Band 8, Heft 1

This study was aimed (1) to analyze the productivity, cost, and income of potato farming; (2) to analyze the risk of potato farming; and (3) to analyze the potato trade system at the level before and during COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a descriptive-quantitative research type. It was conducted in Banjarnegara Regency, Jawa Tengah Province, Indonesia. The data were collected through surveys, observations, and Focus Group Discussions. The unit of analysis is the farmers who plant potatoes. Data analysis was done descriptively. The results showed that there is no difference between the two marketing channels before and during pandemic. There are two channels of the trading system, namely farmer–collector–traders–wholesaler–exporter partners and farmer–collector–traders–wholesalers–retailers. However, the trading model maximizes the Agribusiness Sub Terminal (AST) as a potato trading agent that can provide direct price information, attract traders, and facilitate transactions and trading contacts. The trading model allows potato trading agents to provide direct price information, attract traders, and facilitate transactions and trading contacts. The implication of this study is to anticipate productivity risk and potato farming income risk through the AST function. This study contributes to the condition of farming before and during COVID-19 pandemic by comparing differences in productivity, costs, income, productivity risk, and income risk as well as the potato grading model.

A field experiment was conducted at the teaching and research farm of the Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Dschang to investigate the effects of potato– Mucuna intercropping pattern on the agronomic performances of potatoes and the soil physicochemical properties in western highlands of Cameroon. The experiment design was a randomized complete block with three replications. The treatments included a pure potato stand (T1), pure Mucuna stand (T2), 1:1 (T3), 1:2 (T4), and 2:1 (T5) potato– Mucuna intercropping patterns. The results revealed that potato– Mucuna intercropping patterns had no significant effect ( P > 0.05) on potato growth variables, soil physical properties, and the relative crowding coefficient. The highest potato yield (24,913 kg ha −1 ) and potato equivalent yield (81,513 kg ha −1 ) were obtained from the 1:1 intercropping pattern. The highest total LER (2.17) and the lowest (1.38) were obtained with 1:1 and 1:2 intercropping patterns, respectively. Area time equivalent ratio values were greater than 1 in 1:1 (1.46) and 2:1 (1.29) intercropping patterns. Mucuna proved to be the most aggressive and competitive species according to Ap and competitive ratio values except for the 1:2 intercropping pattern with K indicating a yield advantage in all intercropping patterns. 1:1 and 2:1 intercropping patterns gave the best C/N (13.94) and cation exchange capacity (36.12 meq 100 g −1 ), respectively. Late blight incidence was highest (16.88%) on potato sole crop stand and lowest (8.05%) on 1:2 intercropping pattern. Therefore, based on the findings of this experiment, 1:1 or 1:2 intercropping pattern could be recommended in potato– Mucuna intercropping system.

The purpose of this study was to predict the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in several horticultural commodities using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with machine learning. Although models are typically developed for a single product, expanding the coverage of the model can improve efficiency. In this study, 700 samples were used, including varieties of shallot, cayenne pepper, and red chili. The results showed that the TPC model developed yielded R 2 cal, root mean squares error in the calibration set, R 2 pred, root mean squares error in prediction set, and ratio of performance to deviation values of 0.79, 123.33, 0.78, 124.20, and 2.13, respectively. Meanwhile, the TFC model produced values of 0.71, 44.52, 0.72, 42.10, and 1.87, respectively. The wavelengths 912, 939, and 942 nm are closely related to phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The accuracy of the model in this study produced satisfactory results. Therefore, the application of NIRS and machine learning to horticultural products has a high potential of replacing conventional laboratory analysis TPC and TFC.

The Nigerian government has implemented a comprehensive spectrum of policies and programmes to diversify the economy and encourage broad-based growth through investment in the agricultural sector. However, the steady increase in the poverty and unemployment rate has raised controversial issues among scholars. In light of this, the study investigates the impact of selected macroeconomic variables on Nigeria’s agricultural performance using two models for output and employment. The Error Correction Model (ECM) approach was used to establish the short and long-run behaviours. In the first model, output in the agricultural sector was used as the independent variable, while in the second model, employment in the agricultural sector was used as the independent variable. The study’s findings showed that output positively relates to credit to the agricultural sector and exchange rate. However, it was depicted that output and employment in the agricultural sector in both the short-run and the long-run are not statistically significant. The implication drawn from the study is that credit granted to the agricultural sector can foster aggregate output in the sector, which will promote long-term employment. The study suggests considerable investment in the agricultural sector and the need to strengthen institutions for proper management of resources to ensure effective evaluation of funds disbursed for improving the agricultural sector, among others.

Feed certification is released by authorized third parties as external cues indicating that products have met standard quality. However, farmers do not always take certification as the main consideration in product selection because of insufficient knowledge or they are skeptical about certification. This research aims to analyze the effect of feed certification, company image, opinion leader, perceived product quality, customer trust, and satisfaction to layer farmers’ customer loyalty. Respondents were selected by using purposive sampling with the criteria that respondents were layer farmers with experience for at least 1 year and customers of concentrate or ready-made feed. Data were collected by using questionnaire and analyzed with the partial least square. Results show that feed certification influenced perceived product quality with β = 0.127 and p ≤ 0.1; then, company image and opinion leader influenced perceived product quality with, β = 0.690 and β = 0.157 at p ≤ 0.05. Perceived product quality affected customer trust ( β = 0.699, p ≤ 0.01) and customer satisfaction ( β = 0.689, p ≤ 0.05). Then, customer trust and customer satisfaction positively influenced customer loyalty with β = 0.507, and β = 0.414 at p ≤ 0.01. Research findings indicated that feed certification was considered by layer farmers in feed purchasing behavior. However, company image was played as the most important factor among opinion leader and feed certification. These results implied that besides maintaining company image and the role of opinion leaders, feed mills and authorized institutions still urge to promote the importance of certification as product quality indicator.

Farmer regeneration in agribusiness sustainability originates from the innovation of knowledge co-creation among farmer generations and interaction between stakeholders within and outside local contexts. The present work aims at exploring knowledge co-creation in the context of different orientations between young and old farmers. It also seeks to characterize the orientation of the two farmer groups from the aspect of agriculture, processing, and marketing of coconut through knowledge co-creation interaction to further their agricultural activities. All data in this grounded theory research came from in-depth interviews; the data were further examined using an open, axial, and selective coding method. The transcription of the field note was analyzed using an ATLAS.ti version 9, a program for analyzing qualitative data. The sample of the study was 13 of young farmers (25 to 45 years old) and 17 of old farmers (45 to 65 years old). The results revealed that the old farmers focused on revitalizing coconut trees for long-term purposes. The knowledge co-creation process among this farmer group (with other stakeholders) put an emphasis on copra and cooking oil production. Young farmers, however, focused on coconut tree integration with annual plants for short-term purposes, especially on the virgin coconut oil and innovative products from foreign technology adaptation. In conclusion, coconut business sustainability is the byproduct of knowledge co-creation and engagement between old and young farmers. This condition results in the survivability of coconut farmers. The novelty of this study lies in the classification of the orientation of the two coconut farmer groups in terms of agricultural, processing, and marketing aspects, which results in knowledge co-creation and its relation to the sustainability of coconut agriculture.

Lablab is a multifunctional crop that is underutilized in Africa. This study was performed to assess Lablab landraces cultivation and distribution, farming systems, and some climatic trends in Lablab production areas in Tanzania. A socio-economic survey was engaged to locate the main production areas using Global Positioning System, while participatory research tools were used to assess farming systems, practices, and challenges perceived in Lablab production. Some weather data were collected to establish climatic trends in Lablab production areas. The study revealed a wide cultivation and distribution of Lablab landraces in five agro-ecological zones with some variations. These variations were influenced by market demand for Lablab in Kenya and its role in subsistence farming. Lablab was mainly produced for conservation agriculture and enhanced soil fertility (27.9%), marketing (22.1%), livestock feeding (21.5%), food during drought conditions (15.4%), traditional purposes (7.4%), regular consumption (3.8%), and other minor uses (1.8%) varied significantly across the zones ( χ 2 = 37.639, p = 0.038). The farming systems included intercropping (59.0%), mono-cropping (31.0%), home based gardening (5.0%), crop rotation (3.0%), and relaying cropping (2.0%) with no significant difference across the zones ( χ 2 = 15.049, p = 0.314). A wide range of farmers’ practices were noted in Lablab production zone-wise. Unavailability of improved varieties and poor market channels were the farmers’ key challenges in Lablab production. It was further noticed that Lablab was mainly produced in areas with dry conditions. Finally, it was suggested that effort should be enhanced to improve genetic resource conservation, value addition, and market channels to other countries while developing improved varieties in terms of high yielding and drought tolerance.

The abundance of agricultural products often causes environmental problems. The utilization of agricultural waste from carrots can reduce both the feed cost and environmental pollution and become a source of vitamin A for the health of the native chicken. The study aims to analyze carrot ( Daucus carota L.) waste juice on native chicken performance. It was conducted from April to July 2019 at Pandu experimental field in North Minahasa Regency. The practical method used was a completely randomized design with four replications. The experimental livestock used in the study was 80-day-old chickens of native chicken. The concentration of carrot juice during the study was as follows: 100% drinking water without carrot juice (W0), 80% water drinking + 20% carrot juice (W1), 60% drinking water + 40% carrot juice (W2), and 20% drinking water + 80% carrot juice (W3). Observed variables included feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality rate. The results showed that carrot waste juice significantly impacted the body weight gain, feed conversion rate, and 0% mortality rate during the 8 weeks. The concentration of 20% drinking water + 80% carrot juice (W3) with the feed intake ratio of 1.608 g, body weight gain value of 775.63 ± 301  g, and the FCR of 2.1 ± 0.06. However, the consumption ratio did not differ among treatments. The addition of carrot waste juice, as much as 80%, in the drinking water of native chickens showed an increase in body weight compared to other treatments. In conclusion, the current study showed that treatment of carrot waste juice has a significant effect on body weight in 8 weeks of maintenance. Meanwhile, the feed intake ratio of carrot waste juice treatment has no real effect. There was no dead chicken (0%) in the present study. The carrot waste juice can be used in chicken drinks 40–80% by paying attention to the balance of energy content and feed proteins used to grow chickens.

One of the challenges of the modern world is to improve human nutrition and to safely increase the yield of agricultural production using existing agricultural land. It is clear that sufficient agricultural efficiency cannot be achieved without fertilizers, but fertilizers must cause minimal damage to the soil. Microorganisms, such as spore-forming bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae, and protozoa play an important role in the soil and keep soil healthy. One of the soil substances involved in reactions that take place in plants is cellulose. This study investigated the effect of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (PDP), synthesized (via conversion between potassium chloride and ammonium dihydrophosphate) and granulated with the addition of microcrystalline cellulose (MC), on plants (winter wheat Toras, Lithuania) and soil microorganisms. The data of plants fertilized with pure KH 2 PO 4 , ones fertilized with PDP granulated with MC, and grown without fertilizers were compared in this study. Scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analysis were used to characterize the obtained product. One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the differences of the mean values between groups. In all cases, the significance level was p ≤ 0.05. The effect of pure KH 2 PO 4 on plant indicators was found to be lower than that of granular PDP with MC. The length of the leaves was 29.63 and 31.20 cm, green mass was 0.471 and 0.763 g, ash mass was 0.015 and 0.019 g, respectively. In addition, granular PDP with MC did not adversely affect the soil microorganisms because the number of any species of bacteria (Spore b., mineral nitrogen assimilating bacteria, cellulose degrading bacteria) did not decrease and a slight increase in the number of Actinomycetes (from 8.5 × 10 5 to 2.9 × 10 6  KSV/g) and molds (from 3.0 × 10 4 to 1.4 × 10 5  KSV/g) was observed. The granular PDP with MC that we developed and used have better physical properties, higher agrochemical efficiency and cause less harm to soil microorganisms compared to pure PDP.

Extension activities play a significant role in the success of agricultural development programs. Farmers still need agricultural extension workers (EWs) in the form of assistance, technical guidance, and management intensively and continuously. With the limited number of government EWs, the role of independent agricultural extension (IAE) workers has become crucial. In Indonesia, IAE worker has been recognized since 2006, although it has not been effective. This article aims to: (1) identify conditions and characteristics of IAE and (2) analyze the influencing factors on the role of IAE officers in supporting agricultural extension. Data collection was carried out with a structured questionnaire using Google Forms involving 161 respondents. The analysis method uses inferential statistics, namely the structural equation modeling. The results showed that the factors that directly affect the role of IAE workers are work motivation and quantity or workload. The number of IAE workers directly influences their performance. A favorable working environment is required to achieve the ideal role of IAE workers. In addition, improvement of work management, horizontal and vertical relations, and regulations posit IAE workers as an essential part of agricultural extension activities. It is necessary to have a regional regulation that legalizes the allocation of regional budgets as regular incentives to facilitate the activities of agricultural EWs.

