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Farmers, often vulnerable within the agricultural supply chain, frequently encounter difficulties accessing and affording loans. This study introduces an innovative credit risk evaluation framework for farmers tailored to the agricultural supply chain. It includes three key aspects: farmers’ credit characteristics, the operational status of the agricultural supply chain, and overall credit conditions. Initially, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used to assign weight coefficients to indicators. Then, the Elimination et Choix Traduisant la Réalité III (ELECTRE III) model was employed to determine farmers’ credit ratings. To demonstrate the impact of the agricultural supply chain on microfinance, the model’s effectiveness was then tested with 398 microfinance survey responses from Fuping County (World Dairy Goat Industry Development Demonstration Zone), Shaanxi Province, China, and its accuracy was further verified using BP neural network analysis. The results demonstrated the model’s proficiency in assessing farmers’ credit levels within the agricultural supply chain, which can aid in the resolution of various credit assessment and rating challenges. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights into the integration of multi-criteria decision-making and machine-learning methods.

Apples and pears are the main temperate fruit tree species, and metabolic disorders may occur during their development and post-harvest storage periods, leading to physiological diseases. In this study, we detected the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme and related metabolites involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism in the pulp of pear with hard-end or cork spot and in the pulp of apple with bitter pit. These three physiological disorders differed in phenylpropanoid metabolism and had similar PAL activity, but their polyphenol, flavonoid, and lignin contents changes were completely. For fruits with the three types of physiological metabolic disorders, the auxin content in the tissues with metabolic disorder symptoms was higher than that in the healthy tissues. In summary, the three physiological disorders showed similar changes in the activities of key enzymes (i.e., PAL) involved in phenylpropane metabolism, but their metabolites significantly differed.

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.

One of the main issues addressed by phytology in recent years has been plant tolerance mechanisms for abiotic stress. No combined analysis has been made to identify the genes involved in drought stress tolerance. The meta-analysis of microarray data related to drought stress was analysed by the R software packages and showed 3 029 upregulated genes and 3 017 downregulated genes. The upregulated genes were mostly related to the drought tolerance protein, abiotic stress response, and the Cys2His2 Zinc Finger Transcription Factor (C2H2 zinc finger TF). The downregulated genes were mainly related to the late embryogenesis abundant protein, abiotic stress response, and the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) TF. The common gene ontology (GO) terms in the upregulated and downregulated genes were mainly related to the metabolic process, response to stimulus, cellular metabolic process, and photorespiration. The up and down meta-differential expressed genes (meta-DEGs) mainly belonged to the those following Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways including: the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant hormone signal transduction, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, and RNA degradation. Moreover, in the upregulated and downregulated genes, the TFs with a high percentage mainly belonged to the Teosinte branched1/Cincinnata/proliferating cell factor (TCP), basic helix loop-helix (bHLH) and bZIP. Next, the hub upregulated genes were mainly related to the thiamine biosynthesis protein thiC, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, ribose-5-phosphate isomerase precursor and heat shock protein. The hub downregulated genes were mainly associated with the elongation factor Ts, aldehyde dehydrogenase, and trigger factor. Finally, the data from the present meta-analysis were compared with previous studies on the qRT-PCR results and their up and down expressions were confirmed. Based on the findings of the current study, novel insights into the drought stress molecular response can be provided and various candidate genes can be introduced for barley drought stress tolerance breeding.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of pectin supplemented feeds on the growth, gut morphology and immunology of Labeo rohita. Experimental feeds containing various concentrations of pectin including control (0%), T1 (0.5%), T2 (1.0%), T3 (2.0%), and T4 (4.0%) were administered to L. rohita twice per day at a rate of 3% body weight. There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in average final weight, weight gain%, net weight gain and specific growth rate observed in treatment groups in order of control > T1 > T2 > T3 > T4 while feed conversion ratio was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T4 compared to the other groups T3 > T2 > T1 > control. Immunological parameters of peroxidase, protease and antiprotease (trypsin) showed significant (P < 0.05) results between control and treated groups. Peroxidase activity was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in T4 group fish compared to T3 > T2 > T1 > control group. Total protein, protease and antiprotease activity were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the control compared to treatment groups T1 > T2 > T3 > T4. An increased level of the non-starch polysaccharide pectin in feed caused acute effects on gut morphometry. Villus length, villus width, and an increase in mucosal folds were abnormal but no significant (P > 0.05) abnormality was observed in the control group. In the submucosal part of the intestine, hyperplasia was shown in loose connective tissues and in adipose tissue cells in the treated groups. In conclusion, dietary pectin supplementation from 0.5% to 4% had negative effects on the growth, immunological parameters and gut histomorphology of L. rohita.

