Agritec (Czechia)

Abstract Main research objective of this work was to evaluate the potential of novel synthetic cytokinin (CK) derivatives and modulators of their metabolism in stimulating shoot bud organogenesis (multiple shoot formation) across various in vitro cultures of flax/linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) hypocotyls; as this developmental process is key in clonal micropropagation, the quality of newly propagated shoots was also assessed. The efficiencies of the CK derivatives used in this research were compared to what was observed for a frequently used aromatic synthetic CK, namely, 6-benzylaminopurine. In addition, the levels of endogenous isoprenoid and aromatic CKs in cultured hypocotyls were measured and followed to study potential interactions between endogenous and exogenous CKs, especially in terms of possible effects on regeneration ability. The experiments involved three fiber flax cultivars and one linseed cultivar. In general, both the synthetic derivatives of CKs and modulators of CK metabolism (BAP9THP, INCYDE) increased the frequency of multiple shoot organogenesis from hypocotyl segments, as well as resulted in the desired morphology for further practical utilization (number of buds and shoots, shoot lenght, negligible callus formation), relative to endogenous CKs. Endogenous CKs (IPR, IPR5´MP, cZROG) were present at low concentrations in the cultured explants, and – in some cases – completely absent (tZ, cZ, IP, IPG9); aromaticCKs were present at higher levels when compared to isoprenoid CKs, with BAP and BAPR5´MP proving to be the most abundant in the samples. All four of the detected aromatic CKs (BAP, BAPR, BAP9G, BAPR5´MP) showed the highest levels in plants grown on medium L-T6 supplemented with BAP and synthetic CK BAP9THP at a concentration ratio of 0.05:1. Impact of interactions between the endogenous and exogenous CKs on regeneration capacity was analyzed by a comparison of treatments. In addition to a CK-specific effect, a genotype-mediated effect on regeneration potential was detected during the experiments The linseed cultivar AGT583/05 exhibited the best characteristics across all recorded traits and all the tested media when compared to the three fiber flax cultivars (Venica, Jitka, Tábor). The obtained results will contribute to a better understanding of the conditions needed for flax regeneration and micropropagation.

ABSTRACT Intercropping has garnered renewed attention in Europe as an agroecological practice to enhance environmental sustainability. Interest in plant-based proteins by increasing human consumption of legumes is gaining traction. Legume-cereal intercropping for dual seed production could offer environmental and economic advantages. However, barriers hinder widespread adoption by farmers. This study analyzes the results of seven focus groups with 220 diverse stakeholders. Barriers, enabling factors, and strategies for the adoption of grain legume-cereal intercropping were assessed to determine food system transition strategies. The five strategies for intercropping support related to farm, food, advice, governance, and network systems. Farmer-led, institutionally supported, and research-informed advice systems, effective governance, and increased networking would enable strategic pathways for regional food and feed production through intercropping.

Çalışma, Antalya ilinde açıkta ve örtüaltı domates yetiştiriciliğinde Domates güvesi Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)’nın popülasyon gelişimi ve bulaşıklık durumunu belirlemek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Populasyon takibi 2011-2013 yıllarında Açık alanda Korkuteli ilçesi, örtüaltında ise Aksu ilçesinde yapılmıştır. Açık alanda ergin sayılarını belirlemek amacıyla asılan feromon tuzaklarda yakalanan Domates güvesi sayısı, başlangıçta düşük seviyelerdeyken sezon sonuna kadar kademeli bir şekilde artış göstermiştir Açık alanda tuzaklarda yakalanan en yüksek kelebek sayısı 355 iken, örtüaltı domates yetiştiriciliğinde bu sayı 395 olarak belirlenmiştir. Maksimum larva popülasyonu ise açık alan domates yetiştiriciliğinde yaz döneminde bitki başına 29.90 larva iken, örtüaltı domates yetiştiriciliğinde ise en yüksek larva yoğunluğu bahar döneminde bitki başına, 13.30 larva olarak belirlenmiştir. Bulgularımıza göre zararlının Antalya ili örtüaltı domates yetiştiriciliğinde kış aylarında da hayatta kalma ve yumurta bırakma kabiliyetine sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir.

A long-term annual crop study in Five Points, California, shows that the combined use of no-tillage, surface residue retention, and cover crops improves soil health compared to conventional practices common to the region. Several chemical, biological, and physical soil health indicators were improved when these practices were combined. Our data suggest that farmers stand to gain multiple synergistic benefits from the integrated use of these practices by increasing soil structural stability, water infiltration and storage, and agroecosystem biodiversity, and improving the efficiencies of the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles of their production systems.

Linseed represents a rich source of nutritional, functional and health-beneficial compounds. Nevertheless, the chemical composition and content of bioactive compounds may be quite variable and potentially affected by various factors, including genotype and the environment. In this study, the proximate chemical composition, lignans content and antioxidant potential of six experimentally grown linseed cultivars were assessed and compared. A diagonal cultivation trial in the University of South Bohemia Experimental Station in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, was established in three subsequent growing seasons (2018, 2019 and 2020). The results showed that the cultivar and growing conditions influenced most studied parameters. The lack of precipitation in May and June 2019 negatively affected the seed yield and the level of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside but did not decrease the crude protein content, which was negatively related to the oil content. The newly developed method for lignans analysis allowed the identification and quantification of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside and matairesinol. Their content correlated positively with the total polyphenol content and antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity), indicating the significant contribution to the biofunctional properties of linseed. On the other hand, we did not detect minor linseed lignans, pinoresinol and lariciresinol. The results of this study showed the importance of cultivar and growing conditions factors on the linseed chemical composition and the lignans content, determining its nutritional and medicinal properties.

