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Covering hop waste composting piles with semipermeable membrane after the thermophilic phase until spring, when the compost was ready to use, reduced the volume of leachate and leached nutrients amounts significantly; there was a negligible amount of leachate and low amount of leached nutrients during winter and spring at all treatments. At treatments with additives (biochar, preparation effective microorganisms) and larger percent of particles of 2–5 cm, it was indicated that composting pile should probably also be covered in the first months of composting and be opened only when turning/mixing it; on the other hand, the amount of leachate was much lower in a pile without additives and particles of 2–10 cm by the time of covering (2.2- and 2.5-fold less respectively) and the amount of leached nutrients as well. All treatments produced compost without a bad smell, had a total nitrogen content greater than 2%, could be considered as mature (the C : N ratio was below 20) and stable, and the biomass hygienisation threshold was reached. However, there were some significant differences among them. The compost of the pile with added biochar and starting hop waste biomass particles of 2–5 cm was considered phytotoxic (germination index of radish was 31%); also, its other results were less promising in comparison to other treatments. The pile with no additive and the starting particles of waste hop biomass 2 to 10 cm, mixed properly related to regular temperature measurements in the thermophilic phase, reached the best results; the leachate amount and leaked nutrients amount were significantly the lowest, while the final compost contained significantly higher amount of nutrients and had the highest germination index.

This study evaluated the quality changes of fresh-cut potatoes during storage by treating with different concentrations of tea polyphenol (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 g·L^–1). During the storage, the ∆E value (colour change of fresh-cut potatoes), browning degree, chewiness, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activity gradually increased. But the hardness and elasticity first increased and then decreased. Compared with the control, the tea polyphenol treatment could effectively inhibit the increase of ∆E value, browning degree, chewiness, MDA content, PPO and POD activity of potato slices, and delay the decrease of slice hardness, elasticity and brittleness in the later storage period. Among them, 0.25 g·L^–1 tea polyphenol has the best effect. It can maintain the colour of fresh-cut potatoes, inhibit the increase of PPO and POD active enzyme activities, reduce the production of browning substances, and improve the storage quality of fresh-cut potatoes.

Reference crop evapotranspiration (ET_o) is a vital hydrological component influenced by various climate variables that impact the water and energy balances. It plays a crucial role in determining crop water requirements and irrigation scheduling. Despite the availability of numerous approaches for estimation, accurate and reliable ET_o estimation is essential for effective irrigation water management. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the most suitable machine learning model for assessing ET_o using observed daily values of limited input parameters in tropical savannah climate regions. Three machine learning models – a long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, an artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector regression (SVM) – were developed with four different input combinations, and their performances were compared with those of locally calibrated empirical equations. The models were evaluated using statistical indicators such as the root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R²), and the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The results showed that the LSTM model, using the combination of temperature and wind speed, provided more reliable predictions with R² values greater than 0.75 and RMSEs less than 0.63 mm·day^–1 across all the considered weather stations. This study concludes that, especially under limited data conditions, the developed deep learning model improves the ET_o estimation more accurately than empirical models for tropical climatic regions.

A 6-year-old female neutered Turkish Angora cat was referred due to tachypnoea. The patient was diagnosed with cardiomegaly at a local hospital during a health screening two years ago. Tachypnoea occurred one year ago. On physical examination, the patient presented with a respiratory rate of 72 breaths per minute and a systolic blood pressure of 70 mmHg. Thoracic radiographs revealed severe cardiomegaly, left atrium (LA) enlargement, right atrium (RA) enlargement, right ventricular enlargement, and dilation of pulmonary arteries and veins. An alveolar pattern was identified in the right and left cranial lung lobes. Echocardiography revealed a membrane that divided the LA into two chambers, a defect in the lower atrial septum, and elongation of anterior or posterior tricuspid valves (TV). However, septal TV was not observed. During systole, blood flow from LA to RA was confirmed through a defect in the atrial septum. During diastole, blood flow from LA to left ventricular was confirmed. These findings suggest cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) with partial atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). This report describes echocardiographic diagnosis of CTS with partial AVSD in a cat.

