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A long-term experiment in the maise-pea cropping system was conducted in Palampur from October 2019 to September 2021 as part of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Weed Management (AICRP-WM). Ten methods for managing weeds, namely, T₁ – hoeing, T₂ – raised stale seedbed + hoeing, T₃ – stale seedbed + hoeing, T₅ – stale seedbed + mulch, T₆ – raised stale seedbed + mulch, T₄ – mulch 5 t per ha, T₇ – intercropping fenugreek in rabi season and soybeans in kharif season, T₈ – crop rotation (soybean, mustard, and maise-peas alternately), T₉ – intensive cropping (additional crops of mustard in the fall and buckwheat in the summer), and T₁₀ – chemical check (pendimethalin in rabi season and atrazine in kharif season). A randomised complete block design with three replications was used to assess the weed flora, consisting of eight weed species during kharif 2020, fourteen during kharif 2021, and thirteen during the rabi seasons 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The weed species composition changed significantly in the second year compared to the first. In contrast to the chemical check, the organic weed control treatments showed a variety of weed flora, as indicated by diversity and phytosociological studies. Long periods of germination/emergence, blooming, and fruiting were found in phenological research. Rabi weeds appeared between October and January and between May and August. They flowered and produced fruits or seeds in March and September, respectively, and matured in April and September. Crop rotation followed by Raised stale seedbed (RSSB) + hoeing + earthing resulted in a much greater yield; however, in the second year, the chemical check was comparable to this treatment. Additionally, crop rotation increased profitability over time.

Combining phosphorus management with phosphorus-efficient cultivars is an effective strategy for improving rice quality. To investigate their effects on root characteristics and photosynthetic traits, a pot experiment was conducted with two rice cultivars differing in phosphorus efficient: Liangeng 7 (weakly efficient) and Yongyou 2640 (highly efficient). Four phosphorus rates (0, 0.44, 0.88, and 1.32 g/pot, designated as P0, P1, P2, and P3, respectively) were applied. A significant cultivar-phosphorus interaction was observed. Most root traits (the length, dry weight, volume, total absorption area, active absorption area, oxidation activity, and acid phosphatase activity) and photosynthetic traits (photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance) initially increased and then decreased with increasing phosphorus rates, while the leaf intercellular CO₂ concentration showed the opposite trend. Liangeng 7 performed optimally under P2, whereas Yongyou 2640 reached its peak under P1. Compared with Liangeng 7, Yongyou 2640 exhibited better appearance quality, root traits, and photosynthetic parameters. Correlation analysis showed that root length, root physiological activity and leaf photosynthetic parameters (except intercellular CO₂ concentration) were significantly negatively correlated with chalkiness degree. These findings demonstrate that matching phosphorus supply to cultivar‑specific efficiency optimises root‑photosynthesis synergy, leading to superior grain appearance quality with less phosphorus input.

The intensification of agricultural practices in Bangladesh has caused significant environmental challenges. This has also undermined farmers' economic sustainability, mainly due to the excessive use of subsidised chemical fertilisers. To address these issues and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bangladesh has prioritised the adoption of sustainable farming practices, including the recommended fertiliser application (RFA). However, whether the adoption of RFA ensures economic sustainability remains uncertain. This study evaluates how the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute's (BRRI) proposed RFA affects fertiliser use and cost-efficiency. Drawing on five years (2017–2021) of panel data from 2 025 households across three acidic soil regions in Dinajpur, the findings reveal that RFA adoption reduces fertiliser use by 12% while improving cost efficiency by 4.9–5.1%. These results highlight the potential of RFA to mitigate environmental degradation while enhancing economic outcomes, thereby supporting the SDG agenda. In light of these benefits, the study offers key insights for policymakers and development practitioners, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to accelerate RFA adoption and promote sustainable agriculture.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in western Algeria between February and October 2024, aimed at determining the prevalence of bovine mastitis, Gram-negative bacilli, and their associated risk factors. A total of 524 cows were sampled using clinical examination and the California mastitis test. Milk samples from the affected quarter were subjected to bacteriological assays. Three generalised linear mixed models were used to identify the risk factors for clinical mastitis (CM) and subclinical mastitis (SCM), as well as Gram-negative bacilli isolates associated with bovine mastitis. Model selection was performed using the Akaike information criterion. The prevalence of mastitis was 59.7% at the cow level, of which 12.6% was CM and 47.14% SCM. Overall, 65.5% of the mastitis cows showed a positive culture for Gram-negative bacilli. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia spp. (44%), Klebsiella spp. (23.1%), and Pseudomonas spp. (11.6%). The parity, contact with visitors, and daily milk yield (l/day) were identified as risk factors for SCM in dairy cows. However, foremilk discarding reduced the risk of developing SCM. A history of mastitis, udder injuries, udder and leg hygiene scores, and parity were identified as risk factors for CM. Nevertheless, none of the variables examined were risk factors for an udder infection by the Gram-negative bacilli isolates.

