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This paper analyses the distribution of CAP subsidies between primary beneficiaries (farms) and final beneficiaries (farm owners) in Slovakia in 2021, using unique micro-level data. The results show a significant inequality in the distribution of CAP subsidies between primary and final beneficiaries in Slovakia. The majority of CAP payments (92% for primary beneficiaries and 89% for final beneficiaries) are concentrated among the top 20% of beneficiaries, with a higher concentration among primary beneficiaries than final beneficiaries. However, there is a reversal at the top stratum of beneficiaries. The top 1% of primary beneficiaries receive 26.2% of CAP subsidies, compared to 31.0% for final beneficiaries. For the remaining 99% of beneficiaries, the distribution of CAP subsidies is more concentrated at the level of primary beneficiaries than at the level of final beneficiaries. The analyses suggest that the implementation of the CAP in Slovakia has not been sufficient to address the unequal distribution of CAP subsidies.

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 decline in the bee colony strength due to high levels of Varroa destructor infestations necessitates the development of new control methods. This study evaluates the effectiveness of glycerin-oxalic acid strips and essential oils in managing Varroa destructor. The experiment was conducted in 2022 at the experimental apiary in Debelec, part of the Institute of Animal Husbandry in Kostinbrod. Six experimental groups, each treated with a different preparation, were compared to a control group of untreated colonies. Treatments included Beevital Hiveclean (20 ml per colony), Varro Red (2 ml per frame), ammonium nitrate strips (1.3 mm), glycerin-oxalic acid strips (1.3 mm), and glycerin-oxalic acid strips of paper-cellulose (2.3 mm) or cellulose-cotton (2.3 mm). The control group remained untreated. The glycerin-oxalic acid strips made of cellulose and cotton (2.3 mm) showed the highest efficacy, reducing the mite infestation by 17.79% compared to the control. The glycerin-oxalic acid strips of paper-cellulose (2.3 mm) were also effective, achieving a 17.05% reduction in mite levels. These results provide valuable insights for beekeepers seeking alternative and sustainable methods for controlling Varroa destructor infestations.

The potential of lotus seed paste (LSP) as a fat substitute in pork patties was investigated. Pork patties were prepared by substituting varying levels of fat (0, 20, 40, and 60%) with LSP. LSP addition increased moisture while reducing fat content. Compared to control, LSP-added pork patties had significantly higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, L* values and microbial counts (P < 0.05), but lower thawing, centrifugal, and cooking losses, and diameter reduction. Furthermore, LSP incorporation enhanced hardness, springiness, chewiness and adhesiveness of the patties. Patties with 60% fat replacement by LSP had the highest b* value and cohesiveness, and the lowest a* value. Substituting 40% or more fat significantly improved the colour, taste, texture and overall acceptability of pork patties (P < 0.05).

This study investigated the potential risks of cadmium (Cd) toxicity in buffaloes grazing on forages that were cultivated in soils irrigated by various sources of wastewater. The absorption of trace metals (TM) by plants and their subsequent entry into the food chain pose a significant danger to grazing animals through the accumulation of contaminated fodder. The mean concentration of Cd in the water ranged from 0.18–1.78 mg/L, in the soil 0.63 to 1.87 mg/kg, in the forage 0.20 to 1.32 mg/kg, and in the blood 0.26 to 1.98 mg/L. Among all three sites, canal water (CW Site I), groundwater (GW Site II), and sewage water (SW Site III), the concentration factor (CF) values were below the threshold of 1 (CF < 1), indicating the nominal environmental concern regarding Cd contents in the soil-plant interface. In addition, a prominent variation was noticed in the transfer factor (TF) of Cd across different sites, with the highest TF observed in Avena sativa L. at SW Site III (0.8) and the lowest in Pennisetum glaucum L. at CW Site I (0.27). Furthermore, the hazard quotient (HQ) exhibited a substantial fluctuation, ranging from 0.39 to 2.6, reflecting varying levels of potential health risks associated with Cd exposure. The outcomes of the current investigation suggested that the prominent increase in Cd levels was recorded at sampling site SW Site III due to continuous wastewater irrigation. Prolonged exposure and increased Cd absorption in buffaloes grazing at these sites could have harmful long-term effects on their health. The correlation analysis between Cd concentrations in water, soil, forage, and blood showed a positive but non-significant relationship for water-soil, soil-forage, and forage-blood interactions. This highlights the need for further research to assess the long-term implications of wastewater irrigation on heavy metal accumulation in livestock.