The present study was carried out to enlist herbicidal and antimicrobial compounds in the methanolic stem extract of Carthamus oxycantha, a problematic weed of Asteraceae. Methanolic stem extract was subjected to GC-MS analysis that revealed the presence of 150 constituents in the extract. The most abundant compound was Niacin (45.375%) followed by D-ribofuranose, 5-deoxy-5-(methylsulfinyl)-1,2,3-tris-O-(trimethylsilyl)- (14.528%); 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (4.951%); γ-tocopherol (4.638%); hexacosane (4.148%); 3-phenyllactic acid, 2TMS derivative  (2.675%); 13-retinoic acid, (Z)-, TMS derivative (2.461%); 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-4-ethyl-3-imidazoline-1-oxyl (2.276%); octadecanoic acid (1.851%); 2-deoxy-1,3,4,5-tetrakis-O-(trimethylsilyl); pentitol (1.757%); 3,5,5-trimethyl-4-(3-((trimethylsilyl)oxy)butyl)cyclohex-2-enone (1.505%); methyl 9.cis.,11.trans.t,13.trans.-octadecatrienoate (1.136%); and benzoic acid, 3-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-, trimethylsilyl ester (1.044%). Peak areas for the rest of the compounds were below 1%. Among the identified compounds, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (3), hexacosane (5), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (28), tetradecanoic acid, methyl ester (29), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (30), γ-sitosterol (33), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, (Z,Z,Z)- (48), dodecanoic acid (68) and eicosane (128) are known to possess antimicrobial activities. Compound 28 is also known for its herbicidal activity as a binary mixture with xanthoxyline. This study concludes that the stem extract of C. oxycantha primarily comprises antifungal and antibacterial compounds.

Lead (Pb) is a harmful heavy metal that threatens ecosystems and plant growth. Silicon (Si) plays a crucial role in plant responses to heavy metal stress. In this study, the effects of Si on Pb2+ content and transport, subcellular distribution, and chemical forms in Salix viminalis L. under Pb stress were analysed, aiming to elucidate the detoxification mechanism of Si in S. viminalis under such conditions. Results showed that Si reduced Pb²⁺ in aboveground parts and increased it in roots, lowering its movement to leaves and stems. Analysis of the subcellular distribution of Pb²⁺ revealed that Si application promoted the transfer of Pb²⁺ to vacuole-dominated soluble components (F4) and cell wall components (F1), which increased the binding capacity of the cell wall and the vacuolar storage compartmentalisation for Pb²⁺. Changes in the chemical forms of Pb²⁺ indicated that Si significantly decreased the proportion of more mobile, ethanol-extractable Pb²⁺ (FE) and deionised water-extractable Pb²⁺ (FW) while increasing the proportion of less mobile Pb²⁺ forms, such as NaCl-extractable (FNaCl), HCl-extractable (FHCl), and acetic acid-extractable (FHAc) Pb²⁺, thereby reducing its mobility. This study provides empirical support for the application of Si in the phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.

Organic farming is a topic often discussed in the scientific community and public space. The current European policy strongly supports the enhancement of organic farming concerning the environment, sustainability, and social aspects. It is generally assumed that a lower intensity of production, yields, livestock utility, fertilisation, and total costs should be compensated by premium prices, subsidies, or higher economic performance. Research revealed that achieving premium prices for organic products on the market is not obvious for organic farmers as some organic commodities have been sold on the conventional market. Our study focused on the price difference reached by the sample of farms on the organic and conventional markets for two organic commodities (winter wheat and milk) and the farm's economic results. We combined and compared data from two unique databases on organic farming in the Czech Republic. We used the statistical methods of ANOVA and regression for analysis. We found the difference between evaluated market prices. Price variability is wide in both types of organic and conventional markets but the influence of the prices on farm performance was not significant.