Introduction Probiotics have been commonly practiced in commercial shrimp farms to increase pond production. However, these possibilities were based on the results of in vitro studies or laboratory in vivo trials. While studies on probiotic applications in commercial-scale farms are still rarely investigated, this study addresses the fate of probiotic species in ponds and the intestinal tract of white shrimps reared in an intensive aquaculture system. Material and methods Four commercial probiotic species ( Lactobacillus plantarum , Lactobacillus fermentum , Bacillus subtilis , and Pseudomonas putida ) were applied to the commercial shrimp ponds (@800 m 2 area of high-density polyethene ponds) in the morning at a dose of 5 ppm once every 2 days in the first month, and once a week from second month onward. Then, the presence of the probiotic species was traced by collecting the rearing water and shrimp’s intestines on day 47 of culture to monitor their composition and abundance using high-throughput sequencing. Results None of the commercial probiotic species could be detected from both rearing water and shrimp intestinal tracts. These results suggest that the probiotic species had low viability and adaptability in the rearing pond as well as the shrimp intestines when applied on commercial-scale farms. These facts may explain the high variation in the yield among shrimp ponds in spite of having similar treatments. Conclusion Probiotic strains had low viability and adaptability in commercial farms. Thus, methods and strategies in probiotic application to commercial-scale shrimp farms should be evaluated and further developed to increase probiotic efficacy.

Genotype assessment across various environments is a basic condition for developing stable and superior genotypes for sustainable maize production in the South-East of the DR Congo. Therefore, this research’s objectives were to identify the performance of newly developed provitamin A maize genotypes in various environments, and to recommend high-performing and stable genotypes for broader adaptation. Eight provitamin A maize genotypes, including one commercial variety, were planted at three sites during two consecutive cropping seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) forming six environments. All genotypes in six environments were planted in a randomized complete block design containing three replications. Two stability analysis approaches, GGE biplot and Eberhart and Russell method are widely used to identify high yielding and stable genotypes. The combined analysis of variance revealed that G and E as well as their interaction (GEI) have significantly affected the emergence rate, cob’s insertion height, days to anthesis and silking, cob length, cob grain weight and grain yield. Average grain yield varied from 8.30 t/ha for PVAH-7L to 9.41 t/ha for PVAH-1L. The Eberhart and Russell method and the CV identified PVAH-1L, PVAH-4L, PVAH-7L and PVAH-6L as the most stable genotypes, but could not reliably identify the high yielding genotypes. On the other hand, the GGE biplot reliably and graphically showed the stable and high-yielding genotypes (PVAH-1L > PVAH-6L) as well as the low-yielding genotypes (PVAH-7 > PVAH-4L). In additional, the GGE biplot showed that L’shi21 was the best test environment for selecting high performing and stable provitamin A maize genotype. The results of this study indicate that PVAH-1L and PVAH-6L are the stable, high-yielding provitamin A maize genotypes in the South-East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and should be disseminated in this region.

Length and shape of rice are important physical qualities that determine public acceptance of a variety and determine the price. Improvement of length and shape of rice requires information on the genetic parameters of these traits. Diallel analysis is one of the methods usually used to estimate the genetic parameters of a trait. The purpose of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of length and shape of rice using full diallel analysis. The plant material used was a full diallel cross-population of six rice genotypes, namely, Basmati Pakistan, Basmati Delta 9, Inpago Unsoed 1, Inpari 31, Koshihikari, and Tarabas. Thirty-six genotypes consisting of parents, F 1 and F 1reciprocal , were planted using a randomized block design with three replications. The data of rice grain length and length:width ratio were used for diallel analysis using the Hayman and Griffing method-1. The results showed additive and non-additive gene action influencing the length and shape of rice. The effect of the additive gene action was greater than the non-additive gene action, while both broad-sense heritability and narrow-sense heritability were high, revealed that the selection of these traits at the early generation using the pedigree selection method may be considered. Length and shape of rice were not affected by the female parent cytoplasm so that F 2 and F 2reciprocal populations may be combined into one population the next generation.

The bark of Hopea beccariana Burck is used to prevent damage to coconut sap. The purpose of this study was to determine the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of various extracts of the bark of H. beccariana Burck as potential natural preservatives for coconut sap. The bark was extracted by maceration method for 24 h assisted by stirring using ethanol, methanol, n -hexane, and water at 60°C as solvent. The type of solvent used for extraction had a significant effect on the yield, total phenolic, total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, toxicity, and diameter of the inhibition zone against Lactobacillus plantarum . The highest yield was found in methanol extract at 22.34%, the highest total phenolic content was found in ethanol extract of 53.39 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, and the highest total flavonoid content was found in the aqueous extract at 60°C of 106.70 mg QE/g extract; all extracts have an IC 50 value of 80.28–91.80 ppm (very strong antioxidant) and ascorbic acid of 5.78 ppm. Methanol extract is classified as very toxic with an LC 50 of 38.21 ppm. The dominant compounds produced by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer were hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester; ethyl oleate; 9-octadecenoic acid ( Z )-, ethyl ester; and hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester. The diameter of the inhibition zone for Saccharomyces cerevisiae was 13.50–14.72 mm, L. plantarum was 10.31–17.72 mm, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides was 13.25–18.06 mm. All extracts had minimum inhibitory concentration values of 2.5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration values of 2.5 mg/mL for n -hexane extract and 60°C water, while ethanol and methanol extracts had MBC values >50 mg/mL.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic relationships between descriptive and group linear-type traits and the final score of first-born cows of the Ukrainian Brown dairy breed. The data from the linear estimation were collected on the population of 707 cows in six herds in the Sumy region of Ukraine from 2000 to 2018. It was found that the level of correlations between descriptive and group traits of the conformation, which characterize the dairy strength, frame, feet/legs, and udder, differed in significant variability by direction, strength, and reliability. The level of positive phenotypic correlations of descriptive traits with all group traits of the conformation type and the final score was height (0.19–0.34 and 0.34), chest width (0.06–0.29 and 0.17), body depth (0.28–0.53 and 0.48), angularity (0.35–0.77 and 0.62), rump width (0.29–0.36 and 0.46), rear legs posture (0.33–0.37 and 0.48), front udder attachment (0.23–0.39 and 0.41), height of rear udder attachment (0.17–0.27 and 0.29), and central ligament ( r = 0.16–0.39 and 0.36). The body condition score was related to group traits but in a negative value, with correlation coefficients ranging from −0.07 (legs) to −0.47 (dairy strength). The level of correlation between descriptive traits and the final score indicated that the selection based on the results of good development of these traits will contribute to the overall progress of cows in the direction of the desired dairy type.

There are growing numbers of publications on the effect of substitution of maize with cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) on growth indices of broiler chickens with variable results. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore the influence of substitution of maize with dietary cassava on growth traits (i.e., average daily feed intake [ADFI], body weight gain [BWG] and feed conversion efficiency [FCE]) of broilers. Search done in PubMed, Google scholar and Scopus databases yielded 303 studies of which 27 were suitable for the analysis. Heterogeneity was explored by subgroup and meta-regression analyses using the following moderator variables: publication year, study continent, processing methods, cassava form, substitution level, broiler strain, number of birds per groups and treatment durations. Results show that dietary cassava reduced ADFI (mean difference [MD] = −5.19 g/day; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −8.60, −1.79; I 2 = 99%) and BWG (MD = −8.49 g/day; 95% CI: −9.65, −7.33; I 2 = 98%) and increased FCE (MD = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.35; I 2 = 99%) in broilers compared to controls. Publication year, broiler strain, treatment durations and substitution level) influenced the outcomes of the study and explained some of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, our results suggested that dietary cassava inclusion at 5% (minimum) and 62% (maximum) reduced growth performance in broiler chickens. However, more effective methods for increasing the nutrient value of cassava roots for broiler chicken feeding as well as the cassava inclusion levels for optimal productivity are required.

Introduction: Listeria monocytogenes is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen that can cause death to infected humans. The bacterial pathogen was frequently associated with food-borne origins including seafood. Thus, the present study aimed at screening anti-listeria-producing lactic acid bacteria (AL-LAB) isolated from the intestinal tracts of wild gilt-head seabream ( Sparus aurata ). Materials and Methods: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from the intestinal tracts of 15 wild gilt-head seabreams and screened for antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes . LAB isolated with the strongest anti-listerial activity was identified and further characterized for its anti-listerial compounds, followed by testing its protecting capacity on experimentally contaminated salmon fillets. Results: Three out of 52 LAB showed antagonistic activities against the foodborne pathogen. Of these 3, an isolate with the strongest inhibitory activity was obtained from strain MA115 (>400 AU). Based on its 16S rDNA sequence, strain MA115 had 99% similarity to Enterococcus faecium (Acc. Nb: MG461637.1). Further in vitro assays showed that the anti-listerial compound was very sensitive to proteinase K which suggested that it is a bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS). In addition, the BLIS was resistant to a wide range of pH (2–10), and low (4 to −20°C) as well as high temperatures (30−121°C). In addition, the BLIS showed bactericidal activity on L. monocytogenes in artificially contaminated Salmon fillets stored at 0°C. Conclusion: The BLIS produced by Enterococcus faecium strain MA115 has the potential for application to improve food safety, although further studies are still required to specifically identify the BLIS, for biopreservation purposes.

Milk yield and components in small ruminants fed Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) have been investigated, but results were not consistent among investigators. Hence, this trial aimed to explore the efficacy of SC supplementation in improving milk yield and components (i.e., milk proteins, fat, lactose, total solids and ash) in small ruminants. A search performed in Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar databases yield 1,826 studies, of which 26 met the inclusion criteria. Random-effects model was used to aggregate milk production variables. Meta-regression analysis examined the effect of the following moderators: SC type, ruminant type (sheep or goat), diet type, breed, duration of supplementation and supplementation levels on outcome measures. Subgroup analysis explored the influence of the following moderators: SC type and ruminant type on outcomes measures. SC had positive moderate effect on milk yield (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.72; p < 0.001; heterogeneity [ I 2 ] = 73%) and small effect on milk proteins (SMD = 0.46; p = 0.004; I 2 = 83%), milk lactose (SMD = 0.17; p = 0.007; I 2 = 0%) and fat (SMD = 0.28; p = 0.016; I 2 = 70%). Subgroup analysis revealed that SC improved milk yield, lactose and proteins in lactating sheep and milk yield and fat in lactating goats. Our results show that moderators influenced the results of the meta-analysis and explained most of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, SC should be included in small ruminant diets as it had small-to-moderate effects on milk yield and aspects of milk components.

Inoculation of plants with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) is an ecological approach to improve plants growth and yield. The objective of this study was to screen native PGPBs in tomato root rhizosphere and evaluate their performance in germination and growth of seedlings in the greenhouse in the western region of Cameroon. Isolates were selected based on their ability to solubilize phosphate, produce indole-3-acetic acid, and improve seed germination and seedling growth under laboratory conditions. Following this screening, eight bacteria were selected (S1, S4, S13, S14, S16, B9, B11, and B15) to assess their performance on seedling growth in greenhouse. Seeds of two tomato varieties (one improved, Raja, and the local one, Foolewouh) were used in this study. The experiment was performed in sterilized and non-sterilized soils. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence showed that these bacteria belong to the genus Bacillus , including B. thuringiensis , B. cereus , B. pacificus , and B. aerius . The bacterial performance depended on the variety and conditions of soil treatment. Isolates improved seed germination (up to 31.93%) and seeding strength (up to 78.59%) in vitro . In greenhouse, inoculation with PGPB significantly increased stem height, root length, and weight of fresh and dry stems and roots. Raja variety was more sensitive to bacteria and performed better than the Foolewouh variety. Bacterial isolates on sterilized soil allowed to better seedling growth compared to non-sterilized soil. The study showed that B. thuringiensis (strain B9), B. pacificus (strain B11), and Bacillus sp. (strain B15) can be used as inoculant formulations to improve seedling growth of tomato plant.

This research aimed to formulate priority strategies for adopting Internet of Things (IoT)-based innovation by millennial farmers in Central Java Province, Indonesia. This research uses quantitative methods. The two stages involved were exploring external factors using a political, economic, social, and technological approach and internal factors using the resource-based view approach including human resources, physical resources, and organizational resources. Interviews were conducted with 120 millennial farmers in ten regions of Central Java. This led to the formulation of alternative adoption strategies. Furthermore, the second stage was formulating strategic priorities using the analytical network process approach, involving purposively selected experts from policymakers in the government. According to the research, the most considered factors for IoT adoption strategies were relative advantage, social influence, and technology anxiety. In the relative advantage, the most prioritized sub-factor was business profit. The most prioritized technology anxiety sub-factor cluster was unfamiliar with using IoT. The most prioritized social influence sub-factor cluster was a personal relationship. The resulting strategic priorities were strengthening openness to change, IoT education to millennial farmers, optimizing the role of institutions, and socializing the benefits of IoT to millennial farmers. Openness to change motivates millennial farmers to achieve continuous and better innovation. Millennial farmers need to be prepared for the new experiences to come. Government support through education, intensive mentoring, and increasing the active role of farmer mentoring institutions accelerates the adoption of IoT by millennial farmers.