The aim of this study was to identify and quantify the relationships between the nutrient content and the DM (dry matter) content of various maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) in the dynamics of vegetative maturity and various soil-climatic growing conditions. Over the course of 7 growing seasons (years), a set of 1 972 samples of whole silage maize plants consisting of 206 different hybrids grown in two contrasting regions (lowland and foothill areas) was analysed. The focus was on DM content and the content of key energy nutrients (WSC – water soluble carbohydrates, starch, NDF – neutral detergent fibre) and their interactions. Results show that the transformation of WSC into starch has four key points: (i) it begins at a DM content of 150 g/kg; (ii) it peaks at a DM content of approximately 235 g/kg; (iii) it begins to decrease significantly from a DM content of 300 g/kg; and (iv) it practically stops rapidly after exceeding a DM content of 350 g/kg. In the dynamics of vegetative development of maize plants, the DM content is very closely related to the WSC content (R² = 0.728) and the starch content (R² = 0.873). With the gradual increase in vegetative maturity and DM content in maize plants, the transformation of WSC into starch dynamically increases. These characteristics, with small deviations, were also confirmed at different levels of evaluation (all analyses, regions, seasons and individual hybrids). These results show that a DM content of 300 g/kg to 350 g/kg can be considered the optimal harvesting window for maize ensiling and the optimal phase of silage maturity for whole maize plants, because once the DM content exceeds 350 g/kg; the transformation of WSC into starch stops and the drying phase of plants begins.

Forest transformation commonly occurs in subtropical areas due to extensive human disturbance. However, we know little about how forest transformation may affect the soil water-holding capacity. Here, we evaluated the effects of forest transformation from natural forests to secondary forests, Castanopsis carlesii plantations, and Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations on the soil water-holding capacity, including the soil water content (SWC), maximum water holding rate (R_t), capillary holding rate (R_c), and non-capillary water holding rate (R_n), and assessed the influences of soil properties and stand characteristics on the forest transformation effects. The results showed that (i) the soil water-holding capacity in secondary forests increased significantly (SWC: 27.3%; R_t: 50.9%; R_c: 36.9%; R_n: 14.0%), but decreased in the Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations (SWC: 24.6%; R_t: 47.0%; R_c: 34.0%; R_n: 13.0%), compared to the nature forests (SWC: 26.0%; R_t: 48.3%; R_c: 34.9%; R_n: 13.4%); (ii) the soil water-holding capacity was positively correlated with the soil porosity, soil total nitrogen concentration, stand density, but negatively influenced by the soil bulk density and diameter at breast height (DBH); and (iii) the stand density, DBH and litterfall amount were the major factors regulating the soil water-holding capacity after the forest transformation. Overall, these results indicated that the soil water-holding capacity would be strongly altered by the forest transformation, but it depends on the soil properties before the transformation and the characteristics of the transformed forests. Our findings will help to better understand the functions of forests in water source conservation under the pressures of human disturbances and environmental changes.

The research was conducted in 2014–2017 in a multi-cultivar apple orchard in the Experimental Orchard of the National Institute of Horticultural Research (IO-PIB) in Dąbrowice near Skierniewice. To determine the actual Venturia inaequalis ascospores release dates, the Burkard spore trap installed in a plot of the McIntosh cv. that was not protected against apple scab was used. Monitoring of ascospore releases was carried out annually, starting from the appearance of numerous colouring (maturing) ascospores in the pseudothecia (usually in the second decade of March) and ending at the second half of June, usually about two weeks after the last release of these spores. The sums of ascospores detected on a given day and their proportion in all ascospores recorded during primary infections were calculated. The obtained results formed the basis for the analysis of forecast indications of the A-scab, Metos (Metos® Pessl Instruments), and RIMpro-Venturia models in connection with meteorological data from the Metos weather station installed in this orchard and to compare them with the actual release dates recorded by the Burkard spore trap. Depending on the year, significant differences were found in the number and intensity of V. inaequalis ascospore releases and in their beginning and end dates.

