Volume 4, Issue 1

Different governments and international organizations have shown interest in agroecology as a promising pathway for transition to sustainable agriculture. However, the kinds of innovation needed for agro-ecological transition are subject to intense debate. The scale of this debate is itself an indicator of the complicated relation between innovation and sustainability in the agro-food arena and beyond. This review paper analyses the potential of agro-ecology in agricultural sustainability transitions. It also explores whether agro-ecological transition is a sustainable innovation (cf. ecological, green, open, social, responsible). Furthermore, the paper investigates the potential contribution of agro-ecological transition to sustainability, using the 3-D (Direction, Distribution and Diversity) model of the STEPS centre. Agroecology is one of the few approaches that can harmoniously combine innovation and sustainability in agriculture while promoting genuine transition to agro-food sustainability since it embraces all dimensions of sustainability (environmental, economic, social/cultural/ethical). Nevertheless, it can be taken for granted neither that all traditional practices can be classified as ‘agro-ecological’ nor that all farmer-led innovations can be included in the agro-ecological repertoire. Moreover, the relationship between the three aspirations of agroecology (science, movement and practice) needs further elaboration in order to maximise potential for agriculture transition.

Inherently poor soil fertility and non-adoption of fertilizer recommendations based on soil test and yield targets by farmers limit the productivity and profitability from monsoon rice in Bangladesh and much of South Asia. In the Level Barind Tract (LBT; AEZ-25) and the High Ganges River Floodplain (HGR; AEZ-11) agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Bangladesh, monsoon (aman/kharif) season transplanted rainfed rice (known as T. aman rice) is grown in large areas after maize, wheat and/or mungbeans, with residues of each crop removed from the field after grain harvest. This results in lower grain yield and lower profits in these AEZs as compared with other AEZs. Nutrient management, based on soil test, yield targets, or integrated use of inorganics and organics for each AEZ together with retention of crop residue, has the potential to increase rice yield, reduce production cost and increase income. With this hypothesis, this study was conducted to determine the optimum nutrient management practices for achieving higher yield, maintaining apparent soil nutrient balance, and obtaining high profits from monsoon rice. Twelve nutrient management options were evaluated, of which the first six were: (i) 80-16-44-12-2 kg ha-1 of N, P, K, S, Zn respectively for a high yield goal (T1; ‘HYG’); (ii) 56-12-32-8- 1.5 kg ha-1 respectively for a medium yield goal (T2; ‘MYG’); (iii) 65-13-32-9-2 kg ha-1 respectively plus 5 t ha-1 cowdung as integrated plant nutrient management system (T3, ‘IPNS’); (iv) 67-14-41-9-2 kg ha-1 respectively as a soil test-based fertilizer management strategy (T4; ‘STB’); (v) 40-9-11-0-0 kg ha-1 respectively as per farmers’ practice (T5; ‘FP’) and (vi) 0-0-0-0-0 kg ha-1 as a control (T6; ‘CON’). The remaining six treatments were the same as above but each also included the crop residue incorporation (CRI), i.e., (vii) T7, ‘HYG+CRI’; (viii) T8, ‘MYG+CRI’; (ix) T9, ‘IPNS+CRI’; (x) T10, ‘STB+CRI’; (xi) T11 ‘FP’+CRI’; and (xii) T12, ‘CON+CRI’. In both AEZs, STB plus CRI resulted in the highest rice yield (p≤0.05) followed by ‘STB’ and ‘IPNS+CRI’. In comparison with ‘FP’ and ‘CON’, each without CRI, balances were positive (p≤0.05) for P, S, Zn and B but were negative for N and K in ‘HYG’, ‘MYG’, ‘IPNS’ and ‘STB’ with or without CRI. In both AEZS, STB nutrient management had the highest (p≤0.05) net returns (526 & 487 US$ ha-1, respectively), highest benefit cost ratio (BCR; 3.54 & 3.36) and highest marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR; 10.47 & 10.19). These were followed by STB+CRI’ and ‘IPNS’, while they were lowest (p≤0.05) for CON and FP. We recommend that nutrient application, based on soil test with incorporation of mungbean residue, followed by IPNS, could be the best strategies for achieving high yield, improving soil fertility and for fetching a higher profit from monsoon rice in Bangladesh and similar soils and growing environments of South Asia.

The current study focuses and emphasis on the potential of heat stress to negatively affect crop physiology. Here, we have screened 19 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for their tolerance of heat stress. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for all the traits under consideration. Exploitable extent of genetic variability amongst the entries was present as revealed by considerably higher estimates of mean %. On the basis of Heat susceptibility Index, Halna, Mon’s Ald’s, genotypes Cuo/79/Prulla and K 307 were identified as heat-tolerant whereas SAWSN 3041, SAWSN 3101 and K 0583 were identified as heat-susceptible. The 17 wheat microsatellite markers were capable of detecting 89 alleles with an average of 4.6 alleles per locus. Polymorphism Information Content value ranged from 0.16 for the primer XGWM 516 to 0.83 for DUPW 117 with an average of 0.60. A perusal of similarity coefficients clearly reflected that a very high degree of similarity exists between wheat variety Mon’s Ald’s and SAWSN 3101 (0.70). On the other hand, the two most distantly related cultivars were found to be AKAW 4008 and PBW 343 (0.034). BARC 4, BARC 170, BARC 311, PSP 3058, WHE014.H04 and GWM 458 were strongly associated with the heat tolerance for traits TGW and BARC 311 was strongly associated with terminal heat tolerance for number of grains/plant respectively. Considering all the parameters it is adjudged that relatively stable genotypes may be evaluated at various agro climatic regions for grain yield and heat tolerance along with other contributing characters and ideal plant type.

Unripe cardaba banana and plantain slices were processed into flour. The effects of treatment (blanching/unblanched) and drying method (sun, 50ºC and 70ºC) were recorded. The antioxidant properties of the flour samples, sensory evaluation and minerals content were all determined. DPPH, TPC, FRAP and Metal chelating abilities were higher in cardaba flour (89.77 to 99.18%, 15.00 to 46.00 μgGAE/100g, 0.28 to 0.69 AAEμg/g and 38.90 to 96.53%) than in plantain (91.32 to 98.17%, 10.00 to 34.00 μgGAE/100g, 0.28 to 0.52 AAEμg/g and 33.71 to 94.98%) samples. Calcium, zinc and phosphorus were lower in cardaba banana flour compared to plantain flour. In overall acceptability, amala (a traditional South-western Nigerian meal) from blanched and unblanched cardaba banana flour was preferred to amala from blanched and unblanched plantain flour. Amala from oven-dried samples was considered better than sun-dried samples.

Weeds compete with rice for water, nutrients, space and light. The effect of weeds on productivity of rice genotypes were studied at research field of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus, Lamjung, Nepal in 2016. Eight rice genotypes (IR-87684- 18-1-2-3, IR-83388-3-3-140-4, IR-8839-39-1-6-4, IR-87759-7- 1-2-3, IR-88966-22-1-1-1, IR-88839-3-1-2-2, IR-88869-2-2-2-2, and Sukhadhan-3) and two weed management practices (Weeded condition and non weeded condition) were studied in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that weeding operation significantly increased the growth traits and final yield of rice genotypes. Non-significant results among tested genotypes were obtained for grain yield and straw yield however the maximum grain yield (3.68 t ha-1) and straw yield (5.99 t ha-1) were found in IR-88839- 39-1-6-4 which might be due to highest test grain weight (30.64 g), tallest plant height (105.7m) and lower sterility percentage (21.84%). Similarly, the relative grain yield loss due to weed infestation was 41.8%. The highest grain yield (3.99 t ha-1) and straw yield (6.90 t ha-1) was found in weeded plots compared to non-weeded plots (2.321 t ha-1 and 6.43 t ha-1, respectively). Among weed species, Rotala indica was found most dominant (1091 m-2) and proportion 18%) followed by Eriocaulon cinereum (245.83 m-2 and 12%). Interaction effect between variety and weed population showed non-significant results for all growth and yield attributes. The plots having highest number of weed population showed greater loss of rice yield. Thus this study suggests that weeding should be carried out to achieve higher rice production.

Nitrogen (N) forms and N levels can have a great impact on growth and quality of agricultural crops. Postharvest N treatments may also affect the quality of products. This study was conducted under laboratory conditions to evaluate the changes in postharvest quality characteristics of cut roses (Rosa hybrid cv ‘Utopia’) under different nitrogen concentrations of holding solution. Three nitrogen sources including ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate at five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mgL-1 N) were applied into vases with holding solution. The results showed that low ammonium (5 mg L-1) and high nitrate (20 mgL-1) resulted in the highest leaf SPAD values, whereas the lowest values were recorded for those stems treated with the two highest ammonium concentrations (15 and 20 mg L-1). Leaf and petal relative water contents (RWC) were significantly reduced by higher ammonium concentrations, while they were increased by increasing calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate concentrations in the vase holding solution. Leaf catalase activity was increased by the two lowest (5 and 10 mg L-1) and decreased by the two highest ammonium levels (15 and 20 mg L-1), and it was not affected by the two other nitrogen salts. Higher ammonium levels resulted in a significant increase in leaf proline concentrations and petal ion leakage, whereas nitrate concentrations reduced these two traits. A low concentration of ammonium (5 mg L- 1) increased flower vase life while higher ammonium concentrations reduced the trait. There was also an increasing trend in flower vase life with higher concentrations of both nitrate salts. Therefore, low ammonium or high nitrate levels in vase holding solution can improve vase life quality of cut roses.

Poor uptake of nutrients not only deteriorates the quality but also the yield of horticultural crops. Among various macro and micronutrients, the role of K, Ca and B is very important. Therefore, balanced application and uptake of K and Ca and B can improve the quality and yield of mango trees. So, a field study was conducted with the hypothesis that combined application of K and Ca along with B would be effective to improve yield and quality of Mango cv. Summer Bahisht (SB) Chaunsa. There were two sources of Ca(CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2) and three sources of K(KNO3, K2SO4 and K-Citrate) combined with boric acid (BA). All Ca and K sources were applied at the rate of 1% while BA was applied at 0.2%. As compared to control, a significant improvement in fruit set panicle-1 (35.7% and 50.0%), fruit retention (125% and 40%), shelf life (73.3% and 36.6%), total soluble solids (35.1% and 40.6%) and fruit yield (52.5% and 49.2%) in 2016 and 2017 respectively, confirmed the effectiveness of KNO3 (1.0%) + BA (0.2%). Between CaCl2 and Ca(NO3)2, application of Ca (NO3)2 was found more efficacious regarding improvement of quality and yield of SB Chaunsa. It is concluded that to improve the quality and yield of Mango cv. SB Chaunsa, KNO3 (1.0%) + BA (0.2%) is the best nutrients combination, and Ca(NO3)2 is a better option as compared to CaCl2.