Exchangeable cations and soil nutrients leach out/lost in the raised bed soils system through irrigation water and rainwater. Cover crops or crop residue mulching are considered sustainable agricultural measures because they prevent soil degradation and compaction and increase the soil ecological diversity. However, the impact of these on soil quality in fruit orchards in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta is not well studied. The present work aimed to assess the effect of cover crops (grass, pinto peanut) and rice straw mulching on change in soil chemical properties and productivity of pomelo. The 3-year (2019–2021) field experiment was conducted at Phu Huu Commune, Chau Thanh District, Hau Giang Province, Vietnam. Four treatments, control (no-cover crop), grass cover crop, mulching with rice straw (MRS), and pinto peanut cover crop were used. Soil samples were collected from the depth of 0–20 and 20–40 cm for analyzing soil pH, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), and soil organic matter (SOM). Results showed that MRS or cover crop by pinto peanut significantly decreased soil acidity in the topsoil layer. Soil fertility properties (TN, TP, AP, and SOM) at the depth 0–20 cm were greatly improved after the application of the mulched rice straw and cover crop by legume, thus improving pomelo yield. Further study is required to understand the effects of the cover crop with pinto peanut and rice straw mulching on the physical and biological properties of soil as well as nutrient uptake of pomelo orchards.

Although chickens can improve the chemical properties of soil through the deposition of excreta, their effects on soil macrofauna are poorly known. This work assessed the effects of grazing indigenous laying hens on soil macrofauna of two agroecosystems in Portugal: an organic horticultural field and a conventional orchard. At the horticultural field, laying hens were used to control weeds and the results were compared with those of two other weed control treatments: mechanical (rototiller) and thermal (flame weeding). At the orchard, the effects of hens were compared to that of the orchard understory vegetation, as a control. Soil epigeic macrofauna was collected in both locations, and earthworms were only collected in the horticultural field. Relative to the other treatments, grazing in the horticultural field increased the density of earthworms in the medium term (ranging from 150 to 625 earthworms/m 2 ), without harming the density and diversity of epigeic macrofauna. However, at the orchard, the grazed soils presented lower soil epigeic macrofauna diversity, as well as significantly lower density of spiders than the control (4.67 vs 8.67 individuals/sample, respectively). These results suggest that the grazing effects can be affected by several factors, including the type of agroecosystem and farm management. Further research is required to optimize grazing management in different farming systems, considering animal density and grazing duration, thus ensuring the best contributions of chickens to soil fertility.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a change in food demand. In Central Java, during the pandemic (2021), the proportion of expenditure on the grain food group was higher than in 2020; meanwhile, the proportion of the ready-to-eat food group decreased. This study aims to analyze the pattern of food consumption of carbohydrate sources, the influencing factors, and the elasticity of consumption in households in Central Java before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study uses data from the National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas) for 12 districts/cities in Central Java consisting of 9,812 in 2019 and 10,636 households samples in 2021. Data analysis used the Linear Approximation Almost Ideal Demand System (LA-AIDS) method. Results of the study show that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the household consumption pattern of carbohydrate-source food in Central Java. The proportion of expenditure on rice, wheat flour, shelled corn, cassava, and potatoes has increased. On the other hand, wet corn, instant noodles, and white rice decreased. The price of food sources of carbohydrates and the number of household members positively affect the consumption of food sources of carbohydrates. At the same time, income has a negative effect. There are differences in the effect of the location of the residence on the consumption of food sources of carbohydrates before and during the pandemic. The value of own-price elasticity and income elasticity shows that before the pandemic, rice was a staple good whose consumption was inelastic. Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, wheat flour, wet-skinned corn, shelled corn, potatoes, white rice, and cassava in the pre-pandemic period was Giffen because the price elasticity was positive, and the income elasticity was negative. Meanwhile, rice during the pandemic, instant noodles before and during the pandemic, and cassava were Veblen goods because their price and income elasticity were positive. Cross elasticity shows that before the pandemic, most of the relationships between food sources of carbohydrates were substitutes, while during the pandemic, most of the relationships between food sources of carbohydrates were complementary.

Barrier properties are very important in food packaging; the better the properties, the longer the product can stay fresh in the packaging, which prolongs the shelf life of the product. One way of improving barrier properties is to modifying the existing coatings with the addition of metal oxides, nanoparticles, or natural extracts. The aim of the study was to compare the barrier properties between paper coated with starch and paper coated with starch and black cherry extract mix. Prunus serotina extracts were prepared by ultrasonic extraction in 60°C water. The extracts were then filtrated and evaporated to obtain a constant mass. The reference coatings were prepared by dissolving starch in hot water to obtain a solution of 30%. The experimental coatings were prepared by substituting 10% starch for black cherry extract. Coatings were applied on the paper by laboratory coater in two thicknesses: c.a. 7 and 15 g/m 2 . The papers were characterised by grammage, coating weight, porosity, and roughness. Barrier properties were tested by following methods: Cobb-Unger, KIT, water vapour transmission rate, and heptane vapour transmission rate. Papers coated with formulations including extract had better barrier properties against oils and waxes, better results in KIT, Cobb-Unger, and heptane vapour transmission rate tests. The results of the water vapour transmission rate test as well as porosity and roughness were the same for papers coated with and without extract addition, they were influenced by the thickness of the coating, not the extract addition. The addition of black cherry extract influenced the barrier properties of the coated paper, and the extract improved the properties against oils and waxes.

Machine-learning methodologies are part of the artificial intelligence approaches with several applications in different fields of science and dimensions of human life. These techniques appear in the frameworks of the digital transition, where smart technologies bring relevant contributions, such as improving the efficiency of the economic sectors. This is particularly important for sectors such as agriculture to deal with the challenges created in the context of climate changes. On the other hand, machine-learning approaches are not easy to implement, considering the complexity of the algorithms associated. Taking this into account, the main objective of this research is to present a model to predict fertiliser costs in the European Union (EU) farms through artificial neural network analysis. This assessment may provide relevant information for farmers and policymakers in the current scenario where the concerns are to identify strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts, including those from the agricultural sector and the respective use of chemical resources. To achieve these objectives, statistical information for the EU agricultural regions from the Farm Accountancy Data Network was considered for the period 2018–2020. The findings obtained show relative errors between 0.040 and 0.074 (showing good accuracy) and the importance of the total utilised agricultural area and the total output to predict the fertiliser costs.

Gene pyramiding has been developed for effective resistant genes, such as bacterial blight resistance genes. However, in this report, pyramiding for multiple traits is presented. We evaluated 28 pyramided rice lines derived from 7 hybridizations of valuable parents for high yield potential, early maturity, aroma, high grain quality, and resistance to brown planthopper using both simple-sequence repeat markers and phenotypic markers. Pyramided rice genotypes were evaluated with RM282 molecular marker linked to GW3 gene associated with grain weight, RM259 (number of panicles), RM3600 (length of panicles), RM3701 (short panicles), RM19414 ( Hd3 ), RM7601 ( Hd2 ), RM190, and SSIIa (waxy), IFAP and ESP (aroma), RM586 ( Bph3 and Bph4 ), and RM8213 ( Qpbh4 and Bph17(t) ). Eight genotypes (i.e., #9, #15, #16, #22, #25, #26, #27, and #28) were confirmed to have desired genes associated with multiple important traits based on molecular markers and morpho-agronomic traits. A strong correlation was found between RM19414 and heading date, between specific markers for aroma and sensory test. Meanwhile, a weak correlation was found between RM259 with panicle number, RM586, and RM8213 with trichome density. As presented in this study, gene pyramiding promises a new hope to combine multiple traits in rice breeding. Promising rice lines will be incorporated in the multiple traits breeding program.

The antifungal activity of Trichoderma hamatum K01 to control Colletotrichum gloeosporioides C01 was recorded. Pathogenicity of C. gloeosporioides C01 on citrus leaves was confirmed by the Koch postulate. T. hamatum K01 inhibited the colony growth and conidia production of C. gloeosporioides C01 by 70.55 and 79.07%, respectively. Crude extracts from T. hamatum K01 expressed an antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides C01. The crude TK01-MeOH showed the most potent inhibitory effect on the colony growth and conidia production at the ED 50 values of 273 and 355 ppm, respectively. Nanofiber TK01M gave the highest inhibition on the colony growth and conidia production at the ED 50 values of 13 and 3 ppm, respectively. Control mechanism was related to the major pyrone metabolite group (6-pentyl-2 H -pyran-2-one), organic compounds (benzoic acid, hexadecane, tetracosane), fatty acids (palmitic acid, linoleic acid, tetradecanoic acid, pentadecanoic acid, hexadecenoic acid, ethyl ester, linoleic acid ethyl ester, and ethyl oleate), and sorbicillin from GC-MS analysis, which were produced by T. hamatum K01. It is reported for the first time to isolate secondary metabolite pyrone (6-pentyl-2 H -pyran-2-one) from T. hamatum K01, and the first report of nanofibers constructed from T. hamatum K01 against C. gloeosporioides.

Sustainable peatland management needs collaboration among many actors. This study portrayed the role of actors in managing peatland in Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, based on their interests and influence factors. We employ the purposive sampling method to select 13 actors to represent their institutions to assess their organization’s level of interest and influence in peatland management. The results indicated four existing groups categorized as key players, context setter, subject, and crowd. The key player group has the primary role in program planning and implementation of the Forest Management Unit of Kubu Raya, Wetland Ecosystem Management Unit, Regional Development Planning Agency, and Agriculture Service of Kubu Raya Regency. The subject group supports peatland management programs in the implementation and supervision role, which consists of forest concessionaire (PT Ekosistem Khatulistiwa Lestari) and communities. The context setter group has roles in regional planning, regional supervision, and monitoring of fire hazards, including Production Forest Management Institute in Pontianak, Fire Brigade, and Regional Forest Area Designation Agency III in Pontianak. The last stakeholder is the extension worker categorized in the crowd group, which empowers and assists the community in managing peatland. Avoiding conflicts of interest and promoting collaborative actions are essential factors needed to ensure sustainable peatland management.

Small-scale coffee farming in Indonesia faces low productivity due to poor farming practices and low-quality planting materials. It highlights the need for improved coffee varieties that meet farmers’ preferences. Given the vulnerability of coffee farming to climate change, participatory breeding programs that involve collaboration between researchers and farmers to develop a climate-adapted variety are essential. This study used survey data from Gayo Highland, Aceh, Indonesia, to investigate farmers’ perception of the importance of climate-related attributes in a coffee variety, including those developed through a participatory breeding program, and the determinant factors. The result shows that farmers rated climate-related attributes as the least important (average score 0.36) compared to others, such as coffee productivity (1.57) and quality (1.22), resistance to pests and diseases (0.96), and input-use efficiency (0.57). This finding suggests a lack of awareness among farmers about the importance of climate issues in coffee farming. The estimation results also indicate that coffee extension activities have a negative association with farmers’ perceptions of the importance of climate attributes. This study recommends inclusive and targeted climate campaigns to increase farmers’ concern, awareness, and knowledge about the threats of climate change to coffee farming through strengthening advisory services.

The aim of this study was to extract and quantify cannabinoids from female inflorescences of Cannabis sativa L. from three altitudinal floors of Peru, by optimizing the amplitude, time, and methanol concentration in the ultrasound-assisted extraction required to maximize cannabidiol (CBD), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) content, and yields. Optimal extraction conditions were determined by response surface and the central composite design was used. The quadratic model was adequate for yield, Δ9-THC, and CBD with R 2 values of 0.998, 0.985, and 0.991 respectively. Optimal conditions were 99% radiation amplitude, 20 min extraction time, and 96% ethanol concentration. The optimized extract of C. sativa L. inflorescences had a yield of 24.12%, 0.62% CBD, and 5.973% THC. The content of cannabinoids studied in the Junín Region at altitudes between 2,070 and 3,274 m above sea level (m asl) had a CBD content between 0.1 and 0.4%, THC between 2.2 and 6%, and yield of 10–24%; in the Ayacucho region at an altitude of 2,627 m asl the CBD content was between 0.62 and 0.65%, THC was 6.21–6.72%, and yield of 23.8–24%; and in the Huánuco region at altitude of 660–711 m asl it had a CBD content between 0.55 and 0.65%, THC from 8.11 to 8.92%, and yield from 24.3 to 29.7%. It was concluded from the present work that the parameters such as amplitude, time, and solvent directly influence the extraction yield, in the same way the altitude influences the content of cannabinoids, being lower yields at higher planting altitude.

Most soybean farming in Indonesia is still performed conventionally. Farmers are less interested in cultivating soybeans because the production yields are relatively small. This research aims to determine the factors influencing production, production inefficiency of soybean, and the technical efficiency (TE) and economic efficiency (EE) level of soybean farming. Primary data were collected using a survey method of soybean farmers in paddy field areas in the Tabanan Regency of Bali Province, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using the stochastic frontier approach using the Frontier 4.1 analysis tool. Factors that positively affected the increasing soybean production were land area, urea and NPK fertilizers, and soybean seeds. The factor positively affecting soybean production inefficiency was a farming experience. The average TE value was 0.77, implying that soybean farming in the study area was efficient. However, the EE value below 0.70 implied that soybean farming was inefficient. Based on soybean farmers’ farming experience, TE and EE values were getting lower. The low value of EE was suspected of causing farmers’ low interest in cultivating soybean.

