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        <title>Rural Sustainability Research Feed</title>
        <link>https://reference-global.com/journal/PLUA</link>
        <description>Reference Global RSS Feed for Rural Sustainability Research</description>
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        <copyright>All rights reserved 2026, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies</copyright>
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            <title><![CDATA[Evaluation of Nutritional Profiles of Breakfast Cereals in Latvia]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0007</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Muesli consumption in Latvia has increased due to convenience and perceived health benefits, but improvements in total sugars, fat, and fiber content are needed to make it an optimal breakfast option. This study aimed to analyze the range and nutritional composition of breakfast cereal available in Latvian online stores. A total of 102 products from 24 brands were analyzed, including 28 mueslis, 64 granolas, and 10 flakes and puffs. Products were classified by formulation: muesli (no added oil), granola (added oil and sweeteners), and flakes and puffs (cereal flour as main ingredient). Nutritional values were compared with reference intake (RI) for adults. Granola was the most energy-dense (448 kcal/100 g) with the highest fat (16.9 g/100 g) and total sugars (18.1 g/100 g), while muesli had moderate energy (369 kcal/100 g), lower fat (7.1 g/100 g), and higher protein (11.9 g/100 g) and fiber (8.9 g/100 g) content. Flakes and puffs were high in carbohydrates (74.9 g/100 g) and total sugars (15.9 g/100 g) but lower in fiber (5.8 g/100 g) and protein (8.9 g/100 g). All products met EU criteria for high-fiber foods, though a 30 g serving provided only 10-11% of daily intake. Grain choice influenced nutrient content, with pseudo-cereals such as buckwheat (17.6 g/100 g fiber) and amaranth (13.0 g/100 g fiber) enhancing nutritional value. Only 28 of the 102 analyzed breakfast cereal products, comprising muesli, flakes and puffed cereals, and granola, met the established criteria for true muesli, highlighting the need for careful product evaluation when selecting cereal products.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Comparative quality assessment of the spring and autumn – harvest spruce sprouts]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0005</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Spruce sprouts of Norway spruce (Picea Abies (L.) H. Karst) develop in early spring and late autumn. However, information on quality in these stages remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the physical and biochemical properties of spruce sprouts harvested in May (FS-S) and in September (FS-A). To assess their quality, moisture, pH, titratable acidity, colour, vitamin C, total chlorophyll, total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannin content, antiradical activity and antioxidant capacity, as well as microbiological parameters and volatile compounds, were evaluated. The FS-A sample exhibited a significantly higher pH (4.25 ± 0.01) compared with the FS-S sample (3.10 ± 0.05). In contrast, most bioactive compounds were present at higher levels in the FS-S than in FS-A. Vitamin C content was almost two times higher in FS-S (915.56 ± 0.05 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW) compared to FS-A (505.55 ± 0.05 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW). Total chlorophyll content was 15 times higher in FS-S (95.14 ± 12.12 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW) compared to FS-A (6.19 ± 0.78 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW); however, chlorophyll was greater in FS-A, likely due to the higher pH value. FS-S showed slightly higher total microbial, yeast, and mould counts, while Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were not detected in any samples. Volatile compound analysis revealed a higher proportion of D-limonene in FS-S (35.56%), contributing to the citrusy aroma, whereas FS-A was characterised by fenchene (14.81%) and D-limonene (14.57%). Overall, spring-harvest spruce sprouts exhibited a higher bioactive compound content, supporting their potential as a functional and sustainable food ingredient.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Time-dependent hepatic histopathological and biochemical changes following a single dose of methylprednisolone aetate in dogs]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0009</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Long-acting corticosteroids, such as methylprednisolone acetate, are commonly used in veterinary medicine due to their prolonged anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Despite their extensive clinical use, evidence on the hepatic safety profile of long-acting corticosteroid formulations remains insufficient and requires further investigation. This study investigated the biochemical and histopathological changes in the liver following a single intramuscular injection of long-acting methylprednisolone acetate at 2 mg kg−1 in seven healthy beagle dogs, monitored over a 56-day period. Serum enzyme activities – alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) – were measured every seven days, while ultrasound-guided liver biopsies were obtained on days 0, 14, 28, and 56. Tissue samples were evaluated using haematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and immunohistochemical staining. Significant increases in GGT and ALP were observed, peaking at around day 14, followed by gradual normalisation by day 56. Histological evaluation revealed hepatocellular changes, including swelling, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and marginal nuclear displacement. Neutrophil counts and hepatic stellate cell numbers showed no significant differences across time points. This work extends current knowledge by documenting the time-dependent progression and partial recovery of hepatic alterations following a single dose of long-acting methylprednisolone acetate in dogs. The results highlight the importance of monitoring liver responses and provide new insight into the subclinical hepatic effects of depot corticosteroids, with potential implications for safer therapeutic decision-making in veterinary practice.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Effect of ultrasound and pasteurisation on the structure and visual quality of black elderberry juice]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0006</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Black elderberry juice is rich in polyphenols but tends to form a visually unappealing, cloudy precipitate, which is unappealing to consumers. This study aimed to evaluate how high-intensity ultrasound combined with lower-temperature pasteurisation affects the particle size distribution, turbidity, centrifugal sedimentation rate, viscosity, and colour of black elderberry juice. Ultrasound alone reduced the particle mean diameter (D₄,₃) values, indicating the deagglomeration of cell clusters and the formation of finer particles, while slightly decreasing centrifugal sedimentation. After ultrasound treatment (UT) and pasteurisation at 60–70 °C, particle size and the centrifugal sedimentation rate increased. Turbidity decreased to approximately 40 NTU, yielding clarified juice with large, dense aggregates that settled.In contrast, prolonged UT combined with pasteurisation at 60–70 °C significantly reduced D₄,₃ and increased turbidity to 425 NTU, indicating a fine, stable colloidal cloud. Colour analysis showed that UT followed by pasteurisation at 60 °C enhanced redness and chromatic hue. In contrast, prolonged UT and 70 °C temperature pasteurisation produced darker, less vivid red tones, consistent with partial pigment degradation and polymerisation. The results revealed two technological pathways within the same juice matrix: a clarification pathway (ultrasound + pasteurisation) and a cloud stabilisation pathway (extended ultrasound + pasteurisation), offering a tool for developing elderberry juices with the desired visual outcome.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Precision Apiculture with Artificial Intelligence: A Survey of Methods, Tools, and Future Directions]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0008</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Beekeeping plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem balance, and global food security through pollination and the production of honey and other bee products. However, apiculture faces increasing threats from disease outbreaks, colony collapse disorder, and environmental stressors. In recent years, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), bio-inspired computation, and precision agriculture has introduced new tools for sustainable and intelligent beekeeping. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of AI applications in beekeeping, with an emphasis on both theoretical approaches and existing tools. It further explores the role of bio-inspired algorithms, such as the Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), in linking natural swarm behaviour to computational optimisation problems. The most prominent AI implementations are found in disease diagnostics, using Computer Vision (CV) and Deep Learning (DL) for the detection of pathogens such as Varroa destructor and Nosema. Behavioural tracking through video analytics and acoustic monitoring is gaining momentum, offering early warnings for colony stress and swarming. While commercial tools demonstrate practical feasibility, adoption remains uneven due to cost, infrastructure needs, and limited access among small-scale beekeepers. However, data scarcity and model generalisability remain significant limitations. The integration of AI and evolutionary computation into precision beekeeping presents a transformative opportunity to enhance sustainability, productivity, and resilience in apiculture. The interdisciplinary nature of intelligent apiculture opens up opportunities for collaboration across fields such as computer science, agriculture, ecology, and ethics. This study establishes a foundation for future research in AI-driven beekeeping, aligned with the goals of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Characterization of mycobiota in faba beans infected with Alternaria spp.]