Sweet potatoes are nutritionally rich and can be converted into chips using a simple frying technique. However, frying processing variables affect the quality of chips significantly and optimization of processing variables is necessary to produce the desired quality chips. The objective of this study was to optimize the pre-drying time and the frying conditions (time and temperature) to obtain quality sweet potato chips with low fat. RSM with CCRD was used to develop regression and response surface models to observe the effect of pre-drying time and frying variables and optimize the frying conditions for the desired physicochemical properties of chips as response variables. The regression and response surface modeling indicated that the pre-drying time, frying temperature and frying time had a linear effect on moisture content, water activity, oil content and total color difference and a quadratic effect on L value, hardness and crispness of the sweet potato chips. The numerical and graphical optimization indicated that the quality of the chips was improved in the range of pre-drying (25-30 min), frying temperature (155-160°C) and frying time (5-6 min). The findings of this research will be helpful for a commercial setting of processing variables for sweet potato chips development within the experimental range.

In the literature on innovation and organizational learning, there is a wide consensus about the relevance of learning activities. Specifically, they occur both individually (as producers will increase their knowledge simply “by doing”) and collectively (as producers and other stakeholders involved will learn “by interacting”). Therefore, in these studies, the focus on informal learning has become increasingly evident with recognition that informal learning predominates in smaller and locally-operating firms, and large corporations alike. The aim of the study is twofold; firstly to understand the link between formal networks and informal learning and secondly to investigate if the information exchanged in the network between firms and institutions is altered by content. Through a case study in Foggia, southern Italy, we have investigated how knowledge flows among small organic food firms and related supporting institutions. The core finding of the study was that the existence of networks is necessary to promote informal knowledge flows, yet not sufficient by itself. In conclusion, several obstacles had to be removed before producers gained from the positive effects of geographical clustering and proximity.

In India agriculture is one of the most important sources of employment for the farmers and almost everything depends on agriculture. Root vegetables and crops are hard to remove from the soil and it takes much of the farmer’s time. Even after removing these crops manually farmers are not able to achieve 100% recovery of the crops. When these crops are taken out manually this process require many precautions from the farmer. Due to human error approximate 20-30% of root vegetables and crops are left out in the field. Rich farmers can afford the proper machinery to cultivate the root crops but poor farmers are not able to afford such types of machinery. Hence, the objective of the present study was to design and simulate low cost root crop harvesting machines for poorer farmers. The machine consists of a frame, chain drive, gears, shaft, seed drill ground wheel, plough and storage container. All the measurements, dimensions and material selections were taken as per ASTM-A36 and the design hand data book. The design of the Root Crop Harvester was done mathematically and finally validated using CAD software.

The growing interest in insects as food ingredients on the one hand is controversial, on the other is in line with the recommendations of international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Crickets, as well as cricket powder (CP), are a source of high quality protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. This paper analyzes the impact of CP additive (2%, 6% and 10%) on the nutritional value and consumer acceptance of enriched pâtés. It was shown that the CP additive significantly increases the content of protein, fat and minerals. It also changes the color of the product, which is darker (lower L* value), and the color balance is shifted towards the blue. Consumer assessment showed that the 2% CP additive allows to obtain a product of high attractiveness for consumers.

Amino acids have various roles in plant metabolism, and exogenous application of amino acids may have benefits and stimulation effects on plant growth and quality. In this study, the growth and nutrient uptake of Romain lettuce ( Lactuca sativa subvar Sahara ) were evaluated under spray of glycine or glutamine at different concentrations of 0 (as control), 250, 500 and 1000 mg.L -1 , as well as a treatment of 250 mg.L -1 glycine+250 mg.L -1 glutamine. The results showed that there was significant increase in leaf total chlorophyll content under Gly250+Glu250, Gly250 and Glu1000 mg.L -1 treatments, and in leaf carotenoids content under 250 mg.L -1 glutamine spray compared with the control plants. Shoot fresh and dry weights were highest under 500 mg.L -1 glycine, whereas root fresh weight was highest under 250 mg.L -1 glycine spray. Foliar application of glycine and glutamine had no significant increase in leaf mineral concentrations except for iron, in which 1000 mg.L -1 Gly spray resulted in significantly higher leaf Fe concentration compared with the control plants. Leaf vitamin C was increased at 250 and particularly 500 mg.L -1 spray of glycine and glutamine compared with the control. Nevertheless, different amino acid treatments had no significant effect on plant height, leaf SPAD value, root dry weight, and leaf concentrations of N, K, Ca, Mg and Zn. The results indicate that foliar application of glycine and glutamine amino acids can have beneficial effects on lettuce growth, as higher fresh yield, leaf chlorophyll content and vitamin C were obtained by low to moderate concentrations of glycine and/or glutamine amino acids.

The study assessed the knowledge and control of cassava diseases by farmers in Delta State, Nigeria and the resultant implication for agricultural extension. Data were obtained from 569 cassava farmers by a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed by means, percentage, frequency counts and binary logit model. Mean results depicted that cassava farmers in the area were 42.5 years old, spent 13 years in schooling, had a farming experience of 9.5 years and had poor (1.68) annual extension contacts. Extension contact and friends and neighbours were the major sources of information on cassava disease control. Results of the logit regression of the relationship between farmers’ characteristics and knowledge of cassava diseases gave an R 2 value of 0.74 indicating that age (negative coefficient), education, farming experience, farm size and extension contact were statistically significant in explaining cassava farmers knowledge of disease control measures. Logit estimates for control of diseases indicated that age, farming experience, farm size and extension contact were statistically significant at P<0.05. Although education was crucial in determining farmers’ knowledge, it was not significant in determining adoption of control measures. The study recommends urgent and good extension contact, good government policy on enlightenment of farmers to improve not only farmers’ knowledge but their adoption of disease control measure as well.

The objectives of the study were to assess the inter-relationship between growth, yield, nutritional and anti-nutritional responses of thirteen tannia ( Xanthosoma sagittifolium L.) accessions to planting date (May, June and July) in the humid tropics. Tannia corms and leaves are veritable sources of dietary fibre and starch, also essential minerals and vitamins; hence its value for security and as a cash crop for people in the humid tropics. A two-year 13-genotype × 3 planting date factorial arranged rain-fed field experiment in randomized complete block design with three replications was carried out during the 2014 and 2015 cropping seasons at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. The results indicated that planting date and accession influenced growth and yield of tannia, an indication of differential responses of the thirteen accessions to the planting dates (May, June and July). The results suggest that May is the most appropriate planting date; accessions planted during this month had the highest yields. The interaction between planting date and tannia accession was significant for some traits (number of leaves per plant and cormel weight per plant) in both years and significant for plant height, pseudo-circumference and corm weight (2014); leaf area and tannia yield (2015). The correlation analysis showed good selection characters in plant height, pseudo-stem circumference, leaf area, number of leaves per plant, corm weight, corm circumference, cormel weight and cormel circumference for high yielding varieties, while nutritional analysis (crude protein, carbohydrate, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, tannin and oxalate) exhibited lower concentrations in processed corms relative to unprocessed. The corm yield of the tannia accessions ranged from 1.49 to 13.48 Mt.ha −1 in 2014 and 2.72 to 8.50 Mt.ha −1 in 2015 and best four accessions judged by interaction between tannia accession and date of planting was 13 ( Ikaro ) > 12 ( Idoani ) > 3 ( Ehor ) > 10 ( Idasen ) in May 2014 compared to accessions 6 ( Ewu ) >10 ( Idasen ) > 12 ( Idoani ) > 1 ( Ikpoba ) planted in June 2015. The differences in sequence suggest that both environment and genetic constitution contribute to Tannia yield.

While micronutrient malnutrition has become a major public health problem in developing countries, consumption of biofortified foods such as orange fleshed sweet potato has proved to be cost effective means of addressing vitamin A deficiency. This paper describes consumer preferences and willingness to pay for Orange fleshed Sweet potato (OFSP) juice based on a structured survey and taste tests administered to 946 participants (384 female and 562 male) chosen at random in Rwanda. Four juices types were tested: two popular brands of 100% pineapple juice, one 100%-OFSP juice, and one 80% OFSP- 20% pineapple juice blend. Consumers ranked different attributes of each juice such as aroma, taste, color, “right” amount of sugar, and aftertaste using a Likert scale (1 to 5). Heckman two-stage probit model was used to analyze willingness to pay and a multinomial logit model was used to analyze the determinants of juice choice. Gender of the consumer, juice buying frequency, aroma, the taste of the juice, and vitamin A knowledge were positively associated with willingness to pay and juice choice. Without nutritional information on OFSP juice, the willingness to pay for the standard juices were statistically higher; but with nutritional information, the willingness to pay and choice of OFSP juice was significantly improved. It is concluded that nutrition information is an important factor influencing the acceptance and willingness to pay for OFSP juice.

Profitability of rice production in different production systems in Ebonyi State, Nigeria was evaluated. Rice is critical for food security in Nigeria, hence, farmers need to make appropriate choices of rice production systems to optimize production and ensure an adequate domestic supply. This study used 2015 survey data from rice farming households. Rice farmers in swamp, lowland and upland rice production systems showed variability in profit. Swamp production systems had the highest return per hectare (29.37%) followed by lowland production systems (20.10%) and upland production systems (13.03%). Poor access to production credit and climate change were constraints to rice production in the area. Rice production using the swamp production system is profitable and would ensure increased production and higher returns to the farmers. It is recommended that farmers should form cooperative groups to enable them to pool resources together to boost their production.

The engine part is one of the major sources of vibration of agricultural machinery such as a tractor. Therefore, vibration analysis of agricultural engine part will improve the engine efficiency and agricultural performance. The main objective of present work was to study the dynamic behavior of functionally graded (FG) structural material for the application as cylinder liner as agricultural engine part. The vibration analysis of functionally graded (FG) beam was performed using Finite Element Method (FEM). A typical simply-supported FG beam was modeled in COMSOL Software, where the upper portion of the beam was alumina and the lower portion was steel. The basic properties of material such as Young’s Modulus and mass density were varied along the thickness according to the power law. The boundary conditions were also modeled, and parametric study was carried out with mass density and young’s modulus. Eigen value problem was solved and in turn natural frequency and mode shapes were obtained. The frequency ratio was calculated and compared for various boundary conditions. The finding of the results indicated that when power exponent was increased from 0 to 5, the nonlinear reduction in frequency was occurred but when power exponent was increased from 5 to 10, linear reduction in frequency was occurred. Also, the increase in power exponent caused the increase in frequency for Young’s Modulus ratio of 0.25 and 0.5, decrease in frequency for Young’s Modulus ratio of 2 and 4 and no change occurred for Young’s Modulus ratio of 1. The first non-dimensional frequency for Clamped-Clamped boundary condition was comparatively more than other boundary conditions and lowest frequency is obtained for Clamped –Free boundary conditions.

