Fulltext search in archive

The excessive use of chemicals in plant production, including mineral fertilizers has a harmful effect on the morpho- and physiological state of strawberry plants, their yielding, and the physicochemical properties of the fruit and soil. Increasing the effectiveness of beneficial microorganisms, i.e. filamentous fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and bacteria, is an essential method of reducing the amount of fertilizers used to fertilize the soil. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of beneficial soil microorganisms (filamentous fungi and bacteria) applied alone or together with mineral fertilizers on the morpho- and physiological state of ‘Marmolada’ strawberry plants, their yielding, and the physico-chemical properties of the fruit. The experiment included the application of fungi (Aspergillus niger and Purpureocillium lilacinum), bacteria (Bacillus sp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Paenibacillus polymyxa) alone or together with mineral fertilizers (Polifoska 6, Urea, Super Fos Dar 40). The study investigated the number of inflorescences and flowers, the intensity of the green colour of leaves, fruit yield and weight (g and %), pH, extract (°Brix), titratable acidity (g/100 g), fruit firmness (N), as well as the concentrations of macro-and microelements in the leaves of the plants. The obtained results depend on the type of fertilizer and its concentration. Strains of filamentous fungi or bacterial strains only (without fertilizer), increase the fruit yield by 60 and 35%, respectively. Reduced to 60% doses of Polifoska 6, Urea, and Super Fos Dar 40 combined with beneficial soil microorganisms influence the strawberry fruit yield more beneficially than the fertilizers applied in standard doses (100%). The mineral fertilizers enriched with soil beneficial fungi and bacteria increase the mean fruit weight by 25–30%. Both Super Fos Dar 40 enriched with bacterial strains and Polifoska 6 at 100% positively affect the physical and chemical properties of strawberry fruits. The application of reduced to 60% doses of Fos Dar 40 and Polifoska 6 enriched with beneficial bacterial strains increase the nitrogen and potassium contents in the leaves, respectively. Urea and Super Fos Dar 40 at 100% enriched with beneficial bacteria positively affect magnesium content in the leaves. Application of Polifoska 6 and NPK enriched with bacteria beneficially influences the iron content in the leaves. The calcium content in strawberry leaves decreases due to fertilization.

This work aims to separate antimicrobial lipopeptides from fermentation by Aureobasidium pullulans PA-2, and verify its antimicrobial activity and the optimum condition of lipopeptide production. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, the lipopeptides with antimicrobial activity was evaluated with the agar well diffusion test. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine optimum conditions for lipopeptides from A. pullulans PA-2. The lipopeptides with antimicrobial activity in the fermentation supernatant of the PA-2 strain was found to be the Aureobasidin A (AbA). In vitro antagonistic tests showed that the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AbA against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. The optimal fermentation conditions were: inoculum size 6.8 % (v/v)(OD₆₀₀=0.25), rotation speed 216 rpm, culture temperature 26 ℃, liquid volume 125 mL and initial pH7. Under this condition, predicting yield of the antimicrobial lipopeptides by the model was 940 mg/L, observed yield 920 mg/L, which was 51 % more than that of before optimization (610 mg/L).

Soil erosion resistance is influenced by intrinsic soil properties and multiple external factors. This study investigated the effect of tea planting age on soil resistance to flowing water erosion (reflected by rill erodibility (K_r) and critical shear stress (τ_c)) in Three Gorges Reservoir Area. One slope farmland (as the control) and five tea plantations cultivated for 3 to 34 years were selected for sampling sites. The results indicated that bulk density (BD), soil cohesion (Coh), water stable aggregate (WSA), mean weight diameter (MWD), soil organic carbon (SOC), litter density (LD), and root mass density (RMD) increased generally with tea planting age. Compared to the control, K_r of tea plantations reduced by 71.1%–85.3%. The temporal variation in soil erosion resistance was controlled greatly by the variations in most near-surface characteristics. K_r decreased with WSA, Coh, LD, RMD, and SOC following a power function (P < 0.01); τ_c increased with MWD, LD, RMD, and SOC as an exponential function, with BD a power function, and Coh a logarithmic function (P < 0.01). In this study, K_r could be simulated well by WSA and LD with a power function, and τ_c could be simulated well by MWD and RMD with an exponential function.