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0001</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Leaf diseases pose a serious threat to faba bean production. Leaf blotch of faba bean, caused by Alternaria spp., has become increasingly widespread and destructive in several countries. The infection of plants by pathogens can be influenced by various factors associated with the host plant, environmental conditions, and the presence of other microorganisms. The phyllosphere and endosphere play a critical role in plant health and disease development. This study aimed to evaluate the factors shaping the structure and diversity of fungal communities associated with faba beans infected by Alternaria spp. Plant samples were collected in 2024 from two intensively managed faba bean production fields in the central region of Latvia. Fungal assemblages were characterized using an ITS region metabarcoding approach via Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Among the assigned amplicon sequence variants (AVS), 65% belonged to the phylum Ascomycota, while approximately 4% were classified as Basidiomycota. Alternaria and Cladosporium were the dominant genera across samples. The alpha and beta diversities of fungal communities were higher during the flowering of faba beans compared with ripening. A higher abundance of Basidiomycota yeasts was observed during flowering; in contrast, the Cladosporium genus was significantly more abundant during ripening. Alternaria DNA was detected in all plant tissues, including leaves that exhibited no disease symptoms. The diversity and composition of fungal communities were significantly influenced by sampling time and the presence of leaf blotch, caused by Alternaria spp.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Development of the dairy sector in Latvia: AGMEMOD scenario analysis]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0010</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The dairy sector is one of the most important and complexly regulated agricultural sectors, making a significant contribution to the national economy, public employment, and rural development. At the same time, it is a strategically important part of the food supply system, which is influenced by political, economic, technological, social, and environmental factors. Due to these circumstances, it is essential to develop and analyze scenarios for the development of the sector, which allow for the prediction of possible future situations and the assessment of the impact of policy measures or market changes on the sustainability of the sector. This is made possible by various forecasting models that are widely used in the agricultural sector. One such model is AGMEMOD, which was developed to forecast the agricultural and food market in the European Union (EU). In this study, using the AGMEMOD, scenarios for the development of the Latvian dairy sector were analyzed based on current sector trends and expert opinions obtained during interviews. Two scenarios were developed and the results show that gradual and structured integration of technology into milk production processes can promote productivity growth and ensure more stable adaptation of the sector to political and economic challenges without increasing herd size. Overall, the introduction of technology is the most promising direction for the development of the sector, allowing the potential for innovation to be balanced with practical adaptation processes.The aim of this study is using the AGMEMOD model to assess how different assumptions regarding technological progress and policy uncertainty may influence future milk production, herd size, and productivity.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Vegetative Growth and Productivity of Apple Trees in a Replanted Orchard in Estonia]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0002</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Long-term cultivation of fruit trees leads to soil fatigue. It is a condition caused by the combined effects of adverse physical, chemical, and biological soil factors. In the experiment, the removal of an old apple orchard during its amortization phase was studied using stump grinding with a stump grinder. In the old apple orchard, intercrops such as cereals, white sweet clover (Melilotus albus), and many-leaved lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) were grown. The intercrops were cultivated for four years. The selected apple cultivars for the experiment were ‘Antei’, ‘Auksis’, ‘Lobo’, ‘Tiina’, and ‘Vahur’, all grafted onto the dwarfing rootstock B9. In the old orchard, stump grinding combined with the use of green manure over four years improved tree height and trunk thickness in the new planting. Flower bud formation and fruit development depended strongly on the cultivar-rootstock combination. Fruit set and yield formation in apple orchards are determined primarily by the genetic characteristics of each cultivar. Tree height and trunk diameter continue to reflect the effects of soil preparation carried out up to a decade earlier. In a fully productive orchard, the average total yield per tree is higher in the variant with grinded stumps, although this had no effect on the average fruit weight.