Optical and physiological parameters in sweet cherry tree canopies at different plant density and rootstock-interstem-scion combinations were studied in order to identify the combinations that would ensure optimal passage of photosynthesis and increase yield and fruit quality. It was shown that cherry cultivars react differently to varying plant density depending on their growth habit and thus require different planting schemes. Leaves in the periphery of tree canopy had higher dry matter content per unit of leaf surface area (LSA) and increased net photosynthetic productivity (NPP) compared to leaves in the center of the canopy. This can be related to higher light interception (LI) levels in peripheral zones of the tree. Trees on interstems had higher yield than trees on own-root clonal rootstock. The complex of photosynthetic and yield indices allowed to select the best scion-rootstock-density combinations: for ‘Melitopolska chorna’ cultivar – Krymsk 5 and Gisela 5 interstems with 5 x 3 m planting scheme; for ‘Krupnoplidna’ cultivar – Gisela 5 interstem (5 x 3 m) and Krymsk 5 interstem (5 x 4 m).

Evaluation of genotypes under multiple environments is the prerequisite for the development of stable and superior genotypes for sustainable barley production and a changing climate. GGE (G, genotype and GE, genotype (G) by environment (E), interaction) biplot and the AMMI (The Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction) model are the effective methods to find out the genotype(s) which are stable and suitable to cultivate in specific or multiple environments. The experiment was conducted to analyze the performance of seven barley genotypes for selecting stable and superior genotypes across three different environmental conditions of Bangladesh (i.e., at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur; at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), BARI, Jamalpur and at the RARS, BARI Ishurdi). All genotypes in three locations were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. After two years observation, it was found that all genotypes across the location were found highly significant (p≤0.01), due to the variation of environments, genotypic variability and their interaction. The first two principle component axes (PC1 and PC2) of site regression model were significant (P≤0.01) and cumulatively contributed to 89.65% of the total GE interaction. In the polygon view of biplot, there were five rays which divided the biplot into five sectors, and all three locations fell into two of these five sections. Location Jamalpur fell into sector 1, whereas Ishurdi and Gazipur fell into sector 2. Among the locations, Ishurdi was found the best for all genotypes, where Gazipur and Jamalpur were found unfavourable. Among the genotypes, ‘E7’ performed the best for the average grain yield (GY) followed by ‘E3’, ‘E2’ and ‘E4’, whereas ‘E1’ had lowest average GY for all locations. The highest yield in environment Jamalpur was obtained by the genotype ‘E2’, on the other hand genotype ‘E7’ produced the highest GY in locations of Ishurdi and Gazipur. Considering yield stability, genotypes ‘E3’, ‘E4’ and ‘E1’ were found to be more stable, whereas genotype ‘E2’ was the most unstable over all locations. Genotypes ‘E7’ and ‘E3’ were found to be close to the ideal genotype position, in the case of the maximum GY and yield stability across the locations as compared to other genotypes and recommended for commercial cultivation for Bangladesh including South-Asia.

The dynamic effects of kaolin clay particle film application on the temperature and spectral reflectance of leaves of two autochthonous cultivars (Touriga Nacional (TN, n=32) and Touriga Franca (TF, n=24)) were studied in the Douro wine region. The study was implemented in 2017, in conditions prone to multiple environmental stresses that include excessive light and temperature as well as water shortage. Light reflectance from kaolin-sprayed leaves was higher than the control (leaves without kaolin) on all dates. Kaolin’s protective effect over leaves’ temperatures was low on the 20 days after application and ceased about 60 days after its application. Differences between leaves with and without kaolin were explained by the normalized maximum leaf temperature (T_max_f_N), reflectance at 400 nm, 532 nm, and 737 nm, as assessed through TN data. The wavelengths of 532 nm and 737 nm are associated with plant physiological processes, which support the selection of these variables for assessing kaolin’s effects on leaves. The application of principal component analysis to the TF data, based on these four variables (T_max_f_N and reflectances: 400, 532, 737 nm) selected for TN, explained 83.56% of data variability (considering two principal components), obtaining a clear differentiation between leaves with and without kaolin. The T_max_f_N and the reflectance at 532 nm were the variables with a greater contribution for explaining data variability. The results improve the understanding of the vines’ response to kaolin throughout the grapevine cycle and support decisions about the re-application timing.

Mechanisation is a key input in modern agriculture, while it accounts for a large part of crop production costs, it can bring considerable farm benefits if well managed. Models for simulated machinery costs, may not replace actual cost measurements but the information obtained through them can replace a farm’s existing records, becoming more valuable to decision makers. MACHoice, a decision support system (DSS) presented in this paper, is a farm machinery cost estimator and break-even analyzer of alternatives for agricultural operations, developed using user-driven expectations and in close collaboration with agronomists and computer engineers. It integrates an innovative algorithm developed for projections of machinery costs under different rates of annual machine use and work capacity processing, which is crucial to decisions on break-even machinery alternatives. A case study based on the comparison of multiple alternatives for grape harvesting operations is presented to demonstrate the typical results that can be expected from MACHoice, and to identify its capabilities and limitations. This DSS offers an integrated and flexible analysis environment with a user-friendly graphical interface as well as a high level of automation of processing chains. The DSS-output consists of charts and tables, evidencing the differences related to costs and carbon emissions between the options inserted by the user for the different intensity of yearly work proceeded. MACHoice is an interactive web-based tool that can be accessed freely for non-commercial use by every known browser.

Rice ( Oryza sativa L.)-wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) is the predominant cropping system of North Indian region. Due to continuous following of rice-wheat cropping system every year, weed infestation particularly in wheat, has emerged a major problem resulting in reduced wheat yield and nutrient mining. Integration of suitable planting methods, along with effective weed control measures, can reduce the weed infestation and nutrient mining from the soil and can enhance available plant nutrients in the soil. To evaluate the influence of different planting techniques and weed control practices in wheat on available plant nutrients in soil, a field study was conducted at the department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (India) for two consecutive years. The treatments comprised of five planting techniques: conventional tillage, zero till sowing without rice stubbles, zero till sowing in standing rice stubbles , zero till sowing after partial burning of rice stubbles and bed planting and five weed control treatments i.e. clodinafop 60 g/ha, clodinafop 60 g/ha fb 2, 4-D 0.5 kg/ha, sulfosulfuron 25 g/ha, mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron 12 g/ha and unweeded (control). The experiment was conducted in split plot design with planting methods in the main plot and herbicidal treatments in the sub plot with three replications. The results of the study showed that zero till sowing of wheat in standing rice stubbles observed significantly higher soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium than conventional till wheat sowing after removal of rice residues. Although partial burning of rice stubbles also showed positive trend in soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium but retort was less distinct than rice stubbles without burning. Further, zero tillage alone also showed improvement in soil organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium over conventional tillage. Application of herbicides did not diverge soil organic carbon, but significantly improved the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in soil than the unweeded (control).

Integrative use of organic and inorganic fertilizers not only fulfills the nutritional needs of crops, but also ensures sustainable production and environmental protection. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the influence of phosphorous application from integrated organic and inorganic fertilizers on maize. In this study poultry manure and press mud were integrated with single superphosphate (SSP) as the phosphorus source. Maximum amounts of time to 50% tasseling (47.75 and 47.63 days), 50% silking (53.07 and 53. 11 days) and maturity (106.47 and 106.49 days) were recorded where the recommended dose of phosphorus was applied from only inorganic sources. For application of phosphorus from integrated sources, the treatment containing 25% poultry manure + 75% SSP provided the highest number of grains per cob (459.60 and 460.70), 100-grain weight (26.85 and 27.82), stover yield (9.61 and 10.41 t ha-1), grain yield (7.14 and 7.82 t ha-1) and grain protein content (8.59 and 8.63%) during both years. However, all treatments had non-significant effects on grain oil and starch content. Moreover, in given years, the integrated use of 75% poultry manure and 25% SSP resulted in a maximum benefit-cost ratio of 2.97 and 3.11 USD, respectively, as compared to integrated use of 25% poultry manure and 75% SSP, which produced a benefit-cost ratio of 2.58 and 2.81 USD. In conclusion, integration of organic sources with inorganic phosphorus substantially improves the yield and economics of hybrid maize.

This study aimed to explore the changes in morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.) in response to salt stress when grown using hydroponic techniques. The seedlings were subjected to five different concentrations (0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM, and 200 mM) of NaCl for three weeks. During the salt stress, morphological properties (shoot length, root length, total plant weight, leaf number) were measured in every week. After 21 days of salt stress, physiological properties (water content and relative water content) and biochemical properties (proline, protein, phenol, reducing and non-reducing sugar content) were measured. Morphological and physiological properties were found decreased gradually with increasing salt concentrations. Biochemical properties such as proline and protein content increased remarkably, and total phenol content decreased gradually with increasing salt concentrations. Reducing sugar accumulation was higher in all treatments except 50 mM in comparison to control. Non-reducing sugar accumulation was decreased in 100 mM and 200 mM treatment, similar in 150 mM treatment, and increased in 50 mM treatment when compared to control. These findings render lettuce a salt-sensitive plant at higher salt concentration. However, changes in characteristics were realistic up to 50 mM salt concentration.

This study was conducted to evaluate the variability of salt tolerance potentials among nine wheat genotypes representing wild and cultivated species namely Triticum turgidum subsp. durum, Triticum aestivum and Aegilops geniculata . Ionomic and photosynthetic traits were used for the screening of the studied samples when faced with four salinity levels of NaCl (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) under green house conditions at the seedling stage. The investigated genotypes exhibited different levels of salt stress tolerance. Ionomic and photosynthetic traits underline the distinctiveness of the common wheat varieties which highlighted particular performances under salt stress conditions and showed higher tolerance potentials among the studied genotypes. Interestingly, the Vaga variety showed more ability to maintain higher K+/Na+ ratios and Pq coefficients compared with the control conditions and stable Fv/F0 and Fv/Fm ratios. Stable behaviour was exhibited by wild Aegilops accessions while durum wheat varieties have been shown to be more sensitive to salt stress. Further investigations were required for the common wheat variety Vaga, which could be useful for successful breeding and biotechnological improvement strategies concerning wheat species.

