Journal Description

Agronomy

Agronomy is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal published monthly online by MDPI. The Spanish Society of Plant Physiology (SEFV) is affiliated with Agronomy and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, AGRIS, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Agronomy) / CiteScore - Q1 (Agronomy and Crop Science)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.3 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.3 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2023).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Companion journals for Agronomy include: Seeds, Agrochemicals, Grasses and Crops.

Impact Factor: 3.7 (2022); 5-Year Impact Factor: 4.0 (2022)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2073-4395

Latest Articles

Open AccessArticle

Drought Tolerance Evaluation and Verification of Fifty Pakchoi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis) Varieties under Water Deficit Condition

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2087; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082087 - 08 Aug 2023

Abstract

Reduced available water resources have become the main limiting factor for the production of leafy vegetable, such as pakchoi, which can be effectively addressed by growing water-efficient varieties. Therefore, it is particularly important for evaluation and verification of drought tolerant varieties. In this study, 50 different varieties of pakchoi were detected for their morphological and physiological indicators under both normal-irrigated and water-deficiency environments. Based on systematic analysis of these evaluation indicators using different evaluation methods, the significant indicators were identified and the prediction model was established followed by validation of different drought tolerant of pakchoi varieties. The results showed that considerable differences were observed in all the indicators detected under conditions of water deprivation compared with normal irrigation. Frequency distribution revealed that the indictors sensitivity with significant changes to water-deficient conditions was ordered as follows: aboveground fresh and dry weight, followed by belowground fresh and dry weight, root volume, root length, root activity, and soluble sugar. Correlation analysis showed that each indicator was significantly or extremely significantly associated with other indices, indicating that there is a certain degree of association between the indices. Principal component analysis (PCA) turned 16 indicators into four independent components, with a cumulative contribution ratio of 80.147%. According to the results of drought tolerance comprehensive evaluation value (D-value) analysis and cluster analysis, 50 varieties were ranked in relation to drought tolerance and classified into five categories, among them Jinhui, Qingguan, Dongyue, Xiazhijiao, and Hanszifei, which were classified as highly drought-tolerant cultivars. Moreover, the stepwise regression model was established and demonstrated that soluble sugar, average root diameter, belowground fresh weight, root volume, and leaf number were selected as key indicators which can be used for screening and identifying drought-pakchoi varieties. Furthermore, the tolerance capacity of pakchoi varieties was further validated using one representative variety selected from five groups and treated with water-deficit stress. It was demonstrated that the established model was verified consistent with drought tolerance of pakchoi varieties, and tolerance capacity was closely related to increasing epidermal stomatal density, maintaining high photosynthesis, and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity to reduce damage (ROS). The results proposed the key drought tolerance indicators and evaluation methods, which provide the basis for the screening of leaf-vegetable varieties with different drought-tolerances, as well the identified varieties could be used for effective water-saving production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Tolerance to Drought and Salt Stress in Plants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Crop Rotation Practiced by Romanian Crop Farms before the Introduction of the “Environmentally Beneficial Practices Applicable to Arable Land” Eco-Scheme

Adina Magdalena Iorga

and

Irina Adriana Chiurciu

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082086 - 08 Aug 2023

Abstract

The main objective of this article is the analysis of crop rotation applied to three crop farms of different sizes in Romania. The period under study is before the implementation of the “Environmentally beneficial practices applicable to arable land” eco-scheme, included in the National Strategic Plan of Romania, 2023–2027, in the section on direct payments related to subsidies. The analysed crop farms have different areas, as follows: Farm A—64.97 ha, Farm B—615.50 ha and Farm C—2881.33 ha. This research aims to highlight the agro-environmental conditions specific to each farm that are required to be met by 2023. The data analysis highlights the fact that farms under 100 ha, such as Farm A, must apply the conditions of the eco-scheme as follows: 3.25 ha with non-productive elements, including uncultivated land; 6.50 ha cultivated with crops from the Leguminosae family, 16.25 ha cultivated with cereals, 19.49 ha cultivated with corn, 12.99 ha cultivated with sunflowers, 3.25 ha cultivated with watermelon and 3.25 ha cultivated with vegetables. These farms do not apply modern technologies and have fragmented surfaces, and must have both uncultivated areas and areas planted with nitrogen-fixing crops, but must also practice crop diversification. Farms of over 100 ha, such as Farm B, must have 30.78 ha of non-productive elements and 246.20 ha cultivated with crops from the Leguminosae family, of which 30.78 ha are perennial crops and 215.42 ha are annual crops, such as soy. Crop diversification is also recommended, with 92.33 ha cultivated with cereals, 184.65 ha cultivated with corn and 61.55 ha cultivated with oil crops, sunflower and/or rapeseed. Farms the size of Farm C must have 144.07 ha of non-productive elements, 720.33 ha must be cultivated with crops from the Leguminosae family, such as soy, and diversify crops as follows: 720.33 ha—cereals, 720.33 ha—corn, 518.64 ha—sunflower and/or rapeseed and 57.63 ha—potatoes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Archaeobotanical Insights into Kañawa (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) Domestication: A Rustic Seed Crop of the Andean Altiplano

