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An oven drying method was used to dry traditional Indonesian crackers, popularly known as kerupuk, applying drying temperatures of 50, 60 and 70°C and three different flavours, i.e., garlic, chili and seaweed. Newton, Page, Two terms, Midilli, Logarithmic and Henderson & Pabis mathematical models were used to fit the best model while the standard error of estimate (SSE), root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of correlation (r) were chosen as the criteria to determine the equation of the best fit drying model. The Midilli model was the best fit for all the kerupuk flavours. The effective moisture diffusivity was in the range of 1.0413 × 10^-10-1.6363 × 10^-10 m².s^-1 for the garlic flavour, 1.0007 × 10^-10-1.5619 × 10^-10 m².s^-1 for the chili flavour and from 1.0000 × 10^-10 to 1.6228 × 10^-10 m².s^-1 for the seaweed flavour. The activation energy of the garlic flavour, chili flavour and seaweed flavour kerupuk are 20.64, 20.64 and 22.57 kJ.mol^-1, respectively. Furthermore, in the present study, the physical properties, i.e., the colour and hardness of the kerupuk crackers after the drying process was investigated.

Pioneer tree species in the Czech Republic include birch, alder and aspen. From an economic point of view, birch seems to be the most promising. Greater use of timber from pioneer tree species in higher value-added products is currently limited by the low stocks of birch, alder and aspen in forest stands. A price survey was carried out in the Western Highlands region in the central part of the Czech Republic to obtain basic information on the prices of assortments of pioneer tree species. The prices of five assortments of raw timber were surveyed for the period 2019–2023. Very few of the prices of pioneer tree species were found for assortments of II and IIIC; these assortments are not actually produced and, therefore, not traded by the respondents. For the roundwood assortments (quality II, IIIAB), it cannot be clearly stated that any of the preparatory timber species (birch, alder, aspen) always achieved a higher price during the observed period. Only in 2023 was it possible to see higher prices for quality IIIAB assortments of alder. Birch of quality V had the highest price of the observed prices for this timber assortment for the pioneer tree species during the period under review. When using a system approach, considering the information on the prices of the timber assortments is also important for deciding on the optimal species composition of the regenerating forest stands. In the case of the Czech Republic's commercial tree species, this information is available at the national level. However, the situation is quite the opposite for the timber assortments of pioneer tree species, where information on their prices is completely lacking. This confirms the fact that the market for assortments of timber from pioneer tree species in the Czech Republic is basically non-existent, the main reason being the low volume of these assortments placed on the market.

The near-expired food (NEF) is a significant opportunity to reduce food waste, while consumers often associate NEF with safety issues, which results in a large amount of safe and healthy food being wasted globally. This research focuses on food date labelling (FDL) and explores how consumers' label cognition impacts their willingness to purchase NEF. Using a random sampling method online, we obtain 2 113 valid samples from China and conduct an information intervention 'quasi-natural experiment' to obtain participants' FDL cognition and willingness to purchase the near-expired milk (NEM) before and after the intervention and evaluate the impact of the intervention through the differences-in-differences model. The results show that consumers' initial purchase willingness for NEM is low, and their FDL cognition has a positive effect, especially in Eastern China and higher education consumers. Information intervention increases consumers' willingness to purchase NEM by changing their label cognition, and the intervention has a more pronounced impact among older, male, and higher education consumers. Considering the pressure on resources and the environment caused by food waste has become an impediment to sustainable development, the findings expand the application of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (K-A-P) theory in the NEF field and clearly reveal the important role of eliminating consumer prejudice of FDL in reducing food waste to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 'Halve food waste.'

A rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) method combined with intelligent knife (iKnife) method was developed to explore the geographical origin and characteristic differential components of Qianbei Ma lamb. The REIMS conditions were initially refined, with the cauterization duration of 3 seconds, and the auxiliary solvent flow rate set to 100 μL·min^–1 to prevent duplication. A database model was created from raw data through the proposed principal component analysis-linear discriminate analysis (PCA-LDA) in Live ID software, successfully applied to identify samples from 5 provinces in China and the real-time reliable identification rate with confidence higher than 99%. The obtained data by REIMS were used to establish the multivariate statistical models which using orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), provided strong the discrimination power between composition and content changes of 16 specific ions such as m/z 726.3952 and m/z 744.4050, etc., including fatty alcohols, fatty acids and phosphatidylserines in mutton of different origin and the model displayed validation [R²(Y) = 0.968, Q² = 0.924].