Chromium (Cr) toxicity is becoming one of a major issue for the cultivation of crops. Toxicity of Cr directly affects synthesis of chlorophyll and restricts Fe intake, which decreases crop growth. It is well documented that the reduction of Cr toxicity through the application of biochar. However, current experiment was carried out to investigate any positive effect of, banana peel waste biochar (BC) and foliar application of Fe (FFe) on growth and chlorophyll content of Spinacia oleracea L. under different levels of Cr toxicity. Seeds of Spinacia oleracea L. were grown under three levels of Cr i.e. control (Cr0), Cr35 (35 mg Cr kg −1 soil) and Cr70 (70 mg Cr kg-1 soil). Analyzed data confirmed that Spinacia oleracea L. seeds grown in 1% BC amended soils and 1000mM FFe, showed significantly better growth, Fe uptake and chlorophyll content as compared to control at Cr35 and Cr70. A significant improvement in shoot length (16.9 and 26.9%), root length (16.3 and 20.9%), plant fresh (15.5 and 28.3%) and dry weight (70.3 and 77.8%) as compared to control under Cr35 and Cr70, respectively, validated the efficacious functioning of 1% BC and FFe to mitigate Cr toxicity in Spinacia oleracea L. It is concluded that both 1% banana peel waste BC and 1000mM FFe have potential but sole application of FFe is more effective to alleviate Cr toxicity in Spinacia oleracea L. Fortification of Fe by foliar application is more effective comparative to banana peel waste biochar for improvement in growth, chlorophyll content and accessory pigments synthesis in spinach under chromium (IV) toxicity.

Groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important food legume in tropical and subtropical areas because of its ability to adapt to a wide range of agro-climatic regions. Groundnut is usually cultivated in nutrient-poor soil and rain-fed conditions, so average yield tends to be very low relative to potential yield. Even though the nitrogen (N) requirement of groundnut is much higher than cereals due to its high protein content, it has the capacity to meet 60-80% of N-based requirements through symbiotic N fixation via its root nodules. In its symbiotic relationship with legumes, Rhizobium fixes N, thereby positively impacting the content of this nutrient. This study aimed to isolate, characterize and purify microbial strains of Rhizobium specific to groundnut in a bid to increase this legume’s productivity. The research was conducted in the AICRP-Groundnut laboratory and greenhouse of the Directorate of Research, BCKV, in Kalyani, India during October 2016 to March 2017. Two Rhizobium isolates (RhBC and NRA1) were isolated and selected from groundnut pot cultures. After 45 days, NRA1 produced higher plant biomass, longer roots and shoots, more nodules and higher nodule dry weight than RhBC. NRA1 was selected for a future field trial. The two isolated microbial strains will aid in the screening of additional local isolates to test their effectiveness when co-cultured with local groundnut cultivars to increase yield in soil with low fertility.

In the present study the concept of non-cooperative game theory is proposed in the retail electricity market for introducing stepwise power tariff model (SPT) for agricultural consumers. The objective of the paper is to increase the energy generation through green energy generation sources (GEGS), introduction of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, education of families, standard wiring and appliance efficiency in tariffs for agricultural consumers with non-cooperative game theory. Agricultural consumers are able to generate a huge amount of electricity through GEGS and are able to control the consumption in their own way, and the non-cooperative game theory is introduced. Energy consumption pattern varies with respect to time during off-peak load period to peak load period; during the peak load period the demand is high as compared to off peak load hour duration energy consumption for the consumers and policy makers interrupting the energy supply during peak hours for agricultural consumers. To maintain the balance between generation and consumption, energy saving is essentially required and needs to maintain the consumption patterns and increase the penetration level of distributed generation at the agricultural consumer end due to availability of land. This paper proposes an algorithm for a demand response methodology using SPT with non-cooperative game theory model based on monthly energy consumption to maintain the balance. The uncertainty about energy generation through GEGS taken in consideration using Monte-Carlo simulation (MCS). Simulation results obtained by the proposed methodology are compared with the conventional methodology of energy tariff used in India and provide better results for active consumers and generate a considerable amount of electricity through GEGS.

Potato juice is a by-product in the production of starch from potato tubers. However, published studies indicate that it is a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The use of health-promoting additives may, however, affect the quality of the fresh final product as well as the stored one. Water behavior is one of the parameters whose analysis allows for the monitoring of the shelf life of products. Therefore, the research reported in this paper was aimed at investigating the effect of replacing wheat flour with spray-dried potato juice (SDPJ) at 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% on water behavior during bread staling. 1 H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was used to analyze the impact of SDPJ on the dynamics of water in bread crumb. The NMR analyzes revealed that 7.5% addition of SDPJ resulted in an increased ratio of bound to bulk water (decreased T 1 spin-lattice time) and decreased mobility of bulk water (decreased T 22 spin-spin time). The enriched breads also showed different dynamics of water during storage, however, in each of the analyzed variants a slight increase in T 1 was noted. It has also been shown that enrichment of bread in SDPJ accelerates the evacuation of water from the polymer network.

The aim of the current article is to analyze the construction process of participative agroecological knowledge in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The challenges resulting from the climate-related natural disaster-extreme event with heavy rains - that has affected the region in January 2011 were herein highlighted. Local data, a literature review and semi-structured interviews, conducted with participants from the study area, as well as a focus group involving key people, were used to observe social behaviors. Strategies aimed at expanding the adoption of agroecological practices, mainly the practices concerning the use of cover crops, were proposed. The need to adapt to farmers’ time and aspirations, inherent in the technological stage of each farmer, such as the economic gains resulting from the agroecological transition, was shown in the current study.

Pigeon pea is an important but unfortunately neglected grain legume crop in Benin. In this study, the phenotypic diversity in 84 landraces from Benin and four advanced varieties were evaluated at two locations during two consecutive rainy seasons. Twelve quantitative and ten qualitative variables were recorded. A wide range of variation was observed in qualitative traits as well as in quantitative variables. The overall Shannon–Weaver diversity index ranged from 0.41 (pod hairiness) to 1.51 (seed colour). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among accessions for all quantitative traits, except the number of seeds per pod, the days to maturity and the seed yield per plant. In all quantitative traits, phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation indicating a substantial environmental effect on their variability. However, some traits (days to flowering, pod width, number of secondary branches and 100 seed weight) showed great value of heritability. Hierarchical clustering on principal components subdivided the collection from Benin into two groups that were clearly separated from the group of advanced varieties. The results gathered from this study have important implications for pigeon pea germplasm characterization and conservation while the inferred phenotypic groups could be used for parental selection and heterotic crossings in pigeon pea breeding in Benin.

Serra da Estrela cheese is a traditional product from artisanal manufacture using raw ewe’s milk coagulated with dried, wild thistle flower. The present study aimed to investigate the variation of textural properties in Serra da Estrela cheeses manufactured in different dairies through time, namely from April to June, following the end of the cheese making season. Three types of tests were conducted: compression, puncture and spreadability. These were carried out on samples coming from six different dairies situated in the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) region of this type of cheese. The results obtained showed some non-negligible differences for some textural properties between the top and bottom sides of the cheeses evaluated, as well as between cheeses from different dairies. Nevertheless, the properties of springiness, resilience, cohesiveness and adhesiveness (all from the compression test), were not significantly different in the samples analysed. In what concerns the variations along the milking season, it was possible to conclude that three of the considered dairies produced cheeses with a more constant textural profile in the period comprised between April and June. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that the correlations between the textural properties were strong for some interactions between properties form the same test and/or from similar nature.

Nutrient management is a key component of best agronomic practices for optimal crop production. The continuous use of high yielding genotypes and exhaustive cropping systems has resulted in potassium deficiency. Furthermore, the imbalanced use of nutrients, particularly potassium (K), has resulted in persistent depletion from agricultural soils. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted to determine the influence of different potassium levels under a split application on yield and yield attributes of wheat crops. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. Five K levels (0, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg ha −1 ) and different K application timings (whole dose (Basal) at sowing, equal doses at sowing+ 30 DAS, half dose at sowing+ equal doses at 30 +60 DAS and equal doses at sowing+30+60+ 90 DAS). The findings of the study revealed that potassium levels and their application times substantially influenced yield and yield components of wheat. The application of K at 120 kg ha −1 delayed anthesis and maturity and enhanced chlorophyll content (53), tillers m −2 (293.4 m −2 ) and increased plant height (97.1cm). The application of K 80 kg ha −1 significantly increased grain protein, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content which resulted in a higher (4227 kg ha −1 ) grain yield. In the case of K timings application, the higher grain yield (3758 kg ha −1 ) was achieved when K was applied one time at sowing time. It is concluded that K at the rate of 80 kg ha −1 should be applied in full at sowing for achieving higher wheat production.

If humans are going to establish a base on the Moon or on Mars they will have to grow their own crops. An option is to use Lunar and Martian regolith. These regoliths are not available for plant growth experiments, therefore NASA has developed regolith simulants. The major goal of this project was to cultivate and harvest crops on these Mars and Moon simulants. The simulants were mixed with organic matter to mimic the addition of residues from earlier harvests. Ten different crops, garden cress, rocket, tomato, radish, rye, quinoa, spinach, chives, pea and leek were sown in random lines in trays. Nine of the ten species grew well with the exception of spinach. It was possible to harvest edible parts for nine out of ten crops. The total biomass production per tray was highest for the Earth control and Mars soil simulant and differed significantly from Moon soil simulant. The seeds produced by three species were tested for germination (radish, rye and cress). The germination on Moon soil simulant was significantly lower in radish than for the Earth control soil.

Termite (Isoptera: Termitidae) infestation is an important constraint of maize production in Benin. A survey of 300 households was conducted in 2018 throughout 30 villages in Southern Benin to evaluate farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management practices of maize termite pests using focus group discussions and individual interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed that for most of the farmers, maize is the most susceptible crop to termite attacks and the maturation developmental stage having the highest termite abundance and damage. A total of 43 different names of maize termite pests corresponding to 8 species were recorded in the study area. Size and colour were the main criteria used by farmers to classify and identify maize termite pests. Amitermes evuncifer was perceived as the most damaging to maize during vegetative and maturation stages, while Macrotermes bellicosus was perceived by famers (32.5%) as most damaging during seedling and flowering maize development stages. Erratic rainfall was perceived by maize producers as the most important factor favouring termite infestation in maize fields. The majority of the local maize is considered by farmers as susceptible to termites. The use of synthetic insecticides was the main method to control termites. Four of the 20 pesticides used by farmers have active ingredients that have been listed as highly hazardous (class Ib) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Farmers training on the danger and impact of misuse of insecticides on the development of termite insecticide resistance was recommended. The development of an integrated termite management strategy is discussed and the future research for its implementation identified.

Consumers’ preference for food is ever-changing from carbohydrate to protein since protein plays a vital role in the balanced and healthy growth of human being. Among different sources of protein, animal sourced protein foods are getting popularity over time in United States. How demand for animal sourced protein food items are changing, and to be specific which animal food items are preferred by consumers are necessary to know both for producers and suppliers. This study estimates consumer demand for animal sourced food items in U.S. employing linear approximation of AIDS (LA-AIDS) model. Monthly per capita consumption expenditure data on aggregate and disaggregate animal protein items and price indices at national level from 1995 to 2016 have been collected from the Bureau of Economic Analysis of United States. The data consists of monthly per capita consumption expenditure on beef and veal, pork, other meats, poultry, and fish and seafood, and their price indices. The result shows exogenous growth in the budget share of all meat items. Estimated expenditure and cross price elasticities suggest that all goods are normal in nature and substitute to each other. In addition, weak separability test suggests that meat items are separable from non-meat items. The findings of the study would be helpful understanding consumer preferences and behavior for allocating budget among different sources of animal protein.

