Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 47989

Special Issue Editor

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2795, Australia
Interests: weed spatial intelligence; herbicide resistance; crop-weed interference; weed plasticity in a changing climate; precision weeding
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

The global climate is changing at a swift pace. There is anecdotal evidence that climate change and severe weather events have impacts on crop management activities, ultimately global agricultural production systems. In addition, the increasing demand for food, feed and other agricultural commodities has significantly changed land use, crop production technologies, and pest management practices.

Our special issue “Pest, Pesticides and food security in changing climate” aims to gather research outlining the actual and potential impacts of changing climates in management of pests and their ultimate impacts in agronomic production systems.

Some of the major aspects of this topic may include but are not limited to:

  • Effect of climate change elements on pests (insect, pathogen and weeds) infestation, tolerance, invasiveness and control
  • Effect of changes in agronomic management and production systems or pest management practices on the above-mentioned aspects of pests’ biology and management.
  • Future trends of pesticides use and their residual effects under predicted climate changes

This Research Topic will advance our understanding of the actual impact of changing selection pressures (due to climate and management changes) on pests evolution and management. This knowledge will assist scientists, agronomists, and ecologists to devise innovative management strategies that are able to negotiate these drastic changes for sustainable crop production, safe environment and stable ecosystems. Reviews, Original Research, Methods, Perspectives, and Opinion Articles are all welcome for submission.

Dr. Md Asaduzzaman
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • weed ecology
  • herbicide resistance & residues
  • plant plasticity
  • biphasic response of plants
  • root ecology

Published Papers (14 papers)

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15 pages, 2191 KiB  
Article
Will Climate Change Affect the Disease Progression of Septoria Tritici Blotch in Northern Europe?
by Ketel Christian Prahl, Holger Klink, Mario Hasler, Joseph-Alexander Verreet and Tim Birr
Agronomy 2023, 13(4), 1005; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13041005 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1407
Abstract
Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici Desm., is the most important disease affecting wheat in Northern Europe. There is a strong correlation between STB and weather variables; therefore, research on climate change and epidemiology is essential. In a long-term [...] Read more.
Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici Desm., is the most important disease affecting wheat in Northern Europe. There is a strong correlation between STB and weather variables; therefore, research on climate change and epidemiology is essential. In a long-term survey across 25 years, we evaluated the epidemiological development of STB at a representative location under maritime climatic conditions. The surveys conducted between 1996 and 2021 showed an increase in disease severity of STB with respect to time. At the survey location, the plants were also evaluated for other diseases, but other foliar diseases were only observed with negligible severities. However, a continuous increase in the severity of STB was observed throughout the survey. During the survey period, there was no significant relationship between disease severity and single weather parameters (e.g., temperature and precipitation). However, seasonal changes in the progression of conducive STB conditions within the season were observed during the survey. Therefore, STB infections occurred at increased temperatures due to infections later during the growth season. In general, the distribution of conducive weather conditions, which supports an infection, determines the epidemiological behaviour of STB during the growing season. Due to these enhanced STB epidemics, a decline in wheat production has been observed, especially in agronomic practices of maritime climates. This is particularly the case if temperature and precipitation during the growing season are affected by climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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14 pages, 2632 KiB  
Article
Multiple Resistance to Three Modes of Action of Herbicides in a Single Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) Population in China
by Guangtao Zhu, Hao Wang, Haitao Gao, Ying Liu, Jun Li, Zhike Feng and Liyao Dong
Agronomy 2023, 13(1), 216; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13010216 - 10 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1514
Abstract
Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), a cross-pollinated grass, is gradually becoming a predominant weed in wheat fields in China and is evolving resistance to many groups of herbicides. The aim of this study is to determine the resistance levels of a single [...] Read more.
Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), a cross-pollinated grass, is gradually becoming a predominant weed in wheat fields in China and is evolving resistance to many groups of herbicides. The aim of this study is to determine the resistance levels of a single L. multiflorum population from a wheat field in Henan Province China, to three modes of action (MoAs) of herbicides and to further characterize the potential resistance mechanisms. This L. multiflorum population evolved multiple herbicide resistances to pyroxsulam [acetolactate synthase (ALS)], pinoxaden [acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase)] and isoproturon [photosystem II (PSII)]. Target-site resistance (TSR) mutations (Pro-197-Gln, Pro-197-Thr, and Trp-574-Leu) and non-target-site resistance (NTSR) mediated by cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP450) genes were associated with pyroxsulam resistance. Pinoxaden resistance was conferred by two TSR mutations, which referred to a rare Ile-2041-Val mutation and a common Ile-1781-Leu mutation but with two different nucleotide substitutions (CTA/TTA). CYP450- and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-mediated resistances were the main resistance mechanisms for this multiple herbicide-resistant (MHR) population to the PSII inhibitor isoproturon. This is the first case of a single L. multiflorum population evolving multiple resistance to three herbicide MoAs (ALS, ACCase and PSII) in China. Diverse resistance mechanisms including TSR and NTSR mean L. multiflorum exhibits a high degree of resistance plasticity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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15 pages, 2149 KiB  
Article
Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles (CS-NPs) on In Vitro Regeneration Response and Production of Potato virus Y (PVY)-Free Plants of Potato
by Sary Elsahhar, Mohamed Shahba, Tarek Elsayed, Maurice Mikhail and Azza Galal
Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2901; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12112901 - 20 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2139
Abstract
Potato virus Y (PVY) causes serious loss in the yield and quality of potatoes. The effect of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) on the regeneration response and production of PVY-free plants under in vitro conditions was studied. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.1 [...] Read more.
Potato virus Y (PVY) causes serious loss in the yield and quality of potatoes. The effect of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) on the regeneration response and production of PVY-free plants under in vitro conditions was studied. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.1 mg L−1 Gibberellic acid (GA3), 0.1 mg L−1 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 500 mg L−1 malt extract was used for regeneration of plantlets from sprouts. Double Antibody Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (DAS-ELISA) and Reverse Transcript Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used for virus indexing of the mother plant and in vitro-regenerated plantlets. Explants of PVY positive potato plants were cultured on same medium amended with 100, 200, 250, and 300 mg L−1 of (CS-NPs). Shoot regeneration decreased from 100 to 200 mg L−1 as the concentrations of antiviral (CS-NPs) up to 250 mg L−1. It was decreased with the increase in the concentration of the antiviral (CS-NPs) up to 300 mg L−1. Antiviral (CS-NPs) at the concentration of 250 mg L−1 showed a positive effect on shoot regeneration. In vitro-regenerated plantlets were virus free and tested negative in both ELISA and RT-PCR. The level of 100 mg L−1 of (CS_NPs) produced 38.8% PVY-free plants and 30.50% of cultures showed shoot regeneration. The level of 200 mg L−1 of (CS-NPs) produced 49.6% PVY-free plants while 46.8% of cultures showed shoot regeneration. The level of 250 mg L−1 of (CS-NPs) was the most effective and produced 100.0% PVY-free plants and 100.0% of cultures showed shoot regeneration. Histopathological changes simultaneously with elucidation of resistance and growth enhancement were evident in the treated plants with (CS-NPs) than those untreated control. In conclusion, (CS-NPs) treatment is an effective tool to produce PVY-free sprouts explants and has potential for producing virus-free planting material for the potato industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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20 pages, 2863 KiB  
Article
Biochar-Derived Smoke Waters Affect Bactrocera oleae Behavior and Control the Olive Fruit Fly under Field Conditions
by Giovanni Jesu, Stefania Laudonia, Giuliano Bonanomi, Gavin Flematti, Salvatore Giacinto Germinara, Marco Pistillo, David Giron, Annie Bézier and Francesco Vinale
Agronomy 2022, 12(11), 2834; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12112834 - 13 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1564
Abstract
Bactrocera oleae is the key pest of olive production. Several attempts have been carried out over time to control it using biological solutions but with results rarely comparable to those obtained with chemical applications. The purpose of this work was to identify and [...] Read more.