Soya bean occupies a crucial space in solving the problem of poverty and food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), given the status of the crop as a multipurpose crop. Despite the enormous importance of this crop, the production is still very low in SSA, particularly in Nigeria. This study, therefore, examines the performance of soya bean production using technical efficiency as a yardstick for measuring performance. Primary data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and scheduled interview from 100 soya bean farmers selected using a purposive sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, profitability analysis, and stochastic frontier analysis. The results reveal that the average age was about 45 years with close to 5 years of farming experience. The average household size in the study area was 5 with a mean farm size of 1.8 hectares. The net farm income was ₦37753.92k, while the average rate of return to investment (return per naira invested) was 1.49. The overall mean technical efficiency score was about 56%. This suggests that farmers are relatively efficient in general. There is, however, a gap to improve their farming operations through adequate training on seeds and agrochemical use because both contribute to their inefficiencies.

The diverse sources of agricultural extension information do not guarantee increased farmers’ capabilities to adopt agricultural innovations. Consequently, efforts to accelerate the adoption of agricultural innovations should pay particular attention to farmers’ compatibility with different information sources. This study aims to analyze farmers’ perceptions of various information sources about rice commodity innovations and determine the information sources influencing farmers’ capabilities in adopting rice innovations. The study was conducted from June to December 2019 through a structured survey approach with 270 rice farmers in Subang, West Java and Boyolali, Central Java, Indonesia, by using structural equation model analysis. The results showed that rice farmers had positive perceptions of government, private, and self-subsistent extension. The capability level of rice farmers showed that all indicators were significantly different. Farmers could improve their capabilities and sustainability of rice farming by adopting agricultural innovations. Information from government and private extension providers had a positive effect on the capacity and capability of rice farmers. The role of self-subsistent extension was more of a facilitator and did not directly affect the capacity and capability of farmers. Participatory extension activities are recommended as a form of intervention that can improve rice farmers’ capacity and capability in terms of technology adoption processes. The extension activities should be provided as a series, rather than one-off events, so that farmer knowledge accumulates over time through a style and pace to match their skills and level of education.

Acceptability of a diet is one factor that determines an animal’s growth performance. Some feed additives in the category of dietary clay, including fossil shell flour (FSF), have been identified to enhance performance of livestock. Therefore, the influence of varying inclusion levels of FSF supplementation on feed acceptability, body condition scores, and growth performance of Dohne Merino sheep was evaluated. Twenty-four Dohne Merino rams were completely randomised and individually housed in pens for 90 days. Four different supplementation levels of FSF (0, 20, 40, and 60g/kg) were considered treatments for the rams. The average daily feed intake, body condition score, average daily weight gain (g), and coefficient of preference were significantly higher in rams supplemented with 60 g FSF/kg than the other treatments ( P < 0.05). The experimental diet colour was brown for 0 g FSF/kg, while in 20, 40, and 60 g FSF/kg, it ranged from light brown to slightly deep brown. The texture of diets with 0 g FSF/kg was moderately firm, while diets with 20, 40, and 60 g FSF/kg had a firm texture. The order of preference of diets supplemented with FSF in feed intake by Dohne Merino rams was: 60 g FSF/kg > 40 g FSF/kg > 20 g FSF/kg > 0 g FSF/kg. Therefore, FSF at a minimum inclusion level of 40 g FSF/kg can improve feed intake, body condition score, and feeding behaviour of Dohne Merino rams by increasing the acceptability of the diet.

Over the past decade, smallholder rubber farming experienced significant issues related to risks of rainy season, rubber diseases, and price decreases. The risk exposure will reduce agricultural productivity, income, and sustainability. Farmers are expected to mitigate various risks by adopting the appropriate risk strategy. Efforts to support the risk strategy adoption are constrained by the lack of scientific research in rubber farming, especially for simultaneous risk strategy adoption. This study aims to identify the risk strategy adoption in rubber farming and analyse the determinant factors by considering farmers’ socioeconomic, rubber farm characteristics, and risk perception. The data were collected from 200 rubber farmers in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and analysed using a multinomial logit model. The study results show that the most selected strategy was income diversification. The multinomial logit model indicates that farmers’ age, family members, rubber age, rubber clones, and rainy season risk perception positively affect the adoption of risk strategy. In contrast, experience, farm area, and farm distance have a negative effect. The results also indicate that family members, farm area, and farm distance variables significantly affect all choices of risk strategy adoption. The results of this study suggest several implications for government and policymakers in providing assistance and counselling, capital assistance, input access, and improving transportation, road access, and communication.

The aim of this study is to analyze the factors that affect the export of chili in Indonesia, determine the most dominant factor, and also the export potential of chili in the importing country. The analytical methods used are panel data analysis with gravity model and trading potential analysis. The results show that the independent variables that significantly affect Indonesia’s chili exports are Indonesia’s real GDP/capita, the real GDP/capita of the destination country, the rupiah exchange rate against the destination country, and the geographical distance between Indonesia and the destination country. The most dominant factor is the rupiah exchange rate. Indonesia’s trade is still under trade (pp > 1), so it can potentially expand the chili trade to importing countries.

This research focuses on the development of utilizing Grade-C kenaf fibers (poor quality) produced from plantations in Pesanggarahan village, Lamongan regency, Indonesia, to produce alternative textile materials for textile craft and textile products. High-quality kenaf fibers have been utilized in the automotive, pulp and paper, and geotextile industries, while low-quality kenaf fibers are considered less potential and have only been used as gunny sacks. This research was conducted through an exploration and experimental approach, dividing the process into four stages, namely: (1) scouring stage using standard degumming of cellulose fibers; (2) testing strength and elongation of fibers; (3) bleaching stage of fibers; and (4) textile exploration stage with design and craft approach to create yarn and fabric weaving and crochet techniques, and the results were quantitatively tested to identify their mechanical and physical properties. This is beneficial as a solution to add value to a material to produce material trends for the development of textile craft products.

The main sources of rice production growth are increases in the yield and area harvested. Yield improvement is carried out through intensification, mainly using more inputs and better irrigation, while increasing the harvested area is associated with increasing the cropping intensity. Unfortunately, even in favorable irrigated areas, outcomes of the coupled approach are not always synergistic. This study aims to assess technical efficiency (TE), its changes in direction, and the factors responsible for inefficiency during the last 10 years. The data analyzed were those of rice farming through a panel survey of farmer households in several villages with favorable irrigation. The survey was conducted in 2010, 2016, and 2021. The results showed that the use of higher seed quality and inorganic fertilizers positively affected the yield. The TE level was relatively high but tended to degrade in these 3 years. The farmers’ TE in Java Island was higher than that outside Java. The older the farmer, the more inefficient the farmer was. The number of family members working in rice farming negatively affected efficiency. TE increased as the agricultural contribution to household income increased. On the other hand, the farmers’ educational background did not significantly affect TE. Based on these findings, it is recommended to encourage farmers to adopt higher quality seeds of improved rice varieties. It is also urgent to encourage young farmers to pursue rice farming as their main profession. In the middle and long term, breeding improved rice varieties adapted to climate stress will become a pressing need.

Recently, capacity building has been named the government’s target in evaluating strengthening land function cycle collaboration in reducing disaster conflicts due to palm oil expansion. Disaster conflicts over palm oil plantations are the main cause of the fundamental transition of environmental culture and customs, especially concerning the welfare capacity of indigenous people in Jambi Province, Indonesia. This article aims to combine information on decision hierarchies and Geographical Information System (GIS) imaging applications to assess complaints of disaster risk in the development of palm oil clusters on indigenous welfare factors due to the palm oil boom in eight Rokan hamlets, Jambi. The combination of the Analytical Hierarchy Process simulation and GIS method in the GeoDa density test is used synergistically to analyze the following criteria for disaster causes: land disputes, water pollution, habitat scarcity, drought/forest fires, floods, and crop failure. The results of the disaster hierarchy show that the priority criteria are land disputes followed by drought/forest fires and floods. Meanwhile, the answer to alternative stakeholder decisions is the regional government according to predictions from the findings of the frequency of resolution of conflicts that have occurred in the past. In addition, the GIS density results detected six Rokan hamlets in Jambi having very high and high conflicts, but two hamlets had no disaster conflict incidents. A capacity building approach in the social, economic, and environmental fields is one of the solutions in minimizing land conflicts caused by palm oil expansion.

Credit accessibility is crucial for sustainable agricultural development. However, the difficulty in accessing credit has caused farmers to take many considerations when taking a loan. This research aims to determine the factors determining access and credit sources for cassava farmers in Lampung Province, Indonesia. Central Lampung was chosen as the research location because it had a total cassava production share of 36%. This study used Isaac’s and Michael’s formulae to determine the total samples. The data were collected by interviewing 263 respondents. Of 263 farmers, only 109 (41.4%) had access to loans. Data were analysed using the Multinomial Logit Regression Model to examine the factors determining access and credit sources for cassava farmers. Marginal effect analysis was also used to determine the probability of changes in independent variables. Regression results showed that the type of credit sources chosen by the farmers was determined by age, income, agribusiness experience, land size, education, organisation membership, and credit experience ( R 2 = 89.1%). Partially, age, income, land size, education, credit experience, and business experience significantly influence the funding source. The results indicate that age, agribusiness experience, and land size are the main factors in choosing the types of credit. Land size has the biggest positive influence on farmers’ access to formal banks (11.49%).

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP), a promising crop for alleviating vitamin A deficiency (VAD), can be utilized at home and in commercial food processing as a basic and functional ingredient. The root can be processed into puree that is incorporated in baked and fried products and other products, with a high acceptability rate. When used as a wheat substitute in a bakery, the OFSP puree significantly cuts the production cost. In the last few years and with the intensified promotion of OFSP and OFSP puree products as a sustainable food-based strategy to tackling VAD at the population level, many small-medium food enterprises (SMEs) in the Eastern Africa Region (EAR) have shown great interest in utilizing the OFSP puree in their commercial product lines. However, the OFSP and OFSP puree value chain for commercial usage is still underdeveloped poising raw material supply challenges. In addition, the SMEs are early-stage businesses lacking the capacity and proper business models to propel them to sustainably venture into OFSP processing. As such, there is a need to engage and support SMEs in tailoring business models suitable for their scaling needs along the OFSP value chain to make available in the market, affordable nutrient-dense OFSP-puree products. This article presents the approach that was used to offer tailored Business Development Services (BDS) for selected SMEs in EAR to scale up their capacity to commercialize OFSP puree and puree-based products. The BDS designed and supported six integrated modules: business profile development, business model canvas, understanding the numbers/finances, OFSP value chain analysis, SWOT analysis, and growth plan, to develop and document individual business capacities and aspirations. The SMEs identified numerous opportunities and entry points for OFSP value chain development and expansion through the BDS depending on their business needs.

Indonesia has a dry land area of 79.69%, with low soil productivity (physical, chemical, and biological), as well as uneven and unpredictable rainfall. The dryland potential is optimally utilized using biofertilizers that can produce microbes to increase soil fertility. This research aims to determine the effects of biofertilizers on dryland improvement and crop production. The study was conducted from February to May 2021 in Central Java, Indonesia. Using a randomized block design in peanut cultivation. Six biofertilizers (Controlled, Agrimeth, BioNutrient, Gliocompost, Agrimeth + BioNutrient, Agrimeth + BioNutrient + Gliocompost) were applied with four replications. The performance of each biofertilizer was assessed based on chemical soil parameters, soil microbe population, plant growth, and yields. The soil in the study area belonged to the Inceptisols group and exhibited moderately acidic pH, low organic carbon content, and low nitrogen levels. However, it had high potential and available phosphorus, as well as moderate potential and high available potassium. BioNutrient and Gliocompost increased available phosphate by 12 and 19%, respectively, due to the presence of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aspergillus sp. Agrimeth influenced the population of Azospirillum (45–63%) and enhanced phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. Agrimeth + BioNutrient + Gliocompost promoted the growth of the Azospirillum and Trichoderma populations (17–18%), resulting in a 45.04% increase in profits. Biofertilizer inoculation positively affected peanut development, root nodule formation, and yield. This novelty showed the potential of biofertilizers in improving dryland conditions, increasing crop productivity, and contributing to sustainable agriculture in the long term.

High salt concentration is one of the main factors that affects plants’ growth, especially in urban areas. Many Mediterranean sclerophyllous species manifest high resistance to salt, although few information exists in the literature on Quercus ilex . The aim of this work was to evaluate the response of Q. ilex seedlings to salt stress conditions generated by an increasing concentration of sodium chloride on water supply irrigation. A 2-year experiment was conducted by using salt water at different concentrations (first year 50–100–200 and second year 75–150–300 mM NaCl). At increasing salt concentration, a plant growth reduction was registered in both years. Until 200 mM NaCl, the plants grew and did not show any visible damage on the leaves, while at 300 mM NaCl, all the plants died. Also, the photosynthetic rate decreased at increasing salt concentration. Sodium was accumulated in the plant parts and this accumulation occurred at the expense of potassium uptake.