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

Bemisia tabaci is a significant insect pest that causes extensive agricultural damage. The MEAM1 (Middle East-Asia Minor) and MED (Mediterranean) genetic groups of B. tabaci are the most prevalent cryptic species. This study investigated the potential for resistance development in the MED and MEAM1 genetic groups of B. tabaci against cyantraniliprole. Additionally, multiple-resistance development within each genetic group for pyriproxyfen, spirotetramat, and acetamiprid insecticides was determined. To assess the susceptibility of the first-larval stage of B. tabaci, we employed a systemic uptake method with cyantraniliprole. Additionally, we utilized a leaf-dipping method to apply acetamiprid, spirotetramat, and pyriproxyfen to second-instar larvae, adults, and eggs of B. tabaci, respectively, to determine the LC50 values for each insecticide. Each genetic group was subjected to six selections using cyantraniliprole. After six rounds of selection, a 1.8-fold resistance was observed in the B. tabaci MEAM1 population, whereas the MED population exhibited a 1.4-fold resistance. While B. tabaci MED and MEAM1 genetic groups exhibited very low resistance to cyantraniliprole, it's important to note that no multiple-resistance was observed with pyriproxyfen, spirotetramat, or acetamiprid in either group. These findings provide valuable insights for future monitoring and developing insecticide resistance management strategies for B. tabaci.

In this study, we used psychology and organisational behaviour theories to determine the main elements affecting Chinese farmers' grain loss-reduction efforts (LREs). We established social factors (SFs), policy factors (PFs) and buyer's strategies (BSs) as the three central factors and constructed a theoretical framework linking these factors to grain producers' LREs. Using this framework, we designed a survey questionnaire and an interview guide; we subsequently collected 1 536 valid questionnaire responses and 25 interview transcripts. The findings revealed that SFs, PFs and BSs had a significance positive effect on the LREs of grain producers. Critically, grain producers from significant Chinese grain-producing regions did not always minimise the effects of the independent variables (SF, PF and BS) on the dependent variable (LRE). This research provides a new viewpoint on grain farmers' LREs activities and may be used to tailor policy and commercial strategies.

Sulphur (S) plays an important role in agriculture, being the fourth major contributor to improved quality of crops and increased yields. The applied methods for the estimation of different forms of S in soil aimed at assessing the sulphur availability to plants in various conditions. Nowadays, the wider spreading of regions with sulphur deficiency imposes optimisation of the soil testing procedures in order to increase their availability for laboratories. This study contributes to improving the analytical performance of the turbidimetric method in determining water-soluble sulphate in soil after leaching with the CaCl₂ reagent. The modified testing protocol showed: method limit of quantification of 5.0 mg/kg; precision as relative standard deviation less than 3%; recovery of fortified soil samples 103 ± 18%. The expanded uncertainty was 2.3 mg/kg SO₄^2–-S (K = 2, norm.). The proposed testing protocol was inexpensive, fast, used simple equipment and procedures, easily adoptable in regular laboratories, and showed characteristics suitable for the estimation of water-soluble sulfate in arable soils. A set of 546 soil samples was tested, and 74% were found to be sulphur deficient with SO₄^2–-S < 10 mg/kg and sulfur availability index < 6.0. Thus, the availability of laboratory analysis to a broader group of farmers could contribute to effective fertilisation programs, as the newly proposed fertiliser blending technologies are based on adequate estimation of sulfur availability in arable soils.

The consumption of local wine at tourist destinations plays a fundamental role in creating authentic experiences. However, there is very little research that has looked in depth into the factors that influence tourists' consumption of this product, especially in relation to epistemic benefits and responsible tourist behaviour. This study proposes a theoretical model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). We conducted a survey involving 619 travellers who regularly consume wine when visiting Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain). The results show that epistemic benefit and responsible tourist behaviour have a positive relationship with attitudes toward local wine consumption, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control. Furthermore, the relationships proposed by the TPB are confirmed, except for the relationship between subjective norms and behavioural intention. These findings provide new knowledge on local wine consumption by tourists which will help to develop strategies to encourage its consumption in tourist destinations.