Knowledge of the issue of water movement in the soil is the basis for agricultural activity, but also for many other sectors. One of the basic indicators that is evaluated in soil science is the rate of water infiltration into the soil. The article specifically states how soil texture and soil moisture affect the rate of water infiltration. The results show that changes in water infiltration can be significant and certain trends can be traced. The rate of water infiltration into the soil is most affected by the sand fraction (soil particles 0.05–2 mm). The higher the percentage of these soil particles in the soil, the lower the changes in infiltration rate depending on the degree of saturation. The article further evaluates soil moisture in relation to texture. The results were obtained at several research locations within the period 2014–2021 in the territory of the Czech Republic. The above findings are primarily applicable to the region of Central Europe or can be used as comparative values for regions in the rest of the world.

One of the main causes of having low crop efficiency in Peru is the poor management of water resources; which is why the main objective of this article is to estimate the amount of irrigation water required in quinoa crops through a comparison between the machine learning and AquaCrop models. For the development of this study, meteorological data from the province of Jauja and descriptive data of quinoa crops were processed and a simulation period was established from June to December 2020. From the simulation carried out, it was determined that the best model to predict the required irrigation water is the Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) model in which it was observed that the mean and standard deviation of the AdaBoost models (mean = 19.681 and SD = 4.665) behave similarly to AquaCrop (mean = 19.838 and SD = 5.04). In addition, the result of ANOVA was that the AdaBoost model has the best P-value indicator with a value of 0.962 and a smaller margin of error in relation to the mean absolute error (MAE) indicator with a value of 0.629. Likewise, it was identified that, for the simulation period of 190 days, 472.35 mm of water was required to carry out the irrigation process in red quinoa crops.

The effects of biofertilizers on the growth, yielding, and nutritional status of apple trees (in comparison with the standard mineral fertilization) was evaluated in 3-years experiment (2018–2020). The experiment included the following treatments: (i) Super Fos Dar, (ii) Polifoska 6, (iii) Super Fos Dar + fungi (Aspergillus niger, Purpureocillium lilacinum), (iv) Urea enriched with fungi, (v) Urea dose reduced to 60% enriched with fungi, (vi) Super Fos Dar + bacteria applied on their own to the soil (Bacillus sp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Paenibacillus polymyxa), (vii) Super Fos Dar enriched with bacteria, (viii) Super Fos Dar 60% enriched with bacteria, (ix) Polifoska 6 enriched with bacteria, (x) Polifoska 6 60% enriched with bacteria. The application of mineral fertilizers (even in reduced doses) enriched with beneficial microorganisms enhanced the growth of apple trees. The most abundant flowering was recorded when fertilization (with Super Fos Dar) was supplemented with beneficial microorganisms applied to the soil. No significant differences in plant yielding were noted (due to damages caused by spring frosts), but the highest fruit weight was recorded in the case of the trees fertilized with microbiologically enriched Super Fos Dar.

The presented research deals with the effect of plot size changes on the crop yield. Three plots were chosen in a company engaged in conventional agriculture, on which yields were monitored from 2019 using yield maps. In 2020, the plots (initial size > 30 ha) were divided into different parts sized < 30 ha. In 2021, these newly arisen parts of the plots were harvested. Changes in the yield of grown crops were analysed using yield maps acquired by the harvesting machines. Relative yields (%) and absolute yields (t/ha) were determined on all experimental land parts arising from the initial plots’ division. The values were then compared with yields recorded before the division of individual plots using zonal statistics. Measured relative yield values clearly show (P < 0.05) that the division of plots resulted in the increased heterogeneity of crop yields. On the initial plots as well as on the newly arisen plots, the relative yield was divided into the following categories: < 70, 70–85, 85–95, 95–105, 105–115, 115–130 and > 130%, with the value of 100% representing average yield. The analysis of measured yield data showed that the division of plots into smaller parts resulted in an uneven yield distribution because if a divided plot was heterogeneous in terms of yield levels, a cumulation of "higher yield levels (> 100%)" could have occurred in one specific newly arisen plot at the expense of another one. Moreover, new marginal parts of lands came into being during the division of larger soil complexes, and hence zones with potentially reduced yields.

