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Malus domestica is one of the world’s most important deciduous fruit trees. Over a four-year period (2017–2020), temporal variations in flowering were evaluated in ‘Honeycrisp’ apple trees on eight rootstocks (G.30, G.969, G.202, G.41, G.11, M.9T337, M.26 EMLA and V.6) planted in 2014 in Chihuahua, México. Among the variables evaluated were the probability of late-spring frost, winter chill units, growing degree days, flowering period, foliar nutrient concentrations, trunk cross-sectional area, number and weight of fruit per tree, and production efficiency. Significantly different chill unit accumulations occurred over the four years, with values falling between 974 and 1 415, where for the latter value, the start of flower opening was earlier, but there was a higher risk of damage by temperatures ≤ –2 °C. There was no effect of rootstock on the time of onset and end of flowering. The most productive combinations were ‘Honeycrisp’ on G.969, G.11 and V.6 with yield estimates of 35 300, 34 200 and 33 600 kg/ha, respectively. The commercial production of ‘Honeycrisp’ apple trees requires the evaluation of their agronomic performance with different rootstocks. Flowering is particularly important since this phenological stage is so closely linked to productivity and is strongly affected by variations in winter temperatures.

Banana quality is influenced by many factors, including variety and level of fruit ripeness. This quality can be evaluated from various points of view, one of which is the rheological consideration. Rheological properties are very important to study because they determine the design of equipment and processes, and minimise product damage. The aim of this research was to analyse and model the effect of variety and ripeness level on the rheological properties of banana fruit by applying a creep test. This research was carried out using a factorial experimental design 3 × 3 with 5 replications. Three varieties of banana, namely Ambon (Musa parasidiaca var. sapientum L. Kunt.), Raja (Musa parasidiaca L.), and Kepok (Musa acuminata balbisiana Colla) and each in three levels of ripeness, namely mature green, half ripe, and ripe. It was found that the parameters of the rheological properties of bananas changed according to the ripeness level (P < 0.05). The values of these rheological parameters decreased as the bananas ripened. Meanwhile, the variety and the interaction between variety and ripeness had no significant influence on the rheological parameters measured (P > 0.05). The constants of the four-element Burger model changed with the ripeness in all banana varieties. The Burger model with four elements could accurately predict the strain value of bananas tested in the creep test.

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.

Coppice is the oldest form of systematic and sustainable use of forests, and is currently applied on about 29 million ha (about 14% of total forest land area) in Europe. It had its maximum spread in the 16^th century, when an estimated 36% of all forested land in Europe was managed for coppice. Coppice forests were the most important source of fuelwood until the mid-19^th century, when firewood and charcoal were substituted by alternative fuels, and the demand for construction wood increased. Consequently, coppices (both low and coppice-with-standards) started to be converted to high forests, and the process was driven by national policies and/or subsidies, which is still the situation in some European countries. During the 20^th century, coppicing was abandoned in many places across Europe due to the abandonment of the countryside and population migration into cities, as well as changes in socio-economic conditions, technical advances and political restrictions. However, coppicing is still important in many European countries as the main source of firewood for the rural population, who has limited access to other sources of energy. In this context, this paper presents the most important characteristics of this complex abandonment/management/conversion picture, emphasising the pros and cons for the future of coppices across Europe.

The need of vernalisation, controlled by the gene VRN-1, impacts wheat adaptation and yield stability, yet field evidence on the plasticity of VRN-1 homoeologs expression is limited. We quantified VRN-1 homoeolog dynamics across two sites and two seasons in seven cultivars, by sampling their apex and leaf. VRN-A1 varied with genotype (P < 0.001***), tissue (apex > leaf; P < 0.001***), apex development (P < 0.001***), day length (P < 0.001***), and to a lesser extent, on short-term freezing exposure, quantified as a 5-day freezing-degree sum (FDS; P = 0.019*). Photoperiod class (Ppd-D1a vs Ppd-D1b) added an additional effect (P = 0.001***). VRN-B1 showed strong genotype effects (P < 0.001***), a modest effect of site on its expression (P = 0.025*), and pronounced associations with microclimate variables (day length, thermal sums, freezing exposure; all P < 0.001***). Directionally, Ppd-D1a backgrounds tended to advance the development while showing earlier apex VRN-A1 peaks. Overall, VRN-A1 expression mainly reflected developmental stage and seasonal forcing, whereas VRN-B1 might be more microclimate-responsive, indicating complementary roles for timing and stress-response plasticity. To isolate causal effects and to further explain these dynamics, targeted sequencing and tests in near-isogenic lines will be needed in future work.