The behaviour of cyantraniliprole was studied in a lysimetric experiment. The experiment was carried out at the lysimeters of the Soil Research Station of Moscow State University from June 2015 to December 2018. The soil of lysimeter is soddy-podzolic silt loam. The insecticide was applied at the recommended and tenfold rates in 2015 and 2016. The maximum depth of migration of cyantraniliprole in the soil profile was 35 cm in October 2015 and 40 cm in October 2016. Cyantraniliprole was found in the leachate of lysimeter water 2 weeks after its first application in 2015 and continued until the end of 2018, that is, 2 years after the last treatment. Cyantraniliprole was found in most of the water samples analyzed. The maximum concentrations of cyantraniliprole in the leachate were 12.5 and 2.6 μg L −1 in lysimeters with tenfold and recommended doses, with mean values of - 1.7 and 0.6 μg L −1 , respectively.

Half diallel crosses of eight spring genotypes of oilseed rape ( Brassica napus L.) were considered to evaluate heterobeltiosis effects of plant height, yield component characters, seed yield and harvest index. Significant mean squares of general and specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) were determined for all the traits except 1000-seed weight demonstrating prominence of additive and non additive genetic effects for the mentioned traits. Narrow-sense heritability estimates were high for siliquae on main raceme and 1000-seed weight representing the major importance of additive genetic effects for the characters. Most of the crosses with significant positive high parent heterosis for seed yield had also significant heterotic effects for siliquae per plant; therefore, this trait can be considered as indirect selection criterion for enhancing seed yield. Seed yield was significantly correlated with the traits including plant height, siliquae on main raceme and siliquae per plant based on mean performances of the traits and this result was confirmed with correlations based on heterobeltiosis. The crosses including L41×LF2 and L31×L401 with highly significant heterobeltiosis estimates of grain yield were superior combinations for breeding this trait. which proved good specific combiners for most of the traits.

OFSP is being used as an ingredient of baked products and can be a source of pro-vitamin A. Information about OFSP puree bread consumer profile is limited. The current study investigates the consumer socio-demographics, knowledge, practices and attitude towards OFSP puree bread in Kenya. A total of 1024 consumers were interviewed from Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Kisumu and Kakamega counties. The OFSP bread is purchased by 60% female respondents above 30 years old, who have a university education (79%), formally employed (93%), therefore, middle to high-income earners. Before consumption, 42% of the consumers stored their bread in the refrigerator while 38% stored in the open, and 20% in cupboards. Consumers agree that the OFSP bread could be a good source of energy, vitamins, especially Vitamin A (94%). The acceptance ratings of OFSP bread ranged from 7.37 to 7.65 on a 9-score hedonic scale, hence “liked moderately.” There was a significant relationship between socio-demographics, knowledge about the root, the bread and the overall acceptance of the OFSP puree bread. Consumers were willing to pay more for the OFSP bread based on potential nutritional benefits. There was a significant relationship between consumer demographics and willingness to pay for OFSP puree bread.

In order to enhance sustainable intensification of potato-based cropping systems, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a need to investigate the economic viability of investing in this lucrative venture. This study evaluated the economic returns under legume intercropping systems using value/cost ratio (VCR) and benefit/cost ratio (BCR) under treatments comprising of potato intercropped with dolichos ( Lablab purpureus L.) (P-D), climbing bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (P-B) and garden pea ( Pisum sativum L.) (P-G), and a potato pure stand control (P-S). Across the seasons, tuber yield was not significantly (p < 0.05) affected by intercropping with P-D, whereas under P-B and P-G, it decreased by 19% and 16%, respectively compared to P-S. P-G, P-B and P-D recorded 6, 7 and 12% higher potato equivalent yield (PEY) relative to P-S. P-D was the most profitable intercropping system with VCR of 35 and BCR of 5.1 as compared to values recorded in P-S of 31 and 5, respectively. Regression of VCR against PEY resulted in a stronger coefficient (0.98) compared to that of BCR against PEY (0.82) implying that VCR is a simple tool that could be adopted for economic returns to investment studies such as potato-legume inter-cropping systems.

Potato crop is expanding to areas with temperatures higher than those required. Climate change is increasing temperatures in traditional areas of potato production, thereby affecting tuber yield. The International Potato Center has developed a population adapted to these new conditions, being more tolerant to high temperatures, resistant to late blight, virus PVX and/or PVY and early maturity. In breeding programs it is very important to know the parental value of the progenitors. The parental value of 34 selected potato clones was determined through general combining ability for marketable, total yield and average tuber weight under high temperatures. Using the line by tester mating design, the potato clones were crossed as lines and varieties Katahdin, Huagalina and clones CIP398098.204 and CIP302533.31 as testers. The field experiments were carried out in three locations in Peru: San Ramon, La Molina and Majes, where average temperatures at night were between 15.25 to 21.65°C, and during the day fluctuated between 21.47 to 27.20°C. We used a randomized complete block design, with three replications. At harvest the number and weight of marketable and non-marketable tubers were taken. Then the average tuber weight, marketable and total yield per hectare was calculated. 18 potato clones were identified with high parental value for marketable yield, seventeen for total tuber yield and 11 for average tuber weight; nine of them combine high parental value for the three characteristics studied. These clones with late blight resistance, heat tolerant, adapted to medium altitudes, growing period of 90 days and high parental value can be used as parents in breeding programs, to obtain new varieties under the new climate change scenarios with high temperatures. 12 crosses that presented high SCA are the most promising for the development of superior clones.

The rhizosphere is one of the most important reservoirs of microorganisms. Because of the microbial metabolic activities, these can be used for various biotechnological, agricultural and environmental purposes. In this study we evaluated five genetically related bacterial strains; Pseudomonas aeruginosa N7B1 (MG457074), Pseudomonas sp. (MG457075), Pseudomonas sp., Bf1 (MG457076) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa F23 (MG457077), isolated from Jatropha curcas rhizosphere, capable of growing and degradating benzene and phenanthrene. The hydrocarbon degradation by these strains was quantified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometry. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa N7B1 strain removed 84% of phenanthrene and 45% of benzene in a seven-day period, while the other strains showed a lower hydrocarbon degradation capacity. Another biotechno-logical feature of these strains is maize growth promotion, in a substrate enriched with 0.5% of phenanthrene and 1.0% of benzene. Pseudomonas aeruginosa N7B1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa F23 showed an increase in root and shoot fresh and dry weight, plant height and root length variables. These results open the possible use of these strains as bioinoculants to promote the growth of maize plants in phenanthrene and benzene polluted soils.

Localization of agriculture with the aim of local food support has become a very urgent topic for Yamal region. The most fertile soils of this region are sandy textured anthropogenically affected soils. Microbiomes from disturbed soils of the Nadym region were studied using analysis of 16S rRNA metagenomic libraries. It was shown that plant cover is a driving force of microbiome composition. Forest soils covered with aeolian transfers from the quarry retaids a typical forest microbiome with the following dominant bacterial phyla: Proteobateria, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Bacteroidetes. However, it contains significantly less Planctomycetes, which indicates greater aridity of the soil. The microbiomes of the overgrown quarries were strikingly differ from the soil microbiome and resemble those of arctic soils being dominated by Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria and Cyanobacteria. Absence of dense vegetation cover and availability of nutrients facilitated the formation of autotrophic microbial mats. The microbiome of the lower horizons of the quarry is characterised by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Presumably, most of the time these bacteria reside in a dormant state with short periods of activity due to nutrient uptake from the upper horizons.

The aim of this work was to identify procedures adopted by family farms in the centre and north of Portugal and Galicia (Spain), and to verify whether they resemble those used in organic farming. A checklist was prepared in Portuguese and Spanish and applied personally to managers of family farms. The participation was voluntary and 125 valid responses were collected. The results show that farmers included in the study owned small family farms where labour is mainly performed by the family, and tended to adopt, in general, good agricultural practices, many of which are common to organic farming, such as crop rotation, avoidance of GMO or avoidance of phytoregulators. However, they failed to adopt some important practices, including the use of seeds inoculated with mycorrhizae, composting, biological and biotechnical control or avoidance of chemical control for plant protection. It was further concluded that gender and age of the farmers did not significantly influence the type of agricultural practices, contrarily to the level of education and region, which were significantly associated with many of the cultural interventions investigated.

To determine the effects of sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) and their co-infection on sweet potato yield, twelve sweet potato varieties were assessed in a hotspot area in Western Burkina Faso. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete-block design with the twelve varieties in three replications. Data were collected on plant growth parameters, plant virus symptoms and yield parameters. Additional testing for selected sweet potato viruses was done using a nitrocellulose membrane enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (NCM-ELISA) and RT-PCR. SPFMV and SPCSV were the viruses detected in this study. Varieties Djakani and Ligri were virus-free and had the highest average yields out of twelve sweet potato varieties assessed. Field monitoring indicated that 58% of plants were found to be virus-infected. The results suggest that severe symptoms were associated with sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) and yield reduction. However, the interaction of SPCSV with other viruses, which may result in synergistic negative effects on sweet potato yield and quality, needs further research.

African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) have long been known in South African rural communities as essential food that is being consumed with starchy staples, and their consumption has increased over the past few decades. There is now a growing interest and awareness of AIVs due to their nutritional benefits and outstanding potential to generate farm incomes. However, several factors are militating against their production along the supply chains of value addition. This study analysed the technical efficiency of AIVs production in Vhembe district of Limpopo province. The data were collected from 114 AIVs farmers through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out using Stochastic Frontier model via the Cobb-Douglas production function. The results revealed that the average age and years of farming experiences of the farmers were 59.6 and 30.9 years respectively. About 84% of the farmers lacked access to formal credit, while 92% had access to extension services. Elasticity values of land area cultivated, fertiliser, seeds, labour and tractor days in relation to AIV production were 0.4441, 0.1749, 0.1311, 0.2663 and 0.2360 respectively. Furthermore, the results revealed that average technical efficiency in the production of indigenous vegetables was 0.79%. The variables that significantly influenced technical inefficiency were years of schooling, extension services, gender and access to the irrigation system. In conclusion, production of AIV exhibits decreasing returns to scale. However, promotion of AIV production and efficiency requires consideration of gender issues in accessing resources, educational attainments of farmers, access to irrigation services and proper reorientation of the components of agricultural extension services delivery in order to benefit AIV farmers.

