Journal Description
Agronomy
Agronomy
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on agronomy and agroecology published monthly online by MDPI. The Spanish Society of Plant Physiology (SEFV) is affiliated with Agronomy and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- 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, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Agronomy) / CiteScore - Q1 (Agronomy and Crop Science)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.8 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 Agronomy include: Seeds, Agrochemicals, Grasses and Crops.
Impact Factor:
3.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.0 (2022)
Latest Articles
Based on BERT-wwm for Agricultural Named Entity Recognition
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061217 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
With the continuous advancement of information technology in the agricultural field, a large amount of unstructured agricultural textual information has been generated. This information is crucial for supporting the development of smart agriculture, making the application of named entity recognition in the agricultural
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With the continuous advancement of information technology in the agricultural field, a large amount of unstructured agricultural textual information has been generated. This information is crucial for supporting the development of smart agriculture, making the application of named entity recognition in the agricultural field more urgent. In order to enhance the accuracy of agricultural entity recognition, this study utilizes the pre-trained BERT-wwm model for word embedding into the text. Additionally, a channel attention mechanism (CA) is introduced in the BILSTM-CRF downstream feature extraction network to comprehensively capture the contextual features of the text. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method significantly improves the performance of named entity recognition, with increased accuracy, recall, and F1 value. The successful implementation of this method provides reliable support for downstream tasks such as agricultural knowledge graph construction and question and answer systems and establishes a foundation for better understanding and utilization of agricultural textual information.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Farming Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture)
Open AccessArticle
Optimizing Cotton Row Configuration in Jujube–Cotton Intercropping Systems Improves Their Productivity, Net Effects, and Sustainability
by
Jinbin Wang, Guodong Chen, Peijuan Wang, Zhengjun Cui, Sumei Wan, Yunlong Zhai, Tiantian Li and Yaru Zhao
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061216 - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
The bare row spacing between young jujube trees reduces resource use efficiency. Planting cotton between rows of jujubes can improve the efficiency of light, heat, water, and temperature resources. However, it is not clear how many rows of cotton between the jujube rows
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The bare row spacing between young jujube trees reduces resource use efficiency. Planting cotton between rows of jujubes can improve the efficiency of light, heat, water, and temperature resources. However, it is not clear how many rows of cotton between the jujube rows would be the most suitable pattern. A field study with different cropping systems was performed to investigate the land equivalent ratio (LER), the competition of cotton to jujube, and the sustainability index. The treatments included (1) monoculture jujube, (2) monoculture cotton, (3) jujube intercropped with two rows of cotton (J/C2), (4) jujube intercropped with four rows of cotton (J/C4), and (5) jujube intercropped with six rows of cotton (J/C6). The results showed that the LER under the J/C2, J/C4, and J/C6 systems were 1.17, 1.30, and 1.28, respectively. The LER and total yield were higher under J/C2 than under the J/C4 and J/C6 treatments. The overyielding rate of cotton was increased, while those of jujube were decreased with increasing rows of cotton. The competition between cotton to jujube was less than 0. The net, complementarity, selection effect, and sustainability index were significantly higher under J/C4 and J/C6 than under J/C2, with J/C4, showing stronger net effects. Both complementarity and selection effects contributed to the intercropping yield advantages. Comprehensively considering yield, economic efficiency, sustainability index, land use efficiency, and net effect, J/C4 is one of the most productive and sustainable planting patterns of jujube–cotton intercropping system in southern Xinjiang, which is the more ideal pattern in arid and semi-arid regions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)
Open AccessReview
Assessing the Potential of Biochar as a Viable Alternative to Synthetic Fertilizers in Sub-Saharan Africa Smallholder Farming: A Review
by
Chuene Victor Mashamaite, Hamond Motsi, Alen Manyevere and Sanele Briged Poswa
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061215 - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
The adverse effects of long-term usage of synthetic fertilizers such as eutrophication, weed infestation, opportunistic diseases, and declining yields have been established. However, the fact that soil fertility declines because of continuous cropping to meet the demand for feeding the ever-growing population, coupled
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The adverse effects of long-term usage of synthetic fertilizers such as eutrophication, weed infestation, opportunistic diseases, and declining yields have been established. However, the fact that soil fertility declines because of continuous cropping to meet the demand for feeding the ever-growing population, coupled with the high cost of chemical fertilizers, has left little option. This mainly affects resource-poor smallholder farmers, who heavily depend on their production for sustenance and economic well-being. Current research efforts have underscored the urgency of mitigating this trend by seeking a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to avert impending global food crises. Biochar has gained attention as a possible alternative to meet the soil requirements on many fronts, such as improving soil functioning and restoring degraded lands. Biochar is also known to reduce heavy metal mobility and inorganic contaminants, mitigating salinity and drought stress as well as greenhouse gas emissions associated with agriculture. However, these studies need to be harmonized to draft a more pragmatic approach to policy formulation and establish an enhanced paradigm. In this paper, we review several studies on biochar and synthesize its possible use as an alternative or supplement to synthetic fertilizers to enhance crop productivity under standard and stressful growing conditions. The ability of biochar to sequester carbon and its impact on soil properties are highlighted. We emphasize its potential for soil nutrient management and the possibility of adopting it as an alternative to synthetic fertilizer in smallholder farming. We also point out several critical research gaps that call for attention and serve as pointers for future research.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biochar, Fertilizers and Microbes Interactions for Soil Health and Crop Productivity)
Open AccessArticle
Comprehensive Genome-Wide Investigation and Transcriptional Regulation of the DHHC Gene Family in Cotton Seed and Fiber Development
by
Saimire Silaiyiman, Qinyue Zheng, Yutao Wang, Lejun Ouyang, Zhishan Guo, Jieli Yu, Rong Chen, Rui Peng and Chao Shen
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061214 - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Protein palmitoylation, the most common and the only reversible post-translational lipid modification following protein translation, plays a pivotal role in the biochemical and physiological processes of both animals and plants. DHHC proteins, enriched with DHHC (Asp-His-His-Cys) domains, serve as catalyst for protein palmitoylation.