Current dietary patterns in developed countries, characterised by high intakes of processed and animal-source foods, are linked to increased obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases, as well as environmental burdens. This paper investigates determinants of red meat, white meat, and fish consumption across five European countries, using representative survey data from over 10 000 individuals. Our findings reveal that men consume more red meat and fish than women, though, when adjusted for body weight, women consume significantly more white meat and fish. While vegetarians are mostly people younger than 35 years, meat eaters in the same age category tend to eat more red meat than older people. Cross-country differences highlight the need for localised policy approaches. Individual values also shape dietary choices. Security-oriented people prefer red meat, while altruistic individuals consume less of it. Biospheric values, while strongly associated with being vegetarian, show no significant association with meat or fish intake. To reduce red meat consumption, policies should highlight health benefits of eating less meat, with messages tailored to specific demographic groups. Additionally, enhancing meat alternatives' affordability, taste, and appearance is essential for promoting dietary shifts.

Congenital anomalies affecting the spinal column are frequently observed in certain dog breeds. One such condition occurs at the junction between the lower back and the sacrum, where vertebrae exhibit mixed structural characteristics. This retrospective study analysed imaging records of Rhodesian Ridgebacks collected over 28 years, selecting only those that met strict positioning standards for evaluation. A total of 2 012 cases were analysed using established classification methods, identifying three distinct structural variations: a typical junction, a bilaterally altered morphology, and an asymmetrical form affecting one side. The prevalence of these variations was 7.4%, with symmetrical alterations found in 5% of cases and asymmetrical alterations in 2.4%. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association between these anatomical variations and canine hip dysplasia (CHD) (P = 0.170 0). These findings support previous research indicating that there is no direct link between these structural variations and joint disorders in this breed. The study represents the most extensive investigation of its kind in this canine population, highlighting that such vertebral variations are frequently observed in routine radiographic screenings, but despite decades of research, consistent clinical correlations remain elusive – underscoring the need for further systematic investigation.

The aim of the research was to examine the influence of different light treatments on the growth, phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of broccoli microgreens. Plants were grown in a growth chamber under LED (light-emitting diode) cold white, red and blue light and under fluorescent cold white light (control). The results showed that white and blue light treatments were the best for microgreen growth. Higher concentration of pigments was recorded in plants grown under LED light compared to those grown under FL (fluorescent lamp) light. The content of phenols and flavonoids had a positive and significant correlation with DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidative capacity (r = 0.66 and r = 0.90, respectively). The first two principal components account for 97.92 % of the total variation of all observed traits in this trial. Based on the PCA (principal component analysis) results, it can be concluded that the traits total phenols content, carotenoid content, chlorophyll a and b content make up the largest share of variability in the obtained results and that the red light conditions were the most unfavourable for the content of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant potential.

The introduction of non-native tree species is considered a potential adaptation strategy to global climate change (GCC) in the forestry sector. As some of the most widespread native species are undergoing stand disintegration due to both abiotic and biotic stressors, the search for alternative species becomes essential. These species can overwhelm native species with both production potential and adaptation to a changing climate. The research focused on climate-growth relationships of two introduced species of the Cupressaceae family, western redcedar (Thuja plicata Donn ex D. Don) and Lawson's cypress [Chamaecyparis lawsoniana (A. Murray) Parl.], in comparison with the native Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the northeast part of the Czech Republic. The constructed tree ring chronologies were used as a basis for dendroclimatological analyses: basal area increment (BAI), linear growth trends, Pearson's correlations between climate variables and growth, resilience indices and others. Among the analysed species, Thuja plicata revealed the highest BAI and the most positive growth trend in the last 35 years, with values 2–3 times higher. The Chamaecyparis lawsoniana exhibited the highest negative correlation with mean summer temperatures. In general, Pinus sylvestris showed the highest correlations with precipitation. No clear pattern in resilience indices has been observed. Among the two introduced tree species examined, Thuja plicata emerges as a particularly promising candidate for future application in Central European conditions under ongoing GCC.