Considering the relevance of the agricultural sectors for the European countries' development, but also the volatile features of agriculture, with unforeseen risks induced by climate, ensuring durable economic progress is foremost for the companies. This paper aims to assess the associations of the key parties in corporate governance (directors, managers, advisers, and shareholders), employees and the independence level with the main outcomes and capacity/size of the European companies operating in agriculture, fishing, and aquaculture activities. Using a newly compiled and complex dataset of 3 184 active companies from Europe, provided by the ORBIS database, advanced modelling approaches were employed, based on the robust regression (RREG) and Gaussian Graphical Model (GGM). The main findings emphasised that: directors, managers, and advisors had a strong positive influence on the firms' size, boosting their turnover, and the shareholders' funds; advisors induced positive connections with the companies' liquidity; the number of employees exerted positive impacts on the firms' size and outcomes of these companies; the independence level exerted a negative impact on the firms' size and outcomes. Finally, specific measures must be addressed to primarily reconsider the number of directors and managers and the shareholders' participation in the ownership of these companies due to their unfavourable exerted effects.

Coxiella burnetii is the aetiological agent of Q fever, which is highly prevalent in Turkiye, but information on the genetic profiles of the bacterium is limited. This study aimed to investigate the presence of C. burnetii in bovine bulk tank milk (BTM) samples by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to investigate the genotypes by means of multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). A total of 25 markets that sold raw cow’s milk were analysed by conventional PCR analysis. An MLVA analysis was performed at six loci, namely MS23, MS24, MS27, MS28, MS33, and MS34, to determine the genotypic variations of C. burnetii found in the positive DNA samples. The DNA of C. burnetii was detected in 16% of the BTM samples. The C. burnetii strains identified in the bovine milk samples collected in this study were found to belong to the same genotypic group as those detected in the bovine milk samples gathered in Greece. As a result, both the presence and genotyping studies of C. burnetii on the BTM samples in Turkiye will contribute to the determination of the geographical distribution of the agent.

Earthworms dominate the soil biota, and different structural and functional features of their biology and ecology have been studied and exploited to evaluate their contributions as ecosystem services. Due to their feeding ecology, burrowing and casting activity, earthworms are involved in the nutrient cycles, and therefore it is opportune to be considered when the biogeochemical cycles of the terrestrial ecosystems are analysed. All structural, microbiological and biogeochemical impacts of earthworms in soil start with their feeding and digestive functions, which end in casting. The casting activity consisting of the excretion of the ingested soil and organic matter after digestion processes depends on earthworm feeding behaviours and ecology, even described in the current literature as a new ecological feature: the casting ecology. The complexity of the chemical relationships occurring inside earthworm casts between main nutrients (organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium) highlights the complexity of the biogeochemical cycles and the great earthworms’ contribution to these cycles in the ecosystems towards a better understanding of the soil sustainability through the soil biodiversity contribution. Due to this great contribution, the earthworms’ casts should be included as indicators in the integrative conservation management of the ecosystems, as a re-thinking of the concept of ecosystem sustainability.

