Journal Description
Agriculture
Agriculture
is an international, scientific peer-reviewed open access journal published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, RePEc, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Agronomy) / CiteScore - Q2 (Plant Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journals for Agriculture include: Poultry, Grasses and Crops.
Impact Factor:
3.6 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.6 (2022)
Latest Articles
Pleurotus ostreatus Mushroom: A Promising Feed Supplement in Poultry Farming
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 663; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050663 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm mushrooms are cultivated on diverse by-products based on substrates that hold promise for mitigating antibiotic usage in the poultry industry and reducing environmental pollution. By incorporating agricultural by-products into mushroom cultivation, the functionality of the mushroom
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Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm mushrooms are cultivated on diverse by-products based on substrates that hold promise for mitigating antibiotic usage in the poultry industry and reducing environmental pollution. By incorporating agricultural by-products into mushroom cultivation, the functionality of the mushroom products can be increased, then the final product can be a more effective feed supplement. After mushroom cultivation, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can be valorized, due to the presence of huge amounts of bioactive compounds like β-glucan, chitin, polyphenols, and flavonoids related to mycelia. As a prebiotic and antimicrobial feed supplement, these mushrooms positively influence gut microbiota, intestinal morphology, and thus overall poultry well-being. This article underscores the potential of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to enhance the bioactivity of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives, offering a cost-effective and efficient strategy for transforming unconventional feeding materials. Moreover, it emphasizes broader implications, including the reduction of antibiotic dependence in poultry farming, highlighting the promising integration of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives for sustainable and environmentally conscious poultry production.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Feed Additives on Growth Performance, Intestinal Health and Resilience of Poultry)
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Open AccessArticle
Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Olive Tree Water Status Using Land Surface Temperature and Vegetation Indices Derived from Landsat 5 and 8 Satellite Imagery in Southern Peru
by
Javier Alvaro Quille-Mamani, German Huayna, Edwin Pino-Vargas, Samuel Chucuya-Mamani, Bertha Vera-Barrios, Lia Ramos-Fernandez, Jorge Espinoza-Molina and Fredy Cabrera-Olivera
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 662; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050662 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Land surface temperature (LST) and its relationship with vegetation indices (VIs) have proven to be effective for monitoring water stress in large-scale crops. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find an appropriate VI to analyse the spatio-temporal evolution of olive water
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Land surface temperature (LST) and its relationship with vegetation indices (VIs) have proven to be effective for monitoring water stress in large-scale crops. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find an appropriate VI to analyse the spatio-temporal evolution of olive water stress using LST images and VIs derived from Landsat 5 and 8 satellites in the semi-arid region of southern Peru. For this purpose, VIs (Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index 2 (EVI2) and Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI)) and LST were calculated. The information was processed in Google Earth Engine (GEE) for the period 1985 to 2024, with an interval of every five years for the summer season. The triangle method was applied based on the LST-VIs scatterplot analysis, a tool that establishes wet and dry boundary conditions for the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI). The results indicated a better appreciation of olive orchard water stress over time, with an average of 39% drought (TVDINDVI and TVDISAVI), 24% severe drought (TVDINDVI) and 25% (TVDISAVI) of the total area, compared to TVDIEVI2, which showed 37% drought and 16% severe drought. It is concluded that TVDINDVI and TVDISAVI provide a better visualisation of the water stress map of the olive crop and offer a range of options to address current and future problems in water resource management in the olive sector in semi-arid areas of southern Peru.