Drawing upon data on co-signed patents in China's agricultural sector between 2015 and 2022, this paper explores the structural characteristics and determinants of the patent collaboration network in agricultural technology involving universities (U), enterprises (E) and research institutes (R). The results of social network analysis (SNA) revealed that the patent collaboration network is expanding in scale, but innovators are sparsely connected to others. Although the subnetwork linked by enterprises is the largest, universities and research institutes are more likely to play roles as hubs and bridges in the network. Furthermore, quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) regression revealed that prior collaboration experience and geographical proximity are key factors that promote co-patenting in the agricultural sector. Compared with U–U partnerships, E–E and E–R partnerships are associated with decreased patent collaboration. In the agriculture and forestry industries, the U–U and U–R partnerships are most likely involved in co-patenting, followed by the R–R and U–E partnerships. In the animal husbandry and fishery industries, no significant difference was found between the partnerships of U–U, R–R, U–E and U–R in their collaborative propensity.

The aim of the study was to find out whether and how the forest soil compaction resulting from the traffic of forest logging machines results in the increased soil air concentration of CO₂, occurring over a longer period of time and in different seasons of the year. Changes in the soil air CO₂ concentrations were monitored in two periods: in winter (cold period) and in summer (warm period). CO₂ concentrations were measured in compacted and non-compacted soil using a certified measurement. In addition to the soil concentration of CO₂, air temperature, soil temperature and soil moisture content were measured. The research was conducted in the Czech Republic. The obtained data was subjected to statistical analyses (Student's t-test; correlation analysis). The results of the study confirm the long-term influence of soil compaction by the traffic of forest machinery on the CO₂ concentration in soil in both seasons (cold and warm). The concentration of CO₂ in the air of compacted soil was always significantly higher in both periods than the CO₂ concentration in the air of non-compacted soil (control). Thus, the negative influence of soil compaction was clearly demonstrated as a result of a single pass of forestry machines over the soil surface.

Tomato is a major global crop, extensively cultivated in China. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its responses to high-temperature stress remain poorly understood. This study investigates these mechanisms by examining a heat-resistant tomato variety, Hm 2-2 (R), and a heat-sensitive variety, BY 1-2 (S), under high temperature (40 °C). Total RNA was extracted from samples taken at 0 and 24 h post-treatment, followed by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened based on the criteria of |log₂ fold change| ≥ 2 and false discovery rate ≤ 0.05. Gene ontology (GO) function annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway enrichment analysis were performed to explore the biological significance of these DEGs. The results revealed 6 038 upregulated and 2 866 downregulated DEGs in the R-0 (Hm 2-2 plants treated at 40 °C for 0 h) vs. R-24 (Hm 2-2 plants treated at 40 °C for 24 h) group and 5 297 upregulated and 3 920 downregulated DEGs in the S-0 (BY 1-2 plants treated at 40 °C for 0 h) vs. S-24 (BY 1-2 plants treated at 40 °C for 24 h) group, respectively. GO enrichment analysis indicated that the majority of DEGs were associated with biological processes, followed by cellular components and molecular functions. KEGG pathway analysis identified 130, 131, 89, and 115 regulatory (or altered) pathways in the R-0 vs. R-24, S-0 vs. S-24, S-0 vs. R-0, and S-24 vs. R-24 group comparisons, respectively. Notably, pathways related to protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and plant hormone signal transduction were significantly enriched, suggesting their critical roles in the tomato’s response to heat stress. Moreover, 156 transcription factors (TFs) implicated in heat stress response were identified, spanning various TF families such as MYB, AP2-EREBP, b-ZIP, bHLH, NAC, and WRKY. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of 14 randomly selected DEGs validated the RNA-seq results confirming the reliability of the data. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of tomato’s responses to high-temperature stress, laying a crucial foundation for future research in this area.