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Protein palmitoylation, the most common and the only reversible post-translational lipid modification following protein translation, plays a pivotal role in the biochemical and physiological processes of both animals and plants. DHHC proteins, enriched with DHHC (Asp-His-His-Cys) domains, serve as catalyst for protein palmitoylation. However, research on DHHC in cotton remains scarce. This study conducted a systematic characterization and bioinformatics analysis on G. arboreum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense, detecting 38, 37, 74, and 74 DHHC genes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the DHHC gene family into six subgroups, consistent with previous evolutionary studies in Arabidopsis and rice. A further examination of protein structure revealed a correlation between genetic relatedness, structural similarity, and functional identity. Cis-element analysis identified elements predominantly associated with light response, stress, growth and development, and plant hormones. The integration of cotton seed development transcriptome, tissue expression pattern analysis, and population transcriptome data collectively suggests that Ghir_A05G027650 and Ghir_D05G027670 are promising candidate genes influencing seed development in upland cotton. Conversely, Gbar_A04G010750 and Gbar_A12G020520 emerge as potential candidates affecting both seed and fiber development in sea island cotton. These findings lay down a theoretical foundation for delving into the functional diversity of DHHC genes in cotton, thereby paving the way for the development of new breeding strategies and the optimization of cotton seed and fiber production, ultimately contributing to improved crop yield and quality.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis of Complex Traits and Molecular Selection in Annual Crops—2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Germination Performance of Physalis peruviana L. Seeds under Thermal and Water Stress Conditions
by
Elis Marina de Freitas, Carlos Nick Gomes, Laércio Junio da Silva and Fernando França da Cunha
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061213 - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Physalis peruviana holds significant economic value, making it crucial to determine optimal cultivation conditions, particularly concerning seed germination under varying water and temperature conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impacts of heat and water stress on the germination and vigor of
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Physalis peruviana holds significant economic value, making it crucial to determine optimal cultivation conditions, particularly concerning seed germination under varying water and temperature conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impacts of heat and water stress on the germination and vigor of P. peruviana seeds. The study was divided into two trials: the first examined the effect of constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C and alternating temperatures of 20 °C during the dark period and 30 °C during the light period (control) on seed germination and vigor. The second trial investigated germination and vigor under different water and thermal conditions using various osmotic potentials (0; −0.3; −0.6; and −0.9 MPa) and two temperatures (constant 30 °C and alternating 20 °C during the dark period and 30 °C during the light period). Both trials used a 16 h photoperiod. The germination tests revealed optimal (30 °C), moderate (20/30 °C), minimal (20 °C), and inhibited (40 °C) temperatures for the species’ germination. It was found that the first germination count could be conducted on the seventh day after sowing. Low water availability had negative effects on seed germination and vigor, especially at osmotic potentials below −0.45 and −0.61 MPa, combined with temperatures of 30 and 20/30 °C, respectively. Severe water stress, with osmotic potentials equal to or below −0.9 MPa, completely inhibited seed germination and vigor. Reduction in water potential and increased temperature resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage, speed, and quality of P. peruviana germination. These findings indicate that the species does not tolerate extreme temperatures, whether low (less than 15 °C) or high (greater than 35 °C), nor water stress with osmotic potentials lower than −0.45 MPa, much less the combination of these factors.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optimizing Crop Water Use: Advances and Applications in Deficit Irrigation Strategies)
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Open AccessArticle
Exploring the Efficacy of Four Essential Oils as Potential Insecticides against Thrips flavus
by
Yulong Niu, Tianhao Pei, Yijin Zhao, Changjun Zhou, Bing Liu, Shusen Shi, Meng-Lei Xu and Yu Gao
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061212 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Plant essential oils are important alternatives in green integrated pest management. This study examined the chemical composition, bioactivity, and control efficacy of four Lamiaceae essential oils (EOs) against Thrips flavus Schrank in laboratory conditions with the goal of exploiting plant-derived insecticides to control
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Plant essential oils are important alternatives in green integrated pest management. This study examined the chemical composition, bioactivity, and control efficacy of four Lamiaceae essential oils (EOs) against Thrips flavus Schrank in laboratory conditions with the goal of exploiting plant-derived insecticides to control Thrips flavus. The four EOs tested were marjoram oil (Origanum majorana L.), clary sage oil (Salvia sclarea L.), perilla leaf oil (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.), and spearmint oil (Mentha spicata L.). All these EOs exhibited a certain degree of insecticidal activity against Thrips flavus. The median lethal concentration (LC50) was determined after treatment by the leaf-dipping method in laboratory bioassays, and its values were 0.41 mg/mL for marjoram oil, 0.42 mg/mL for clary sage oil, 0.43 mg/mL for perilla leaf oil, and 0.54 mg/mL for spearmint oil. In the pot experiment, the number of dead insects was recorded at 1, 3, and 7 days post-application, and the control efficacy of EOs against Thrips flavus was calculated. The concentration of 900.00 g a.i.·hm−2 of spearmint oil was 100% lethal against Thrips flavus after treating potted plants for seven days. The Y-tube olfactometer method was used to test for the attraction or repellent response of EOs against Thrips flavus. The spearmint oil significantly attracted female adults in the olfactory test. Furthermore, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to examine the chemical composition of the EOs. Linalool (24.52%), isopropyl myristate (28.74%), (+)-limonene (32.44%), and (+)-carvone (70.3%) were their primary ingredients. The findings suggest that all four EOs are highly effective against Thrips flavus and may be a possible alternative in the management of Thrips flavus, especially when considering reducing the use of synthetic pesticides.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection)