The effect of mineral, organic (manure or straw + intercrop) and combined fertilisation on the development of soil nutrient contents over time and their mutual ratios was evaluated in a long-term field trial, IOSDV (established in 1984 at two sites), differing in the soil-climatic conditions. Three cropping cycles, from 2016 to 2018, 2019 to 2021, and 2022 to 2024, were studied in the following crop rotation: winter wheat-winter barley-root crop (sugar beet at Ivanovice na Hané and potatoes at Lukavec). Potassium and phosphorus in mineral fertilisers have not been applied since the year 2020 due to their high content found in soils after dry years with low yields. Consequently, their content decreased, most in the third rotation, both by the Mehlich 3 method and especially the exchange fraction extractable with NH₄-acetate (Ivanovice: P 5–14%, 32–40% and K up to 12%, 9–20% determined by Mehlich 3 and NH₄-acetate, respectively; Lukavec: Mehlich 3 – P increase: 5–16%, K decrease: 0–8%; NH₄^- acetate decrease – P: 10–13%, K 8–23%). The mutual ratio of nutrients equivalents K : Mg : Ca was lower than required values 1 : 2–3 : 10–15 at both sites and all studied treatments, however a slight increase was observed during the studied period, above all in system with only mineral fertilisation (Ivanovice: K : Mg : Ca from 1 : 1.2 : 5.6 to 1 : 1.4 : 6.8, Lukavec: from 1 : 1.0 : 7.7 to 1 : 1.0 : 9.6). A correctly balanced ratio of nutrients in the soil is important for maintaining soil fertility. In this long-term field experiment, the increase in nutrient levels in soils over reasonable levels was observed, highlighting the necessity of regular nutrient testing in agricultural soils, especially when multiple types of fertilisers are used simultaneously.

Water deficit is one of the most important abiotic factors limiting crop yields. To better understand the link between carbohydrate balance and drought stress response in strawberry plants (Fragaria vesca), we monitored by liquid chromatography the carbohydrate status in leaves during exposure to drought of different duration and intensity as well as subsequent recovery. In two greenhouse experiments that differed in the rate of reaching the target water deficit, strawberry leaves showed osmotic adjustment, with gradual increases in glucose and fructose content, likely provided by observed starch degradation. At the point of the most severe stress, proline content increased, while stress markers, such as malondialdehyde content and chlorophyll fluorescence, showed no significant changes. It indicates the defence mechanisms’ ability to protect cellular structures effectively. Strawberry, a member of the Rosaceae family, motivated us to investigate the role of sorbitol in the stress response. However, we found no sorbitol in any stress or control situations. Finally, testing sorbitol’s ability to support strawberry plant or non-green callus growth in vitro did not indicate that sorbitol could be used as a carbon and energy source. In conclusion, strawberries exhibit marked changes in soluble carbohydrate and starch content as an efficient defence against drought, without apparent involvement of sorbitol.

This study assessed the effect of a 24-hour bath with praziquantel (2 and 4 mg/l) on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by monitoring the haematological parameters, plasma biochemical profile, and oxidative stress indices. Fish were sampled at 24-, 48-, 72-, and 96-hours post-exposure (hpe). The haematological analysis revealed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the white blood cell count immediately after treatment at both concentrations, with no subsequent changes. Within the plasma biochemical profile, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) was observed only in chloride (24 hpe at 2 mg/l; 72 hpe at both concentrations) and in magnesium (48 hpe at 2 mg/l). The oxidative stress responses indicated that the gill was the most responsive tissue. In the gill, the catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities increased significantly (P < 0.05) at 48 hpe at 4 mg/l. Lipid peroxidation in the gill decreased at 48 hpe but increased at 72 hpe following exposure to 4 mg/l. In the hepatopancreas, the glutathione peroxidase activity significantly decreased at 48 hpe at 2 mg/l. In the plasma, significant changes (P < 0.05) were detected only in the ceruloplasmin activity, which decreased at 72 hpe in the 2 mg/l group. These findings provide essential baseline data supporting the potential future application of praziquantel in aquaculture.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a cornerstone in the management of canine osteoarthritis (OA), despite concerns regarding their long-term safety. Among non-pharmacological alternatives, pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has gained attention for its potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, although veterinary-specific evidence remains limited. This randomised, controlled pilot study compared the clinical efficacy of PEMF therapy versus NSAID treatment (Mavacoxib) in 16 dogs with clinically and radiographically confirmed OA. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either a 12-session PEMF protocol over 45 days or a standard Mavacoxib regimen. Clinical evaluations included pain scores (VAS), pain on palpation, lameness severity (NRS), gait analysis (GLS and TPI), muscle circumference, and radiographic progression. Assessments were performed at baseline (T0), 30 days (T1), and 60 days (T2). PEMF therapy showed earlier improvements in pain, lameness, and muscle mass, and a favourable trend in joint mobility. No significant differences were detected in gait or radiographic parameters between groups. These preliminary findings suggest that PEMF is non-inferior to NSAIDs and highlight its potential role in multimodal OA management. Limitations include a small sample size and a short follow-up. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results in larger cohorts.