In this study, a global agricultural trade network was constructed, and its topological characteristics from 1991 to 2021 were analysed. The influences of nine variables were empirically tested, including factor endowments and economic, geographical, and institutional factors. The research results show that the scale of trade networks is constantly expanding, and trade relations are becoming increasingly concentrated. Further, global agricultural trade patterns are gradually being reshaped. However, European economies and the United States still dominate the power of network control, with a clear ‘core-edge’ hierarchy. Among the factors influencing the global agricultural trade network, differences in arable land areas, agricultural product prices, geographical distances, and financial institutions have proven important. However, their influence varies. Compared to the differences in the endowments of other factors, the comparative advantage of agricultural trade in various nodes worldwide comes more from the arable land areas. The greater the difference in agricultural prices, the closer are the trade ties between nodes. Differences in geographical distance have proven conducive to establishing agricultural trade relations. Finally, the greater the difference in financial systems, the greater the likelihood that agricultural trade links will occur.

Chilli peppers (Capsicum spp.) are important plants usually consumed as food or used as a spice or medicine. They contain a wide range of phytochemicals such as capsaicinoids, polyphenols (PPH), carotenoids (CC) and vitamins. This study aimed to quantify the contents of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, total PPH, phenolic acids (PHA) and total CC, and the antioxidant activities of the chilli peppers Trinidad Moruga Scorpion, Bhut Jolokia, Habanero Red, Habanero Maya Red, Habanero Red Savina, Jamaica Rosso, Serrano, and Jalapeño. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify the contents of the bioactive compounds. The capsaicin contents in the peppers ranged from 2.1 to 124.2 mg·g^–1, the dihydrocapsaicin content ranged from 5.1 to 151.3 mg·g^–1, the total PPH content ranged from 3.53 to 25.9 mg GAE·g^–1, and the total CC content ranged from 114.7 to 1 390.8 μg·g^–1. The chlorogenic acid content was highest in Habanero Red (82.6 µg·g^–1). The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl test of free-radical scavenging activity indicated that the ethanolic extract of the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion pepper had the highest antioxidant activity correlated with the contents of phenolic substances.

Industrial air pollution, particularly cement dust, affects the leaf water status and resource utilisation and finally decreases primary production. Evaluating the relative water content (RWC), leaf mass per unit area (LMA), specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf water per unit area (LWA) helps selecting more tolerant species for dusty polluted areas. In this study, we compare two species of Quercus castaneifolia C.A.Mey and Carpinus betulus L. in a polluted site (PL) around a cement factory, and a unpolluted site (UPL) in Mazandaran province, Northern Iran. Ten individual trees of each species were tagged at each site, and twenty fully developed leaves were collected for further analysis and calculation. Based on the results, RWC and LWA were significantly lower in the PL site (61.0% and 0.0075 g·cm^–2, respectively) compared to the UPL site (71.1% and 0.0114 g·cm^–2, respectively) for Q. castaneifolia. However, no significant differences were observed in selected variables between PL and UPL sites for C. betulus. Among the studied variables, SLA was significantly higher in C. betulus (259.1 cm²·g^–1) compared to Q. castaneifolia (189.8 cm²·g^–1). Our results indicated that C. betulus responds better to dust pollution in terms of leaf water variables.

In long-term cultivation of apple trees, replantation disease may occur, caused by a set of biotic and abiotic factors, occurring in the soil, e.g. the accumulation of pathogenic and harmful microorganisms. Beneficial microorganisms can be of great importance in limiting orchard replant disease. In our study, the Urea fertilizer was enriched with Aspergillus niger and Purpureocillium lilacinum fungi, while the Polifoska 6 and Super Fos Dar 40 fertilizers with strains of the bacteria Bacillus spp., Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Paenibacillus polymyxa. The aim of the three-year study was to determine what effects the application of mineral fertilizers enriched with beneficial microorganisms, applied in 100% doses and in doses lower by 40% had on the microorganisms in the rhizosphere of apple trees. The number of bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas in the rhizosphere of apple trees was the highest in the combination with Urea 60% + fungi and Polifoska 60% + bacteria. These values were 2–3 times higher compared with the control. In the combination with Polifoska 60% + bacteria, the number of fluorescent Pseudomonas bacteria was five times higher compared to the control. The highest number of actinomycetes was observed in the third year of the study, in the combination with Polifoska 60% + bacteria. The use of this fertilizer increased the number of these bacteria more than five-fold compared with the control. The beneficial effect of Polifoska 60% + bacteria, Super Fos Dar 100% + bacteria, and Urea 60% + fungi on phosphate-solubilizing bacteria was observed in the third year of cultivation. The additional application of filamentous fungi together with Urea did not have a significant effect on this group of microorganisms. The obtained results show that in many cases the application of the selected fertilizers positively influenced the microorganisms inhabiting the apple-tree rhizosphere. Particularly noteworthy is Polifoska enriched with the selected bacteria, the use of which significantly increased the number of beneficial bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas.