Enhancing sustainability in agriculture requires innovative practices that boost crop productivity while conserving natural resources. This two-season field study (2023–2025) in sandy soils of El Sadat City, Egypt, evaluated the combined effects of nano-fertilisers and seed priming on the growth and yield of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). Five fertilisation regimes, ranging from 100% conventional to 100% nano-formulations, were tested under both primed and unprimed seed treatments. The results demonstrated that the integration of nano-fertilisers with seed priming significantly improved sugar yield (up to 36.1 t/ha), sucrose content (20.35%), and nitrogen use efficiency (55.1 kg sugar/kg N). Post-harvest soil analysis showed improved nutrient retention, indicating enhanced environmental performance. This approach supports climate-smart agriculture by optimising nutrient input, reducing losses, and improving soil sustainability. Our findings highlight the potential of nano-agronomic inputs to contribute to global food security under conditions of climate change.

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

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils threatens crop productivity and food safety. This study examined the use of dolomite and calcite amendments in reducing Cd toxicity in pak choi grown in Cd-contaminated soil. Treatments included: control (CK), Calcite 1 (Cal1, 10 g/kg soil), Calcite 2 (Cal2, 20 g/kg soil), Dolomite 1 (Dol1, 10 g/kg soil), and Dolomite 2 (Dol2, 20 g/kg soil). Amendments significantly increased soil pH (P ≤ 0.05), with Cal2 (6.5) and Dol2 (6.2) achieving the highest values at harvest. Cd availability declined (P ≤ 0.05), with Dol2 being the most effective, reducing the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure-extractable Cd from 0.03 to 0.01 mg/kg, NH₄NO₃-extractable Cd from 0.05 to 0.02 mg/kg, and CaCl₂-extractable Cd from 0.40 to 0.01 mg/kg. Dol2 improved biomass and chlorophyll content, while reducing Cd accumulation in shoots by 73.3% and in roots by 70% relative to the control. Antioxidant enzymes were regulated, with decreased peroxidase and superoxide dismutase indicating reduced oxidative stress, while Dol2 maximised urease, catalase, invertase, phosphatase, and phenol oxidase activities. Dissolved organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon also increased, thereby enhancing microbial activity. Dolomite and calcite significantly reduced biological concentration factors, biological accumulation coefficients, and translocation factors, thereby restricting Cd uptake. Overall, dolomite, especially at higher levels, effectively mitigated Cd toxicity, improved plant resilience, and enhanced soil health in contaminated systems.

Phytopathology deals with a branch of biology encompassing pathogens that infect plants. Pathogenic fungi, bacteria, viruses, viroids, and phytoplasmas are notorious and hard to control; preventive measures are important for managing disease as early as possible. Age-old management practices are time-consuming and labour-intensive processes. In the past, nucleic acid-based methods, such as hybridization, amplification, and sequencing, have been used extensively for the preliminary identification of plant pathogens. Recently, PCR-based methods have been widely used for the detection of plant pathogens. However, PCR methods are time-bound and require high-quality DNA extraction because of inhibitors' effects on PCR sensitivity. Several isothermal detection techniques are commonly used for the onsite detection of plant pathogens. Among them, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a paradigm diagnostic tool for early plant pathogen detection. Hence, in this review, we discuss the rapid, reliable, sensitive method of the LAMP assay and the limit of detection (LOD) in different sectors of plant pathology. We also address the advantages and disadvantages of different LAMP approaches and future prospects.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three nutrient solutions (Hoagland, Knop, and Hydro Umat F) on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of hydroponically cultivated yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis L.). Results showed that Hydro Umat F extended the plant lifespan (105.4 days) and flowering time (58.65 days), increased the number of branches per plant, and enhanced leaf SPAD values. Plants grown in Hydro Umat F also exhibited the highest yield, as indicated by the number of flowers per plant (46.12), number of pods per plant (20.81), pod length (54.15 cm), pod weight (20.06 g), and total pod weight per plant (417.45 g). The Hoagland solution also promoted plant growth and yield, with a growth duration of 96.74 days, an average of 17.63 pods per plant, a pod length of 47.34 cm, a pod weight of 17.14 g, and a total yield of 302.17 g per plant. In contrast, the Knop solution, containing only six essential nutrients, shortened the plant’s growth duration (76.37 days) and significantly reduced the growth and yield of the hydroponic yardlong bean. Regarding pod quality, the pods from plants grown in Hydro Umat F had higher vitamin C content (4.12 mg/g), total protein content (3.21 mg/100 g), and reducing sugar content (13.06 mg/g) compared to those grown in Hoagland and Knop solutions. The findings suggest that Hydro Umat F is a suitable nutrient solution for hydroponic cultivation of yardlong bean, contributing to increased plant yield and fruit quality. These results suggest that Hydro Umat F is a promising nutrient solution for enhancing yield and pod quality in hydroponic yardlong bean cultivation, particularly in the context of the decline in available agricultural land and the rise of urban agriculture in Vietnam.

