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xxx F. Ramadhani, B. Lakitan, R.A. Suwignyo and S. Susilawati
LED light distance and split fertilization effects on growth and morphological characteristics of red lettuce in urban cultivation system
Abstract |
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LED light distance and split fertilization effects on growth and morphological characteristics of red lettuce in urban cultivation system

F. Ramadhani¹, B. Lakitan¹²*, R.A. Suwignyo¹ and S. Susilawati¹

¹University of Sriwijaya, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy,
Jl. Raya Palembang-Prabumulih Km 32 Indralaya, Ogan Ilir 30662, Indonesia
²Research Centre for Sub-optimal Lands, Universitas Sriwijaya. Jl. Padang Selasa No. 524, Bukit Besar, Palembang 30139, South Sumatra, Indonesia
*Correspondence: blakitan60@unsri.ac.id

Abstract:

Light intensity and nutrients needed for plant growth are important factors in cultivation systems. Information regarding the distance of light sources and fertilization intervals for growing red lettuce in urban cultivation systems is still limited. This study evaluated the effects of LED light distance (35 cm and 50 cm) and split fertilizers (2nd and 3rd) on the growth and morphological of red lettuce in urban cultivation systems. The results showed a significant interaction between light distance and fertilization on morphological traits (leaf, stem, and root growth) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll). The distance of the light source had no significant effect on anthocyanin accumulation. A source light of 35 cm (SL-35) exhibited more dominant vegetative growth in the canopy, as indicated by a higher shoot weight ratio (SWR). The growth was predominantly concentrated in shoot tissues, with maximum leaf size achieved around 14 days after complete leaf expansion. Plants receiving split fertilization reached maximum leaf expansion slightly earlier, at around day 12. The leaf area was accurately estimated using a zero-intercept quadratic linear regression model based on leaf length and width (R² = 0.9851).

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xxx S. Belloula, N. Khababa, R. Tiet and R. Amara Korba
Breaking new ground: floristic diversity and conservation implications in Bordj Bou Arreridj Forests, Algeria
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Breaking new ground: floristic diversity and conservation implications in Bordj Bou Arreridj Forests, Algeria

S. Belloula*, N. Khababa, R. Tiet and R. Amara Korba

Mohamed El Bachir El Ibrahimi University, Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences and of Earth and Universe Sciences, Department of Ecology and Environment, DZ34000 Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria
*Correspondence: salima.beloula@univ-bba.dz

Abstract:

This study assessed the floristic diversity and conservation status of two ecologically significant forests in Bordj Ghedir region, southeastern Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria: Ouled Hanneche (10,221.69 ha) and Ouled Khelouf (8,580.47 ha), covering a combined area of 18,802.16 hectares. Field inventories conducted in March 2023 across 13 stations, with 13 plots collected using random sampling methods. Weidentified 71 plant species from 32 families and 64 genera. The Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families were dominant. Hemicryptophytes and Therophytes were the most abundant life forms, and chorological analysis indicated a predominance of Mediterranean elements. Ecological indices (Shannon H’ up to 3.602; Simpson 1-D up to 0.97) confirmed high species richness and diversity, particularly in the Ouled Hanneche forest. Despite this richness, the ecosystems face threats from overgrazing, wildfires, and insect pests. The findings provide a critical baseline for conservation and underscore the need for sustainable management strategies, including protected area enforcement and community engagement, to preserve this unique Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot.

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xxx Z. Jansone, M. Bleidere and G. Putniece
Estimating spring wheat nitrogen use efficiency via proximal and UAV sensing in Northwest Latvia
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Estimating spring wheat nitrogen use efficiency via proximal and UAV sensing in Northwest Latvia

Z. Jansone¹²*, M. Bleidere¹ and G. Putniece²

¹Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, Department of Plant breeding and Agroecology, “Dižzemes”, Dižstende, LV-3258 Talsi distr., Latvia
²Faculty of Agriculture and Food Technology, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, 2 Liela Str., LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: zaiga.jansone@arei.lv

Abstract:

Phenotyping nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is labour-intensive and time-consuming, often requiring destructive biomass sampling. Cost-effective sensing tools provide a promising alternative for rapid assessment of numerous wheat genotypes. In this study, sixteen spring wheat genotypes were evaluated in Latvia over three consecutive years (2021–2023) under two nitrogen fertilization levels (N75 and N150) in a split-split-plot design with two replicates, totaling 64 plots. NUE consistently differed between N rates and was strongly influenced by year-specific environmental conditions, providing contrasting scenarios for testing sensing approaches. To capture this variation, two platforms were tested for spectral estimation of NUE: a low-cost proximal phenomobile equipped with an RGB sensor, and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a multispectral sensor. Canopy reflectance was measured at three growth stages (tillering, flowering, and milk development) to calculate 8 proximal and 9 UAV-based visible-spectrum vegetation indices (VIs). Although relationships between VIs and NUE were environmentally dependent, significant and robust correlations were found. Proximal sensing generally provided stronger prediction models, with the Normalized Green-Red Difference Index (NGRDI) and Green Area Index (GA) consistently most predictive across years. The milk development stage (GS75) proved optimal for NUE estimation. Comparisons of NGRDI between platforms demonstrated their compatibility, though UAVs offer higher throughput for large-scale phenotyping. These findings highlight the potential of integrating agronomic evaluation with canopy reflectance traits to support breeding and precision nitrogen management.

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xxx M. Rebai, K. Guimeur, N. Boulelouah, H. Bedjaoui and D. Haddad
Effect of different date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) compost modalities on soil parameters in the Algerian Semi-Arid Zone
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Effect of different date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) compost modalities on soil parameters in the Algerian Semi-Arid Zone

M. Rebai¹²*, K. Guimeur¹², N. Boulelouah³², H. Bedjaoui¹² and D. Haddad⁴

¹University of Biskra, Faculty of Exact Sciences, Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Agronomic Sciences, S BP 145 RP, 07000, Algeria
²Laboratory for Ecosystem Diversity and Agricultural Production Systems Dynamics in Arid Zones (DEDSPAZA), University of Biskra, Algeria
³University of Batna 1, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Allées 19 mai, Route de Biskra, Batna 05000, Algeria
⁴University Batna2, department of Health and Safety, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Fesdis, 05078 Batna, Algeria
*Correspondence: messaouda.rebai@univ-Biskra.dz

Abstract:

In the vast regions of eastern Algeria, the calcareous soils are characterised by low fertility. Moreover, these soils frequently lack organic matter and essential nutrients, limiting sustainable yield potential. This study aimed to assess the impact of using locally sourced date palm compost with mineral fertilisers on the improvement of soil fertility in a cereal-based system. A field experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with 11 treatments: date palm compost applied at three rates (C1: 30 t ha⁻¹, C2: 50 t ha⁻¹, C3: 70 t ha⁻¹), either alone or combined with monoammonium phosphate (C1M, C2M, C3M: 100 kg ha⁻¹ MAP) or urea (C1U, C2U, C3U: 50 kg ha⁻¹ urea), one treatment with sheep manure at 45 t ha⁻¹, and an untreated control.. The study evaluated the effects of varying rates of date palm compost and mineral fertilisers on soil chemical characteristics at two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). Results indicated that elevated compost rates, whether applied alone or combined with mineral fertilisers, significantly improved organic matter content, nutrient availability, and soil chemical balance at both depths. Combined treatments C3U (70 t ha⁻¹ compost + 50 kg ha⁻¹ urea) and C3M (70 t ha⁻¹ compost + 100 kg ha⁻¹ MAP) showed the greatest improvements, with C3M identified as the optimal treatment. Integrated date palm compost fertilisation is well-suited to the region’s calcareous soils, enhancing nutrient availability, improving soil fertility, and efficiently utilising a locally available resource. These findings suggest that integrating date palm compost with mineral fertilisers is a sustainable approche to improving soil fertility in semi-arid mediterranean systems.