Normal log lengths in Norway are 3–6 m (NL), but occasionally there is a demand for short timber with a 2.5 m log length (ST). There are concerns that ST could reduce the forwarders' productivity. Six type stands were created based on harvester data. Different assortment distributions, conditions, and forwarders were simulated in each type stand. It was found that an additional ST assortment almost always decreased productivity (from –15.5 to +4%). Increased forwarding distance (m), more difficult driving conditions, and increased log concentration [m³·(100 m strip road)^–1] decreased the productivity difference between sites with ST and NL and sites with only NL. Increased forwarder size increased the productivity difference between sites with ST and NL and sites with only NL. It is possible to load two stacks of ST on some forwarders. Such loading was more productive than loading one stack on longer forwarding distances, while the opposite was the case on short distances. However, loading two stacks of ST can lead to overloading.

Grassland as a part of farmland is important for agrobiodiversity, soil protection and agricultural production (grazing, hay production). In the Czech Republic, grassland area increases with increasing altitude. In this study we evaluated the period 1966–2021 and the change in grassland area in different locations in South Bohemia region: fertile lowlands (Písek, České Budějovice, Tábor districts) and marginal uplands (Český Krumlov, Prachatice districts). Data on land use including the share of grassland were obtained from the Czech Cadastral and Surveying Office and Czech Statistical Office. In the upland districts, there is the largest share of grassland areas in the whole region. The prevalence of grasslands is probably due to the geographic and climatic conditions, which are challenging here. Our research shows the results of changes in grassland areas between 1967 and 2021, with regard to the assessed districts. The difference in the percent area of grassland in 2021 compared to 1967 is –0.04 to –1.77 for lowlands, and +1.45 to +5.99 for uplands. Despite this, uplands farmers practice relatively extensive farming methods and extensive grazing due to low ruminant numbers. Although farmers maintain relevant carbon sinks, it is unlikely to increase the carbon stocks per hectare of extensive grasslands on an annual basis, which would be a barrier to participation in a carbon farming system.

This paper presents the results of a two-year trial on the yield, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and total antioxidant capacity of the ‘Willamette’ red raspberry under organic and conventional farming. A trial was conducted in a commercial plantation of ‘Willamette’ raspberries located in the southwestern part of Serbia. The total phenolics and flavonoids in the raspberry fruits were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride assay, respectively. The ferric reducing antioxidant power assay was used to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of the raspberry fruits. The results of this study showed that the raspberry yields were significantly affected by the different farming systems. The raspberry yield in conventional farming was higher than that of organic farming. Contrastingly, the raspberries from the organic farming contained higher levels of the total phenolics and flavonoids and also had a higher total antioxidant activity compared to those from the conventional farming in both 2021 and 2022. This study also showed that the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the ‘Willamette’ red raspberry have a significant and positive correlation with their total antioxidant capacity, indicating that the phenolic compounds play an important role in the antioxidant activity of the raspberry.