Lithium (Li) plays a significant role in human physiology and psychology; however, it is non-essential for plants. The extensive use of Li in industrial processes and battery-powered devices poses a potential global threat to living organisms. This study assessed the impact of varying soil Li concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg) on carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants. Results revealed that Li concentrations exceeding 40 mg/kg soil had detrimental effects on carrot growth. Compared to 0 mg/kg soil, Li concentrations of 60 and 80 mg/kg reduced shoot fresh biomass by 51% and 82%, respectively, and root fresh biomass by 68% and 89%, respectively. Elevated Li levels in the soil also increased hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content in shoots and triggered enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Additionally, soil Li disrupted the uptake and translocation of essential nutrients such as potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) from roots to shoots. This study concludes that while low Li levels may elicit a positive response in plants, higher concentrations significantly impair growth and could contribute to the accumulation of Li in the food chain.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of mannan-oligosaccharides (MOSs) in broiler chicken feed throughout the complete rearing cycle, focusing on zootechnical performance and lactic acid bacteria. Over a period of 49 days, a total of one thousand and eighty (1 080) day-old ISA 15 chicks were divided into two (control and experimental) groups of 540 subjects each (9 replicates of 60 chicks per treatment). They were fed the same basic diet, but only the experimental group received a yeast cell wall extract-based prebiotic (AGRIMOS^®, France), administered continuously at a dose of 2 g/kg throughout the different rearing phases. Under our local conditions, the prebiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in body weight gain (P < 0.01), reaching 1 559.82 ± 41.47 g during the growth phase and 913.20 ± 72.58 g during the finishing phase. Moreover, a significant reduction in the feed conversion ratio was observed throughout the rearing cycle (P < 0.05). Across all segments of the analysed intestinal tract (duodenum, ileum, and caecum), the data showed that chickens supplemented with the prebiotic had a significantly higher number of lactic acid bacteria than the control group at the start, growth, and finishing phases (P < 0.01). Our findings demonstrated a clear impact of the prebiotic on the feed utilisation under our rearing conditions, which required further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.

This study investigates the long-term effects of pine (Pinus nigra) afforestation on soil characteristics in comparison to adjacent pastureland in central Kosovo. Soil samples (n = 24) were collected from two land-use types, pine plantations and grassland, over three topographic positions (lower, medium, upper) and two depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm). Standard laboratory techniques were used to determine soil organic matter (SOM), organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), pH (H₂O and CaCl₂), available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and bulk density (BD). The data were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation matrices. The top soils (0–10 cm) beneath pine had higher soil organic matter (mean 2.45%) compared to the pasture lane (1.59%). The SOC and TN levels increased by 43% and 36%, respectively. Soil pH was lower under pine (mean pH_H₂O = 6.3) than under pasture land (pH_H₂O = 6.81), particularly on middle and lower slopes. Exchangeable calcium and magnesium declined by up to 20% under pine plantations, and bulk density also decreased (for example, 1.15 g·cm^–3 under pine land compared to 1.29 g·cm^–3 under pasture land), signifying reduced compaction. Phosphorus concentrations were slightly higher under pasture at a depth of 0–10 cm (mean 12.4 mg·100 g^–1), but under pine, they increased at a depth of 10–20 cm on top slopes. PCA showed differentiation based on land use, with the initial two components representing 70.1% of the overall variance.