Bactrocera oleae is the key pest of olive production. Several attempts have been carried out over time to control it using biological solutions but with results rarely comparable to those obtained with chemical applications. The purpose of this work was to identify and test new compounds from samples of various Smoke Waters (SWs) for their effect on the fly, and given their low impact on the environment. SWs obtained from different feedstocks were used in in vitro and open field applications. SWs were shown to alter B. oleae fitness, acting on its microbiome, particularly on the presence and activity of the primary endosymbiont “Ca. Erwinia dacicola”, and also to affect the behavior of the adult flies, altering the attractiveness of the drupes susceptible to attack. The effects recorded were concentration-dependent and varied among repulsion, up to 87% towards females, indecision, up to 70% towards males, and attraction, comparable to fresh green olives, based on the starting materials. These responses were confirmed in electroantennography trials and during two-years of field trials carried out in South and Central Italy. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry highlighted the presence of compounds such as guaiacol and hydroquinone as potentially important for the observed activity. Principal Component Analyses confirmed the proximity among SWs obtained from similar feedstocks. In controlled conditions, females appear to be more sensitive to the SW treatments. Field trials have shown how the effects of SWs can lead depression of infestation levels obtainable with other well-known compounds, such as kaolin clay and isopropyl-myristate (repulsive), or pheromones (attractive). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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14 pages, 1132 KiB  
Article
Genetic Diversity Analysis among Capsicum annuum Mutants Based on Morpho-Physiological and Yield Traits
by K. M. Rezaul Karim, Mohd Y. Rafii, Azizah Misran, Mohd Firdaus Ismail, Abdul Rahim Harun, Raihana Ridzuan, Mst. Farhana Nazneen Chowdhury, Monir Hosen, Oladosu Yusuff and Md Azadul Haque
Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2436; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12102436 - 08 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1313
Abstract
It is crucial to assess genetically superior parents when developing novel hybrids. This experiment was conducted to find out the diversity of 27 Capsicum annuum mutant lines derived from two varieties.To achieve the objective, 23 morpho-physiological and yield traits were recorded through two [...] Read more.
It is crucial to assess genetically superior parents when developing novel hybrids. This experiment was conducted to find out the diversity of 27 Capsicum annuum mutant lines derived from two varieties.To achieve the objective, 23 morpho-physiological and yield traits were recorded through two planting seasons. Highly significant differences (p < 0.01) were recorded among the studied traits. There was a strong to moderately positive phenotypic association between yield and all other morphological traits except first bifurcation length, stem diameter, pedicle length, flowering date, and maturity date. A higher Genotypic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) and Phenotypic Coefficient of Variation (PCV), combined with moderate to high heritability and high hereditary progress, have been found in the number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, and number of seeds per fruit. High heritability was found in yield characteristics, vis-à-visnumber of seeds per fruit, number of fruits per plant, and indicated high genetic advance. The studied genotypes were divided into six groups after the cluster analysis. Based on the correlation matrix of 23 quantitative characteristics, principal component analysis revealed that the percentage of variation for PC1 and PC2 is 28%and 19%, respectively, andPC1 represents the largest percentage of the overall total variation. The calculated genetic distance also explains the potential of heterosis breeding. The revealed findings might be helpful for breeders to target quantitative characters and the parental lines of C. annuum during the execution of their future breeding programmes for developing high-yielding and climate-resilient chilli varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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13 pages, 3269 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Evaluation of Wood Vinegar (Pyroligneous Acid) VOCs Inhibitory Effect against a Fungus-like Microorganism Ovatisporangium (Phytopythium) Isolate Recovered from Tomato Fields in Iran
by Ali Chenari Bouket, Abolfazl Narmani, Alireza Tavasolee, Ghorban Elyasi, Akbar Abdi, Shahram Naeimi, Kasra Sharifi, Tomasz Oszako, Faizah N. Alenezi and Lassaad Belbahri
Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1609; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12071609 - 04 Jul 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3482
Abstract
Crop diseases and agricultural pests and pathogens are causing huge economic losses. The actual means for dealing with them involve the use of damaging chemical pesticides that harm the environment, threaten biodiversity, and undermine human health. This research was aimed at developing an [...] Read more.