Maria C. Bruno

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2085; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082085 - 08 Aug 2023

Abstract

Kañawa/Cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen) is the lesser-known cousin of the domesticated Andean pseudocereal quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). In 1970, Daniel Gade hypothesized that Andean farmers may have domesticated volunteer wild kañawa plants that occupied quinoa or potato fields after observing that they could survive harsh climatic events such as drought or frost. To revisit this question of kañawa domestication, this paper provides an overview of the current botanical, genetic, and archaeological knowledge of kañawa domestication. It then provides patterns in the presence of wild and domesticated kañawa seeds from archaeological sites in the southern Lake Titicaca Basin of Bolivia, spanning the Formative and Tiwanaku periods from approximately 1500 BCE to 1100 CE. This archaeobotanical evidence supports Gade’s hypothesis that kañawa was a later domesticate, not appearing until after 250 CE. Regional paleoclimatic evidence of frequent climatic fluctuations lends support to the argument that kañawa contributed to a diversified food supply, which could provide a buffer against climate risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Millet and Pseudocereals: New Insights into Archaeobotany, Plant Domestication and Global Foodways)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Weed Response to ALS-Inhibitor Herbicide (Sulfosulfuron + Metsulfuron Methyl) under Increased Temperature and Carbon Dioxide

Yousef Ghazikhanlou Sani

Ali Reza Yousefi

Khalil Jamshidi

Farid Shekari

Jose L. Gonzalez-Andujar

and

Nicholas E. Korres

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082084 - 08 Aug 2023

Abstract

Information on the impact of climate change on the growth of weed species and their sensitivity to herbicides could help to establish an efficient weed management strategy. Due to the excessive use of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor herbicides, resistance to those herbicides is increasing globally. It is, thus, crucial to find out whether the efficacy of these herbicides will change in the future due to the increase in temperatures and carbon dioxide concentration. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the impact of temperature and carbon dioxide (CO₂) changes on the growth of Amaranthus retroflexus, Bromus tectorum, Chenopodium album, and Echinochloa crus-galli, including the assessment of sulfosulfuron 75% + metsulfuron methyl 5% efficacy in these weeds. A factorial experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement (2 × 2 × 6), including two CO₂ concentrations (400 and 700 ppm), two temperature regimes (30/20 °C and 34/24 °C day/night), and six herbicide rates (0, 25, 37.5, 50, 62.5, and 75 g ha⁻¹). As a result, it was seen that temperature and CO₂ concentration changes influenced the morphological variables of the weeds. The temperature regime affected the herbicide’s effectiveness on B. tectorum and E. crus-galli. The herbicide’s efficacy on weed species was affected by the interaction of herbicide rates and the temperature regime, except for on E. crus-galli; the highest efficacy was observed at 30/20 °C and at a rate 50% higher (75 g ha⁻¹) than the recommended one (50 g ha⁻¹). Except for E. crus-galli, increasing CO₂ concentrations enhanced the herbicide efficacy and ALS enzyme activity inhibition in all the weed species, but had the greatest effect on C₃ weeds. We found that temperature and CO₂ levels can alter the efficacy of weed control with herbicides, with clear differences between C₃ and C₄ plants. As a result, by increasing the temperature and concentration of CO₂, breeders and farmers may achieve the desired control of weed species such as B. tectorum, C. album and A. retroflexus by applying lower doses of this herbicide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbicides and Chemical Control of Weeds)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Scale Effects on the Reduction of Drainage Water and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loads in Hilly Irrigation Areas