Loss of phosphorus from agricultural land through water runoff causes serious detrimental effects on the environment and on water quality. Phosphorous runoff from excessive use of fertilizers can cause algal blooms to grow in nearby water systems, producing toxins that contaminate drinking water sources and recreational water. In this study, a risk analysis of the algal toxin micro-cystin-LR and the mitigation of phosphorus from agriculture runoff is discussed. A risk analysis was performed on the algal bloom toxin microcystin-LR considering the Lake Erie algal bloom event of 2011 as a case study. Toxicity risk analysis results show that relatively low concentrations of microcystin-LR compared to recent case studies pose an acute health risk to both children and adults, and a significant increase in the risk of developing cancer is suggested but subject to further study given the assumptions made. This study investigated the potential of using wollastonite to mitigate phosphorus pollution, considering thermodynamic conditions of a constructed wetland receiving influent water from agriculture runoff, by using geochemical modelling. Geochemical modelling results show that wollastonite can react with phosphorus and capture it in the stable mineral form of hydroxyapatite, offering a possible strategy for risk mitigation of phosphorous runoff. A removal efficiency of 77% of phosphorus using wollastonite is calculated with the help of geochemical modelling.

The nutrients requirement for Cucurbita pepo L. (summer squash) for optimal yield and quality fruits production can be achieved through adequate nutrient supply. A field experiment was carried out during the cropping season of 2015 and 2016 at Landmark University Teaching and Research Farm, Omu-Aran, Nigeria to investigate the impact of Tithonia diversifolia , poultry manure and NPK fertilizer on the growth, yield, mineral and vitamin C content in the fruit of C. pepo . The experiment consisted of T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha −1 , poultry manure at 10 tons ha −1 , T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha −1 + Poultry manure 10 tons ha −1 , T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha −1 + NPK (20:10:10), NPK (20:10:10) and control (no amendment of any kind) arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The growth and fruit yield of C. pepo using the mean of the two years was increased by 68% and 2% respectively by T. diversifolia + poultry manure as compared to control due to an increase in nutrient availability in the soil with the amendment used. Also, Vitamin C content and Mg value of the fruit was increased by application of T. diversifolia as soil amendments as compared to the control. While the application of NPK fertilizer alone significantly increased the Ca, Mn and Fe contents of fruits. Fruit content of K was increased by 39 % by the application of T. diversifolia + NPK. Therefore, for the purpose of growing squash for the quality of fruits (vitamin C), the use of T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha −1 as organic fertilizer is sufficient for the cultivation, while for growing the crop with interest in quantity, application of T. diversifolia at 30 tons ha −1 + poultry manure at 10 tons ha −1 is recommended.

The aim of this research, which was undertaken in three years (2013-2015), was to evaluate the effect of biodynamic (BD) preparations 500 and 501 on soil biological and agrochemical properties and potato tuber quality. The soil samples were analyzed for: available phosphorus, available potassium, ammonia nitrogen, nitrogen (sum of nitrate and nitrite nitrogen) and mineral nitrogen. The potato samples were analyzed for: total polyphenols content, total anthocyanin’s content and antiradical activity. The research revealed that significantly the highest concentrations of available phosphorus, available potassium, nitrogen and mineral nitrogen in the soil throughout the growing season were identified on the 14th day after soil application of BD preparation 500 (before potato planting). As well as, soil spray application of BD preparation 500 resulted in higher enzyme activity (urease and saccharase). When the BD preparation 501 was applied, the content of total phenolic compounds in the tubers of cultivars Blue Congo and Red Emmalie was significantly higher, 20.1% and 5.4%, respectively; the content of anthocyanins were significantly higher in the tubers of three tested cultivars. However, the application of this preparation did not have any effect on the content of total phenolic compounds and on the antioxidant activity of Vitelotte tubers. The use of both preparations (500+501) had significant effects only on anthocyanins accumulation in the tubers of Blue Congo and Vitelotte. The application of preparation 500 significantly decreased the content of anthocyanins in the tubers of cvs. Red Emmalie and Vitelotte.

The effects of biodynamic preparations were tested in the context of comparisons of conventional, organic, and biodynamic systems and diverse crop rotations in Washington and Wisconsin, USA. Wisconsin research also entailed testing a new nettle-and-manure-based field spray preparation (NCP). Focus was on winter wheat and maize and on soil quality. In Washington, preparations increased root growth of winter wheat, microbial biomass, and soil organic matter. In Wisconsin, applying a combination of preparations that included NCP increased root growth of maize, root health, and particulate organic matter in the soil. Relative to the organic treatments, root dry matter increases associated with the use of preparations varied from 12% to 39% and root length differences varied from 10% to 37% depending on the experiment, crop, year, and preparation application. The biodynamic + NCP treatment also induced substantial, positive yield compensatory effects for maize and wheat under stress condition years. The response slopes were practically identical for wheat and maize, indicating that the effect is of the same magnitude for both crops. Results were higher average grain yields and gross financial returns than for organic grain. The greater root production and root health stimulated by preparations is probably linked to greater vegetative growth, enhanced yield under stress conditions, and increased soil quality and carbon in soils.

Bovine mastitis is an important disease in dairy farming. As alternative therapy to antibiotics, whose use is seen as increasingly critical, farmer try to treat mastitis with homeopathy, for example. The present study examined i) whether homeopathic treatments for bovine mastitis can have positive treatment outcomes, ii) which treatments have been successful and under which conditions, iii) indications for future studies and applications for homeopathy to treat mastitis. 32 studies published to date have been evaluated. Assessment criteria and a rating score of 0 to 5 points were fixed for the appraisal. Healing and prophylaxis of mastitis were the primary focus to highlight the medication success and its framework for suitable mastitis therapy. The top eight studies of this quality ranking were subjected to differentiated evaluation. The selected studies showed a positive treatment outcome of homeopathy. Due to the homeopathic effect and the most used remedies in the selected studies, the medication should be chosen according to the homeopathic drug picture. With homeopathic drugs it was possible to reduce the antibiotic use by up to 75%. Some studies indicated that homeopathy might have a positive long-term effect. Furthermore, the results suggested a high self-healing ability in bovine mastitis.

Biodynamic agriculture, which considered biodynamic preparations (BP) and compost as essential to farms sustainability, surged as an alternative almost a century ago. Composting is a way to obtain either biofertilizers or soil amendments, whereas the static piles method reduces energy and cost because no turnings are needed. The present study aims to evaluate the BP effect on physical, chemical and biological properties of static piles compost from prickly pear cactus and moringa crop wastes (regional principal substrates) over 100 days of composting. The experiment was carried out in an organic farm (Nuevo León, Mexico) considering four treatments: T1, Prickly pear cactus+BP; T2, Moringa+BP; T3, Prickly pear cactus and T4, Moringa. Results showed significantly higher bacterial activity (p<0.05) in T1 (until 1.38x10 10 CFU), therefore it had the highest temperatures and mineralization. Treatments with prickly pear cactus attained the highest temperatures, compared with those with moringa (significantly in 71% of total sampling days, p<0.05). An aerobic environment was maintained by the passive aeration system (holed PVC pipes placed at the bottom layer). The final material was considered to be sanitized, according to Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli and Salmonella / Shigella analysis for quality control. Results indicate the BP efficiency on regional substrates decomposition, by using the static piles method.

An overview is given for an ongoing maize breeding program that improves populations, inbreds, and hybrids in the Midwestern USA. Breeding and selection occurred under biodynamic conditions in Wisconsin, on an organic winter nursery in Puerto Rico, a biodynamic winter nursery in Hawaii, and a conventional winter nursery in Chile. Emphasis is on improving protein quality, carotenoid content, competitiveness with weeds, nitrogen (N) efficiency/N 2 fixation, and cross incompatibility to pollen from genetically engineered (GE) maize. Philosophy is that the plant species is a responding partner in the breeding process. Adaptation and selection emphasizes vigor and yield under N limited conditions. The Ga1 and Tcb1 alleles were utilized to induce cross incompatibility. The program resulted in inbreds and hybrids with increased N efficiency and protein quality coupled with softer grain texture, more chlorophyll in foliage, and densely branched root growth in the topsoil relative to conventionally bred cultivars under N limited conditions. Grain protein quality was improved by utilizing opaque kernels that emerged in populations during the course of the program in surprisingly high frequencies. N efficiency was accentuated by breeding with landraces that may fix N 2 with microbes coupled with selection for response traits under N-limited conditions. When grown next to conventional hybrids, the best hybrids from this program have exhibited 30% more methionine and 16% more protein in grain and more protein/ha.

Several scientific studies indicate that farmers do not often use formalised decision support tools as expected, and many prefer to rely on their intuition to make practical management decisions. While agricultural science and education acknowledge the different types of knowledge that farmers utilize, intuition continues to receive little attention in agricultural science, indicating a gap in farmer decision-making research. The mechanism driving intuition remains under debate, but is described as a pervasive, involuntary, rapid way of knowing, offering access to tacit (internal, intangible) knowledge that complements analytic processes. Many studies agree that intuition can be trained to increase accuracy and reliability. However, the comprehensive works on intuition by Rudolf Steiner hardly feature in modern science, and yet his writings and biodynamic agriculture approach offer farmers and non-farmers guidelines for systematic development of subtle abilities like intuition. There may be value in collaborative, transdisciplinary exploration between agricultural research and biodynamic theory and practice, for supporting farmers to develop their intuitive knowing. Such an alliance could help increase the awareness and practice of biodynamics, expand the knowledge base and lexicon for the em erging research field of intuitive farming, and help reinvigorate agricultural research toward more efficient, customized and connected farming practices.

The measuring devices which are used for measuring delayed luminescence by Fluorescence Excitation Spectroscopy (FES) are described. Results are given to show the measured emission of food samples in relation to farming practices (biodynamic, organic, or conventional) and growing conditions. This overview points to the special food-quality aspects which could be evaluated by FES. A relation to molecular structures, the physiological status, or possible physiological processes are discussed as important for the characteristic delayed luminescence after colour- (wavelength-) specific excitation.

This investigation was inspired by an increasing global issue on how to improve soil quality while using alternative preparations instead of synthetic fertilizers. The main aim of a three-year study was to investigate the influence of horn-manure preparation on enzyme activity and nutrient content in soil and pumpkin yield. The results showed that significantly higher amounts of P (respectively 106 and 79 mg kg −1 CAL), K (149 and 106 mg kg −1 CAL), nitrogen (5.41 and 3.21 mg kg −1 ), ammoniacal nitrogen (9.38 and 3.45 mg kg −1 ) and mineral nitrogen (7.97 and 5.67 mg kg −1 ) were measured in the plots where the horn-manure preparation was used. A higher activity of the soil enzymes (urease activity was 1.93 times higher and the saccharase activity was 1.05 times higher) were identified with horn-manure. The average soil CO 2 flux (F c ) value, when using horn-manure preparation (from 56 till 70 day), was significantly higher by 5.32% in the middle of the growing season. The yield of pumpkin was significantly increased by 18% with horn manure treatments. Significant positive correlations were identified between pumpkin yield and urease activity, and saccharase activity, as well as soil P and K.