Crop diseases and agricultural pests and pathogens are causing huge economic losses. The actual means for dealing with them involve the use of damaging chemical pesticides that harm the environment, threaten biodiversity, and undermine human health. This research was aimed at developing an environmentally friendly means to cope with emerging oomycete disease from tomato fields in the province of East-Azerbaijan. The oomycete disease causal agent was isolated and identified as Ovatisporangium sp. using a combination of morphological features and molecular methods. Six wood vinegars (pyroligneous acid) belonging to pine, pomegranate, pistachio, almond, walnut, and cypress were produced during this study and examined against Ovatisporangium sp. Their inhibition of volatile metabolites (VOCs) using different dilutions (1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/10) was assessed against the mycelial growth of Ovatisporangium sp. In vitro analysis demonstrated that pistachio, cypress, and almond dilution 1 (D 1) wood vinegar VOCs had the ability to stop the mycelial growth of Ovatisporangium sp. All other treatments including pine, walnut, and pomegranate with relevant dilutions significantly reduced the mycelial growth of Ovatisporangium sp. compared with the control (p ≤ 0.05). Wood vinegar is therefore a potent means to cope with pathogenic infections and allows plant protection against oomycete diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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19 pages, 32279 KiB  
Article
Predicting Current and Future Potential Distributions of Parthenium hysterophorus in Bangladesh Using Maximum Entropy Ecological Niche Modelling
by Sheikh Muhammad Masum, Abdul Halim, Mohammad Shamim Hasan Mandal, Md Asaduzzaman and Steve Adkins
Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1592; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12071592 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2557
Abstract
Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is among the most noxious invasive alien plant species, which can pose a threat to agro- and native-ecosystems. Despite potential parthenium infestation risks at the south-western regions of the Ganges–Brahmaputra floodplains of Bangladesh, no studies exist that [...] Read more.
Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is among the most noxious invasive alien plant species, which can pose a threat to agro- and native-ecosystems. Despite potential parthenium infestation risks at the south-western regions of the Ganges–Brahmaputra floodplains of Bangladesh, no studies exist that document parthenium infestation. Using field surveys and a maximum entropy (Maxent) modelling approach, the present study tries to address the problem in the concerned region comprised of five Districts: Jashore, Jhenaidah, Chuadanga, Meherpur, and Khustia. The results revealed high infestation in the Jashore, Jhenaidah, and Chuadanga Districts, mainly along roadsides, in grasslands, and in fallow and cropped fields. The greatest abundance of the weed (ca. 30 plants m−2) occurred at the Indian border area, suggesting cross-border spreading, possibly through the linking road systems. Furthermore, we found that under both low and high emissions scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 2.6 and 8.5), parthenium weed suitability areas were likely to expand, suggesting an increased threat to the agro-ecosystems of Bangladesh. The present study is the first attempt to survey and model potential parthenium weed distribution affecting one of the major hubs of agricultural production in Bangladesh. The findings of this study can help land managers to make judicious decisions towards the future management of these agro-ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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19 pages, 2118 KiB  
Article
Wavelet Decomposition and Machine Learning Technique for Predicting Occurrence of Spiders in Pigeon Pea
by Ranjit Kumar Paul, Sengottaiyan Vennila, Md Yeasin, Satish Kumar Yadav, Shabistana Nisar, Amrit Kumar Paul, Ajit Gupta, Seetalam Malathi, Mudigulam Karanam Jyosthna, Zadda Kavitha, Srinivasa Rao Mathukumalli and Mathyam Prabhakar
Agronomy 2022, 12(6), 1429; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12061429 - 14 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1945
Abstract
Influence of weather variables on occurrence of spiders in pigeon pea across locations of seven agro-climatic zones of India was studied in addition to development of forecast models with their comparisons on performance. Considering the non-normal and nonlinear nature of time series data [...] Read more.
Influence of weather variables on occurrence of spiders in pigeon pea across locations of seven agro-climatic zones of India was studied in addition to development of forecast models with their comparisons on performance. Considering the non-normal and nonlinear nature of time series data of spiders, non-parametric techniques were applied with developed algorithm based on combinations of wavelet–regression and wavelet–artificial neural network (ANN) models. Haar wavelet filter decomposed each of the series to extract the actual signal from the noisy data. Prediction accuracy of developed models, viz., multiple regression, wavelet–regression, and wavelet–ANN, tested using root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), indicated better performance of wavelet–ANN model. Diebold Mariano (DM) test also confirmed that the prediction accuracy of wavelet–ANN model, and hence its use to forecast spiders in conjunction with the values of pest–defender ratios, would not only reduce insecticidal sprays, but also add ecological and economic value to the integrated pest management of insects of pigeon pea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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16 pages, 17001 KiB  
Article
Phenology and Population Differentiation in Reproductive Plasticity in Feathertop Rhodes Grass (Chloris virgata Sw.)
by Md Asaduzzaman, Hanwen Wu, Eric Koetz, Michael Hopwood and Adam Shepherd
Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 736; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12030736 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2636
Abstract
An understanding of phenology and reproductive plasticity of a weed species can provide valuable information to manage it precisely. This study evaluated the phenotypic plasticity of feathertop Rhodes grass (Chloris virgata Sw.) where cohorts of four different populations (two from cropping and [...] Read more.