This study investigated, for the first time, the efficacy of citric acid (CA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as electrolytes in electrokinetic remediation (EKR) for removing lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from three distinct soils (Anthrosols soil, AT; Acrisols soil, AC; and Chernozems soil, CH). Under a voltage gradient of 2 V/cm and a remediation duration of 4 days, EDTA proved most effective for Anthrosols, achieving removal rates of 17.8% for Cd and 12.8% for Pb-lower than those observed for Acrisols and Chernozems, likely due to AT’s high pH background. These results suggest that combining EKR with other remediation techniques could enhance efficiency for such soils. For Acrisols soil, extending the remediation time to 10 days significantly improved metal removal: Cd removal reached 91.1% with CA, while Pb removal attained 62.7% with EDTA. Chernozems soil exhibited higher sensitivity to EKR, with pronounced focusing phenomena. In CH1, Cd removal in anode-proximal (S1) zone reached 99%, but accumulation in the cathode-adjacent (S4 and S5) reduced the average removal rate to 22%, indicating the potential for improvement through cathodic control. Similarly, in CH2, Pb removal in S5 achieved 84.8%, while focusing in S1 suggested the need for anodic optimisation. These findings highlight the influence of soil properties and operational parameters on EKR efficiency, providing insights for tailored remediation strategies.

In this study, the effects of standard fertilisation versus variable fertilisation with mineral and organomineral fertilisers on N, P, K, Ca and Mg leaching from the ploughed layer and yields of winter wheat and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were studied. The losses of calcium were the highest, and phosphorus from phosphates was the lowest of all studied nutrients when simulated rainfall and lysimeters were used after the crops were harvested. The use of variable rate fertilisation reduced nitrates leaching in all the studied plots. Nevertheless, leaching of calcium, which is present in higher concentrations in soils (and also magnesium leaching), seems to be more dependent on the used fertilisers (or their combinations) and doses. As found in different studies, we proved that variable rate fertilisation may not increase grain yields.

This study evaluated the effects of feeding European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) that developed from the fingerling to juvenile stage a diet supplemented with a blend of Padina sp. and GroBiotic^®-A over a 12-week period. A total of 480 fish (initial weight: 2.08 ± 0.06 g) were randomly allocated to four groups, each comprising three replicates. The fish were fed to satiation with diets containing varying proportions of Padina sp. and GroBiotic^®-A: 0% Padina sp. and 0% GroBiotic^®-A (0P0G), 1% Padina sp. and 1% GroBiotic^®-A (1P1G), 2% Padina sp. and 1% GroBiotic^®-A (2P1G), and 4% Padina sp. and 1% GroBiotic^®-A (4P1G). The 4P1G group demonstrated significant improvements in growth performance parameters, including final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in other parameters including feed conversion ratio, visceral somatic index, and survival rate (P > 0.05). Histological analysis of liver and intestinal tissues showed no pathological alterations (P > 0.05); more likely, only adaptive and non-pathological morphological changes such as moderate lipid vacuolisation and preserved mucosal structure were noted. Furthermore, dietary supplementation of the Padina sp. and GroBiotic^®-A blend significantly upregulated the expression of growth-related genes, specifically growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the combination of Padina sp. and GroBiotic^®-A has a synergistic potential to enhance the growth performance without inducing digestive disturbances. Nevertheless, further studies are recommended to assess its effects on fish grown to market size before commercial application.

