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This study evaluated the effect of seed weight and seed treatment on yield and growth parameters in a three-year field trial. Seed weight treatments were tested in three levels of thousand seed weight (TSW): low 4.28 g, medium 5.00 g and high 5.69 g, with and without a biostimulant seed treatment of Lumibio Kelta. Although statistically significant differences were not found in all experimental years, the three-year results showed that sowing seeds with higher seed weight increased the initial and final stand counts, root length, seed yield and oil content. The final stand at harvest time averaged over the three years ranged from 23.0 (low TSW) to 29.5 plants per 1 m² (high TSW). Plants from high TSW seed had an average of 1.1 cm longer roots than plants from low TSW seed. The average yield increased with TSW: 5.49 t/ha (low TSW), 5.86 t/ha (medium TSW), and 5.94 t/ha (high TSW). High TSW also yielded higher oil content (45.77%) compared to the medium (45.25%) and low TSW (45.27%). No statistical difference could be detected in the initial emergence counts or final seed quality according to seed treatment. Seed treatment with the biostimulant increased root length and seed yield. Plants from seeds treated with the biostimulant had roots with an average of 0.6 cm longer, yielding 0.2 t/ha higher than the non-treated ones.

Rice cropped policy has been constantly changing, affecting the value of irrigated land. This study aims to examine distribution patterns of irrigated land value from a new perspective of uncertainties in single- and double-cropped rice policies in China. The real options approach was employed to calculate irrigated land value under policy uncertainty, and Moran’s index was applied to identify the spatial distribution characteristics of irrigated land value at the provincial level. The empirical results were as follows: significantly positive spatial correlations existed between the land value under two cropped rice policies. The northeast region of China had a low-value clustering effect based on geographical characteristics. In contrast, the southern provinces of China had a high-value clustering effect based on the criteria of administrative regions. This study considered policy uncertainty when evaluating the economic effect on irrigated land when revealing spatial correlation in land value. We provide a theoretical and empirical basis for the formulation of cropped rice policies.

Clarifying the effects of meteorological factors on the growth and development of fresh maize after delayed sowing is important for selecting appropriate sowing dates and improving yield. Six sowing dates (B1 (March 10); B2 (March 20); B3 (March 30); B4 (April 9); B5 (April 19), and B6 (April 29)) and three fresh maize cultivars (A1 (Wan Nuo 2000); A2 (Nongke Nuo 336), and A3 (Caitian Nuo 6)) were chosen for experiments conducted between 2021 and 2022 in Guiyang, Qingzhen City, China. The results showed that the whole growth period and sowing-silking period were significantly reduced with delayed sowing, while the grain-filling period was relatively stable. Delayed sowing was beneficial in increasing the number of endosperm cells and the weight of the hundred kernels. The graining filling rate and the activities of four key starch synthesis enzymes (sucrose synthase, ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, starch branching enzyme, and starch debranching enzyme) were significantly influenced by light, temperature, and precipitation, and they mainly affected the hundred kernel weight. The yield tended to increase with delayed sowing, and the correlation analysis between precipitation and yield at different sowing periods showed a significant effect of precipitation on yield. Delaying the sowing to mid-early April was more favourable for grain filling, enhanced key enzyme activity, and increased the kernel weight and yield. These results highlight the importance of choosing excellent cultivars and matching them with the most suitable sowing date to fully exploit climatic resources and achieve high-yield and high-efficiency cultivation of fresh maize.