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(This article belongs to the Section Digital Agriculture)
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Open AccessArticle
Transcriptomic Analysis of Melatonin-Mediated Salt Stress Response in Germinating Alfalfa
by
Zirui Liu, Xiangling Ren, Wenxuan Zhu, Yingao Li, Guoming Li, Caifeng Liu, Defeng Li, Yinghua Shi, Chengzhang Wang, Xiaoyan Zhu and Hao Sun
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 661; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050661 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Salt stress poses a significant threat to crop yields worldwide. Melatonin (MT), an endogenous hormone synthesized in plants, has emerged as a crucial player in plant responses to various abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, heat, and cold. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying
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Salt stress poses a significant threat to crop yields worldwide. Melatonin (MT), an endogenous hormone synthesized in plants, has emerged as a crucial player in plant responses to various abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, heat, and cold. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying MT-mediated abiotic stress responses remain incompletely understood. To elucidate the key genes and pathways involved in MT-mediated alleviation of salt stress, we conducted physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic analyses on alfalfa seedlings. Our results demonstrated that alfalfa seedlings treated with melatonin exhibited higher germination rates, longer bud lengths, and greater fresh weights compared to those subjected to salt stress alone. Furthermore, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide anion (O2−) were reduced, while the activities and contents of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione (GSH) increased in response to melatonin treatment. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2181 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the salt-treated group, with 780 upregulated and 1401 downregulated genes. In contrast, the MT-treated group exhibited 4422 DEGs, including 1438 upregulated and 2984 downregulated genes. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were primarily involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids, isoflavones, plant hormones, glutathione (GSH), soluble sugars, and other substances, as well as in ABC transporter and MAPK signaling pathways. Notably, the MT-treated group showed greater enrichment of DEGs in these pathways, suggesting that MT mitigates salt stress by modulating the expression of genes related to phytohormones and antioxidant capacity. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying MT-mediated salt tolerance in alfalfa, with important implications for breeding salt-tolerant alfalfa and other crops.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Responses and Tolerance to Abiotic Stress in Forage and Turf Grasses)
Open AccessArticle
Effects of Different Natural Drying Methods on Drying Characteristics and Quality of Diaogan apricots
by
Qiaonan Yang, Can Hu, Jie Li, Hongwei Xiao, Wenwen Jia, Xufeng Wang, Xiangjuan Liu, Ziya Tang, Bingzhou Chen, Xiaokang Yi and Xibing Li
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 660; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050660 (registering DOI) - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Drying is one of the best methods to preserve the quality of fresh fruits and prolong their shelf life. This study focuses on Prunus armeniaca L. cv. ‘Diaogan’ (commonly known as Diaogan apricot) sourced from Xinjiang, China to explore the impact of
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Drying is one of the best methods to preserve the quality of fresh fruits and prolong their shelf life. This study focuses on Prunus armeniaca L. cv. ‘Diaogan’ (commonly known as Diaogan apricot) sourced from Xinjiang, China to explore the impact of two natural drying methods (shade drying and open-air drying in the rocky desert) on the drying kinetics, color, textural characteristics, microstructure, chemical properties, and antioxidant capacity of Diaogan apricots. The experimental results indicate that throughout the natural drying process, the time required for open-air drying in the rocky desert was reduced by 26.47% compared to shade drying. The L*, a*, and b* values of the shade- and ventilation-dried Diaogan apricots were higher than those sun-dried in the rocky desert, exhibiting a lower color difference (ΔE) than apricots dried through rocky desert sun drying. Specifically, the ΔE for shade-dried Diaogan apricots was 19.66 ± 0.24. The Diaogan apricots dried in the rocky desert exhibited greater hardness, lower elasticity, stronger adhesiveness, and higher chewiness compared to those dried in the shade, with the hardness, adhesiveness, and chewiness being, respectively, 14.71%, 18.89%, and 35.79% higher. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations revealed that the high temperatures experienced during open-air drying in the rocky desert caused rapid dehydration of the Diaogan apricot’s skin, leading to clogging and crust formation in the flesh pores, along with deformation or tearing of the tissue structure, ultimately resulting in poor rehydration ability. After drying, there was a significant increase in the soluble solids in the Diaogan apricots, whereas titratable acidity, total phenols, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant capacity were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In summary, the quality of dried Diaogan apricots post-drying is dependent on the natural drying method employed, with shade drying resulting in superior quality of Diaogan apricots compared to open-air drying in the rocky desert. This study offers fundamental data and serves as a theoretical reference for the industrialized production of apricots.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Products Processing and Quality Detection)
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Open AccessArticle
Using Cover Crops as Means of Controlling Weeds and Reducing the Applied Quantity of Glyphosate-Based Herbicide in No-Till Glyphosate Tolerant Soybean and Corn
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Jérôme Bernier Brillon, Marc Lucotte, Ariane Bernier, Myriam Fontaine and Matthieu Moingt
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 659; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050659 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Weeds represent a serious drawback affecting the productivity of field crops worldwide. While the most common approach to control weeds in no-till practices is the use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), reducing their use represents a major challenge. This two-year field study aims to
