Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the biotechnological potential of thermophilic mi-croorganisms isolated from chernozem soil during composting of poultry manure. The ef-ficiency of the strains was determined by their effect on organic matter degradation, humi-fication intensity, and nitrogen accumulation. The correlation between the quality indica-tors of composting process was assessed with the gross values, taking into account the proportion of compost fractions. The strains were identified as: Aeribacillus pallidus KCTC 3564T (cellulolytic), Neobacillus sedimentimangrovi FJAT-2464T, Aeribacillus composti N.8T, Caldifermentibacillus hisashii N-11T (nitrogen fixers) and Acinetobacter pittii CIP 70.29T, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida NBRC 103162T (nitrifies). It was found that all the bacteria increase the proportion of small fractions by 19.0-19.9%. The gross content of humic acids increases under the influence of nitrifiers (15.5%) and nitrogen fixers (5.5%). The total nitrogen content increases under cellulolytics (13.8%) and nitrogen fixers (20.2%). The smallest fraction (≤0.25 mm) in nitrogen fixers and nitrifies variants has the greatest bioreclamation properties, by 16.4% and 12.9%. Targeted microbial strains pro-vide the direction of the transformation processes while biocomposting. It can also be con-cluded that assessing the quality of composting based on the fraction distribution can be a promising element of the biofermentation process monitoring.

Abstract:

This study investigated the susceptibility of early-vegetation cold-stress soybean to Charcoal Rot (Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid) previously isolated from industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa cv. Fibranova). Nine soybean cultivars were subjected to three-day cold stress in a walk-in growth chamber starting when the soybean had a fully developed first trifoliate, i.e. 20 days after sowing (DAS). The infection was performed on cold-stressed soybeans and soybeans grown in optimal conditions at 30 DAS. The infection lesion length was measured every three to four days. Cold stress significantly affected the intensity of the symptoms compared to soybeans grown in optimal conditions for all except the S9 cultivar. There were also significant differences between cultivars in their infection response.

Abstract: Seed health testing is undergoing a rapid transformation as emerging technologies supplement and, in some cases, replace conventional diagnostic methods. This review synthesizes recent advances in molecular diagnostics (PCR, qPCR, LAMP, and metabarcoding), non-destructive imaging approaches (hyperspectral, multispectral and X-ray) and AI-assisted pattern recognition for pathogen detection in seeds. Emphasis is placed on integrating these tools into high-throughput seed quality programs, with case studies from vegetable, ornamental and field crop systems. We highlight current limitations in cost, regulatory alignment and global standardization, while identifying future opportunities for rapid, sensitive and field-deployable testing. This review aims to guide researchers, seed technologists and policymakers toward more efficient and reliable seed health assurance strategies.

Abstract: At 6 rice paddy sites in 4 prefectures of Japan, we analyzed the contribution of biological N2 fixation (BNF) and ratoon rice growth to soil N fertility, combining 2-year field monitoring and simulation by the biogeochemistry model DNDC-Rice. Across the sites and years, ratoon rice was found to accumulate up to 30 kg N ha-1 without fertilization and irrigation after main rice harvest. Applying a newly built BNF model calibrated against literature data, BNF at the 6 sites were estimated to be 33-63 kg N ha-1 yr-1. Based on the simulations by DNDC-Rice under the locally typical managements, we estimated the contribution of BNF and ratoon rice to soil N fertility, being varied due to the climate, soil properties and management, as follows: (a) BNF and ratoon rice contributed 4-33% and 3-23% of N supply from soil during main rice season, respectively. (b) Contribution to main rice N uptake was 3-29% from BNF, whereas 6% or less from ratoon rice. (c) Although major part of N gain by BNF was being lost by denitrification and N leaching, BNF was contributing 88-349 kg N ha-1 (1.5-6.6%) of the organic N pool in 0-30cm soil layer. Ratoon rice was working to save N loss by reducing N leaching, consequently contributing 14-183 kg N ha-1 (0.2-3.3%) of the soil N pool. We suppose this is the first analysis that quantified the contribution of BNF and ratoon rice growth to paddy soil fertility.