Eurythmy is a performing art based on anthroposophy which tries to make non-visible forces visible by human movements. According to the concept of anthroposophy a eurythmist is capable to come into an exchange with the life forces of organisms through his movements. In a field experiment – executed by the Institute ArteNova in cooperation with an apple farmer – a eurythmist treated trees of two apple varieties with a sequence of eurythmic gestures to observe the impact on the fruit quality. The apples showed no differences in the laboratory test of sugar content and firmness. In the sensory test, significant differences could be found in several parameters like freshness, crunchiness or the total judgement. The results present a basic effect of human movements on the taste of plants. Furthermore, it was possible to find appropriate movements for pre-determined aims. Eurythmic movements could be seen as a possible method for agricultural systems which refuse pesticides and other synthetic substances. Follow-up experiments with different varieties, fruits, and places should verify the effects.

Optimizing microbiological activities in an organic crop production system is crucial to the realization of optimum growth and yield of the crops. Field and pot experiments were conducted to assess soil microbial activities, growth and yield of tomato varieties in response to 4 rates of composted plant and animal residues. The trials were carried out in the Federal University of agriculture, Abeokuta Nigeria, between April 2014 and November 2015. The compost rates were 0, 5, 10 and 20 t ha −1 , while the varieties used were Ibadan-improved and Ibadan-local. Fungi population, microbial biomass nitrogen and enzyme activities were significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) at the rhizosphere of the local variety than that of the improved variety. This led to a significantly higher number of branches, plant height, leaf area, number of fruits and less days to maturity in the local variety. Also, growth parameters and tissue N significantly increased in all compost treatments while dry matter yield and weight of fruits were significantly higher in soil amended with 20 t ha −1 . Microbial activities correlated more significantly with growth and yield parameters at 6 weeks after transplanting. It was concluded that microbial activities could be optimized to improve the yield of tomato varieties in an organic production system, through the application of compost, particularly at 20 t ha −1 .

Research into biodynamic food and farming has a long history within the biodynamic movement. Whilst the basic aim of this research has always been to provide knowledge for furthering the development of this farming approach, recently interest has increased in sharing research activities and results with the global scientific community. After commencing with an introduction to biodynamic agriculture, this review gives an overview of peer-reviewed publications on issues in biodynamic food and farming that have been published between 2006 and 2017. The time before this period is covered by the reviews of Leiber et al. (2006) and Turinek et al. (2009). Overall, 86 articles were included into this review. The most recognized topics were soil quality and soil health in biodynamic vs. conventional and organic farming, effects of biodynamic preparations, food quality, and viticulture. The studies provide substantial evidence for positive effects of biodynamic management on agroecosystems and food quality: 1) Biodynamic management creates system effects on soils, where compost application plays a crucial role. 2) Biodynamic preparations create effects on food chemical composition and food quality. 3) Biodynamic production can improve the value of food with regard to nutritive properties, taste and human health and well-being. 4) Biodynamic management improves grape quality and plant traits compared to non-biodynamic management. Until now, the effects of biodynamic management have usually been studied with classical analytical methods in natural and life sciences through disciplinary and reductionist study designs. An application of study designs or specific methods that are conducive for a more holistic analysis are rarely implemented. Thus, we identify the development of appropriate methods and study designs for a holistic examination as a major challenge of future research in biodynamic food and farming.

Arid zones are characterized by high evaporation, low and uneven rainfall, undulated topography, presence of salt layers at shallow depth in the soil and poor-quality ground water. Under these conditions an innovative farmer in the district of Pali in the state of Rajasthan, India explored options for farm diversification under hot-arid conditions at his farm. His motivation brought him to the ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) where he was trained in various basic aspects of rain water harvesting. KVK, Pali studied the methods and innovative ideas utilized by the farmers and the subsequent gain in yield and income by adoption of rainwater harvesting at his farm on a yearly basis. Initially he constructed a small rainwater harvesting structure by which he was able to store substantial quantities of water for longer duration. As a result of constant motivation, he constructed a concrete rainwater storage structure (40M x 40M x 3.5M) and explored further options to increase production at his farm. Also, development of goat farming, intercropping, raising fodder crops and grasses, and developing a fishery, all from the gains of water harvested from rains, gave him confidence and added to the prosperity of his farm. Presently, on farm productive activities, family labour mobilization and diversification provide him with a stable income. This experiential learning also led to new knowledge emerging from interactions among a hitherto powerful scientific hierarchy and served as role model for other farmers’ adoption of innovative techniques.

Science should be capable of covering issues as diverse as farming systems, technology, innovation, climate change adaptation, poverty alleviation, extension, policy and practice, as they all relate to sustainable agriculture and development. Some years ago, the call for a new farming systems approach was raised to accommodate the principles of interdisciplinary, systems thinking and participatory research. Society calls for systems performance that provides stability and sustainability (SDGs!), multi-scale and territorial approaches and looks for solutions for critical issues such as employment, migration and inclusion/exclusion at the global level (World Society). We propose here a way in dealing with this complexity by addressing the mentioned problem from the communication and symbolic perspective, i.e. to consider the "object" within agricultural science but mainly observe the dedicated systems of communication. By using the concept of social systems, we can accommodate under it systems as diverse as farms, extension organizations, innovation patterns, (agricultural) sciences, policy and politics, farmer and indigenous knowledge, markets and value chains, but always in the form of communication. As such, we remain within a discipline with the potential to evolve towards a promising sub-discipline of agricultural sciences (or of sociology?). The relatively new farming approach of certified organic in combination with agroecology is relevant for family farms and small-scale entities. It depends much more on societal support for extension, technology development and policy coherence than commercial farms. Organic agriculture, with its standards, technological requirements and consumer preferences is nested in socio-economic and political networks, which makes it challenging for researchers to integrate the various components. This challenge applies particularly to countries with poorly developed institutions, weak organizations and within the context of poverty and rural exodus. We therefore use a unified approach under a single scientific system. This system observes, analyses and reports on communication aspects of involved (observed!) social systems (including networks and interactions) within the society of any given nation, including the realities of globalized markets. We are developing a case study based in Mali, in which we apply this method. The case is describing a planning process involving cotton farmers from the Sikasso region, the cotton industry, public and private extension systems, farmer organizations, local governments, the NARS (IER), FiBL, donors and the national institutions involved in climate change adaptation and food security. Various technological options of production (conventional, organic) and farming systems are available. The reflexive use of science dealing with human behavior may facilitate the pragmatic participation of researchers from various disciplines in addressing the uncertainties and opportunities that lie ahead of us and achieve the required impacts together with the practitioners.

The use of digital tools and interactive technologies for farming systems has increased rapidly in recent years and is likely to continue to play a significant role in meeting future challenges. Particularly games and gaming are promising new and innovative communication strategies to inform and engage public and stakeholders with scientific research. This study offers an analysis of how a research based game on climate change maladaptation can support, but also hinder players’ sense-making processes. Through the analysis of eight gaming workshops, this study identifies challenges and support for the players’ sense-making. While it concludes that conceptual thinking of game content sometimes clashes with players’ everyday experiences and practice, possibly resulting in loss of credibility, this study also concludes that gaming may function as an eye-opener to new ways of thinking. Overall, this paper suggests that the communication of (social) science and agricultural practices through serious gaming has great potential but at the same time poses challenges due to different knowledge systems and interpretive frameworks among researchers and practitioners.

In theory, if a new idea offers a good solution for a current problem and is properly widespread, then there is an ongoing brokering process, and, at a certain moment in time, an innovation is no longer considered as such. In the present study, we examine the case of the Montado, an agro-silvo-pastoral system in southern Portugal, to reflect on when and how innovations become custom. Integrating data from 2013 and 2017, we identified innovative initiatives that, if expanded, could reverse the current decline of the Montado system. We categorized the identified innovations as 1) social and institutional, 2) regulations and policies, 3) products and markets, and 4) farming techniques and management practices. Innovation is deemed necessary for the preservation of the Montado, yet initiatives that have existed for over 20 years are still considered innovative and an exception to the rule. At least since 2013, innovationbrokering processes have been attempted, leading us to question why these innovations are not becoming custom. By examining categories of innovations, we suggest that for innovations to become custom, changes in social and institutional arrangements need to be reinforced by regulations and policies that support changes in products and markets as well as by the adoption of new farming techniques and management practices. We conclude by suggesting a research agenda that starts aligning the evolution of the Montado system with the desired future as soon as possible.

The vine breeding of varieties resistant to two major pathogens (mildew and powdery mildew) underpins the promise of a pesticide-free viticulture. Numerous questions appear while professionals try to plant these varietal innovations in their vineyard: what is a good grape variety? Can we produce good wines with these ‘new’ varieties that fit our expectations for taste, quality, their capacity to adapt to our terroirs, etc.? Going faster is a challenge for growers who want to test new production methods associated with new markets. In that context, testing these varieties is a necessity. This paper focuses on one of these specific tests conducted in the Languedoc Wine Region (France). Technicians, scientists and economic players in this sector all together organise the testing in order to distribute the first experimental plants through regional winegrowers. To analyse what qualifies a good experimentation, I follow how actors formulate their concerns and what they take into account in such situations. Using a theoretical framework derived from the Science and Technology Studies (STS), I describe how relations between professionals and objects are transformed as they face uncertainties in their efforts to achieve the promise of a more sustainable viticulture.

Agritourism in developing countries is regarded as a tool not only for rural development but also for poverty alleviation. However, up until now, the majority of the studies on agritourism have been conducted in economically strong countries, focusing on already-developed agritourism destinations. Thus, the main objectives of this study were to investigate farmers’ willingness before the establishment of agritourism and the factors that are driving their motivation. The results of an empirical questionnaire survey in rural Nepal conducted in August 2017 revealed that farmers are willing to engage in agritourism. Furthermore, the results indicate that agritourism has a statistical connection with elements related to tourism and an element related to agriculture. Specifically, willingness to start agritourism is connected with the types of tourist attracted and the farmers’ willingness to share land resources. Each factor is further explained by employing three different variables. In summary, those farmers who are 21 to 40 years old, have returned from foreign countries, are frequently involved in community activities, and are relatively educated are the potential agritourism practitioners in rural Nepal. This study suggests that policymakers should pay special consideration to farmers with the above traits for agritourism development.

