Journal of Agricultural Science, Issue: Vol.18, No.8

Biological Products and Foliar Fertilizers for the Control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Brazil

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 01:09:46 +0000

In this study, the effectiveness of alternative products for the control of white mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) in common bean plants under in vitro and greenhouse conditions. For the in vitro tests, the phytopathogen was grown in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium amended with three concentrations of seven treatment products (50%, 100%, and 200% of the recommended dose) or on the plain culture medium (control). A completely randomized and factorial design (8 products × 3 concentrations) was. Mycelial growth was evaluated to determine the mycelial growth rate (MGR) and the percentage inhibition of mycelial growth. Greenhouse experiments were conducted using a randomized block design in a factorial scheme design (8 products × 2 application timings: 5 days before or 3 days after inoculation), and disease severity was determined using the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC) was used to determine the disease severity. Dimoxystrobin + boscalide and Trichoderma harzianum completely suppressed mycelial growth at all concentrations (100% inhibition), while the combination of T. harzianum + T. asperellum + Bacillus amyloliquefaciens showed high inhibition (> 90%) across concentrations. Potassium phosphite, copper sulfate, and polyphenol exhibited partial and dose-dependent inhibitory effects. Greenhouse experiments were conducted in a randomized block design in a factorial scheme (8 products × 2 application timings: 5 days before or 3 days after inoculation), and disease severity was assessed using the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). Preventive application of dimoxystrobin + boscalide resulted in the greatest reduction in disease severity, while the other treatments showed limited or variable effects.

Growers’ Awareness and Adoption of Sustainable Pest Management Practices for Spotted-Wing Drosophila in U.S. Berry and Cherry Production

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 01:50:54 +0000

A multi-institutional, transdisciplinary collaboration among land-grant university agricultural scientists, Extension specialists, and berry and cherry producers in the United States led to the development of sustainable pest management practices (SPMPs) to address the invasive pest spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii. This study examined fruit growers’ awareness and adoption of these practices for managing SWD. Guided by the diffusion of innovation theory and the theory of planned behavior, we assessed factors influencing growers’ decisions to adopt SPMPs. A national survey of fruit growers yielded 133 usable responses, which were used to identify key predictors of adoption and evaluate the perceived effectiveness of SPMPs. Results showed that 84.5% of respondents were aware of SPMPs, though awareness and adoption varied by gender, farm size, education level, and region. Male growers, operators of larger farms and those with higher educational attainment were more likely to adopt SPMPs, with regional differences shaped by climatic conditions and institutional support. Additionally, 74% of respondents reported implementing at least one SPMP, while adoption was largely limited to monitoring-based practices. Drivers of adoption included concerns about fruit quality, urgency of pest pressure, and perceived effectiveness of SPMPs. Seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) analyses indicated that wet (drowning) and dry traps significantly reduce SWD pressure and infestation while repellents and parasitoids reduced market loss. Growers’ attitudes, social influences, and perceived behavioral control significantly influenced adoption intentions. Findings underscore the need for targeted education, economic incentives, and region-specific Extension strategies to promote broader and more integrated adoption of SPMPs for SWD control in the U.S.

Modeling Spatial Markets Integration of Potatoes in South African Fresh Produce Markets

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 01:53:34 +0000

Spatial market integration provides signals about market interconnectedness and helps assess the overall market performance. This study investigated the spatial market integration of potatoes among selected National Fresh Produce Markets (NFPMs) in South Africa. The study used monthly time-series data from 1995 to 2020, acquired from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD). Price data were tested for unit roots using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test. The results showed that the data were stationary at levels (I (0)). Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Error Correction Model (ECM) were employed to test for spatial market integration and short-run dynamics. The ARDL model’s bounds tests identified a single cointegration relationship between the selected NFPMs and the central market, confirming a spatial market-price relationship in the potato trade amid marketing infrastructure challenges. The ARDL-ECM indicated long-term equilibrium relations across all markets, with an average price increase of 61%. Short-term dynamics revealed sharp increases in potato prices of over 100% in four markets, with an average rise of more than 90% across all markets. The market displayed the commodity’s price adjustment process toward the long-run equilibrium price, though at varying moderate and high speeds of correction. The study recommends that authorities should invest in market infrastructure and support facilities that meet international standards, develop value-added facilities, and review and enforce market bylaws to improve market access for all stakeholders. Additionally, markets should enhance their commodity price-monitoring systems to ensure transparent pricing, thereby aiding traders and strengthening spatial market integration.