The study’s main objective is to determine the predisposition and challenges of agriculture to provide environmental public goods to society in areas particularly facing natural or other specific constraints (ANCs) established within their current delimitation in Poland. Its organisational features, economic situation, and the degree of interest in measures specifically serving the protection of the natural environment under the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) EU were indicated. Statistically significant factors determined farmers’ willingness to participate in these measures. It turned out that farms from ANCs communes with particularly difficult conditions significantly contribute to the total production potential of agriculture in Poland. However, compared to farms with better natural conditions, they are characterised by a lower income per 1 ha of utilised agriculture area (UAA) and a higher share of subsidies, including those for participation in environmental measures, which were implemented to a greater extent. Based on the logistic regression model, it was found that in ANCs communes with particularly difficult conditions, the most important factor of farmers’ greater willingness to implement environmental measures was their higher level of education. On the other hand, this inclination was negatively affected by the higher income adjusted for operating subsidies per 1 ha of UAA.

Tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, is a severe worldwide wheat foliar disease and has become common in Tunisia. Two hundred wheat field surveys were conducted in northern Tunisia during the 2017–2019 seasons to determine disease intensity and the correlation of the tan spot with agricultural practices and environmental factors. The disease infested 67% of the visited regions. The highest prevalence (87.5%), incidence (> 30%), and severity (> 10%) were observed in sub-humid regions, contrary to the middle semi-arid regions. Logistic regression was used to analyse the correlation of incidence and severity with various factors as independent variables. In a multiple variable model, the bioclimatic stages, variety, previous crop, humidity, and rainfall were significantly associated with tan spot incidence and severity. High incidence and severity were significantly correlated to the sub-humid regions, varieties Maâli, Razzak, Karim, and Carioca, rainfall, high level of humidity, and monoculture. The correlation between the tan spot and several environmental factors must be considered to ensure successful and sustainable disease management strategies.

To investigate the impact of different seedling transplanting times on rice growth, the present study evaluated seedling age and root pruning using treatments consisting of root pruning (RC20, RC30, and RC40) and no root pruning (CK20, CK30, and CK40). Quantitative analysis using curve fitting of the changes in dry matter accumulation (DMA) during the seedling and field stages was performed, and the changes in root parameters during the re-greening stage were observed. The results showed that the seedling stage could be divided into a gradual increase period, a rapid increase period, and a slow increase period. Transplanting at different time periods resulted in different transplanting shock effects. During the field stage, the DMA exhibited a slow-fast-slow "S" shaped curve as the developmental time progressed. However, significant differences were observed in growth parameters among the different treatments. Root injury promoted early maturity in young seedlings but also prolonged the whole growth period in older seedlings. The inhibitory effect of root pruning on rice root growth increased with young seedling age. The present results provide a theoretical basis for the design of seedling needle structure and the optimisation of rice seedling cultivation practices.