The testing and evaluation of native populations of perennial ryegrasses (Lolium perenne L.) collected from the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina were conducted from 2020 to 2022 at experimental fields and laboratories of the Institute for Genetic Resources and the Agricultural Institute of the Republic of Srpska in Banja Luka. Six native populations (labelled G1–G6) and two cultivars, Esquire and Tivoli (labelled G7 and G8), were analysed in this study. The following traits were examined: the plant height (cm), number of generative stems per plant, inflorescence length (cm), number of spikes per inflorescence, seed mass per inflorescence (g), and seed yield per plant (g). The results showed that all the native populations exhibited higher average plant heights compared to the Esquire standard (G7). Population G2 had the highest average number of spikes per inflorescence (26.8), while population G4 achieved the greatest average inflorescence length (27.7 cm). Statistically significant differences in the inflorescence length were observed between populations G2, G3, G4, and G6, compared to the standards G7 and G8 (Esquire and Tivoli). The genotype and year had a significant impact on the seed yield per plant. The average yield ranged from 32.4 g (G7) to 53.4 g (G4). The seed yield per plant showed a strong positive correlation with the number of generative stems per plant, the inflorescence length, and the number of spikes per inflorescence. The native populations G4 and G5 achieved significantly higher seed yields per plant compared to the other populations and may serve as highly valuable material for breeding programmes.

Salt stress is a significant abiotic factor that limits crop growth and yield. Nano-fertilisers, effective even in small quantities, have gained prominence for their ability to enhance plant growth and stress tolerance. This study investigated the effects of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) at different concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L solution) under varying saline water application levels (0.6, 1.2, 2.4, and 3.6 dS/m) on growth parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, and nutrient uptake in lettuce. The greenhouse experiment followed a randomised complete block design with three replications. Results demonstrated that SiNPs effectively increased head diameter and plant height by approximately 8% and 14%, respectively, compared to the control. Similarly, dry matter content improved by 22% with SiNP-400. While salinity stress significantly increased electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation (as indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) content), SiNPs reduced MDA levels by 21%, indicating lower oxidative damage. Soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) values improved by 6%, and leaf relative water content increased by 4% with the application of SiNPs. Enzyme activity analysis revealed that salinity stress enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, but SiNP-400 reduced SOD and CAT levels by 23% and 50%, respectively, suggesting a decrease in oxidative stress. Furthermore, SiNPs enhanced nutrient uptake, significantly increasing the contents of Mg, Fe, and Zn while reducing Na accumulation. The highest Mg, Zn, and K concentrations were recorded under the SiNP-400 treatment. These findings highlight the potential of silica nanoparticles in mitigating the effects of salt stress and improving plant resilience, highlighting their role in sustainable agriculture.

Oligopeptides constitute an important yet understudied component of soil’s dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) pool, representing a primary breakdown product of proteins. However, the mechanisms of oligopeptide uptake and utilisation by crop roots remain poorly understood in a plant nutrition context. We investigated the rate and spatial uptake pattern of ¹⁴C-labelled alanine and di- to pentapeptides of alanine in wheat and rice under sterile hydroponic conditions. Both species demonstrated the capacity to absorb N through amino acids and oligopeptides, with rice roots showing higher peptide uptake than wheat. Specifically, alanine absorption exceeded peptide uptake by 3–7-fold in rice and 6–9-fold in wheat. Using phosphor imaging, we demonstrated that alanine and oligopeptide uptake occurred throughout the root system, with the highest accumulation in the root tip and root hair regions. Further, spatial analysis revealed that peptide absorption rates in rice were 2–5 times higher in the 0–1 cm root section and 1.5–4 times higher in the 1–2 cm section compared to corresponding wheat root segments. We conclude that plants can directly take up amino acids and oligopeptides to acquire exogenous N, with marked differences occurring among species in both uptake efficiency and spatial uptake patterns.

The resilience of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in commercial probiotic products remains a critical area of investigation, particularly regarding their capacity to survive the harsh gastric environment. Scientific guidelines indicate that at least 6 log CFU·g–1 of viable probiotics must reach the intestines to achieve therapeutic benefits, which often requires an initial concentration of 8–9 log CFU·g–1 in the product. However, national regulations may specify lower thresholds; for example, Turkish Food Legislation requires 6 log CFU·g–1 for probiotic products and 7 log CFU·g–1 for kefir products. This study evaluates the in vitro gastric survival of LAB in 20 probiotic-labelled foods and 5 supplements available in the Turkish market using a simulated gastric model. Results reveal that 75% of the marketed probiotic-labelled foods comply with their label claims. Additionally, 55% of the samples demonstrate LAB strains fully resistant to gastric acidity. Dairy-based products exhibit significantly better survival rates under simulated gastric conditions compared to supplements, highlighting their potential for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

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.