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Open AccessCommunication
Reaction of Tomato Lineages and Hybrids to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans
by
Ana Carolina Pires Jacinto, Ana Luisa Alves Ribeiro, Gabriel Mascarenhas Maciel and Nilvanira Donizete Tebaldi
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1211; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061211 (registering DOI) - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
The use of resistant varieties is an important strategy for managing tomato bacterial spot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reaction of tomato genotypes to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with
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The use of resistant varieties is an important strategy for managing tomato bacterial spot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reaction of tomato genotypes to Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with 10 genotypes and four repetitions. The genotypes consisted of hybrids (UFU-1, UFU-2, UFU-3), wild resistant accession Solanum pennellii, commercial susceptible cultivar Santa Clara and homozygous lines (UFU-5, UFU-6, UFU-11, UFU-12, UFU-15). The UFU B8 isolate of X. euvesicatoria pv. perforans was used. The bacterial suspension was prepared and adjusted in a spectrophotometer OD550 = 0.5 (1 × 109 CFU mL−1). Inoculation occurred 10 days after transplantation. Disease severity was assessed at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days after inoculation, and the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated. There was a significant difference between the genotypes regarding the severity of the disease at 3, 6 and 12 days after inoculation. Lineages 5, 6 and 12, the hybrid UFU-1 and the wild accession S. pennellii showed the lowest severity of the disease, being promising for promoting genetic improvement programs aimed at resistance to the bacteria.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Tolerance under Biotic and Abiotic Stresses—Volume II)
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Open AccessReview
Consideration of the Disease Complexes, the Missing Link to Correctly Analyze the Impact of Intercropping on Disease Development
by
Manu Affichard, Marine Jacquelin, Tracy Khalil, Didier Andrivon and Christophe Le May
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1210; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061210 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Diversification at the plot level, through the use of intercropping (mixtures of crops), is an alternative to the conventional system of intensive agriculture, based on monospecific, usually single-variety canopies. Intercropping has been shown to provide benefits in terms of disease control. However, competition
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Diversification at the plot level, through the use of intercropping (mixtures of crops), is an alternative to the conventional system of intensive agriculture, based on monospecific, usually single-variety canopies. Intercropping has been shown to provide benefits in terms of disease control. However, competition phenomena and the heterogeneity of the associated crops raise new ecological questions, particularly with regard to the dynamics and evolution of parasite populations. No study has assessed the potential impact of these associations on the dynamics of pathogenic species complexes. Changes in the nutritional status of plants and therefore in their physiological susceptibility to infection within intercropping systems could contribute to an increased diversity of ecological niches and thus affect the composition of the parasitic complex and its spatiotemporal dynamics. In this review, focusing on foliar diseases of fungal origin, and after outlining some elements of the biology and epidemiology of these fungal diseases, we will (i) describe the mechanisms that contribute to the composition of disease clusters and that drive interactions, but we will also review the strategies that these foliar diseases have adopted to deal with these co-infections; (ii) define how intercropping can lead to changes in epidemic dynamics, in particular by presenting the mechanisms that have a direct and indirect effect on disease evolution; and (iii) present the approach that should be adopted to properly study intercropping correctly in a multi-infection situation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experiences of Integrated Disease Management of Crops)
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Open AccessArticle
Microbiological and Mechanism Analysis of Novel Wheat Seed Coating Agents-Induced Growth Promotion of Wheat Seedlings
by
Chao Chen, Wei Wang, Shuying Li, Shun He, Shufeng Zheng and Daoqing Xu
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061209 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
TFC (10% thifluzamide–fludioxonil–clothianidin) is a novel wheat seed-coating agent. In the field, we confirmed that 10% TFC plays a positive role in preventing soil-borne diseases and promoting wheat seedling growth. However, its effects on rhizosphere microecology and the underlying molecular mechanism are not