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Impact of Extruded Pea Hull Fibres and Starch on Texture and Sensory Properties of Meat Analogues]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0004</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Pea hulls, a by-product of pea protein production, represent a valuable source of dietary fibre, and its utilisation supports the implementation of zero-waste approaches in the development of new products. The incorporation of pea starch and extruded pea hulls as fibre sources in high-moisture extruded meat analogues represents a promising approach to obtaining products with desirable textural properties while increasing dietary fibre content. In contrast, the incorporation of fibre may disrupt the homogeneous protein–starch matrix, resulting in a less fibrous structure with shorter fibres. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extruded pea hull fibre and starch on structure formation, texture, colour, and sensory properties of high-moisture extrudates formulated with pea protein and pea starch. The formulations were based on 80% pea protein isolate (P) and 20% pea starch (S), with extruded pea hulls (F) added at levels of 5%, 10%, and 15% by partially replacing starch. High-moisture extrusion was performed using a twin-screw extruder. Texture profile analysis showed that, compared with extruded pea protein isolate, the hardness and chewiness of samples containing starch and extruded fibre were increase. Similar trends were observed during sensory evaluation, where experts noted that the addition of extruded pea hulls reduced perceived fibrousness, resulting in softer samples that were easier to chew and more closely resembled meat texture. Moderate replacement of starch with extruded pea hulls (10%) in high-moisture extruded products may improve textural properties and provide a basis for further research into meat analogue development.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[White-fruited strawberry growth and development under drip irrigation and fertigation]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2026-0003</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Strawberries, in addition to being a valuable source of nutrition, are also a much-preferred fruit due to their taste, attractive appearance, pleasant aroma, and beautiful colour. White strawberries are even more attractive with their exotic taste and interesting colour. The aim of this paper is to present the effects of the applied regimes of fertilisation and irrigation on the growth parameters of the white strawberry cultivar.A two-factor experiment was conducted during 2023–2024 in an unheated greenhouse in the Chelopechene experimental field, Sofia, Bulgaria, with the drip-irrigated and fertigated strawberry cultivar Fragaria x ananassa ‘Snow White᾿. The irrigation and fertilisation factors were applied at two rates, where irrigation (IR): I1 – 75% ETc and I2 – 50% ETc; fertigation (F): F1 – optimal fertilisation N8.09P12.76K15.62 and F2 – suboptimal fertilisation with 75% of F1. Five treatments were tested: control: I0F0 – 100% ETc, without fertigation; I1F1; I1F2; I2F1; I2F2.I1F1 plants showed the highest values of the studied growth parameters. It was established that plants from the I1F1 treatment (75% IR and 100% F) were the tallest (22.83 cm) and had the largest number of leaves (50.92), number of inflorescences (26.96), number of flowers (89.25), and runners (25.79). The plants from the I1F1 treatment had the highest plant growth index (30.13 cm).]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[The actualities of apple breeding in Latvia]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0015</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[For successful development of fruit production in Latvia it is necessary to obtain new cultivars suitable for commercial growing and able to compete with imported fruits. The aim of the breeding program at Institute of Horticulture is to combine the following: (1) high fruit quality, long storage, improved flesh firmness and biochemical content, especially Brix, polyphenols; (2) climate adapted tree with high and regular yields, easy for training, desirably with self-thinning fruits; (3) complex resistance or tolerance to main apple diseases – scab, mildew and others. The resistance has to be durable, so different resistance sources are combined in crosses, including genes Rvi6 and Rvi5. Sources of fire blight resistance are also used, as this disease now arrives in Latvia. Recently more attention is paid to late flowering with some resistance to spring frosts, as this trait is becoming increasingly important in Latvia with climate change. For improved quality, best cultivars grown worldwide are included, like ‘Bohemia’, ‘Honeycrisp’. Late maturing is preferred, but with harvest not too late for Latvia. In 2024 six variety candidates were applied for registration: ‘Inara’ (‘Alesya‘ x ‘Honeycrisp’), ‘Raivo’ (‘Bogatyr’ x ‘Fantazja’), ‘Sarmīte’ (Co-op 7 x AMD-12-15-15) for commercial growing and ‘Katrīnīte’ Rvi6 (BM 41497 x ‘Latkrimson’) for home gardens; ornamental apples ‘Antonija’ and ‘Dūdars’ (both ‘Top Millionaire’ x D-1-94-2). Promising variety candidates for registration are H-15-05-20 ‘Ilze’ (‘Eksotika’ x ‘Bohemia’), H-3-07-164 ’Vizma’ (‘Ligita’ x ‘Honeycrisp’), cider apple P 53-1 ‘Pūres Sidra’ (‘Redcroft’ o.p.), ornamental crab S1-8 ‘Austris’ (‘Geneva crab’ o.p.).]