Negative energy balance (NEB) in dairy cows during early lactation significantly contributes to metabolic and infectious diseases, traditionally diagnosed via costly and time-consuming serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) analysis. This study aimed to develop a practical and cost-effective diagnostic test for NEB based on milk components analysed routinely. Data from 692 Holstein cows (5–35 days in milk) located at five Czech dairy farms were analysed using multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results showed that 99 cows (14.3%) were classified as NEB+ (NEFA > 0.6 mmol/l). Cows in the NEB+ group exhibited a significantly higher milk fat content (P < 0.001) and milk fat-to-protein ratio (P < 0.001), and lower lactose concentrations (P < 0.001) compared to NEB− cows. Key indicators of lipomobilisation, such as C18:1, C18:0, and monounsaturated fatty acids (FA), were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in NEB+ cows, while saturated, short-chain, and medium-chain FA were lower (P < 0.001). The developed prediction models, incorporating milk fat and specific FA (e.g. C18:1, C18:0, C14:0), demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) values ranged from 0.84 to 0.92 for individual farms and reached 0.83 for the combined dataset. Using the Index of Union method, optimal cut-off points yielded sensitivities between 0.72 and 0.86, and specificities between 0.72 and 0.85. For the overall model, both sensitivity and specificity were 0.76. In conclusion, the proposed diagnostic test, leveraging milk components, offers a reliable and practical tool for early NEB detection in dairy cows. This facilitates timely intervention, thereby mitigating adverse health and economic impacts. Further validation with larger and more diverse datasets is recommended.

Lactoferrin (LF) is an important bioactive component of colostrum, is critical for the development of immunity in the newborns, and it is an important component of the mammary gland defence system. LF is also an important biomolecule in terms of promoting and restoring the human health. The aim of our study was to monitor the dynamics of changes in lactoferrin concentration in goat milk at varying stages of lactation and its correlation with selected components and physicochemical parameters. Colostrum (n = 24) and milk (n = 120) samples were obtained from 12 goats by hand milking. Lactoferrin was determined using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with an ion-pairing reagent equipped with a Photodiode Array Detector. The LF concentration in colostrum ranged from 206 mg/l to 1 228 mg/l, and showed a statistically significant decrease in concentration (P < 0.05) over the colostral period. Significant correlation coefficients (P < 0.001) were found between crude protein and LF (r = 0.896), lactose and LF (r = –0.754), as well as between non-fat solids and LF (r = 0.853). The LF content in milk ranged within a relatively wide range of 94 mg/l to 1 115 mg/l although the values were highly variable (vx = 57.0%). Significant correlations were found between fat content and LF in milk (r = 0.429, P < 0.001), crude protein and LF (r = 0.376), non-fat solids and LF (r = 0.361), somatic cell count (SCC) and LF (r = 0.330), as well as log SCC and LF (r = 0.348, P < 0.01).

The Ili region hosts China’s largest lavender cultivation base, yet soil bacterial diversity in its primary cultivation areas remains understudied. To address this, we compared soil bacterial communities across four major cultivation counties (Chabuchar, Agricultural Research Institute, Yining, and Huocheng). Essential oil profiles, soil properties, and bacterial community characteristics were analysed to elucidate microbial variations and environmental interactions. The results showed that: (1) The essential oil yield (1.14%) and linalool content (41.04%) in the Huocheng County cultivation area were significantly higher than those in other areas, and the essential oil quality was relatively the best; (2) the soil bacterial communities in different main cultivation areas shared certain commonalities. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, and Actinobacteriota were the dominant phyla, and their relative abundances varied by region and soil layer, and (3) the redundancy analysis results showed that soil bacterial communities were comprehensively affected by environmental factors such as pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, soil organic carbon, longitude, and altitude. The significant positive correlations between the abundance of Vicinamibacteraceae (Acidobacteriota) in Huocheng County soils and both soil total phosphorus and linalool content suggest a putative mechanism whereby this bacterial taxon enhances lavender terpenoid synthesis by facilitating phosphorus cycling. Overall, these results suggest that geographically driven climatic variations dynamically alter the soil bacterial community, thereby influencing lavender growth and the final essential oil quality.

