Acta Horticulturae et Regiotecturae Feed

Organic Inputs for Climate-Smart Agriculture: Effects of Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) Leaf Residues and Extracts on Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) Yield and Soil Nutrient Dynamics

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a widely cultivated and consumed vegetable crops worldwide, a was an object of a field trial for two seasons [early (rainy) and late (dry)] seasons, 2023–2024) at NIHORT, Ibadan to evaluate sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) based organic inputs for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production. Using a 2 × 5 factorial RCBD with three replicates, treatments combined four rates of sun-dried sunflower compost (0, 1, 2, 3 t ha−1) and three foliar spray rates of sunflower leaf compost extract (0; 1,000; 2,000 dm3 ha−1). The dry leaves were incorporated two weeks before transplant, while the compost extracts were applied at four and six weeks after transplant. During the 2023 season, the application of 3 t ha−1 of leaves compost increased early-season fresh fruit weight from 724.5 to 1,045.5 kg ha−1 and late-season weight from 280.0 to 818.0 kg ha−1. The foliar compost extract at 2 000 dm3 ha−1 raised fresh yield from 831.5 to 907.0 kg ha−1 and fruit number per plant from 146.0 to 200.5. while the 2024 season, 3 t ha−1 of leaf compost boosted early-season yield from 64.0 to 333.0 kg ha−1 and fruit count per plot from 28 to 316, while compost extract increased fresh yield from 832.0 to 907.0 kg ha−1. All main effects were significant (p ≤ 0.05); while there was no significance in the interactions. This discovery demonstrated that 3 t ha−1 of dry sunflower leaf compost substantially enhanced the tomato growth and yield, and that 3 000 dm3 ha−1 of leaf compost extract provides additional biostimulant benefits. Hence the incorporation of sunflower compost biomass and fresh extracts offered a low-cost, sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, therefore, advancing climate-smart tomato production in tropical agroecosystems, while further research is needed in other area of climate smart agriculture.

Curative Treatment of Strawberry Gray Mold Caused by Botrytis cinerea Using Lavender Essential Oil

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Lavender essential oil exhibits strong in vitro antimicrobial activity against Botrytis cinerea; however, its efficacy under field conditions remains inconsistent. This study evaluated the effectiveness of lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia × latifolia ‘Vaucluse’) against gray mold in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa cv. ‘Joly’) under natural field conditions. In vitro assays confirmed pronounced antifungal activity, with a disc diffusion inhibition zone of 10.33 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations of MIC50 = 0.29 mg mL−1 and MIC90 = 0.38 mg mL−1. Based on these results, field trials were conducted using a 10% (v/v) essential oil formulation applied either alone or as a curative treatment 24 h after inoculation with B. cinerea strain F-314. Despite strong in vitro efficacy, field application of lavender essential oil alone resulted in the highest gray mold incidence (53.9%), representing a 79% increase compared with untreated controls (30.1%) and a 108% increase relative to pathogen inoculation alone (25.9%). In contrast, curative application 24 h after pathogen inoculation produced the lowest disease incidence (13.7%), corresponding to a 55% reduction compared with untreated controls and a 47% reduction compared with pathogen-only treatment. The fourfold difference in disease incidence between essential oil application alone and curative treatment demonstrates that lavender essential oil can either exacerbate or suppress gray mold depending on application context. The increased disease incidence following essential oil application alone is likely attributable to phytotoxic stress and disruption of protective epiphytic microbiota, effects that were amplified by exceptionally high precipitation during the experimental period. Conversely, the efficacy of curative application may result from direct antimicrobial activity against established infections, reduced duration of phytotoxic exposure, and possible induction of host defense responses. These findings demonstrate that in vitro antimicrobial activity alone is insufficient to predict field performance and challenge the assumption that botanical antimicrobials effective in laboratory assays will necessarily confer disease protection when applied to plants. In strawberry gray mold management, lavender essential oil shows potential as a curative treatment but should not be applied in the absence of pathogen challenge, as this may increase disease susceptibility.

