Abstract: Climate change significantly impacts agricultural infrastructure, particularly in communal land farming systems, where socio-economic vulner-abilities intersect with environmental stressors. This study examined the effects of climate change (extreme weather events) on different agri-cultural infrastructures (bridges, arable land, soil erosion control structures, dipping tanks, roads, and fences) using a multivariate ordered probit model (MVOP). A survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to collect data from communal farmers (n=60) in uKhahlamba Munic-ipality, Bergville. The MVOP results reveal that, floods, drought, strong winds and frost significantly influence the perceived impacts on infra-structure. Extreme weather events, including flooding and frost, are critical drivers of infrastructure damage, particularly for smallholder farmers. The findings show that bridges, soil erosion control structures, and dipping tanks are the most vulnerable, with cumulative impacts from repeated exposure to extreme weather. Roads and fences also suffer considerable damage, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, flooding and hail. These results underscore the need for climate-resilient infrastructure investments, gender-sensitive adaptation strategies, and targeted support for smallholder farmers. The study highlights the urgency of adaptive measures to mitigate the localized impacts of climate change on rural agricultural systems, contributing to the broader understanding of sustainable agricultural development and land use in vulnerable communities. The study demon-strated urgent need for implementation of strategies and policies on climate adaptation and mitigating measures.

Abstract: This study examines the agroecology and bioculturality of Oxalis tuberosa Mol., in the Montúfar canton, Carchi province, Ecuador, an area where this Andean tuber is cultivated at altitudes above 3,000 meters and in soils with a pH between 5.3 and 7.8. The research was conducted in the Producampo Producers Association, composed of 33 active members, of which 87.5% are women, with an average age of 51.25 years. Oxalis tuberosa Mol., constitutes an important crop in their Integrated Agroecological Production Systems (IAPS): 62.5% of farmers use sustainable fertilization practices with bioinputs such as compost and vermicompost, while only 25% employ chemical fertilizers, with applications of approximately 5 kg every six months in secondary crops. The research adopted a mixed-methodological approach, combining semi-structured interviews with descriptive statistical analysis using Atlas.ti and statistical software. Of the total Oxalis tuberosa Mol. production, 80% is intended for personal consumption and 20% is sold at local markets. Cultivated ecotypes include “blanca” (70%) and “chaucha” (30%), both resistant to pests but susceptible to frost. Families dedicate between 32 and 80 hours per week to production, with an average of 56 hours. The findings highlight the potential of Oxalis tuberosa Mol. to improve the food resilience of Andean communities and suggest that revaluing this crop and its traditional practices can improve agricultural sustainability in the region.

Abstract: In flooded soils, the concentrations of exchangeable Mn2+ and, mainly, Fe2+ can be high and need to be considered in determining the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil under flooded conditions. However, these reduced forms of Mn and Fe are oxidized and precipitated during the extraction process used by traditional methods for determining CEC, which underestimates the exchangeable portion of these cations and, consequently, the CEC value of the flooded soil. The objective of this study is to propose an alternative to estimate the exchangeable Fe2+ and the effective CEC of the flooded soil. To achieve the objective of the study, 21 surface samples (0-20 cm) of soils from rice fields were collected, distributed in the cultivation regions of southern Brazil. The soils were flooded for 50 days. The soil solution was collected on the first day of flooding and after 50 days, and pH, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were determined. Soil subsamples were collected at two times: before flooding and after 50 days of flooding. In these samples, exchangeable cations (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Mn, Al and H+Al) were determined to calculate effective CEC and CEC at pH 7 of dry soil and after 50 days of flooding. The results were used to develop models to predict effective CEC and exchangeable Fe content after 50 days of flooding. The estimation of the effective CEC after flooding by the gradient of pH increase before and after flooding generated values closer to CEC pH 7.0, correcting the possible underdetermination of the effective CEC during flooding. The amount of exchangeable Fe estimated was higher than the exchangeable Fe determined, correcting the possible underestimation of these quantities determined during flooding. It is concluded that the estimation of the effective CEC and exchangeable Fe2+ after flooding by the proposed method proved to be efficient.