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TFC (10% thifluzamide–fludioxonil–clothianidin) is a novel wheat seed-coating agent. In the field, we confirmed that 10% TFC plays a positive role in preventing soil-borne diseases and promoting wheat seedling growth. However, its effects on rhizosphere microecology and the underlying molecular mechanism are not fully understood. Field trials revealed a positive effect on the biomass, plant height, and root length of wheat sharp eyespots in a Yingshang field, with 95.3% control efficiency. The effects of 10% TFC on the rhizosphere soil microbiome of young wheat plants were evaluated using high throughput sequencing technology. The results demonstrated that seed-coating agents significantly changed bacterial and fungal communities, and reduced the number of bacteria but increased the number of fungi. Sequence analysis revealed that the abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Patescibacteria in bacteria and Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Basidiomycota in fungi were significantly enriched, which have been reported as being beneficial for plant growth and pathogen resistance. In contrast, the abundance of Mucoromycota in fungi was reduced, and most of the related genera identified were pathogenic to plants. In this study, 15-day-old wheat plant tissues treated with 10% TFC were subjected to global transcriptome analysis by RNA sequencing to provide insights into the effects of 10% TFC on seedling growth. The comparative analysis of Triticum aestivum L. libraries identified 8286 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 2290 and 5996 genes were up- and downregulated in seedling growth in the presence of 10% TFC, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional analyses were performed for up- and downregulated DEGs separately, showing that these DEGs were enriched for terms related to the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, the protein products of which promote cell differentiation and seedling growth. This research provides comprehensive insights into its effects on wheat seedling growth and the rhizosphere microecology of seed coatings and provides important insights into their regulation and into understanding the potential benefits of seed coatings in disease management and plant growth promotion.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Agroecology Innovation: Achieving System Resilience)
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Open AccessReview
Genetic and Molecular Regulation of Cotton Fiber Initiation and Elongation
by
Fang Bai and Jodi Scheffler
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061208 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Cotton fiber, a crucial and sustainable resource for global textile production, undergoes a complex five-stage developmental process, encompassing initiation, elongation, transition, secondary cell wall biosynthesis, and maturation. These elongated single-cell fibers originate from the outer ovule epidermis. The development of cotton fibers involves
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Cotton fiber, a crucial and sustainable resource for global textile production, undergoes a complex five-stage developmental process, encompassing initiation, elongation, transition, secondary cell wall biosynthesis, and maturation. These elongated single-cell fibers originate from the outer ovule epidermis. The development of cotton fibers involves intricate changes in gene expression and physiological processes, resulting in a nearly pure cellulose product that is vital for the global cotton industry. Decoding the genes associated with fiber development enhances our understanding of cotton fiber mechanisms and facilitates the cultivation of varieties with enhanced quality. In recent decades, advanced omics approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, have played a pivotal role in identifying the genes and gene products linked to cotton fiber development, including the MYB transcription factor family, which coordinates cotton fiber development. Molecular studies have revealed the transcription factors, like MYB, WRKY, Homeodomain Leucine Zipper (HD-ZIP), and basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH), influencing fiber initiation and elongation. The intricate interplay of phytohormones, like auxin, gibberellic acid (GA), brassinosteroids (BRs), jasmonic acid (JA), ethylene, abscisic acid (ABA), and cytokinin, is explored, providing a comprehensive perspective on the shaping of cotton fibers. Numerous candidate genes and cellular processes affecting various aspects of fiber development hold promise for genetic engineering or marker-assisted breeding to improve fiber quality. This review presents a comprehensive overview of key achievements in cotton molecular biology, with a specific emphasis on recent advancements in understanding the transcription factors and phytohormones involved in cotton fiber initiation and elongation.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Analysis in Crops)
Open AccessArticle
Transcriptomic Analysis of Sodium-Silicate-Induced Resistance against Rhizoctonia solani AG-3 in Potato
by
Yayan Feng, Jianjun Hao, Dongmei Zhang, Hongli Huo, Lele Li, Zhijun Xiu, Chunfang Yang and Xiaoyu Zhang
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1207; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061207 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Stem canker and black scurf of potatoes, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, are economically important diseases. Although the field application of sodium silicate has been shown to improve potato’s resistance against R. solani, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we
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Stem canker and black scurf of potatoes, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, are economically important diseases. Although the field application of sodium silicate has been shown to improve potato’s resistance against R. solani, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we examined this resistance using transcriptomic analysis. Potato stems inoculated with R. solani were treated with sodium silicate, while a control group received no sodium silicate treatment. The plants were grown under natural environmental conditions at the farm of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University. Potato stems were sampled 4, 8, and 12 days after treatment. Total RNA was extracted using the TRIzol reagent and transformed into cDNA. The cDNA was sequenced, the reads were aligned, and the expression levels of genes were quantified and compared between the treated and control groups. A total of 1491 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Furthermore, these DEGs were found to be involved in hydrolase activity, plant–pathogen interactions, hormone signal transduction, and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. To confirm the up- and down-regulation of DEGs, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed on randomly selected genes. The results showed that the application of sodium silicate induces a complex defense network in potato plants involving physical barriers, innate immunity, phytohormone signaling, and various phenylpropanoid compounds to combat R. solani infection. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sodium-silicate-induced resistance and its potential for reducing stem canker and black scurf in potato crops.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