Cultivar Selection Effects on the Yield and Nutritional Compositions of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Sesame plant withstands drought and has great tolerance to different soil types. In addition, its flour and oil are excellent sources of plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The vast utilization of sesame seeds as an alternative to wheat flour and healthy oil is being experienced globally. Three cultivars of the most frequently cultivated sesame in Nigeria, namely White Benue, Cameroon White, and E8, were grown at the Teaching and Research Farm of Osun State University, Ejigbo Campus (a derived savanna) in 2023 using standard agronomic practices. The aim was to evaluate their yield and nutritional performance. Yield was evaluated and the harvested seeds were analyzed for selected nutrients using standard assays. The results of yield (kg/ha) obtained for White Benue, E8 and Cameroun White were 510, 560 and 680, respectively. Iron (%) in White Benue was 4.46, E8 was 4.45 while Cameroon White was 4.34. Calcium (%) in Cameroon White was 0.68, E8 had 0.65 while White Benue had 0.63. Potassium (%) in E8 was 1.17. Cameroon White had 1.16, while White Benue was 1.14. Selenium (%) was 2.04 in E8, Cameroon White had 2.01 while White Benue was 1.99. Flavonoids (%) reached highest value in White Benue 27.48, followed by Cameroon White 10.98 and E8 10.86. Alkaloids reached 5.89 (%) in all the cultivars, while phytic acid ranged between 0.12% and 0.13%. Cameroon White outyielded other cultivars, however, their nutritional values are unique, while all cultivars evaluated have high amounts of important nutrients to contribute to human diet and health.

Arboreta as Cultural Landscapes: Comparative Analysis of International Case Studies. Towards Guidelines for the Design of New Arboreta

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Arboreta are designed and specialised green spaces that assemble organised living collections of tree and shrub species, dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity, research, education, and public engagement. Despite their recognised importance, the spatial and functional organisation of arboreta remains comparatively underexplored in the literature. This study addresses this gap by analysing how spatial structure supports their multifunctional roles. The main research question is: which spatial and organisational patterns characterise internationally recognised arboreta, and how can these inform the design of new ones? The study formulates design-oriented recommendations for arboreta, based on a comparative spatial analysis of ten internationally recognised reference cases. The selected arboreta were identified through their frequency of citation in the literature, ArbNet Level IV accreditation, and founding date listed by BGCI. The methodology follows a comparative case-study approach structured around four analytical axes: general characterisation, spatial and vegetation organisation, accessibility and services, and botanical collection organisation. All arboreta were georeferenced and vectorised within a standardised framework, producing comparable maps and tables that supported the analysis of shared variables. The results reveal consistent spatial and organisational tendencies across cases, alongside contextual specificities. Based on these findings, design recommendations were formulated, providing general guidelines applicable to the planning and design of new arboreta.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Response to Amino Acids Biostimulants Treatment under Organic Farming System

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Rapid population growth and escalating ecological challenges, including pollution and soil degradation exacerbated by climate change, pose significant threats to global agriculture. Plant biostimulants, particularly amino acid–based formulations, represent a promising, environmentally sustainable approach by reducing dependence on fertilizers and pesticides while enhancing crop yield potential. In this study, the effects of three biostimulant formulations on the yield and quality of ‘Annabelle’ potatoes cultivated under organic farming conditions with drip irrigation in western Slovakia were evaluated. The tested treatments consisted of amino acids alone, amino acids combined with magnesium, and amino acids combined with calcium and boron. Tuber yield and selected quality parameters, including dry matter, vitamin C, nitrate, starch, and reducing sugar contents, were assessed. Significant yield increases were observed across all treatments, with the combinations of amino acids with magnesium and with calcium and boron showing the most pronounced effects, resulting in up to a 38.65% increase in marketable yield compared with the control. Significant differences were also detected in vitamin C, nitrate, starch, and reducing sugar contents. These findings indicate the potential of amino acid–based biostimulants to enhance crop yield and quality under organic farming conditions.

Recognising the Development Potential of Housing Estate in-between Spaces: Typology, Scenarios and Regeneration Strategies

