Biology and Life Sciences

Sort by

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Theodoros Gkrimpizis

,

Christina Karadimou

,

Nikolaos L. Tsakiridis

,

Sotirios Kechagias

,

Serafeim Theocharis

,

Georgios C. Zalidis

,

Stefanos Koundouras

Abstract: This study focuses on identifying wine-growing subzones within the PDO Amyndeon and PGI Drama wine-growing zones in Northen Greece, with the aim of classifying their suitability to produce high-quality red wines from the Xinomavro (Vitis vinifera L.) and Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grape varieties, respectively. The initial delimitation of suitability zones was carried out using readily available satellite data on soil, topography, and climate, which were validated using field data for two consecutive years from experimental vineyards in four different suitability categories. Preliminary results showed that this methodology was able to discern the most suitable areas for both varieties and regions with an acceptable relation to real grape and wine attributes as confirmed by the collection of data from the pilot vineyards. The overall performance of this method will eventually depend on the validity of the expert knowledge used to define the most critical parameters and their range. According to the results of this study, and given the relevance of the proposed suitability criteria, this method has the potential to provide an alternative solution for subzone delineation in cases were wine analytical and sensory data are not available.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Austėja Švereikaitė

,

Jovita Balandaitė

,

Ugnius Ginelevičius

,

Aušra Sinkevičienė

,

Rasa Kimbirauskienė

,

Lina Juodytė

,

Kęstutis Romaneckas

Abstract:

Continuous cropping leads to declines in soil productivity, biodiversity, as well as a deterioration of overall phytosanitary conditions. What if we rotate the intercrops instead of the main crops? In a stationary three-year field experiment, maize was intercropped with Fabaceae (faba bean, crimson and Persian clovers and blue–flowered alfalfa), Poaceae (winter rye, annual ryegrass, spring barley, common oat) and Brassicaceae (white mustard, spring oilseed rape, oilseed radish and spring Camelina) intercrops in separate growing seasons. Fabaceae intercrops developed slowly and competed poorly with weeds. The highest air-dried biomass (ADM) was produced by Persian and crimson clovers (approx. 86 g m-2). Poaceae intercrops germinated faster and competed effectively with weeds, particularly rye, oat, and later ryegrass, which was the most productive (200 g m-2 ADM). Brassicaceae intercrops also developed rapidly, especially mustard, Camelina and radish (the most productive 206 g m-2 ADM). Most of the intercrops competed with maize, reducing its productivity, but weeds competition was higher. A strong negative correlation between maize and weed biomass was detected (max. r=-0.946; p<0.01). Complex evaluation index (CEI) showed that the crimson clover–annual ryegrass–spring oilseed rape rotation was the most productive, effective in suppressing weeds and less competitive with maize (CEI 4.82).

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Miriam Distefano

,

Giovanni Avola

,

Giosuè Giacoppo

,

Beniamino Gioli

,

Ezio Riggi

Abstract: Vegetation indices (VIs) offer potential for non-destructive olive fruit quality moni-toring, yet their performance across diverse germplasm remains uncharacterized. This exploratory screening systematically evaluated 87 VIs for predicting chlorophyll and polyphenol content across 31 cultivars at four ripening stages, prioritizing genetic diver-sity to establish species-level biochemical-spectral relationships through integration of hyperspectral data (380-1080 nm) with biochemical analyses. Modified Chlorophyll Absorption Ratio Index and Transformed Chlorophyll Ab-sorption achieved 91 strong correlations (|r| ≥ 0.9) across 124 cultivar-stage combina-tions. High-performing indices incorporated 550 nm with red/red-edge bands (670-710 nm) and non-linear formulations. Moderate inter-cultivar variability (CV = 19.7-21.3%) in-dicated cultivar-specific calibrations may be necessary. Principal component analysis captured 99.8% of variance, revealing three biochemi-cal clusters: high-chlorophyll cultivars (n=5; 450/4078 mg/kg chlorophyll/polyphenols), typical-range cultivars (n=23; 70/4750 mg/kg), and elite cultivars (n=3; 855/6260 mg/kg), demonstrating VI capacity for cultivar discrimination. Chlorophyll degradation exhibited conserved patterns (p < 0.001), supporting uni-versal tracking models. Conversely, polyphenol dynamics displayed marked geno-type-dependency, with cultivars showing positive, negative, or minimal variation, yield-ing non-significant population-level effects (p = 0.969) despite robust cultivar-specific trends.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Jhazmin Quizhpe