Extensive research studies worldwide have discussed and analysed the effect of processing conditions on the nutritional aspects of Western types of bread; however, the literature on Arabic bread processing is very limited. This study aims to determine the effect of baking temperature and time on the retention of B vitamins in a pocket-forming Arabic flatbread model system. High-crumb flat Arabic bread (Thick Kmaj) was prepared by the straight dough method from three types of flour (patent, straight grade, and whole wheat) fortified with B vitamins. Doughs were fermented and proofed for 0, 30, 60, and 90 min and baked at five temperatures (250, 300, 350, 400, and 450 °C) for three different baking times (1, 2, and 3 min). Baking at lower temperatures (i.e. < 300 °C) resulted in higher B-complex vitamin retention values (more than 90%). Vitamin B6 showed exceptional retention values (about 100%), though these decreased by increasing the baking temperature. Vitamin retention levels in the produced Arabic bread samples are similar to those found in pan and other high-crumb bread types when baked at lower temperatures. Results are expected to positively impact the output and economics of the flour fortification process, as it can be helpful material for upcoming micronutrient survey studies to assess fortification process outcomes.

The suitability of macadamia trees for different climates has been shown to affect tree growth and fruit quality. In this study, the differences in tree survival rate after frost injury, tree growth, nut mass, kernel quality and yield of seven macadamia cultivars were evaluated for field production in the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet, and the suitability of macadamia cultivars was determined. The cultivars evaluated were ‘Beaumont’ (‘HAES695’), ‘HVA16’ (‘A16’), ‘Hinde’ (‘H2’), ‘Own Choice’ (‘O.C.’), ‘SSCRI-1’, ‘SSCRI-2’ and ‘SSCRI-3’. Of these, ‘Beaumont’, ‘A16’, ‘H2’ and ‘O.C.’ were Australian cultivars and ‘SSCRI-1’, ‘SSCRI-2’ and ‘SSCRI-3’ were Chinese cultivars. The results showed that all seven cultivars grew well under the high altitude and high latitude climate conditions of southern Tibet without continuous frost. ‘A16’ and ‘Beaumont’ in addition to their reasonable yield, nut mass and kernel quality, had the higher tree survival rate after frost injury. ‘A16’ and ‘Beaumont’ were well adapted to the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet, followed by ‘O.C.’, ‘SSCRI-1’ and ‘SSCRI-2’, but ‘SSCRI-3’ and ‘H2’ were unsuitable. These results indicated that it is possible to produce macadamia in the high altitude and high latitude climate of southern Tibet by planting excellent frost-resistant cultivars, with promising yields and a commercial standard of nut quality.

To reduce agricultural pollutant emission (APE) and postharvest loss of grain (PHLG), the Chinese government enacted a series of subsidy policies; however, the profit-oriented supply chain members are seriously lacking or reducing APE and PHLG efforts. To address this issue, we considered as the research objective a grain supply chain consisting of a producer, a retailer and the government. We proposed the concept and functional expressions of supply chain members’ reduction efforts for APE and PHLG. We then proposed two main variables: the environmental innovation subsidy coefficient and the quantity attenuation factor of grain. According to the actual situation, four investment subsidy models were proposed. The results showed the following: i) supply chain members’ equilibrium prices and incomes were negatively correlated with the degree of the producer’s APE effort regardless of whether the supply chain members were investing in PHLG technology; ii) when the government subsidises APE and PHLG technology for other supply chain members, the government should stop subsidising the retailer’s inputs in reduction loss technology to ensure that the government’s own interests are not damaged; iii) the government’s income was restricted by the degree of its subsidising of other supply chain members. This study provides a theoretical support for the government to formulate appropriate policies to reduce APE and PHLG, which is important for maintaining national food security.

With the increase in the life expectancy of domestic animals and their increasingly affectionate relationship with their owners, it is possible to observe an increase in cases of neoplasms in these animals. Mammary neoplasia mainly affects older females who have not been castrated, due to hormonal dependence for the development of the tumour. The main form of treatment is surgery. This study aims to carry out an updated review on mammary neoplasms in female dogs covering the anatomy, physiology, prevalence, causes, diagnoses, treatments, prevention and prognosis, based on scientific articles by renowned researchers.