Abstract: Both organic and conventional farmers are confronted with the issue of mycotoxin contamination of maize, but organic farming is considered by the public to present a higher risk. There are also concerns about the sanitary quality of maize processed as a foodstuff and marketed on farms through short distribution channels, and there is a need of data on mycotoxin contaminations in such a farming system. With the objective to assess the diversity of contamination levels at harvest and to track the post-harvest fate of mycotoxins, maize grain samples were collected at organic farms from South West France after harvest, storage and milling. There was a wide range of levels of contamination by trichothecenes A and B, zearalenone, and fumonisins. The presence of ochratoxin A and aflatoxins was scarce. In some farms, but not all, the technique of drying and initial storage in cribs resulted in increased levels of contamination by Fusarium toxins, but not aflatoxins. The transfer of mycotoxins in milling products was higher for flour than for meal. Data are discussed in terms of mycotoxin co-occurrence, correlations between concentrations, and compliance with European Union regulations.

Abstract: The integration of Deep Learning (DL) into agriculture marks a transformative shift towards Agriculture 4.0, addressing critical global challenges such as food security, climate change, and resource scarcity. This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of DL applications in agriculture, focusing on key domains: precision crop management, livestock monitoring, soil analysis, and water management. DL, primarily leveraging Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), excels in tasks like plant disease detection, weed identification, yield prediction, and animal health monitoring by extracting intricate patterns from complex, heterogeneous data sources such as sensors, drones, and satellites. Emerging architectures like Transformers and methodologies such as transfer learning and data fusion further enhance DL’s capability to handle multimodal agricultural data, driving precision and automation. The benefits are substantial—improved accuracy, operational efficiency, resource optimization, and sustainability—yet significant challenges persist. Data scarcity, quality, and bias limit model robustness and generalization, while high computational costs, interpretability issues, and implementation barriers (e.g., cost, infrastructure, expertise) hinder widespread adoption. Looking forward, trends point to deeper integration with IoT and robotics, a data-centric focus, and advancements in Explainable AI (XAI) and edge computing to enable real-time, trustworthy systems. This review underscores DL’s potential to revolutionize farming practices while emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to overcome data and deployment hurdles. By bridging AI research and practical agriculture, it offers a roadmap for researchers and stakeholders to harness DL for sustainable, efficient food production in an increasingly demanding world.

Abstract: This study investigates the potential of a biofertilizer derived from the invasive brown alga Rugulopteryx okamurae (RoB) to enhance lettuce growth and improve its phytochemical profile. The extraction of the biofertilizer was optimised through the implementation of a Box-Behnken design, and the resulting extract was then compared with a commercial Ascophyllum nodosum-based product (AnB). This comparison was made under both optimal and suboptimal fertigation conditions in a controlled, soilless culture. Lettuce plants were monitored for water and nutrient uptake, growth parameters, and accumulation of key phytochemicals such as carotenoids, tocols, sterols, and squalene. The results obtained demonstrated that RoB significantly increased fresh and dry biomass, with enhanced nitrate and potassium uptake, in comparison to standard nutrient solution controls. Treatments incorporating RoB consistently resulted in higher concentrations of lutein, β-sitosterol, and squalene, particularly under suboptimal conditions, thus suggesting a strong biostimulant effect that mitigates nutrient stress. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis demonstrated that biofertilizer application induces distinct metabolic profiles, highlighting the coordinated regulation of antioxidant pigments and sterol compounds. The findings support the dual benefits of algae-derived biofertilizers in promoting sustainable crop production by improving yield quality and increasing health-promoting phytochemicals, paving the way for innovative, eco-friendly fertilization practices in modern agriculture.

