Agronomy

Editorial

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3 pages, 202 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

CERNAS—Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability

by Raquel P. F. Guiné

Agronomy 2023, 13(11), 2829; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13112829 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1143

Abstract

Climate changes have overwhelming impacts on primary production and, consequently, on agricultural and animal farming [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

Research

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16 pages, 4752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Changes in Cropland Pattern Enhanced Carbon Storage in Northwest China

by Junqia Kong and Longfei Chen

Agronomy 2023, 13(11), 2736; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13112736 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1211

Abstract

Northwest China has experienced dramatic changes in agricultural land area in recent years. The effects of these changes on carbon storage are unknown, and this ambiguity hinders land development policies related to carbon emissions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of annual [...] Read more.

Northwest China has experienced dramatic changes in agricultural land area in recent years. The effects of these changes on carbon storage are unknown, and this ambiguity hinders land development policies related to carbon emissions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of annual cropland changes (expansion and abandonment) during 2000 to 2020 on carbon storage in Northwest China by using land use data, carbon density data, and statistical yearbooks using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) method. The results indicated that the area of cropland increased by 1.47 × 10⁶ ha from 2000 to 2020, in that the area of cropland expansion and abandonment are 3.58 × 10⁶ and −2.11 × 10⁶ ha, respectively. Cropland expansion was mainly from other land and grassland, and the conversion of cropland to grassland made up the largest proportion of cropland abandonment, followed by built-up land. The cropland changes resulted in a total carbon sequestration of 4.05 Tg (0.20 Tg C year⁻¹), including a 17.66 Tg decrease and 21.71 Tg increase in carbon storage due to, respectively, cropland expansion and cropland abandonment, in which the conversion of forest to cropland (−8.60 Tg) and cropland to forest (11.16 Tg) were the main causes of the increase and decrease in carbon storage. Specifically, regional carbon storage due to cropland changes exhibited an increasing variation characteristic during 2000 to 2007, a gradually decreasing variation characteristics during 2007 to 2014, and fluctuated stabilization since then (during 2014 to 2020). In addition, the highest carbon emission was found in Xinjiang (−3.68 Tg), followed by Ningxia (−0.21 Tg) province, while Shanxi (3.44 Tg), Gansu (3.17 Tg) and Qinhai (1.33 Tg) had carbon accumulation. Overall, cropland changes acted as a carbon sink in Northwest China from 2000 to 2020. We suggest that the development of high-carbon-density lands or the conversion of low-carbon-density lands are critical to increasing future carbon sequestration due to cropland change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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17 pages, 2466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasma-Treated Nitrogen-Enriched Manure Does Not Impose Adverse Effects on Soil Fauna Feeding Activity or Springtails and Earthworms Abundance

by Hesam Mousavi, Thomas Cottis, Reidun Pommeresche, Peter Dörsch and Svein Øivind Solberg

Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2314; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102314 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2359

Abstract

Plasma treatment of animal manure is a new technology, enriching the manure with plant-available nitrogen. Therefore, the product is termed nitrogen-enriched organic fertilizer (NEO). The producer (N2 Applied) claims that NEO can be a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers used in agriculture. However, [...] Read more.

Plasma treatment of animal manure is a new technology, enriching the manure with plant-available nitrogen. Therefore, the product is termed nitrogen-enriched organic fertilizer (NEO). The producer (N2 Applied) claims that NEO can be a sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers used in agriculture. However, the effect of this product on soil-dwelling organisms is unknown. This study investigates and compares the effects of NEO on changes in soil fauna feeding activity, the abundance of springtails, and the abundance and weight of earthworms to mineral fertilizer, organic fertilizer (cattle slurry), and no fertilizer in pot and field experiments with sandy clay loam soil. Early effect evaluation (week 7) indicated influences on soil fauna feeding activity; among treatments, higher amounts of fertilizers went along with lower feeding activity, regardless of fertilizer type. However, the initial fertilizer application stimulation was transient and stabilized with time after fertilization towards mid-term (week 14) and late effect evaluations (week 21). Accordingly, differences between feeding activities were less than five percent at late effect evaluation. Similarly, none of the fertilizers used imposed adverse effects on the abundance of springtails and the abundance and weight of earthworms; these parameters were almost identical among all fertilizing treatments. After two years of application in field trials and in a pot experiment, NEO and the other used fertilizers seem not to harm the selected soil-dwelling organisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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17 pages, 2445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrological Drought-Indexed Insurance for Irrigated Agriculture in a Highly Regulated System