Bactrocera cucurbitae, commonly known as the melon fruit fly, stands as a formidable threat to global agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of cucurbitaceous crops. The adaptability, high reproductive capacity, and broad host range of B. cucurbitae make it a persistent challenge for growers worldwide. Conventional control methods, often reliant on chemical pesticides, pose environmental and ecological concerns, necessitating the exploration of alternative strategies for sustainable pest management. Invasive plants often exert deleterious effects on ecosystems, and the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, is no exception. To explore the efficacy of R. communis, a methanol extract was tested to find the toxicity effect against B. cucurbitae. In this study, different bioactive compounds were isolated from R. communis. The crude extract of R. communis was subjected to fractionating using different organic solvents in an increasing order of polarity, where the fraction indicating maximum activity was then taken for the isolation of the bioactive compounds using various chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques such as column chromatography, thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentrations of R. communis extracts at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2% methanol were used. Pure methanol was used as the control. The experimental conditions were maintained at 28 + 20 ºC and 65 + 5% relative humidity. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomised design having five replications. A probit analysis was used to find the LC50 and LC90. The results showed that, as the concentration of the plant extracts increases, the mortalities of B. cucurbitae also increased. After a 72 h exposure period, the crude extracts exhibited the lowest LC50 at 0.30% and LC90 at 0.60%. This study investigates the potential of methanolic extracts derived from various parts of R. communis to serve as a biopesticide against B. cucurbitae which can be easily available, economically feasible, socially acceptable and environmentally friendly.

In the present study, 20 sycamore maples (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) were evaluated on eight plots (160 trees) affected by sooty bark disease (SBD), caused by Cryptostroma corticale (Ellis & Everh.) P.H. Greg. & S. Waller in Northern Bohemia, Czech Republic. Mortality and presence of common pest taxa were assessed for each tree. Data were statistically evaluated using frequency and principal component analyses. The presence of C. corticale and Prosthecium pyriforme Jaklitsch & Voglmayr were positively related, with a significantly higher occurrence on dead trees. Rhytisma acerinum (Pers.) Fr. and Aceria macrorhyncha Nalepa were also positively related. However, the presence of Drepanosiphum platanoidis Schrank was not clearly related to the other evaluated taxa. Furthermore, C corticale was not present on Norway maple trees (Acer platanoides L.) growing on the plots. The results suggest that (i) the mortality of the sycamore was caused by C. corticale, while P. pyriforme was only an accompanying weak pathogen; (ii) R. acerinum, A. macrorhyncha, and D. platanoidis did not cause the mortality of the sycamore and their presence was not related to C. corticale infection; and (iii) planting more resistant maple species on sites susceptible to attack by SBD, particularly when stressed by drought, is recommended.

This study explores the impact of contract farming on household income and rural poverty alleviation using measures outlined by World Bank among 410 smallholder Kenyan poultry farmers. Using endogenous switching regression and propensity score matching models, we found that contract farming significantly boosts household income, with participants experiencing a 74% increase. If non-participants had engaged in contract farming, their income could have risen by 45.59%. The average treatment effect on the treated was USD 0.21 per capita per day, corresponding to a 9.83% reduction in extreme poverty and a 16.90% reduction in poverty severity. Written contracts proved the most effective in poverty alleviation, contributing to reduction of 12.17% and 20.93% in extreme poverty and poverty severity respectively. Spot transactions resulted in a 10.35% reduction in extreme poverty and a 17.80% reduction in poverty severity, while unwritten contracts had the least impact, with reductions of 7.92% and 13.62%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the substantial benefits of contract farming in improving household income and alleviating rural poverty. They highlight the importance of implementing and supporting written contracts to maximise poverty reduction. Targeted policy interventions and support for contract farming could further enhance its effectiveness and contribute to sustainable rural development.