Abstract: Hyperspectral Remote Sensing allows the accurate analysis of the developmental stages of insects and their interactions with biocontrol agents. This study spectrally characterizes the life stages of Diatraea saccharalis and evaluates the physiological responses of larvae parasitized by Cotesia flavipes. For this, hyperspectral reflectance data were obtained with high-precision sensors. The experiments took place in the laboratory under controlled conditions to ensure reproducibility. The measurements covered eggs, larvae, pupae and adults, with emphasis on parasitized larvae. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to identify relevant significant hyperspectral variations and distinguish biological groups.The results showed significant differences in hyperspectral reflectances between the developmental stages and the physiological state of the parasitism larvae. Newly laid eggs and newly formed pupae showed higher reflectance than pre-hatch eggs and old pupae. The larvae of the first stage were significantly distinguished from the other larval stages by their high reflectance. In adults, the dorsal surfaces of males and females were similar, but the ventral surface of females exhibited a distinct pattern.Larvae parasitized by C. flavipes showed differences hyperspectral signatures, especially in the near-infrared (NIR) bands, reflecting biochemical and physiological changes caused by parasitism. Between 8 and 10 days after parasitism, the reflectance of the larvae became similar to that of dead larvae and different from those of live or newly parasitized larvae. PCA confirmed the efficacy of hyperspectral reflectance in discriminating the stages of D. saccharalis.The data generated in this study can integrate a hyperspectral bank for future applications in entomology and biological control, with this technology being able to integrate precision agriculture systems, optimizing for characterization, pest management and reinforcing the sustainable use of agricultural resources.

Abstract: The antenna sensilla serves as a crucial olfactory organ, enabling insects to detect semiochemicals and adjust their host-seeking and oviposition behaviors accordingly. Monolepta signata (Oliver) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), has emerged as a significant agricultural pest that affects key economic crops such as maize and cotton. Despite the development of various control methods based on volatile stimulation, there is still limited documentation on the sensilla involved in olfaction. In this study, the ultrastructure of the sensilla, especially the olfactory sensilla on the antennae of both males and females, were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Three types of olfactory sensillum types, including trichodea, basiconica, and coeloconica, and four non-olfactory sensilla including chaetica, campaniformia, auricillica, and Böhm bristle were observed. Sensilla trichodea and basiconica on the antennae of M. signata were further classified into two subtypes according to morphology. For the first time, the pores on the sensilla trichodea, basiconica, and coeloconica cuticular walls were observed in this species, suggesting they are involved in semiochemical perception. This study contributes new insights into the olfactory system of M. signata, which can be integrated with other molecular, genetic, and behavioral research to establish a comprehensive understanding of its physiological functions.

Abstract: Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) offers a protected system for agricultural production; however, it remains vulnerable to diseases, particularly root diseases such as Pythium root rot and Fusarium wilt. Sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices, including the use of plant-beneficial microbes, can help mitigate these harmful diseases. These microbes produce natural antibiotics and promote Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR), which enhances nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. While plant-beneficial microbes have been applied in conventional cropping systems, they have yet to be fully integrated into CEA-based systems. Oxygen availability in the root zone is critical for the functionalities of beneficial microorganisms. Insufficient levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) can hinder microbial activity, lead to the accumulation of harmful compounds, and cause stress to the plants. Contemporary aeration technologies, such as novel oxygenated nanobubble technology, provide better oxygen distribution and promote optimal microbial proliferation, enhancing plant resilience. Hydroponic and soilless substrate-based systems of CEA productions have significant potential to integrate beneficial microbes, increase crop yields, reduce diseases, and improve resource use efficiency. This review aims to summarize the significance of dissolved oxygen and the potential impact of novel nanobubble technology in CEA for managing root zone diseases while increasing crop productivity and sustainability.

Abstract: Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important agricultural crop, but its yield often varies due to unfavorable climatic conditions and agrotechnical factors. The research aimed to determine the influence of climatic conditions and sowing density on the number of rows of grains per cob, the thousand kernel weight, the number of plants in the harvest and the grain yield of different maize hybrids. The experiment was conducted in Leskovac, Republic of Serbia, during four growing seasons (2014-2017) on alluvial soil. The research included six maize hybrids from three FAO ripening groups (400, 500 and 600) in three sowing densities (71.428, 57.143 and 47.619 plants per ha). The results show that the sowing density, the hybrid and the climatic conditions significantly influenced the yield components and the total grain yield. The increase in sowing density caused a decrease in the thousand kernel weight and the number of rows of grains per cob. At the same time, above-average temperatures and a deficit of precipitation negatively affected the yield, especially during 2015. The highest yield was recorded with hybrids from FAO group 500, medium sowing density. The results indicate the need for a localized approach in the selection of hybrids and adaptation of agrotechnical measures in order to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