The physiological regulation of Welsh onion seedlings was explored under short- and long-term drought stress. The Welsh onion cultivar ‘Neicong 3’ was grown in pots under drought stress (22.5–25% soil water content) or controlled watering conditions (65–67.5% soil water content). Different lengths of drought stress (7, 14, 21, and 28 days) were studied to determine the effects of the drought on the levels of the osmoregulatory substances, including proline (Pro), free amino acids (FAAs), soluble sugar (SS), and soluble protein (SP); the membrane-damage indicator malondialdehyde (MDA); the endogenous hormones indoleacetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), and jasmonic acid (JA); and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD). The soil water content was restored to the control level after the drought stress to analyse the physiological responses of the Welsh onion with regards to rehydration. The results showed that the Welsh onion responded to drought stress primarily by increasing the levels of the osmoregulatory substances and the activities of the protective enzymes. The drought stress resulted in the accumulation of Pro, FAA, SS, MDA, and ABA in the pseudostems, while the IAA and GA levels decreased. Short-term drought stress led to a decrease in the SOD activity and an increase in the CAT activity, whereas the long-term drought stress led to a decrease in the POD activity. The effects of the drought stress on the SP and JA contents were negligible. The rehydration demonstrated that the short-term drought stress (7 or 14 days) did not exceed the tolerance of the Welsh onion; the substances regulating the drought tolerance were restored to normal levels after the stress conditions were relieved. In contrast, after the severe drought stress (28 days), the substances regulating the drought tolerance in the seedlings could not return to normal levels. This study provides a theoretical basis for the cultivation of the Welsh onion under early drought conditions and for breeding of drought-resistant varieties.

The present study aimed to reveal intergenerational differences in the nutritional habits of the baby boomer, X, Y, and Z generations at a private college in Muğla, Türkiye. The study population included the students of the TED Bodrum College in Muğla province in the 2021–2022 academic year, including 311 participants: baby boomers (74), X (66), Y (43), and Z (128) generations. An online questionnaire was used to compare the eating habits among the generations. The data were evaluated using SPSS software. Most of the generations believed in healthy eating. Physical image and social media mainly influence the healthy eating habits of the Z generation. The baby boomers and X generations mostly skipped lunch, while the Y and Z generations skipped breakfast. Baby boomers, X, and Y generations mostly prefer healthy foods; however, the Z generation attaches importance to tasty foods. Z generation's interest in nutrition mostly concerns their physical appearance, not their health. Nutritional knowledge must be strengthened, particularly among young generations, and nutrition education programs need to be better supported by the government and educational sectors.

Due to its positive effects, mulching with organic matter is a popular soil conservation tool. However, opinions are divided on the effects of mulching on pests and pathogens. Our research aimed to investigate the effect of organic mulch on potato tuber damage caused by soil-dwelling pests and soil-borne pathogens. Therefore, mulching trials were carried out at four sites over six years, comparing the effects of straw, walnut leaves, mixed leaves, compost and two sowing methods (in soil, on soil surface, and under mulch). The total yield of the mulched plots was equal (2013, 2014) or significantly higher (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) than the control, while the weight of damaged tubers did not increase. Total yield was higher in plots mulched with compost, walnut leaves and mixed leaves than in control and straw-mulched plots. The seeding method had no effect on yield or tuber damage for any of the cover crops. Mulching potatoes with organic matter, especially compost and leaves, is recommended, as their application positively affected yield but did not increase the number of damaged tubers. Sowing potatoes under mulch can reduce the digging work and cutting damage without reducing the yield.

Advancements in technology have recently enabled to assess soil aggregate stability (SAS) using digital devices. To address the need for a faster and more efficient method of measuring SAS, we have developed a simple yet effective approach using a specialized device. The innovative method named SlakeLight involves measuring the changes in light transmittance as aggregates undergo slaking. The device consists of the measuring chamber, which is placed on a LED light source with a surface-homogeneous distribution of luminosity. During the disintegration process of aggregates immersed in water, reduction in the light emitted to the photodiodes is proportional to SAS. The functionality of the device was tested using topsoil samples from two field fertilization trials. The recorded SAS_trans values were compared with the wet sieving method (WSA) and SLAKE test. The new method showed a strong correlation with both reference methods (r = 0.89 for WSA, r = –0.86 for SLAKE). The device was able to detect a statistically significant differences in SAS between the grassland and the cropland at both sites. Although differences in SAS_trans were not significant between different fertilization treatments unlike WSA, the simplicity and speed of the measurement increase the potential of the method for practical implementation in agriculture, surpassing the limitations of traditional and labor-intensive laboratory techniques.