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.

Despite all the complications that arise with root research, such as slow, laborious, and unclear genetics, roots are a promising object of interest for breeders because many root traits are compatible with high yield potential. It is a great challenge for further research that there is a wide demand for information on the “hidden half of plant metabolism” from many research fields. We have summarized the main obstacles in root system research and sketched a solution for breeding in field conditions so that the result was more meaningful to the farmer. (i) The most important challenge in root research is linking the functional identification of root system properties with the aboveground parts. (ii) Field breeding is irreplaceable, and methods allowing the evaluation of roots under field conditions are indispensable. (iii) Low heritability of root system trait discourages breeders. However, root properties show broad genotypic variability, allowing the efficient use of these traits as selection criteria. (iv) The root traits are variable, and many fluctuate under the influence of environmental factors, which complicates efforts to define ideotypes and explains the different conclusions obtained by researchers from different environments. The breeding programs targeting the root system are sporadic even in a global context. This is a great reserve for breeding progress in the era of climate change, water scarcity, a possible shift to extensive farming systems, and in the era of environmental programs.

Rice serves as a crucial staple food for nearly half of the world’s population. However, rice paddies contribute remarkably to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Prior studies often showed a trade-off between reducing GHG emissions and impairing rice yield. In this study, we explore the possibility of employing modulating probiotics to develop a win-win strategy for enhancing rice yields while reducing GHG emissions. Three paired plots of rice paddies were used in the field experiment during the spring growing season (from February to July 2022). Each pair of plots was divided into control and probiotic addition paddies to investigate the effects of modulating probiotic treatment on GHG emissions using the whole-plant chambers. Our results revealed notable reductions in GHG emissions and increases in rice yield with the probiotic treatment relative to the control. The probiotic treatment resulted in a 47.58% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, a 21.53% reduction in methane (CH₄) emissions, and an impressive 88.50% reduction in nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions over the growing season. We also observed a 27.75% increase in rice yield with the probiotic treatment. These findings suggest that employing modulating probiotics has the potential to pave the way for mutually beneficial outcomes, enhancing rice productivity while mitigating the GHG emissions associated with rice cultivation.

The parasitic protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum causes cryptosporidiosis in young calves, leading to diarrhoea and financial losses in the farming industry. This study aimed to examine the occurrence of C. parvum in preweaning calves suffering from diarrhoea in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, using both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Faecal samples were obtained from 80 young calves categorised into various groups according to age, breed, sex, and geographic origin. Notably, a greater occurrence of C. parvum infection was observed in female calves, those in the 5–30 days age group, and those of the Friesian breed. Furthermore, the highest infection rate was reported in the Zarayan region. A strong correlation was observed between the ELISA and PCR findings. The molecular analysis detected both C. parvum and C. ryanae, with C. ryanae documented for the first time in Iraq. C. parvum infection considerably affects physiological indicators, particularly in younger calves, including body temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. PCR positivity in our study was substantially correlated with dehydration. Overall, this study highlights the need for prompt identification and intervention for the management of C. parvum infections in young calves.

Periodic waterlogging is more common due to more frequent extreme precipitation but its impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) loss is obscure in straw-return farmland. We compared soil properties and biochemical characteristics of SOC (compositions of non-cellulosic and amino polysaccharides) in adjacent periodic waterlogged farmland (PWF) and non-waterlogged farmland (NWF) in a semi-humid warm temperate region. SOC mineralization was also measured at 60% (aerobic) or 100% (anaerobic) of field capacity at 25 °C for 82 days. The negative effect of periodic waterlogging on SOC contents and soil aggregate stability were observed in the 20–80 cm depth but were offset in topsoil (0–20 cm) due to straw-return. Periodic waterlogging increased the non-cellulosic sugar content and amino sugar content in SOC and the mass ratio of (galactose plus mannose) to (arabinose plus xylose) at 40–80 cm depth except at 0–40 cm depth. By the end of 82 days’ incubation, when aeration status changed from anaerobic to aerobic conditions, total C loss as CO₂ increased similarly (123.9%) in PWF and NWF soils in the top 40 cm, but more C loss occurred under PWF than under NWF (78.9% vs. 46.9%) in the 40–80 cm depth, which was probably ascribed to its higher non-cellulosic sugar and amino sugar content. Our result emphasized the importance of straw-return for maintaining soil quality under periodic waterlogged farmland.