Food insecurity which has been a global threat, forces researchers to develop crops with increased productivity even under varying climatic conditions. Rice, being a significant staple and strategic crop, helps ensure economic stability, food, and nutritional security globally. It meets 20% of the calorie requirement of people residing all over the world. Lately, rice cultivation and research have been facing hitherto unprecedented difficulties in the context of climate-induced water scarcity and dwindling resources of manpower, arable land, etc. In this regard, direct seeded rice (DSR) as a resource conservation technique is gaining popularity as a potential alternative to conventional transplanting with reduced input requirement, reduced methane and CO₂ emission, increased adaptability to climate change, and increased economic returns. The weed menace in DSR prevents it from reaching its fruitful attainment to a significant level. DSR highly depends on herbicide for weed control as manual weeding and other cultural practices are labour intensive which again meets a setback of crop injury (non-selective herbicide) and resistant weeds (selective herbicides). Herbicide-tolerant (HT) rice could be an effective and long-term solution for weed management in DSR. Three HT rice systems, viz., imidazolinones, glyphosate, and glufosinate, have already been developed in this context. This review gives an insight into the need for HT rice in DSR, its production system, limitations, and stewardship guidelines for proper weed management in rice.

Soil salinisation is a major constraint on food security and agricultural development, and remains a critical concern in the agricultural sector. In this study, we examined the effects of three straw return methods – straw mulching, straw burial, and a combination of straw mulching and burial – along with inorganic amendments (CaSiO₃ and MgSO₄) on maize growth, soil organic matter, bulk density, salinity, and the contents of individual salt base ions. A 120-day planting experiment was conducted using soil columns and included maize cultivation under irrigation and drenching conditions. The combined treatments (straw return with Ca-Mg application) were more effective in reducing salinity and improving soil properties than straw return alone. Na⁺, K⁺, Cl^–, and HCO₃ contents, as well as soil bulk density, decreased by 45.99–48.43, 28.07–28.36, 20.91–24.17, 18.93–21.03, and 7.64–8.40%, respectively. Regarding crop growth promotion, compared with the single treatment, the combined application of straw return with Ca-Mg (PI, SPI) resulted in a 6.46–8.30% increase in superoxide dismutase activity, an 8.66–10.83% reduction in malondialdehyde content, a 12.71–22.70% increase in total root length, a 13.41–24.14% increase in root surface area, and a 12.46–19.02% increase in root volume. Taken together, integrating straw return with a calcium-magnesium mixture represents a promising strategy for improving the quality of coastal saline soils.

The aim of the research was to demonstrate the possibility of using hydrogen peroxide with silver (H₂O₂-Ag+) and selected fungicides for treating narcissus bulbs and their impact on plant growth and development. In the experiments were used compounds such as hydrogen peroxide with silver (H₂O₂-Ag+) and captan (Biszop 80 WG), pyraclostrobin + boscalid (Signum 33 WG) and methyl thiophanate + tetraconazole (Yamato 303 SE) to soak narcissus bulbs before planting for the period of 20 minutes. The research showed that stimulation of growth and development by some of the tested concentrations of H₂O₂-Ag+ used to treat bulbs was shown with regard to plant height, leaf length, fresh flower weight, dry flower weight, the number of days from taking plants out of cold storage to flowering, the weight of fresh above-ground parts without flowers, the weight of dry above-ground parts without flowers, the diameter of the flowers, the height of the flowers, petals length, the width of the petals and the length of the corolla. In turn, the tested fungicides stimulated the length of leaves, the fresh weight of plants without flowers, and Signum 33 WG and Biszop 80 WG also the dry weight of flowers. No phytotoxicity of hydrogen peroxide with silver and tested fungicides was found for narcissus.

This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of stem rust tolerance in commercial wheat varieties from Kazakhstan and Russia, including spring and winter varieties. Field trials were conducted to compare yield and agronomic traits between stem rust-inoculated and fungicide-treated plots, providing a practical framework for assessing tolerance. Key indicators such as disease severity, area under the disease progress curve, thousand kernel weight, and the stress tolerance index were evaluated to gauge variety resilience under stress. Significant variations in tolerance were observed, with varieties such as 'Pamyat' 47', 'Nadezhda', 'Lyubava 5', 'Tselinnaya 3s', 'Severyanka', 'Egemen-20', 'Zhemchuzhina Povolzh'ya', 'Dimash', 'Serke' and 'Korona' maintaining yield potential despite high disease pressure. Correlations revealed that traits such as flag leaf area, vegetative period, and plant height were associated with greater tolerance, highlighting their potential in breeding. With the expected increase in stem rust outbreaks due to climate change and the evolving virulence of stem rust pathogens, these findings emphasise the need for breeding programs incorporating resistance and tolerance, offering a sustainable alternative to fungicide use. This study provides critical insights for breeders and plant pathologists seeking to enhance wheat resilience in regions prone to rust epidemics.