Crops belonging to the Solanaceae family, including potato, tomato, pepper, and tobacco possess considerable economic importance worldwide. However, their production is continuously under threat from plant pathogens. Farmers typically rely on resistant cultivars carrying one or several disease resistance (R) genes introduced through conventional breeding. Over time, a competitive host-pathogen coevolution can lead to major resistance breakdown. Genome editing is a significant research tool and avenue for the genetic improvement of crop species, as it enables the precise introduction of targeted genetic changes. This technology has been successfully used in various food crops, including those belonging to the Solanaceae family. The advent of the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system allows the rapid knockout of desirable genes. Plant pathogens often exploit host genes known as susceptibility (S) genes to facilitate their proliferation. Inactivation of these S genes may reduce the pathogen’s ability to infect plants and confer durable and broad-spectrum resistance. This review provides an overview of the current application of CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt the S genes for the development of disease-resistant solanaceous crops. The technological limitations and potential strategies for overcoming these challenges are discussed.

The forest dynamics of the Ore Mountains (Krušné hory), Czech Republic, reveal a historical decline of natural mixed forests, especially those dominated by the Hercynian mixture and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), due to the expansion of metallurgy and glassmaking in the 15^th century. This led to large-scale reforestation with Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.], resulting in single-layered monocultures. Although these monocultures provided valuable timber, they proved highly susceptible to both biotic and abiotic stressors. Throughout the 20^th century, the stability of these forests further deteriorated due to air pollution (notably SO₂ emissions), the unsuitable selection of substitute species, and the proliferation of pathogens. The cumulative impact of these disturbances caused soil acidification, degradation, and weed encroachment, severely limiting the regenerative capacity of forest ecosystems in this region. This article presents model examples of species composition shifts, spatial structure changes, and evolving management practices in the Ore Mountains. It discusses strategies for establishing diverse and resilient stands that align with long-term forest planning goals. These approaches aim to maintain both productive and ecological functions of forests under changing environmental conditions while minimising restoration costs. Importantly, forest management and conversion strategies must also account for economic optimisation, ensuring that ecological goals are met in a financially viable manner. The strategies and case studies presented here offer promising, albeit preliminary, directions for future forest management. Their broader application will require further refinement and long-term experimental validation to ensure sustainability in both ecological and economic terms.

Soil nitrogen (N) cycling plays a pivotal role in forest ecosystem productivity and nutrient regulation. This review synthesises recent advances in understanding how forest management practices influence soil nitrogen cycling and highlights future research priorities for elucidating underlying mechanisms and optimising forest ecosystem functioning (Figure 1). Management interventions such as thinning, species composition adjustment, and understory vegetation control have been shown to affect N inputs and transformation pathways by modifying litter quality, microbial community structure, and N-cycling enzyme activities. However, current findings remain inconsistent, and mechanistic insights are still limited. Future research should focus on disentangling the multi-scale, multifactorial interactions through which forest management regulates soil N cycling. Integrative approaches that link molecular biology with ecosystem-level processes are needed to clarify the interplay among microbial dynamics, enzyme activity, root exudates, and soil physicochemical properties across spatial and temporal scales. In addition, research should explore how forest management affects community structure, litter inputs, soil aggregation, and subsurface biochemical processes to reveal the synergistic regulation of nitrogen cycling by biological, physical, and chemical drivers. Establishing long-term monitoring networks across a range of forest types and climatic regimes, combined with tools such as metagenomics, high-throughput sequencing, and stable isotope tracing, will enable the precise characterisation of key nitrogen-cycling genes and fluxes. In the context of global environmental change, it is also crucial to assess how forest management modulates the coupling of nitrogen, carbon, and water cycles and the resultant ecological feedbacks.

This study has evaluated the genetic characteristics and wheat processing-related properties of four Korean wheat landraces (KWLs). The KWLs were found to possess the vernalization alleles vrn-A1, vrn-B1, and Vrn-D1 and the photoperiod alleles Ppd-A1b, Ppd-B1b, and Ppd-D1a. The Korean cultivated variety Keumgang also shared these alleles with the exception of vrn-D1. With regard to grain hardness, KWL 2 was shown to possess Pina-D1a and Pinb-D1b like Keumgang, while other KWLs were classified as carrying Pina-D1a and Pinb-D1a. All KWLs were found to be non-waxy, carrying the alleles Wx-A1a, Wx-B1a, and Wx-D1a. With regard to the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) genes, all four KWLs carried low-activity alleles, in contrast to the Keumgang sample. The assessment of physicochemical properties revealed that KWL 1, 3, and 4 had a higher amylose content but a lower protein content than KWL 2 and Keumgang. In tests of solvent retention capacity KWL 1 and KWL 2 exhibited the lowest and highest values, respectively, for all four solvents used in the tests. With regard to the dough properties, the results of Mixolab analysis indicated a faster starch gelatinisation in KWL1, while in KWL 2 a high water absorption and the longest dough development and stability times were found. KWL 3 and 4 exhibited similar dough behaviours. Principal component analysis of the four KWL lines revealed distinct clustering based on their physicochemical and dough-related traits.