Cereal Self-Sufficiency in Jordan: Dynamic Drivers and Policy Implications

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 01:55:47 +0000

This study examines the factors affecting cereal self-sufficiency in Jordan over the period 2002-2023. Particular attention is given to agricultural bank credit, government agricultural expenditure, food price inflation, and population growth in a resource-constrained economy that depends heavily on imported food commodities. Annual time-series data were analyzed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to estimate both short-run and long-run relationships among the variables. An error correction model (ECM) was also employed to evaluate the speed of adjustment toward long-run equilibrium.

The results confirm the existence of a stable long-run relationship among the study variables. In the short run, food price inflation and agricultural bank credit exert statistically significant negative effects on cereal self-sufficiency. Agricultural credit, however, shows a positive lagged effect, indicating that its contribution to cereal self-sufficiency may emerge gradually over time. Government agricultural expenditure and population growth do not produce statistically significant short-run effects. The error correction term is negative and highly significant, indicating that deviations from long-run equilibrium are corrected relatively quickly.

The findings indicate that improving the effectiveness of agricultural credit programs, strengthening food price stabilization measures, and directing public agricultural expenditure toward long-term productivity-enhancing investment may contribute to improving cereal self-sufficiency in Jordan and reducing dependence on imported food commodities.

Antibacterial Residues in Milk and Associated Farm Practices in Peri-urban Sentinel Dairy Farms in Mukono District, Uganda

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 01:59:57 +0000

The presence of antibacterial residues in milk undermines food safety and public health through allergic reactions, disruption of gut microbiota and antimicrobial resistance. A biphasic longitudinal study assessed farm practices influencing antibacterial residues in milk from farms in Mukono district, Uganda. In phase one, 184 samples were collected from 33 dairy farms and assessed for Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter jejuni. At least one organism was isolated from 16 farms. The isolated organisms showed antimicrobial resistance to major antibacterial agents. In phase two, the 16 sentinel dairy farms were assessed for antibacterial residues against farm practices such as farm ownership, herd size, antibacterial withdrawal periods and number of lactating cows. Data were collected using participatory observation and a structured questionnaire. Fifty-five (n = 55) composite milk samples were collected from all lactating cows on the study farms and analyzed for residues of sulphonamides, tetracyclines, macrolides, and β-lactams using the CHARM-EZ (Charm QUAD1) test. Antibacterial residues were detected above MRLs with tetracyclines being most prevalent (58%), followed by macrolides (36%) and β-lactams (18%). Treatment duration and personnel administering significantly influenced tetracycline residue occurrence (p = 0.031) and (p = 0.007) respectively. Route of administration was significantly associated with residues: Sulphur (p = 0.000), macrolides (p = 0.000), tetracyclines (p = 0.000), and β-lactams (p = 0.01); oral and topical routes were more strongly associated with residues than parenteral administration. The results indicate irrational use of antibacterial agents in the study area. A larger study should be undertaken to identify other variables contributing towards antibacterial residues in milk.

Changes in Fungal Community Structure in Recirculating Aquaculture Water of Labidochromis caeruleus Fryer, 1956

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:02:48 +0000

This study employed high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the fungal community structure in recirculating aquaculture water used for rearing Labidochromis caeruleus at the Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Museum. The fungal community structure changed significantly before and after the fish developed disease symptoms. Prior to disease onset, the fungal community exhibited high diversity and richness. After disease occurrence, the Alpha diversity indices decreased markedly, species diversity declined substantially, and the original balance of the community structure was disrupted. The relative abundance of the genus Aspergillus increased from 0.42% to 1.06%. To prevent and control fungal diseases effectively in this system, we recommend replacing the feed and biological filter media, along with performing regular partial water changes. These measures can improve animal welfare and enable fish to better resist opportunistic pathogenic factors.

A Systematic Literature Review of Autonomous Seed Planters: Advancements in Robotic Planters for Precision Agriculture

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:08:17 +0000

Autonomous seed planters are emerging as a critical technology in precision agriculture, offering the potential to significantly enhance planting efficiency, crop yield, resource utilization, and post-planting analysis of seed success. This systematic literature review describes and synthesizes advancements in robotic planters, focusing on their design, functionality, and integration within agricultural systems. The systematic literature review followed the PRISMA approach, resulting in an analysis of 389 papers from databases, including IEEE Xplore, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The results indicate key improvements in sensor technology, machine learning algorithms, and the mechanical design of autonomous seed planters, which collectively enable precise seed placement, optimal spacing, and adaptive planting strategies. Future research directions highlight the importance of multi-functional systems capable of performing various agricultural tasks and the potential for real-time data analytics to optimize planting processes further. This study provides a deeper understanding of current trends and prospects for the deployment of autonomous seed planters, contributing to the advancement of precision agriculture.

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 18, No. 8

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:21:56 +0000

Reviewer acknowledgements for Journal of Agricultural Science, Vol. 18, No. 8, 2026.