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Weeds represent a serious drawback affecting the productivity of field crops worldwide. While the most common approach to control weeds in no-till practices is the use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), reducing their use represents a major challenge. This two-year field study aims to evaluate whether the use of cover crops (CC) in transgenic soybean and corn productions can (1) help control weeds and (2) reduce the amount of GBH needed for managing weeds. Sampling was carried out in 32 experimental field plots (four crop managements with four replicates on both crops). Crop managements consisted of GBH applications at rates of 0.84, 1.67, and 3.3 L ha−1 in plots in direct seeding with CC (DSCC) and at rates of 3.3 L ha−1 in plots without CC (DS). Weed cover rates, plant parameters (fresh and dry weights and heights), grain yields, water, and cation contents in soil were considered as indicators of interspecific competition. Results obtained in both years show that it is possible to reduce GBH use by 50% in plots with CC compared to plots without CC using a rate of GBH application of 3.33 L ha−1 (DS 3.3). However, weeds had a large impact on water content in soil, which was reflected by smaller plants and lower yields in plots with only 0.84 L ha−1 of GBH applied. In the context of the study, the use of CCs seems to facilitate the development of more sustainable agriculture while reducing the quantities of GBH generally used.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits and Challenges of Cover Crops in Agricultural Systems)
Open AccessArticle
Heterogeneity of Intramuscular, Intermuscular, and Subcutaneous Fat in Laiwu Pigs: Insights from Targeted Lipidomics and Transcriptomics
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Jian Xu, Tianwen Wu, Sin Man Lam, Guanghou Shui, Shulin Yang, Yanfang Wang and Cong Tao
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 658; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050658 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
In the livestock industry, an excessive accumulation of subcutaneous fat diminishes the proportion of lean meat, while elevated intramuscular fat (IMF) content is associated with enhanced meat quality. However, the heterogeneity of various fat depots in pigs remains incompletely understood. Comprehensive tissue section,
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In the livestock industry, an excessive accumulation of subcutaneous fat diminishes the proportion of lean meat, while elevated intramuscular fat (IMF) content is associated with enhanced meat quality. However, the heterogeneity of various fat depots in pigs remains incompletely understood. Comprehensive tissue section, lipidomic, and transcriptomic analyses indicated that the maturity of IMF was significantly less than that of both intermuscular and subcutaneous fats. We identified 467 lipids across 29 lipid classes in total, revealing that IMF exhibits unique lipid composition and transcriptional profiles. More importantly, several lipids, including GalCer, S1P, CL, AcCa, PC-O, PE-O, and sulfatide, are highly enriched in intramuscular fat and may play pivotal roles in neuromodulation, mitochondrial function, lipogenesis, and membrane signaling. In conclusion, we unveiled unique lipid composition and molecular regulatory pathways of porcine IMF, offering new insights for the synergistic breeding that aims at optimizing pig backfat thickness and IMF content.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research and Strategies for Improving Farm Animal Meat Quality)
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Open AccessArticle
A Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of AUX1/LAX, PIN, and ABCB Genes Reveals Their Roles in Cucumber Fruit Curving
by
Ke Lu, La Zhang, Lianxue Fan, Xiuyan Zhou and Shengnan Li
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 657; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050657 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Auxin transport is regulated by the AUX1/LAX, PIN, and ABCB gene families, controlling the distribution of auxin and ultimately fruit curving in cucumbers. However, studies on the differential expression of these auxin transporters and their roles in fruit curving are limited.
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Auxin transport is regulated by the AUX1/LAX, PIN, and ABCB gene families, controlling the distribution of auxin and ultimately fruit curving in cucumbers. However, studies on the differential expression of these auxin transporters and their roles in fruit curving are limited. In this study, we identified 36 auxin transporters from cucumber, including CsLAX1–7, CsPIN1–10, and CsABCB1–19. Basic characteristic analysis revealed that all CsLAX proteins were conservative, and a C-terminal NPNTY motif was found in CsPIN1–4/7–10. CsABCB1/5/11/14/17 were categorized as half-size transporters. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a genetic relationship between auxin transporters in Arabidopsis and cucumber. Exogenous auxin treatment on fruits and qPCR analysis indicated that differential expression patterns of auxin transporters control cucumber fruit curving. Co-expression analysis indicated that CsPIN1 and CsLAX2 were substantially negatively correlated, and they displayed opposite expression patterns in curved fruits. A proposed model suggested that CsLAX2 transports extracellular auxin to the convex side of the fruit; however, CsPIN1 inhibits auxin efflux at the same location. This leads to uneven auxin distribution that results in cucumber fruit curving.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agronomic Practices for Improving Growth, Quality, and Yield of Vegetables)
Open AccessReview
Nano-Food Farming Approaches to Mitigate Heat Stress under Ongoing Climate Change: A Review
by
Hassan El-Ramady, József Prokisch, Mohammed E. El-Mahrouk, Yousry A. Bayoumi, Tarek A. Shalaby, Eric C. Brevik and Svein Ø. Solberg
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 656; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050656 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Increased heat stress is a common feature of global climate change and can cause adverse impacts on crops from germination through maturation and harvest. This review focuses on the impacts of extreme heat (>35 °C) on plants and their physiology and how they
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Increased heat stress is a common feature of global climate change and can cause adverse impacts on crops from germination through maturation and harvest. This review focuses on the impacts of extreme heat (>35 °C) on plants and their physiology and how they affect food and water security. The emphasis is on what can be done to minimize the negative effects of heat stress, which includes the application of various materials and approaches. Nano-farming is highlighted as one promising approach. Heat is often combined with drought, salinity, and other stresses, which together affect the whole agroecosystem, including soil, plants, water, and farm animals, leading to serious implications for food and water resources. Indeed, there is no single remedy or approach that can overcome such grand issues. However, nano-farming can be part of an adaptation strategy. More studies are needed to verify the potential benefits of nanomaterials but also to investigate any negative side-effects, particularly under the intensive application of nanomaterials, and what problems this might create, including potential nanotoxicity.