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of promising Lithuanian grapevine]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0016</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The Lithuanian breeder Antanas Gailiūnas (1918–2004) developed a series of interspecific grapevine hybrids suited for the northern climate. With recent climate change and milder conditions, some of these hybrids have become the main varieties cultivated in Lithuanian vineyards. However, after about 50 years of vegetative propagation by amateur growers, significant plant heterogeneity has been observed. It remains unclear whether these differences are purely phenotypic or also genotypic. Additionally, the origin of many Lithuanian grapevine seedlings is undocumented. According to EU wine regulations, only Vitis vinifera varieties or regionally registered hybrids may be used for wine production. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and potential origin of grape varieties commonly grown in Lithuania. A total of 78 grapevine leaf samples were collected from six vineyards. Molecular identification was carried out using eight microsatellite (SSR) markers, following the guidelines of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV). In total, 133 polymorphic alleles were identified, with allele numbers per primer pair ranging from 7 to 18. The most informative loci were VVMD7 and VVMD28. The SSR profiles revealed clear genetic distinctions among the genotypes and helped identify cases where different sample names shared the same genetic code. These results confirm the effectiveness of SSR markers for grapevine genotyping and provide valuable data for distinguishing, authenticating, and potentially registering local Lithuanian grape varieties in line with EU regulations.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Red:Blue ratios differently change yield, nutritional quality and water use efficiency of twelve microgreen crops]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0013</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Microgreens are young seedlings harvested at the first true leaf stage and are valued for their concentrated flavour and phytonutrients. Their short growth cycle and high planting density make them well-suited for Totally Controlled Environment Agriculture (TCEA), which shields crop performance from external weather and water scarcity. However, species-specific water footprints for these juvenile crops remain limited, which inhibits accurate sustainability claims. This study evaluated twelve culinary microgreen species representing Amaryllidaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae and Lamiaceae, cultivated in a micro-TCEA unit under two LED spectra with contrasting Red:Blue ratios (5.08 vs 2.33; 255 µmol m−2 s−1; 14 h photoperiod). Ranking species by days to harvest and cumulative water use produced a multidimensional efficiency matrix linking physiology to resource demands. The analysis revealed clear interspecific differences in growth duration and water consumption, which directly affected water-use efficiency (ranging from 73 to 154 g biomass L−1). Spectral treatment did not alter biomass, water use efficiency, nitrate, or phenolic content, confirming nutritional parity across light regimes. The observed variability among species in crop length and water budget highlights that early-stage demand is primarily driven by intrinsic physiological traits. Adopting species-specific irrigation set points offers a high-leverage route to maximise yield while minimising water withdrawal, providing a practical framework for cultivar choice, scheduling, and climate-adaptive strategies in precise horticulture.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Machining parameters of the patented wood, lightweight stabilised blockboard]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0020</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Since the introduction of wood cellular material, or Dendrolight®, the process of creating dimensionally stable wood panels (Berger et al., 2016) has evolved towards the creation of a similar, but significantly different new material - Lightweight Stabilised Blockboard (LSB). It was patented (Roziņš, M. Vašuks &amp; P. Vašuks, 2014a) with the invented profiled solid wood boards (Roziņš, M. Vašuks &amp; P. Vašuks, 2014b). The LSB design has introduced a smaller groove or kerf height, which hypothetically allows for a reduction in energy consumption during its manufacturing process. Considering that LSB is a new material, most suitable parameters of cutting regime for the LSB mechanical machining have not been developed. To develop machining processes for LSB, it is necessary to determine the optimal cutting tool, machine parameters, expected feed speed and cutting power. The study analyses the parameters of cutting regime that affect the cutting power, and performs theoretical calculations that reveal the expected and most suitable cutting process indicators in the industrial production of LSB, as well as compares the machining of LSB and Dendrolight®. A new evaluation parameter has been introduced that characterises the ratio between the cutting power and the permissible feed speed. It was concluded that grooving LSB lamellae requires significantly less cutting power, and that higher feed speeds are possible compared with the grooving of analogous Dendrolight® lamellae. However, the cutting power required for the LSB grooving is still quite energy-intensive, which potentially limits the possible width of LSB lamellae and the number of simultaneously operating cutting tools.