The study developed a compact, single unit of fish feed mixing and pelleting machine. In this work, a compact fish feed mixing and pelleting machine was designed, fabricated, and evaluated for its performance efficiency. The basic units of the machine are the processing unit, structural support, and the prime mover. The major component of the feed substrates used were maize, fish meal, soya bean cake, blood, and bone meal in their varied proportions blended with wet cassava starch to establish the machine performance and efficiency. The results showed that the varied proportions of starch inclusion in the blended substrate have influence on the investigated machine performance parameters. The performance outputs from the machine revealed the highest pelleting efficiency of 80.36%, pellet durability of 98.74%, throughput capacity of 4.16 kg/h, and the least labour requirement of 0.23 man-hour per kg at a starch inclusion of 0.125 kg, while the highest pellet bulk density of 0.302 g/cm 3 was recorded at 0.20 and 0.125 kg starch addition. Machine economic analysis revealed that it can be of benefit for small- to medium-scale fish feed farmers.

The objective of this study is to analyse the effect of swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis carabauesis) sustainability indicators and to examine the relationship between these. The research was conducted in the central area for the development of swamp buffalo in South Kalimantan, namely, Hulu Sungai Utara Regency, in July 2022 with the participation of 145 farmers, who were identified using the multistage sampling method. There were 53 indicators with 9 latent variables, statistically modelled using the partial least squares structural equation modelling method, with evaluation of the outer and inner models. The results show that the information system and economy had a significant effect on human resources (HR), which in turn had a significant effect on the financial and business sustainability of swamp buffalo. The influence of information systems on resources was positive, while economic indicators had a negative influence. HR had a positive relationship with the financial and business sustainability of swamp buffalo. The sustainability indicators in swamp buffalo farming are complex and vary from region to region. Based on the study results, it is expected that the government as policymakers, especially the government of Hulu Sungai Utara Regency, South Kalimantan, pay special attention to the aspects of information systems, the economy, HR, and the financial and business sustainability of swamp buffalo, while also considering other indicators such as ecological, sociocultural, technological, and institutional ones.

This study aimed to investigate the agronomic traits of nutmeg transplanting by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation. The low-fertility soil of Sofifi North Maluku was subjected to a slow early growth stage of nutmeg cultivars. A completely randomized design was used in the experiment. The first factor was three different AMF doses: 0, 4, and 8 g seedlings −1 . The second factor consisted of three cultivars: “Ternate 1,” “Tobelo 1,” and “Makian.” Root colonization and agronomic traits were measured 28 weeks after inoculation and transplantation. Results showed that AMF inoculation increased the AM colonization by 2.5–39.0%, significantly increased the leaf area (LA) ( p < 0.01) in all cultivars, and interacted with cultivars to increase chlorophyll a ( Chl a ) ( p < 0.05), chlorophyll b ( Chl b ) ( p < 0.01), and total Chl ( p < 0.01). Cultivars “Makian” showed the highest Chl (188.4%) at 8 g seedling −1 doses of AMF that were significantly ( p < 0.01) different from the cultivar “Tobelo 1” at the same dose. The largest mycorrhizal response was found in the cultivar “Ternate 1” (biomass increase of 30–37.0%). The cultivar “Ternate 1” produced the largest LA (36.7–106.9%) and shoot dry weight (27.8–45.8%) that were significantly ( p < 0.01) different from the other cultivars. The percentage of AM colonization was strongly determined ( R 2 = 0.88) by Chl a , Chl b, and K content in leaves. This technology is a breakthrough to increase LA and plant biomass in the early growth stage of nutmeg cultivation.

Identity has become a fascinating object of exploration in various aspects of life and work, including farming. Many studies have examined the extent to which farmers reconstruct their identities, and only a limited number have evaluated the forms of negotiation from a communication perspective. Therefore, herein, we addressed this gap by analysing the identity challenges experienced by farmers in the agricultural era 4.0. A comprehensive farmer identity negotiation model was developed by conducting a multi-case study involving millennial and Generation X farmers from different regions in Indonesia. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 farmers who have embraced Agriculture 4.0 across five regencies in Indonesia. The results showed that farmer identity is maintained and built through various processes, including education, outreach, affiliation, and social networking. Farmer identity negotiation also involves self-preparedness, such as developing communication competence and receiving environmental support through social connections, media, and access to information. The process of farmer identity negotiation ultimately leads to the affirmation of identity, manifesting in changes in social roles, lifestyle changes, and improved farming quality. The advent of Agriculture Revolution 4.0 has necessitated the availability of innovative information, provided access to information and communication technology, and spaces for farmer communities to improve their farming competence.

The objective of the study was to assess the effect of varying levels of water deprivation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and internal organ weight of broiler chickens. Ninety unsexed Ross 308 chicks 2 weeks old were randomly assigned to five water deprivation periods of 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. Each treatment was replicated three times with six birds per replicate. Broiler chickens were given water ad libitum (0 h) or for 30 min at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-h intervals. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined on a weekly basis. A negative linear relationship ( P < 0.05) existed between water deprivation and ADFI. The increase in water deprivation level resulted in ADFI decreasing at an increasing rate. The R 2 value was 0.94. There was no relationship between water deprivation on ADG and FCR ( P > 0.05). There was a quadratic relationship between water deprivation and cold dress mass (CDM) and warm dress mass. As the level of water deprivation increased, there were linear increases in relative weight of gizzard, spleen, heart, lungs, liver, and gastrointestinal tract ( P < 0.001). The organ weights of the broiler chickens revealed the ability of birds to withstand of up to 24 h. Using differential of quadratic equations, the maximum time of water deprivation that did not negatively affect CDM was estimated to be 4 h.

The potential for vegetables in Indonesia is enormous. However, activities both upstream and downstream are still not well developed so that Indonesia is still importing horticulture to meet domestic needs. Because the potential for horticulture has not been maximized, the Ministry of Agriculture is holding a Horticultural Village program, one of which is in Central Java. The Horticultural Village Program that has been running requires a strategy to increase its sustainability. This research was conducted in Central Java to determine strategies to improve the sustainability of the horticultural village program. The method used in this study is multidimensional scaling (MDS) with the rapid appraisal for horticultural village (RAP-HORVI) technique or RAP-HORVIs. This research method will produce an index value that will determine the sustainability status of all dimensions used, namely, input, process, output, and outcome. The result of this analysis is that the Horticultural Village in Central Java is in a quite sustainable status. The results of this MDS show that 12 sensitive attributes can be used as strategies in increasing the value and sustainability status of Horticultural Villages in Central Java, namely, business management training, availability of production tools and materials, suitability of production input facilities, technical training, availability of capital, optimizing the use of infrastructure assistance, checking on farmers/micro, small, and medium enterprises beneficiaries of SK CPCL, intensive assistance by trainers, increasing planting area, increasing the number and variety of plant types, planning the area of land ready for planting, and increasing business capital.

Grazing exclusion (GE) is a useful management technique for restoring degraded grasslands. The herbage mass productivity and chemical makeup in the grazing-excluded subtropical grassland environment has, however, received little attention. A subtropical riverine grassland was selected to determine the effect of GE on herbage mass productivity and chemical composition in Nepal. In three successive harvesting times from September to November 2020, the herbage was sampled along the six randomly selected transects of 100 m length and at two treatments (GA: Grazing-allowed and GE: Grazing-excluded plots) at three different times of harvest from a 1,000-ha grassland. A total of 108 herbage cut samples were collected from the individual 1 m × 1 m quadrats at the three harvests, respectively, from the GA and GE plots. Fences were used to maintain the GE plots to avoid grazing to prevent the vegetation altered by grazing. Day before herbage sampling, the functional groups, cover-abundance within the sampling quadrats were investigated. By cutting the fresh herbage 5 cm above the ground and subjecting it to oven drying for laboratory examination, the herbage mass productivity within each quadrat was measured. Using established laboratory procedures, the chemical analysis of herbage was evaluated for its proximate, fibre, and mineral contents. The results of the study demonstrated that GE significantly increased grass species than other-forbs, other-graminoids, and legumes, respectively, and increased dry matter productivity, which could be seen by an increase in leaf stem ratio, tiller productivity, increased coarseness (fibrous content), total ash, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P), but with a decreased nonstructural carbohydrate, and the concentrations of ether extract and crude protein. Research results also confirmed that GE increases herbages’ fibrousness and productivity, though the herbage quality, intake, and digestibility decline. It further demonstrates that grazing is a crucial biological component for maintaining pasture quality in subtropical grasslands and that managing grasslands through livestock grazing would make grasslands more stable and nutrient-enriched. The findings of this study can be useful in the long-term monitoring of grazing livestock in the subtropical grasslands when considering further investigations with the multiple factors in future.

The research employs secondary data consisting of time series data on beef prices from the consumer regions (Jakarta, Banten, and West Java Provinces) and the producer regions (East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, Bali, East Java, and Lampung Provinces) obtained from the Center for Information of Strategic Food Prices period January 2018–July 2022. The analytical model utilizes the estimated VAR (vector autoregression)/VECM (vector error correction model). The mean beef price in Indonesia’s producer regions exceeds the normal level (above the reference price), except for East Nusa Tenggara Province, as well as in the consumer regions, which are significantly above the normal level. Beef prices in the producer and consumer regions have a mutual influence in the current and previous periods. The presence of cointegration implies that in the long term, the beef market in the producer regions (East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, Bali, East Java, and Lampung) is integrated with the consumer regions (Jakarta, Banten, and West Java Provinces) in Indonesia. The most substantial impact of the shock of beef prices in the region of the largest producer is Lampung Province. This research concludes that there is a cointegration of beef prices; in the long term, the beef market in producer regions is integrated with the consumers in Indonesia. Similarly, the beef market will be integrated into producer regions with the consumers in the short term. The VECM is a beef price forecasting model in the producer and consumer regions, which can be considered to have excellent performance.

The swamp buffalo is a valuable genetic resource and an important source of animal protein in Indonesia. Unfortunately, their population is decreasing due to problems attributed to conventional farming systems. The objective of the study was to examine the sustainability of swamp buffalo farming and identify the attributes that influence its sustainability. Data were collected through a focus group discussion involving experts and business actors in swamp buffalo farming and a survey on buffalo farmers. The study examined 52 attributes within 6 dimensions: ecological, economic, social, technological, institutional, and welfare dimensions. The data were analysed using multidimensional scaling through the Rapid Appraisal for Swamp Buffalo technique. The results of the study demonstrate that swamp buffalo farming in Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU), Hulu Sungai Selatan (HSS), and Hulu Sungai Tengah (HST) districts in South Kalimantan province has sustainability indices of 51.70, 53.13, and 48.87%, respectively. This study identified 12 leverage attributes that are very influential to the sustainability of swamp buffalo farming, i.e., climatic conditions, land suitability, marketing, income from swamp buffalo farming, mutual assistance, education level, processing technology, reproduction technology, the role of local government, capital institutions, programs from central government, and farmers’ welfare. Swamp buffalo farming in HSU and HSS is moderately sustainable, while in HST, it is less sustainable, suggesting improvement in the key factors influencing the sustainability of swamp buffalo farming. This study offers valuable insights for the government in formulating policies and programs for developing swamp buffalo farming and conserving swamp buffalo germplasm.

Spodoptera frugiperda caused severe damage to the maize plant. Botanical insecticides are a choice to control this pest. This study aims to determine the ethanol extract of Calophyllum soulattri stem bark, methanol extract of Piper aduncum fruit, and Sesamum indicum oil, and their potential mixture for controlling S. frugiperda . The bioassays were carried out in laboratory conditions using second instar S. frugiperda larvae from mass rearing in the laboratory. A toxicity test was performed using the leaf-residual feeding method. The result showed that the mortality of S. frugiperda for C. soulattri is LC 50 = 0.349% and LC 95 = 3.256% and that for P. aduncum is LC 50 = 0.530% and LC 95 = 4.666%. S. indicum oil (at 10% concentration) only caused the mortality of S. frugiperda by 27.5%. Insecticide mixture can increase the toxicity of the insecticide. The observation mortality of S. frugiperda for C. soulattri and P. aduncum (1:2) extracts mixture were LC 50 = 0.233% and LC 95 = 0.808%. At the same time, C. soulattri extract dan S. indicum oil mixture (4:1) were LC 50 = 0.268% and LC 95 = 0.931%. The treatments with a single insecticide and their mixtures affected the biological activity of S. frugiperda by reducing the area of feed consumption, and the longer the larval development time, the lower the pupal weight of S. frugiperda . Our findings indicated that a mixture of C. soulattri and P. aduncum extract, then C. soulattri extract, and S. indicum oil could potentially develop as effective insecticide for controlling S. frugiperda.