The demand for beneficial, safe natural pigments is growing. Clitoria ternatea (CT) flowers are a promising source of natural blue colours and bioactive compounds. This study extracted intact CT flowers (CTFs) and their powders (CTFPs) with distilled water at various temperatures (30–90 °C) and durations (30–180 min). The total anthocyanin content (TAC) and total phenolic content (TPC) of the CT extracts were analysed by using the pH differential and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was expressed as the ability to scavenge DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals. The results showed that different sample types significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the TAC, TPC, and antioxidant activity. The optimal TAC and TPC extraction for CTF was at 90 °C for 90 min, and for CTFP at 90 °C for 30 min. Using hot water instead of 60% alcohol organic solvent was feasible for extracting the phytochemicals, particularly with CTF. Ultrasound-assisted extraction was notably effective for anthocyanins from intact flowers. Higher heating temperatures and pH values increased the anthocyanin degradation rate constants, while a higher pH decreased the activation energy. Thus, blue aqueous CT flower extracts, rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, have the potential for use in foods and nutraceuticals with neutral and acidic pH values.

Magnetic fields, as a form of physical energy, exert an influence on biological activities. However, our current understanding of the impact of magnetic fields on wheat yield remains limited. In this study, our objective was to investigate the effects of magnetic field treatment of wheat plants on their yield, root growth, absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus and soil bacterial diversity. The experiments were conducted at two agricultural research stations in China, Zhengzhou and Xuchang. Plants were treated with magnetic fields of 20, 40, 60, and 80 mT induced by permanent magnets for chronic exposure. Untreated plants were considered as controls. Our result showed that soil nutrients were found to have a substantial impact on wheat nitrogen and phosphorus absorption, and wheat nitrogen and phosphorus absorption significantly affected wheat yield. The change in soil nutrient content was caused by the change in soil bacterial community diversity and abundance, and increased soil nutrients increased wheat yield. The results suggest that magnetic field treatment stimulated wheat plant growth and yield, and changed soil nutrient content through improved soil bacterial community diversity and increased soil nitrogen and phosphorous absorption.

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.

Effective weed management relies on frequent field monitoring, which is difficult to perform in vast areas. Integrating red-green-blue, thermal, hyperspectral, and multispectral sensors with unmanned aircraft systems and artificial intelligence ensures better results in managing the weed menace. Since India depends largely on agriculture, it is still a long way from implementing more advanced weed management methods. Mapping and surveillance of weeds in croplands by employing remote sensing will lead to varied herbicide application rates, thus reducing its overuse. This study reviews the practical application of remote sensing methods and unmanned aircraft systems in weed mapping

This study aims to identify the gully erosion typology and development using a geomorphological approach. Gully geomorphology features were executed using combined photogrammetric approaches: aerial photography (unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV) and terrestrial photo data (structure from motion, SfM). The UAV data are used to identify the gully orientation, while SfM derives the geomorphological features in the gully dimensions. Five canopy-free gully erosion points were selected for the UAV-SfM data acquisition. Typically, SfM data offer higher resolution (0.11–0.57 cm) than UAV data (0.61–2.08 cm). Modelling using SfM can provide an in-depth illustration of gully dimensions such as rill erosion, scars, and cracks. The findings demonstrate that the gully depth and width are larger on the middle slope. This phenomenon is influenced by the strength of the flow and the silt transported by the water, which reaches a peak on the middle slope. The lower slopes have a solid form since the power of the flow weakens as it transports the accumulated silt from the upper and middle slopes. The study’s findings can be relied on to guide communities in strengthening the gully body in the middle slope. Furthermore, the findings can be tested and adopted globally with comparable typologies.

In this study, we assessed the salt tolerance of 38 wheat cultivars from primary wheat cultivation regions in China using a membership function value (MFV) during the germination and seedling emergence stages. Based on salt tolerance assessment, three contrasting groups were classified, with 10 tolerant, 23 moderately tolerant and 5 sensitive cultivars under low salt stress, and 4 tolerant, 25 moderately tolerant and 9 sensitive cultivars under high salt stress and in addition to Na⁺ and K⁺ homeostasis regulation, nitrogen efficient transfer from seed to plant tissues denoted the significant positive correlation with salt tolerance, confirming the importance of nutrient spectra organisation. Salt-tolerant and moderately tolerant cultivars had lower trait network modularity than salt-sensitive cultivars, demonstrating that wheat with different salt tolerance uses alternative strategies to cope with salt stress. These results were important for germplasm evaluation and variety breeding of salt tolerance in wheat.