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Late-modernist housing estates represent a dominant residential typology in Central European cities; however, their standardized and technocratic planning often resulted in the formation of undefined and functionally ambiguous open spaces. These in-between spaces, created as byproducts of post-war mass housing construction, frequently remain underused despite their strategic position within the residential structure. This paper investigates the development potential of housing estate gaps and explores their transformation into active and meaningful public environments. The research combines field mapping, spatial analysis, and typological classification with the creation of a working database documenting spatial characteristics, current uses, and external interventions. Based on this framework, a set of development scenarios and a catalogue of regeneration solutions are proposed. The concept of inward-oriented development, which understands the intensification and structuring of open space as a means of improving spatial quality rather than its simple preservation is central to the approach. The methodology is demonstrated through a case study of the Jahodníky – Ľadoveň housing estate in the city of Martin, Slovakia. The results show that in-between spaces can accommodate a wide range of community, recreational, ecological, and identity-forming functions. Small-scale, context-sensitive interventions are capable of transforming residual areas into legible, multifunctional, and socially embedded public spaces. The paper argues that systematic recognition and activation of these micro-spaces represents an effective tool for enhancing the everyday living environment and strengthening the identity of housing estates without the need for large-scale redevelopment.

Effect of Irrigation Frequency on Growth, Yield and Nutritional Quality of Sesamum indicum in a Semi-Arid Region in Morocco

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Commonly referred to as the “Queen of Oilseeds”, Sesamum indicum is widely recognized for its nutritional value and health-promoting properties. Currently, water stress is one of the main factors limiting sesame production, particularly in regions experiencing prolonged drought periods, such as semi-arid areas of Morocco. One effective approach to mitigate this constraint is the rational use of irrigation water; therefore, it is necessary to understand plant responses to different irrigation regimes. The objective of this study was to establish an appropriate irrigation schedule to optimize the agronomic performance of sesame under semi-arid conditions. A field experiment was conducted at the National Agency of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Taounate using a randomized complete block design with irrigation intervals. Growth parameters (plant height, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, capsule length, and 1000-seed weight), yield parameters (seed yield, biological yield, and harvest index), and biochemical traits (oil and protein contents) were evaluated. Analysis of variance revealed that irrigation intervals significantly affected all measured parameters. Irrigation conducted every 3 days resulted in the highest plant height (84.08 cm), number of capsules (38.05), number of seeds per capsule (49.6), capsule length (30.2 mm), and 1000-seed weight (3 g), followed by irrigation intervals of 6, 9, and 15 days. The maximum seed yield (1,222.66 kg ha−1), biological yield (4,241.33 kg ha−1), and harvest index (31.89%) were obtained from plants irrigated every 6 days. Biochemically, the highest oil content (49.83%) was recorded in plants irrigated every 6 days, followed by those irrigated every 3, 9, and 15 days. In contrast, the highest protein content (22.63%) was observed under the 15-day irrigation interval. A negative correlation was found between total seed oil and total protein contents.

Stage-Contingent Information Efficacy: Disaggregating the Impact of Advisory Channels on Cocoa Management Practices in Southwest Nigeria

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study addresses the critical knowledge dissemination gap impeding sustainable cocoa production in Southwest Nigeria, where yields have declined by over 70% since the 1970s despite the availability of improved cultural management practices (ICMP). Using a mixed-methods approach (survey of 283 farmers, focused group discussion and Tobit regression), we investigated the stage-contingent efficacy of information sources on ICMP adoption across four production stages: nursery, on-farm, harvesting, and post-harvest. Results reveal farmer-led channels (Farmer Field Schools: 95.8%; Associations: 92.5%) dominate knowledge access, while institutional sources (CRIN, government agencies) are critically underutilised (< 5%). Adoption rates varied significantly by stage: nursery (38.3%), on-farm (73.8%), harvesting (77.4%), and post-harvest (88.1%). Tobit regression confirmed extension agents significantly increased nursery (β = 0.18, p < 0.01) and on-farm adoption (β = 0.05, p < 0.01), but paradoxically reduced harvesting adoption (β = −0.012, p < 0.10) due to contextual misfit (e.g., unaffordable tool recommendations). Tertiary education amplified adoption across stages (nursery: β = 0.30; post-harvest: β = 0.06), while institutional sources negatively impacted harvesting. Post-harvest practices relied solely on experiential learning (β = 0.001/year, p < 0.01), with no information-source effects. We propose a stage-targeted Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS) framework: farmer-led channels for nurseries, co-designed tools for harvesting, and digitised indigenous knowledge for post-harvest. Policy must prioritise context-adapted dissemination to reclaim Nigeria’s cocoa sector.