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(This article belongs to the Section Ecosystem, Environment and Climate Change in Agriculture)
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Spatial Analysis of Intercity Migration Patterns of China’s Rural Population: Based on the Network Perspective
by
Yihu Zhou, Huiguang Chen and Tingting Fang
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 655; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050655 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Since entering the 21st century, many developing countries around the world have begun to enter a stage of rapid urbanization; large-scale “rural-urban” population migration has become a typical social phenomenon in these countries. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to elucidate the spatial
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Since entering the 21st century, many developing countries around the world have begun to enter a stage of rapid urbanization; large-scale “rural-urban” population migration has become a typical social phenomenon in these countries. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to elucidate the spatial migration characteristics of rural populations and to discuss future rural–urban development strategies. For this purpose, this paper takes China as a case and employs methods such as spatial autocorrelation analysis, hotspot analysis, and network analysis to construct an intercity migration network of rural migrants and analyze its spatial characteristics and internal structure. The results indicate that the migration pattern of the rural population exhibits notable spatial clustering features. Cities in the eastern and central regions are, respectively, hotspots for the inflow and outflow of rural populations, with internal migration dominating in western cities and relatively inactive rural population movements in northeastern cities. Municipalities directly under the central government, sub-provincial cities, and provincial capitals show a significant tendency to attract rural populations, while prefecture-level and county-level cities mainly radiate rural populations outward. Cities nationwide form seven major clusters in the migration network, and these clusters exhibit distinct structural characteristics. Rural population migration is influenced by various factors. In the future, considerations should focus on the county as the primary unit, attracting rural populations for local employment, and promoting rural revitalization and agriculture development. The findings of this paper are of reference significance not only to China but also to many developing countries with similar national conditions in the world.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Depopulation of Rural Areas: Social, Economic, and Environmental Issues)
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Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Predictive Accuracy in European Agricultural Tractor Residual Value Estimation: A Double Square Root Regression Reappraisal
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Ivan Herranz-Matey and Luis Ruiz-Garcia
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 654; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050654 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Determining the residual value of tractors is imperative for comprehensive cost analyses within the agricultural machinery sector. Despite numerous studies offering various models and independent variables, the double square root regression approach, originally developed by Cross and Perry and adapted by ASABE for
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Determining the residual value of tractors is imperative for comprehensive cost analyses within the agricultural machinery sector. Despite numerous studies offering various models and independent variables, the double square root regression approach, originally developed by Cross and Perry and adapted by ASABE for North American contexts, has been widely utilized. However, factors such as the complexity of OEM portfolios, steep price increases due to compliance with diesel emission regulations, and limited data availability in Europe and its market specificities necessitate improvements in predictive accuracy. This study evaluates different tractor cohort alternatives beyond engine horsepower to enhance predictive robustness. Incorporating brand and powertrain type alongside engine power significantly improved model performance and exhibited the strongest robustness, as evidenced by reduced the root mean square error (RMSE) and increased R-squared values. These findings contribute to the refinement of tractor residual value estimation models, offering valuable insights for stakeholders in the agricultural machinery industry.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
Open AccessArticle
Optimizing Efficiency of Tea Harvester Leaf-Collection Pipeline: Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation
by
Zhe Du, Liyuan Zhang, Xinping Li, Xin Jin and Fan Yu
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 653; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050653 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
To address the challenges of missed and disorderly picking in tea harvesters, this study focused on the leaf-collection pipeline and utilized Fluent simulation 19.0 software. A single-factor test identified key parameters affecting airflow velocity. An orthogonal test evaluated the main pipe taper, number