Uma das fases do beneficiamento das sementes de algodão para o plantio é o seu deslintamento, que consiste na retirada do línter visando facilitar sua distribuição no sulco de plantio e eliminar, eventualmente, pragas e doenças. Existem três tipos de deslintamento, o mecânico, o químico e por flambagem. O método mecânico é ineficiente na extração do línter, o químico utiliza ácido de difícil manipulação e não é aceito nos sistemas orgânicos ou ecológicos, então, o método por flambagem se constitui o mais adequado para esse tipo de agricultura. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar um deslintador por flambagem de concepção simples (protótipo), de baixo custo, eficiente e adequado para pequenas áreas de plantio de algodão agroecológico. Foram analisadas sementes com línter, deslintada com ácido sulfúrico e flambadas com uma, duas e três passadas pela câmara do protótipo. Observa-se que não houve diferença significativa entre as sementes com línter de algodão (testemunha) e os demais tratamentos estudados. Este fato pode ser justificado, em razão do eficiente esfriamento artificial adaptado na parte inferior do equipamento onde as sementes flambadas caem por gravidade.

Abstract Auxins play an important role in plant physiology and are involved in numerous aspects of plant development, such as cell division, elongation and differentiation, fruit development, and phototropic response. In addition, through their antagonistic interaction with cytokinins, auxins play a key role in the regulation of root growth and apical dominance. Thanks to this capacity to determine plant architecture, natural and synthetic auxins have been successfully employed to obtain more economically advantageous plants. The crosstalk between auxins and cytokinins determines plant development and thus is of particular importance in the field of plant micropropagation, where the ratios between these two phytohormones need to be tightly controlled to achieve proper rooting and shoot generation. Previously reported anti-auxin PEO-IAA, which blocks auxin signalling through binding to TIR1 receptor and inhibiting the expression of auxin-responsive genes, has been successfully used to facilitate hemp micropropagation. Herein, we report a set of new PEO-IAA-inspired anti-auxins capable of antagonizing auxin responses in vivo. The capacity of these compounds to bind to the TIR1 receptor was confirmed in vitro by SPR analysis. Using DESI-MSI analysis, we evaluated the uptake and distribution of the compounds at the whole plant level. Finally, we characterized the effect of the compounds on the organogenesis of hemp explants, where they showed to be able to improve beneficial morphological traits, such as the balanced growth of all the produced shoots and enhanced bud proliferation.

Por ser uma proposta de emprego e renda para a região semiárida do Nordeste, a Embrapa Algodão identificou importantes processos tecnológicos referentes ao sistema de produção e à comercialização, que potencializam o rendimento e melhoram a qualidade do algodão Sea Island (Gossypium barbadense), variedade Monserrat, cuja fibra de 38 mm de comprimento consegue alcançar o mais alto preço do planeta. Este trabalho teve como objetivo apresentar o amplo panorama tecnológico utilizado no sistema produtivo do algodão de fibra extralonga produzido pelos produtores de Barbados, visando incentivar e expandir o seu cultivo no Semiárido brasileiro. O estudo baseia-se em uma revisão narrativa sobre o algodoeiro Sea Island (Gossypium barbadense) de fibra extralonga cultivado em Barbados do Caribe. Com base nos resultados obtidos em Barbados, a sua produtividade é de 2.250 Kg, sendo seu valor em quilo de algodão em rama pago ao produtor estimado acima de R$ 50,00.

Abstract Background Utilization of endophytic bacteria in order to increase productivity may be viable alternative to organic fertilizers. The goal is to reduce soil pollution and to preserve environment in the spirit of ecological agriculture. Any organism that at some part of its life cycle, colonize the internal plant tissues without causing any type of harm to the host plant are endophytes. Endophytes are known to promote plant growth and nutrient gain. They may improve the plant’s ability to tolerate various types of abiotic and biotic stresses, and enhance the resistance of plants to insects and pests. This study was carried out to isolate beneficial endophytic bacteria from various sources and to screen and identify plant growth promoting activities of isolated bacteria. Further to study field effects of best found endophytic bacterial isolates and its commercial application. Sources were collected from different regions of Maharashtra such as Geolife Research Farm Pune, Mangrove leaves from Mumbai, Khopoli ghat and examined for their bacterial diversity. Isolated bacteria subjected for various tests such as Indole Acetic Acid production, Ammonia production, Hydrogen Cyanide production, Antibiotic resistance and sensitivity assay, Proteolytic and Amylolytic activities, etc. Results In total 34 bacterial isolates were obtained from five different source. Some isolates were found to exhibit multiple beneficial characteristics to promote plant growth. Among them isolate number E14 has shown maximum production of IAA, same isolate also found positive for ammonia production and HCN production. Whereas isolate number E23 obtained from mangrove leaves is showing maximum nitrogen 12.6mg, positive for Ammonia & HCN production and also showing positive results for Amylolytic and Proteolytic activities. Conclusion According to field results, the interaction between plant and endophytes can promote plant immunity and play a significant role in sustainable agriculture. Endophytes displaying beneficial traits that can be exploited in agriculture biotechnology.