by Miguel Angel Valenzuela-Mahecha, Manuel Pulido-Velazquez and Hector Macian-Sorribes

Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2170; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092170 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2056

Abstract

Water scarcity is an increasingly recurring problem for irrigated agriculture in Mediterranean regions. It is, therefore, necessary to establish technical and financial measures to enable irrigators to deal with this problem. This study presents a new index-based drought insurance scheme in an irrigation [...] Read more.

Water scarcity is an increasingly recurring problem for irrigated agriculture in Mediterranean regions. It is, therefore, necessary to establish technical and financial measures to enable irrigators to deal with this problem. This study presents a new index-based drought insurance scheme in an irrigation district in the Jucar river basin in Spain, a highly regulated water system. Three insurance scheme options were evaluated and, the values of the fair risk premiums, the maximum compensation, and the deductible franchise were established. These insurance schemes were designed in agreement with the preexisting drought system operating rules to reduce moral hazard and adverse selection. Risk-reducing and effective evaluation methods were used to determine the insurance coverage’s viability for irrigators: standard deviation gross margin, minimum gross margin, and RMSL. The proposed insurances were also evaluated using synthetic hydrological time series generated with a stochastic ARMA model through a basin-wide water resource simulation model developed in the DSS Shell AQUATOOL. Financial indicators, such as the basis risk and claim ratio were applied to analyze the economic feasibility for insurance companies. The results show that a suitable and efficient option is an early-bird contract combined with a trigger of emergency or alert state in a multi-year contract. This type of specialized insurance helps to fill the existing gap in traditional insurance schemes for irrigated crops and offered additional coverage to farmers under drought and water scarcity conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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24 pages, 3603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tissue-Specific Transcriptomes Outline Halophyte Adaptive Strategies in the Gray Mangrove (Avicennia marina)

by David R. Nelson, Amphun Chaiboonchoe, Khaled M. Hazzouri, Basel Khraiwesh, Amnah Alzahmi, Ashish Jaiswal, Guillermo Friis, John A. Burt, Khaled M. A. Amiri and Kourosh Salehi-Ashtiani

Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2030; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092030 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4137

Abstract

Avicennia marina forests fulfill essential blue carbon and ecosystem services, including halting coastal erosion and supporting fisheries. Genetic studies of A. marina tissues could yield insight into halophyte adaptive strategies, empowering saline agriculture research. We compare transcriptomes from A. marina pneumatophores, stems, leaves, [...] Read more.