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2083; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082083 - 08 Aug 2023

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to clarify the effects of scale on farmland drainage water and the nitrogen and phosphorusload discharged in hilly irrigation areas. An experimental study was conducted to monitor the drainage water volume and nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations at the field, lateral ditch (with a control area of 1.16 km²), branch ditch (with a control area of 7.76 km²), and watershed (with a control area of 43.3 km²) scales in the Yangshudang watershed of the Zhanghe Irrigation District during the rice growth period in 2022. The results showed that from the field scale to the watershed scale, the volume of drainage water, total nitrogen load, nitrate nitrogen load, ammonia nitrogen load, and total phosphorus load per unit area were reduced by 74.6%, 88%, 85%, 87%, and 60%, respectively. The loads of total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and total phosphorus decreased with the increase of scale, showing a pronounced scale effect; however, the infrequent recharge of ponds and weirs and the insufficient storage capacity of ditches led to an increase in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and hence an increase in the load discharge instead, as in the branch ditch scale of this study. The scale effect was mainly caused by the reuse of farmland drainage water; thus, the ability of ponds and weirs, ditches, and reservoirs in hilly irrigation areas to regulate nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations should be improved. Irrigation methods have a significant influence on nitrogen and phosphorus load discharge. The control of farmland non-point sources in hilly irrigation areas should focus on controlling drainage water at the late tillering stage and improving the recharge function of ponds and weirs and the storage capacity of ditches above the branch ditch scale so as to control the concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Improvement and the Efficient Utilization of Water and Fertilizer in Greenhouse Crops)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Faba Bean Cover Crop to Enhance the Sustainability and Resiliency of No-Till Corn Silage Production and Soil Characteristics

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2082; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082082 - 08 Aug 2023

Abstract

Sustainable corn production requires a dramatic shift toward natural soil fertility rather than relying solely on synthetic fertilizers. Cover crops play an important role in improving the productivity of subsequent row crops through improving soil properties. The main goal of this study was to investigate if increasing cover crop biomass through applying a higher density can enhance soil characteristics in the short term and contribute more nitrogen to succeeding corn silage. In a two-year field study (2018–2019), the influence of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as a cover crop on soil characteristics and corn silage (Zea mays L.) production was evaluated. Treatments consisted of five levels of faba bean density (0, 25, 35, 40, and 80 plants m⁻²) and four application rates of urea-based nitrogen fertilizer (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha⁻¹) in a no-till system. The measured soil characteristics were not significantly affected through increasing cover crop density to 80 plants m⁻². The faba bean roots comprised 33% of total biomass in densities ranging from 25–40 plants m⁻². The highest total N yield (root + shoot) was 133 kg N ha⁻¹, obtained from 40 faba bean plants m⁻². The faba bean root decomposed faster than the shoot, and the addition of N to the corn accelerated 50% N release from the roots but had no significant effect on shoot decomposition. Corn planted after 40 plants m⁻² faba bean yielded 28% more than the corn with no faba bean. Corn yielded less in no-cover-crop fields even when it received the highest synthetic N rate (300 kg N ha⁻¹), indicating the value of including faba bean in rotation with corn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Nutrient Management for Farming Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Brewer’s Spent Grain with Yeast Amendment Shows Potential for Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation of Weeds and Pythium irregulare