This study aims to analyse the key company-level variables influencing pollutant emissions in the Spanish agri-food sector and investigate the bidirectional relationship between international trade and environmental performance. Using panel data from 2007–2020, we employ discrete choice models to test causal relationships between business variables and environmental impact. Empirical findings show a negative correlation between internationalisation and polluting emissions from agri-food companies. Additionally, other factors, such as company age and size, also influence this index. These results provide valuable insights for economic decision-makers in the agri-food market, highlighting the implications of international trade and business variables on pollution levels.

The paper explores the influence of global pandemic uncertainty (GPU) on food prices (FP) by using the mixed-frequency vector autoregression (MF-VAR) model. Empirical findings indicate that the influence of GPU on FP varies across different scenarios, exhibiting either positive, negative, or insignificant effects. A positive influence implies that GPU fuels panic-buying and stockpiling behaviours, thereby boosting food demand. Concurrently, disruptions in agricultural production and food export restrictions tighten the market supply, potentially pushing FP upwards. Conversely, a negative effect suggests that the global economic downturn and food safety anxieties stemming from pandemic-related uncertainty may dampen food demand, causing FP to decline. In some instances, FP remains unaffected mainly by GPU due to the competing pressures from adverse climate change risks on the food market. Notably, FP's predictive error variance decomposition underscores that the net impact of GPU on FP is stimulatory. This overall effect aligns with the inter-temporal capital asset pricing model (ICAPM), which posits a positive influence of GPU on FP. The findings recommend that consumers and investors diversify their food sources, while policymakers should bolster food supply chain resilience, promote sustainable agriculture, establish emergency reserves and coordinate aid.

Restoration of Arrhenatherion meadows is limited both by the lack of local seed availability in natural habitats for self-restoration purposes and the lack of information on the germination of target species in these meadows. Understanding germination strategies can optimise local seed use. This study aimed to define germination strategies for groups of species based on relevant six germination parameters: germination capacity (GC), fresh ungerminated seed (FUS), median germination time, germination velocity, germination synchrony and germination uniformity. The germination test of 23 meadow species was performed according to ISTA (International Seed Testing Association) rules. The hierarchical clustering method and PCA biplot divided the species into five groups. Based on the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s test, the evaluation of six parameters in five groups showed that species such as Arrhenatherum elatius, Centaurea jacea, Plantago lanceolata, Tragopogon pratensis and Dianthus deltoides differed significantly in terms of higher GC, lower FUS and faster germination velocity than Lathyrus pratensis, Vicia angustifolia and Geranium pratense. Conversely, these three species had more synchronous germination than species such as Knautia arvensis and Briza media and expressed the shortest peak of germination period among other species. These six parameters potentially describe germination strategies across groups of species.

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.

Antimony (Sb) pollution from industrial activities poses a severe global threat, particularly impacting valuable medicinal crops like linseed, which are highly sensitive to heavy metals. This study reveals the remarkable potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as a sustainable solution to this challenge. Our research demonstrates that while Sb stress significantly impairs linseed growth and photosynthesis, it also triggers oxidative damage. AMF improved photosynthetic performance and water status, and notably enhanced the biosynthesis of crucial phytochemicals like phenolics, flavonoids, and citric acid. These compounds are vital for both plant defence and human health. Furthermore, AMF promoted the accumulation of essential detoxifying agents, leading to a better redox balance and significantly reducing Sb uptake and translocation by 47%. This dual action not only bolsters the plant’s tolerance to Sb but also enhances its medicinal value by boosting health-promoting bioactive metabolites. These promising findings underscore AMF’s dual role: a powerful tool for phytoremediation and a natural enhancer of phytochemical quality. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide a sustainable, nature-inspired approach to safely cultivate medicinal plants in environments contaminated with heavy metals, underscoring the vital role of plant-microbe interactions in alleviating environmental stresses.