Soil salinisation is a key determinant in soil fertility decline, exerting a direct negative impact on soil organic carbon. In the context of global warming, investigating the response mechanisms of soil organic carbon pools with varying salinity levels to climate change is essential for accurately assessing the carbon cycle and emission potential of degraded soils. Based on soil samples (B1–B6) collected along a coastal salinity gradient, indoor incubation experiments were conducted at 15 °C and 25 °C to characterise soil respiration and its temperature sensitivity (Q10). Double-exponential models were used to simulate soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralisation, characterising active and stable organic carbon pools. The results demonstrated that the Q₁₀ value of the stable organic carbon pool (7–8% of SOC mineralisation) was 103% higher than that of the active organic carbon pool (the initial 1% of SOC mineralisation). The Q₁₀ value of the stable organic carbon pool was 32.6% higher at the high-salinity sites (B1, B2) than at the low-salinity sites (B4, B5). Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen (TN), and total salt (TS) were key regulators of Q₁₀. The Q₁₀ of the active organic carbon pool correlated positively with SOC and TN but negatively with TS, whereas the stable pool showed the opposite trends. The stable organic carbon pool exhibits a salinity-amplified Q₁₀, implying that predictive models must account for this mechanism to avoid substantially underestimating carbon losses from degraded saline soils.

In Saudi Arabia, root-knot nematodes (RKNs) were found to cause considerable damage to eggplant. These parasites cause significant death of seedlings during nursery production, with infected plants showing the symptoms of chlorosis and wilting, along with the characteristic root galls. Therefore, this work was carried out to find a resistant cultivar of eggplant against RKNs in Saudi Arabia by screening 11 locally available cultivars for two successive seasons. Following Koch's postulates for pathogenicity, RKNs were isolated from infected eggplant, and females were identified morphologically by perineal patterns as Meloidogyne javanica, which was distinguished by clear lateral fields on both sides. Identification was confirmed using two species-specific primers (SCAR), Fjav/Rjav and MjF/MjR, and visualized amplified fragments appeared at 670 bp and 517 bp, respectively. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to screen the cultivars, using five replicates for each cultivar and nematode inoculum (1 000 second-stage juveniles). In response to M. javanica, gall index (GI), egg mass index (EMI), and reproduction factors (RF) were calculated, and all the eggplant cultivars were categorized according to their resistance levels based on RF. Among the 11 eggplant cultivars, four were found resistant to M. javanica including Black Beauty (C5, Bursa Tohum), Melanzana Violetta Difirenze (C6, Zorzi), Melanzana Violetta Lung 2 (C7, Zorzi), and Long Purple (C9, Bursa Tohum) and Violetta Lung 3 (C8, Taj Agri) was found highly resistant. Moreover, two cultivars were found moderately resistant, two susceptible, and two susceptible to M. javanica infection. Therefore, this study provided valuable information to eggplant growers about the resistant cultivars in Saudi Arabia. However, the molecular mechanisms of this resistance need to be evaluated to find novel candidate genes for breeding and CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing programs.

This study explores the construction of small reservoirs (SRs) as a strategic solution to address water scarcity in Kashkadarya Province, Uzbekistan, where agricultural productivity is heavily dependent on irrigation. By utilising geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) technologies, optimal locations for reservoirs were identified, focusing on improving the water availability for irrigation during critical periods. The research highlights the socio-economic and environmental benefits of SRs, including enhanced agricultural yields, increased employment opportunities, and reduced reliance on energy-intensive pumping stations. The findings indicate that the construction of an 18 Mm³ reservoir in the Ayakchisoy River could supply water to 26.5 thousand hectares, thereby improving the region’s resilience to climate variability. This approach offers a sustainable framework for managing water resources in arid regions, contributing to food security and economic stability.

Effective weed management is crucial in the critical period of sugar beet production, but often lacks sustainability and environmental protection. Recent advancements in sensor-based weed control systems have rendered the latter a realistic prospect, which demands detailed analyses, especially under suboptimal field conditions. The present study analysed six robotic-assisted weed control systems (RAWS) in three experiments on sugar beets in 2024, conducted under dry soil and high weed pressure. The experiments included sensor-based inter-row and intra-row hoeing, spot- and band-spraying and were compared to a broadcast herbicide treatment and an untreated control. Weed control efficacy (WCE) in the intra- and inter-row areas, as well as weed species composition and crop plant damage, were assessed after treatment. The data show that intra-row WCE of two hoeing robots (Farming GT® and Robovator®) equipped with selective intra-row blades achieved up to 80%, which was higher than the broadcast herbicide control with 67% WCE. In the inter-row area, Farming GT® robotic hoeing and ARA® spot-spraying resulted in more than 90% WCE, which was equal to the broadcast herbicide application. Weed species composition was not affected by the different RAWS. Crop plants were affected by all hoeing treatments with maximum non-lethal burial rates of 33%. The highest lethal uprooting of crop plants occurred after Farming GT® robotic hoeing, at 5.5% overall. The results demonstrate the great potential of robotic weeding to replace broadcast herbicide applications.