Abstract: Light and nutrient availability are critical factors of plant growth and development, particularly at the early stages, where they significantly influence the establishment and survival of young seed-lings. The morphological parameters and the biomass accumulation of soybean were measured in a hydroponic vertical farm in the first 14 days of seedling growth in two successive experiments under two types of lighting environments and at three nutrient concentration levels. The lighting condi-tions were set by two parallel variable-spectrum linear luminaires positioned above the lower and upper edges of the cultivation trays. In the first lighting environment, seedlings were exposed to a constant photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) with red and blue photon irradiance ratio (R/B) varying in broad range from the lower to the upper end of the cultivation trays. In the second en-vironment, the spatial R/B distribution was uniform, and the PPFD varied between two maxima at the edges and a minimum in the middle of the trays. The R/B ratio within the 0.6-6 interval had little or no effect on plant development. We report the dependence of growth traits as a function of PPFD in the range of 30-290 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ in full-strength, half-strength, and blank nutrient solutions. The light response for shoot height and the first internode length was mainly influenced by blue light. We observed a rapid decline in growth between 6-20 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹ blue photon irradiance. The shoot height and first internode length did not change significantly at higher blue light intensities. The lengths of the first internode and the root dry mass did depend on the nutrient solution strength. All other growth traits, including stem diameter, leaf size, shoot mass, root mass, and SPAD readings, showed a linear correlation with PPFD and electrical conductivity. The leaf mass and root mass ratios indicated that soybeans adopt a nutrient search strategy by giving preference for root growth while increasing shoot height at the expense of the shoot diameter in conditions of low nutrient availability and low light intensity. The functional relationships determined in the experiments provide valuable inputs to plant growth models. The methodology we employed could also be used to study other plant species and to investigate the interactive effects of specific nutrients and lighting conditions.

Abstract: Broomrapes (Orobanche & Phelipanche spp.) are parasitic weeds that significantly impact the productivity of major crops in Mediterranean region, like tomato (Solanum spp.) and faba bean (Vicia faba) species. This review article discusses extensively management strategies to control broomrapes, ranging from preventive measures to curative approaches. Additionally, it includes meaningful information to intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the broomrape-host interaction, focusing on host recognition of parasitic plant molecular patterns and the hormonal crosstalk that regulates the establishment of parasitism. Moreover, the article highlights the potential of breeding for resistance in cultivated crops such as tomato and faba bean as a sustainable, long-term solution to combat broomrape infestation. This review serves as a valuable resource for both researchers and farmers offering insights to develop, implement and adapt effective and environmentally sustainable management practices for broomrape in Mediterranean agricultural systems.

Abstract: Young vegetative quinoa (YVQ) has gained attention as a high-protein leafy crop with potential for cultivation in Mediterranean and semiarid regions. We investigated the effects of inter-row spacing and genotype on YVQ fresh and dry matter (DM) yield, protein content (PC), and protein yield during summer cultivation in northern Israel in two field experiments over two consecutive years (2020–2021). We hypothesized that row spacing and genotypic differences would significantly impact yield and PC. Inter-row spacing significantly affected plant density, ranging from 55–366 plants m–2. Fresh and DM yields ranged from 4957–28,469 kg ha–1 and 661–3662 kg DM ha–1, respectively. PC ranged from 20.5%–26.6% and was not significantly influenced by row spacing. Total protein yield ranged from 147–884 kg ha–1. Among genotypes, no significant differences were observed in fresh or dry biomass, PC, or protein yield (7477–17,776 kg ha–1, 1122–2199 kg DM ha–1, 21.2%–26.5%, 260–579 kg ha–1, respectively), suggesting that genetic variation among the tested accessions had minimal influence under the given growing conditions. Amino acid analysis confirmed the presence of all essential amino acids, fulfilling over 30% of the recommended daily intake per 100 g DM. These findings highlight YVQ as a promising, sustainable, and protein-rich leafy crop for Mediterranean agriculture. Further research should explore multiharvest potential, mechanical weeding, and optimized agronomic practices for commercial-scale production.