Antibiotics are still used to treat mastitis in dairy cows in Indonesia. This study aimed to analyse antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) from subclinical mastitis milk in East Java Province, Indonesia. The samples consisted of subclinical mastitis milk from cows and goats. A total of 592-quarter cow’s milk and 71 goat’s milk samples from both halves of the udder were collected from 67 farms in Lumajang, Banyuwangi, Malang, Sidoarjo, Jember, Pasuruan, Probolinggo, and Mojokerto. Subclinical mastitis samples were screened using the California mastitis test (CMT). E. coli was identified by phenotypic and genotypic methods. E. coli was confirmed with a primer specific to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Gene resistance of E. coli was tested using the multiplex-PCR (mPCR) technique with primers encoding the genes temoneira enzyme (TEM), oxacillinase (OXA), sulfhydryl variable (SHV), and cefotaximase-munich IV (CTX-M IV). These genes were chosen because mastitis treatment generally uses oxacilline and β-lactam antibiotics. All data obtained were analysed descriptively. The results show that six isolates of E. coli (46.15%) carried a single resistance gene (TEM or SHV) and two isolates (33.33%) were confirmed as multiple drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) (TEM and SHV). The resistance genes were found in samples originating from Blitar, Banyuwangi, Lumajang, and Pasuruan Regencies. This research implies that antibiotic-resistance genes found in E. coli on certain farms are dangerous and may allow gene transmission to other bacteria that make treatment for mastitis or other bacterial infections ineffective.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of selected vegetable oils on the representation of dietary fatty acids in the muscle of broiler cockerels. The experiment included three groups of one-day-old cockerels of ROSS 308 genotype, 15 individuals each. The feed mixture and drinking water were fed to the cockerels, ad libitum. In accordance with the technological instructions for the hybrid combination ROSS 308, BR1 was fed to chickens up to 9 days of age with the same nutrient and oil (soybean) composition for all three groups. From day 10 to day 28 of fattening the chicks were fed BR2 and from day 29 to day 35 BR3. The components and composition of the BR2 and BR3 feeds were identical; feed mixtures differed only in oil, soybean oil was added to Group 1 (SBO), rapeseed oil to Group 2 (RSO) and sunflower oil to Group 3 (SFO). Cockerels were fed until 35 days of age and then slaughtered. Breast and thigh muscles were collected from 10 individuals from each group to determine total fat in which individual fatty acid (FA) analysis was performed. Based on the obtained results, rapeseed oil can be clearly recommended for broiler chickens in feed mixtures, for the reasons that the cockerels from the RSO group showed the highest live weight (35 days of fattening), had the lowest feed conversion ratio, had an increased n-3 FAs content in the intramuscular fat (breast and thigh), and the narrowest n-3 : n-6 FAs ratio in the intramuscular fat (breast and thigh).

This paper investigates the effect of rootstock (Gisela 6, PiKu 1 and SL 64) on the total phenol content, total anthocyanin content, the content of the individual phenols and the antioxidant activity in fruits of two sweet cherry cultivars, ‘Kordia’ and ‘Regina’. The total phenolic content determined by the spectrophotometric method using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent varied from 34.84 to 149.28 to mg GAE/100 g FW depending on the cultivar/rootstock combination. The concentration of total anthocyanins was determined by using the pH-differential method and it ranged from 0.46 to 11.54 mg CGE/100 g FW. Highest level of the total phenolic content and concentration of the total anthocyanins content was detected in the cultivar ‘Regina’ grafted onto the Gisela 6 rootstock. Neochlorogenic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid and quercetine-3-O-glucoside were detected using HPLC method. Significant variation of detected individual polyphenols in sweet cherry fruits grafted on different rootstocks was observed. The lowest content of individual polyphenols was measured in ‘Regina’ cultivar grafted on the SL 64. Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay indicated that all investigated fruits possessed similar antioxidant activity. There was a statistically significant correlation observed between the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (correlation coefficient 0.972, P-value below 0.01), as well as between the anthocyanins and antioxidant activity (correlation coefficient 0.855, P-value below 0.01).

This study examined the bidirectional impact of Chinese agricultural subsidy policies on agricultural efficiency and farmers’ income. It employed panel data from 2004 to 2020 across 31 Chinese provinces, and the three-stage least squares method was used for simultaneous estimation. Different regions and farmer types were analysed separately. The findings revealed a significant bidirectional impact of the agricultural subsidy policy on agricultural efficiency and farmers’ income, signifying a strong positive feedback loop. Varied types and levels of subsidy policies differently impacted regions and farmer categories, showcasing diverse outcomes and adaptive responses to subsidy policies. The ratio of total subsidy to GDP (SUBGDP) positively impacted production efficiency and per capita disposable income. This result suggests that the subsidy policy helped enhance agricultural production efficiency and increased farmers’ income levels. Conversely, the ratio of various subsidies to the total subsidy manifested different directions and degrees of impact on production efficiency and per capita disposable income, suggesting areas where the subsidy policy framework can be optimised. In addition to presenting a theoretical discussion on agricultural subsidy policies, this study provides theoretical insights and policy recommendations for the formulation and implementation of an optimal agricultural subsidy policy.