Resveratrol and polydatin are stilbenes with notable antioxidant and health benefits, making them important compounds in health promotion, grapevine production, and oenology. This study aimed to monitor the trans isomers of these compounds in twelve grape varieties (red and white), grown under organic production (OP) and conventional production (CP) systems. A novel high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method was developed and validated, demonstrating sensitivity and reliability for the quantification of the mentioned stilbenes. The method was applied to real samples, enabling the evaluation of the influence of production systems on the presence of the analysed compounds. The research included some of the most widely cultivated domestic and international varieties in the examined region. The obtained results revealed a significant impact of the production system and grape colour on resveratrol and polydatin content. OP consistently yielded a higher content of both compounds, compared to CP. Furthermore, red varieties showed higher overall stilbene levels than white ones. ‘Shiraz’ variety was an exception, with high levels of both compounds under CP. All the obtained findings highlight the role of the production system in enhancing bioactive compound content in grapes. The study provides valuable insights for optimising viticulture, supporting plant resilience, and improving the nutritional qualities of grape-derived products.

Agro-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are currently receiving top priority among policymakers of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations  due to their great contribution to employment and GDP growth. This study examines the impact of financial literacy on the sustainable competitive performance of agro-based SMEs, with a focus on the mediating role of access to digital finance and the moderating role of business experience. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), we analysed data from 345 SME owner-managers. The results indicate that financial literacy positively affects sustainable competitive performance, with access to digital finance serving as a significant mediator. However, business experience does not moderate the relationship between financial literacy and access to digital finance. These findings suggest that improving financial literacy and enhancing digital finance access are critical for the sustainable development of agro-based SMEs in the SAARC region.

TCP transcription factor is a plant-specific gene family which plays important roles in many developmental control pathways, regulating secondary metabolites and plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Nevertheless, this gene family remains unknown in Scutellaria baicalensis. Here, by identifying and analysing all the TCP transcription factor family members based on the transcriptome of S. baicalensis, a total of 19 SbTCP genes were obtained following gene classification, the phylogenetic relationship, conserved domain structure, functional differentiation, and an expression activity analysis. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the SbTCP genes into two subfamilies; we also found that SbTCP with the same motif structure clustered together in the evolutionary tree, and these results suggest that SbTCP proteins with the same gene structure have similar functions. Gene Ontology (GO) categorised the SbTCP genes into 17 functional subcategories, suggesting that they have diversified in functionality, even though their putative proteins share a number of conserved motifs. After the MeJA and SA treatments, the expression of SbTCP candidate genes containing MeJA and SA promoter elements was significantly higher or lower compared with the control, indicating that these candidate SbTCP genes could respond to different concentrations of MeJA and SA treatments. These comprehensive data provide a reference for elucidating the functions of TCP transcription factor family in the growth, development, and MeJA and SA stress response of S. baicalensis, this study can create a new avenue for understanding the role of TCP gene family in S. baicalensis.