Avicennia marina forests fulfill essential blue carbon and ecosystem services, including halting coastal erosion and supporting fisheries. Genetic studies of A. marina tissues could yield insight into halophyte adaptive strategies, empowering saline agriculture research. We compare transcriptomes from A. marina pneumatophores, stems, leaves, flowers, seeds, and transcriptomes across four widely divergent environments in the Indo-Pacific (Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, Bay of Bengal, and Red River Delta) to decipher the shared and location-, tissue-, and condition-specific functions. On average, 4.8% of transcripts per tissue were uniquely expressed in that tissue, and 12.2% were shared in all five tissues. Flowers’ transcript expression was the most distinct, with domain-centric gene ontology analysis showing high enrichment for stimulus-responsive processes, as well as genes implicated in flowering (hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase, TPM = 3687) and floral scent biosynthesis (e.g., benzoyl_coenzyme_A, 2497.2 TPM). Pneumatophores highly expressed antioxidant genes, such as glutathione S-transferase (GST, TPM = 4759) and thioredoxin (TRX, TPM = 936.2), as well as proteins in the GO term ‘Hydroquinone:oxygen oxidoreductase activity’ (enrichment Z = 7.69, FDR-corr. p = 0.000785). Tissue-specific metabolic pathway reconstruction revealed unique processes in the five tissues; for example, seeds showed the most complete expression of lipid biosynthetic and degradation pathways. The leaf transcriptome had the lowest functional diversity among the expressed genes in any tissue, but highly expressed a catalase (TPM = 4181) and was enriched for the GO term ‘transmembrane transporter activity’ (GO:0015238; Z = 11.83; FDR-corr. p = 1.58 × 10⁻⁹), underscoring the genes for salt exporters. Metallothioneins (MTs) were the highest-expressed genes in all tissues from the cultivars of all locations; the dominant expression of these metal-binding and oxidative-stress control genes indicates they are essential for A. marina in its natural habitats. Our study yields insight into how A. marina tissue-specific gene expression supports halotolerance and other coastal adaptative strategies in this halophytic angiosperm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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12 pages, 1563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unravelling the Endophytic Virome Inhabiting Maize Plant

by Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji, Onalenna Galeemelwe and Olubukola Oluranti Babalola

Agronomy 2022, 12(8), 1867; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12081867 - 8 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2252

Abstract

Endophytes are well-known for their symbiotic interaction with plants and their ability to promote plant growth by producing various metabolites. The most well-studied endophytes are bacteria and fungi. For generations, viruses were misnamed, and their symbiotic associations were ambiguous. Recent advances in omics [...] Read more.

Endophytes are well-known for their symbiotic interaction with plants and their ability to promote plant growth by producing various metabolites. The most well-studied endophytes are bacteria and fungi. For generations, viruses were misnamed, and their symbiotic associations were ambiguous. Recent advances in omics techniques, particularly next-generation sequencing, have given rise to novel developments in the mutualistic relationships that exist between plants and viruses. Endogenous viruses have received a lot of attention in the animal world, but limited information exists on their functions and importance to plants. Therefore, endophytic viral populations inhabiting the root of a maize plant were assessed in this study for the first time using shotgun metagenomics. Complete DNA was extracted and sequenced using shotgun metagenomics from the maize roots in farming sites where organic fertilization (FZ), inorganic fertilization (CZ), and maize planted with no fertilization (NZ) are being practised in an experimental field. Our results identified 2 orders namely: Caudovirales (67.5%) and Herpesvirales (28.5%) which dominated the FZ site, although they do not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) across the sites. At the class level Microviridae, Phycodnaviridae, Podoviridae, Phycodnaviridae, and Poxviridae dominated the FZ site. Myoviridae and Podoviridae were more abundant in the CZ site, while only Siphoviridae predominated the inorganic fertiliser site (NZ). Diversity analysis revealed that viral populations were more abundant in organic fertilization (FZ). Taken together, this research adds to our understanding of the symbiotic integration of endophytic viruses with maize plants and that their abundance is affected by farming practices. In addition, their potential can be exploited to solve a variety of agronomic issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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15 pages, 1895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Cherry Seeds: A Preliminary Study

by Yuliya Dulyanska, Luísa Paula Cruz-Lopes, Bruno Esteves, José Vicente Ferreira, Idalina Domingos, Maria João Lima, Paula M. R. Correia, Manuela Ferreira, Anabela Fragata, Maria João Barroca, Aida Moreira da Silva and Raquel P. F. Guiné

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051227 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3237

Abstract

Agri-food waste has proved to be a valuable bioresource that can be used to obtain a variety of valuable materials, ingredients and chemicals. The optimum conditions for extracting bioactive compounds from sweet cherry seeds (SCS) with different solvents and temperatures were tested in [...] Read more.