This paper reports findings from a study of the adaptive re-purposing of farm buildings for a wide array of agritourism activities. The research is being conducted in New Zealand where the international visitor sector is thriving. In response, an increasing number of farmers are attempting to boost their farm incomes by adding tourism ventures to their business portfolios. In doing so, many of them are using and preserving rural cultural heritage, particularly old agricultural and other rural buildings, while also diversifying farm activity. This element of agritourism therefore has an important role in the protection and adaptive re-use of farm buildings, farm landscape change, and the creation of new value and values in the countryside. In the cases we have studied, this entrepreneurial activity is largely farmer-driven and undertaken with some, but limited, financial support from central and local government. In considering the policy implications of our work, we call for the provision of advisory services to facilitate and enable New Zealand farmers to create profitable and sustainable high-quality tourism services that simultaneously preserve farm buildings.

Many scenic areas in mountain regions have attained preservation status, which enhances strategies to attract tourists based on its unique natural or cultural resources and its original brand. It is a particular challenge for plant-dependent assets how tourist attraction for the scenic areas could be increased in the off-season, taking account of the strong seasonal fluctuations. The paper focuses on lessons from a specific case of preserved scenic area, the area of rhododendron (“Dujuan” in Chinese) and compares it with several European examples. As indicated in the denomination of “Baili Dujuan” Scenic Area, a National Park in Guizhou Province in China, this plant is the leading asset in that area. The characteristics of the seasonal flowering of rhododendrons causes Baili Dujuan serious problems of a seasonal tourist offer. For several years Baili Dujuan has been promoting complementary activities of agricultural tourism and developing a brand of flower-enjoying destinations, by supporting the local farmers to grow also other economic flowers and fruit trees that bloom in different seasons. Such instruments have contributed to extend the flow of tourists for longer periods of the year, generating also substantial benefits to farmers and other local industries. Based on the emerging initiatives in Baili Dujuan and interesting experiences from protected mountain areas in Europe, the complementary effects of agritourism and tourist destination brands in Preserved Scenic Areas will be explored for further development.

The promotion of agritourism, i.e., commercial encounters between farmers and non-local visitors, is seen as a vital development option to stabilise economic decline in rural areas. In addition to agritourism, this article analyses the various transactional linkages between the agriculture and tourism sectors. The theory part discusses earlier literature and also covers modern types of farmer-tourist interactions such as on-farm education and training activities. The empirical analysis provides a complete monetary quantification of the various sector linkages for the case of South Tyrol, a north Italian province with significant agricultural and tourism sectors. By using provincial input-output table data from 2011 and combining them with additional agricultural trade numbers, a complete sectoral interlinkage picture is constructed. The results show that while farmer income from tourism is significant, the money earned by exports of agricultural products to tourist source countries is more than double as much. Tourists’ farm overnight stays contribute to about 10% of total farm incomes. Moreover, the results show that agritourism activity and physical farm output are inversely related to each other. A thorough policy assessment of agritourism must differentiate between its farm income effects and its potential counterproductive consequences for global food security and local food supply.

Nowadays a growing interest in how agritourism could be able to promote alternative nutrition stands out. The increase in the number of elderly has determined a desire for quality of life improvement; consequently, more attention has been paid to the role of food and their contents. A diet comprising Functional Foods could help not only to improve life quality of an aging population, as these foods are potentially capable to improve health and well-being; but they could also reduce health risks or delay the onset of serious pathologies. Moreover, scientific evidence of the correlation between diet and health for the elderly population, having a sedentary lifestyle and even a constant increase in healthcare costs, have addressed the interest in healthier food products. The aim of this paper was to design new food-based paths for agritourism farms that could promote health, nutritional and cultural values. To define these paths, a two steps analysis was carried out: (1) opinion collection from elderly and agritourism operators and (2) definition of a logical framework. Results highlighted that differentiating what is offered could increase health levels of elderly and create new multi “functional” shapes for agritourism farms aimed at both offering local and Functional Foods for elderly and at spreading social-tradition values.

Tourism is vitally important to the Austrian economy. The number of tourist destinations, both farms and other forms of accommodation, in the different regions of Austria is considerably and constantly changing. This paper discusses the position of the ‘farm holiday’ compared to other forms of tourism. Understanding the resilience of farm holidays is especially important but empirical research on this matter remains limited. The term ‘farm holiday’ covers staying overnight on a farm that is actively engaged in agriculture and has a maximum of 10 guest beds. The results reported in this paper are based on an analysis of secondary data from 2000 and 2018 by looking at two types of indicator: (i) accommodation capacity (supply side) and (ii) attractiveness of a destination (demand side). The data sets cover Austria and its NUTS3 regions. The results show the evolution of farm holidays vis-à-vis other forms of tourist accommodation. In the form of a quadrant matrix they also show the relative position of farm holidays regionally. While putting into question the resilience of farm holidays, the data also reveals where farm holidays could act to expand this niche or learn and improve to effect a shift in their respective position relative to the market ‘leaders’. However, there is clearly a need to learn more about farm holidays within the local context. This paper contributes to our knowledge of farm holidays from a regional point of view and tries to elaborate on the need for further research.

The global climate change has become one of the imperative issue for the smallholder dominated agriculture and tourism sectors in Sri Lanka. This study investigated the perception of farmers on climate change and the potential of agritourism as a sustainable adaptation option to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change in both tourism and agricultural sectors. The study was carried out in the low country dry zone (LCDZ) and the upcountry wet zone (UPWZ) of Sri Lanka. A survey strategy followed by structured and unstructured interviews were undertaken to collect the data. The sample was composed of 100 farmers each from the UPWZ and LCDZ respectively. The study revealed that there had been climate extremes in both climatic zones in terms of high rainfall and longer dry spells. Thus, it was important for the farmers to have necessary knowledge and skills on different diversification techniques related to crop-production, integrated farming systems and climate resilient production which are economical and mitigate the adverse climatic effects. However, the results revealed that the farmers have altered the cropping patterns and crop management practices rather than adopting entrepreneurial activities like agritourism. Lack of awareness of agritourism within the farming community is the main reason for farmers not contemplating this important diversification option. The results indicate that a significant number of farmers showed interest in considering agritourism as an option to mitigate climate change. It is important to educate farmers on diversification options.

Flooded rice paddy fields act as a source of greenhouse gas emissions. So, the efforts to increase the drought tolerance of rice represent a much more environmentally friendly solution, and may bring a significant contribution to prevent global warming. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with ten replicates. Rice cultivars treated with different levels of γ irradiation and sodium azide (SA) soaking time were allocated in the main plots, and mutagen groups in sub-plots. We use the generalized linear models, as implemented in the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS University Edition, to analyze agronomic performances. These results showed that the genotypes in M1 generation present diversity under the drought stress level of -0.03 MPa, and the best combination between cultivar and mutagen is Inpago Unsoed 1 that was irradiated with γ 100 Gy and then soaked in SA for 2h. These genotypes can be used as a sources of drought tolerance in future rice breeding programmes.

Increasingly, tourists come to northern Mongolia to visit the camps of the Dukha reindeer herders, a small group often characterized as primitive and disappearing. The year-round entry of tourists to Dukha camps is unregulated; the timing and context of these encounters, including compensation and accommodation, unpredictable. Some herders leverage dominant cultural and social capital, gaining more visitors and more opportunities to earn cash. However, while visits bolster the local economy, these cross-cultural contacts may disrupt traditional socio-cultural identities, migration patterns and egalitarian norms. This qualitative, interpretive study used guided, open-ended interviews (N=30), a modified pile sort and participant observation to examine reindeer herders’ perceptions of tourist visits and gift giving. Results show Dukha most involved with tourists have a positive attitude toward their visits. As tourists generally stay only two to four days, negative outcomes vis-a-vis gifts, cultural misrepresentations and economic compensation currently appear minimized. However, as visits increase, taiga tourism would further benefit from Dukha owned and controlled economic and ethnographic initiatives.

Biogas production is an established technology that is suitable for small-scale decentralized solutions, for example, on dairy cattle farms where manure is formed all year round. Cattle slurry can be co-digested with other organic biomasses to boost the production of renewable energy. The aim of this study was to outline the suitability of locally available co-substrates that are characteristic to the northern rural area in Lapland, Finland. Twelve different co-substrates originating from agriculture, reindeer meat production, fisheries and food processing were studied for their chemical characteristics and biochemical methane potential (BMP) in laboratory tests. As a result, all the tested co-substrates had a higher BMP than the cattle slurry, which could be a useful boost for farm-scale energy production. The BMP was the highest for used vegetable oil (851 l/kg VS) followed by the rainbow trout by-products (728 l/kg VS). BMP was the lowest for spoiled grass silage (265 l/kg VS) and the rumen contents of reindeer (289 l/kg VS). All substrates had high concentrations of the main nutrients, and small fish especially were rich in phosphorus (7.4 g/kg) and nitrogen (24.2 g/kg). Nutrient rich co-substrates increase the fertilizer value of digestate and the nutrient self-sufficiency of the farm.

Recently, the Yukon has seen a large growth in agricultural activity. Crops of commercial interest for local consumption and the export market include domestic berries, especially haskap ( Lonicera caerulea L.). However, information on the pollination of these crops in our northern climate is lacking. To begin addressing this knowledge gap, we characterized foraging habits of on-farm bees in southwest Yukon by: 1) identifying pollen collected by bees occupying solitary bee houses; and 2) identifying and counting insect visitors to haskap flowers. Results show that cavity-nesting bees collect a wide variety of pollen including pollen from haskap, and that bumble bees ( Bombus spp.) were much more common on haskap flowers than domestic honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.), other bee species, syrphid flies, and butterflies. The number of bumble bees per haskap flower was also higher than reported elsewhere in Canada. The ability of bumble bees to be active in cool temperatures and the proximity of the study farms to natural ecosystems likely explain the prevalence of bumble bees in this study. In Yukon, it is still possible to support insect pollinators by maintaining natural areas among agricultural lands. Such undeveloped lands are, at present, typical of agricultural landscapes in subarctic Canada.

This article combines views of economic and legal anthropology in its exploration of Skolt Sami reindeer ownership. The Skolt Sami culture and its key form of livelihood, reindeer herding, have adjusted to the modern industrial society fairly well so far, but it is getting more obvious that the aims and practices of a modern industrial economy endanger the continuity of Skolt Sami reindeer ownership. This article present accounts of Skolt Sami reindeer ownership in different time points, which indicates that we are witnessing a historical turning point in Skolt Sami culture. The centralization of reindeer ownership changes Skolt Sami culture in many ways, for example, by shrinking the traditional way of combining different forms of livelihood as a means of survival. The vulnerability of Skolt Sami reindeer herding has increased as a result of the changes. Therefore, this article develops questions and reasoning that could make it possible to increase the protection of Skolt Sami reindeer ownership. Anthropological researchers have stressed the importance of the social cultural whole of the community next to the economic features of culture. The emphasis on cultural continuity places sustainability before profitability in economic aims of reindeer husbandry.