Weeds are the major menace to agriculture, which greatly impact crop growth and development, resulting in economic yield loss or crop failures. Therefore, it is indispensable to take up appropriate weed management practices to prevent the effects of weeds on crops. Chemical herbicides have immense potential for effective control of weeds, but, in the long run, the persistent nature of herbicides adversely affects the soil microbes and also that terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Bioherbicides are products derived from plant extracts, allelochemicals or microbes and their secondary metabolites with weed-suppressing abilities. Most microbial bioherbicides are based on fungi and its active ingredients, which successfully control weeds with different mode of actions. Moreover, the toxins or secondary metabolites the fungi produce also possess herbicidal properties. So, exploring the fungal pathogens and their toxins for managing weeds seems to be a feasible and eco-friendly way for the management of weeds. There is a wider scope for utilizing fungi and their secondary metabolites as mycoherbicides, which have the potential to replace hazardous chemical herbicides in the near future. This review article mainly emphasizes the scope of mycoherbicides and explores the fungal secondary metabolites for eco-friendly weed control.

Drought is one of the environmental stresses that threaten food availability. It results in decreased crop yields and developments and diminishes overall plant health. Chemical solutions for alleviating drought stress may be harmful to the environment. Using an alternative, microorganisms help counter the effects of drought stress. Endophytes have a mutualistic relationship with the host as they provide protection and get nutrients. Fungal endophytes assist plants in countering the damaging results of drought stress by producing phytohormones and growth-promoting compounds that promote root and shoot growth and enhance crop productivity. Inoculating maize plants with endophytic fungi like Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium sp. have a higher chance of surviving drought stress. These organisms can increase root length, allowing moisture to reach deeper into the soil. This review explores endophytic fungi's roles in alleviating drought stress’s consequences on plants. More investigations should be carried out on the favourable effects of fungal endophytes in the mitigation of drought stress through pot and field inoculation.

The widespread application of Internet technology in rural development has significantly facilitated the modernisation of agriculture and profoundly and positively impacts sustainable rural development. This study empirically investigates the effect of Internet access on farmers‘ participation in farmer professional cooperatives based on a sample of 3 349 participants from the 2020 China Rural Revitalization Survey (CRRS), using both probit regression and instrumental variable probit (Ivprobit) regression models. The results indicate that, firstly, Internet access significantly enhances farmers‘ participation in farmer professional cooperatives. Secondly, Internet access influences farmers' decisions to join professional cooperatives differently, with older farmers, those with less education, and non-cadre individuals being more significantly affected in their willingness to participate. The findings deepen the understanding of the relationship between digital technology and organisational participation in rural development and provide empirical evidence for formulating more targeted rural development policies.

In the study, the effects of 0, 100, 200 and 400 ppm spray applications of GA3 on root and above-ground parts of ‘Jan Reus’, ‘Bloody Mary’ and ‘Yokohama’ tulip cultivars were determined. According to the results, on the development of plant upper part properties, 200 ppm in ‘Jan Reus’ and ‘Yokohama’ and 100 ppm in ‘Bloody Mary’ were the most effective applications. Again, the least increases in upper part properties were obtained from the control plants in ‘Jan Reus’ and ‘Bloody Mary’, and from the 100 ppm application in ‘Yokohama’. While 100 ppm was the most effective application in ‘Jan Reus’ and ‘Yokohama’ in terms of root development, the effect of the applications in ‘Bloody Mary’ was lower than the control. The application that least increased root development was determined as 400 ppm in ‘Jan Reus’ and 200 ppm in ‘Bloody Mary’ and ‘Yokohama’. Root growth was found to be negatively related to GA3 content. High GA3 is thought to negatively affect overall root growth, possibly by suppressing the effect of auxin. It is assumed that GA3 produced by the plant itself may be sufficient for root development or may be effective at much lower dose applications. On the other hand, it has been determined that the effects of GA3 application vary depending on the variety. According to these results, it is recommended to apply it at a dose of 200 ppm to ensure flowering by providing cooling in tulip cultivars and cut flower cultivation. High doses of GA3 are not recommended for root development.