An understanding of phenology and reproductive plasticity of a weed species can provide valuable information to manage it precisely. This study evaluated the phenotypic plasticity of feathertop Rhodes grass (Chloris virgata Sw.) where cohorts of four different populations (two from cropping and two from roadside situations) were initiated in early spring (4 September), late spring (4 November), mid-summer (4 January), and early autumn (4 March) in southern New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The team grew individual plants in the absence of competition under natural conditions. Life-history and fitness-related traits of both phenology and morphology were measured, and dry biomass of vegetative and reproductive parts were determined at physiological maturity. Among the four sowing times, the late-spring sowing treatment took the longest time from emergence to the first seed head emergence (70–110 days), while it had the shortest seed maturity period (8–16 days). Length of reproductive and total life period of the four populations differed across the four sowing-time treatments. The plants that emerged in mid-summer had the longest reproductive period (30 days) whereas the early-autumn emerging plants died before the reproductive stage because of the cold temperatures during winter. The mid-summer cohort required slightly longer time (63–85 days) to achieve seed head formation and less time (19–24 days) for seed maturity than those plants that emerged in early or late spring. All the reproductive features were varied by sowing times and population. The number of seed heads (12–15 per plant) and spikelets (12–13 per seed head), as well as the seed head biomass, re-productive biomass allocation pattern, and seed production, generally increased in the mid-summer-emerged cohort. Seed production in the mid-summer (9942 seeds/plant) cohort was 10% and 70% higher than the late spring (8000 seeds/plant) and early spring (3240 seeds/plant) cohorts, respectively. The ratio of reproductive biomass to vegetative biomass increased in the mid-summer sowing times in all populations, and this species displayed true plasticity in reproductive allocation. Additionally, the four populations of feathertop Rhodes grass differed significantly in phenological, vegetative, and reproductive traits, depending on the sowing time. The reproductive fitness of the four populations varied, with the two roadside populations (FELT 04/20 and STURT/16–17) appearing to be better adapted than the two cropping populations (PARK 01/20 and GLEN 03/18). The results from our study could help construct a basic framework for a variety of weed-management tactics to achieve successful control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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13 pages, 1028 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Effects of Different Stubble Tillage Practices and Glyphosate Application Combined with the New Soil Residual Herbicide Cinmethylin against Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. in Winter Wheat
by Miriam Hannah Messelhäuser, Marcus Saile, Bernd Sievernich and Roland Gerhards
Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 167; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy12010167 - 10 Jan 2022
Viewed by 1565
Abstract
Effective control of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. (blackgrass) solely with a chemical treatment is not guaranteed anymore because populations exhibit resistance to almost all herbicide modes of action. Integrated weed management (IWM) against blackgrass is necessary to maintain high weed control efficacies in winter [...] Read more.
Effective control of Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. (blackgrass) solely with a chemical treatment is not guaranteed anymore because populations exhibit resistance to almost all herbicide modes of action. Integrated weed management (IWM) against blackgrass is necessary to maintain high weed control efficacies in winter cereals. Four field experiments were conducted in Southwest Germany from 2018 to 2020 to control A. myosuroides with a combination of cultural and chemical methods. Stubble treatments, including flat, deep and inversion soil tillage; false seedbed preparation and glyphosate use, were combined with the application of the new pre-emergence herbicide cinmethylin in two rates in winter wheat. Average densities of A. myosuroides in the untreated control plots were up to 505 plants m−2. The combination of different stubble management strategies and the pre-emergence herbicide cinmethylin controlled 86–97% of A. myosuroides plants at the low rate and 95–100% at the high rate until 120 days after sowing. The different stubble tillage practices varied in their efficacy between trials and years. Most effective and consistent were pre-sowing glyphosate application on the stubble and stale seedbed preparation with a disc harrow. Stubble treatments increased winter wheat density in the first year but had no effect on crop density in the second year. Pre-emergence application of cinmethylin did not reduce winter wheat densities. Multiple tactics of weed control, including stubble treatments and pre-emergence application of cinmethylin, provided higher and more consistent control of A. myosuroides. Integration of cultural weed management could prevent the herbicide resistance development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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22 pages, 310 KiB  
Article
Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield Components of Traditional and Improved Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes in Malaysia
by Mohammad Anisuzzaman, Mohd Y. Rafii, Noraini Md Jaafar, Shairul Izan Ramlee, Mohammad Ferdous Ikbal and Md Azadul Haque
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1830; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11091830 - 13 Sep 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 12291
Abstract
Rice is the most important staple cereal human nutrition and consumed by 75% of the global population. Rice plants need a supply of essential nutrients for their optimal growth. Rice production has increased tremendously in Malaysia insensitive irrigation and the use of inorganic [...] Read more.