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xxx A.S. Ribeiro, A.J.V. Pires, D.C. Santos, M.L.P. Albuquerque, F.F. Silva, I.C. Dutra, S.S. Amorim, P.C.S. Galvao, M.L.S. Santos, M.V. Amaral, P.P.P. Publio and G.R.S. Oliveira
Productive and feeding performance of dairy cows fed sugarcane bagasse ammoniated with urea and cottonseed
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Productive and feeding performance of dairy cows fed sugarcane bagasse ammoniated with urea and cottonseed

A.S. Ribeiro*, A.J.V. Pires, D.C. Santos, M.L.P. Albuquerque, F.F. Silva, I.C. Dutra, S.S. Amorim, P.C.S. Galvao, M.L.S. Santos, M.V. Amaral, P.P.P. Publio and G.R.S. Oliveira

State University of Southwest of Bahia, BR45700-000, Itapetinga, Bahia, Brazil
*Correspondence: amanda.s.ri@hotmail.com

Abstract:

The objective was to evaluate the use of ammoniated sugarcane bagasse (ASB) and cottonseed (CS) in the diet for lactating cows and their effects on intake, nutrient digestibility, dairy performance, microbial synthesis and ingestive behavior. The experiment was carried out at Bela Vista Farm (Encruzilhada-BA) and at the Forage and Pasture Laboratory of UESB (Itapetinga-BA), using eight multiparous ½ Holstein/Zebu crossbred cows with an average lactation of 20 kg day-1 and body weight of 454.7 ± 23.6 kg. The cows were distributed in two 4×4 Latin squares, in a 2×2 factorial scheme, evaluating ammoniated sugarcane bagasse (30% or 40%) associated or not with cottonseed (0% or 18%). The experiment had four periods of 21 days, 17 of adaptation and 4 of collection, totaling 84 days. The interaction between the proportions of ASB and CS was not significant for any of the variables evaluated. The inclusion of 30% sugarcane bagasse obtained from sugarcane bagasse resulted in higher intakes of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), and total digestible nutrients (TDN), without influencing the consumption of neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein. Higher intake (P < 0.05) of DM, CP, NFC, and TDN was observed in the diet without sugarcane bagasse, and in the diet with sugarcane bagasse, EE intake was higher (P < 0.05). The ASB content and the inclusion of CS influenced digestibility at 40% ASB, and with CS, they provided lower digestibility. Furthermore, individual factors did not affect these variables (P < 0.05). Feed efficiency and percentage of total solids in milk were higher for diets with 40% ASB. The use of 40% ASB with CS is recommended.

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xxx L. Deis, A.M. Quiroga, M.I. de Rosas and L. Martinez
Agronomic performance and berry composition of four Cabernet Sauvignon clones under semi-arid viticultural conditions
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Agronomic performance and berry composition of four Cabernet Sauvignon clones under semi-arid viticultural conditions

L. Deis¹*, A.M. Quiroga², M.I. de Rosas¹ and L. Martinez¹

¹Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Fisiología vegetal, Almirante Brown 500, Chacras de Coria, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
²Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Fruticultura, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agropecuarias, Argentina
*Correspondence: ldeis@fca.uncu.edu.ar

Abstract:

Clonal variability in Cabernet Sauvignon provides an opportunity to optimized wine yield and oenological potential under semi-arid conditions where limited water availability and high temperatures can affect grape composition. In this study, we evaluated the agronomic performance and berry characteristics of four clones (7, 15, 169, and 685) grafted onto Paulsen 1103 rootstocks during two consecutive seasons in Argentina. Measurements included plant water status, leaf area, yield components, and berry composition, with particular emphasis on polyphenols and anthocyanins. While no differences in stem water potential were detected, stomatal conductance revealed distinct water-use efficient strategies among clones. Clone 7 showed the highest fertility and productivity but lower polyphenolic content (35% less malvidin 3-glucoside than clone 685), while clone 685 consistently accumulated the highest anthocyanin concentrations despite its lower yield (26% less than 7). Clone 169 combined relatively high yields with intermediate berry composition, while clone 15 showed the lowest productivity with moderate quality parameters. These findings demonstrate that genetic variability among Cabernet Sauvignon clones grown under semi-arid conditions influences both agronomic performance and fruit composition, providing winegrowers with valuable tools for a given environment and to adapt vineyard management to future climate change scenarios.