This research employed co-word clustering analysis to classify 62 geographical indication (GI) protection policies from 2009 to 2023 into three distinct types. Employing Sankey diagrams, we dynamically analysed the evolution of these policy tools. These insights provide valuable experiential guidance for reforming and innovating China’s GI protection system and agricultural sustainable development.

The tomato occupies a prominent place in the Philippines’ agricultural economy. However, tomato leaf diseases are challenges in tomato crop production leading to economic losses. Among the tomato leaf diseases, early blight and Septoria leaf spot are prevalent in the Philippines due to the climate. Thus, the accurate identification of diseases affecting tomato leaves is essential. Currently, a visual inspection is the primary method for diagnosing tomato leaf diseases which is time-consuming and inefficient. This study aims to develop a quantized Residual Network with convolutional 50 layer (ResNet-50) based model to classify tomato leaves as healthy or affected by Septoria leaf spot or early blight. Furthermore, to enhance the reliability of the models’ classification, gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) was implemented. In contrast with the visual inspection, a programmed system does not get tired and can provide consistent performance results. As a result, the original 32-bit floating point model attained an accuracy rate of 91.22%. The quantized 16-bit floating point model demonstrated comparable performance with 90.10% accuracy with a 50% reduction in the model size and inference time of 0.3942 seconds. The minimal accuracy loss of the 16-bit model relative to the 32-bit model is due to the post-training quantization. The reduction to 16-bit precision is significant for the future deployment of edge devices where resources are limited.

The negative benefits derived from the long-term separation of agriculture and animal husbandry in China have hindered the sustainable development of agriculture and the transformation of agricultural modernisation. The relationship between agriculture and animal husbandry is reconstructed from separation to reintegration. Focusing on the micro-agricultural production level, it relies on farmers to moderately adjust the existing family management structure and choose the family management mode combining planting and breeding. Structural and synergistic contradictions exist between agricultural economic development and ecological protection in the main corn-producing areas. Therefore, based on the micro-survey data of Jilin Province, China, the paper analyses the factors and mechanisms that influence farmers' choice of the combined management mode of planting and breeding. The results showed that the scale of land management, the stability of cultivated land management rights, the policy insurance of animal husbandry, the average profit of beef cattle head, and the cognition of income growth of animal husbandry were positively correlated with farmers' choice of the combined management mode. The spatial distance between farming and animal husbandry was negatively correlated with farmers' choice of management mode. There are mediating effects of animal husbandry breeding technology in farmers' choice of combined management mode, and there is regional heterogeneity in farmers' choice of combined management mode. Therefore, the reconstruction of the relationship between agriculture and animal husbandry should rely on large-scale farmers, optimise the planting structure of the main corn-producing areas, take multiple measures to stabilise the management right of cultivated land, and further improve the policy insurance and breeding technical support system of animal husbandry. This study can provide a theoretical framework and practical reference for reconstructing the relationship between agriculture and animal husbandry in China and other developing countries.

The aim of this work was to study the use of different types of wood products by the G20 countries. In the current scenario, every country is concerned about the severe exploitation of forests and the ensuing lack of markets for timber. Production and consumption of wood and wood products by the G20 countries account for 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world's population. Data for the study includes eight major categories of wood products in the G20 countries from 2004 to 2021: industrial raw wood, sawlogs and veneer logs, sawn wood, wood fuel, wood-based panels, paper and paperboard, pulp for paper, wood pellets, and other agglomerates. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models were used to predict the production, export, and import behaviour of wood and wood products from 2022 to 2030. According to the findings, the G20 countries would consume 1 644.6 million m³ of industrial raw wood in 2030, followed by 984.8 million m³ of sawlogs and veneer logs, 454.7 million m³ of sawn wood, 882.5 million m³ of wood fuel, 406.2 million t of paper and paperboard, 199.4 million t of pulp for paper, and 51.7 million t of wood pellets and other agglomerates. This study provides decision-makers with an analysis of the production and consumption of wood product markets in the G20 countries, which can be used for policy decisions.