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082081 - 08 Aug 2023

Abstract

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a promising alternative to chemical fumigation for controlling soilborne plant pathogens and weeds. This study investigated the impact of brewer’s spent grain (BSG), a locally available carbon source, on various weed species and the oomycete pathogen Pythium irregulare in ASD. Two greenhouse studies were conducted using BSG and yeast at full and reduced rates in a completely randomized design with four replicates and two runs per study. In both studies, ASD treatments significantly decreased the seed viability of all weed species and the Pythium irregulare inoculum, while promoting higher cumulative anaerobicity compared to the non-treated control. The addition of yeast had a notable effect when combined with BSG but not with rice bran. When used in reduced carbon rates, yeast supplementation enhanced the efficacy of BSG, providing comparable control to the full rate for most weed species, including redroot pigweed, white clover, and yellow nutsedge. Interestingly, no ASD treatment affected the soil temperature. Furthermore, BSG treatments caused higher concentrations of volatile fatty acids compared to ASD with rice bran and the non-treated control. This finding suggests that the inclusion of yeast in ASD shows potential for reducing the carbon input required for effective soil disinfestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation: A Tool for Non-Fumigant-Based Integrated Soil-Borne Disease and Pest Management)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Sowing Density Impact on Water Front Advancement and Infiltration in Furrow Irrigation

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2080; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082080 - 07 Aug 2023

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the impact of durum-wheat sowing density on wetting front advancement and water infiltration rate along the furrow length. In addition, durum wheat yield and furrow irrigation performance under the different sowing densities were assessed. For that purpose, a field experiment was conducted under semi-arid conditions in Tunisia using four durum-wheat sowing densities: SD1 (250 seeds m⁻²), SD2 (350 seeds m⁻²), SD3 (450 seeds m⁻²) and SD0 (bare soil). The results reveal that water front advancement tends to be inversely proportional to sowing density. In fact, under the SD3 treatment, both irrigation duration and applied water volume increased about twofold compared to those recorded under SD0, resulting in an increasing soil infiltration rate. Furthermore, the two-point method performed well in estimating water front advancement, with an R² value close to 1. Regarding durum wheat yield, values varied between 35 and 49 q ha⁻¹ with the highest value attributed to the SD3 treatment. Meanwhile, higher irrigation water productivity was recorded under SD1. Considering irrigation performance indicators, the results indicate that distribution uniformity (DU) increases with increasing sowing density. Moreover, the lowest application efficiency values (75%) were recorded under the SD0 and SD3 treatments as compared to 82% for SD2 and 80% for SD1. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Use and Irrigation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessEditorial

Growth–Immunity Tradeoff in Brassica Crops

Carmen Vega-Álvarez

Marta Francisco

and

Pilar Soengas

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082079 - 07 Aug 2023

Abstract

In recent decades, the research community evidenced that plants affected by pathogens and pests may display delayed development [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Crop Breeding and Genetics)

Open AccessArticle

Pneumatic Defoliation Enhances Fruit Skin Color and Anthocyanin Pigments in ‘Picnic’ Apples

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2078; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082078 - 07 Aug 2023

Abstract

Apple skin color is essential for market value. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficiency of pneumatic defoliation (PD) on the enhancement of red skin color and anthocyanin pigments in ‘Picnic’ apples. Three weeks before harvesting, apple trees were treated with PD with low- (0.7 bar) and high- (0.9 bar) air pressure at a tractor driving speed of 2 km/h. Undefoliated trees served as controls. Higher leaf defoliation and leaf damage rates were observed in the high-PD treatment than those in the low-PD treatment. Photosynthetically active radiation inside the canopies was the highest in trees subjected to high-pressure PD than in those that underwent low-pressure PD and the controls. At harvest, the fruit color (a*) value, red-colored area, and anthocyanin content in the fruit skin were the highest in the high-PD treatment, intermediate in the low-PD treatment, and the lowest in the control treatments. Additionally, a higher expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes was observed in both defoliation treatments, especially under high PD. However, except for higher flesh firmness under low PD, the L* and b* values and fruit quality indices (fruit weight, starch pattern index, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, and sunburn occurrence) were not significantly affected by either PD treatment. In conclusion, PD can be used to enhance skin coloration and anthocyanin pigments in apples; further PD with high air pressure achieved optimum red skin coloration in ‘Picnic’ apples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Effects of Modern Agricultural Management Practices on the Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Horticultural and Fruit Plants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Technology Acceptance among Farmers: Examples of Agricultural Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Osman Parmaksiz

and

Gokhan Cinar

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2077; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082077 - 07 Aug 2023

