Biological Approaches for Control of Root Pathogens of Strawberry

Soil fumigation with methyl bromide plus chloropicrin is used as a preplant treatment to control a broad range of pathogens in high-value annual crop production systems. In California, fumigation is used on approximately 10,125 ha of strawberry production to control pathogens ranging from Verticillium dahliae to root pruning pathogens such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, or Cylindrocarpon spp. In addition to pathogen control, fumigation also causes an enhanced growth response of the plant and reduces weed pressure. The development of successful, long-term cost effective biocontrol strategies most likely will require the development of an integrated systems approach that incorporates diverse aspects of the crop production system. Although application of single microbial inoculants may provide some level of control for specific production problems, it will be a challenge to provide the broad spectrum of activity needed in production fields.

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Soil-Biodegradable Plastic Mulches Undergo Minimal in-Soil Degradation in a Perennial Raspberry System after 18 Months

Horticulturae ◽

10.3390/horticulturae6030047 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 47

Author(s):

Huan Zhang ◽

Markus Flury ◽

Carol Miles ◽

Hang Liu ◽

Lisa DeVetter

Keyword(s):

Production System ◽

Crop Production ◽

Production Systems ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

Biodegradable Plastic ◽

Perennial Crop ◽

Soil Burial Test ◽

Soil Burial ◽

Soil Exposure

Soil-biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) are made from biodegradable materials that can be bio-based, synthetic, or a blend of these two types of polymers, which are designed to degrade in soil through microbial activities. The purpose of BDMs is to reduce agricultural plastic waste by replacing polyethylene (PE) mulch, which is not biodegradable. Most studies have evaluated the breakdown of BDMs within annual production systems, but knowledge of BDM breakdown in perennial systems is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the deterioration and degradation of BDMs in a commercial red raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.) production system. Deterioration was low (≤11% percent soil exposure; PSE) for all mulches until October 2017 (five months after transplanting, MAT). By March 2018 (10 MAT), deterioration reached 91% for BDMs but remained low for PE mulch (4%). Mechanical strength also was lower for BDMs than PE mulch. In a soil burial test in the raspberry field, 91% of the BDM area remained after 18 months. In-soil BDM degradation was minimal, although the PSE was high. Since mulch is only applied once in a perennial crop production system, and the lifespan of the planting may be three or more years, it is worth exploring the long-term degradation of BDMs in perennial cropping systems across diverse environments.

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Diverse Approaches to Herbicide-Resistant Weed Management

Weed Science ◽

10.1614/ws-d-15-00117.1 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 64 (SP1) ◽

pp. 570-584 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Micheal D. K. Owen

Keyword(s):

Weed Management ◽

Crop Production ◽

Production Systems ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Weed Species ◽

Herbicide Resistant ◽

Cost Effective Method ◽

Evolution Of Resistance ◽

Complexity Cost

Herbicides have been the principal means of weed control in developed countries for approximately 50 yr because they are the most cost-effective method. Such general use of herbicides has resulted in weed resistance to herbicides, which continues to be a growing problem. Within the past decade, the evolution of resistance to the once-dominant herbicide glyphosate has resulted in major concerns about the future ability to control weeds in many crop systems. Moreover, many weed species have evolved resistance to multiple mechanisms of herbicide action. Given the dearth of new herbicides with novel mechanisms of action, it appears inevitable that weed management programs will need to be supplemented by the use of tactics other than herbicides. However, the inclusion of more diversity for weed management also introduces complexity, cost, and time constraints to current crop production systems. This paper describes broadly the considerations, opportunities, and constraints of diverse weed management tactics to address the burgeoning problems with herbicide resistance.

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Development of a Push-Type Liquid Fertilizer and Pesticide Sprayer

Nigerian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences ◽

10.48198//njpas/19.b12 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fadeyibi, A., ◽

Akpenpuun, T. D. ◽

Issah, A. M.