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To address the challenges of missed and disorderly picking in tea harvesters, this study focused on the leaf-collection pipeline and utilized Fluent simulation 19.0 software. A single-factor test identified key parameters affecting airflow velocity. An orthogonal test evaluated the main pipe taper, number of branch pipes, and branch pipe outlet diameter, with average outlet wind speed and wind speed non-uniformity as indicators. The optimal parameters were a main pipe taper of 25.5 mm, 10 branch pipes, and an inner diameter of 17.10 mm for the outlet, resulting in 10.73 m/s average wind speed and 8.24% non-uniformity. Validation tests showed errors under 1%. Further optimization on the internal structure’s extension length led to 11.02 m/s average wind speed and 8.04% non-uniformity. Field experiments demonstrated a 3.40% stalk leakage rate and 90.36% bud leaf integrity rate; the optimized structure of the leaf-collecting pipeline significantly improved the uniformity of airflow and the picking efficiency. These findings offer valuable insights and practical benefits for enhancing the efficiency of tea harvesters.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Mechanization and Automation in Agriculture)
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Open AccessArticle
Opportunity of the NEGFRY Decision Support System for the Sustainable Control of Potato Late Blight in A Limia (NW of Spain)
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Laura Meno, Olga Escuredo and M. Carmen Seijo
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 652; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050652 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The NEGFRY system is presented in this research work as a novelty strategy for the control of potato late blight in A Limia (NW Spain). The aim was to analyse the number of fungicide applications established by NEGFRY (Decision Support System, DSS) with
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The NEGFRY system is presented in this research work as a novelty strategy for the control of potato late blight in A Limia (NW Spain). The aim was to analyse the number of fungicide applications established by NEGFRY (Decision Support System, DSS) with respect to the routine calendars of this potato production area. This approach is in accordance with the requirements imposed by European policies, participating in more profitable and environmentally friendly agriculture. For this purpose, the relationships between the pathogen and the environmental conditions and epidemiological parameters were analysed in different plots compared to late blight infection in both Routine and DSS strategies. In addition, economic and environmental impacts of fungicide sprays were also analysed to check the adaptability of the decision support system to late blight in the area. Results confirmed that it is possible to reduce sprays following the NEGFRY model by more than 50% compared with Routine applications. Therefore, NEGFRY is a promising strategy to achieve lower footprint potato yields through a reduction in applied pesticides and water, lower gas emissions and less soil compaction due to a reduction in the number of tractor passes over the soil. The commitment to this strategy contributes to improving the economy of farmers, the health of the biodiversity, the environment and consumers, as well as to comply with demands of global economies in terms of more sustainable and resilient agriculture.
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(This article belongs to the Section Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds)
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Open AccessArticle
Modeling the Mechanical Properties of Root–Substrate Interaction with a Transplanter Using Artificial Neural Networks
by
Zhiwei Tian, Ang Gao, Wei Ma, Huanyu Jiang, Dongping Cao, Weizi Wang, Jianping Qian and Lijia Xu
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 651; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050651 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
The mechanical properties of a plug seedling substrate determine whether it will crush during the transplantation, thereby affecting the integrity of the root system and the survival rate of transplanted seedlings. In this study, we measured eight morphological parameters of pepper seedlings using
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The mechanical properties of a plug seedling substrate determine whether it will crush during the transplantation, thereby affecting the integrity of the root system and the survival rate of transplanted seedlings. In this study, we measured eight morphological parameters of pepper seedlings using machine vision and physical methods, and the corresponding substrate mechanical parameters of the plug seedlings were tested using a texture analyzer. Based on the experimental data, a BPNN framework was constructed to predict the substrate mechanical properties of plug seedlings at different growth stages. The results indicate that the BPNN with a framework of [8, 15, 15, 1] exhibits higher R2 and lower errors. The mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values are 7.669, 88.842, and 9.076%, respectively, with an R2 of 0.867. The average prediction accuracy of 20 test data set is 90.472%. Finally, predictions and experimental validations were conducted on the substrate mechanical properties of seedlings grown for 47 days. The results revealed that the BPNN achieved an average prediction accuracy of 93.282%. Additionally, it exhibited faster speed and lower computational costs. This study provides a reference for the non-intrusive estimation of substrate mechanical properties in plug seedlings and the design and optimization of transplanting an end-effector.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Technology)