Ten sets of vertebral biomodels and the corresponding drilling guides were created to evaluate the implantation accuracy in the cervical (C5–C6) and lumbar (L4–L5) vertebrae of cats. Smooth pins were implanted using the guides on the right side of five randomly assigned biomodel sets and on the left side of the remaining sets, with the contralateral side undergoing freehand implantation. Subsequently, a new tomographic study was conducted to measure the implantation angles. The pre-implantation angles were compared with the post-implantation angles between the techniques and among the sets. The guide-assisted implantation exhibited a lower dispersion compared to the freehand technique, with coefficients of variation of –1.95 and 48.9 in the cervical vertebrae and 1.98 and 9.39 in the lumbar vertebrae, respectively. However, no statistical difference was observed between the pre- and post-implantation angles, nor when comparing the vertebral segments (P > 0.05). Under the study conditions, the use of the guide failed to result in more accurate implantations in the C5–C6 and L4–L5 vertebral biomodels of cats.

This study investigated the genetic basis of days to heading (DTH) in tropical japonica rice using F₂ populations derived from late-maturing Rojolele and early-maturing Rojolele Srinuk varieties. Phenotypic analysis of DTH showed continuous distribution and positive skewness. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) derived single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) from early and late-heading bulks were used to identify three candidate regions with strong association to DTH: qDTH3.1 and qDTH3.2 on chromosome 3, and qDTH7.1 on chromosome 7, with the latter linked to the Oryza sativa Pseudo-Response Regulator 37 (OsPRR37) gene. InDel markers validated qDTH7.1’s significant linkage to DTH, particularly marker ID14, which is effective for marker-assisted selection of early DTH in Rojolele background.

Developing natural herbicides offers a potential solution to mitigate the drawbacks associated with synthetic pesticides used in an excessive quantity to safeguard agricultural crops. In this study, essential oils extracted via hydrodistillation from Pinus ponderosa needles were investigated for their chemical composition and phytotoxic activity. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (GC/MS) identified twenty-three constituents, constituting 93.87% of the total oil. The predominant components were oxygenated monoterpenes (64.66%), with α-pinene (37.78%), β-pinene (24.32%), and sesquiterpenes hydrocarbons, particularly germacrene-D (7.26%). The phytotoxic effects of P. ponderosa essential oil were tested on Phalaris canariensis L., Trifolium campestre Schreb., and Sinapis arvensis L. The essential oil exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on seed germination and seedling growth in a dose-dependent manner. A low concentration of essential oil reduced the germination and seedling growth of all tested weeds. Additionally, the essential oil treatment impacted malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage in the seedlings. These preliminary findings suggest that essential oils from forest trees, particularly Pinus ponderosa, could serve as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides. This approach may contribute to addressing the challenges associated with synthetic pesticides while promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

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

The aim of the research was to use a vision technique to assess the relations between anatomical pork carcass traits, carcass geometry and slaughter value. The measurements in the experiment were performed on 128 selected pork carcasses. The 3D image of the carcass was assessed, especially its shape. Based on the carcass curvatures the correlation coefficients for these surfaces and slaughter value traits were calculated. The possibility of using the external dimensions and geometry of pork carcass for the accurate estimation of meatiness and the share of primal cuts using the technique of acquiring carcass images in a 3D configuration was confirmed. This can be useful in improving the classification methods of the SEUROP system. In the fattener breeding process the ham size increased whereas the carcass front decreased. That was probably why the carcass width or surface size correlation with the meat content were positive on the carcass back and negative on the shoulder.

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is an important introduced tree species in Hungary, particularly in the Nyírség region. This study investigates its diameter growth (DBH) in six forest subcompartments, with stand ages ranging from 20 to 71 years. 5- and 25-year diameter increments were calculated. The distribution of diameter and diameter increment values was also determined. The results show significant growth across all sites. For example, quadratic mean diameter (QMD) increased from 16.4 cm to 30.4 cm over 25 years in the forest subcompartment Encsencs 12A, and from 20.3 cm to 38.4 cm in Ófehértó 2A. Five-year DBH increments ranged from 1.8 cm (± 0.8) in older stands to 4.2 cm (± 0.5) in younger or middle-aged stands. The findings confirm Q. rubra's capacity for steady diameter growth in northeastern Hungary and contribute valuable growth data for future yield modelling and forest management strategies.