Open AccessArticle
Pattern Classification of an Onion Crop (Allium Cepa) Field Using Convolutional Neural Network Models
by
Manuel de Jesús López-Martínez, Germán Díaz-Flórez, Santiago Villagrana-Barraza, Celina L. Castañeda-Miranda, Luis Octavio Solís-Sánchez, Diana I. Ortíz-Esquivel, José I. de la Rosa-Vargas and Carlos A. Olvera-Olvera
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061206 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
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Agriculture is an area that currently benefits from the use of new technologies and techniques, such as artificial intelligence, to improve production in crop fields. Zacatecas is one of the states producing the most onions in the northeast region of Mexico. Identifying and
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Agriculture is an area that currently benefits from the use of new technologies and techniques, such as artificial intelligence, to improve production in crop fields. Zacatecas is one of the states producing the most onions in the northeast region of Mexico. Identifying and determining vegetation, soil, and humidity zones could help solve problems such as irrigation demands or excesses, identify spaces with different levels of soil homogeneity, and estimate the yield or health of the crop. This study examines the application of artificial intelligence through the use of deep learning, specifically convolutional neural networks, to identify the patterns that can be found in a crop field, in this case, vegetation, soil, and humidity zones. To extract the mentioned patterns, the K-nearest neighbor algorithm was used to pre-process images taken using unmanned aerial vehicles and form a dataset composed of 3672 images of vegetation, soil, and humidity (1224 for each class). A total of six convolutional neural network models were used to identify and classify the patterns, namely Alexnet, DenseNet, VGG16, SqueezeNet, MobileNetV2, and Res-Net18. Each model was evaluated with the following validation metrics: accuracy, F1-score, precision, and recall. The results showed a variation in performance between 90% and almost 100%. Alexnet obtained the highest metrics with an accuracy of 99.92%, while MobileNetV2 had the lowest accuracy of 90.85%. Other models, such as DenseNet, VGG16, SqueezeNet, and ResNet18, showed an accuracy of between 92.02% and 98.78%. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of adopting artificial intelligence in agriculture, particularly in the management of onion fields in Zacatecas, Mexico. The findings can help farmers and agronomists make more informed and efficient decisions, which can lead to greater production and sustainability in local agriculture.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Soil Quality of Pingliang City Based on Fuzzy Mathematics and Cluster Analysis
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Zhenhua Zhao, Yifei Yang, Bo Dong, Rui Zhang, Guangrong Chen, Zhandong Pan and Dandan Du
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061205 - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
Pingliang City has a complex topography and diverse soil types. To realize the improvement of soil according to local conditions and the reasonable and sustainable use of soil resources, an evaluation of soil quality in Pingliang City was carried out, based on the
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Pingliang City has a complex topography and diverse soil types. To realize the improvement of soil according to local conditions and the reasonable and sustainable use of soil resources, an evaluation of soil quality in Pingliang City was carried out, based on the soil distribution situation in Pingliang City, adopting a method combining fuzzy mathematics and cluster analysis of the main evaluation factors, such as soil organic matter, topsoil depth, soil erosion intensity, soil moisture regime, effective soil thickness, soil texture, soil profile structure, soil nutrient status and topographical parts, to carry out a comprehensive evaluation. A comprehensive evaluation of soil quality was conducted in seven counties under the jurisdiction of Pingliang City, and the evaluation results were compared and analyzed against the national standard, “Cultivated land quality grade”, to provide a basis for the selection of scientific soil improvement methods. The results of the arable land quality grades indicate that the quality of farmland in Pingliang City is divided into three to ten grades, and the average quality grade of farmland is 6.83, which is in the middle–lower level, and the overall grade distribution shows the characteristics of low in the middle and high in the east and west. The results of fuzzy mathematics combined with cluster analysis indicated the following trends in soil quality for the 12 soil genera: Chuan black gunny soil > yellow moist soil > sandy soil > silt soil > mulching helilu soil> loessal soil> loamy soil > slope loessal soil > arenosol > tillage leaching gray cinnamon soil > calcareous gray cinnamon soil > red clay soil. The results of the combination of fuzzy mathematics and clustering were significantly correlated with the results of the evaluation of the soil quality of arable land; the correlation coefficient was 0.884. This indicates that the method can accurately and objectively review the advantages and disadvantages of arable land soil and can be effectively applied to the evaluation of the soil quality of agricultural soils in other regions. It is a complement to the existing evaluation of the soil quality of arable land and at the same time provides a reference for the improvement of soil quality in agricultural regions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Evolution, Management, and Sustainable Utilization)