At present, genetic selection programs produce chicken genotypes with different growth intensities, which might have variable requirements for dietary protein. The objective of this study was to compare the response of three different genotypes to two levels of crude protein in feed mixtures. Cockerels of fast-growing Ross 308, medium-growing Hubbard JA 757 and slow-growing ISA Dual chickens were used in the study. Each genotype was fed diets that differed in protein level: the control group (C) received commercial feed, and the experimental group was fed a diet with a 6% lower protein content (LP). The daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly affected by the interaction of genotype and feed protein level. A greater percentage of DWG depression was observed in fast-growing cockerels than in medium-growing cockerels (10% and 6%, respectively), whereas the percentage of slow-growing cockerels negligibly increased (2%). A low-protein diet impaired the FCR only in fast-growing birds (–5%), whereas in the medium- (–2%) and slow-growing groups (+2%), the differences were not significant. Carcass composition significantly influenced only genotype and thigh meat pH. In terms of meat colour, significant interactions revealed that in fast-growing Ross 308 chickens, redness and yellowness did not differ according to diet group; however, in both genotypes with slower growth, significantly greater redness and yellowness were detected in the low-protein diet group than in the control group. The results indicate that genotypes with slower growth have lower protein requirements for growth performance, but lower diet protein has an effect on physical meat quality parameters in these genotypes.

Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) is one of the most problematic weed species, mainly in rainfed Moroccan and Tunisian cereal crops. The overuse of acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting and/or auxinic herbicides led to the spread of corn poppies resistant to both chemical families in this region. In order to identify and understand the selection drivers of resistance, appropriate characterisation of the resistance profile is necessary. Two experiments were carried out: biological sensitivity tests with ALS inhibiting herbicides (tribenuron-methyl and florasulam) and auxinic herbicides (2,4-d) were carried out with populations sampled in the field where the herbicide failure was observed. Bioassay tests confirmed resistance in all studied populations with an average frequency of 75.13, 30.81, 33.17 and 11.52% with tribenuron, florasulam, 2,4-d and florasulam + 2,4-d, respectively. Corn poppy sampled from both countries exhibited similar frequencies within populations for each tested herbicide. The molecular analysis was conducted with next-generation sequencing (Illumina), allowing massive, precise and rapid sequencing regions of the ALS gene carrying resistance codons. Using this technology, ALS mutant alleles were found in all populations at frequencies ranging from 1.4% to 63.3%, with an average of 16.7%. This study highlights the need to elucidate resistance mechanisms to understand herbicide responses and develop effective strategies for managing resistant corn poppy in rainfed cereals as an essential step to maintain the effectiveness of these molecules as long as possible.

This study elucidates the expression dynamics and biological functions of oar-miR-214_3p in ovarian and uterine tissues of Liangshan Black Sheep across distinct stages of the oestrous cycle, providing novel insights into its regulatory mechanisms governing ovine reproductive physiology. The study employed RT-qPCR, northern blotting, FISH, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and ELISA to analyse the expression and biological functions of oar-miR-214_3p in the ovary and uterus of Liangshan Black Sheep across different stages of the oestrous cycle (proestrus, oestrus, metoestrus, and dioestrus phases). RT-qPCR and northern blotting revealed that oar-miR-214_3p is expressed in the ovarian and uterine tissues, with significant variations across different stages. Compared with the dioestrus and metoestrus phases, oar-miR-214_3p expression was significantly increased during the proestrus and oestrus phases (P < 0.05), with the highest levels observed during oestrus (P < 0.05). FISH analysis indicated that oar-miR-214_3p is primarily localised in the cytoplasm. We constructed wild-type and mutant vectors for mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) and Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D). After intervention for 48 h in granulosa cell cultures, RT-qPCR analysis of mTOR and Sema4D expression revealed that the mimic and inhibitor groups suppressed and promoted the expression of these target genes, respectively. The control and NC groups showed stable expression levels with no significant differences. Dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that mTOR and Sema4D are oar-miR-214_3p target genes. ELISA revealed that the mimic and inhibitor treatment groups promoted and suppressed oestrogen secretion, respectively. These findings confirm that oar-miR-214_3p, primarily localised in the cytoplasm, regulates ovarian follicle development, ovulation, oestrogen secretion, and the oestrous cycle via its target genes, mTOR and Sema4D. The study provides valuable insights into improving sheep reproductive performance through molecular breeding techniques. These findings have significant clinical and practical applications for enhancing reproductive efficiency.