Abstract: The agricultural sector plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the objectives set forth by the EU Green Deal. However, the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers has contributed to nutrient over-enrichment in aquatic ecosystems, promoting eutrophication due to excess nitrogen inputs from fertilizers. This phenomenon is a key driver of rapid and excessive algal blooms in rivers, lakes, and seas. In this study, three globally cultivated crop species – oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and pea (Pisum sativum L.) – were selected for experimental analysis. Various quantities of lyophilized phytoplankton biomass, collected from the Curonian Lagoon, a biologically productive and ecologically sensitive brackish water body in the southeastern Baltic region, were incorporated into the growth substrates of the studied plants. To evaluate the potential of phytoplankton biomass as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers, several biochemical parameters were assessed, including proline content, lipid peroxidation levels, hydrogen peroxide production, total phenols content, and antioxidant activity. The findings indicate that utilizing excess phytoplankton biomass can serve not only as a plant growth biostimulant but also as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers, thereby contributing to improved water quality and more environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Abstract: The preservation of truffles is one of the major problems facing this quality product of the Moroccan terroir. The aim of the present work is to contribute to the development of certain conservations techniques for white terfess (Tirmania nivea and Tirmania pinoya) from the eastern region. Various preservation methods are used : air drying, steaming at different temperatures in whole and sliced form, autoclaving at varying temperatures and pH levels, as well as in a sodium chloride solution with citric acid, freezing, powdering, jamming, to give an idea of their advantages. The major drawback is shelf life. The processes for preserving carpophores in the form of oven slices, freezing, powder or jam show very satisfactory results. Organoleptic assessment by tasting has also produced acceptable results for oven-dried tench and freezing methods.

Abstract: Maize (corn) (Zea mays L.)) yield is influenced by complex factors including abiotic and biotic stress and inconsistent nutrient use effi-ciency that challenge optimal yield. Standard management recommendations often fall short, prompting interest in intensive manage-ment strategies within an Adaptive Corn Management System (ACMS). To investigate this, we employed an addition/omission tech-nique within a randomized complete block design (RCBD) to compare standard maize management recommendations with an inten-sive management protocol aimed at identifying yield-limiting factors. Our intensive management approach combined early-season bi-ostimulant applications with mid-season supplementation of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and nitrogen (N) at the V7 stage, followed by foliar fungicides and additional foliar N at the R1 stage. Field trials spanned five Virginia locations over 2022 and 2023 under both ir-rigated and non-irrigated conditions, yielding ten site-years of data. Analysis via ANOVA in JMP® Version 18 with Dunnett’s test re-vealed that the intensive management approach significantly increased grain yield in 3 of 10 experiments. Under non-irrigated condi-tions, the intensive management practices averaged 5.9% higher yield than the standard management check. We observed a higher re-sponse to irrigation in standard management check (34%) than in intensive management check (8.9%). Site-specific irrigation impacts ranged from 14% to 61%. Results emphasize site-specific input recommendations for yield enhancement.

Abstract: Bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs) have been widely characterized from cutaneous warts in cattle worldwide. However, there are still limited studies addressing the geographic distribution of viral types and their potential associations with the histopathological characteristics of lesions, particularly in the vast and ecologically diverse Amazon region. This study aimed to histologically and phylogenetically characterize cutaneous papillomatous lesions in cattle from the Vale do Guaporé, located in the Brazilian Western Amazon. A total of 54 wart samples were collected from 44 cattle clinically diagnosed with cutaneous papillomatosis. Histopathological analysis classified 58.33% of cases as fibropapillomas and 39.58% as squamous papillomas. Molecular analysis, based on L1 gene amplification and sequencing, identified the presence of previously reported BPV types (BPV2, 4, 5, 12, 13, and 15), along with a novel BPV14 subtype and three putative new types (PNT). Statistical analysis revealed that BPV2 was significantly associated with fibropapillomas (p = 0.023), whereas BPV13 was linked to cauliflower-like morphological lesions (p = 0.008). These findings enhance the understanding of BPV diversity circulating in cattle from the Amazon region and provide valuable insights into the clinicopathological aspects of bovine cutaneous papillomatosis, which may aid in future epidemiological surveillance and disease control strategies.