The consumption of fruits and vegetables has been considered very important for human health. This research aimed to study consumption habits of fruits and vegetables from organic farming (OFV) within a convenience sample of Portuguese adults, including reasons for consumption, most valued mode of production sources, frequency of use, knowledge about characteristics and benefits, and information sources. An online questionnaire containing 30 questions was originally developed and shared on social networks and 300 questionnaires were obtained. The organic vegetables identified as the most consumed were lettuce (93.5%), potato (92%), and tomato (92%); the most consumed organic fruits were orange (83%), lemon (82%), and strawberry (82%). The strongest motivations to consume OFV include environmental benefits (57%) and health benefits (94%), namely the prevention of high total cholesterol (71%), the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (69%), and obesity prevention (68%). Regarding the level of information about the nutritional and chemical properties of OFV, 86% of the respondents consider themselves informed people. Meanwhile, there still are 33% of the respondents revealing no concern about the farming practices. As so, there is an opportunity to increase literacy about these products, to raise awareness about the benefits of organic products, and to promote higher consumption of OFV products, supported in the arguments of perceived positive impact of organic agriculture on ecosystems and human health.

The study was conducted to assess the phenotypic diversity within the indigenous chicken population in Tanzania, the central zone, preciously Dodoma and Singida regions. Six districts from two regions were purposively selected based on their potential for chicken population. A total of 176 adult local chickens of both sexes were used to estimate the body weight, linear body measurements and visual assessments of phenotypic traits. The results indicated that the predominant comb type was single (90.9%) followed by pea comb (6.8%). The dominant plumage colour was a combination of different colours (66%), followed by black (14%). Yellow shank colour (59.1%) was dominant over other colours. The estimated overall mean values of body weight, body length, chest circumference, and shank length were 1.80 kg, 39.3, 31.3, and 8.8 cm, respectively. Males were significantly heavier than females (2.2 vs 1.3 kg; p < 0.05). The values of most linear body measurement traits were significantly different ( p < 0.01). The chest circumference was not significantly different across the studied districts. The present finding suggests that indigenous chickens in the study area possess unique genetic potentials that would be used for further breeding programs for optimum utilisation of these genetic resources by the rural communities.

Increased concerns for sustainable agriculture have led to increased use of beneficial rhizobacteria as biofertilizers. Soil bacteria play a significant role in the nutrient cycle of soil, but their presence can be affected by abiotic stress, such as salinity. This study aimed to compare the chemical characteristics of slightly saline and non-saline rice soil and examine the bacterial community structure in both rhizosphere and bulk soil. We utilized 16SrRNA gene sequencing and performed arithmetic means clustering, a type of hierarchical clustering, on the samples collected from the rice fields of Cimrutu and Rawaapu Village in Cilacap Regency, Indonesia. Although the nutrient content was similar in both soils, there was a noticeable difference in their electrical conductivity (EC) despite the two locations being less than 4 km apart. The EC value in the Cimrutu soil suggests that it is non-saline, while the Rawaapu soil exhibits a low salinity level. The study found that Proteobacteria was the most prevalent phylum in saline rhizospheric soil. In contrast, Firmicutes was the most abundant group in saline bulk soil and non-saline rhizospheric and bulk soil. Additionally, Halothiobacillus , Thioalkalispira-Slvurivermis , and Acidothermus genera dominated the saline rhizospheric soil, suggesting that halotolerant microbes play a significant role as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in saline soil. The study provides valuable insights into cultured or uncultured bacterial populations and structure in saline and non-saline soil to develop future strategies related to salinity by introducing beneficial microbes.

Introduction Members of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been well known for their antimicrobial activities against various bacterial pathogens in aquaculture species. Thus, the present study aimed at isolating LAB members from the intestinal tract of wild-caught catfish, Clarias gariepinus, and screening them for antimicrobial production against one of the most common bacterial pathogens, Edwardsiella ictaluri . Material and methods LAB were isolated from the intestinal tract of wild catfish caught at the Brantas River, East-Java Indonesia. Then, LAB were screened for antimicrobial activity against E. ictaluri by in vitro assays and further assessed for probiotic candidates. Results A total of 29 LAB were successfully isolated and further screened for anti-edwarsiella activities. Of the 29, six isolates had strong anti-edwardsiella activity (diameter of inhibition zone, >10 mm). Based on their 16 s rRNA gene sequences, these LABs were identified as Lactococcus lactis , Enterococcus hirae , Weissella confusa , Weissella cibaria, and Enterococcus faecalis (two isolates). Further in vitro assays indicated that E. faecalis, L. lactis, W. confusa, and W. cibaria had good viability in the intestinal tract condition, having good adhesion capacity to intestinal mucus, and being harmless to catfish. However, two species ( E. faecalis and W. cibaria ) were resistant to novobiocin and enrofloxacin, respectively. Conclusion Three LAB species ( E. faecalis, L. lactis, and W. confusa ) are potential probiotic candidates in aquaculture to prevent enteric septicemia of catfish disease. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the use of probiotics in vivo .

In the Tekorsh Sub-Watershed, East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia, researchers investigated the impact of land use patterns and slope position on selected soil physico-chemical parameters. The study area was arbitrarily divided into three slope positions (higher, middle, and lower), two land uses types (grazing and cultivated land), and two soil depths (0–20 and 20–40 cm) with three replications, based on the in situ field survey. For laboratory analysis, a total of 36 composite samples were obtained. Sand, clay, and silt fraction were highly significantly ( P ≤ 0.05) affected by the interaction effect of the three factors. Clay and clay loam were the textural classes of the soil in the study area. The interaction effects of the three factors were highly significant ( P ≤ 0.001) affected bulk density ( D b) , total porosity (TP), organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (AP), exchangeable (Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and acidity), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn). The soils were medium to high (1.22–1.44 g/cm 3 ) in D b , very high (45.66–63.13%) in TP, medium to high (15.72–19.56% v/v) in available water holding capacity, low to medium (1.37–2.91%) in OC, very low (1.65–7.68 mg/kg) in AP, high (4.62–5.36 cmol(+)/kg) in exchangeable Mg 2+ , very high in CEC (43.60–51.06 cmol(+)/kg), Fe (25.20–52.91 mg/kg), Mn (37.29–105.55 mg/kg), Cu (4.04–7.87 kg/kg), and Zn (0.83 2.53 kg/kg). In general, it was discovered that the majority of the assessed soil properties were better in grazing land than in soils utilized for cultivated land uses, and that the lower slope position was preferable to the upper and middle ones.

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) are a UN agenda that has been approved by all UN member states. The SDGs have 17 targets, one of which is to eliminate hunger. In 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion people. Improved soil and water management, according to the World Resources Institute, is one of the options for feeding 10 billion people sustainably by 2050. In comparison to conventional farming, smart and precision farming produces higher productivity at a lower cost. Based on the search for literature studies related to the development of agricultural technology, it was found that communication methods and online interfaces still require further improvement. The steps for developing the system are designing the architecture and end-to-end communication flow, designing use case diagrams, designing entity-relationship diagrams, designing user flow diagrams, implementing the system through code development, and finally testing the system. Planned communication and web design for precision smart agriculture are implemented effectively. The MQTT is used to communicate with the Node.js server worker. Data from numeric image feeds and images are directly processed by the system. The server will store all received data, including numeric data and live feeds, for future use. The back end of the website has many functions such as dataset management, device management, user administration, firmware management, control management, and live image feed management are some of the capabilities available. When 100 users access the system simultaneously, the RAM usage on the server is 167 MB. RAM utilization reaches 389 MB when 400 users access the system simultaneously. The limit for simultaneous user connections to the web interface is 400 users. The maximum number of devices that can be connected simultaneously via MQTT communication is 900.

Farmers are accessing seeds from different sources with different quality standards. Studies on the assessment of seed systems (sources) in relation to seed quality are scarce. This study was carried out to assess the different seed qualities (physical purity, physiological quality, and seed health) of bread wheat seed accessed through the existing seed sources (formal and informal seed sources) in Baso Liben district of the Amhara region, northwest Ethiopia. In addition, this study assessed the experience of farmers in seed production and management. Data were collected from 108 respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire and from farmers and local experts using focus group discussions. Seed samples were collected from 58 farmers (30 farmers who sourced seed from the informal system and 28 from the formal system) for laboratory testing. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t -test (pairwise comparison) using SPSS v23.0. Results showed that about 32.4% of the respondents have experience in quality bread wheat seed production under contractual seed production arrangements with public seed enterprises. Results also revealed significant differences between formal and informal seed sources for various seed quality parameters. Seeds accessed from the formal sources have better physical purity, physiological quality, and 1,000 seed weight than seeds accessed from informal sources. Seed samples collected from the informal source were highly infected with Aspergillus flavus , Aspergillus niger , Chaetomium spp., and Fusarium spp., and seeds from the formal seed source were infected with Alternata spp. and Penicillium spp. Seed quality is a major concern for the seeds accessed from both formal and informal sources. Therefore, the seed quality control mechanisms of various stakeholders, including national and regional seed regulatory bodies, government organizations, research institutes, and seed producers/companies, should be given much attention at each stage of the seed value chain.

Remote sensing (RS) can efficiently support the quantification of crop water requirements and water productivity (WP) for evaluating the performance of agricultural production systems and provides relevant feedback for management. This research aimed to estimate winter wheat water consumption and WP in the central clay plain of Sudan by integrating remotely sensed images, climate data, and biophysical modelling. The wheat crop was cultivated under a centre-pivot irrigation system during the winter season of 2014/2015. The Landsat-8 satellite data were used to retrieve the required spectral data. The Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) was supported with RS and climate data for estimating the Actual Evapotranspiration (ETa) and the WP for the wheat crop. The SEBAL outputs were validated using the FAO Penman–Monteith method coupled with field measurements and observation. The results showed that the seasonal ETa ranged from 400 to 600 mm. However, the WP was between 1.2 and 1.5 kg/m 3 during the wheat cycle. The spatial ETa and WP maps produced by the SEBAL model and Landsat-8 images can improve water use efficiency at field scale environment and estimate the water balance over large agricultural areas.

The use of improved soybean varieties is crucial when it comes to the progress of soybean cultivation in Indonesia. This study presents the agronomic performance, seed chemical composition, and bioactive components of 12 soybean genotypes grown in Malang, Indonesia. Parameters included the agronomic characteristics, ash, protein, fat, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), genistein and daidzein contents as well as antioxidant activity. The study found that Dena 1, Dering 1, and Deja 1 had the highest seed yield (2.76–2.84 t/ha), while Dega 1 had the largest seed size (24.69 g/100 seeds). The black-seeded genotype of Detam 1 had the highest protein content (39.79% dw), while GH 63 had the largest amount of total daidzein and genistein. Detam 4 (a black-seeded genotype) exhibited the highest values of TFC, TPC, and antioxidant activity. The agronomic characteristics and TPC significantly correlated, suggesting that both traits are applicable as criteria for soybean breeding selection. Detam 4 and GH 63 are likely promising to be used as gene sources for improving the nutritional and health benefits of soybean genotypes. GH 63 and GH 73 also have the potential for further release as new high-yielding varieties with early maturity and large seed size. Overall, the study provides valuable information on the agronomic superiority and nutritional aspects of improved soybean varieties in Indonesia.

This study examines the indirect and direct factors affecting the preference for distant travel of apple fruit (food miles or FMs) in Indonesia, a Muslim-majority country. This research employs a quantitative consumer survey of 522 respondents in Indonesia from January to February 2023. Data were collected online (i.e. via social media), and the respondents were chosen randomly. Data were then analysed using a partial least square-structural equation model to prove the proposed hypotheses using Rstudio. This investigation has some principal findings. First, domestic interest and health-environment benefits directly affect the preference for short food miles (SFMs). Second, the halal requirements do not directly affect the choice of SFMs but indirectly affect the preference for SFMs through health-environmental benefits. In sum, the choice for SFMs is affected by domestic interest (direct), health-environmental benefits (direct), and halal requirements (indirect). This study finally has a theoretical contribution to the interplay among green supply chain, halal food supply chain, and food security.

This study aims to examine the dynamics of subsidized fertilizer management in rice production areas in Sidrap and Wajo districts, South Sulawesi province. Using a case study approach with qualitative analysis, the study combined primary data from in-depth interviews and secondary data derived from various studies and reports from government organizations. The results show that there is a considerable gap between the government’s fertilizer budget and farmers’ actual needs, leading to coverage of only 37%, thus forcing farmers to purchase more expensive non-subsidized fertilizers. The inefficient distribution system results in delays and scarcity. As a result, there will be market and price dualism between subsidized and non-subsidized markets, as well as subsidized and non-subsidized prices. Enforcement of pricing regulations faces hurdles due to the black market. In addition, farmers use the “foster father” system to obtain credit. To improve fertilizer management, the study recommends a multifaceted approach: increased budget allocation, efficient distribution, strong enforcement of pricing regulations, and innovative financing solutions such as the Tani Card. These strategies, along with improved inter-agency coordination, aim to address challenges and increase the effectiveness of subsidized fertilizer policies.