,

Rocío Peñalver

,

Pablo Ayuso

,

Gema Nieto

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Commercial gluten-free (GF) breads often exhibit low nutritional quality due to limited fiber and bioactive compounds. The enzymatic treatment of vegetable by-products, such as broccoli and artichoke, represents a sustainable strategy to release soluble dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, enhancing the functional value of GF products. Five GF bread formulations were developed: a control bread, breads containing broccoli or artichoke extracts (BB and BA), and breads with enzymatically treated extracts using Viscozyme® L and Celluclast® 1.5L (BBE and BAE). A commercial GF bread (BC) served as a reference. Nutritional composition, dietary fiber fractions, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, starch digestibility, physicochemical parameters, and sensory properties were evaluated. RESULTS: Enzymatic treatments significantly improved the nutritional and functional properties of GF breads. Viscozyme L® produced the highest increases in antioxidant capacity and phenolic content (up to 30% higher in FRAP), while Celluclast® 1.5L generated the highest rise in soluble dietary fiber (up to 2.75 g/100g) and the best sensory acceptance. Moreover, Celluclast® 1.5L significantly modified starch digestibility, reducing rapidly digestible starch by 14% and increasing slowly digestible starch by over 150%, suggesting a lower predicted glycemic response. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating the enzyme-treated artichoke and broccoli by-products into GF breads effectively enhances soluble fiber, antioxidant potential, and sensory quality. Among treatments, Celluclast® 1.5L applied to artichoke proved most effective overall, providing a balanced improvement in nutritional and functional attributes. These findings revealed the potential of Celluclast® 1.5L-treated artichoke by-products as a source of natural bioactive compounds for developing clean-label, nutritionally enhanced GF breads.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Linlin Yuan

,

Zhiyuan Lei

,

Junyi Zhang

,

Fen Li

,

Shaoying Wu

Abstract: The extended application of pesticides has intensified the resistance problem in Liriomyza trifolii within Hainan Province. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to the elevated resistance observed in this pest by employing whole-genome resequencing (WGS) technology. Through the analysis and comparison of WGS data focusing on Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) from diverse regions and sensitive strains of L. trifolii in Hainan Province. A total of six nonsynonymous single nu-cleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) and thirty-one synonymous single nucleotide poly-morphisms (sSNPs) were detected in the five field populations MY, TS, DA, TY, and JY. Among the six nsSNPs, three (PyR1: M918T, L1014F, and PyR2: T933I) have been con-firmed as linked to pyrethroids resistance, while one (D IVS6: V1845I) was associated with resistance to indoxacarb. Moreover, the frequency of these four mutations generally in-creases with decreasing latitude. Additionally, under sustained pesticide selection pres-sure, L. trifolii exhibits an evolutionary pattern characterized by a dN/dS ratio (nsSNP/sSNP = 6/31 ≈ 0.19) of less than 1. Among the 31 sSNPs that held an absolute quantitative advantage, the highest occurrence frequency reached 94.44 % (G2033: JY), and this sSNP occurred in all populations. In contrast, among a limited number of 6 nsSNPs, the highest occurrence frequency attained 100% (L1014F: all populations). This study sub-stantiates that the elevated resistance observed in L. trifolii within Hainan Province can be ascribed to the presence of four nsSNPs-M922T, T933I, L1018F, and V1845I in their VGSC. Furthermore, the emergence of cross-resistance between pyrethroids and indoxacarb has been identified. This research offers a novel theoretical foundation for future investigations into the resistance mechanisms of L. trifolii.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Ewa B. Moliszewska

,

Małgorzata Nabrdalik

,

Robert Nelke

,

Mirosław Nowakowski

Abstract:

The vegetative mycelium of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) exhibits the ability to reduce nematode populations. This property may be utilized in integrated management programs targeting harmful nematodes such as Heterodera schachtii, a major pest of sugar beet crops. In addition to sugar beet, many other plant species serve as hosts for this nematode; susceptible plants promote H. schachtii development and population growth. Current control strategies rely on integrated plant protection methods, including the use of tolerant cultivars, fallowing, and trap crops such as oilseed radish and white mustard. This study aimed to determine whether sugar beet cv. Janetka or nematocidal plants—oilseed radish cv. Romesa and white mustard cv. Bardena—affect the nematocidal activity of P. ostreatus mycelium when applied together. Specifically, the influence of root or seed secretions from these plants on the activity of ten P. ostreatus mycelial strains was assessed using the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the target pest H. schachtii. Experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions on water agar media colonized by P. ostreatus mycelium. Seeds or root exudates of the tested plants were applied to the mycelial surface. Following incubation, nematode mobility (C. elegans) and cyst entwining by the mycelium (H. schachtii) were evaluated, along with the ability of the mycelium to produce toxocysts. The results indicated that trap plants did not significantly alter the nematocidal activity of the mycelium. However, certain mycelial strains were slightly stimulated by seed diffusates or root exudates. Oilseed radish moderately influenced the nematocidal activity of four mycelial strains against C. elegans, whereas in the case of H. schachtii, similar effects were observed with white mustard. Mycelial elimination of H. schachtii occurred through cyst entwining, which was generally more effective in the presence of plant exudates. Overall, the findings demonstrate that incorporating trap crops such as oilseed radish cv. Romesa or white mustard cv. Bardena, as green manure in crop rotation systems, does not interfere with the nematocidal activity of P. ostreatus mycelium and simultaneously may enrich the soil with nutrients. The study further confirms that P. ostreatus maintains its ability to effectively entwine and eliminate H. schachtii cysts even in the presence of sugar beet, supporting its potential role as a biological control agent. To our knowledge, this is the first experiment that integrates the activities of trap plants and sugar beet with the nematocidal effects of P. ostreatus mycelium.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Sai Suvidh Maddela