Agri-food waste has proved to be a valuable bioresource that can be used to obtain a variety of valuable materials, ingredients and chemicals. The optimum conditions for extracting bioactive compounds from sweet cherry seeds (SCS) with different solvents and temperatures were tested in this work. The choice criteria were based on the most efficient extracting capacity while looking for cleaner techniques with lower health or environmental impacts. Some extracting solvents (methanol, ethanol and water) were tested in different combinations and temperatures. The obtained extracts were evaluated for total phenolic compounds and some families of phenolics as well, using spectrophotometric methods. The results obtained showed that the highest extraction of total phenolic compounds was at 70 °C with 60:40 ratio water:ethanol (2.65 mg GAE/g), while maximum flavonoids were obtained at 80 °C and 50% ethanolic aqueous solution (7.26 mg QE/g). The highest value for ortho-diphenols was 21.47 mg GAE/g for 50 °C and water:ethanol 50:50 solution. The highest proanthocyanidins and flavonols were obtained for 50:50 solution at 70 °C (6.43 mg CE/g and 3.88 mg QE/g, respectively), while the same solution at 80 °C allowed obtaining maximum phenolic acids (1.68 mg CAE/g). The extraction of anthocyanins was found to vary significantly with concentration and temperature, being highest in the range 35–40 °C, when using an 80:20 water:ethanol solution. Hierarchical clustering showed three clusters, while factor analysis resulted in two factors and four groups of samples. In conclusion, it was found that extracts obtained from sweet cherry seeds have relevant bioactive compounds with applications in the food, pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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18 pages, 1076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agri-Food Waste as a Method for Weed Control and Soil Amendment in Crops

by Paula Lorenzo, Rosa Guilherme, Sara Barbosa, António J. D. Ferreira and Cristina Galhano

Agronomy 2022, 12(5), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12051184 - 14 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3352

Abstract

The continued and extensive use of synthetic herbicides to control weeds to maximize crop yield is no longer sustainable, as it results in negative impacts on the environment and human health. Innovative sustainable and resilient food production systems should preserve resources and environmental [...] Read more.

The continued and extensive use of synthetic herbicides to control weeds to maximize crop yield is no longer sustainable, as it results in negative impacts on the environment and human health. Innovative sustainable and resilient food production systems should preserve resources and environmental health by incorporating alternative natural herbicides, recycling waste, and favoring a circular economy. The present work assesses the value of different organic waste (Urtica dioica residues, Vicia faba pods, spent coffee grounds, and corn cobs) as bioherbicides and fertilizers in different seasons through pot and field two-year sequential experiments. Pot assays revealed that V. faba pods, spent coffee grounds, and corn cob waste showed the best inhibitory effect, which were subsequently evaluated in the Spring–Summer and Autumn crops. In the field, spent coffee grounds reduced the biomass of total naturally-emerged weeds and stimulated crop growth under scarce rainfall and warm days. However, its effect varied under different environmental conditions. Spent coffee grounds can partially control weeds in the field, which valorizes them as a bioherbicide and boosts sustainable agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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12 pages, 2827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Pre-Hydrolysis on the Chemical Composition of Prunus avium Cherry Seeds

by Luísa Cruz-Lopes, Yuliya Dulyanska, Idalina Domingos, José Ferreira, Anabela Fragata, Raquel Guiné and Bruno Esteves

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020280 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3170

Abstract

During the industrial processing of sweet cherry fruits, the seeds are considered agricultural waste and must be disposed of, typically through burning. In this context, it is intended to contribute to the scientific development of the ecovalorization of by-products and to provide new [...] Read more.