The Asian rice gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) (Wood-Mason) is a major pest of rice, significantly reducing yields and challenging sustainable rice production. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biology, lifecycle and geographical distribution of the rice gall midge, along with the damage symptoms it causes in rice crops. The interactions between rice and gall midge, the pest's infestation mechanism and the plant’s defensive responses are also explored. Various management strategies are discussed in detail, including insecticides, cultural practices and resistant varieties. The review emphasises that breeding for resistance, especially through the pyramiding of resistance genes and integrated pest management approaches, shows the most promise for long-term control. Advances in crop improvement through breeding methods such as genotyping, phenotyping, field and greenhouse screening and the pyramiding of resistance genes are highlighted. The review emphasises the importance of monitoring virulence in gall midge populations to guide breeding efforts. The genetic basis of resistance is examined through studies of resistance genes, QTL mapping and marker-assisted breeding. Furthermore, molecular approaches, including metabolomic regulations, microarray analysis and biotechnological strategies, are reviewed for their potential in developing durable gall midge-resistant rice varieties. This article synthesises the current knowledge and highlights future research directions, such as identifying novel resistance genes, improving molecular breeding techniques, and developing integrated pest management strategies that combine genetic resistance with eco-friendly controls.

A field experiment was conducted in 2023 and 2024 to determine stage-specific crop coefficient values of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) using the popular F1 hybrid Arka Nikita. Six evapotranspiration (ET_c) based treatments were applied: five under a forced ventilated greenhouse (T₁ = 120% ET_c, T₂ = 100% ET_c, T₃ = 80% ET_c, T₄ = 60% ET_c, T₅ = 100% ET_c in lysimeter) and one under open field (T₆ = 100% ET_c) arranged in a completely randomised block design with three replications. The results showed that T₂ had higher growth parameters, while T₄ and T₆ performed poorly. The yield was significantly higher in T₂ (23.8 t/ha in 2023 and 23.3 t/ha in 2024), whereas T₆ had a lower yield (9.5 t/ha in 2023 and 8.6 t/ha in 2024). Higher water productivity was observed in T₃ (9.85 kg/m³ in 2023 and 8.35 kg/m³ in 2024), while T₆ had lower water productivity (1.83 kg/m³ in 2023 and 1.35 kg/m³ in 2024). Hence, this study recommends using stage-specific crop coefficients of 0.32, 0.63, 0.78, and 0.41 during the initial, development, mid and final stages of 80% ET_c to optimise the water productivity and maximise the yield in the greenhouse-grown okra, respectively.