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Production Systems ◽

Insect Pest ◽

Field Capacity ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Effective Field ◽

Rotating Shaft ◽

Liquid Fertilizer ◽

Materials Used

Low yield, insect, pest and weeds competing with crops are challenges in crop production systems in Nigeria. This research was carried out to design and developed a push-type wheel operated liquid fertilizer/ pesticide sprayer. The materials used for fabrication were selected based on the design assumptions, calculations and sourced locally. The sprayer was mechanically operated through the rotating shaft of the cartwheels using a slider-cranks mechanism. An accumulator was provided to create the required pressure of continuous spraying action. The sprayer possesses two tanks of 16 L each, a wheel, a coup-able stand, eight nozzles and an adjustable height depending on the crop height. The sprayer can cover 4.8 hectares per day, effective field capacity of 1.13 ha/h, theoretical field capacity of 1.24 ha/h. and field efficiency of 91%. The developed sprayer consumes less time, cost effective, high efficiency and the users will just have to pull the cart and the whole mechanism will be operated with ease.

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Long-Term Monitoring of Soil Carbon Sequestration in Woody and Herbaceous Bioenergy Crop Production Systems on Marginal Lands in Southern Ontario, Canada

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12093901 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 3901 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Amir Behzad Bazrgar ◽

Aeryn Ng ◽

Brent Coleman ◽

Muhammad Waseem Ashiq ◽

Andrew Gordon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Organic Carbon ◽

Soil Organic Carbon ◽

Crop Production ◽

Production Systems ◽

Cropping Systems ◽

System Level ◽

Bioenergy Crops ◽

Marginal Lands ◽

Biomass Crops

Enhancement of terrestrial carbon (C) sequestration on marginal lands in Canada using bioenergy crops has been proposed. However, factors influencing system-level C gain (SLCG) potentials of maturing bioenergy cropping systems, including belowground biomass C and soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation, are not well documented. This study, therefore, quantified the long-term C sequestration potentials at the system-level in nine-year-old (2009–2018) woody (poplar clone 2293–29 (Populus spp.), hybrid willow clone SX-67 (Salix miyabeana)), and herbaceous (miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus var. Nagara), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)) bioenergy crop production systems on marginal lands in Southern Ontario, Canada. Results showed that woody cropping systems had significantly higher aboveground biomass C stock of 10.02 compared to 7.65 Mg C ha−1 in herbaceous cropping systems, although their belowground biomass C was not significantly different. Woody crops and switchgrass were able to increase SOC significantly over the tested period. However, when long term soil organic carbon (∆SOC) gains were compared, woody and herbaceous biomass crops gained 11.0 and 9.8 Mg C ha−1, respectively, which were not statistically different. Results also indicate a significantly higher total C pool [aboveground + belowground + soil organic carbon] in the willow (103 Mg ha−1) biomass system compared to other bioenergy crops. In the nine-year study period, woody crops had only 1.35 Mg C ha−1 more SLCG, suggesting that the influence of woody and herbaceous biomass crops on SLCG and ∆SOC sequestrations were similar. Further, among all tested biomass crops, willow had the highest annual SLCG of 1.66 Mg C ha−1 y−1.

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348 Integration of Nutrition with Air and Water Environmental Concerns

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skab235.352 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 195-195

Author(s):

Alan Rotz

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Water Footprint ◽

Production Systems ◽

Comprehensive Evaluation ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Ammonia Emission ◽

Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽

Nutrient Excretion ◽

Important Concern

Abstract The dairy and beef cattle industries face a number of environmental challenges related to air and water quality as well as the use of limited resources such as water and fossil energy. Mitigation strategies are available and being developed to reduce environmental impacts, but economical solutions remain a challenge. Assessment of mitigation strategies requires a comprehensive evaluation to assure that benefits in one component are not offset by harm in another. Process-based modeling and life cycle assessment provide tools for conducting this type of integrated evaluation. The most cost-effective strategies often begin with animal feeding. The diet of the animal affects resource use and nutrient excretion where the amount and form of nitrogen and phosphorus excreted affect air and water emissions. National assessments of the U.S. beef and dairy industries indicate where mitigation is most needed. Although greenhouse gas emissions receive most of the concern today, water consumption is another important concern, particularly for producers in drier regions such as the western United States. Over 90% of the water consumed in beef and dairy production is used in irrigated feed-crop production. Therefore, animal diets that use byproduct or other feeds not related to irrigated production can provide large reductions in the water footprint of beef and dairy products. Another emerging concern is that of ammonia emission where beef and dairy cattle may contribute more than half of the national emission inventory. Efficient protein feeding is the most economical and effective step that can be taken to reduce this environmental impact. Simulation of mitigation strategies using production system models provides comprehensive evaluation and prioritization among available and possible options, giving direction toward more sustainable ruminant animal production systems.

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The Development of Integrated Arable Production Systems to Meet Potential Economic and Environmental Requirements

Outlook on Agriculture ◽

10.1177/003072709802700303 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 145-151 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

V.W.L. Jordan

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Production Systems ◽

Ecological Interactions ◽

Management Skills ◽

Life Project ◽

Intensive Farming ◽

Environmental Requirements ◽

Crop Management Systems ◽

On Farm

The development of less intensive crop management systems is being increasingly recognized as the long-term objective for arable crop production. Such systems must be economically sound, environmentally acceptable and sustainable in the long term, with the flexibility necessary to meet the varying requirements in different agro-ecosystems. The Less-Intensive Farming and Environment (LIFE) Project builds upon a sound base of ecological research aimed at understanding and optimizing the ecological interactions within the system, with effort focused on the need to resolve the conflicting requirements for control of pests, diseases and weeds and to minimize the environmental impact of crop production. The major consideration in this approach is the stepwise replacement of ‘off-farm’ inputs by integration of natural regulation processes, on-farm alternatives and management skills, in order to maintain species diversity, minimize pollution and losses, provide a safe and wholesome food supply, and to sustain income.

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Microbes as Biofertilizers, a Potential Approach for Sustainable Crop Production

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13041868 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 1868

Author(s):

Shaista Nosheen ◽

Iqra Ajmal ◽

Yuanda Song

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Chemical Fertilizers ◽

Promising Alternative ◽

Sustainable Crop Production ◽

Hazardous Chemical ◽

Complex Forms ◽

Global Food ◽

Good Substitute

Continuous decline of earth’s natural resources and increased use of hazardous chemical fertilizers pose a great concern for the future of agriculture. Biofertilizers are a promising alternative to hazardous chemical fertilizers and are gaining importance for attaining sustainable agriculture. Biofertilizers play a key role in increasing crop yield and maintaining long-term soil fertility, which is essential for meeting global food demand. Microbes can interact with the crop plants and enhance their immunity, growth, and development. Nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and silica are the essential nutrients required for the proper growth of crops, but these nutrients are naturally present in insolubilized or complex forms. Certain microorganisms render them soluble and make them available to the plants. The potential microbes, their mode of action, along with their effect on crops, are discussed in this review. Biofertilizers, being cost effective, non-toxic, and eco-friendly, serve as a good substitute for expensive and harmful chemical fertilizers. The knowledge gained from this review can help us to understand the importance of microbes in agriculture and the ways to formulate these microbes as biofertilizers for sustainable crop production.