Abstract:

Morningglories (Ipomoea lacunosa, I. hederacea, and I. purpurea) are persistent, problematic weeds in summer row crops throughout warm–temperate regions. Their vining growth habit and enduring seedbanks lead to recurring infestations and harvest interferences. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the seed ecology of these species to clarify how dormancy, germination, and emergence processes contribute to their persistence. Published anatomical and ecological studies were examined to summarize dormancy mechanisms, environmental factors regulating dormancy release, germination requirements, and seasonal emergence patterns. Morningglories exhibit a dormancy system dominated by physical dormancy, occasionally combined with a transient physiological component. Dormancy release is promoted by warm and fluctuating temperatures, hydration–dehydration cycles, and long-term seed-coat weathering. Once permeable, seeds germinate across broad temperature ranges, vary in sensitivity to water potential, and show limited dependence on light. Field studies indicate extended emergence windows from late spring through midsummer, especially in no-till systems where surface seeds experience strong thermal and moisture fluctuations. Despite substantial progress, significant gaps remain concerning maternal environmental effects, population-level variation, seedbank persistence under modern management, and the absence of mechanistic emergence models. An improved understanding of these processes will support the development of more predictive and ecologically informed management strategies.

Abstract: Abiotic stresses, including salt stress, drought, extreme temperature, heavy metal pollution, and waterlogging, interfere with the normal physiological activities of plants through multiple pathways. These stresses destroy the structure and function of cell membranes, inhibit enzyme activity, cause protein denaturation, and trigger oxidative stress. Such effects not only slow plant biomass accumulation, but also may initiate a series of secondary metabolic reactions, increasing the metabolic burden on plants. Abiotic stress poses a serious threat to agricultural production by reducing yields, while exerting profound negative impacts on ecosystem stability, causing many adverse effects. This review focuses on how Trichoderma promotes plant growth and nutrient uptake through multiple mechanisms under abiotic stress conditions. Additionally, it produces abundant secondary metabolites to activate the antioxidant system, thereby enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stress and their defense capabilities. It can improve soil nutrient availability, repair agrochemical contaminated soil, promote crop growth, improve yield and quality, while reducing the use of chemical pesticides and lessening environmental impacts. Therefore, as a crucial soil microorganism,Trichoderma has great potential in alleviating crop abiotic stress. Through deep research and technological innovation, Trichoderma is expected to become an important tool for sustainable agricultural development.

Abstract:

Conserved Ortholog Set II (COSII) markers represent a well-established resource for comparative genomics and phylogenetic analyses in the Solanaceae family. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive in silico assessment of COSII orthologs in Solanum lycopersicum L., Solanum tuberosum L., and Capsicum annuum L. using an integrated workflow that combined OrthoFinder-based orthogroup inference, hierarchical orthogroup (HOG) reconstruction, synteny mapping, and evaluation of copy number. We identified 2,853 COSII-associated orthogroups, of which 2,359 (82.7%) were shared among all the three species, forming a deeply conserved solanaceous core. Among the three species, 1,839 orthogroups represented strict single-copy loci, reflecting their high evolutionary stability. Across these loci tomato and potato retained nearly complete single-copy status, whereas C. annuum L. displayed moderate copy-number variation (mean 1.35 genes per orthogroup; 22% multicopy), with duplicated clusters enriched on chromosomes 1-3, as well as on unplaced scaffolds (CA00). Hierarchical orthogroup analysis revealed substantial gene family expansion at the ancestral Solanaceae node, followed by lineage-specific diversification within Solanum and Capsicum. Synteny mapping showed extensive collinearity among genomes, combined with localized breaks and rearrangements in pepper. Together, these findings highlight a dual evolutionary pattern in Solanaceae: a highly conserved COSII genomic backbone, alongside lineage-specific structural innovations in C. annuum. COSII remains a reliable marker system for phylogenetics, comparative genomics, and marker-assisted breeding. The observed Capsicum-specific multicopy expansions overlap genomic regions enriched for stress-response gene families, suggesting links between structural variation and abiotic stress adaptation.