Mountain ecosystems, especially those at the highest altitudes, are sensitive to current climate change. Proxy archives may provide an insightful tool to better understand ongoing changes and evaluate future scenarios. Trees have traditionally been used as such archives, as they often respond sensitively to environmental change. Thus, we studied tree-ring records of forest-line species Abies densa Griff. growing in the Eastern Himalayas, central Bhutan, to evaluate the effect of climate on the growth of this species. The annual chronologies were generated using standard dendrochronological methods and then compared with climatic data from the CRU TS database. The results demonstrate a negative effect of summer temperatures on the width of the annual rings, suggesting possible stress caused by higher temperatures during the monsoon season. On the other hand, a positive effect of temperatures on tree growth was observed during late winter months. The response to rainfall was mixed, with a positive effect on growth in November and a negative effect in May and January, suggesting a later onset of the vegetation season. To our knowledge, we present the first dendroclimatological study on this long-lived species in central Bhutan, portraying its potential for future climate and environmental research and applications.

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a major global oilseed crop and exhibits significant heterosis. The discovery and characterisation of novel male-sterile accessions remain fundamental for harnessing heterosis in rapeseed breeding. Previously, we developed a male sterile two-type line system 19F08AB in B. napus. In this study, anther abortion in 19F08A was characterised using the squash method. The inheritance of male sterility in 19F08A and its genetic relationship to reported male sterile accessions in rapeseed was investigated using classical genetic analysis and male-sterility-gene-specific molecular markers. Results indicated that male sterile flowers of 19F08A exhibit flat petals, reduced floral organs, short filaments, and completely degenerated stamens devoid of pollen. Pollen mother cells in 19F08A degenerated at the pre-meiotic stage and aborted completely at the tetrad stage, with no dyad or tetrad formation observed. This suggested that 19F08A represents a meiosis abnormality-type male sterility. Classical genetic and molecular marker analysis revealed that male-sterile plants 19F08A carry the genotype of pol (RfpRfpMsms), whereas fertile plants 19F08B possess pol (RfpRfpmsms). The effect of the pol cytoplasm was masked by the Rfp gene. Therefore, fertility in 19F08AB is controlled by a pair of nuclear genes (Ms/ms), with male sterility exhibiting dominance over fertility. The application prospects of this male-sterile accession are also discussed. These findings expand the pool of male-sterile resources available for B. napus hybrid breeding and contribute to plant male sterility theory.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an economically significant food crop in China, and increasing tuber yield is a national priority. We conducted a meta-analysis utilising 180 studies and 1 583 pairs of observations to quantify the effects of fertilisation on potato tuber yield using data on climate, soil nutrients, and planting strategies. Compared with no fertilisation, fertilisation increased tuber yield by 33.64% overall. Applying single N, P, or K fertilisers increased yield by 33.64, 23.37, and 16.18%, respectively; combined NP, NK, and PK applications increased yield by 33.64, 36.34, and 19.12%, respectively. The greatest yield increase (49.18%) was achieved when NPK fertilisers were applied together. Average annual precipitation had the strongest effect on tuber yield, followed by cultivar identity and the availability of soil potassium. Under appropriate fertilisation regimes, tailoring planting strategies to local climate and soil nutrient status can maximise potato yield and improve economic returns. These findings have implications for future potato cultivation in China.

In order to provide a theoretical basis for the application of organic selenium (Se) in the production and cultivation of Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl. We investigated the effects of selenomethionine (SeMet) on the growth and physiological characteristics of S. ningpoensis seedlings. The results showed that SeMet significantly improved the antioxidant capacity by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in the leaves of S. ningpoensis, which significantly reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), as compared to the control. SeMet also significantly improved the water metabolism by increasing the transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency (WUE), relative water content, and water saturation deficit of S. ningpoensis leaves. Moreover, SeMet significantly enhanced photosynthetic performance by decreasing non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and increasing the soil and plant analyser development (SPAD) value, net photosynthetic rate, PSII actual photochemical efficiency Y(II), photochemical quenching (qP), PSII photochemical effective quantum yield (F_v'/F_m') and apparent electron transport rate (ETR). Meanwhile, SeMet significantly improved the plant’s height, basal diameter, root/shoot ratio and dry weight of shoots and roots in S. ningpoensis. Various SeMet 30 and 60 mg/L SeMet concentrations demonstrated better effects on the growth and physiological characteristics of S. ningpoensis. The above results indicate that appropriate concentrations of SeMet can enhance the growth of S. ningpoensis and can be improved by increasing its antioxidant capacity, water metabolism, and photosynthetic performance. This provides a theoretical foundation for using organic selenium in growing and producing S. ningpoensis.