Abstract

Agricultural drones (AUAVs) contribute greatly to sustainable agriculture by reducing input use. The literature on this topic is scarce, so there is little information on the adoption of agricultural drones by farmers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors affecting farmers’ intention to adopt drones for agricultural tasks. Within the scope of this study, face-to-face surveys with 384 farmers were conducted. The obtained data were analyzed using different statistical, econometric, and decision techniques, including the conditional valuation method, lower payment bound estimation, probit model regression, fuzzy pairwise comparison, and the Vise Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje-multi-criteria optimization and compromise (VIKOR) technique. The results showed that government support had a positive impact on AUAV purchasing decisions. Farmers’ primary borrowing channel preference was interest-free loans. The willingness to rent AUAV technology was higher than the willingness to purchase it, with farmers agreeing to pay TRY 287.54 for one hectare. They preferred cooperatives for the provision of rental services. In general, young farmers who were interested in technology and who had a high agricultural income made up the profile of AUAV adoption. The information obtained from this research not only provides new insights for decision-makers regarding the adoption of AUAV technology but also contributes to the preparation of the promotion process for potential market actors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Farming Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture)

Open AccessReview

Opportunities and Challenges of Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.) Genetic Improvement

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2076; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082076 - 07 Aug 2023

Abstract

Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) originated in East Africa and then diffused to warm-temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions of the world. The high lipid content in the castor beans is extracted for use in pharmaceutical and industrial applications. The castor oil lipid profile is naturally composed of 90% ricinoleic acid and the remaining 10% is mainly composed of linoleic, oleic, stearic, and linolenic fatty acids. The highly toxic compound ricin within the seeds is insoluble in oil, making castor oil free from this toxin and safe to use for industrial and cosmetic applications. Among the main uses of castor oil are reported industrial uses such as component for lubricants, paints, coatings, polymers, emulsifiers, cosmetics, and medicinal uses as a laxative. There is also significant commercial potential for utilization of the whole castor bean plant such as animal feed, fertilizer, biofuel, and also for phytoremediation. Several breeding programs have been planned to improve the castor’s characteristics needed for its current or potential uses. In this review, after summarizing data on castor bean agronomy and uses, we focus on the main advances in Castor bean classical and biotechnological breeding programs, underlining the high potential of this oil crop. In particular, the main challenges of castor breeding programs are to increase yield, mainly through the selection of growth habits allowing mechanized harvest, and beneficial compound content, mainly the oil, and to decrease the toxic compounds content, mainly ricin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Industrial Crops Physioecology and Sustainable Cultivation)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Hyperspectral Estimation of Chlorophyll Content in Apple Tree Leaf Based on Feature Band Selection and the CatBoost Model

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2075; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082075 - 07 Aug 2023

Abstract

Leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) is a crucial indicator of nutrition in apple trees and can be applied to assess their growth status. Hyperspectral data can provide an important means for detecting the LCC in apple trees. In this study, hyperspectral data and the measured LCC were obtained. The original spectrum (OR) was pretreated using some spectral transformations. Feature bands were selected based on the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm, random frog (RF) algorithm, elastic net (EN) algorithm, and the EN-RF and EN-CARS algorithms. Partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest regression (RFR), and the CatBoost algorithm were used before and after grid search parameter optimization to estimate the LCC. The results revealed the following: (1) The spectrum after second derivative (SD) transformation had the highest correlation with LCC (–0.929); moreover, the SD-based model produced the highest accuracy, making SD an effective spectrum pretreatment method for apple tree LCC estimation. (2) Compared with the single band selection algorithm, the EN-RF algorithm had a better dimension reduction effect, and the modeling accuracy was generally higher. (3) CatBoost after grid search optimization had the best estimation effect, and the validation set of the SD-EN-CARS-CatBoost model after parameter optimization had the highest estimation accuracy, with the determination coefficient (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), and relative prediction deviation (RPD) reaching 0.923, 2.472, and 3.64, respectively. As such, the optimized SD-EN-CARS-CatBoost model, with its high accuracy and reliability, can be used to monitor the growth of apple trees, support the intelligent management of apple orchards, and facilitate the economic development of the fruit industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Art of Spectra: At the Crossroad of Agriculture and Remote Sensing Disciplines)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

The Study of the Impact of Complex Foliar Fertilization on the Yield and Quality of Sunflower Seeds (Helianhtus annuus L.) by Principal Component Analysis

Anișoara Aurelia Ienciu

and

Ioan Bănățean Dunea

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2074; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082074 - 07 Aug 2023