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Open AccessArticle
Genetic Characterization of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis Genotypes Derived from Seeds and Selection Based on Their Morphological Traits and Flower Aromatic Substances
by
Vasiliki Anastasiadi, Stefanos Hatzilazarou, Emmanouil-Nikolaos Papadakis, Aikaterini-Angeliki Kotoula, Nikolaos Tsalouchos, Taxiarchis Labis, Athanasios Economou and Stefanos Kostas
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 650; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050650 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is an evergreen shrub with white fragrant flowers, and it is cultivated for its ornamental, aromatic and medicinal value. The present study aimed to select desirable genotypes for potential commercial exploitation as pot plants or use in perfumery. Thus, 32
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Gardenia jasminoides Ellis is an evergreen shrub with white fragrant flowers, and it is cultivated for its ornamental, aromatic and medicinal value. The present study aimed to select desirable genotypes for potential commercial exploitation as pot plants or use in perfumery. Thus, 32 genotypes of G. jasminoides plants derived from seedlings, whose seeds were obtained from Australia and the USA, were evaluated for their genetic diversity in relation to four commercial cultivars (‘Pelion’, ‘Joy’, ‘Grandiflora’ and ‘Kimberly’, used as reference cultivars) using ISSR and SCoT markers. A cluster analysis separated the gardenia genotypes into the following three clusters: one cluster comprised the 16 genotypes originating from Australia, one included the 16 genotypes originating from the USA, and the third cluster contained the four reference cultivars. In other words, there was a clear demarcation of the genotypes investigated according to their geographical origin. In addition, the gardenia genotypes were evaluated for their morphological and chemical characteristics. Thus, flower- and leaf-related traits with ornamental value were measured, while the volatile compounds of flower extracts were identified with GC-MS analysis. Genotype 29-5 was selected for its acceptable morphological traits and genotype 51-8 for its rich volatile compounds. The major volatile compounds responsible for the floral aroma of the various gardenia genotypes examined were α-farnesene, benzyl tiglate, cis-3-hexenyltiglate, jasminelactone and linalool.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding of Horticultural Crops for Trait Improvement and Stress Resilience)
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Social Network Analysis of Farmers after the Private Cooperatives’ “Intervention” in a Rural Area of China—A Case Study of the XiangX Cooperative in Shandong Province
by
Qingzhi Sun, Guanyi Yin, Wei Wei, Zhan Zhang, Guanghao Li and Shenghao Zhu
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 649; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050649 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
In China, private-owned cooperatives are becoming increasingly involved in agricultural production. In order to find the key characteristics of smallholders’ social networks after the appearance of cooperatives and better organize different farmland operators, this study completed a field survey of 114 smallholders who
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In China, private-owned cooperatives are becoming increasingly involved in agricultural production. In order to find the key characteristics of smallholders’ social networks after the appearance of cooperatives and better organize different farmland operators, this study completed a field survey of 114 smallholders who adopted farmland trusteeship service of a private-owned cooperative in China and applied the social network analysis to reveal the following results. (1) Compared to the theoretical ideal value, smallholders’ social networks showed low network density, efficiency, and little relevancy. (2) In the social network of mechanical-sharing, neighbor, kinship, and labor-sharing relationships, some isolated nodes existed, but no isolated nodes are found in the synthetic network. (3) The mechanical-sharing relationship among smallholders was stronger than the other relationships. (4) Machinery owners, farmers whose plots are on the geometric center and experienced older farmers showed higher centralities in the network, but village cadres did not. (5) The centralities and QAP correlation coefficients among different networks inside the cooperative were lower than that inside a single village. As a result, this paper confirmed that the ability of cooperatives to organize farmers’ social networks is not ideal. Farmers’ trust of farmland to a cross-village cooperatives does not help them to form a larger social network than their villages. In the future, the answer to the question of “who will farm the land” will still lie with the professional farmers and highly autonomous cooperatives.