This review uses a case study based on an executed afforestation project to comprehensively describe the administrative procedure regarding afforestation of agricultural land in the Czech Republic, Central Europe. We consider the official proceedings for obtaining a permit to land-use change (i.e. changing the nature of land use and the mode of land use in the real estate cadastre) as a very complex and protracted procedure, which can substantially reduce the motivation of people to establish new forests. Therefore, we propose a simplification of the administration process of land-use change. The main idea is to make the procedure as simple as possible in those areas where afforestation is desirable, especially from the environmental point of view. It assumes the possibility of quick, precise and, if possible, automatic distinction whether the afforestation is suitable or not. The situation in the Czech Republic is compared with the surrounding Central-European countries: Poland and Slovakia. In these countries, the official procedure connected with afforestation seems to be rather less complicated.

Low water availability is a significant constraint on global crop production. Exploration is needed regarding plant responses to drought in interaction with biochar, encompassing optimised water use and carbon allocation strategies. The size of the biochar particles also plays an important role, especially in influencing the dynamics of water and plant growth. This study explored the potential impact of biochar treatment on radish growth and drought tolerance. Finer biochar particles lead to the most substantial available water content for plants, increasing at around 30%, while medium and larger fractions increase by about 22% and 16%, respectively, compared to control soil. The chlorophyll fluorescence technique showed improved water management of drought stress at larger fractions of biochar. Our research underscores the potential of biochar treatments for environmental stresses and water scarcity in modern agriculture.

The depletion of organic carbon in the topsoil and the reduction of the humic horizon leads to a decrease in soil productivity. This study focussed on evaluating the influence of water erosion on the quantity and quality of organic carbon (OC) in the topsoil. The determination of the differences in the OC with dependence on the soil thickness and the role of the soil texture in a depletion of OC in the humic horizon and its labile fractions were studied in four arable land localities (Haplic Chernozem, HC; Eutric Regosol, ER). The following carbon parameters were included: total organic carbon (TOC), labile carbon oxidisable by KMnO₄ (C_L), cold and hot water-extractable organic carbons (CWEOCs) and (HWEOCs), respectively. The higher the soil thickness was, the higher the OC contents were at a depth of up to 0.1 m (TOC; r =0.387, P < 0.01; C_L; r = 0.266, P < 0.01), which indicates a more pronounced organic and mineral material washing off. This process was more pronounced on the texturally finer HC than the coarser ER soil. In the case of water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC), the vertical movement was dominant, while in the case of C_L, the horizontal one was dominant. In the case of erosion, the spatial variability of the OC is not only the result of the erosion-accumulation activities, but also from the proportion of the OC forms. The erosion significantly interferes in the stabilisation mechanisms of organic substances, and even also influences one of the strongest factors – the soil texture.

This work presents the advantages and risks of selected soil quality criteria using data from the monitoring of agricultural soils in the Czech Republic. Soil samples were taken from 71 sites covering various soil types. Basic soil parameters and mid-infrared spectra were measured. Indicators describing the quality of soil organic matter (SOM), and soil were calculated. The results show that soil types differ significantly in the qualitative indicators of soil organic matter. More acidic soils with lower clay content contain lower proportions of aromatic and higher proportions of aliphatic organic compounds than neutral soils with higher clay particles content. These soils differ little in total carbon content and C/N ratio but considerably in C/clay ratio. Cambisols are the least degraded soils in the Czech Republic in terms of C/clay ratio, which is controversial in many respects. The results indicate that more aliphatic organic matter is important for the SOM content in the upper part of the agricultural soil, and more aromatic organic matter is mainly bound to the clay fraction. The results raise questions about the suitability of uniform C/clay target values proposed in European legislation as a criterion for assessing soil degradation due to carbon loss.