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Economic assessment and innovation management for microbial-hormonal treatments in organic soyabean under climate variability]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0018</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The article examines the economic feasibility of using microbial and phytohormonal biopreparations in organic soyabean production in Ukraine under the conditions of climatic instability and market fluctuations. The aim of the study was to conduct a comprehensive economic assessment of the profitability of biotechnological cultivation schemes for the Khorol soyabean variety using biopreparations of different origins - Profix, Mycofriend and Violar - implemented over three years (2022–2024), taking into account the level of costs, organic product prices, and hydrothermal conditions. The study also sought to develop an adaptive model for choosing the optimal strategy for organic soyabean producers. The methodology is based on a combination of cost analysis, profitability sensitivity to price scenarios €475–661 per tonne, yield variation coefficients, as well as strategic grouping of schemes according to the “income-risk” criteria. The developed heat map and strategic matrices enabled the formulation of flexible recommendations based on financial capacities and market price expectations. It was found that the combined schemes (in particular, Mycofriend + Profix + Violar) demonstrate not only the maximum yield (3.23 t ha−1) and the highest profitability (369%), but also the lowest level of yield fluctuation (CV=9.7%), which indicates their adaptability to hydrothermal stress. At the same time, some monocomponent options (Profix, Control) had unstable yields with a low level of profitability. Based on multi− criteria analysis, a Decision Matrix Model was proposed that combines producer goals, climatic expectations, and market prices of products.]]></description>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Effects of Inorganic Substances Used in Late-Season Apple Scab Management on Disease Incidence and Productivity in Two Orchard Systems of cv. ‘Ligol’]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0014</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[In apple production, reducing the use of synthetic pesticides may be possible by using inorganic substances in the second part of the season against secondary scab infections. An investigation was conducted to evaluate strategies for controlling apple scab. The trial comprised the following treatments: synthetic fungicides applied to manually pruned slender-spindle canopy trees; synthetic fungicides applied during the primary scab infection period and inorganic substances during the secondary period; and synthetic fungicides applied only during the early stages of apple scab infection for mechanically pruned trees with a vertical axis canopy. The incidence of apple scab in ‘Ligol’ was strongly influenced by season, treatment, and canopy management, with secondary infection periods being critical for disease control. Combining synthetic fungicides in the primary period with inorganic substances in the secondary period effectively reduced fruit infection while limiting chemical use. Vertical-axis orchard systems showed higher yield efficiency per canopy volume. Overall, integrated management strategies, including pruning, canopy design, and targeted fungicide application are essential for optimising yield and fruit health under variable seasonal conditions.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[A living heritage: old and traditional horticultural varieties supporting biodiversity from gene bank to field]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0011</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Agriculture remains to be a major threat to biodiversity, primarily due to partial habitat destruction, unsustainable land use, and the erosion of plant genetic diversity. At the same time, plant genetic resources are essential for crop improvement and long-term food security. A significant share of global agrobiodiversity is safeguarded through ex situ conservation, stored as seed collections in gene banks around the world. These collections include cultivated varieties and crop wild relatives, which play a crucial role in broadening the genetic base for breeding resilient crops. In Poland, the active collection of vegetable genetic resources, including traditional and old cultivars as well as wild relatives, is maintained by the Regional Centre for Horticultural Biodiversity (RCBO) at The National Institute of Horticultural Research in Skierniewice. The living collection supports both scientific research and biodiversity-based development in rural areas. One of the ongoing initiatives of the RCBO focuses on the multiplication, evaluation, and registration of regional and amateur vegetable varieties. It aims to increase their representation in the National List of Vegetable Plant Varieties and supports the implementation of agri-environment-climate schemes under the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It also assists farmers in reintroducing locally adapted, historically cultivated varieties. To date, eleven old vegetable varieties have been submitted for registration and are currently awaiting approval. There is growing recognition of the need to preserve these genetic resources, not only for their breeding potential but also as a moral responsibility to protect biodiversity and regional heritage for future generations.