In recent years, grafting has emerged as an efficient and alternative tool to the relatively slow conventional breeding methods, aiming to increase tolerance to abiotic stresses and soil pathogens while improving yield and quality attributes in fruit vegetables. In the present investigation, six inter-specific cucurbitaceous rootstocks, viz. sponge gourd (SG), ridge gourd (RG), ash gourd (AG), bottle gourd (BG), and Summerfit (SF), an inter-specific hybrid of snap melon × acidulus melon, were evaluated for cucumber (C) cv. ‘Kashi Nutan’. Experimental findings revealed that cucumber grafted onto inter-specific SF exhibited a 14.63%, 57.5%, and 20.05% increase in vine length, number of branches, and dry matter production, respectively, compared to the self-rooted control. Photosynthetic parameters such as photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (g_s), and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (PS II) (Fv/Fm) were also higher in cucumber leaves grafted onto the SF rootstock. Compared to self-rooted plants, cucumber grafted onto SF recorded 72.3% more fruits, a 36.9% increase in fruit weight, and an 80.9% higher fruit yield. The SF rootstock also showed a 44.54% increase in total root length (TRL), a 77.11% increase in root volume, and a 27.25% increase in average root diameter over self-rooted cucumber.

This experimental study evaluated the therapeutic potential of a liquorice-derived hydroalcoholic extract in managing experimentally induced peritonitis in New Zealand rabbits. The animals were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6): one control group, one negative control group (infected but untreated), three treatment groups that received the liquorice-derived extract at 0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg, and one positive control group treated with enrofloxacin. The confirmation of peritoneal infection relied on histopathological and radiographic tests. The effect of the liquorice extract on the peritoneal infection was evaluated using biochemical, haematological, and ultrasound analyses across the groups. The ultrasound examination, along with the haematological and biochemical evaluation on the 20^th day after induction, showed significant differences between the groups. The results demonstrated that higher doses of 1 g/kg and 2 g/kg were more effective than the lower dose of 0.5 g/kg. The haematological and biochemical analyses revealed significant differences in several variables (including WBC, neutrophils, fibrinogen, and liver enzymes) between the treated and control groups, with the most pronounced improvements observed in the group receiving 2 g/kg of liquorice extract, suggesting a dose-dependent therapeutic effect. The administration of a hydroalcoholic extract of liquorice at different doses, along with the standard treatment with enrofloxacin, affected various haematological and biochemical variables in the context of peritoneal infection management. In conclusion, the effectiveness of the liquorice-derived extract is dose-dependent and could be used as an effective therapeutic agent in peritoneal infections in New Zealand rabbits. These findings showed that the liquorice-derived extract effectively improves the local inflammatory and structural changes associated with peritoneal infection without adversely affecting systemic biochemical homeostasis.

In the experiments, two compounds were used: hydrogen peroxide with silver (H2O2-Ag+) and captan, pyraclostrobin + boscalid and methyl thiophanate + tetraconazole to soak narcissus bulbs before planting for the period of 20 minutes. The bulbs were planted in such a way that 2/3 of the bulb was above the surface of the substrate. All the pots with bulbs were subsequently placed in plastic boxes and transferred to a cooling chamber adjusted precisely for 9 °C and 94–99% air humidity. During the rooting of the bulbs in the cold room after 4, 8, 12 and 15 weeks, and then in the greenhouse after cutting the above-ground parts, the observations of the bulbs and percentage substrate coverage by the fungi most frequently isolated in the previous observations. The research showed that H2O2-Ag+ and fungicides used for soaking significantly limited the fungal development on bulbs and also on the substrate during the rooting period in the cold store and after they were placed in the greenhouse until the flowering.