Rice is the most important staple cereal human nutrition and consumed by 75% of the global population. Rice plants need a supply of essential nutrients for their optimal growth. Rice production has increased tremendously in Malaysia insensitive irrigation and the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides. However, the effect of using inorganic fertilizers resulted in contamination of ground water and decreased the productivity of soil, which in turn affected the rice production in the long term. The use of organic manure may help to regain the soil health, but that is insufficient for providing the essential nutrients to achieve optimal growth. Therefore, the use of organic manure combined with inorganic fertilizers is applied to obtain optimum yields. This study aims to test the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield components of 65 rice genotypes. The pot experiment was conducted at the net house on field 10, University Putra Malaysia, UPM, Malaysia, during the period of February to June 2019 and August to December 2019 in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. There were three treatment combinations viz. T1: 5 t ha−1 chicken manure (CM), T2: 2.5 t ha−1 CM + 50% CFRR, T3: 100% (150 N: 60 P2O5: 60 K2O kg ha−1) and chemical fertilizer recommended rate (CFRR). Grain and straw samples were collected for chemical analysis, and physical parameters were measured at the harvest stage. Results showed that most of the growth and yield components were significantly influenced due to the application of organic manure with chemical fertilizer. The application of chemical fertilizer alone or in combination with organic manure resulted in a significant increase in growth, yield component traits, and nutrient content (N, P, and K) of all rice genotypes. Treatment of 2.5 t ha−1 CM + 50% CFRR as well as 100% CFRR showed a better performance than the other treatments. It was observed that the yield of rice genotypes can be increased substantially with the judicious application of organic manure with chemical fertilizer. The benefits of the mixed fertilization (organic + inorganic) were not only the crop yields but also the promotion of soil health, the reduction of chemical fertilizer input, etc. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
11 pages, 871 KiB  
Article
Quantification of Pesticide Residues in Fresh Vegetables Available in Local Markets for Human Consumption and the Associated Health Risks
by Umme Salma Nisha, Md. Sirajul Islam Khan, Mohammad Dalower Hossain Prodhan, Islam Md Meftaul, Noorjahan Begum, Aney Parven, Syfullah Shahriar, Abdul Shukor Juraimi and Md. Abdul Hakim
Agronomy 2021, 11(9), 1804; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11091804 - 08 Sep 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2971
Abstract
Human health risks as a result of consuming pesticide residues in fresh vegetables have drawn serious attention to the scientific community, particularly in developing countries. This study analyzed country bean (Lablab purpureus L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) for widely used [...] Read more.