In this study, we present a detailed geochemical characterisation and stable isotope systematics of silver (Ag) in a mining waste facility at the Namib Lead & Zinc mine in Namibia (Africa). We examined a series of flotation tailings and ore minerals to address two principal questions: (1) the distribution, chemical form and leachability of Ag, and (2) the local Ag isotopic signature(s) and its variability in relation to Ag speciation in the solid phase, as well as the fate of stable Ag isotopes. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between Ag and Pb concentrations, indicating that galena is the primary Ag carrier. Most importantly, all mild extractions mobilised only a minimal amount of Ag (≤ 1 wt.% of the total amount). This suggests that most Ag is associated with geochemically stable phases, specifically sulphides, which are not subjected to leaching and/or intensive weathering. Unlike other isotope studies, the present research demonstrates a homogeneous Ag isotopic signal in the tailings and individual ore samples with an average δ¹⁰⁹Ag value of ~ 0‰ (± 0.1, 2SD). Therefore, this study provides new knowledge and clearly supports the use of Ag isotopic data to track primary Ag sources globally, not only in Africa.

Salinity stress poses an increasing threat to global rice production, particularly under climate change. Enhancing salinity tolerance is crucial to sustain rice production and food security. This study aimed to assess genetic variation among rice parental genotypes and their derived crosses under salinity stress by evaluating physiological, biochemical, agronomic, and yield-related traits. Seven diverse rice genotypes were used to develop 21 crosses using a half-diallel mating design in the summer of 2023. The parental genotypes and their derived crosses were evaluated in the summer of 2024 under controlled greenhouse lysimeter conditions. Salinity stress was induced by irrigation with water containing 10.60 dS/m, and soil salinity was maintained at 9.60 dS/m through controlled irrigation and drainage. Twenty key traits were studied, including phenological and agronomic attributes, yield traits, and physiological and biochemical markers such as relative water content, leaf CO₂ assimilation, proline accumulation, malondialdehyde content, and antioxidant enzyme activities, to assess salinity tolerance in rice genotypes. The results demonstrated highly significant variation among the evaluated parental genotypes and their derived crosses across physiological, biochemical, agronomic, and yield-related traits, indicating considerable genetic variability in the studied plant materials. The genotypes C9, R8, and R6 were identified as superior combiners contributing favourable alleles for salinity tolerance. Eleven promising F1 crosses exhibited enhanced growth, improved antioxidant enzyme activities, osmotic adjustment, reduced oxidative damage, and higher grain yield under salinity stress. Exploiting these plant materials can improve the development of novel rice genotypes tolerant of salt-affected environments, addressing the current challenges posed by climate change. Strong associations were observed among physiological, biochemical, agronomic, and yield-related traits, indicating an integrated network of responses that collectively contribute to enhanced salinity tolerance in rice.

The aim of the study was to verify whether differences in intramuscular fat quality, evaluation based on fatty acid profile and ratios, occur between cattle genotypes – the combined performance cattle breed Czech Fleckvieh and the beef breed Aberdeen Angus – under identical rearing conditions (same pasture location and nutritional management) with extensive grazing. The results of observation show the difference in the quality of intramuscular fat of bulls with combined performance and bulls with meat performance in extensive pastoral farming. Breed differences were reflected by a statistically significantly higher mean intramuscular fat (P ≤ 0.05) in the beef cattle breed (149 ± 60.1 g/kg dry matter) compared to the combined performance breed (120 ± 51.8 g/kg dry matter). A higher saturated fatty acid (SFA) value of 53.4 ± 22.2 g/kg dry matter was observed in the beef cattle breed compared to SFA 40.8 ± 18.9 g/kg dry matter (P ≤ 0.05) in the combined performance cattle breed; a higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) value of 43.8 ± 26.3 g/kg dry matter compared to a MUFA value of 42.3 ± 20.8 g/kg dry matter (P > 0.05); and a higher value of polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 (PUFA n-3) 0.76 ± 0.33 g/kg dry matter (P ≤ 0.05) compared to PUFA n-3 0.48 ± 0.21 g/kg dry matter in combined performance cattle breed. A higher value of polyunsaturated fatty acids n-6 (PUFA n-6) 3.66 ± 1.39 g/kg dry matter was found in the combined performance cattle breed compared to the meat cattle breed with PUFA n-6 3.54 ± 0.96 g/kg dry matter (P > 0.05). A more favourable n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio was observed in the Aberdeen Angus (P ≤ 0.05). The results suggest that the different genotypes of the bull breeds studied, reared on extensively used pasture, may influence the amount of intramuscular fat and its quality.