The rapid growth of the food industry necessitates rigorous quality control, particularly in egg production. This study explores advanced methodologies for egg quality assessment by integrating the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), and k-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) with machine vision techniques. While traditional destructive methods like measuring the Haugh unit (HU) offer direct insights, but render eggs unusable, non-destructive techniques, such as imaging and spectroscopy, allow continuous quality monitoring. Over a 20-day period, egg samples were evaluated using a digital camera to capture key parameters like the albumen and yolk heights. The study’s image processing involved noise reduction, feature extraction, and calibration. The PCA captured 90.18% of the data variability, while LDA achieved 100% classification accuracy, and KNN demonstrated 80% accuracy. These findings underscore the effectiveness of combining machine vision with statistical methods to enhance the egg grading accuracy, contributing to consumer safety and industry standards.

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

The study is focused on the evaluation of selenium, nitrogen and sulphur effects on yield, macro- and micronutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu) and quality (Se content, starch, fibre, ash and fat) in wheat grain. Small-plot field experiments (10 m² each plot) were established on loam to clay loam mollic soil with total Se content 0.21–0.22 mg/kg in Želiezovce on the land of the Central Control and Testing Institute in Agriculture of the Slovak Republic. The effect of growing season on two sources of selenium, in the form of sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃ · 5 H₂O) and sodium selenate (Na₂SeO₄), was monitored during the growth phase BBCH 29 (the end of the tillering phase) in a two-year experiment. The experiment included six foliar treatments in four repetitions, which were differentiated as follows: T1 – 30 kg N/ha; T1 Se0₃^2– – 30 kg N/ha and 20 g Se/ha; T1 Se0₄^2– – 30 kg N/ha and 20 g Se/ha; T2 – 30 kg N/ha and 10 kg S/ha; T2 Se0₃^2– – 30 kg N/ha, 10 kg S/ha and 20 g Se/ha; T2 Se0₄^2– – 30 kg N/ha, 10 kg S/ha and 20 g Se/ha. A statistically significant difference in yield was found between the growing seasons. Statistically non-significant impact of treatments on achieved yields was found. The highest average Se content in grain, 0.90 ± 0.28 mg/kg, was achieved on treatment T2 Se0₄^2–. The application of sodium selenite appeared to be less effective than selenate form in the evaluation of average Se content in grain, where statistically significantly higher Se contents (T1 Se0₄^2– 0.78 ± 0.22 mg/kg; T2 Se0₄^2– 0.90 ± 0.28 mg/kg) were found after selenate application. The application of two types of fertilisers and two forms of selenium did not significantly increase the content of N, P, Mg, and S in grain. The Fe content in the grain was increased by treatment T2 Se0₃^2–. The application of sodium selenate compared to sodium selenite significantly increased the starch content (T1 Se0₄^2– 56.39 ± 4.44%; T2 Se0₄^2– 55.87 ± 4.05) in the grain of spring wheat.

A three-year field experiment was carried out to investigate the methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions and calculate the global warming potential (GWP) according to all energy input in response to the nitrogen (N) rate in the typical rice-wheat rotation system in Jiangsu, China. Four N treatments, including R220W180 (local practice), R220W140 (cutting 10% total N in wheat season), R180W180 (cutting 10% total N in rice season) and R180W140 (cutting 20% total N in rice and wheat seasons separately), were designed in the study. Results showed that annual CH₄ emission was decreased by 25.7% in response to cutting 20% N, which was ascribed to the 24.6% reduction of CH₄ emission in rice season (P < 0.05) compared to local practice. The mitigation of N₂O emissions in R220W140 and R180R180 treatments contributed to the 8.5% and 15.7% decrease in annual N₂O emission, which was the 23.5% decrease in cutting 20% N treatment compared to local practice, respectively. Specifically, under the same amount of N rate condition (10% N cutting), the transfer N from rice season (R220W140) to wheat season (R180W180) led to the 8.5% increase in N₂O emission (P < 0.05). In the end, the cutting of 20% N decreased GWP and yield-scale GWP by 19% and 17%, which mainly originated from CH₄ and N₂O emissions. However, cutting N did not significantly decrease grain yield (P > 0.05). These results suggested that the 180 kg N/ha for rice and 140 kg N/ha for wheat in one rotation season were the beneficial N rate to achieve the co-benefit of yield and GWP in the typical rice-wheat rotation system in Jiangsu, China.