During the industrial processing of sweet cherry fruits, the seeds are considered agricultural waste and must be disposed of, typically through burning. In this context, it is intended to contribute to the scientific development of the ecovalorization of by-products and to provide new strategies for their transformation into value-added products obtained from sweet cherry seeds (SCS). This work aimed to establish the chemical characterization of SCS before and after several pre-hydrolysis steps in order to allow the solubilization of hemicelluloses that can later be used for the recovery of sugars. The higher percentage of cellulose and lignin remaining in the solid phase will allow its further processing for an integral valorization of the raw material. The temperature (160 and 170 °C) and time (0 and 180 min) of pre-hydrolysis were optimized to obtain the best liquefaction. The percentage of liquefied material was determined from the solid waste obtained at the time of filtration. The best liquefaction by the hydrolysis of SCS was obtained at 170 °C and 180 min, with a yield of 26.7%. The chemical analyses of SCS throughout hydrolysis showed the solubilization of hemicelluloses with increases in the time and temperature of the reactor. α-cellulose and lignin showed an increase both with temperature and time, increasing the material’s potential for further processing in adhesives. FTIR analysis showed that there were significant changes in the spectra between the initial SCS, the solid residue, and the liquefied material. Pre-hydrolysis was proven to be an efficient process to improve the chemical composition of the material for further processing into adhesives or higher-mechanical-strength polyurethane foams. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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14 pages, 1993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Controlled Atmospheres and Environmental Conditions on the Physicochemical and Sensory Characteristics of Sweet Cherry Cultivar Satin

by Luís Pinto de Andrade, Abel Veloso, Christophe Espírito Santo, Pedro Dinis Gaspar, Pedro Dinho Silva, Mafalda Resende, Helena Beato, Cátia Baptista, Cristina Miguel Pintado, Luísa Paulo and Maria Paula Simões

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010188 - 13 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2340

Abstract

Sweet cherry is a highly appreciated seasonal fruit with a high content of bioactive compounds; however, this highly perishable fruit has a relatively short shelf-life period. Here, we evaluated the evolution of the physicochemical and sensory qualities of sweet cherries (Prunus avium [...] Read more.

Sweet cherry is a highly appreciated seasonal fruit with a high content of bioactive compounds; however, this highly perishable fruit has a relatively short shelf-life period. Here, we evaluated the evolution of the physicochemical and sensory qualities of sweet cherries (Prunus avium (L.) cv. Satin) under different storage conditions, namely at a Farmers’ Organization (FO) and in a Research Centre (RC) under normal and four different conditions of controlled atmosphere for 49 days. Additional parameters were monitored, such as rotten fruit incidence and stem appearance. Temperature was the factor that most influenced the fruit quality changes over the study time. In fact, fruits stored at higher mean temperatures showed higher weight loss, higher variation in CIE-Lab colour parameters, higher firmness loss, and browner and more dehydrated stems and were less appealing to the consumer. Controlled atmosphere conditions showed a smaller decrease in CIE-Lab colour parameters and lower weight loss. The incidence of rotting was very low and was always equal or lower than 2% for all conditions. Thus, RC chamber conditions were able to sustain fruit quality parameters over 28 days under normal atmosphere conditions and 49 days under controlled atmosphere conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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17 pages, 2407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Beekeepers and Their Activities in Seven European Countries

by Raquel P. F. Guiné, Sónia Mesquita, Jorge Oliveira, Catarina Coelho, Daniela Teixeira Costa, Paula Correia, Helena Esteves Correia, Bjørn Dahle, Melissa Oddie, Risto Raimets, Reet Karise, Luis Tourino, Salvatore Basile, Emilio Buonomo, Ivan Stefanic and Cristina A. Costa

Agronomy 2021, 11(12), 2398; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122398 - 25 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3698

Abstract

Beekeeping is an ancient activity that is gaining interest among practitioners and society in general. It is as an activity with positive impacts in the environmental, social and economic spheres, with the potential to reconnect these dimensions and contribute to sustainable development. Thus, [...] Read more.