The aim of this study is to investigate factors affecting customer behaviours towards purchasing decisions of honey. A questionnaire was used to collect data; the data were analysed with a quantitative research method. Structural Equation Modelling is used to analyse the data, assess the network of structural relationships, and analyse the relationship between each factor in this research using the Partial Least Square method. Based on this relationship, the factors affecting customer purchasing decisions are analysed. The respondents are 400 customers spread all over Indonesia. The result shows that product quality and promotion significantly affect consumer purchasing decisions for honey. Consumers who repeat purchases are loyal consumers of a product. Therefore, to maintain consumer loyalty and to encourage them to continue purchasing honey products, Kembang Joyo Sriwijaya should maintain the quality of its products and carry out promotions as often as possible. The purchase decision can also affect the loyalty of consumers.

A collective action approach to rice seed production is an inclusive method involving the community’s active participation at all stages of its execution. This all-inclusive strategy, however, has yet to be thoroughly investigated and published. This study explored how and to what degree an inclusive rice seed business of Gapoktan, based on a collective action approach, might be deployed in a sustainable rice seed company run by community groups. The research comprised the following stages: (1) establishment of a seed production business institution, (2) production of rice seeds, and (3) self-assessment of the performance of the seed production business institution. Institutional data were acquired through a questionnaire that references the European Foundation for Quality Management’s (EFQM) methodology. Three dimensions used were direction (purpose, vision, and strategy; organizational culture and leadership); execution (engaging stakeholders; coasting sustainable value; driving performance transformation); and result (stakeholder perceptions; strategic and operational performance). The study suggests essential findings: The organizational structure of rice seed producers formed is complete regarding its operational functions. The rice seeds produced by Gapoktan have met both the volume and quality standards. From a financial perspective, this rice seed production unit is feasible for further development. However, their social orientation is still relatively high and needs to be more profit-oriented. Uniquely, not all members buy and use Gapoktan seeds. As a result, additional efforts are necessary to provide exceptional service to Gapoktan members.

The utilization of appropriate technology (AT) has become the Indonesian government strategy to increase productivity of agricultural commodities due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, the current utilization of AT remains suboptimal mostly due to design deficiencies that insufficiently account for human factors and user experience. In response, the aim of this study is to establish comprehensive AT design guidelines for sustainable AT utilization, focused on agricultural processing machines. An intensive observation was initially conducted in a rural community in Indonesia, to summarize difficulties faced by AT users. Supported by an exhaustive review of literature, a total of 44 human factors related design criteria were defined. Subsequently, these criteria underwent rigorous validation through a questionnaire administered to 197 respondents, consisting of AT designers, experts, and users. Employing the framework of principal component analysis (PCA), novel dimensions of AT design criteria were suggested, encompassing safety and error prevention, functionality and economics, user-friendly, low physical effort, physical workspace compatibility, and perceptible information. To augment the insights gleaned from the PCA, a matrix of importance-performance analysis was created, affording a map of the relative significance and concurrent performance of the defined criteria. The implications of this study are further discussed.

Water-deficit problem in Egypt due to the scarcity of water resources and climatic changes causes significant stress on all crops such as grapevines. Using soil conditioners like superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and Bentonite (BENT) can reduce water problems due to their abilities to store more water and improve the physical and chemical characteristics of soil. A field experiment with a completely randomized block design was carried out in three replicates at a private farm in Minia Governorate, Egypt to assess the influence of SAP and BENT on growth, yield, and water productivity (WP) of Red Globe grapevines as well as some physical and chemical properties of soil under water deficit regime (75 and 50% of water requirement) and full irrigation 100% of water requirement (control) during 2021 and 2022 seasons. The vines were 13 years and irrigated by a drip irrigation system in sandy soil. The studied soil was treated with different doses of SAP (250 and 500 g/vine) and BENT (200 and 400 g/vine). The obtained results showed that reducing irrigation to 75 and 50% of the water requirements led to significant decrease in vegetative growth metrics, readings for SPAD, leaf nutrients (N, P, and K), yield and its constituents as well as the physical and chemical properties of the berries compared to full irrigation. Adding SAP and BENT significantly increase the aforementioned characteristics under water deficit conditions. Application of SAP and BENT was the most effective way to mitigate the negative effects of water shortage on growing Red Globe grapes in sandy soil. SAP gave better results than BENT. Thus, applying superabsorbent 500 g/vine with deficit irrigation 75% of water requirements was a successful treatment in producing an economical yield and berries with fairly high quality and had a positive effect in enhancing WP as well as it proved to be a promising method to improve sandy soil characteristics.

Drought is the most widespread threat to cocoa production. We assessed the combined effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and potassium fertilizer on cocoa drought resilience and survival at the nursery to 2 years after transplanting to field. Nursery and field experiments were conducted at the FRNR farm (6°43N and 1°36W), Ghana, from 2020 to 2022. A 3 × 3 × 2 factorial experiment in a RCBD with three varieties of cocoa (CRG8914 × \times PA150; AMAZ315–15 × \times EQX78; PA150 × \times CRG 0314: V1; V2; V3 respectively), potassium (0, 2, and 4 g/plant), and mycorrhizal spore treatment (non-AMF and AMF inoculated) was used. Soil from the cocoa rhizosphere was collected and the wet sieving, decantation, and sucrose centrifugation techniques were used for the isolation of AMF. Rhizophagus irregularis was identified using the morphological method. The identified inoculum was prepared using the trap culture technique. K levels with AMF recorded the highest plant height (50.27 cm) than the non-AMF seedlings (41.4 cm). 2 g K × AMF in V1 and V2 had the highest ( p < 0.05) above-ground (5.13 g) and below-ground (2.81 g) biomass, respectively. At 24 months, V1 × 0 g and V3 × 4 g without AMF had mortality of 60% and 50%, respectively, while V1 × 4 g and V2 × 2 g with AMF had 2% mortality rate. In conclusion, this has implications for cocoa nutrient management, yield, and climate-smart strategies for the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 13 (climate Action).

Sweet potato weevil Cylas formicarius (Fab.) is the main obstacle for sweet potato production in various countries. Root damage caused by C. formicarius larvae reduced root yield up to 100%. The aim of this study is to test the measures using mulch and entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana for controlling C. formicarius in endemic land of entisol type. The control measure tested was the use of straw mulch and plastic mulch as well as the application of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana . The research was conducted at the experimental station at Indonesian Legumes and Tuber Crops Research Institute, Malang from July to December 2018. The results showed that the measure for controlling C. formicarius using straw or plastic mulch combined with the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana produces root yields between 17 and 26 t/ha. Using plastic mulch as a cover for mounds with the application of the fungus B. bassiana is more effective and efficient in controlling C. formicarius than the insecticide deltamethrin. Plastic mulch can physically inhibit the process of laying eggs and the formation of C. formicarius larvae, while B. bassiana is toxic to eggs, larvae, and adults of C. formicarius . The efficacy of control measure using plastic mulch and the application of B. bassiana can reduce yield losses by up to 96.76%. Technological innovation using plastic mulch to cover the mound with the application of the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana can be recommended to control C. formicarius on land endemic to the entisol type.

Insights into plant and bacterial associations, along with their genome mining, have paved the way for the improvement of the agriculture sector. Initially, 69 morphologically different bacterial strains were isolated from 6 different extreme environment samples. For in vitro screening of plant growth-promoting bacteria, auxin, hydrogen cyanide, and antibiotic production along with phosphate solubilization potential was estimated. Only 15 strains exhibited noteworthy production of plant growth-promoting compounds. Ochrobactrum ciceri CS-10 fostered Triticum aestivum and Zea mays seedling root growth remarkably (104.12 and 159%, respectively), while Bacillus australimaris TP-10 significantly increased the number of leaves in T. aestivum (166.66%) and Z. mays (133.33%) seedlings. These strains also boosted seedling biochemical traits, like indole acetic acid, peroxidase, and soluble protein content. Particularly, O. ciceri elevated peroxidase content greatly in T. aestivum (249.7%) and Z. mays (260.5%). Scanning electron micrographs of inoculated roots revealed the aggregation of cells at the roots of Z. mays, whereas single cells/micro-colonies were observed on T. aestivum roots. For in silico analysis, AntiSMASH was used for genome mining of the environmental Ochrobactrum sp. and B. australimaris reference genome. This genome mining unveiled diverse gene clusters encoding; terpenes, beta-lactones, acyl-amino-acids, aryl polyenes, lanthipeptide, and siderophores, etc. Two common biosynthetic gene clusters (terpenes and beta-lactones) were identified in these strains, which can act as plant growth promoters. This symbiotic plant–bacteria relationship has promising ecological and economic implications, offering avenues for beneficial applications.

This investigation scrutinized the yield, starch, and protein content of five distinct potato genotypes (Desiree, Borostyán, Piroska, Rubinka, and Rózsa) over 5 years of repetitive replanting. The experiment aimed to compare different potato genotypes and examine the yield reduction resulting from possible genetic deterioration over the years. The research took place in Zirc, Hungary’s temperate deciduous forest zone, at 450 m elevation from 2017 to 2021, on a 100 m 2 plot. Potato dry matter was measured according to MSZ 6369-4:1987, and starch content followed MSZ 6830-18:1988 standards. Tubers’ total nitrogen was gauged using the Kjeldahl method, while crude protein analysis employed the Dumas method. Pure protein evaluation adhered to the trichloroacetic acid precipitation technique, all consistent with WBSE-131:2018. Observed variations in starch content revealed Borostyán as the genotype with the highest mean starch content (75.41%) and Desiree with the least (74.98%). Protein content also varied among the genotypes; Borostyán exhibited the highest average level (10.99%), while Desiree had the least (5.52%). The remaining genotypes, Piroska, Rubinka, and Rózsa, exhibited comparable mean protein levels between 8.15 and 8.82%. Findings also noted a positive correlation between yield and starch and protein content. However, certain genotypes demonstrated a negative correlation, highlighting the impact of genetic factors and management practices such as nitrogenous fertilization and crop rotation on these associations. Additionally, the findings suggest that not only the standard Desiree variety but also the Borostyán variety can be reliably recommended for use in potato research and breeding initiatives. Conclusively, this study provides insights valuable for potato breeding and selection programs and the potential development of high-protein potato products. Further investigation is recommended to elucidate the mechanisms and genetic determinants that impact these observed relationships.

The world population is expected to double by 2050, creating a greater demand for animal protein sources. This calls for an increase in the supply of animal-derived foods in order to avoid food scarcity in the future. Non-ruminants, which would have been a panacea to this increased demand for animal-derived foods, have suffered from the rising costs of feed ingredient world-wide. The increase in the prices of conventional feedstuffs have attracted the attention of researchers on the potentials of lesser-known tropical medicinal plants like Dialium guineense Willd (black velvet tamarind) as a feed resource for non-ruminants. The increase in prices of conventional feedstuffs have attracted the attention of researchers on the potentials of lesser-known tropical medicinal plants. One such lesser-known tropical plant that can be used in chicken and livestock production is black velvet tamarind. The plant is found in many parts of the world. It belongs to the family Fabaceae, has high forage yield, resistant to drought and insects, and does not require annual cultivation. The whole seed is moderate in crude protein and fibre but high in carbohydrates. The leaf, on the other hand, is low in carbohydrate, moderate in crude protein, and high in ash. D. guineense stem bark and fruit are excellent source of essential oils, and rich source of dietary fibre, minerals, and vitamins for monogastrics. The plant is endowed with beneficial phytochemicals such as alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids which may serve as natural alternatives to in-feed antibiotics. D. guineense has beneficial pharmacological effects including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The purpose of this study was to review the body of knowledge on the nutritional and chemical composition of D. guineense and its impact in animal production.

Tropical countries are rich in medicinal herbs that have the potentials to improve poultry productivity and health by increasing digestive enzyme activity, immune responses, and modulation of gut microbiota composition through the action of their bioactive constituents. Presently, black pepper (BP), one of such tropical herbs is gaining popularity as a substitute for antibiotics in poultry production, which have been found to promote the development of anti-resistant strains of bacteria and incorporation of drug residues in animal products. BP belongs to the genus - Piper , species – nigrum , and family - Piperaceae. The leaves, fruits, and seeds of BP are moderate in essential nutrients such as minerals and vitamins, but low in anti-nutritional factors. It is also high in important bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These bioactive compounds play important roles in regulating the normal physiological functions of animals such as growth, egg production, and immune responses. Therefore, the aim of this review is to pool evidence on the chemical composition of BP that acts as feed additives and their mode of action in enhancing performance and product quality, as well as the reasons for the inconsistent results among authors on the feed additive value of BP in chicken nutrition.