This study investigated how wheat (C3) and maize (C4) respond to soil thallium (Tl) contamination and elevated CO₂ (eCO₂), aiming to understand strategies for mitigating oxidative stress. Under eCO₂, both crops showed higher biomass production. However, high Tl concentration (120 mg/kg) significantly decreased fresh and dry weights by 31–59%, which translated directly to compromised yield. This growth decline is linked to impaired photosynthesis, evidenced by a 54–57% drop in net photosynthetic rate under elevated Tl. Such photosynthetic inhibition intensifies oxidative stress, marked by increased membrane damage and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Furthermore, photorespiration contributed to oxidative stress by generating H₂O₂, with increased activities of glycolate oxidase and hydroxypyruvate reductase rising by 122% and 201%, in wheat and by 179% and 39% in maize, respectively, in response to 120 mg/kg TI under eCO₂ conditions. Simultaneously, to mitigate oxidative damage, antioxidant defences were significantly enhanced, resulting in increased activity of the ascorbate (ASC)/glutathione (GSH) cycle, along with elevated levels of metallothionein and phytochelatin for Tl sequestration, as well as augmented glutathione S-transferase activity. Overall, findings reveal complex interactions between CO₂ and Tl, highlighting species-specific adaptive responses of C3 and C4 plants. C3 plants use photorespiration to combat oxidative stress, while C3 and C4 plants have strong antioxidant systems to reduce the effects of oxidative stress, promoting crop resilience and growth despite Tl toxicity.

This study comprehensively investigates the impact of varying red-to-blue light ratios on the growth of Spanish lettuce. The research considers various factors such as growth morphology, photosynthetic parameters, and chlorophyll fluorescence. Lettuce was cultivated in an environment with a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 200 ± 20 μmol/m²/s and a photoperiod of 16 h per day. The experiment incorporated eight distinct light treatment methodologies, with the red-to-blue light ratios ranging from 2 : 8 (R2B8) to 9 : 1 (R9B1). The data implies that during the initial 20 days of growth, groups exposed to a higher proportion of red light demonstrated superior growth. In particular, the R9B1 group exhibited the highest increase in plant height. The photosynthetic performance of leaves (net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate) showed a tendency to rise with a decreasing red-to-blue ratio within a particular range, peaking at R3B7. However, both the dry matter content and fresh weight were relatively lower under the R3B7 light quality ratio. The results indicate that cultivating lettuce under the R8B2 ratio led to optimal outcomes. This group significantly outperformed the other test groups in terms of weight and exhibited higher photosynthetic rates. Despite exhibiting lower stomatal conductance, this group reduced energy consumption and ultimately achieved the highest overall weight.

Missouri Ozark woodlands are a unique, but imperilled ecosystem type due to fragmentation, lack of proper management and a changing climate. The management, restoration, and conservation of Ozark woodlands is a conservation priority. The Ozark woodlands contribute to the sequestration of carbon and nutrients through their robust productivity, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in the biomass and soil while cycling essential nutrients to support the ecosystem's health and vitality. We have assessed the over- and mid-storey leaf production, collecting leaves in baskets every autumn in a 1 200-ha conservation area in southwest Missouri since 2000. The leaf production data from 2000 to 2021 were compared among sites; control (not burnt for over 80 years), burnt (fire resumed in March of 1999 and repeated in 2001, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2021) and reference (fire resumed in 1980 and repeated every 2 years). The average oak leaf production was statistically higher in the burnt site than the reference site, but only marginally higher than the control site. The leaf production varies statistically between the years. We applied a regression analysis among the productivity, temperature, and precipitation to associate the temporal variability in the weather with the productivity. The reference woodland showed statistical significance with the precipitation, but not with the temperature, while the other sites did not show any statistical significance with the precipitation. No statistically significance difference was observed between the productivity and temperature across any of the woodland burn histories. The March–June, March–May, and June–August precipitation statistically predicted the productivity. The results indicate that long-term burning is predictably associated with woodland leaf production and precipitation, but the precipitation is uncoupled with the productivity in woodlands that were more recently burnt or where burning has been suppressed. Sassafras saplings of approximately 1 m in height have emerged as the dominant species in the understorey of burnt woodlands while being completely absent from the control and reference woodlands. However, the productivity is the highest in the woodlands where burning has been suppressed and 20 years of prescribed fire does not significantly reduce the productivity. Oak regeneration over 20 years of burning is being suppressed by competition with sassafras, which may result in a significant shift in the ecosystem variables.