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Open AccessArticle
Rapid pH Value Detection in Secondary Fermentation of Maize Silage Using Hyperspectral Imaging
by
Yang Yu, Haiqing Tian, Kai Zhao, Lina Guo, Jue Zhang, Zhu Liu, Xiaoyu Xue, Yan Tao and Jinxian Tao
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061204 - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
As pH is a key factor affecting the quality of maize silage, its accurate detection is essential to ensuring product quality. Although traditional methods for testing the pH of maize silage feed are widely used, the procedures are often complex and time-consuming and
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As pH is a key factor affecting the quality of maize silage, its accurate detection is essential to ensuring product quality. Although traditional methods for testing the pH of maize silage feed are widely used, the procedures are often complex and time-consuming and may damage the sample. This study presents a non-destructive hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology that provides a more efficient and cost-effective method of monitoring pH by capturing the spectral information of samples and analyzing their chemical and physical properties rapidly and without contact. We applied four spectral preprocessing methods, among which the multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) preprocessing method yielded the best results. To minimize model redundancy and enhance predictive performance, we utilized six feature extraction methods for characteristic wavelength extraction, integrating these with partial least squares (PLS), non-linear support vector machine regression (SVR), and extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithms to construct a quantitative pH value prediction model. The results showed that the model based on the bootstrapping soft shrinkage (BOSS) feature wavelength extraction method outperformed the other feature extraction methods, selecting 20 pH value-related feature wavelengths from 256 bands and building a stable BOSS–ELM model with prediction set determination coefficient ), root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP), and relative percentage deviation (RPD) values of 0.9241, 0.4372, and 3.6565, respectively. To further optimize the model for precisely predicting pH at each pixel in hyperspectral images, we employed three algorithms: the genetic algorithm (GA), whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and bald eagle search (BES). These algorithms optimized and compared the BOSS–ELM model to obtain the best model for predicting maize silage pH: the BOSS–BES–ELM model. This model achieved a determination coefficient ( of 0.9598, an RMSEP of 0.3216, and an RPD of 5.1448. We generated a visualized distribution map of pH value variation in maize silage using the BOSS–BES–ELM model. This study provides strong technical support and a reference for the rapid, non-destructive detection of maize silage pH from an image, an advancement of great significance to ensuring the quality of maize silage.
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(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)
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Open AccessEditorial
Agricultural Unmanned Systems: Empowering Agriculture with Automation
by
Mengke Zhang and Shubo Wang
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1203; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061203 - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
Automation is crucial for the advancement of modern agriculture [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Unmanned Systems: Empowering Agriculture with Automation)
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The Effect of Foliar Application with Naphthalene Acetic Acid and Potassium Nitrate on the Growth, Sex Ratio, and Productivity of Cucumbers (Cucumis sativas L.) under High Temperatures in Semi-Arid Areas
by
Mashael M. Alotaibi, Mohamed M. M. El Nagy, Makhdora Almuziny, Moodi S. Alsubeie, Amero A. I. Abo-Zeid, Fahad Mohammed Alzuaibr, Abdulrahman Alasmari, Bedur Faleh Albalawi, Ahmed H. M. Abd-Elwahed, Khadiga Ahmed Ismail and Mamdouh M. A. Awad-Allah
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1202; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061202 - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
High temperatures in late spring, summer, and autumn are one of the main elements limiting cucumber production. Heat stress in cucumber plants leads to significant changes in sex expression and negative effects at the physiological stage, including decreased absorption of water and nutrients,
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High temperatures in late spring, summer, and autumn are one of the main elements limiting cucumber production. Heat stress in cucumber plants leads to significant changes in sex expression and negative effects at the physiological stage, including decreased absorption of water and nutrients, decreased photosynthetic functions, and increased respiration, which in turn affects growth and production. Therefore, it is very difficult for cucumber plants exposed to heat stress to improve their productivity, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Cucumber plants bear a variety of flower forms, including staminate, pistillate, and hermaphrodites that occur in different arrangements. In addition, maleness is considered the main problem in cucumber production, as it significantly reduces fruit yield. Recently, the growth, flowering, and productivity of plants have been controlled with the help of growth-regulating substances, and one of these substances is naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), which is of great importance in modifying sex in cucumber and various cucurbit crops. Two experiments were conducted during 2022 and 2023 during the summer season to study the effect of foliar spraying of two levels of potassium nitrate, 500 mg/L and 1000 mg/L, and two levels of NAA, 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L, individually and together, and the comparison treatment in nine treatments on growth traits, sex ratio, fruit traits and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativas L.) plants in three replicates in a completely randomized block design. The results indicated that applying the treatment containing 1000 mg/L KNO3 + 100 mg/L NAA led to obtaining the highest value in most vegetable growth, flowering, and production parameters, with a significant increase compared to the control and all other treatments. Followed by treatments consisting of potassium nitrate and NAA, which gave high values in the traits of sex ratio %, fruit setting %, fruit yield, and most other traits. This study showed the importance of spraying with both NAA and potassium nitrate, individually or in combination, and the high combined effect of both in the treatments that contained each of them in the vegetative growth traits and floral traits such as the number of female flowers, the sexual ratio, fruit set percentage, weight fruit, length fruit, and the fruit yield in cucumber plants grown in the summer season with high temperatures