,

Emmanuel Chiwo Omondi

,

Margaret T. Mmbaga

,

Anand Kumar

,

Bharat Pokharel

,

Mitchell Dale Richmond

,

Philip Osei Hinson

Abstract: Southern blight, a fungal disease favored by hot and humid conditions in southeastern United States, poses a serious challenge to hemp production in Tennessee. Black plastic mulch (BPM), commonly used for weed control, can exacerbate the disease. There is limited information on the effects of straw mulch (SM), known to moderate soil temperatures and moisture, or planting time in disease management. Field studies were conducted in 2022 and 2023 at Tennessee State University to evaluate the effects of planting time, mulch type, and bio-fungicide application on disease severity, weed suppression, plant growth, and cannabinoid production in floral hemp. SM significantly reduced southern blight incidence and moderated soil temperature, while BPM increased both. Early planting reduced disease severity by 28% in 2022 and by 53% and 34% in 2023 for first and second planting dates, respectively. SM lowered soil temperature by 6%, enhanced chlorophyll content by 30%, and increased plant height and biomass by 20% and 25%, respectively. Early planting increased cannabidiol (CBD) concentration by 0.4%, while late planting increased tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by 0.25%. These findings demonstrate that integrating straw mulch with early planting can reduce disease severity, stabilize soil microclimate, and enhance hemp productivity under warm, humid conditions.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Calin-Adrian Comes

,

Miklos Kiss

,

Vasile Paul Bresfelean

,

Paula Pop-Nistor

Abstract: The purpose of the article is represented by the automation of the process of drawing up the records of agricultural holdings through the necessary registers for the documentation and planning of plant protection works and the prevention of pollution with nitrates from agricultural sources. Through Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in agriculture, we can manage a wide range of repetitive or routine tasks. Using RPA to automate various agricultural operations allows companies and farmers to reduce unnecessary expenses while increasing production and profits. RPA is about simplifying complex agricultural processes that help save time and improve overall operational efficiency towards an important level of process planning and control that will enable farms to maximize their profitability with minimal losses. We carried out the Extraction Transformation and Loading (ETL) of the data related to the declared parcels from the files downloaded from the holdings’ account, later by means of the algorithms the summation of the areas related to the crops and categories of use found in the single payment request was realized. The sheets containing the data related to the animals declared by the holding and the identification data of the holding were identified, and finally the sheets intended for storing the extracted data and the calculated values were created. This dual implementation—desktop-based (Python) and web-based (R Shiny)—demonstrates the adaptability of RPA workflows across platforms, reducing document processing time by approximately 80% and supporting digital inclusivity for small farms.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Amiran Khabidovich Zanilov

,

Zalim Islamovich Dudarov

,

Milana Radievna Aznaeva

,

Rustam Kharunovich Taov

,

Dinara Gumarbievna Dudarova

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.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Tomislav Duvnjak

,

Aleksandra Sudarić

,

Jasenka Ćosić

,

Karolina Vrandečić

,

Tamara Siber

,

Maja Matoša Kočar

,

Nina Cvenić

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.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Collins Bugingo

,

Thota Joseph Raju

,

Swarnalatha Moparthi

,

Jagmohan Singh

,

Harish M S

,

Shaista Karim

,

Andéole Niyongabo Turatsinze

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.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Tamon Fumoto

,

Satoshi Kumagai

,

Yu Okashita

,

Norimasa Tanikawa

,

Masaya Kuribayashi

,

Ryotaro Hirose

,

Hiroyuki Hasukawa

,

Rie Kusuda

,

Keisuke Ono

,

Nobuko Katayanagi

+1 authors

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.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Hailey Haddock

,

Fernando Hugo Oreja

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.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Meilan Zhao

,

Huanrui Zhao

,

Peng Wang

,

Longfei Jin

,

Yang Yue

,

Dejian Zhang

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.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Sibel Aziz

,

Nasya Tomlekova

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.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Ping He

,

Meiqi Liu

,

Haoyu Jiang

,

Zexing Zhang

,

Bianzi Tang

,

Yongqiang Liu

,

Honglei Ma

,

Jianbo Zhu

,

Tianqi Jiao

,

Ruina Liu

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.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Hua Yin

,

Danying Lei

,

Anping Xiong

,

Lu Yuan

,

Minghui Chen

,

Yilu Xu

,

Yinglong Wang

,

Hui Xiao

,

Quan Wei

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.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Panuwat Yamsakul

,

Terdsak Yano

,

Thanaporn Eiamsam-ang

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.
Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Milos Sevarika

,

Christoph Kleineidam

,

Roberto Romani

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.
Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Agricultural Science and Agronomy

Awudu Amadu Gariba

,

Robert Sarpong Amoah

,

Joseph Okani Honger

,

Christabel Irene Deha

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.

of 95

Prerpints.org logo

Preprints.org is a free preprint server supported by MDPI in Basel, Switzerland.

Subscribe

Disclaimer

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Privacy Settings

© 2025 MDPI (Basel, Switzerland) unless otherwise stated