As a consequence of climate change and damage to coniferous forests, European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the preferred plant species for forest restoration in Central Europe. European beech is generally regarded as pest-resistant. However, its vulnerability to secondary pests, for instance, gall-forming midges, may increase with environmental stress such as long drought periods. We analysed the abundance of two gall-forming insects, Mikiola fagi and Hartigiola annulipes, on European beech at 26 forest sites across the Czech Republic, spanning diverse climatic and environmental conditions, using generalised linear mixed models to evaluate the effects of abiotic factors and host tree characteristics. The results revealed that M. fagi was more abundant on younger trees, in stands with lower canopy closure, and under warmer spring conditions. In contrast, the abundance of H. annulipes declined in drought-affected areas. These patterns demonstrate species-specific responses of gall midges to host tree characteristics and climatic variables, suggesting that climate change may favour higher M. fagi abundance. Accordingly, our findings support the establishment of young beech stands under higher canopy closure, for example, beneath the shading of mature trees.

This study examines composite films made from pectin and alginate, enhanced with ginger essential oil (GEO) at 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5% concentration. The films were analysed for their structure, physical properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and effectiveness in preserving sliced bread over 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 days. The outcomes presented that incorporating GEO upgraded pectin-alginate films' properties. SEM images revealed increased essential oil distribution on the film surface with higher GEO concentrations, indicating good compatibility. Higher GEO concentrations enhanced the films' abilities to scavenge free radicals DPPH, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; and ABTS, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and inhibit bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli). Furthermore, increasing GEO concentrations in the films helped maintain key quality attributes of sliced bread, such as moisture content, water activity, microbial counts, and firmness. Films with 1.0 and 1.5% GEO concentrations were the most effective in preserving bread, potentially inhibiting mould formation and maintaining sensory properties over the 8-day storage period. This study demonstrates that pectin-alginate films supplemented with GEO at 1 and 1.5% concentration are suitable for storing sliced bread.

Seaweed has an important role in the mitigation of enteric methane (CH₄) production by ruminant animals. The utilisation and its effectiveness in enteric CH₄ reduction require a preservation process. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of different drying processes on the effectiveness of seaweed Gracilaria spp. in reducing CH₄ production assessed through an in vitro method. Three drying techniques, sun-drying, oven-drying, and freeze-drying, were applied to produce a dried product of Glacilaria spp. Rice straw basal diets combined with concentrate at the 70 : 30% were used to test the inclusion of 4% of three differently dried products of Gracilaria spp. compared to the basal diet without seaweed (control group). Measurements were conducted on in vitro total and CH₄ gas production, nutrient degradability, ammonia (NH₃) and VFA concentration, and microbial population. Results showed that the three dried products of Gracilaria spp. significantly reduced in vitro CH₄ production compared to the control group (P ≤ 0.05). All drying techniques gave a similar effect on in vitro CH₄ reduction, but they did not affect dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) degradability (P ≤ 0.05) and significantly reduced neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group, with oven-dried treatments having the lowest NDF degradability among the treatments. It is concluded that the three different drying techniques had similar effects on enteric CH₄ reduction.

This study aims to evaluate the perceptions of Spanish primary producers on waste management practices and different regulatory and administrative proposals. In addition, it identifies the socioeconomic and technical factors influencing these perceptions and highlights the types of agricultural residues that present the greatest management challenges for primary producers. To achieve these objectives, a survey was conducted among 396 primary producers throughout Spain. Results revealed two distinct groups of producers: younger, more educated individuals who showed higher awareness of waste management and older, less educated producers who perceived waste management as less critical. The study also analysed the magnitude of the relationships between these influencing factors and waste management perceptions. Agricultural plastics, biomass, and used oil emerged as the most problematic waste types. The findings suggest the need for a national strategy to improve agricultural waste management in Spain, including awareness campaigns, financial incentives, and stricter regulations to ensure sustainable practices.