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to assess the impact of Foliar Fertilizations (FF) on the yield and quality of sunflower seeds. This research was carried out in the agricultural years of 2019–2021 in the experimental field of the university. The method of planting in the field was carried out in subdivided plots with three repetitions and six fertilization options. The experimental variants were as follows: Control (Mt), V1—FF 10:10:10+ME (microelements), V2—FF 8:10:0+8B (Boron)+ME, V3—FF 15:0:0+2S (Sulfur)+1B+ME, V4—FF 15:0:0+4B+ME, and V5—FF 8:8:8+ME. FF treatments were carried out in the vegetation phases specific to the sunflower crop. These varied from 2–6 L ha⁻¹, depending on the chemical composition of the product. The application of treatments with FF to the sunflower culture positively influenced both production and its quality expressed by specific quality indices, namely the content of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, fibers, and minerals. The results were discussed not only in view of classical statistics but also using the Principal Components Analysis (PCA), which allows a more complex evaluation of the effects of foliar treatments on the production and quality of sunflower seeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Macro‐ and Micronutrient in Plant Growth and Development)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Harnessing the Eco-Friendly Potential of Asparagus racemosus Leaf Extract Fabricated Ni/Ni(OH)₂ Nanoparticles for Sustainable Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Vigna radiata

Ashna Parveen

Sashi Sonkar

Prakash Kumar Sarangi

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2073; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082073 - 07 Aug 2023

Abstract

The increasing utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) in agricultural practices has led to a surge in demand for nano-based products. Herein, we investigate the dose-dependent impacts of nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)₂)/nickel (Ni) NPs, synthesized using Asparagus racemosus Linn. leaf extract, on the seed germination and growth of Vigna radiata (Linn.) Wilczek. In all seed samples, 100% germination was observed in Treatment 1 (2.74 mg mL⁻¹) and Treatment 2 (5.48 mg mL⁻¹) of Ni/Ni(OH)₂ NPs. However, in Treatment 3 (8.22 mg mL⁻¹) and Treatment 4 (10.96 mg mL⁻¹), the germination percentage was lower, reaching 80%. Further, Treatment 5 (13.70 mg mL⁻¹) of Ni/Ni(OH)₂ NPs showed a reduced germination rate of 60%, indicating a prolonged germination process at higher concentrations. Remarkably, the length of seedlings showed a significant increase in all experimental treatments compared to the control group, which received 5 mL of distilled water. Among the investigated parameters, Treatment 2 demonstrated the most promising outcomes, exhibiting the highest chlorophyll stability index (23.73%) and membrane stability index (67.89%) values, as well as the lowest root ion leakage (24.75%). These findings indicate that Ni/Ni(OH)₂ has the capacity to enhance seed germination and foster seedling growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Approaches to Promote Wider Emergence of Sustainable Agricultural Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Refined Evaluation of Soil Quality Sustainability in the Main Grain-Producing Areas of Heilongjiang Province

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082072 - 07 Aug 2023

Abstract

An evaluation of soil quality sustainability can support decision making for the sustainable use of land resources. However, certain current problems associated with these evaluations remain unaddressed, e.g., the evaluation indicators do not fully reflect soil quality risks and the evaluation scale is not sufficiently small. In this study, 25,000 spatial grids of dimensions 3 km × 3 km are used to divide the major grain-producing regions in China, namely, the Sanjiang Plain and the Songnen Plain of Heilongjiang. Then, the soil erosion modulus, nutrient balance index, soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, heavy metal soil pollution index and crop productivity are calculated for each grid using the RULSE model, nutrient balance index model, soil type method, geoaccumulation index method and mechanism method, respectively. A spatial grid cluster analysis method is used to thoroughly evaluate and analyze the sustainability of soil quality in each grid. The results show that the overall soil status of the study area is good. The soil and water conservation levels are high, the soils show low levels of contamination, the crop production potential is high and the ratio of highly sustainable to moderately sustainable soils is approximately 2:1. Only 2.74% of the land is rated extremely unsustainable and needs to be restored to a basic level of productivity before subsequent functional restoration can be carried out. This study provides a new method for the fine-scale evaluation of soil quality and contributes to the management of land resources. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