Predators of aphids on apples were studied during the growing season in 2021 and 2022 in the region of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Eleven predator species were found on eight apple cultivars in the colonies of three aphid species, Aphis spp., Dysaphis plantaginea Passerini and Dysaphis devecta Walker. Seven species were identified from the family Syrphidae: Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer), Meliscaeva (Episyrphus) auricollis (Meigen, 1822), Eupeodes flaviceps (Rond.), Eupeodes corolae (Fabr.), Scaeva pyrastri (L.), Syrphus ribesii (L.) and Syrphus vitripennis Mg. The larvae of syrphids were more numerous in the Kula location, 99 (52 in 2021 and 47 in 2022), while their number in the Klek location was 59 (35 in 2021 and 24 in 2022). The most abundant species was E. balteatus (40.50%), followed by E. flaviceps (12.65%), S. ribesii (10.75%), M. auricollis (10.12%), S. pyrastri (10.12%) and S. vitripennis (6.96%). The family Coccinellidae is represented by three species: Adalia bipunctata L., Coccinella septempunctata L., and Harmonia axyridis Pallas. From the family Cecidomyiidae, one species Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani), was detected. The largest number of predatory species (nine) was found on the Idared cultivar (in D. plantaginea colonies), where the colonies of this aphid species were the most abundant. The least numerous predatory species were identified on the Gloster cultivar in D. devecta and Aphis spp. colonies. E. balteatus was the most common and numerous of all the predatory species.

Afforestation of agriculturally used land has many benefits which are described in different publications. As stated in these publications, afforestation of agricultural land can influence soil water content because of rainfall interception and concentration, transpiration, and properties of forest floor layer and soil; also, hydraulic lift may occur. In this study, we attempted to find changes in volumetric soil water content values (at depths of 20 cm, 40 cm, and 60 cm) on agriculturally used land afforested with a mixture of forest tree species (Quercus robur L., Quercus rubra L., and Acer platanoides L.) or Pinus sylvestris L. in the year 2011 (and on agriculturally used land = control). This study was performed in the period from the end of March 2021 to the beginning of April 2022. In this study, we proved our hypothesis on the reduction of volumetric soil water content after afforestation; it is probably because of higher rainfall interception and evapotranspiration as described in different studies. Concerning the afforestation, the average volumetric water content was higher on the plot afforested with broadleaves compared with Scots pine. It was especially in the period after defoliation when the proportion of throughfall (and stemflow) increased on the plot with broadleaves. Our results indicate a higher water-storage capacity of forests compared with agriculturally used land. During the leafless period, this capacity was found to be higher after afforestation with Scots pine.

Summer maize cultivars are differently sensitive to soil moisture. To better understand the differences in water productivity of summer maize cultivars with different water sensitivity, a field experiment was conducted from 2020 to 2022. Three different water-sensitive summer maize cultivars were selected, including TY808 (high water-sensitive cultivar), DH605 (medium water-sensitive cultivar), and ZD958 (low water-sensitive cultivar). Soil water content (SWC), soil water storage (SWS), water consumption, water use efficiency, and grain yield were determined. The results showed that under rainfed conditions, the SWC of the medium water-sensitive cultivar DH605 in the deep soil layer was 2.1–18.2% lower than TY808 and ZD958, respectively, and the differences were significant in the 12th leaf stage (V12) and vegetative tassel stage (VT). The SWS of the high-water-sensitive cultivar TY808 was 0.7% to 6.4% higher than the other two water-sensitive cultivars from 2020 to 2022. The changes in SWS are related to the spatiotemporal distribution of precipitation. The water consumption of DH605 was higher than TY808 and ZD958 by 5.3% and 7.09% in 2020 and 2.9% and 2.8% in 2021; in 2022, DH605 is 2% higher than ZD958 and 2.8% lower than TY808, respectively. The yield of DH605 was 4.3–10.78% higher than the other two cultivars in the three-year experiment. Additionally, the 1 000-kernel weight of DH605 was the highest in TY808 and ZD958. DH605 has the highest water use efficiency, which was increased by 4.8–14.6% compared to TY808 and ZD958. Through path analysis, we found that the direct path coefficient of SWS in the VT stage on yield reached 0.999, indicating that soil moisture in the VT stage has the greatest impact on yield, followed by the blister stage (R2). In conclusion, our results suggest that the water consumption of summer maize during the VT stage is the highest, and the soil moisture condition in VT significantly affects the grain yield of summer. Planting DH605 in the North China Plain would harvest the maximum grain yield and water productivity.