The capacity for flexibility, personal development, and intrinsic motivation is a crucial aspect needed by employees in the process of transforming agricultural organisations. This paper aims to determine the typically oriented groups of employees in terms of their motivation and verify whether the identified groups are invariant even under changing conditions over time. The data from 2019–2023 (from 374 respondents employed in agricultural enterprises in south-central Slovakia) were evaluated using descriptive and inferential (K-means cluster) statistics. According to preferences and constancy of attitudes, three clusters of employees called ‘Materialists’, ‘Team progressives’, and ‘Preferences settled’ were determined. The clusters were also solved in terms of stability over time. Despite the differences in the preferences of these clusters, relational factors indeed played one of the most critical roles, even in the case of materialistically oriented employees. The practical result of the research is the possibility of designing a differentiated motivation program specifically targeted to individual groups of employees with similar motivational preferences based on a competent statistical analysis of motivation. The results are used by agricultural businesses to design motivation programs for similarly motivationally oriented employees sophisticatedly.

Controlling weed populations in agricultural land is challenging due to various factors, such as soil conditions, crop type, and environmental conditions. Substantial experience is needed to develop a strategy for minimising pressure from weed infestation. For a relatively longer period, weed control was taken care of using herbicides and mechanical and manual weeding. While herbicides simplify weed control, they pose issues like residual effects and the development of herbicide resistance in weeds, necessitating the deployment of alternate smart weed-management technologies. Lately, smart weeding robots and sensor-based site-specific spraying systems have been developed. Sensors as varied as hyperspectral imaging cameras, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Real Time Kinematics-Global Positioning System (RTK-GPS), optoelectronic, fluorescence sensors, laser and ultrasonic systems can help to improve weed control efficacy when combined with mechanical and spraying robotic systems. Camera-steered mechanical weeding robots and unmanned aerial vehicles are now widely available for weed management. This review focuses on the developments in sensor-based mechanical and chemical weeding, identification of herbicide-resistant weeds, and herbicide effect assessment. This is a comprehensive overview of studies of sensor-based weed-management strategies being adopted worldwide. Furthermore, an outlook towards future sensor-based weed control strategies and necessary improvements are given.

From 1967 to 1995, the flight activity of 25 monovoltine species of moths (Noctuidae, Lepidoptera) was monitored via a light trap located in Prague (50.09 N, 14.30 E). For each species, the day when half of the individuals were caught (peak of flight activity, PFA) was specified each year. This study addresses a method of predicting the calendar date of the PFA via thermal time. We determined a base temperature of +6 °C, at which the differences between the predicted and actual dates of the PFA were minimal. For each species and each year, the sum of the degree days exceeding the base temperature from January 1 to the date of the PFA (SumT) was determined, and the average SumT throughout the study was calculated. Each year, the predicted date of the PFA is the date when the average SumT was achieved. Sixty-five percent of the predicted PFA dates fell within ±5 days of the actual date of the PFA. Shifts in the magnitude and direction of the difference between the actual and predicted PFAs affecting concurrently all species were caused by the thermal conditions of the year.

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

The experiment was done on 180 (2 × 90) Cherry Valley ducks that were fattened until 42 days of age with parity of females and males in the group. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of substituting dehulled lupin seed meal, Zulika variety, for soybean meal and its impact on the fatty acid content of breast and thigh muscle fat. Feeding lupin diets resulted in a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in Cherry Valley ducks, as well as significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 (PUFA n-3) in breast and thigh muscle fat. There was no effect of the tested diets on PUFA n-6 content in muscle fat. The results confirm that lupin meal in the diet enhances the dietary value of Cherry Valley duck muscle due to the higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, with respect to the use of duck meat for human consumption.

The paper deals with the genomic evaluation of retained placenta (RP), metritis/endometritis (MET), and cystic ovarian disease (CYS) and their involvement in the selection programme of Holstein cattle. A procedure for the estimation of genetic parameters and genomic breeding values was proposed. The dataset included farmers’ records of 127 000 lactations from 109 farms for RP, 185 000 lactations from 131 farms for MET and 115 000 lactations from 87 farms for CYS. The lactational incidence was 6.9% (RP), 12.8% (MET) and 9.2% (CYS). The single-trait animal model equation included fixed effects of herd-year-season of calving and parity of the cow, random direct additive genetic effect, random permanent environmental effect and residual effect. The single-step genomic prediction (ssGBLUP) was based on more than 50 000 SNP-genotyped individuals. Heritability for all traits did not exceed 2%. Favourable correlations were found between reproductive disorders resistance, fertility and longevity traits. The correlation between CYS and milk protein yield indicated a genetic predisposition to cystic ovarian disease in high-producing cows. All significant correlations between health traits (clinical mastitis, claw and feet disorders, reproductive disorders) were positive, indicating that the selection for improvement of one health trait would induce a favourable selection response in the others.

Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (sweet orange) is the most important cultivated citrus fruit in the world. However, Hanglongbing (HLB) disease, caused by Candidatus Liberibactor asiaticus (CLAs), poses a major threat to sweet orange production, by hindering colour, quality and export. Carotenoid cleavage oxygenases (CCOs), which include carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenases (NCEDs), are essential for plant growth, development, and adaptation to phytohormonal, biotic, and abiotic stresses. This study identified 14 CsCCO genes in C. sinensis. Structural and conservation studies were conducted using gene structure and conserved domain analysis. Genomic localisation, gene duplication, and similarity among these genes were also examined. Gene ontology analysis predicted that CsCCOs could be involved in the carotene catabolic process. Analysis of cis-regulatory elements revealed that most CsCCO genes are involved in responses to stress, light signalling, and plant growth regulation. Genes in the 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) subgroup are predominantly localised in chloroplasts, whereas genes in other subgroups are primarily found in the cytoplasm. All 13 of the CsCCOs genes identified were regulated by 25 microRNAs, indicating the crucial role of microRNAs in gene regulation in Citrus sinensis. The expression patterns of CsCCO genes in response to biotic and abiotic stress were studied. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that CsNCED3 and CsNCED10 were up-regulated in response to HLB. This provides insight into the function of CCO genes in C. sinensis and identifies potential candidate genes for combating citrus greening.

Global climate change (GCC) and increasing drought frequency pose a threat to the stability of European forests, particularly those of Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] plantations. We investigated how different pre-commercial thinning (PCT) intensities affect leaf area index (LAI) and its relationship to soil water content (SWC) in young spruce stands in northeastern Czechia. Three permanent research plots in a 13-year-old monoculture were subjected to mild PCT, heavy PCT, or left as an unthinned control in winter 2019/2020. Thinning caused an immediate decrease in LAI, with averages of 8.3 ± 1.1 m²·m^–2 (mild), 3.8 ± 0.5 m²·m^–2 (heavy) and 11.1 ±1.1 m²·m^–2 (control) in 2020. By 2023, LAI in the mildly thinned stand had largely converged with the control, whereas the heavily thinned stand maintained significantly lower LAI. The strongest relationship between LAI and SWC occurred in the heavily thinned plot (R² = 0.715 in 2021), while correlations were weak or transient in the mildly thinned and control plots. These results indicate that PCT intensity influences both the magnitude and duration of LAI reduction and is associated with differences in stand water dynamics. Appropriately adjusted thinning may therefore modestly affect water availability and could contribute to adaptive management of spruce forests under GCC.

Innovation is the driver of sustainable business development and is essential to promote high quality econo-mic development in the country. Are more bank loans better for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) innovation? Therefore, based on mixed cross-sectional data of county sweet potato processing enterprises, this study applied the econometric model to explore the impact of bank loans on county agrifood SMEs innovation. We find that there is an 'inverted U-shaped' relationship between bank loans and county agrifood SMEs innovation. The analysis of the mechanism shows that bank loans can not only alleviate the problem of innovation financing constraints for agrifood SMEs, but also provide financial support for the innovation activities of agrifood SMEs as a result of trade openness. This study has important practical implications for promoting county agrifood SMEs innovation in China and promoting high-quality county economic development.