Natural regeneration is a crucial factor in improving the economy of forest estates. The presented study analysed the economic parameters of three different approaches to forest regeneration: (i) artificial regeneration with Norway spruce, (ii) a 25% admixture of soil-improving and stabilising species (SSTS), and (iii) natural regeneration. The expenses for these specific operations related to individual regeneration methods were derived. These variants were investigated before the bark beetle calamity (2014) and after the outbreak (2023) for management sets (MS) 531, 551, 571, and 591, i.e. for acidic, nutrient-rich, gleyed, and waterlogged sites of higher elevations. In all cases, natural regeneration decreased expenses by approximately 2 000 EUR·ha^–1 (50 000 CZK·ha^–1) to 6 000 EUR·ha^–1 (150 000 CZK·ha^–1). The 25% admixture of SSTS increased the expenses. The proportion of natural regeneration subsequently decreased due to the bark beetle calamity from roughly 40% to 10% in recent years, which is comparable with the Czech Republic as a whole.

To achieve the coveted objectives of sustainable development, the Bangladesh government has devised a comprehensive strategy to promote the adoption of innovative agricultural practices capable of addressing the critical challenges at the intersection of food, energy, water, and ecosystems (FEWE). This plan prioritises the increased uptake of solar irrigation and recommended fertiliser application (SIRFA) technologies to enhance sustainable food production while effectively managing energy and water resources, and fostering ecological balance. Thus, this study analysed seven years of panel data (2015–2021) to assess the long-term impact of SIRFA technology adoption on production costs (PC) and return on investment (ROI) among Bangladeshi farmers cultivating the BRRI-dhan29 rice variety in the water-scarce, acidic soils of Dinajpur. Utilising the generalised estimating equation (GEE) with a population-averaged model, we investigated the determinants of adoption. Additionally, we applied a two-stage residual inclusion (2SRI) method alongside six linear panel-data models to analyse the impact of SIRFA adoption. Our findings revealed that adopters experienced reduced production costs and enhanced ROI through SIRFA technology adoption. These results emphasised the urgent need for region-specific policy interventions to facilitate the broader adoption of SIRFA technologies.

Agriculture and energy are intricately connected, with agriculture being a significant energy consumer and supplier. In this comprehensive study, SPSS and Jupyter Notebook were used to model and predict the energy requirements of potato plants during cultivation. A system using deep learning methods, specifically the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), was also developed to accurately predict the classification of potato plant growth phases using image data. The CNN model, developed with 100 epochs and 5 layers, used 1 125 image data of potato plants, categorising them into two classes: the vegetative phase, with an energy requirement of 4 195.80 MJ·ha^–1, and the generative phase, with an energy requirement of 746.45 MJ·ha^–1. The model‘s accuracy in reflecting the actual data, with a mean absolute error of 0.11, mean square error of 0.01, and root mean square of 0.13, indicates no significant issues. The test predicted categorization with 99% precision, underscoring the thoroughness and validity of this study and reassuring the audience about the accuracy of the results. The study findings not only validate the use of deep learning in agriculture but also inspire the development of applications to predict the energy demand for each growth phase using plant image data.

This study provides the first insight into the biologically active potential (total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant activity) of Moldavian сarob beans and pod pulp in comparison with carob grown in Algeria, Spain, and Italy. The results showed that the samples of Moldavian carob contain significant amounts (P ≤ 0.05) of biologically active compounds, the content of some of these compounds is far exceeding that of сarob from the above-mentioned regions. Thus, the total content of phenolic compounds in Moldavian carob samples is 1.4 times higher, of flavonoids 1.9 times higher compared to the imported ones. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) antioxidant activity of Moldavian carob samples proved to be about 10-12% higher than the antioxidant activity of samples from other regions. It has been proved that Moldavian carob pod pulp and beans have a high biologically active potential making them possible ingredients for functional food products.