All birds produce vocalizations as a form of tcommunication with other individuals. Different from songbirds, crowing is a singing vocalization produced by chickens that cannot be learned through imitation. Some genes are assumed to be responsible for this activity. The long-crowing chickens have a melodious and long sound, so they are categorized as singing chickens. They are part of the biodiversity in Indonesia, which has high economic and socio-cultural value. Reviews about long-crowing chickens, especially in Indonesia, are still very rare. This article aims to identify the uniqueness and the existence of long-crowing chickens, together with the conservation efforts needed to manage them. Information was collected from journal articles and other relevant documents. There are four local chickens in Indonesia classified as long-crowing chickens. They are developed in different areas of the community with different socio-cultural characteristics. The fundamental differences among the breeds that can be quantified are in crowing duration and the number of syllables. The government has acknowledged that long-crowing chickens are important genetic resources; however, the association and individual keepers or enthusiasts are vital actors in conservation efforts. The information about long-crowing chickens in Indonesia is incomplete. The research activities that need to be conducted include exploring the population number and distribution, as well as documentation of the local knowledge of chicken breeders and enthusiasts.

There is growing interest in the transformation of costly, unsustainable feed systems to help address malnutrition and food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In the poultry production industry, dietary insect meals were identified as a possible solution to aid in transforming poultry feeds by replacing expensive and environmentally threatening protein feed ingredients including soyabean and fish meal. Hence, playing an important role in helping to feed the ever-growing human population size through the production of more poultry meat and meat products. The potential of edible insects as highly nutritious, cost-effective, and biofriendly alternative protein feed ingredient in poultry diets is currently one of the most trending topics in animal nutrition worldwide. This review will provide a recent overview of the utilisation of insect-based diets by poultry-producing farmers in SSA, to improve poultry production at low costs with little effect on climate change. Therefore, the perspectives of various farmers towards using insect-based diets in poultry production; recent findings on the effect of insect-based diets on poultry production and performance; benefits of insect-based poultry meat; adoption and awareness of insect farming; and opportunities and constrains of rearing insects for animal feeding in SSA were discussed. Hence, there is still a need to improve insect farming infrastructure, educating and training insect and poultry-producing farmers on insect rearing and marketing, enforcing laws and policies on insect farming operation, investing and conducting more research on local insects in poultry diets, as well as conserving wild insects and the environment in general.

The aim of this study was to screen the distribution of carbonyl compounds (CCs) in fresh cabbage as a sample model of multi-layered leafy vegetables for discovering the universal freshness marker of fresh produces. The distribution of CCs was observed in the three outer leaf layers of the cabbage. The profile of CCs in each leaf will guide the selection of which leaf is the appropriate part to be used to further discover a freshness marker of cabbage during storage treatment at the postharvest stage. The carbonyl compounds in each leaf were extracted using a mixture of chloroform and methanol (2:1). The extracted CCs from samples were derivatized with dansyl hydrazine. A high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer with multiplexed multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) was used for the comprehensive detection of carbonyl compounds. More than 400 peaks were observed in the MRM chromatogram from all leaves. The distribution of m / z values that represent CCs were analyzed employing the principle component analysis-discriminant analysis by relating it to the leaf position. The distribution of CC was different for each leaf where the leaves of the second and third layers were similar and significantly different from the leaves of the first layer. The accumulation of trans-2-hexenal was dominant in the first layer; therefore, the utilization of the first layer is not suitable as the part of the sample to discover the freshness marker of multi-layered leafy vegetables.

Visible–shortwave near-infrared spectroscopy has been used for internal quality measurement, but the optical penetration to the thickness of fruit skin becomes a challenge. This research aimed to develop partial least square regression model for the soluble solid content (SSC) measurement of fruits having various skin thicknesses, namely dragon fruit, tomato, guava, sapodilla, and banana. The spectra of each fruit were taken in a reflectance mode over a wavelength range of 400–1,000 nm. The best models obtained from banana and sapodilla yielded determination coefficient of prediction ( R 2 p ) of 0.88 and 0.90 and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) 0.39 and 0.38°Brix, respectively. The banana and sapodilla SSC prediction models should be able to be used carefully in a variety of applications. Tomato and guava had moderately thinner skin but had the lower R 2 p of 0.64 and 0.76 and the RMSEP of 0.17 and 0.26°Brix, respectively. The poorest model was yielded by dragon fruit, which had the thickest skin with the R 2 p of 0.59 and the RMSEP of 0.40°Brix. The model for guava, although having low R 2 p , can still be utilized as a screening criterion and in some other ‘approximate’ applications. However, the SSC prediction model for tomatoes and dragon fruit is not recommended to use and requires additional research. In addition to the effect of skin thickness, other fruit morphological influences the result of this study. Internal structure and seed number influence the reflection optical geometry, which also affects the SSC prediction model.

The protection of agri-food regional products is taking on growing importance in a market dominated by global companies and brands, often with no personality. Thirty years ago, the European Union (EU) agricultural product quality policy introduced the protection of geographical indications (GIs) for agricultural products and foodstuffs, with the aim of highlighting the quality of products resulting from a specific origin, therefore helping their communication and positioning in the market. This is important in countries with a considerable percentage of rural regions, as is the case of Portugal. Bearing this in mind, the purpose of this study is to see what are the drivers of the spatial distribution of traditional products (protected geographical indications, protected designations of origin, and traditional speciality guaranteed) in Portugal. For this purpose, the distribution of traditional products by regions and categories in Portugal will be presented. Also, Portugal’s position will be analysed and compared to the other EU countries, regarding the number of traditional products. Results show that Portugal is the country with the fourth biggest number of traditional certified products in EU territory. In the national territory, the Northern Region of Portugal has the biggest percentage of protected products, followed by Alentejo and the Centre Region of Portugal. Also, in Portugal, looking at the type of products, from a list of ten different categories of GIs, the ranking is dominated by (1) fresh meat, (2) meat products (cooked, salted, or smoked), and (3) cheese and milk-based products. If we consider that many of the aforementioned products are produced in less favoured regions, these results constitute an opportunity for their sustainable development. This benefits not only the producers, but also consumers who increasingly seek “authentic” and more natural products.

The constant variation of people’s lifestyle has been linked to changes in people’s eating habits. The consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) food products, such as fresh vegetables, salads, dairy, pre-cooked meat, or pre-cooked meals, has increased in all western countries. This study aims at characterization of the Portuguese consumers’ attitude toward chilled RTE meat and dairy foods consumption. The study was performed using a questionnaire survey disclosed through an internet platform. The sample consisted of 350 individuals, who voluntarily answered the questionnaire. The survey included questions to characterize the Portuguese purchase and food safety attitudes related to dairy and meat RTE food products. The questionnaire also included questions for the sociodemographic characterization of the sample involved. According to the results, it is not clear to the customers as which is the safer refrigerated RTE food selling format, pre-packed or foods on request. The participants consider refrigerated RTE dairy and meat food products safer when purchased at the delicatessen department in the supermarket than those purchased at open markets or bazaars. With respect to the customers’ habits, they usually purchase RTE dairy or meat food products mainly from the supermarket, and in pre-packed format. Globally, the results reveal that Portuguese consumers are conscious and follow assertive attitudes toward food safety, contributing to maintain the refrigerated food chain, even when they take the product home.

Breakfast has been considered one of the most important meals of the day. While breakfast habits and their consequences on children’s health and performance are well documented, studies on the adult population are still lacking. The aim of this study is to observe the breakfast consumption habits of Portuguese and Brazilian adults to understand the importance attributed to this meal, which leads people to have breakfast or to skip it, and also what types of food are consumed. To achieve these objectives, a questionnaire survey was carried out in both countries, and the data were collected through the internet. A convenience sample consisting of 694 participants (380 from Brazil and 314 from Portugal) were used in this study, all were adults who gave informed consent to participate in the research. The results showed that the majority of participants consumed breakfast every day (74.4% in Brazil and 78.3% in Portugal), and they did it at home (94.4 and 94.3% for Brazilians and Portuguese, respectively). The results also showed that the reasons for consuming breakfast and skipping it are very similar in both countries. People say they do not have breakfast because they do not want to eat in the morning or they do not have time. The reasons to always have breakfast include providing energy, satiety from night fasting, preventing hunger until lunch, because they like it, or simply because it is a habit. The level of knowledge was slightly higher among Portuguese than Brazilian participants and was found to vary according to the habits of having breakfast or skipping it and also according to country, sex, BMI class, and school level. In conclusion, breakfast habits were found to be very similar in both countries’, but the knowledge was higher among the Portuguese than the Brazilian participants. Breakfast is linked to a healthy lifestyle, and individuals’ behaviours and beliefs must be taken into account to promote health and well-being, thus diminishing the burden of noncommunicable diseases related to improper eating habits and dietary patterns.

The current study looks at a variety of factors that affect eating patterns. This is about internal and external aspects that lead to a thorough assessment of consumer behavior, with an emphasis on driving forces and obstacles that significantly affect each consumer’s food preferences. The information is based on questionnaire research of traditional and fiber food consumption as well as specific consumer purchasing behaviors. The results of the questionnaire survey were analyzed using qualitative aspects analysis and other statistical methods (ANOVA, t -test). The study’s goal is to provide comprehensive strategies that encourage and support the intake of nutritious meals, especially in light of how different food motivations and knowledge factors influence Lebanese consumer behavior. Based on the findings, individual eating motivation and its impact on consumers’ behavior in Lebanon when making food purchase decisions were found. Sources of potential influences include information, the social environment, and environmental variables. Processes like social learning influence the interplay between these components as well as food choices and eating habits. As a result, future programs to encourage healthy eating habits might profit by putting more of an emphasis on learning principles and food preferences when programs are implemented.

Wine tourism (WT) is an important area of special-interest tourism in Portugal, and represents an increasingly significant component of regional development. In a more conservative approach, WT has been described as visiting vineyards, wineries, and engaging in wine-related activities. However, this perspective has been broadened, taking advantage of all the potential of the specific destination’s terroir (nature/landscape, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, etc.). Wine routes make the connection between wine and tourism in a specific region and intend to boost wine tourism by promoting collaboration between different stakeholders. Different routes present distinct approaches to WT, within diverse regional contexts, and different ways of collaboration within the wine route. This study compares three wine routes at different stages of development, located in a rural periphery – in the central region of Portugal – Bairrada, Dão, and Beira Interior, considering both context data and information collected in 113 interviews conducted with diverse wine tourism agents from these routes. Besides a brief characterization of the three routes, the main results indicate supplier’s preference for terroir routes instead of wine routes and show the importance of gender, age, and education level for the collaborative work between stakeholders. These aspects and their contribution to the development of WT routes are discussed. Some questions that additional studies may help answering are also reflected.

Soil nutrients can be reduced because of global climate change. This is because climate change causes high rainfall intensity and a prolonged dry season. Efforts to overcome this are fertilized using bioameliorants so that soil nutrients remain available for plants. Observations have been made from May to August 2018 at the JAMTANI Field Laboratory. The study used a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The first factor was a bioameliorant ( P 1 = goat manure 10 tons ha −1 ; P 2 = goat manure 10 tons ha −1 + Azolla pinnata 10 tons ha −1 ; P 3 = goat manure 10 tons ha −1 + Sesbania rostrata 2 tons ha −1 ; dan P 4 = goat manure 10 tons ha −1 + A. pinnata 5 tons ha −1 + S. rostrata 1 tons ha −1 ) and the second factor was rice varieties (Ciherang and Mendawak). The application of bioameliorant increased C-organic of soil by 9.04% to 20.41% and soil nitrogen by 11.76% to 38.24%. The addition of bioameliorant did not cause differences in the weight of the plant between the Mendawak variety (61.34 g) and the Ciherang variety (56.96 g). The most efficient addition of bioameliorant is P 3 (goat manure 10 tons ha −1 + S. rostrata 2 tons ha −1 ) with nutrient uptake efficiency value reaching 5.77%. The use of bioameliorant is expected to be able to substitute the use of inorganic fertilizers and increase rice production.

Salinity stress has become the major devastating constraint for rice growth. Halotolerant rhizobacterial nitrogen fixer (HRNF) was investigated for increasing the nitrogenase activity (NA), organic acid (OA), gibberellic acid (GA), and indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) productions, seedling growth, and rice yield. Six N fixers were isolated using Ashby’s (Ab 1 , Ab 2 , and Ab 3 ) and Okon’s media (Az 1 , Az 2 , and Az 3 ). Furthermore, bioassay was carried out using rice seedling grown on nitrogen-free medium. The Ab 3 and Az 2 isolates were selected and biomolecularly identified as Pseudomonas stutzeri and Klebsiella pneumoniae , respectively. These selected bacteria were used as active ingredients for Halotolerant rhizobacterial inoculant (HRI) dosage trials (0, 500, 1,000, and 1,500 g ha −1 ) on simple pot experiments. The Az group isolates had 3–5 times higher ability in fixing N and producing OA, GA, and IAA than the Ab group isolates. Furthermore, N-uptake, number of panicles, filled grain, and the rice yield of HRI treated pots were significantly increased. Application of 1,000–1,500 g HRI ha −1 had resulted in a significant increase in the yield of rice grain (26.10–28.27 g plant −1 or 15.4–25.09%) which was higher than the control. This result concludes that HRI could contribute in enhancing the ability of rice to adapt and grow under saline stress.