The potato is a pivotal food crop on a global scale. Nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR) are the key enzymes in nitrogen assimilation. In previous research, we found that the nitrogen assimilation process was effectively regulated by StNR and StNiRs in potato and that there were significant differences in nitrogen utilisation efficiency between different potato varieties. In this study, three potato variants with different nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were subjected to various nitrogen supply levels and photoperiod treatments. The results indicated that the relative expression levels of StNR and StNiRs in their leaves and roots, along with the enzyme activity of NR and NiR, were proportional to the nitrogen supply levels and photoperiod. This study further clarified the expression patterns of StNR and StNiRs, as well as the enzyme activity changes of NR and NiR in leaves and roots under different nitrogen supply levels and different photoperiod treatments. This provides a theoretical basis for further in-depth exploration of the specific functions related to nitrogen absorption and assimilation efficiency in potato.

This study aimed to evaluate ozone (O₃) phytotoxic potential using AOT40F (accumulated O₃ concentration over a threshold of 40 ppb for forest protection), document visible foliar O₃ injury across eight forest monitoring plots, analyse MDA (malondialdehyde) content in leaves and needles, and assess the relationship between visible injury and plot conditions. Initial findings are based on data from the 2021 and 2022 vegetation seasons. AOT40F values exceeded the critical level of 5 ppm·h^–1 at all plots, with higher values in 2022. The correlation between AOT40F and visible injury was inconsistent; in 2021, minimal visible O₃ injuries were observed, while these were more frequent in 2022, notably on Fagus sylvatica leaves. The altitude effect on O₃ concentration indicates greater vegetation damage at higher altitudes. In contrast, the AOT40F-altitude relation was not significant. The 2021 vegetation season was characterised by lower temperatures and higher relative air humidity and soil moisture in comparison to 2022. Stomatal conductance conditions were similar in both years, except for lower soil moisture in 2022. Soil moisture, air humidity, and temperature together accounted for about 50% of the variance in visible injury in 2022. The findings suggest that the AOT40F capability for predicting damage to vegetation is limited and highlight the importance of future research focusing on stomatal O₃ flux-based approaches.

Elderberries belong to the spontaneous flora of Sambucus nigra L., being considered wild fruits and even improper to be consumed. Dark violet-black and slightly glossy elderberry fruits are rich in bioactive compounds such as agglutinin, total anthocyanins and polyphenols. The importance of heating is claimed by the seasonal and toxic specific elderberry fruits. Moreover, the need to transform the fruits from not suitable for consumption into functional products and to prolong the shelf life of the product should be highlighted. Based on these affirmations, the aim of the study was to preserve the elderberries as jam with or without refined sugar. Phytochemical, textural, colour and sensory analyses were used to characterize three samples of jams (one without sugar, one with refined sugar and one with stevia sugar). The samples with stevia sweetener addition showed the highest values of anthocyanins (1.43 ± 0.16 mg·g^–1 dry matter, DM) among the processed samples; as for the raw fruits, the anthocyanin content showed a decrease. The antioxidant activity determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay revealed similar values between all the analysed elderberry jams. In accordance with the other results, the most appreciated sample by the sensory evaluation was the sample with stevia sweetener. As a conclusion, the total sugar substitution could contribute to a more valuable matrix than the original one. The novelty of the study consists in the use of such popular spontaneous flora of Sambucus nigra L. berries and in a change of the inedible character of the raw fruits into edible functional foods with a prolonged shelf-life.

This study investigates the characteristics associated with the adoption of smart farming technologies in Turkish agriculture. By surveying 325 farmers across six regions in Türkiye, the research identifies key attributes influencing adoption patterns. Four distinct profiles emerge: technology users, non-users, young educated female farmers, and traditionalists. Exploratory findings from Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) indicate that attributes such as agricultural insurance, credit utilisation, knowledge of smart farming systems, and tractor ownership are commonly observed among technology users. Ordinal logistic regression further quantifies these associations, highlighting the significant role of financial accessibility and knowledge dissemination in shaping adoption likelihoods. Non-users, on the other hand, are characterised by smaller landholdings, lack of credit use, limited awareness, and absence of tractor ownership, reflecting structural barriers to adoption. Tailored financial solutions and shared machinery parks could help address these challenges. Empowering young, educated women farmers, identified as a key demographic for innovation, offers an opportunity to catalyse broader technology adoption. By addressing knowledge gaps and fostering inclusive policies, this study provides actionable insights to accelerate the technological transformation and sustainability of Türkiye's agricultural sector.