Despite the routine use of cryopreservation in dairy cattle, the subsequent deterioration in the quality of bull insemination doses (IDs) is an incentive to refine cryopreservation protocols, including the composition of the ID. The aim of this study was to examine, using a flow cytometry assay, whether the selected concentrations of low density lipoproteins (LDLs) extracted from hen-egg yolk may improve the post-thaw quality of the ID diluted with a plant-based extender. In total, 30 ejaculates from five sires (six trials per animal) were collected and processed at the Artificial Insemination Centre. The effect of the low density lipoprotein supplementation to the AndroMed^® diluent at 4 and 8% (v/v) on the cryopreservation efficiency was tested. The effects of the modified extenders were determined on different sperm subpopulations by simultaneous quadruple staining for flow cytometry as the percentage of sperm with intact plasma membrane and acrosome (PMAI), PMAI sperm showing high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP), sperm with plasma membrane damage (PMD), and sperm with acrosome damage (AD). It was observed that the 8% LDL treatment was more effective (P < 0.05) in preserving all the analysed parameters than AndroMed^® without any supplementation. The supplementation of the AndroMed^® extender with 8% LDL resulted in the most optimal values of the PMAI (30.61 ± 1.13), HMMP (68.81 ± 1.25), PMD (68.69 ± 1.14), and AD (38.36 ± 1.13) compared to the control treatment (24.86 ± 1.13 for PMAI, 47.79 ± 1.25 for HMMP, 74.77 ± 1.14 for PMD, and 42.83 ± 1.13 for AD. The results of the study also demonstrated a synergistic positive effect of the LDL and soybean lecithin-based diluent on the spermatozoa post-thaw quality and resilience, based on 2 h long incubation. In conclusion, the soybean based semen extender treatment with LDL represents a beneficial tool to mitigate the detrimental effect of cryopreservation.

Due to a scarcity of freshwater resources, agriculture is dependent on the use of poor quality water for irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions. Hence, the effective use of poor quality water requires pioneering water management and nitrogen fertilizer practices for increasing yield and resource efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the effect of saline water levels, nitrogen fertilizer, and irrigation methods on eggplant yield, water productivity, NPK uptake, and nitrogen use efficiency. The experiment was conducted in 2019 and 2020 under drip (IM1) and surface flood irrigation (IM2). The treatments included three saline water levels i.e. canal water (SW1), ECiw=2.5 dS/m (SW2), and ECiw=5.0 dS/m (SW3) along with the three nitrogen levels of 75% (N1), 100% (N2), and 125% (N3) of the recommended dose of nitrogen. Application of saline water using IM1 reduced the ECe by 41.8% (SW2) and 34% (SW3) over IM2. The fruit yield, water productivity (WP), NPK uptake, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was increased by 22%, 127.6%, 39.8%, 16.6%, 11.8%, and 23.8% under IM1 over IM2, respectively. A high saline water level under IM2 can cause more reduction in fruit yield, NPK uptake, and water use. Applying saline water through IM1 improves fruit yield, WP, and NUE by 13-32.8%, 104.1-147.3%, and 10.5-35.2% as compared to IM2. We found that saline water and N applied by drip improved eggplant yield, water productivity, and NPK uptake. It is concluded that irrigation water and nitrogen fertilizer consumption are optimized when saline water is applied through drip irrigation.

The advances in the production traits of Oreochromis niloticus are due to the development of genetically superior broodstock animals. Understanding the genetic variability of fish stocks is crucial to any animal breeding program. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of genetic parameters that considers the variability between studies for economically important traits in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production. The final dataset from literature review contained 226 estimates of heritability and 53 estimates of genetic correlation across 37 peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2022. Weighted genetic parameter estimates were obtained by fitting a random effect model for all traits studied. Heterogeneity across studies were assessed using the Q statistic and I² index. Heritability estimates ranged from low to moderate magnitude, indicating that a greater response to selection is expected for body length (0.37), body weight (0.29), body width (0.28), and daily weight gain (0.28), compared to the other traits, body height (0.25) and fillet yield (0.19). Genetic correlations ranged from moderate to high magnitude (0.47 to 0.94), which suggests that part of expression of traits is regulated by the same gene groups. The meta-analysis study provided reliable genetic parameter estimates and these findings may be served as the baseline reference for new Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) breeding programs.