Sustainable Landscape Approaches and Solutions in Small Municipalities in Rural Landscapes of Slovakia

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This study explores the implementation of sustainable landscape approaches and nature-based solutions in small and mediumsized rural municipalities in Slovakia, which often lag behind urban areas in adopting such practices. While urban centres have seen a satisfactory number of good examples, small rural municipalities – typically with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants – face significant challenges in applying innovative, sustainable landscape strategies due to limited economic and human resources. The aim of this research was to highlight five exemplary case studies in rural Slovak municipalities, offering them as models of best practice and sources of inspiration for other rural communities. Through an initiative mapping process based on predefined topics and principles, followed by field visits, the study identifies key approaches that demonstrate how sustainable landscape solutions can be successfully implemented in resource-constrained environments.

ISSR Fingerprints and ITS Restriction Cleavage Differs in Selected Native Chilli Pepper Genotypes

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Chilli peppers (Capsicum spp.) belong to very popular and significant horticultural crops, evaluated for their culinary, nutritional, and pharmacological properties. Knowledge about their genetic diversity is important because of their breeding strategies. In this study, restriction profiles of ITS sequences of three different chilli species were analysed for their differences together with ISSR fingerprint profile. A total of eleven genotypes of native chilli peppers from Peru were used in this study. Three different restriction patterns were obtained. Individual species, Capsicum chinesis Jacq, Capsicum frutescens and Capsicum baccatum were distinguished by UPGMA analysis.

The Project Landscape in Focus – Tools for Small Municipalities for Sustainable Landscape: An International Initiative for Enhancing Landscape Management in Small and Medium-Sized Municipalities

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Landscape in Focus project, an EU-funded collaboration of landscape architects from the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, and Slovakia, supports small municipalities (up to 5,000 inhabitants) in sustainable landscape management. These municipalities play a vital role in preserving and enhancing landscape values but often lack the necessary resources and expertise to address the complex challenges they face today. The project showcases best practices through case studies, promotes public awareness, and identifies replicable models based on conceptual planning, both in built-up areas as well as in open landscape, community involvement, aesthetic and functional design, and nature-based solutions. Standardized case studies were adapted for online dissemination and usability. By emphasizing shared solutions and local participation, the project provides actionable strategies to empower municipalities in addressing contemporary landscape challenges and advancing sustainable management.

The Impact of the Development of the Sugar Industry on Pond Systems and Water-Powered Facilities in Moravia

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The sugar industry in Moravia not only left a significant mark on the development of industrial areas and settlements, but it also strongly influenced the use of the landscape in the hinterland of the sugar factories. In the 19th century, the development of the sugar industry and the demand for arable land resulted in the disappearance of some pond systems and, consequently, nearby water-powered facilities. Of the total area of 4,184 ha of ponds in the hinterland of the sugar factories from 1840, approximately 60% disappeared and have not yet been restored. On the contrary, the share of continuously operated and preserved ponds in the hinterland of the sugar factories is very low (18%). Preserved ponds are most often found in the higher parts of Moravia (uplands, hills). It was confirmed that a large number of water areas disappeared in the hinterland of the sugar factories in 1880, and, on the contrary, a larger number of ponds outside the hinterland of the sugar factories remained preserved. Some extinct ponds were gradually restored. Extinct ponds in the period 1880 were gradually restored in two basic waves, 380 ha of ponds by 1950 and 150 ha of ponds by 2025. Following the extinction of ponds in Moravia, water-powered facilities in the immediate vicinity of the ponds also disappeared. The sugar industry was one of the fundamental driving forces behind changes in the use of the landscape in this area in the second half of the 19th century.

Landscape in Focus: The Czech Perspective on Sustainable Landscape Development

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This paper presents the research background, methodology, case study examples, and final recommendations from five case studies conducted in the Czech Republic as part of the international project Landscape in Focus. This two-year project is implemented within the European educational program Erasmus+. Its main objective is to support and raise awareness among municipal representatives and citizens of small and medium-sized municipalities in planning, decision-making, and addressing landscape-related challenges. The project facilitates interactions between experts and local representatives, providing information, tools, and methodologies through a web platform, a brochure, and professional conferences. The project is built on case studies that showcase proven or innovative approaches to landscape management in four European countries: the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, and Slovakia. The paper focuses on five case studies from the Czech Republic, selected for their strong conceptual and sustainable planning. These cases consider land use needs, environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and the preservation of local identity, cultural and historical values, as well as high-quality public spaces and architecture.