Beekeeping is an ancient activity that is gaining interest among practitioners and society in general. It is as an activity with positive impacts in the environmental, social and economic spheres, with the potential to reconnect these dimensions and contribute to sustainable development. Thus, it is important to determine the profiles of beekeepers across the world, and to understand the main social, economic or ecological drivers that shape their activities. Hofstede cross-cultural dimensions were used to better explain differences between countries. A survey was undertaken of beekeepers in different countries (Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, and Spain) in the native language of each nation. A total of 313 questionnaires, using an online platform or in paper form, was delivered face-to-face during training or dissemination events in 2019. Norway and Finland were the countries with the highest percentage of respondents with a university degree (>80%), while Spain (42%) and Croatia (48%) presented the lowest percentages. Most participants were experienced beekeepers (59% had more than five years of experience) with more than 50 colonies. With the exception of Italy, beekeeping appears to be a hobby or an additional professional activity. The main beekeeping products for these beekeepers were honey, wax, colonies and propolis, with an average honey production per season of 24.5 kg/hive. Crossing socio-demographic characteristics and Hofstede cross-cultural dimensions showed a relation among countries with higher Power Distance Index (PDI; this value expresses how society accepts and expects a certain inequality of power) and lower annual income and educational level (Croatia, Portugal, and Spain). A strong correlation appeared between Masculinity Femininity Index (MFI; this value refers to gender effects in society, with feminine societies meaning that the dominant values are caring for others and quality of life, as opposed to masculine societies, which are driven by competition, achievement and success) and age, income and education, with Norway presenting the most feminine society, with more educated and older beekeepers. The Uncertainty Aversion Index (UAI; this value explains how members of a society feel when dealing with unknown situations) was strongly associated with education. The results showed that increasing beekeepers’ income will contribute to balancing the distribution of power among members of society, and that this might be achieved by training, especially in Croatia, Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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14 pages, 414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical and Physical Properties of Some Hazelnut Varieties Grown in Portugal

by Ana Cristina Ferrão, Raquel P. F. Guiné, Elsa Ramalhosa, Arminda Lopes, Cláudia Rodrigues, Hugo Martins, Roberto Gonçalves and Paula M. R. Correia

Agronomy 2021, 11(8), 1476; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11081476 - 25 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2957

Abstract

Hazelnuts are one of the most appreciated nuts worldwide due to their unique organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. The present work intended to analyse several physical and chemical properties of different hazelnut varieties grown in Portugal, namely Tonda de Giffoni, Grada de Viseu, Segorbe, [...] Read more.

Hazelnuts are one of the most appreciated nuts worldwide due to their unique organoleptic and nutritional characteristics. The present work intended to analyse several physical and chemical properties of different hazelnut varieties grown in Portugal, namely Tonda de Giffoni, Grada de Viseu, Segorbe, Longa de Espanha, Butler, Gunslebert, and Negreta. In general, the results revealed statistically significant differences between the varieties under study. The Gunslebert had more elongated hazelnuts and with heavier shelled fruits, while the kernels of the Grada de Viseu revealed to be heavier. Grada de Viseu was harder in the shell, Gunslebert had a harder core, and Segorbe was more resistant to fracture. Fat was the more representative component for all varieties and in some cases the values of moisture and water activity were over the recommended amount (≥0.62). Tonda de Giffoni was the variety with the highest induction time, indicating the highest oxidation stability. Moreover, discriminant analysis revealed that the variables more important to distinguish the varieties were protein (λ = 0.007) and water activity (λ = 0.010). The results of this study help to better understand the differences between some hazelnut varieties that are cultivated in Portugal, which gives important hints for all players in the hazelnut sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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Review

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19 pages, 2643 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Agri-Food and Mountain Products Market: Insights beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Doru Necula, Mădălina Ungureanu-Iuga and Laurenț Ognean

Agronomy 2023, 13(11), 2739; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13112739 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1983

Abstract

Food security is one of the main concerns in the context of a global crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction in people’s mobility determined changes in consumers’ behavior and underlined the need for the re-organization of the food supply chains. This [...] Read more.