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional glycoprotein linked to udder health in dairy cows. This study aimed to develop a calibration model for LF quantification using mid-infrared spectrometry (MIR-FT), with ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as the reference method. Two sets of individual milk samples (A: n = 120; B: n = 91) were collected from five dairy farms in the Czech Republic. Set A included a higher proportion of samples with somatic cell count (SCC) above 300 000 cells/ml to ensure broad LF variability. After merging both sets and removing six outliers, a final calibration set C (n = 205) was created. The developed model achieved a cross-validated coefficient of determination of 0.588 7 and a standard error of cross-validation of 67.33 mg/l. Correlation analysis showed that several milk parameters correlated with LF determined by MIR-FT in patterns typical of mastitis (SCC: r = 0.450; lactose: r = –0.364; free fatty acids: r = 0.621; electrical conductivity: r = 0.442), indicating potential for MIR-FT in evaluating mammary gland health. The feasibility of using LF as an indicator of milk adulteration by artificial SCC reduction through centrifugation was also assessed. Two sample sets (n = 20 and n = 68) were analysed, each containing normal bulk tank milk and bulk tank milk supplemented with abnormal milk. Centrifugation caused minimal changes in LF determined by both HPLC and MIR-FT (maximum 3.27%) while SCC decreased by nearly 50%, suggesting that LF may serve as a marker for detecting artificial SCC reduction. However, practical application of MIR-FT for accurate LF determination is limited by the achieved validation parameters and the high expanded uncertainty (114.7 mg/l). The method is therefore more suitable for monitoring relative LF changes in milk than for determining exact LF content.

The common 1% oil cleanup criterion was tested for pasture production according to oil type and concentration, in soil types frequently contaminated in southeastern Mexico. Reductions in aerial biomass of Brachiaria humidicola were measured over six months in soils contaminated with crude oils of varying grades (light, medium, heavy, and extra-heavy). Dose-response curves for heavy crude-contaminated soils showed acceptable criteria (90% pasture) of 0.71, 0.56, 1.23, ~0.20 and < 0.10% oil for an Arenosol, Vertisol, Gleysol, Fluvisol and an Acrisol, respectively. Generally, for all crude oils, the 1% level resulted in pasture reductions of ~20–70, ~25–60, ~50–65, and ~35–65% in the Arenosol, Vertisol, Fluvisol, and Acrisol, respectively. Still, in the Gleysol it was variable (reduction of ~10% to an increase of ~15%). Thus, the 1% oil cleanup criterion may be suitable for some soils with large amounts of smectite clays and organic matter (such as Gleysols). Still, for most soils, it may not be strict enough to prevent soil fertility deterioration, and soils with large amounts of non-smectite fines may be particularly impacted. Therefore, lower cleanup levels need to be considered, as well as low-cost regenerative agricultural practices to recover soil fertility in contaminated soils, when these cleanup levels are not achievable.

The response of carabid beetles to extensive livestock farming and vegetation structure in two traditionally managed 'dehesa' ecosystems was investigated. From March 2011 to January 2012, sampling was done, using pitfall trapping, on two forestry farms located in the Sierra de Hornachuelos Natural Park (Córdoba, Spain), both with hunting use, but one of them also with a heavy livestock load. On each forestry farm, two sampling plots were selected according to the vegetation structure. Faunal differences were proved through the ecological indices, and the faunal uniqueness was checked by the Coldwell and Coddington Complementarity Analysis. To identify the most influential factor on the carabid biodiversity, a Generalised Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) was performed. Results show that abundance and richness are higher in the plots with open vegetation, similarly like the number of recorded tribes. Nevertheless, the ecological indices do not reflect any significant differences. The complementarity between different vegetation structures exceeds that of the exploitation types. In fact, the GLMM analysis indicated that the livestock itself does not have a significant effect on the fauna. In addition, all exclusive, rare or endemic species came from the closed vegetation plots, suggesting that these areas may act as a reservoir of unique species in terms of biodiversity.