High-pressure processing (HPP) was used as a post-processing treatment for vegetable puree. Microbiological, physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory analyses of puree were investigated at room temperature. HPP (600 MPa, 5 min) was compared with thermal treatment (117 °C, 30 min) and fresh samples. Treatments did not change pH or total soluble solids. For both methods treated samples exhibited a lower microbial count (< 1.0 log CFU·g^–1) over storage, compared with fresh puree. During storage, other parameters, including total phenolic contents and antioxidants also demonstrated similar or better performance than controls (P < 0.05). Overall, HPP-treated puree received a higher sensory evaluation score. Thus, HPP can be used as an alternative processing technology to improve nutritional quality and microbial safety.

Land abandonment and the emergence of new forest areas create novel dynamics for forest ecosystems and landscapes. Modelling is often used to forecast tree species composition, age group distribution and spatial patterns in the future. The aim of this study was to develop three scenarios for changes in tree species composition, stand age distribution and spatial patterns of new forest areas and permanent forests using Latvia as a case study. We selected 19 study areas of the size 10 km × 10 km to sample the variety of forest cover patterns, tree species, and stand age. Using GIS tools, we developed three scenarios: baseline, commercial and conservation. Results showed that the conservation scenario resulted in the most even-aged group distribution. Scenarios predicted the increase of Picea abies area (reaching 29.3% in permanent forests and even 45.7% in new forests) and the reduction of Pinus sylvestris in most cases. Changes in the median patch area were the best indicator for evaluation of different scenarios with the largest patches of new forest areas for the conservation scenario (1.92 ± 1.23 ha). The existing structural and compositional integrity of sampled forest landscapes was best retained under the baseline and conservation scenarios, while the commercial scenario indicated more fragmented forest landscapes in the future.

This research aims to develop an eco-friendly technique for treating seeds before sowing and improving their physiological features. The developed technique depends on utilizing synchronized electro-magnetization and microwave radiation. An electromagnetic device was evaluated to provide multiple treatment ranges. The treatments are regulated electronically according to the seeds' physiological properties and storage duration. The device was designed to accommodate small and medium seeds for a variety of strategic crops, including wheat, barley, etc. Three different treated wheat varieties were tested and compared to the control. Also, eight different levels of synchronized electro-magnetization and microwave radiation were tested. The treated wheat seeds' vegetative properties, such as germination percentage, germination rate index, germination speed coefficient, and vigour indexes, were highly significant compared to the control. The treated wheat seeds' physiological properties were highly significant. The device productivity ranged from 0.023 to 0.059 Mg·h^–1 with minimum energy consumption rates of 0.396 to 0.018 kWh·Mg^–1, while the operating costs decreased to 11.53–44.13 USD·Mg^–1.

A 3-year-old, 420 g, intact male African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented with a sudden appearance of a mass protruding from its preputium. A detailed physical examination revealed the presence of a polyp-like mass, connected to the mucous membrane of the penis and a second, multilobular mass with a larger base. Both masses were surgically removed. While the histopathological examination of the polyp-like mass revealed only a chronic active inflammatory reaction, the histopathological examination of the multilobular mass revealed a tumorous tissue composed of spindle-shaped cells, irregularly oval or polygonal in some places. Focal tumour cells with a myxoid differentiation were observed in the greater part of this tumour. The stroma was made up of sparse fibrous tissue. The surface epithelium was hyperplastic with ulcerations and necrosis. The tumour was classified as a myxofibrosarcoma. Two weeks post-surgery, the patient did not show any clinical signs of the presented disease. According to our knowledge, this is the first published case of the surgical treatment of penile myxofibrosarcoma in an African pygmy hedgehog.