applied alongside pesticides. Residue levels were analysed 1, 3 and 5 days after treatment. Both biostimulants significantly enhanced pesticide degradation compared to untreated controls. The study revealed significant pesticide residues in cucumber fruits one day after treatment. In the days following spraying, intensive detoxification of pesticide residues occurred, leading to a significant decline in Bayleton and Actara residue levels. Stimulant-based solutions significantly enhanced pesticide detoxification compared to water-based treatments. Without biostimulants, Ac-tara residues in cucumber fruits exceeded the MRL (maximum residue limit) fourfold, even three days after spraying (PHI – pre-harvest interval). Biostimulant application reduced Actara residues to 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/kg with Biohumus and within the limit with Fertimicro (0.05 mg/kg, p = 0.0044). A similar trend was observed for Bayleton: by day 5 (PHI), Biohumus- and Fertimicro-treated fruits met the MRL (0.5 mg/kg), whereas untreated fruits exceeded the limit by 1.6 times (p = 0.00051).

Comparison of the Effectiveness of UAV and Conventional Sprayers in Wheat Disease Control

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In this study, the influence of different water volumes applied by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and back motor sprayer (BMS) in fungicide control of wheat diseases (Tan spot – Pyrenophora tritici-repentis and Septoria tritici leaf blotch – Zymoseptoria tritici) was researched in field conditions. During the whole experiment, no phytotoxicity of the used fungicide (solatenol 75 g/L + prothioconazole 150 g/L) was observed (and that´s why); the UAV application can be considered as safe for the wheat crop in all tested spray volumes. The trial results showed that the fungicide efficacy (FE) of UAV application depends on the used spray volume and air temperature during application. The best FE was achieved by using a BMS of 100 and 300 L/ha spray volume. It is proven that the lowest FE was recorded by using a UAV spray volume of 10 L/ha applied at high temperatures (28°C). The use of UAV ultra-low spray volume is not suitable for application in high air temperatures, which could dramatically decrease the FE of the applied fungicide. Suitable temperatures (around 20°C) for application did not negatively influence low UAV spray application volumes of 10 L/ha. The FE by using UAV spray volume of 10 L/ha was approximately 10% lower than the FE of 300 L/ha BMS spray volume. The BMS spray volume of 100 L/ha and UAV volume of 50 L/ha showed similar FE in suitable conditions for application. The results showed that for practical UAV fungicide applications, it is needed to use a spray volume of 50 L/ha or more. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of other pesticides to estimate how widely the results are applicable in agricultural practice.