Based on data from 10 countries from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CBOT) wheat futures market for the period from 2000 to 2021, this study examines the impact of the financialisation of agricultural products on food security and its mechanism of action. We found that the higher the degree of financialisation of agricultural products, the stronger the negative effect on food security, which is more prominent after the financial crisis in 2008, and the effect on developing countries is more obvious than that on developed countries. The test results of the mediation effect model showed that the financialisation of agricultural products affects food security by increasing the volatility of futures prices. The test results of the moderating effect model showed that the rise of the US dollar index and loose monetary policy will exacerbate the impact of the financialisation of agricultural products on food security. Still, the increase of the self-sufficiency rate of food can effectively inhibit this impact. The study’s conclusions supported the government’s optimising macro policies and promoting food security.

Prior studies have noted the importance of measurement tools that track the contributions of the circular bioeconomy and other developments towards sustainable development. In this study, we examined the EU-27 as a whole and found that its circular bioeconomy, measured by the 41 indicators we used, generally progressed over the period 2004–2021. Research and development personnel and Persons employed in circular economy sectors were ranked as the most progressing indicators over the studied period, together with Patent applications to the European Patent Office, which supports the idea that the circular bioeconomy uses novel technologies and requires research to develop them.

In order to determine the possibility of using infrared thermography (IRT) in preventing lameness in dairy cows, the aim of this study was to evaluate temperature variations depending on the lesion presence, measurement points and leg position. The study used about 3 000 IRT records from 60 Holstein cows housed in a free-stall barn. Surface temperature measurements were taken at two regions of the hooves: the region of the coronary band, and the region of the skin up to 2 cm above the coronary band. A highly significant (P = 0.004; 0.006, P < 0.01) difference in temperature was observed between healthy and diseased legs at both measurement points. Additionally, a significant (P = 0.029; 0.037; 0.045; 0.012; 0.018, P < 0.05) or highly significant (P = 0.004; 0.006, P < 0.01) difference in temperature values between the front and rear legs was established for both measurement points, i.e., the coronary band and the skin. Despite confirming the potential applicability of infrared thermography in the detection of lameness, it is crucial to consider the significant influences of the environmental factors, impurities, and animal-related factors.

The Karakılçık landrace is known for its quality traits, especially protein content. However, its high plant height causes lodging and yield loss, which limits the production area. A Levante × Karakılçık population developed by crossing the local Karakılçık wheat with the commercial variety Levante in order to eliminate the disadvantages of Karakılçık and adapt it to wider production areas. In the study, yield, quality, and some physiological traits were investigated in the population. The experiment was conducted in an augmented experimental design in the cropping seasons of 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. A total of 36 genotypes from Levante × Karakılçık population, parents and 2 controls were tested. The tested genotypes varied significantly for all investigated traits (P < 0.01). Principal component biplot analysis explained 69.3% of the variations and relationships between the traits and genotypes. Among the investigated traits, genotypes LK26, LK19 and LK3 outperformed their parents in 5 traits (spike length (SL), number of spikelets per spike (SNS), number of grain numbers per spike (GNS), protein content (PC) and wet gluten content (G)), 4 traits (SNS, grain weight per spike (GWS), GNS and PC) and 3 traits (grain yield (GY), GNS and test weight (TW)), respectively. The genotype LK3 for yield and the genotypes LK19 and LK26 for quality traits could be recommended to growers and breeders.

The effectiveness of pheromone lures for Grapholita molesta (Busck 1916) from Propher (Czech Republic) and Pherobank (Netherlands), the attractiveness of green and transparent pheromone traps and the representation of non-target species were evaluated in three study areas of southern Moravia (Czech Republic) in 2019–2021 (24 traps per year). A total of 6 536 Grapholita molesta and 946 individuals of 17 non-target species were collected. Grapholita molesta was frequently captured in green delta traps with a Pherobank pheromone lure. Therefore, pheromone lures from different manufacturers have different efficacy and require the independent setting of harmfulness thresholds. An overview of non-target species recorded by other authors was compiled. Among the non-target species, morphologically similar species of Tortricidae dominated, causing considerable problems in the signalling of control measures of the target species.