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Cultivar and rootstock effect on sweet cherry fruit density and fruit drop]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0019</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0019</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The yield formation of sweet cherries occurs in a relatively short time and has been influenced by various factors. Shortly after blooming, the incompletely fructified fruits drop off the trees. Later, the second fruit drop is mostly is related to resource availability and sink-source relations in the trees. The aim of the study was to evaluate the initial fruit density, fruit drop and final fruit density for eleven sweet cherry cultivars and the impact of rootstocks, year-to-year differences and growing systems. Fruit density on a sample branches was detected in 2022 – 2024 after the initial fruit drop and the second fruit drop. Generally, the number of fruits reduced by 24 – 86% during their development and it was affected by growing season, cultivar and rootstock. The lowest level of fruit drop was shown by the cultivars ‘Paula’ in growing system with VOEN cover and drip irrigation. Fruit drop was significantly less for the trees grown on the rootstock ‘Latvijas Zemais’ (Prunus cerasus L.) comparing to the trees on the rootstocks P7 and Mahaleb cherry (Prunus mahaleb L.).]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Blackcurrant Genetic Resources for Breeding and Sustainable Production]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0017</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0017</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) is the most widely grown berry crop in Latvia, with organic plantations occupying a large share of production. However, the fruit productivity is limited by the susceptibility to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses of grown cultivars. To identify sources of resistance, 19 local genotypes, including cultivars, breeding selections, and expedition-collected material, were evaluated for yield, fruit quality, and resistance/tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Considerable variability in the resistance of the tested accessions was observed. The cultivars ‘Karina’ and ‘Ritmo’ as well as the genotypes VI-2, GEN 233A, GEN 264 and GEN 645 showed the highest levels of resistance to pests and diseases. GEN 758 had good winter hardiness and frost tolerance while GEN 233A was additionally notable for its high nutritional value of its fruit.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[A comparison of diesel engine car performance using H2O-CH technology]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0021</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/article/10.2478/plua-2025-0021</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[One of the ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels in transport is to use alkane gases in diesel engines. However, as the direct application of gaseous fuels in diesel engines presents technical challenges. A dual-fuel system integrating H2O-CH technology offers an effective solution to facilitate the use of alkane gases in internal combustion diesel engines. By partially substituting diesel fuel in the combustion chamber with a mixture of alkane gas and water vapour, a more uniform and complete combustion process can be achieved, thereby reducing diesel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.The aim of this study is to compare the performance (power, torque, fuel, gas and water consumption) of a passenger car with a diesel engine when running on pure diesel fuel and when running on a combination of diesel and gaseous fuel using H2O-CH technology equipment. The performance indicators were compared in different driving modes using the chassis dynamometer Mustang MD1750, while simultaneously measuring fossil diesel, LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), and water consumption.The results demonstrate that a properly integrated and calibrated dual-fuel system equipped with H2O-CH technology can, under certain operating conditions, achieve higher engine performance while partially replacing diesel fuel with a mixture of alkane gas and water vapour. The presence of water vapour in the fuel mixture reduces the risk of detonation in the combustion chamber and contributes to smoother and more stable engine operation.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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