Abstract:

Weed stress remains a major limiting factor in cotton production, and glyphosate-tolerant varieties provide an effective solution for chemical weed control. However, achieving a balance between herbicide tolerance and agronomic physiological traits remains challenging. In this study, three hybrid combinations were generated by crossing a glyphosate-tolerant cotton line (GGK2) with conventional elite lines and were comprehensively evaluated. Gene expression analysis revealed that the classical detoxification gene GAT was significantly downregulated in all hybrid combinations, whereas the expression of GR-79, a gene associated with glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress response, was markedly elevated, particularly in the GGK2 × Y4 combination. This differential expression pattern suggests that GR-79 may compensate for the reduced function of GAT by conferring oxidative protection under herbicide stress. Physiological determination indicated that hybrid combinations with enhanced GR-79 expression, especially GGK2 × Y5, exhibited superior photosynthetic pigment composition and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency, validating the role of GR-79 in maintaining photosynthetic stability. Agronomic trait assessment demonstrated that GGK2 × Y4 achieved significant biomass accumulation and yield improvement through heterosis, although fiber quality improvement was limited. This study effectively enhanced the herbicide resistance of conventional cotton through crossbreeding and revealed that the interaction between GR-79 and GAT can improve cotton tolerance to herbicides, thereby providing a breeding strategy for developing cotton varieties with both herbicide tolerance and superior agronomic traits.

Abstract: Estimating the mass of Oudemansiella raphanipies quickly and accurately is indispensable for optimizing post-harvest packaging processes. The traditional methods typically involve manual grading followed by weighing with a balance, which is inefficient and labor-intensive. To address the challenges encountered in actual production scenarios, in this work, we proposed a novel pipeline for estimating the mass of multiple Oudemansiella raphanipies. To achieve this goal, an enhanced deep learning (DL) algorithm for instance segmentation and a machine learning (ML) model for mass prediction were introduced. On one hand, to segment the multiple samples in the same image, a novel instance segmentation network named FinePoint-ORSeg was presented to obtain the finer edges of samples, which integrated the edge attention module for improving the fineness of the edges. On the other hand, for individual samples, a novel cap-stem segmentation approach was applied and 18 phenotypic parameters were obtained. Furthermore, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was utilized to reduce the redundancy among features. Combining the two aspects mentioned above, the mass was computed by Exponential GPR model with 7 principal components. In terms of segmentation performance, our model outperforms the original Mask R-CNN, the AP, the AP50, the AP75 and the APs are improved by 2%, 0.7%, 1.9%, and 0.3%, respectively. Additionally, our model outperforms other networks such as YOLACT, SOLOV2 and Mask R-CNN with swin. As for mass estimation, the results showed the average Coefficient of Variation (CV) of single sample mass in different attitude are 6.81%. Moreover, an average mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of multiple samples is 8.53%. Overall, the experimental results indicated that the proposed method is time-saving, non-destructive and accurate. This can provide a reference for the research on post-harvest packaging technology of Oudemansiella raphanipies.

Abstract: Non-starch polysaccharides in plant-based swine diets can reduce nutrient availability, and the use of exogenous enzymes has been proposed as a practical approach to improve digestive utilization. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of an enzyme mixture on nutrient digestibility through both laboratory evaluation and an animal trial. Seven commercial diets were analyzed in vitro, followed by an in vivo experiment with ten nursery pigs fed either a basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 100 ppm of the enzyme mixture for 14 days. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, digesta vis-cosity, microbial populations, and intestinal morphology were assessed. The in vitro results showed improved digestibility in several diet types, particularly finisher and breeding diets, when enzymes were added. In the in vivo study, pigs receiving the enzyme mixture tended to show better growth performance, slightly higher levels of beneficial fermentation products, and more favorable intestinal villous structure, alt-hough significant differences were not observed. Based on these findings, the enzyme mixture may contribute to better nutrient use and intestinal condition in pigs under certain dietary situations. This study provides supportive information on the potential role of exogenous enzymes in practical swine nutrition.