The positive influence of surface compost application without incorporation on soil physical properties is known but remains underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of surface-applied stable and mature compost on basic soil physical and chemical properties, including saturated hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability, and penetration resistance. Conducted as a semi-operational field experiment in two Czech agricultural sites (A: Blatnice at Jaroměřice and B: Jevíčko; Cambisols with loam and silty clay loam textures, respectively), the plots were treated with compost (SCA) at rates of 4 × 30 t/ha (A) and 1 × 200 t/ha (B) or left untreated as controls (CON). The crops were wheat (A), maize (A, B) and intercrops. Surface compost application began in 2022, and soil sampling and field measurements were conducted during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. Results showed significant positive changes (P < 0.05 or lower) in SCA plots compared to CON. Soil organic matter content increased by 27.8% at locality A and by 58.1% at locality B, while saturated water content increased by 5.3% (A) and 11.0% (B) in the latter season. Similarly, pH and electrical conductivity showed increases. Water-stable aggregate ratios increased by 6% to 30% at both localities. Dry bulk density decreased by 10.5% (A) and 15.7% (B). Improvements in saturated hydraulic conductivity (by 28.6%) and penetration resistance were observed only at locality B. These findings show the potential of surface-applied stable and mature compost to enhance soil properties effectively.

Abstract: To eliminate the unpleasant odour and produce more flavour, enzymatic hydrolysis with bromelain (Bro), papain (Pap), and Bro + Pap and boiled with maltose were applied in pig trotters. In this study, Pap, Bro, and a combination of Bro + Pap were dissolved in a saline solution to treat pig trotters. Results showed that the Bro + Pap treatment produced more amino acids, and the boiled + roasted with sugar of Bro + Pap treatment could significantly reduce aldehydes (nonanal and octanal) associated with the formation of off-flavour. Additionally, it increased the content of esters (ethyl propionate, ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, and butyl acetate) in pig trotters, resulting in a more pleasing flavour. Electronic nose signals and sensory evaluation experiments further confirmed these findings. Moreover, the deodorising and aroma-enhancing process also improved their overall eating quality.

Green growth promotes sustainable economic development by protecting the environment and efficiently using natural resources. Supporting green growth enhances long-term sustainability, quality of life, and climate change mitigation. This article aims to propose a conceptual framework for implementing green growth indicators in Slovakia by comparing their perception with that of the Czech Republic. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 3 281 Slovak and Czech forestry enterprises [Nomenclature of Economic Activities (NACE) classification 02.10], with 1 365 responses. The findings highlight significant differences in the approach to green growth indicators between small and large enterprises and between state and non-state enterprises. Additionally, the study examines how Slovakia and the Czech Republic manage these indicators, forming the basis for a conceptual framework for their implementation in Slovakia. The research contributes to the discourse on green growth and sustainability, key concepts in the 21^st century.

This review explores the diverse applications and health benefits of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) through biotechnological applications in the food industry. While all LAB are indispensable for the production of fermented foods thanks to their ability to produce lactic acid and bacteriocins that act as natural preservatives, specific strains of probiotic LAB offer targeted health benefits. In addition to general benefits of LAB, probiotic strains significantly enhance gut microbiota, enhance human immunity, and exhibit antimicrobial properties. This review also delves into the mechanisms of action of probiotic LAB, focusing on adhesion, colonisation, and antioxidant production, emphasising their potential to advance nutritional innovations. Beyond food production, the broader category of LAB has transformative potential in industrial applications, particularly in the sugar industry, where their metabolic activity can improve sucrose extraction processes, promote microbial management, and reduce unwanted by-products. By understanding these aspects, the review underscores the importance of probiotic LAB in promoting health, efficiency, and sustainability across sectors.