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(This article belongs to the Section Agricultural Economics, Policies and Rural Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Willow (Salix acmophylla Boiss.) Leaf and Branch Extracts Inhibit In Vitro Sporulation of Coccidia (Eimeria spp.) from Goats
by
Manal Haj-Zaroubi, Nariman Mattar, Sami Awabdeh, Rawad Sweidan, Alex Markovics, Joshua D. Klein and Hassan Azaizeh
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 648; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050648 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Willow (Salix spp.) trees, found worldwide, contain secondary metabolites that are valuable as dietary supplements for animal feed and as antiparasitic compounds. We quantified secondary metabolites (phenolics, flavonoids, and salicylic acid) in ethanolic extracts from leaves and branches of three Salix acmophylla
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Willow (Salix spp.) trees, found worldwide, contain secondary metabolites that are valuable as dietary supplements for animal feed and as antiparasitic compounds. We quantified secondary metabolites (phenolics, flavonoids, and salicylic acid) in ethanolic extracts from leaves and branches of three Salix acmophylla Boiss. genotypes and investigated their potential to inhibit Eimeria sp. sporulation, a major concern in ruminants. The total phenolic content of willow leaves and branches was similar in two of three different genotypes. The total flavonoid content of the branches was significantly higher than that of leaves of the same genotype; however, the salicylic acid content was significantly higher in leaves than in branches. Importantly, all extracts exhibited significant inhibition of Eimeria sporulation, where over 70% inhibition was obtained at concentrations as low as 750 mgL−1. The sporulation inhibition by branch or leaf extracts exceeded 80% for leaves and 90% for branches at concentrations above 1250 mgL−1. The study highlights the potential of using Salix extracts as bioactive compounds for biological control of coccidiosis in ruminants. We conclude that all parts and all investigated genotypes of S. acmophylla can provide secondary metabolites that act as a coccidiostat to treat Eimeria in goats.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Effects of Dietary Interventions on Farm Animal Welfare and Production)
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Open AccessArticle
Field Assessment of Lamium album in Reducing Mycotoxin Biosynthesis in Winter Wheat Infected by Fusarium culmorum
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Pascaline Aimee Uwineza, Maria Kwiatkowska, Romuald Gwiazdowski, Łukasz Stępień, Marcin Bryła and Agnieszka Waśkiewicz
Agriculture 2024, 14(5), 647; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14050647 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
Fungicides play a crucial role in conventional agriculture for disease control, but their prolonged use raises health and environmental concerns. Fusarium culmorum (F. culmorum), a major wheat pathogen causing Fusarium head blight (FHB) and Fusarium crown rot (FCR), poses significant mycotoxigenic
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Fungicides play a crucial role in conventional agriculture for disease control, but their prolonged use raises health and environmental concerns. Fusarium culmorum (F. culmorum), a major wheat pathogen causing Fusarium head blight (FHB) and Fusarium crown rot (FCR), poses significant mycotoxigenic threats. The application of natural plant extracts has been proven to fight against phytopathogenic fungi. This study aimed to a field experiment that was carried out at the Field Experimental Station of the Institute of Plant Protection—National Research Institute in Winna Góra, Poland, during the 2022/2023 season to evaluate the potential of Lamium album (L. album) flower extract as a foliar spray against mycotoxigenic fungi in two winter wheat varieties: Arkadia and Julius. The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method (SC-CO2) was employed to obtain the L. album flower extract. Ergosterol (ERG) and mycotoxin accumulation in the harvested wheat grains were analyzed using chromatography-based methods. The results demonstrated a notable reduction in ERG content in the field plots treated with L. album flower extract, from 26.07 µg/g (control group) to 8.91 µg/g (extract-treated group) for Arkadia and from 70.02 µg/g (control group) to 30.20 µg/g (extract-treated group) for Julius. The treatment with L. album reduced mycotoxin biosynthesis in both varieties, with deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) production significantly decreased. Additionally, Arkadia exhibited greater resistance to Fusarium infection, and the antifungal effect of L. album was more pronounced than in the Julius variety, which proved to be more sensitive. In conclusion, L. album flower extract exhibited promising antifungal effects in field experiments to fight against F. culmorum in winter wheat varieties, suggesting a potential alternative to synthetic fungicides. However, as complete prevention of mycotoxin contamination was not achieved, further research is warranted to optimize extract concentrations and conduct long-term analyses to consider this plant extract as a sustainable control agent.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Agricultural Product Quality and Safety)
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Open AccessArticle
Walnut Recognition Method for UAV Remote Sensing Images
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Mingjie Wu, Lijun Yun, Chen Xue, Zaiqing Chen and Yuelong Xia
Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 646; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14040646 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
During the process of walnut identification and counting using UAVs in hilly areas, the complex lighting conditions on the surface of walnuts somewhat affect the detection effectiveness of deep learning models. To address this issue, we proposed a lightweight walnut small object recognition