Pyrenophora teres is a pathogen causing a net blotch disease in cultivated barley, which is present worldwide and can thus significantly reduce barley yields. This fungus also infects wild barley and other plants of the Hordeum genus, as well as barley grass, wheat, oats and plants from various genera, including Agropyron, Bromus, Elymus, Hordelymus and Stipa. Based on the symptoms it causes on the infected barley plants, the pathogen can be divided into two forms: P. teres f. teres, which causes net-like symptoms, and P. teres f. maculata, which causes blotchy symptoms. Infected seeds, stubble and plant debris, and volunteer and weed plants represent primary sources of pathogen inoculum. During the growing season, the pathogen enters a sexual stage, developing pseudothecia with asci and ascospores. This is followed by an asexual stage, during which conidiophores with conidia are formed. The conidial (anamorphic) stage is much more common, whereby conidia is a source of inoculum for secondary infection during the barley growing season. The first symptoms appear at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, often during the tilling phase. The most characteristic symptoms form on barley leaves. Frequently, symptoms of the net form can be mistaken for other diseases occurring on barley, making molecular analysis essential for accurate detection of P. teres, its forms, mating types and hybrids. Current net blotch control measures are based on the combined application of cultural, chemical and biological control methods and the selection of resistant varieties.

Corrigendum in: J. For. Sci. 2026 Feb 27;72(2):106. doi: 10.17221/16/2026-JFS

The response of forest trees to bark beetle attack involves substantial changes in terpene content, which varies between resistant and non-resistant species. Terpenes serve as crucial chemical defences against pests, and their production can be influenced by prior attack history, water stress, and biotic interactions. Moreover, the effectiveness of terpenes in resisting bark beetle attack is influenced by their chemical composition. Different tree species produce different types and amounts of terpenes that can affect their overall resistance levels. In conifers, acyclic and cyclic monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were significantly present in all samples. Acyclic monoterpenes, ketones, aldehydes, monocarboxylic acids and their esters, and aromatic and cyclic compounds have been identified in beech. A statistically significant decrease of compounds in infested trees was determined in pine (cis-β-ocimene, neo-allo-ocimene, terpinene-4-ol, and δ-cadinene), and fir (acetophenone, benzonitrile, phenol, and zonarene). In addition, increased benzaldehyde production was observed. However, in infested beech trees, only increased production of some aliphatic and aromatic compounds (2-butanone and 3,5-octadien-2-one, 2-methyl-4-pentenal and 2,4-hexadienal, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, 3,4-dimethyl-2,5-furandione, acetophenone, benzeneacetaldehyde, 2-ethyl-1H-pyrrole, β-ionone-5,6-epoxide, β-cyclocitral, and geranyl acetone) was found. We investigated the changes in the terpene composition of surviving trees in bark beetle-infested stands of beech (Fagus sylvatica), pine (Pinus sylvestris), and fir (Abies alba). Our data showed that the distribution of different groups of volatile compounds varied according to the tree species.

Measuring the reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) is difficult and costly. Some regions can have variable microclimates and these can often be quite far from climate stations. Therefore, it is optimal to use local measurements rather than a regionally calculated ET₀. In this respect, one piece of equipment that provides cheap and reliable measurement results is ET_Gauge equipment. In this study, ET₀ values measured with ET_Gauge equipment were compared with daily and monthly ET₀ values calculated by five different commonly used empirical methods (Thornthwaite_Adj, Blaney-Criddle, Penman-Monteith = PM, Jensen-Haise and ASCE standardised Penman-Monteith = ASCE SZ PM). During the measurement period, daily ET₀ values measured with ET_Gauge varied between 0–10 mm/day and the average was determined as 4.5 ± 2.7 mm/day in the study area. In the calculations made with the empirical models, the change in Thornthwaite_Adj is 1.3–6.6 mm/day with an average of 3.8 ± 1.6 mm/day, the change in Blaney-Criddle is 1.8–7.2 mm per day with an average of 5.1 ± 1.4, the change in PM is 1.2–10.5 mm/day with an average of 5.8 ± 2.7 mm/day, the change in Jensen-Haise was 5.8 ± 2.7 mm/day with an average of 5.5 ± 2.7 mm/day, and the change in ASCE SZ PM was calculated as 1.0–10.1 mm/day with an average of 5.4 ± 2.5 mm/day. Considering the obtained results, the ET_Gauge equipment can be used safely in creating irrigation programmes.