Abstract: Insects rely on a variety of sensory cues for orientation, with antennae playing a central role in receiving and transmitting information about the environment. Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae), a spittlebug and vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, has reduced number of antennal sensilla, yet demonstrates effective multimodal commu-nication through olfactory and vibrational signals. This study aimed to investigate how the simplified sensory system of P. spumarius relates to the primary neuropils of the brain. We examined the ultrastructural organization of Johnston’s organ using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, complemented by previous data on antennal sen-silla. Brain organization was investigated by Micro-CT and confocal laser scanning mi-croscopy, which enabled us to identify the primary neuropiles. In addition, we did anten-nal and single sensillum backfills to trace sensory neurons to the brain. Our findings pro-vide insight into the adaptation of a simplified sensory system for effective communica-tion and orientation in P. spumarius.

Abstract:

Mango stem end rot (SER) is a significant post-harvest disease affecting mango production globally, particularly in tropical, subtropical, and arid regions. It ranks as the second most severe mango disease after anthracnose, causing substantial yield losses, quality deterioration, and reduced market value. The disease is caused by a complex of fungal pathogens, predominantly Lasiodiplodia theobromae, along with species from the Botryosphaeriaceae family, such as Dothiorella spp., Neofusicoccum spp., Phomopsis mangiferae, and Pestalotiopsis spp. The infection process begins at flowering, with pathogens remaining quiescent until post-harvest, where conducive conditions trigger symptom development. Molecular diagnostic techniques, such as species-specific primers and PCR assays have advanced pathogen identification and enabling targeted management strategies. Unlike previous studies focusing on specific regions, this review provides a comprehensive global perspective on SER, covering its history, economic impact, epidemiology, disease cycle, pathogen identification, host range and control measures. Additionally, it explores the role of molecular techniques in improving disease diagnosis and management, offering insights for mitigating the spread of SER in mango-producing regions.

Abstract: Solanum lycopersicum L. production is frequently challenged by complex bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, leading to significant yield losses. This study evaluated the efficacy of three foliar elicitor treatments, Activane®, Micobiol®, and Stemicol®, in reducing disease incidence, severity, and improving plant survival in two tomato varieties, Saladette (Potosí) and Bola (Arameo), under greenhouse conditions. A completely randomized design with four treatments and four replications per variety was implemented. Disease incidence and severity were monitored using standardized scales, while pathogen identification was conducted through morphological observations and molecular methods, including 16S rDNA, ITS region sequencing, and PCR/RT-PCR assays for begomoviruses. Elicitor applications consistently reduced pathogen frequency and severity across bacteria (Enterobacter cloacae, Pseudomonas syringae, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria), fungal (Oidiopsis taurica, Alternaria solani, Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea), and viral (Tomato yellow leaf curl virus, Tomato mottle virus) species. Among treatments, Micobiol® and Stemicol® achieved the greatest reductions in disease metrics and enhanced cumulative plant survival, reaching up to 94% in Saladette and 92% in Bola. Correlation analyses revealed differential suppression of specific pathogens, indicating that elicitor-induced priming selectively enhances plant defenses. The results demonstrate that biocontrol-based foliar elicitors are effective tools for integrated disease management, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides while promoting plant resilience and productivity.

Abstract: Most modelling of photosynthesis of higher plants utilizes the Farquhar, Von Caemmerer, Berry photosynthesis model of C3 photosynthesis. At current air levels of CO2, C3 photosynthesis at high photosynthetic photon flux density is most often limited by the maximum capacity of RuBisco carboxylation, VCmax. This study tested whether experimentally determined values of VCmax corrected for variation in measurement temperature were consistent from week to week during mid-season in two major C3 crop species, soybean and wheat. Gas exchange was measured on single upper canopy leaves near mid-day on sunny days, at the current air temperature and humidity, every 3-9 days during mid-season for two years and was used to estimate VCmax. It was found that VCmax values corrected to the same temperature sometimes varied by a factor of about 1.5 in both species from day to day. Variation in VCmax was not associated with prior 4-day means of temperature, or cloudiness, or with day of year in either species. However, VCmax in both species and years was significantly negatively correlated with the leaf to air difference in water vapor pressure (VPD) at the time of measurement. The results indicate a strong negative impact of high VPD on mid-day leaf photosynthesis which was not evident from sub-stomatal CO2 concentrations, which varied little from day to day. Because VPD increases with global warming, these results indicate that increasing VPD could diminish crop growth beyond any direct effects of warming.