Prolonging Shelf Life and Preserving Quality: A Study on Orange Varieties Under Different Storage Conditions

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Mandarin oranges are highly perishable fruits that often suffer significant postharvest losses due to improper storage and handling conditions. This study evaluated the effects of different storage treatments on the shelf life and quality retention of two orange varieties, Darjeeling mandarin and Chinese mandarin. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications, and six postharvest treatments were applied: control (ambient storage), polypropylene (PP) bags with and without perforation, hot water treatment at 50 ±1 °C for 5 min, and cold storage at 6 °C with or without PP bags. Fruits were evaluated periodically for weight loss, total soluble solids, vitamin C content, disease incidence, and shelf life. Results showed that the longest shelf life (47 days) was observed in Chinese mandarins stored at 6 °C in sealed PP bags, while the shortest (12 days) occurred in Darjeeling mandarins stored in non-perforated PP bags at ambient temperature. This cold storage condition also retained the highest vitamin C content (16.80 mg.100 g−1), the lowest weight loss (2.65%), and no disease incidence. In contrast, the greatest vitamin C degradation (80.17%) and highest disease incidence (94.44%) were found in hot water-treated fruits and those stored in perforated bags at room temperature. These findings suggest that storing mandarins in sealed PP bags at low temperatures is an effective approach to extend shelf life and preserve fruit quality.

Biochar with N-Fertilizer Effects on Soil CO2 Emissions and Soil Physical Properties

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Biochar has gained attention as a soil amendment due to its potential to mitigate climate change by improving soil properties and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigates the effects of biochar application and reapplication, in combination with different nitrogen (N) fertilization levels, on soil CO2 emissions and soil physical properties. The field experiment was conducted in a temperate climate zone over a five-year period, with biochar applied at doses of 0, 10, and 20 t.ha−1, and N-fertilizer applied at 0, 108, and 162 kg.N.ha−1. Soil temperature, soil water content (SWC), and CO2 fluxes were monitored biweekly during the 2019 growing season (April–October). Results showed that biochar reapplication significantly reduced cumulative CO2 emissions, particularly at higher application rates and in fertilized treatments. In contrast, a single biochar application led to increased CO2 emissions in some cases. A strong correlation was found between CO2 emissions and soil temperature (p <0.001), while the relationship between CO2 emissions and SWC was not significant (p >0.05) except in one fertilized treatment. These findings suggest that biochar application, particularly when reapplied, can play a role in reducing soil CO2 emissions while influencing soil physical properties. However, further research is needed to assess its long-term effects across various soil types and climatic conditions.

Municipal Wastewater Treatment using Fluidized bed Bioreactors with Biofilms Fixed on Natural Supports Derived from Cacti

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In recent years, the population in Western Guatemala has grown, increasing the demand for water and basic services, alongside a rise in waste production. Notably, wastewater generation has had a significant environmental impact on water bodies, leading to eutrophication and other harmful effects that negatively influence the quality of life and health of people. This project focused on assessing the technical feasibility of using fluidized bed bioreactors under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, employing natural supports derived from cactus materials native to Guatemala as an improvement over conventional plastic support. The research was divided into four stages: 1. Characterization of wastewater from the basin of interest. 2. Collection, treatment, and characterization of two cactus materials (Stenocereus spp. & Opuntia spp.) to be used as supports in the fluidized reactors. 3. Evaluation of treatment in fluidized bed bioreactors under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. 4. Development of mathematical models to describe the experimental data. The main results of the research included the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) in synthetic wastewater, achieving a range of 50% to 63% using fluidized bed reactors. During the research period, the Samalá River showed average COD values of 96.38 and 277. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) averaged 68.38 and 129.40. Nitrogen levels averaged 2.16 and 17.40. Phosphorus levels averaged 3.55 and 11.11. The most efficient natural support and treatment method was Stenocereus spp. with aeration, achieving a 86.76% reduction in COD. The reaction exhibited zero-order kinetics with an equation of K = −1.75 · 10−4 ±0.15.