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Regulatory Mechanism of Growth Regulators on Crop Growth and Development)
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Open AccessReview
Genetic and Genomic Pathways to Improved Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Yields: A Review
by
Zaid Chachar, Lina Fan, Sadaruddin Chachar, Nazir Ahmed, Mehar-un-Nisa Narejo, Naseer Ahmed, Ruiqiang Lai and Yongwen Qi
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061201 - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a fundamental crop essential for both human and animal consumption. Addressing the challenge of enhancing wheat yield involves sophisticated applications of molecular genetics and genomic techniques. This review synthesizes current research identifying and characterizing pivotal genes that
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Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a fundamental crop essential for both human and animal consumption. Addressing the challenge of enhancing wheat yield involves sophisticated applications of molecular genetics and genomic techniques. This review synthesizes current research identifying and characterizing pivotal genes that impact traits such as grain size, number, and weight, critical factors influencing overall yield. Key genes including TaSPL17, ABP7, TaGNI, TaCKX6, TaGS5, TaDA1, WAPO1, TaRht1, TaTGW-7A, TaGW2, TaGS5-3A, TaSus2-2A, TaSus2-2B, TaSus1-7A, and TaSus1-7B are examined for their roles in these traits. The review also explores genes responsive to environmental changes, which are increasingly significant under current climate variability. Multi-trait regulatory genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that contribute to these traits are discussed, highlighting their dual influences on grain size and yield. Furthermore, the paper underscores the utility of emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, Case13, and multi-omics approaches. These innovations are instrumental for future discoveries and are poised to revolutionize wheat breeding by enabling precise genetic enhancements. Facing unprecedented challenges from climate change, the identification and utilization of these candidates is crucial. This review aims to be a comprehensive resource for researchers, providing an integrative understanding of complex traits in wheat and proposing new avenues for research and crop improvement strategies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Dissection and Improvement of Crop Traits)
Open AccessArticle
Camelina Intercropping with Pulses a Sustainable Approach for Land Competition between Food and Non-Food Crops
by
Elena Pagani, Federica Zanetti, Federico Ferioli, Erika Facciolla and Andrea Monti
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061200 - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
With increasing global attention toward the need for mitigating climate change, the transition to sustainable energy sources has become an essential priority. Introducing alternative oilseed crops, such as camelina (Camelina sativa L.), into intercropping systems with staple food crops can mitigate ILUC
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With increasing global attention toward the need for mitigating climate change, the transition to sustainable energy sources has become an essential priority. Introducing alternative oilseed crops, such as camelina (Camelina sativa L.), into intercropping systems with staple food crops can mitigate ILUC (indirect land use change) and their negative impact on biofuel production. The present study compared camelina + field pea intercropping (ICw + IP, winter sowing) and camelina + lentil intercropping (ICs + IL, spring sowing) with their respective single crops regarding weed control, soil coverage, yields, and camelina seed quality (1000-seed weight, oil, and fatty acid composition). The comparison between different cropping systems was conducted using a one-way ANOVA. Both intercropping improved weed control at an early stage but no differences in soil coverage were found. Camelina seed yield was negatively affected by the presence of peas, whereas the pulse was unaffected. Conversely, camelina seed yield was not affected when intercropped with lentils while lentils reduced their yield in the intercropping. Furthermore, when camelina was intercropped with lentils, a significant increase was reported in 1000-seed weight and α -linolenic acid (C18:3) compared with the sole-camelina. However, both intercropping systems had a land equivalent ratio (LER, based on total seed yield at maturity) higher than one. Defining the best combination of crops and the optimal sowing and harvesting settings remain key to increasing the adoption of intercropping systems by farmers.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Intercropping Systems in Sustainable Agriculture)
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Open AccessArticle
Development of Tetramycin-Loaded Core–Shell Beads with Hot-/Wet-Responsive Release Properties for Control of Bacterial Wilt Disease
by
Juntao Gao, Guan Lin, Xinmin Deng, Junxian Zou, Yong Liu, Xingjiang Chen and Shiwang Liu
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1199; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061199 - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