Food security is one of the main concerns in the context of a global crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction in people’s mobility determined changes in consumers’ behavior and underlined the need for the re-organization of the food supply chains. This paper aims to summarize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global, Romanian and mountain food markets, as well as to discuss the mountain agriculture potential and the food democracy model. The trend in the post-pandemic era is heading toward the digitalization of agriculture and food distribution, with great attention on product sustainability. People are more and more aware of healthy food and the environmental impact of this sector. Many studies revealed the need for specific policies to counteract the effects of the pandemic on food quality and security and on the economic welfare of people. In the post-pandemic period in mountain areas, there is a need for the valorization of food products that originate from here since they have great health and financial potential. Supporting mountain agriculture could ensure the production of high-value products, which are generally preferred by consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the re-orientation of consumers towards local and organic foods. Future research regarding the efficiency of the programs and policies implemented in some mountain areas after the pandemic is necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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18 pages, 3079 KiB

Open AccessReview

The PGPR Mechanisms of Salt Stress Adaptation and Plant Growth Promotion

by Rakiba Shultana, Ali Tan Kee Zuan, Umme Aminun Naher, A. K. M. Mominul Islam, Md. Masud Rana, Md. Harun Rashid, Israt Jahan Irin, Shams Shaila Islam, Adiba Afrin Rim and Ahmed Khairul Hasan

Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2266; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102266 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 6035

Abstract

Worldwide crop productivity hampers severely due to the adverse effects of salinity. Global warming causes a rapid escalation of the salt-affected area, and new agricultural land is affected through saltwater intrusion. The ever-growing human population impulses to utilize the saline area for crop [...] Read more.

Worldwide crop productivity hampers severely due to the adverse effects of salinity. Global warming causes a rapid escalation of the salt-affected area, and new agricultural land is affected through saltwater intrusion. The ever-growing human population impulses to utilize the saline area for crop cultivation to ensure food security. Salinity resistance crops could be a promising substitute but with minor success because inappropriate tactics on saline soil management resulted in unsatisfactory yield. Salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (ST-PGPR) is considered an alternate way towards enhancing crop growth in saline ecosystems. It is reported that PGPR is enabled to produce exopolysaccharides which lead to biofilm formation and generate osmoprotectants and antioxidant enzymes that can significantly contribute to stimulating plant growth in the saline ecosystem. In addition, several plant growth-promoting characteristics of PGPR such as the acquisition of essential nutrients and upsurge hormone production could enhance plant growth simultaneously. In this review, we will explore the survival mechanisms of ST-PGPR and their influence on plant growth promotion in saline ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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14 pages, 1068 KiB

Open AccessReview

Harnessing the Known and Unknown Impact of Nanotechnology on Enhancing Food Security and Reducing Postharvest Losses: Constraints and Future Prospects

by Ayomide Emmanuel Fadiji, Doctor Mziwenkosi Nhlanhla Mthiyane, Damian C. Onwudiwe and Olubukola Oluranti Babalola

Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12071657 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4137

Abstract

Due to the deterioration of natural resources, low agricultural production, significant postharvest losses, no value addition, and a rapid increase in population, the enhancement of food security and safety in underdeveloped countries is becoming extremely tough. Efforts to incorporate the latest technology are [...] Read more.