Human health risks as a result of consuming pesticide residues in fresh vegetables have drawn serious attention to the scientific community, particularly in developing countries. This study analyzed country bean (Lablab purpureus L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) for widely used neonicotinoid, synthetic pyrethroid, and dithiocarbamate pesticide residues in order to ensure food safety. The analyzed vegetables contained residues of acetamiprid and cypermethrin in 17% of bean and 13% of eggplant samples, respectively; among them, 3% of bean and 1% of eggplant samples had residues of acetamiprid that were above the maximum residue limits set by the European Union (EU-MRLs). None of the samples for either of the analyzed vegetables contained the residue of thiram and lambda-cyhalothrin. In contrast, 83% of bean and 87% of eggplant samples had no detectable pesticides. Thus, the findings were surprising considering the repeated and overuse of pesticides in vegetables in the investigated areas. However, this outcome supports the general claim of pesticide adulteration in terms of the active ingredients, which is another drawback to ensuring food safety. The non-cancer health risk assessment based on the acute health risk to consumer (aHI) and chronic hazard quotient (HQ) indicates that contaminated vegetables might pose a potential threat to children’s health and alarming for adults. This study reflects the overall scenario of pesticide residues in marketed vegetables of Barishal district of Bangladesh, which could help the consumers to bring awareness, and to take necessary actions by the pesticide suppliers and policymakers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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Review

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15 pages, 17280 KiB  
Review
Current and Prospective Strategies in the Varietal Improvement of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) Specially Heterosis Breeding
by K. M. Rezaul Karim, Mohd Y. Rafii, Azizah Binti Misran, Mohd Firdaus Bin Ismail, Abdul Rahim Harun, Md Mahmudul Hasan Khan and Mst. Farhana Nazneen Chowdhury
Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2217; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy11112217 - 01 Nov 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8580
Abstract
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an herbaceous crop and plays an important role as common spices and vegetables. Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most cost-effective and agricultural vegetables in the world. The most significant characteristics of peppers, as spices [...] Read more.
Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an herbaceous crop and plays an important role as common spices and vegetables. Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most cost-effective and agricultural vegetables in the world. The most significant characteristics of peppers, as spices and in various pharmacological uses, are pungency and oleoresin (color). Cabsicum annuum L. is widely used as a medicinal herb and in the Mediterranean diet (at the present, C. annuum var. acuminatum Fingerh. and Capsicum frutescens L. are considered synonyms of C. annuum L.). Capsicum annuum includes a wide range of carotenoids including capsanthin, capsorubin, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, fanthophyl, and xanthophyll, and capsaicinoid. However, it remains limited in production due to the lack of development in varieties especially under severe climatic circumstances such as drought, high temperature, or salt. Some reports were provided through distinct traditional approaches for genetic improvement. A combination of traditional and molecular breeding, especially breeding for heterosis, might be a good option for developing a novel genotype for ecologically adversely affected niche adaption. This review summarizes the current chilli breeding approaches with their drawbacks and highlights some recent classical efforts for the improvement of the crop. This would be the milestone for the breeders in the planning of a successful chilli breeding program to combat the adverse ecological condition. Thus, the information gathered in this article might be considered as the cornerstone of Chilli breeders at their ongoing and sustainable future programs as well. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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Other

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10 pages, 1244 KiB  
Brief Report
Psychrotolerant Strains of Phoma herbarum with Herbicidal Activity
by Andrey Trigubovich, Maryna Mandryk-Litvinkovich, Anastasiya Valakhanovich, Elizaveta Gorodilova, Daniil Malygin, Emiliya Kalamiyets and Sofia Sokornova
Agronomy 2023, 13(6), 1619; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13061619 - 15 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1387
Abstract
The search for stress-tolerant producer strains is a key factor in the development of biological mycoherbicides. The aim of the study was to assess the herbicidal potential of phoma-like fungi. Morphological and physiological features of two Antarctic psychrotolerant strains 20-A7-1.M19 and 20-A7-1.M29 were [...] Read more.
The search for stress-tolerant producer strains is a key factor in the development of biological mycoherbicides. The aim of the study was to assess the herbicidal potential of phoma-like fungi. Morphological and physiological features of two Antarctic psychrotolerant strains 20-A7-1.M19 and 20-A7-1.M29 were studied. Multilocus sequence analysis was used to identify these strains. They happened to belong to Phoma herbarum Westend. The psychrotolerant properties of these strains were suggested not only by ecology, but also by their capability to grow in a wide temperature range from 5 °C to 35 °C, being resistant to high insolation, UV radiation, aridity, and other extreme conditions. It was shown that treatment with their cell-free cultural fugate, crude mycelium extract, and culture liquid significantly reduced the seed germination of troublesome weeds such as dandelion and goldenrod. Cell-free cultural fugate and culture liquid also led to the formation of chlorosis and necrotic spots on leaves. Thus, psychrotolerant strains P. herbarum 20-A7-1.M19 and 20-A7-1.M29 demonstrate high biotechnological potential. Our next step is to determine the structures of biologically active substances and to increase their biosynthesis, as well as the development of biological and biorational mycoherbicides. New mycoherbicides can reduce the chemical load on agroecosystems and increase the effectiveness of applied chemicals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pests, Pesticides and Food Safety in a Changing Climate)
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