Plant bacterial wilt is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, a soilborne pathogen that infects plant conduits, leading to wilt disease. It is extremely difficult to cure plants infected with Ralstonia solanacearum; however, bactericide-loaded beads with hot-/wet-responsive properties may be able to release
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Plant bacterial wilt is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, a soilborne pathogen that infects plant conduits, leading to wilt disease. It is extremely difficult to cure plants infected with Ralstonia solanacearum; however, bactericide-loaded beads with hot-/wet-responsive properties may be able to release a biocide in line with the increase in the hot-/wet-associated activity of Ralstonia solanacearum, effectively killing the pathogenic cells and providing high levels of plant protection. A biopesticide, Tetramycin, was embedded in corn kernel powder (CKP)-based cores. An oil-phase mixture was sprayed onto the core surface to form a hot-/wet-responsive intermediate shell (IMS). Subsequently, a layer of ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) was coated onto the IMS to create a single wet-responsive outer shell (OTS). The ratios of the components in the cores, including the corn kernel powder (CKP), xanthan gum (XG), and Tetramycin, were optimized, as well as those of the IMS, including pentaerythrityl tetrastearate (PETS), pentaerythrityl tetraoleate (PETO), polyethylene glycol stearate (PEG400MS), and polyethylene glycol monooleate (PEG400MO), and those of the outer shell (OTS), including ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC). A texture performance analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), temperature and humidity response performance tests, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, and a field effectiveness test were conducted to characterize the Tetramycin-loaded beads. The results indicated that the optimal formula for the bead cores comprised a mass ratio of CKP/Tetramycin solution/XG = 13.5:23:2. The preferred mass ratio for IMS was PETS/PETO/PEG400MO = 10:30:10, and the formula for the applicable OTS consisted of a mass ratio of EC/HPMC = 5:1. In soil with a temperature of 30–35 °C and humidity of 30%, the release period of the Tetramycin-loaded beads, with a cumulative release rate of over 95%, could last up to 35 days. Furthermore, the Tetramycin-loaded beads exhibited a gradual and multi-cyclic release process under alternating hot/wet and dry/cold environments. The relative preventive efficacy of 54.74% on tobacco was revealed at a field-testing scale. A significant reduction in the abundance of Ralstonia solanacearum was also observed under treatment with the Tetramycin-loaded beads. The early fungal community structure exhibited higher consistency compared to the control. However, in the later stage, the diversity differences between the soil layers were restored. In conclusion, Tetramycin-loaded beads that could effectively respond to temperature and humidity fluctuations were developed, resulting in enhanced disease prevention efficacy and offering broad prospects for the prevention and control of Ralstonia solanacearum in agricultural settings.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
Open AccessArticle
Comparative Gene Expression following 2,4-D Treatment in Two Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Populations with Differential Tolerance to the Herbicide
by
Lucas Pinheiro de Araujo, Michael Barrett and Randy D. Dinkins
Agronomy 2024, 14(6), 1198; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14061198 (registering DOI) - 1 Jun 2024
Abstract
Incorporation of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) into grass pastures can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer applications and increase the nutritional value of the forage. However, red clover cultivars available for Kentucky producers are highly susceptible to herbicides, such as 2,4-D
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Incorporation of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) into grass pastures can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer applications and increase the nutritional value of the forage. However, red clover cultivars available for Kentucky producers are highly susceptible to herbicides, such as 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid), used for pasture broadleaf weed control. To overcome this problem, ‘UK2014’ red clover was selected for increased tolerance to 2,4-D. We employed a transcriptome analysis approach to compare the gene expression response following 2,4-D treatment of ‘UK2014’ to that of ‘Kenland’, a 2,4-D sensitive red clover and one of the parents of ‘UK2014’. The objectives were to first determine if the increased 2,4-D tolerance in ‘UK2014’ is reflected in a change of transcription response and/or a quicker recovery of a transcriptional response following 2,4-D treatment, and second, to identify genes, whether constitutively expressed or induced by 2,4-D, which could be the basis for the increased 2,4-D tolerance. Leaf tissue from the two red clovers grown in the field was collected at 4, 24, and 72 h after 2,4-D (1.12 kg 2,4-amine a.e. ha−1) treatment from both untreated and treated plants. Global gene expression was determined with reads from Illumina Hiseq 2500 mapped against the red clover draft genome, Tpv2.1 (GenBank Accession GCA_900079335.1). Genes that displayed differential expression (DEGs) following 2,4-D treatment were selected for further analysis. The number of DEGs was higher for ‘Kenland’ than for ‘UK2014’, suggesting that a lower transcriptional response corresponds with the higher 2,4-D tolerance in the ‘UK2014’ line. Similarly, gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that expression of photosynthesis-related genes was less affected by 2,4-D in the ‘UK2014’ line than ‘Kenland’. Although we were not able to identify any specific genes that are the basis for the increased 2,4-D tolerance of ‘UK2014’, we concluded that the increased 2,4-D tolerance of ‘UK2014’ correlates with a decreased transcription response to 2,4-D. Additionally, expression of several cytochrome P450 genes that had different isoforms between ‘UK2014’ and ‘Kenland’ increased significantly in both following 2,4-D treatment, one or more of these P450s could be mediators of 2,4-D metabolism and tolerance in red clover.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Ways to Improve Forage Production and Nutritional Value)
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