Advancing agricultural carbon emission efficiency and farmers’ income simultaneously is crucial for the sustainable progress of agriculture. Our study centered on 31 provinces and cities in China and investigated regional variances and the dynamic evolution aspects of coordinated development in farmers’ income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency, utilising panel data from 2005 to 2021. The analysis revealed the following trends: Firstly, China’s overall agricultural carbon emission efficiency was steadily increasing, mainly because of technological advancements. Secondly, the correlation between farmers’ income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency in China had notably improved from 0.318 to 0.775. Throughout the observation period, disparities in the levels of coordinated development were observed in various provinces with a diminishing fluctuation, indicating regional disparities as the primary instigator. Thirdly, the level of coordinated development highlighted positive clustering attributes, demonstrating an ‘east high, west low’ pattern; the evolution of coordinated development levels exhibited stability in maintaining the current status. This study holds significant value for developing countries in enhancing farmers’ income and agricultural carbon emission efficiency in a coordinated manner.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) cause significant complications in the postoperative period in veterinary surgeries. Determining the aetiology of infections is crucial for increasing treatment success rates. This study aims to assess treatment processes by identifying the bacterial agents responsible for infections occurring in cats and dogs after orthopaedic operations and to determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles of these agents. Strains isolated from SSIs were retrospectively analysed in patients brought to the Surgical Clinic of Siirt University Animal Health Application and Research Hospital between 2021 and 2023. The isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. The disc diffusion method was applied to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. A high isolation rate was detected in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae. According to the antimicrobial susceptibility results, cephalosporin treatment was continued in only one of the cases in which prophylactic treatment with cephalosporin group antibiotics was applied. Consequently, this study revealed that preoperative prophylactic antibiotic administration may not be sufficient in preventing surgical site infections. Diagnosis of aetiological agents and evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility are essential in preventing surgical site infections and determining effective treatment options.

The aim of the study was to examine the rabbit consumption habits and opinions of people living in countries that regularly consume rabbit meat. Snowball sampling of data collection was used, a total of 1 860 error-free questionnaires were evaluated. Most of the completed questionnaires came from Hungary, Italy, Spain, China, Poland, France and Mexico. It is to note that 21.3% of respondents have not yet consumed rabbit meat: China (32.1%), Hungary (24.7%), Poland (22.4%), and France (4.8%). The main reasons for not consuming rabbit meat were emotional reasons (22.3%), it does not fit their dietary habits (15.7%). There are 28.7% of respondents who consume rabbit meat once or twice a year, 18.6% less often and 21.9% monthly. It was most often (weekly and monthly) consumed in Spain (25.3% and 36.8%), in Italy (15.3% and 36.2%), in France (1.6% and 38.7%, respectively). Men, aged 40 to 59, secondary school graduates, and those having a higher income eat rabbit meat more often than other groups. The highest scores (near to 4.5 on a 1-5 scale) were given for the health aspects of rabbit meat, such as high protein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, and low fat and cholesterol contents. In order to encourage the consumption of rabbit meat, different marketing campaigns should be carried out in each country, depending on the standard of living, production intensity (large-scale or small-scale) and place of purchase (supermarket or local market). It is paramount to make the younger generation aware of the excellent and health-protective properties of rabbit meat.

Phytoplasma-like symptoms of leaf yellowing and calyx malformation were observed in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), upward leaves and fruit malformation in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), and aerial tuber formation in potato (S. tuberosum L.) during the survey performed in the late season (August to September) of 2015 and 2016 in Van province (Turkey). A total of 100 samples were tested by nested-PCR using universal primer pairs to assess the sanitary status of the solanaceous crops and to characterise the phytoplasma isolates. Among them, seven samples resulted in a 1.25 kb DNA fragment, and five (two eggplants, two peppers, and one potato) were molecularly characterised (Accession No.: KY579357, KT595210, MF564267, MF564266, and MH683601). BLAST and the virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of 16S rRNA genes revealed the presence of two distinct phytoplasma infections in solanaceous crops: 'Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii' a member of the clover proliferation group (16SrVI) and subgroup A and 'Candidatus P. solani' a member of the stolbur group (16SrXII) and subgroup A. The virtual RFLP analysis and calculated coefficients of RFLP pattern similarities further revealed a remarkable genetic diversity among the 'Candidatus P. solani' isolates infecting pepper (similarity coefficient of 0.90) and eggplant (similarity coefficients of 0.98 and 1.00) at the same geographical area. This is the first report of the natural occurrence of 'Candidadtus P. trifolii' in potato from the Eastern Anatolia region, Turkey.