Leaf rust is an important wheat disease that considerably reduces the wheat production in most wheat growing regions worldwide. This study aimed to identify leaf rust resistance genes in 42 wheat varieties to find genetic sources with the broadest spectrum of resistance against leaf rust pathotypes, to enable effective breeding for disease resistance. In this study, 42 wheat cultivars were inoculated with 18 pathotypes of Puccinia triticina Eriks. at the seedling stage to postulate the Lr genes in the cultivars. Resistance to leaf rust at the adult stage was then tested in field trials under natural infection during the 2019 to 2020 cropping seasons at Baoding, Hebei Province. Gene postulation together with molecular marker detection identified ten Lr genes (Lr1, Lr10, Lr14a, Lr26, Lr2a, Lr17, Lr20, Lr34, Lr37, and Lr46) among the 42 accessions.  Lr1 was present in 16 accessions, Lr14a in three accessions, Lr17 in five accessions, Lr2a in five accessions, Lr34 in one accession, Lr10 in two accessions, Lr37 in two accessions and Lr46 in 29 accessions. Additionally, 15 wheat accessions displayed adult-plant resistance or other unknown genes. These results suggest that a high level of leaf rust resistance can be achieved by combining known resistance genes and adult-plant resistance genes in wheat cultivars.

Rice is a crucial food commodity worldwide, particularly in Asian countries. However, various factors, such as drought, floods, and pest attacks, can lead to the emergence of diseases in rice plants. Accurately identifying these diseases poses a significant challenge for farmers, often leading to significant yield losses. Conventionally, farmers rely on manual methods based on their experience and visual inspections to identify rice diseases. However, this approach is highly ineffective, time-consuming, and prone to error. This study aimed to address this issue by proposing advanced deep learning techniques, an ensemble learning method, to automate and enhance the identification of rice plant diseases. The ensemble learning method was proposed by leveraging two state-of-the-art pre-trained models: EfficientNetV2B0 and MobileNetV3-Large. The proposed Average Ensemble method demonstrates superior performance compared with single models. The proposed Average Ensemble achieved superior performance with an average precision of 0.9339, a recall of 0.9330, an F1-score of 0.9328, and a test accuracy of 0.9330. The results of this study can be used to aid farmers and researchers in accurately identifying rice diseases, ultimately supporting better disease management practices, and enhancing the agricultural productivity.

This study was conducted to investigate the resistance of 4 wild eggplant species (Solanum aethiopium group Aculeatum, S. incanum, S. macrocarpon, S. linnaeanum), 3 cultivated eggplant varieties (‘Anamur F1’, ‘Pala’, ‘Yamula’), 1 eggplant rootstock (Köksal F1) and 34 interspecific hybrids to Verticillium dahliae Kleb. and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melongenae. Disease resistance of eggplant genotypes was determined by the pathogenicity test. The disease severity values varied between 0–80% for Verticillium and between 0–100% for Fusarium. Among the 42 genotypes, 18 genotypes were found to be moderately resistant and 1 genotype was found to be highly resistant to Verticillium. At the same time, 2 of the 42 genotypes were found to be moderately resistant and 22 of the 42 genotypes were found to be highly resistant to Fusarium. All hybrids with S. integrifollium, Solanum aethiopicum group Gilo as father were found to be highly resistant to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melongenae. Solanum linnaeanum did not exhibit any disease symptoms and was found to be highly resistant to both disease agents. Present interspecific hybrid eggplant genotypes with known resistance to Verticillium and Fusarium wilt are expected to have significant contributions in developing new eggplant rootstocks and hybrid eggplant cultivars in the future.

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.

Vegetation dynamics, soil properties, and the correlation between them following a wildfire are crucial to understanding the recovery of forest (natural or planted forest) ecosystems. We compared species composition and soil properties in two burned (Br) and unburned (UBr) sites of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stand in Northern Iran. We detected 39 plant species including 22 (56.4%) species that were common in both sites, 13 (33.3%) species specifically in the Br site, and 4 (10.3%) species specifically in the UBr site. Although species abundance was significantly higher in the UBr site, species richness was significantly higher in the Br site. Species composition was significantly different (F = 16.25, P-value = 0.001) between Br and UBr sites. Rarefaction-extrapolation revealed consistently and significantly higher species diversity in Br site compared to UBr site for all three Hill numbers. Only sand (t = 2.23, P-value = 0.030), pH (t = 2.44, P-value = 0.018) and electrical coductivity (t = 2.98, P-value = 0.004) were significantly higher (P-value ≤ 0.05) in the Br site due to the demobilization of base cations in burnt vegetation. In the Br site, the wildfire did not cause any marked changes in C and N stocks.