Due to the deterioration of natural resources, low agricultural production, significant postharvest losses, no value addition, and a rapid increase in population, the enhancement of food security and safety in underdeveloped countries is becoming extremely tough. Efforts to incorporate the latest technology are now emanating from scientists globally in order to boost supply and subsequently reduce differences between the demand and the supply chain for food production. Nanotechnology is a unique technology that might increase agricultural output by developing nanofertilizers, employing active pesticides and herbicides, regulating soil features, managing wastewater and detecting pathogens. It is also suitable for processing food, as it boosts food production with high market value, improves its nutrient content and sensory properties, increases its safety, and improves its protection from pathogens. Nanotechnology can also be beneficial to farmers by assisting them in decreasing postharvest losses through the extension of the shelf life of food crops using nanoparticles. This review presents current data on the impact of nanotechnology in enhancing food security and reducing postharvest losses alongside the constraints confronting its application. More research is needed to resolve this technology’s health and safety issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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14 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Sustainable Approach to Weed Management: The Role of Precision Weed Management

by António Monteiro and Sérgio Santos

Agronomy 2022, 12(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12010118 - 4 Jan 2022

Cited by 96 | Viewed by 16249

Abstract

In the last few decades, the increase in the world’s population has created a need to produce more food, generating, consequently, greater pressure on agricultural production. In addition, problems related to climate change, water scarcity or decreasing amounts of arable land have serious [...] Read more.

In the last few decades, the increase in the world’s population has created a need to produce more food, generating, consequently, greater pressure on agricultural production. In addition, problems related to climate change, water scarcity or decreasing amounts of arable land have serious implications for farming sustainability. Weeds can affect food production in agricultural systems, decreasing the product quality and productivity due to the competition for natural resources. On the other hand, weeds can also be considered to be valuable indicators of biodiversity because of their role in providing ecosystem services. In this sense, there is a need to carry out an effective and sustainable weed management process, integrating the various control methods (i.e., cultural, mechanical and chemical) in a harmonious way, without harming the entire agrarian ecosystem. Thus, intensive mechanization and herbicide use should be avoided. Herbicide resistance in some weed biotypes is a major concern today and must be tackled. On the other hand, the recent development of weed control technologies can promote higher levels of food production, lower the amount of inputs needed and reduce environmental damage, invariably bringing us closer to more sustainable agricultural systems. In this paper, we review the most common conventional and non-conventional weed control strategies from a sustainability perspective, highlighting the application of the precision and automated weed control technologies associated with precision weed management (PWM). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

21 pages, 1775 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrated-Smart Agriculture: Contexts and Assumptions for a Broader Concept

by Vítor João Pereira Domingues Martinho and Raquel de Pinho Ferreira Guiné

Agronomy 2021, 11(8), 1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11081568 - 5 Aug 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5423

Abstract

The innovative technologies developed in the different fields of science (nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, genetic modification, etc.) opened new and infinite possibilities for the several stakeholders that carry out their activities in the different economic sectors. For agriculture, these new approaches are particularly relevant [...] Read more.

The innovative technologies developed in the different fields of science (nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, genetic modification, etc.) opened new and infinite possibilities for the several stakeholders that carry out their activities in the different economic sectors. For agriculture, these new approaches are particularly relevant and may bring interesting contributions, considering the specificities of the sector, often dealing with contexts of land abandonment and narrow profit margins. Nonetheless, the question in these unstopped evolutions is about the interlinkages with sustainability. In this context, the objectives of this study are to highlight the main insights from the available scientific literature about the interrelationships between the new trends in the agriculture and the sustainability. To achieve these aims, a search on the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS) and Scopus databases was carried out, on 15 May 2021, for the topics ‘smart agriculture’ and ‘sustainability’. A total of 231 documents (102 from WoS and 129 from Scopus) were obtained, remaining 155 documents after removing the duplicated, which were surveyed through systematic review following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) approach. As main insights, the concerns of the researchers with the impacts on the sustainability from the transformations in the farming organization are highlighted. On the other hand, it was shown the relevance and the new opportunities, including in terms of food supply, arising from the precision agriculture, agricultural intelligence, vertical/urban farming, circular economy, internet of things, and crowdfarming. We suggest the new and wider concept of ‘integrated-smart agriculture’, better than ‘climate-smart agriculture’. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue CERNAS – Current Evolution and Research Novelty in Agricultural Sustainability)

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