To enhance the biomechanical database of plant root systems for soil reinforcement and erosion control in arid and semi-arid regions, and to provide a scientific basis for selecting superior native shrub and herb species in forestry and grassland measures for desertification control in central and western Inner Mongolia, this study investigated the root-soil interfacial friction characteristics of five typical native plant species – Caragana korshinskii and Hippophae rhamnoides, the semi-shrub Hedysarum mongolicum, and the perennial herbs Medicago sativa and Astragalus adsurgens – in two widely distributed non-zonal soils: loessial soil and aeolian sandy soil. Single-root pull-out tests were conducted on indoor-prepared root-soil composite samples to examine their responses to varying soil moisture levels. The results showed that within a soil moisture range of 4.6% to 20.6%, the single-root pull-out resistance and shear strength of all five species in both soil types followed a quadratic model Y = ax² + bx + c (with all multiple correlation coefficients > 0.5), initially increasing and then decreasing with rising moisture content. Peak values occurred at 8.6% moisture, with consistently higher values observed in loessial soil than in aeolian sandy soil. This indicates an optimal soil moisture level for maximising root-soil interfacial friction resistance. Among the species, Hippophae rhamnoides and Medicago sativa exhibited superior pull-out performance in both soils, with Hippophae rhamnoides showing greater sensitivity to environmental variations in loessial soil. Redundancy analysis identified soil type and moisture content as key factors explaining variations in root pull-out shear strength. These findings demonstrate that mixed-species plantations, leveraging complementary root traits, can form more complex and stable root-soil structures, thereby enhancing surface soil mechanical stability. Further research is needed to elucidate the adaptive mechanisms linking plant traits, environmental conditions, and biomechanical characteristics.

Developing and employing new, sustainable, and eco-friendly biostimulants that enhance plant growth and alleviate the harmful effects of environmental challenges is a major focus for many researchers. Salt stress is a critical constraint on plant growth and a limiting factor in crop productivity, particularly during the early developmental stages in the nurseries. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Java plum) is an important fruit tree and widely cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant. This study was designed to develop Cassia javanica subsp. nodosa leaf extract (CLE) as a new sustainable and eco-friendly biostimulant capable of triggering the metabolic adaptation to salt stress in Java plum seedlings grown in nurseries. CLE successfully mitigated reductions in growth, biomass yield, and secondary metabolite production caused by salinity. Although salt stress depressed morphological characters and biomass yield, CLE foliar spray enhanced these parameters. Moreover, CLE enhanced the ferric reducing antioxidant potential, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities, increased phenolic content, and reduced hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, CLE application increased seedling biomass and stimulated antioxidant activity, osmoprotectant accumulation, and overall tolerance to salinity stress. These observations provide new insights into CLE’s potential as an eco-friendly biostimulant for enhancing salt tolerance in Java plum seedlings.

Assessing of genetic diversity is essential for identifying useful alleles for crop improvement. This study evaluated genetic diversity among two cassava breeding populations for total carotenoid content (TCC), dry matter content (DMC), and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration using trait-linked single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 360 genotypes were analysed, including 261 from the IITA breeding programme (Population 1), 23 progenitor lines, and 76 from the University of Ibadan Cassava (UIC) breeding programme (Population 2). Minor allele frequency (MAF), gene diversity (GD), observed heterozygosity (H_e), and polymorphic information content (PIC) were computed. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering were performed to examine genetic variation and population structure. Call rates were high (96–100%). MAF ranged from 0.00 to 0.50, with mean values of 0.28, 0.28, and 0.29 for Population 1, Population 2, and progenitors, respectively. GD averaged 0.36, 0.36, and 0.35 across these groups. Observed heterozygosity was 0.42, 0.41, and 0.43, while PIC values averaged 0.29, 0.27, and 0.27 for Population 1, Population 2, and progenitors, respectively. PCA and clustering analyses grouped the genotypes into three clusters containing 257, 88, and 15 genotypes. The first two principal components explained 39.1% of the total genetic variation. The results indicate substantial genetic diversity among the studied genotypes, suggesting strong potential for allele pyramiding and highlighting the informativeness of the SNP markers used.

The genomic structure of extant cattle populations can contribute to the reconstruction of the history of particular breeds or their subpopulations. Genome-wide population resequencing of extant populations of Czech Red Pied (CRP) cattle, its conserved nucleus herd, and Czech Red (CR) cattle detected a T106C polymorphism in mitochondrial DNA shared by the conserved CRP herd with a geographical belt of Anatolian, Illyrian and Eastern Alpine breeds. On the other hand, this SNP is practically absent in the historical cattle breeds associated with Northern Germany, including German Black Pied cattle, Holstein-Friesian and German Red Mountain cattle (GRM). Correspondingly, this indicator SNP was absent in CR cattle, which, like the GRM, belongs to the group of mountain red cattle breeds. It seems that the precursory cattle population in Central Europe was influenced by the germplasm from the Balkans-related group of breeds, thanks to the political and commercial influence of the Northern Italian, Austrian and Hungarian regions. In addition, the presence of this polymorphism in some European aurochs (Bos primigenius) bone remains suggests possible introgression from local aurochs populations. Alternatively, the T106C presence in yaks and in neighbouring cattle breeds in Northern India, China and Korea raises the possibility of origin of this polymorphism from yak populations. The spread of the T106C mutation in alpine regions is consistent with the known role of this mtDNA region in adaptation to the reduced oxygen pressure.