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xxx Y. Tsytsiura
Development of an integrated soil quality index under prolonged green manure application of oilseed radish in crop rotation
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Development of an integrated soil quality index under prolonged green manure application of oilseed radish in crop rotation

Y. Tsytsiura*

Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, Faculty of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Protection, Soniachna Street, 3, UA21008 Vinnytsia, Ukraine

Abstract:

Over a 12-year study period, the effectiveness of using intermediate green manuring with oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiformis Pers.) – applied once every two years – was evaluated under conditions of repeated application in the same field within a crop rotation system (including green manuring of crops such as grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.), soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and maize (Zea mays L.), with three assessment checkpoints in 2014, 2019, and 2025.

The results showed that the green-manured treatment, averaged across the entire evaluation period, produced positive changes in the physical and chemical soil fertility parameters within the 0–30 cm soil layer compared with the unfertilized control. Increases were observed in humus content (by 24.65%), water absorption capacity (by 30.04%), easily hydrolyzable nitrogen (by 33.67%), available phosphorus (by 25.72%), exchangeable potassium (by 23.10%), and total porosity (by 25.04%). Decreases were recorded in bulk density (by 19.05%), particle density (by 9.95%), soil hardness (by 33.95%), and pH (by 5.60%).

Green manuring also contributed to optimizing the proportion of humic acids in the humus structure by a factor of 1.2 and to achieving a total organic carbon to total nitrogen ratio of 10.36:1, representing an 11.92% increase compared with the control. As a result, the application of green manuring was reflected in an improved integrated Soil Fertility Index, with a value of 0.692 compared with 0.499 in the non-manured control.

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xxx G.D. Manguana, M.H. Cardoso, M.H.P. Martínez, L.L. Manhique, M.R. Oliveira, M.A. Nhantumbo Júnior, S. de Carvalho Neto, H.F. da Silva, G.S. Nobre, M.C. de Souza, A.A.B. Pimentel, E.C. da Silva and L.C. do Nascimento
Stagnation and opportunities in seed pathology and thermotherapy research
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Stagnation and opportunities in seed pathology and thermotherapy research

G.D. Manguana¹*, M.H. Cardoso¹, M.H.P. Martínez¹, L.L. Manhique², M.R. Oliveira¹, M.A. Nhantumbo Júnior², S. de Carvalho Neto¹, H.F. da Silva¹, G.S. Nobre¹, M.C. de Souza¹, A.A.B. Pimentel¹, E.C. da Silva¹ and L.C. do Nascimento¹

¹Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Center of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Phytopathology, Areia, PB, Brazil
²Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), School of Business and Entrepreneurship of Chibuto (ESNEC), Chibuto District, Gaza Province, Mozambique
*Correspondence: georginadavidcumbe@gmail.com

Abstract:

Ensuring the supply of high-quality, pathogen-free seeds is crucial for global food security. Despite its importance, research integrating seed pathology and thermotherapy lacks a comprehensive analysis. This study employs a bibliometric approach to map the research landscape of these fields by analysing 2,562 documents from 462 sources retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases (2005–2023). The results reveal a scientific output characterd by sustained growth and high productivity, with a strong annual growth rate of +11.1%, indicating a dynamic and expanding field with continued research interest. The research is characterd by an overwhelming predominance of national studies, while international collaboration remains exceptionally low (only 1.037%). The thematic focus is primarily on fundamental physiological topics such as Germination and Vigor, although the relevance of Seed Treatment and pathogen control is increasing. Innovative approaches such as thermotherapy thus represent a strategic opportunity. To transform this scenario, we propose a new paradigm that combines interdisciplinary approaches, digital technologies, and global cooperation to develop sustainable solutions for emerging seed health challenges. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of gaps and trends in this integrated field, offering practical tools to prioritise future research in thermotherapy and international collaboration, with significant implications for developing climate-smart agriculture.

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