PsFT, PsTFL1, and PsFD Are Involved in Regulating the Continuous Flowering of Tree Peony (Paeonia × lemoinei ‘High Noon’)

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2071; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082071 - 06 Aug 2023

Abstract

Tree peonies are an economically important crop with flowers of high ornamental value. Most tree peony cultivars in gardens are once-flowering, and the continuous flowering (CF) trait has been revealed only in a few tree peony cultivars, such as ‘High Noon’ (‘HN’). However, the molecular mechanism underlying its CF remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that PsTFL1 functions as a floral inhibitor via the ectopic expression of PsTFL1 in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Our findings suggest that PsFT and PsTFL1 interact with PsFD, and the detected interactions may occur in the nucleus. Compared with the non-CF variety, the gene expression patterns of PsFT, PsTFL1, and PsFD during the flower development indicate that these three genes may be related to the CF habit in tree peony ‘HN’. These findings will aid future investigations of CF behavior and promote the breeding of tree peonies and other perennial woody plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flowering and Flower Development in Plants)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessArticle

Selenium and Iodine Biofortification Interacting with Supplementary Blue Light to Enhance the Growth Characteristics, Pigments, Trigonelline and Seed Yield of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-gracum L.)

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2070; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082070 - 06 Aug 2023

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is an annual plant belonging to the family Fabaceae and has fodder, medicinal and spice uses, and is also used as an organic fertilizer. A total of 18 treatments including the combination of two light environments (with and without supplementary blue light), three concentrations of potassium iodate (0, 2 and 4 mg L⁻¹) and four concentrations of sodium selenate (0, 2 and 4 mg L⁻¹) were organized in a three-way factorial experiment to evaluate the growth characteristics, pigments, trigonelline and seed yield of fenugreek in a greenhouse. The application of 4 mg L⁻¹ of Se resulted in the highest carotenoid, anthocyanin, plant length, fresh weight, chlorophyll and relative water content. The fresh and dry weight of the shoot and the anthocyanin increased with the 2 h supplementation of sunlight with a blue spectrum; however, the fresh root decreased. The interaction of blue light with 0 mg L⁻¹ of Se significantly reduced the plant length. The content of trigonelline was significantly improved with the application of blue light supplementation without negatively affecting the seed yield. In general, 2 h supplementing of sunlight with blue light and feeding with 4 mg L⁻¹ of selenium and iodine are recommended to improve various traits, including trigonelline content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop and Vegetable Physiology under Environmental Stresses)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Open AccessEditorial

Back to the Future: What Is Trending on Precision Agriculture?

Dionisio Andujar

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2069; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082069 - 06 Aug 2023

Abstract

The Industrial Revolution changed the way of cropping with new machinery [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Precision and Digital Agriculture)

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Rootstock on the Activity of Key Enzymes in Acid Metabolism and the Expression of Related Genes in ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ Grapes

and

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2068; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082068 - 05 Aug 2023

Abstract

The types and contents of organic acids in wine grapes determine wine quality. To explore the effects of different rootstocks on the acid metabolism of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapes, various perennial rootstock–scion combinations were used as experimental materials. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine citric acid, tartaric acid, and malic acid contents during fruit development. Succinic acid and oxalic acid contents and the activity of related enzymes were measured using spectrophotometry. The expression levels of related genes were measured using a real-time fluorescence quantitative method. The results showed that all four rootstock types significantly reduced oxalic acid and citric acid contents in the grapes, while increasing succinic acid content to varying degrees. Employing 110R, SO4, and Kangzhen3 rootstocks increased tartaric acid and malic acid contents. Enzyme activity analysis revealed that 110R, SO4, and Kangzhen3 rootstocks increased the NAD-MDH enzyme activity, which positively correlated with malic acid content. Simultaneously, these rootstocks reduced the NADP-ME enzyme activity level. NAD-MDH and PEPC gene expression levels were higher in ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapes grafted with 110R, SO4, and Kangan3 rootstocks compared to control self-rooted seedlings. Grafting these three rootstocks enhanced malic acid accumulation in ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Scion-Rootstock Interaction in Horticultural Crops: Physiological and Agronomic Implications)

► Show Figures