Agricultural subsidy policy can improve the planting enthusiasm of rural households by increasing their income. It is of great significance to assess and summarise the effect of the soybean and cotton target price subsidy policy and to determine future policy direction. Using the national rural fixed-observation point socioeconomic survey data from 2009 to 2017, the study employed the difference-in-differences (DID) method to evaluate the impact of the target price policy (TPP) on rural household income in China. TPP had no significant impact on the total income of rural households. Specifically, TPP increased the farm income of rural households but simultaneously reduced the wage income and had no significant impact on the other income. Moreover, the impact of TPP on rural household income varied with the planting scale and income level; the effect of TPP was strong among the non-poor or scale operation rural households. TPP implementation affected rural household farm and wage income by affecting farmers’ allocation of working time and cost input. Therefore, implementing TPP should consider farmers’ participation in non-farm employment, further adjust the subsidy intensity and scope, and combine direct subsidies with the poverty reduction effect in poor areas. The contribution of this article is to explore the implementation effect of target price subsidy policies from the perspective of farmers’ income, to deconstruct farmers’ income, and explore the mechanism of policy action. This paper provides a theoretical basis and policy inspiration for China to improve and adjust the agricultural subsidy policy, mobilise farmers’ enthusiasm to cultivate, and ensure national food security.

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.

The 2021 Cyclone Seroja was a category 3 storm that made landfall on Lembata Island, causing extensive damage. This study aims to identify key interpretations of sediment transport related to tropical cyclones (TC) Seroja and past floods using a geopedological approach, estimate the return period through frequency analysis, and determine the rainfall threshold for flooding using HEC-RAS software. Extreme rainfall data from global precipitation model (GPM) (2000–2023) in Wei Laing watershed were analysed alongside LiDAR terrain data, physical and chemical properties of soil, and land cover data. Based on geopedological analysis, the result shows that the erosional-transfer zone of Wei Laing Watershed has thin, loamy, and slightly sandy soils due to erosion and limited pedogenesis. The depositional zone contains flood deposits with abrupt vertical texture changes, reflecting transported coarse grains and finer in-situ sediments. The modern flood deposit (TC Seroja flood deposit) was identified by texture, CaCO₃ content, organic matter, and coarse organic material. The fine-grained flood deposits (≤ 4 cm) are classified as slackwater deposits, consist of silty clay loam and silt loam textures, reflecting deposition under slow-flowing conditions. TC Seroja corresponds to a 50-year return period. Hydrological modelling indicates a 60 mm/day rainfall threshold for flooding, with 77 flood events recorded between 2000–2023. The model is confirmed by thick past flood deposits enriched with coarse organic materials. These findings provide insight into flood dynamics and sedimentary responses, supporting future flood risk mitigation efforts.

With the increase in the world population and the ensuing surge in organic waste, effective management strategies are crucial to prevent environmental pollution. This study aims to address this challenge by utilising organic waste (OW) as the substrate for the production of lactic acid (LA) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through anaerobic bioprocessing. The substrates used, included grass, starch, and fruit wastes inoculated with non-sterile inoculum landfill soil (LS). The anaerobic bioconversion was performed by varying the substrate to the inoculum. The results unveil that a digester loaded with 150 g·L^–1 of fruit waste, exhibits the highest concentration of LA, reaching a significance of 25 mmol·L^–1. A digester fed with 100 g·L^–1 starch, also manifests significant LA production (18.50 mmol·L^–1). A digester, supplied with 150 g·L^–1 starch waste, showcases the highest VFA (92.5 mmol·L^–1). Intriguingly, the anaerobic bioprocessing of the grass substrate did not produce LA at all, yet al. the substrates showcased VFA production, albeit with fluctuating and lower concentrations. This study highlights the potential of incorporating simple sugar for enhanced LA production and starch-based substrates for increased VFA production when utilising LS as the inoculum. The anaerobic bioprocessing shows promising outcomes for the future development in sustainable waste utilisation.