Anthropogenic Factors Affecting Soil Water Repellency: Comparative Analysis of Fire Events, Microplastic Pollution, and Soil Amendment

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Soil water repellency (SWR) is a parameter that can significantly impact agricultural productivity by altering water infiltration, retention, and distribution in soils. This study compares three anthropogenic factors that increase SWR in sandy soils: fire (simulated by burning of soil in a muffle furnace), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microplastic pollution (5% w/w), and hydrophobic biochar amendment (1% w/w). The severity of water repellency was quantified by measuring the soil-water contact angle (CA). Results demonstrate that all three treatments increased the CA of sandy soils, with HDPE microplastic addition causing the highest relative increase (10.06-fold), followed by hydrophobic biochar addition (3.89-fold), and fire event with 300 °C (4.35-fold). The mechanisms underlying these increases vary: microplastic and biochar introduce new hydrophobic surfaces to the soil matrix, while burning transforms existing organic matter into more hydrophobic compounds. These findings highlight the potential risks of these anthropogenic factors for soil hydrological properties and provide insights for future soil management strategies in agricultural systems.

Effect of Biochar Application and Re-Application on Soil Water Content, Temperature, Bulk Density: Insights from 2017 and 2018

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The study explores the impact of biochar application and re-application on soil properties such as water content, temperature, and bulk density over two years (2017 and 2018). The research was conducted at the Slovak Agricultural University of Nitra (Slovakia), where different treatments with biochar and nitrogen fertilizers were applied to the soil. The methods included measuring soil water content, temperature, and bulk density at regular intervals. Results indicated that biochar application significantly improved soil water content and temperature regulation, with higher biochar rates yielding better outcomes. Biochar also reduced soil bulk density, enhanced soil structure, and fertility. Re-application of biochar showed further improvements, underscoring its long-term benefits. It concludes that biochar is a promising amendment for sustainable agriculture, offering enhanced water retention, improved soil health, and reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers. These findings provide valuable insights for soil management practices aimed at mitigating soil degradation and promoting agricultural sustainability.

Natural Preservation of Horticultural Produce: Antimicrobial Efficacy of Thymus hiemalis Essential Oil in in Vitro and in Situ Models

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The present study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Thymus hiemalis essential oil (THEO) against selected phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi using both in vitro and in situ approaches. Seven plant pathogens were tested: Xanthomonas arboricola, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Pseudomonas syringae, Agrobacterium radiobacter, Fusarium solani, Monilia fructigena, and Botrytis cinerea. In vitro antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disk diffusion method and determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). THEO exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects, with the strongest inhibition observed in fungal isolates, particularly B. cinerea and F. solani. In situ assays were conducted on fresh-cut horticultural produce models – strawberry, apple, carrot, and parsley – to simulate natural microbial contamination. The antimicrobial efficacy of THEO in the vapour phase was tested at concentrations of 500, 250, 125, and 62.5 µL.L−1. Growth inhibition was quantified using stereological image analysis, and the percentage reduction in microbial volume density (Vv) was calculated. Statistically significant inhibitory effects were observed across all tested matrices, especially at higher concentrations. The highest biological growth inhibition (BGI) values were recorded for F. solani and M. fructigena, indicating strong fungistatic potential of THEO vapours in horticultural systems. These findings suggest that Thymus hiemalis essential oil possesses effective antimicrobial properties with practical relevance for horticultural applications, particularly in the control of postharvest spoilage and decay caused by phytopathogens.

Effect of Soil Moisture on the Deformation Characteristics of Forest Road Subgrade Soils Due to Climatic Change

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The service life of road pavements, including forest roads, depends on many factors. When designing forest road pavements, it is essential to take into account the behaviour of the subgrade and the factors affecting its physical-mechanical properties, especially soil moisture, which significantly affect the deformation characteristics of the soil. This issue is becoming increasingly important with the increasing climate change. Poor design or intensive use can accelerate the road degradation, leading to environmental damage and reduced exploitation potential. A fundamental parameter for assessing the resistance of soil to repeated loading is the resilient modulus Mr, which is determined from a cyclic load test that simulates the effect of passing traffic. For low-volume roads, including forest roads, this modulus can be determined using a cyclic test with standard California Bearing Ratio testing equipment by applying repeated cyclic loading. One of these innovative cycling test machines was developed at the Mendel University in Brno. The paper presents the results of tests investigating the effect of soil moisture and compaction level on both the resilient modulus and the permanent and elastic deformations of two soil types. The obtained results confirm that the soil moisture content far from the optimum value should result in lower material stiffness and thus to smaller resilient modulus value. Also, they confirm that a larger resilient modulus should be obtained when the soil is compacted with higher compacting energy.