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Optimizing Sampling and Extraction Methods for Plant-Parasitic and Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10040629 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 629

Author(s):

Mahfouz M. M. Abd-Elgawad

Keyword(s):

Extraction Method ◽

Crop Production ◽

Entomopathogenic Nematodes ◽

Production Systems ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Nematode Species ◽

Extraction Methods ◽

The Common ◽

Biocontrol Potential ◽

Plant Parasitic

Plant-parasitic and entomopathogenic nematodes (PPNs and EPNs) are key groups in crop production systems. This study aims at optimizing nematode sampling and extraction methods to benefit integrated pest management (IPM) through (a) management of PPNs and (b) use of EPNs. The impacts of these methods on PPNs and EPNs to achieve cost-effective and efficient IPM programs are presented. The common misuses of sampling and extraction methods are discussed. Professionals engaged in IPM should consider sampling the reliability level in the light of the intended goal, location, crop value, susceptibility, nematode species, and available funds. Logical sampling methodology should be expanded to integrate various factors that can recover extra EPN isolates with differential pathogenicity. It should seek for the best EPN-host matching. Merits of repeated baiting for EPN extraction from soil and sieving for PPN recovery from suspensions are presented. Their extraction values may be modelled to quantify the efficiency of nematode separation. The use of proper indices of dispersion to enhance the biocontrol potential of EPNs or save costs in nematicidal applications is ideally compatible with IPM programs. Selecting an extraction method may sometimes require further tests to find the best extraction method of the existing fauna and/or flora. Cons and pros of modern sampling and extraction techniques are highlighted.

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Bio-Green Foliar Spray Enhances Rice Growth and Productivity in Cambodia

AGRITROPICA Journal of Agricultural Sciences ◽

10.31186/j.agritropica.4.1.1-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Tak Tha ◽

Ply Preap ◽

Seyha Sorl ◽

Pao Srean ◽

Visalsok Touch

Keyword(s):

Plant Growth ◽

Grain Yield ◽

Crop Production ◽

Production Systems ◽

Rice Variety ◽

Foliar Spray ◽

Ammonium Phosphate ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Growing Period

The use of bioproducts as biostimulants to stimulate plant growth and to increase yields as an alternative to chemical fertilizers are currently being promoted for cost-effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices of crop production systems. The objective of the study was to determine plant growth and productivity of rice responded to Bio Green application. A short growing period (90 – 95 days) OM-5451 rice variety was used in this study. The rice plants were cultivated in the randomized-completed block with two treatments and six replications in the plot of 2 m * 2 m. Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer was applied once at a rate of 100 kg/ha. For treatment, Bio-green with a solution of 1% (v/v) was weekly applied as foliage spray; and without Bio-Green as control. The results showed the grain yield was 3.7 t/ha in the treatment and 2.83 t/ha in the control, indicating that 36.4% of the grain yield was increased. The Bio-Green could be significantly used as plant biostimulants to promote plant growth and grain yield in rice in Cambodia.

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Encapsulation of Plant Biocontrol Bacteria with Alginate as a Main Polymer Material

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms222011165 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (20) ◽

pp. 11165

Author(s):

Roohallah Saberi Riseh ◽

Yury A. Skorik ◽

Vijay Kumar Thakur ◽

Mojde Moradi Pour ◽

Elahe Tamanadar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Crop Production ◽

Production Systems ◽

Term Survival ◽

Modern Agriculture ◽

Biocontrol Bacteria ◽

New Formulation ◽

And Function ◽

Bacterial Encapsulation

One of the most favored trends in modern agriculture is biological control. However, many reports show that survival of biocontrol bacteria is poor in host plants. Providing biocontrol agents with protection by encapsulation within external coatings has therefore become a popular idea. Various techniques, including extrusion, spray drying, and emulsion, have been introduced for encapsulation of biocontrol bacteria. One commonly used biopolymer for this type of microencapsulation is alginate, a biopolymer extracted from seaweed. Recent progress has resulted in the production of alginate-based microcapsules that meet key bacterial encapsulation requirements, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and support of long-term survival and function. However, more studies are needed regarding the effect of encapsulation on protective bacteria and their targeted release in organic crop production systems. Most importantly, the efficacy of alginate use for the encapsulation of biocontrol bacteria in pest and disease management requires further verification. Achieving a new formulation based on biodegradable polymers can have significant effects on increasing the quantity and quality of agricultural products.

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