Abstract: To explore the mechanism by which γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) regulates the response of different salt-sensitive tomato seedlings under salt stress conditions, we used the previously selected salt-sensitive tomato ‘M82’ and the salt-tolerant introgression line ‘IL-7-5-5’. The following three treatments were set up: (1) normal nutrient solution concentration as the control, (2) nutrient solution with 200 mmol·L-1 NaCl and (3) nutrient solution with 200 mmol·L-1 NaCl and 35 mmol·L-1 GABA. The concentration of reactive oxygen species metabolism-related compounds and antioxidant enzyme activity in the leaves of tomato seedlings subjected to the different treatments were measured and transcriptome and metabolome analysis were conducted. Ater adding GABA, the SOD, POD, and APX activity in the leaves of the ‘M82’ seedlings significantly increased, while the GR activity significantly decreased. In the ‘IL-7-5-5’ seedlings, the CAT, APX, and GR activity significantly increased. The combined results from the transcriptome and metabolome analysis indicated that in ‘M82’ seedlings, 52 metabolic pathways were enriched, which included plant signal transduction pathways, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways. In the salt-tolerant ‘IL-7-5-5’ seedlings, 59 metabolic pathways were enriched that included plant signal transduction pathways, amino acid biosynthesis pathways, carbon metabolism pathways. Further analysis revealed that both varieties had a higher number of differentially enriched genes and differential metabolites belonging to the plant hormone signal transduction and amino acid biosynthesis pathways, indicating that GABA enhances the salt tolerance of tomato seedlings by regulating these two mechanisms.

Abstract: Facility agriculture can increase production efficiency and alleviate resource constraints. Its developmental level has become one of the most important indicators of the level of agricultural modernization worldwide. The Chinese government has attached great importance to the development of facility agriculture in recent years. Since 2020, the "No.1 Document" has continuously emphasized and deployed the development of facility agriculture. Global climate change has greatly impacted the traditional agricultural production that is vulnerable to weather changes, while the development of facility agriculture can to some extent alleviate the limitations of climate conditions on agricultural production. However, it is unclear whether facility agriculture can help alleviate the adverse effects of global climate change, i.e., reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In view of this, in this research, based on the data from the latest National Compilation of Cost and Benefit Data on Agricultural Products in 2022, the greenhouse gas emissions and carbon emission indicators of open-field and greenhouse cucumber productions in China were measured using the life cycle assessment method (the full cycle of agricultural ecosystems). Besides, the differences in greenhouse gas emissions between different cultivation patterns and provinces were explored, providing industry-level empirical evidence on how to vigorously develop facility agriculture while addressing global climate change. Finally, further discussions were made on how to reduce carbon emissions from facility agriculture based on the measurement results and conclusions. This research will provide reliable empirical basis for policy making and implementation and relevant academic research.

Abstract: Bacteria can sense changes in the environment and adapt to survive under different conditions. The two-component signal transduction system EnvZ/OmpR is described to mediate response to osmotic stress. This system also regulates genes involved in other processes such as virulence, fatty acid uptake, exopolysaccharide production, peptide transportation and flagella production. Considering that some of these processes are known to be important for a successful symbiosis, the present study addresses the role of EnvZ in rhizobia-legume interaction, evaluating the effects of extra envZ-like gene copies in the Mesorhizobium-chickpea symbiosis. Five Mesorhizobium-transformed strains, expressing the envZ-like gene from M. mediterraneum UPM-Ca36T, were evaluated in terms of symbiotic performance. Chickpea plants inoculated with envZ-transformed strains (PMI6envZ+ and EE7envZ+) showed significant higher symbiotic effectiveness as compared to the corresponding empty-vector strains. In plants inoculated with PMI6envZ+, a higher number of infection threads was observed, and nodules were visible 4 days earlier. Overall, our results showed that the expression of extra-copies of the envZ-like gene influenced the symbiotic process at different stages, leading to strain-dependent effects. This study represents the first report on the involvement of an EnvZ-like protein in the rhizobia-legume symbiosis and contributes to elucidate the role of these systems in bacteria-host interaction.