Abstract: Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) has rapidly become a major threat to global tomato production due to its exceptional mechanical transmissibility and remarkable virion stability. Effective sanitation is therefore central to containment, yet the performance of commonly used disinfectants on greenhouse-relevant surfaces remains poorly characterized. This study systematically evaluated the efficacy of multiple disinfectant formulations, applied either by spraying or dipping, on three surfaces central to greenhouse crop management: polyethylene film, pruning shears, and human hands. Following artificial contamination, treated surfaces were swabbed and the resulting extracts mechanically inoculated onto Nicotiana rustica. Lesion number was assessed through direct visual inspection, whereas lesion area was quantified via a computational image-analysis pipeline, enabling precise measurement of foliar infection severity. Generalized linear models and correlation analyses were implemented to quantify treatment effects and to evaluate consistency across surfaces and application methods. Fifth-generation quaternary ammonium compounds and glutaraldehyde exhibited the highest virucidal activity, but only on smooth, non-porous surfaces. In contrast, metallic pruning shears repeatedly retained infectious virions regardless of formulation or application method, identifying them as a persistent reservoir in greenhouse systems. Mechanical agents such as powdered milk and soap were partially protective but failed to achieve complete inactivation. No uniform dose–response trend was observed, consistent with a saturation-type effect where increasing concentration does not guarantee improved efficacy. The most effective treatments were validated in tomato transmission assays, confirming reduced or absent systemic infection. Together, these findings demonstrate that ToBRFV sanitation efficacy is determined by the interaction among chemical formulation, surface type, and application method, rather than dose alone, and provide experimentally grounded, operationally relevant guidelines for integrated ToBRFV management in protected horticulture.

Abstract: With climate change contributing to soil moisture deficits, effective methods for water re-tention and rational water management are being sought. One solution to provide water for crops during periods of dry weather is the use of superabsorbents (SAP). The aim of this study was to determine the response of selected legume species to various doses of superabsorbent. The two-year experiments were set up in a randomised block design, with 4 replicates. The test factor was the dose of hydrogel, also known as superabsorbent: 0-control treat-ment (SAP0), 20 kg·ha-1 (SAP20) and 30 kg·ha-1 (SAP30). In the first experiment, the test object was Vicia faba L. cultivar Granit, and in the second experiment, Pisum sativum L. cul-tivar Batuta (narrow-leaved). The results of our study demonstrated a significant effect of superabsorbent application on the yield of faba beans and peas, with SAP application at a dose of 20 kg ha-1 being the most beneficial. The SAP doses used did not differentiate the factors influencing seed yield in faba bean. However, in peas, an increase in pod number and seed number per plant was observed with the SAP30 dose compared to the SAP20 dose. Application of super-absorbent at a dose of 20 kg ha-1 significantly increased photosynthesis rate in faba bean, the Fv/Fm index in the tested species, and the PI index in peas compared to the control. However, the superabsorbent did not affect transpiration rate or the WUE coefficient in the tested legume species. Significantly higher yields in faba bean and pea and all tested plant structure parameters in pea were recorded in 2018 compared to 2017. The tested parame-ters of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were higher in pea in 2018 (except for transpiration intensity) and in faba bean in 2017.

Abstract:

Plants synthesize a wide range of secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds and terpenoids, which play key ecological roles and have relevant agro-industrial applications. The genus Baccharis, belonging to the family Asteraceae, is highly abundant in South America, particularly in Brazil, and has long been used in traditional medicine, supporting its neotropical origin. Given the growing interest in the species that compose this genus and, in their metabolites, the present study aimed to compile a structured database to support the identification of volatile compounds occurring in Baccharis species. A total of 158 volatile compounds were identified across 15 species, most of which belong to the subgenus Baccharis. Eleven compounds were observed that may serve as chemotaxonomic markers for the genus. The species most extensively studied over the past decade were B. dracunculifolia and B. trimera. Altogether, these findings highlight the metabolic potential of the Baccharis genus and point to new prospects for pharmaceutical and agro-industrial applications.

Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of cultivar and nitrogen fertilization on the morphological and physiological traits and yield of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) grown in central-eastern Poland. In a strict, two-factor field experiment, four soybean cultivars were used: ‘Abelina’, ‘Malaga’, ‘Coraline’ and ‘Petrina’, and three nitrogen rates: 0, 30 and 60 kg N ha-¹. A moderate rate (N30) was applied before sow-ing, while the higher rate (N60) was divided into two parts, with 50% applied before sowing and 50% top-dressed at BBCH 61. The studies were conducted during two growing seasons. It was shown, that both the cultivar and nitrogen fertilization signif-icantly affected plant height, leaf area index (LAI), leaf greenness index (SPAD) and chlorophyll fluorescence indices (Fv/Fm, PI). The interaction among cultivar, fertiliza-tion, and years was significant for several physiological parameters, indicating a strong influence of environmental factors on plant response. Nitrogen fertilization in-creased plant height and chlorophyll content, but reduced fluorescence indices. Among the cultivars studied, 'Malaga' was characterized by the highest physiological activity and seed yield, while 'Abelina' had the lowest values for these parameters. The appli-cation of a moderate rate of nitrogen (N30) im-proved the physiological indicators of plants and elements of yield structure without reducing potential photochemical effi-ciency of PSII, while a higher rate (N60) did not result in a significant increase in yield, despite a greater number of pods and seeds per plant, which may have been due to a reduction in the thousand seed weight. The results obtained indicate, that moderate nitrogen fertilization, combined with the right choice of cultivar, can help to increase the physiological efficiency and yield stability of soybeans in temperate climates.

Abstract: Conventional weather station data often fails to capture the microclimatic variability within plant tissues, which strongly influences crop physiology and disease dynamics. This study characterized the thermal dynamics of xylem and soil-root interface in almond and olive orchards under Mediterranea field conditions in Southern Spain. Twenty-seven thermocouples were embedded at 1- and 4-cm depths within branch and trunk xylem tissues of three trees per species, and four sensors were placed at 20-cm depth in sunlit and shaded soil-root interface. Empirical regression models were developed to quantify the relationships between air temperature with those recorded within xylem and soil-root interface, accounting for seasonal, sensor and tree positional effects. Significant differences were detected between air and those recorded within xylem tissues and the soil-root system. Branch xylem temperatures closely tracked air temperatures, whereas trunk and soil-root temperatures were significantly lower than air temperature during spring and summer, but higher during autumn and winter. These results demonstrate a marked buffering effect of both woody tissues and the soil-root system against external thermal extremes. Such thermal buffering likely provides a more favorable environment for the survival, infection or overwintering of vascular pathogens under Mediterranean conditions. Understanding these internal thermal dynamics is therefore crucial for improving epidemiological models and risk assessments of vascular diseases affecting woody crops.

Abstract: Restrictions in crop production in Ultisols are primarily due to low soil fertility, which limits their capacity to supply sufficient nutrients for plant growth. Importantly, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can play a role in enhance nutrient availability for plants. This study aims to evaluate the effects of AMF inoculation combined with chemical fertilisation on maize growth and yield in three soil series of Ultisols. A pot experiment was performed with a 2 × 3 factorial CRD with five replications. Two factors were studied: (1) AMF (Glomus sp.) (non-AMF and AMF inoculation) and (2) rates of chemical fertiliser (0, 50, and 100% of the recommended fertiliser rate for maize, CF). The results showed that AMF significantly enhanced the growth and yield of maize at all CF rates across all soil series. Total biomass and grain yield following the AMF treatment were markedly higher than after the non-AMF treatment. Likewise, AMF significantly improved the photosynthetic physiology and NPK content of maize. The CF rate had a negative impact on AMF root colonisation, and the AMF efficiency also decreased as the CF rate increased. The relative mycorrhizal dependency (RMD) on maize growth and yield were the highest at 0% CF, with averages of 34.49% and 52.35%, but decreased to 7.43% and 8.73% at 100% CF, respectively. However, the RMD of maize growth and yield remained positive for soil series. These findings suggest that AMF are an effective means of supporting maize cultivation in Ultisols.