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During the process of walnut identification and counting using UAVs in hilly areas, the complex lighting conditions on the surface of walnuts somewhat affect the detection effectiveness of deep learning models. To address this issue, we proposed a lightweight walnut small object recognition method called w-YOLO. We reconstructed the feature extraction network and feature fusion network of the model to reduce the volume and complexity of the model. Additionally, to improve the recognition accuracy of walnut objects under complex lighting conditions, we adopted an attention mechanism detection layer and redesigned a set of detection heads more suitable for walnut small objects. A series of experiments showed that when identifying walnut objects in UAV remote sensing images, w-YOLO outperforms other mainstream object detection models, achieving a mean Average Precision (mAP0.5) of 97% and an F1-score of 92%, with parameters reduced by 52.3% compared to the YOLOv8s model. Effectively addressed the identification of walnut targets in Yunnan, China, under the influence of complex lighting conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Vision Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Smart Farming—2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Climatic Conditions Influence the Nutritive Value of Wheat as a Feedstuff for Broiler Chickens
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Ali Khoddami, Daniel K. Y. Tan, Valeria Messina, Peter V. Chrystal, Rebecca Thistlethwaite, Robert A. Caldwell, Richard Trethowan, Mehdi Toghyani, Shemil Macelline, Yunlong Bai, Peter H. Selle and Sonia Y. Liu
Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 645; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14040645 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
Forty wheat samples of ten wheat varieties harvested from optimal or late sowings in 2019 and 2020 were evaluated for nutrient composition. This included crude protein (CP), starch, amino acids, minerals, phytate-phosphorus (phytate-P) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). The objective was to investigate the
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Forty wheat samples of ten wheat varieties harvested from optimal or late sowings in 2019 and 2020 were evaluated for nutrient composition. This included crude protein (CP), starch, amino acids, minerals, phytate-phosphorus (phytate-P) and non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). The objective was to investigate the impact of high temperature on wheat grain quality as a feedstuff for broiler chickens. Growth performance and economic impact of such changes were predicted by the Emmans, Fisher and Gous broiler growth model. On average, 2019 was 1 °C hotter than 2020 during the growing season (Narrabri, NSW 2390, Australia). The wheat harvested in 2019 had higher concentrations of CP, phytate-P, total P and calcium. In 2019, late sowing increased average protein concentrations from 166.6 to 190.2 g/kg, decreased starch concentration from 726 to 708 g/kg and increased total NSPs from 693 to 73.9 g/kg. Unlike the 2019 harvest, the late sowing in 2020 had no impact on CP concentrations in almost all wheat varieties. The 2019 varieties had higher concentrations of 16 assessed amino acids (p < 0.001) compared to the 2020 harvest. The largest difference was in lysine (19.2%), and the smallest difference was in proline (11.1%). It was predicted that broiler diets formulated from 2019 wheat varieties would have better efficiency of feed conversion with an advantage of 2.53% (1.539 versus 1.579) than 2020 varieties to 35 days post-hatch. This would translate to a cost saving of approximately AUD 16.45 per tonne of feed, much of which would represent additional profit.
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(This article belongs to the Section Crop Production)
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Synergy between the Waste of Natural Resources and Food Waste Related to Meat Consumption in Romania
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Teodor Ioan Trasca, Monica Ocnean, Remus Gherman, Raul Adrian Lile, Ioana Mihaela Balan, Ioan Brad, Camelia Tulcan and Gheorghe Adrian Firu Negoescu
Agriculture 2024, 14(4), 644; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agriculture14040644 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
The study examines the dichotomy between individual dietary autonomy and the broader implications of food overconsumption and waste, particularly focusing on meat consumption’s environmental, health, and social equity aspects. In the context of increasing awareness about the negative impacts of excessive meat consumption,
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The study examines the dichotomy between individual dietary autonomy and the broader implications of food overconsumption and waste, particularly focusing on meat consumption’s environmental, health, and social equity aspects. In the context of increasing awareness about the negative impacts of excessive meat consumption, this research explores the potential benefits of modest dietary shifts, specifically a reduction in animal product intake, on natural resources and the environment. Utilizing data from international and Romanian sources, including data about meat environmental impacts, in original research, the article analyzes the water, carbon, and land use footprints associated with different types of meat, emphasizing the significant differences between beef, pork, chicken, and sheep meat. The findings highlight that even a small reduction in meat consumption, such as 100 g per week per capita, can lead to substantial decreases in water use, carbon emissions, and land use, underscoring the importance of sustainable eating habits. Moreover, the study explores the potential of plant-based proteins as viable nutritional alternatives that can mitigate environmental footprints and foster global food security. Conclusively, this work advocates for a balanced approach that respects individual choices while promoting collective responsibility towards sustainable consumption patterns, emphasizing the role of scientific research and public awareness in driving positive change in dietary habits for environmental conservation and health benefits.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reducing Food Loss and Waste at the Farm Level: Seeking Sustainable Path to Food Security)
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