Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 7

Progress of Research on Seed Priming in Major Field Crops

2026-02-09T10:30:12+00:00

Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique where seeds are hydrated with solutions of specific osmotic potential for a set period, often with organic or inorganic chemicals at controlled temperatures. This process repairs cell structures, activates enzymes, converts stored materials to energy, and initiates metabolism before germination. Seed priming promotes rapid, uniform germination, dormancy breaking, water and nutrient use efficiency, improved tolerance to environmental stresses, and resistance to diseases. It is an affordable, effective technology that enhances seed performance and early plant development in field crops. Seed priming methods include hydro-priming, halo-priming, hormonal, osmo-, solid-matrix, nutrient, nanoparticle, and bio-priming. Advanced seed priming methodologies such as nanoparticles, gamma-ray, magnetic-ray, and ultraviolet irradiation have prompted concerns regarding their potential adverse effects on plants, human health, and the environment. The optimal treatment differs between species, cultivar, and seed lots. Such variability is a major limitation of the priming method, and hence, numerous trials are required to identify the most appropriate strategy for each situation. Selection of the right priming technique is crucial for realising optimal results with this cost-effective approach and is a valuable technology for sustainable agriculture. The review aims at summarising the seed priming principles, mechanisms, and recent research advances made adopting different methods of seed priming and the beneficial effects of seed priming on morpho-physiological and biochemical characters in major field crops such as rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, greegram, blackgram, pigeon pea, chickpea, groundnut, soybean, sunflower and sesame.

Environmental Compliance and Poultry Waste Management in Commercial Layer Farms of Batangas, Philippines

2026-02-09T10:32:57+00:00

The performance of the layer industry is strongly influenced by management practices, including nutrition and waste management, with proper utilisation, such as composting, biogas generation, and use as organic fertiliser, helping to reduce environmental hazards like water contamination, air pollution, and the spread of diseases, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable farming practices. The study aimed to assess waste management practices, the utilisation of poultry waste, compliance with environmental regulations, and potential environmental hazards among the 100 selected commercial layer chicken farms in Batangas, Philippines. Using a purposive sampling method and a descriptive survey design, the study was conducted in ten municipalities with the highest inventory of layer chicken farms, as recorded by the Department of Agriculture Region IV-A. Results revealed that most farms generated cage layer waste and primarily disposed of dry manure, with an average daily manure production of 833.17kg. Manure was commonly collected by manure buyers or given free to neighbours and LGUs, while 36% of farmers sold manure for use as fertiliser. Although 66% of farms had compost pits, storage capacity was generally insufficient relative to the volume of manure produced, and only a few farms utilised manure for biogas. Compliance with ECC and RA 6969 was high, although ISO certifications remained uncommon. Flies and odour were the most frequently reported environmental concerns, often associated with inadequate manure drying, prolonged waste storage, and poor waste-handling facilities. Farmers with higher educational attainment demonstrated better compliance with environmental standards. Overall, the findings indicate that while basic waste management practices are implemented, significant gaps remain in storage capacity, manure handling, and odour and fly control. Strengthened training programs, improving waste utilisation technologies, and increased engagement in poultry associations are recommended to support better waste management and environmental compliance.

Trace Element Accumulation Patterns in Leafy Vegetables with Varying Heavy Metal Tolerance under Cadmium and Arsenic Stress

2026-02-09T10:34:50+00:00

Leafy vegetables are a crucial component of the human daily diet. In recent years, research on heavy metal pollution in leafy vegetables has gradually increased, revealing differences in heavy metal accumulation in different vegetables and their potential risks to human health. Currently, some progress has been made in research on the response and regulatory mechanisms of leafy vegetables to heavy metal stress. This chapter examines the growth adaptation, heavy metal (Cd and As) accumulation, translocation dynamics, and mineral nutrient regulation in leafy vegetables exhibiting differential tolerance to heavy metal stress. Focusing on the challenge of combined Cd and As contamination, the study employed a hydroponic system to cultivate three high‑tolerance, four moderate‑tolerance, and one sensitive leafy vegetable variety under Cd and As exposure. Post‑harvest analysis assessed biomass production alongside the concentrations of Cd, As, and essential trace elements.

Key findings reveal that: (1) Co‑exposure to Cd and As markedly enhanced the root‑to‑shoot translocation of Cd compared to single‑metal treatments, with translocation factors increasing by up to 83.83% in black bean sprouts and 503.2% in white radish sprouts. (2) While shifts in mineral nutrient concentrations under single and combined stress were generally consistent, the regulatory responses varied significantly across vegetable species. (3) High‑tolerance varieties, such as Pak choi, demonstrated a pronounced capacity for heavy metal accumulation under Cd/As stress, coupled with a positive regulation of mineral elements in root tissues. In contrast, sensitive species like pea sprouts often showed suppressed root mineral content—a likely adaptive strategy to limit heavy metal uptake.

These insights elucidate critical resistance mechanisms to combined heavy metal pollution in leafy vegetables, providing a scientific basis for advancing phytoremediation strategies and guiding the safe production of vegetables in contaminated environments.

Rice Cultivation and Weed Control in Ghana’s Guinea Savannah Zone

2026-02-09T10:39:38+00:00

Rice production in the Guinea Savanna agroecological zone of Ghana faces persistent challenges from weed infestation, soil moisture losses, and high production costs associated with conventional land preparation practices. Conservation-oriented management strategies that integrate reduced tillage and efficient weed control are increasingly recognised as pathways to sustainable intensification of rice-based systems. This chapter evaluates the interactive effects of tillage practices and herbicide-based weed management on weed control efficiency, soil moisture conservation, crop growth, grain yield, and economic performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Field experiments were conducted in 2022 at the Nyankpala experimental field of the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) using a factorial combination of tillage systems (conventional, minimum, and no tillage) and herbicide regimes: Pendimethalin (400 g a. i. ha⁻¹) applied as pre-emergence, Bispyribac sodium (25 g a. i. ha⁻¹) applied as post-emergence, and a combined pre- and post-emergence application. Agronomic data on weed density, weed biomass, crop vigour, phenological development, and grain yield were collected. Weed control efficiency was quantified, and enterprise budgeting was complemented with sensitivity and risk analyses to assess economic robustness under variable cost and price scenarios. The results showed that minimum tillage combined with pre- and post-emergence herbicide application significantly reduced weed density and biomass, improved soil moisture retention, enhanced crop vigour, accelerated flowering, and increased grain yield compared with conventional tillage systems. Economic analysis indicated that the integrated minimum tillage-herbicide system generated higher net returns and remained economically resilient under simulated input cost increases and output price reductions.

This chapter demonstrates that integrated tillage-herbicide management enhances productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability of rice-based systems in the Guinea Savanna, providing practical evidence to support the wider adoption of conservation agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa.

Spatial Assessment of Soil Suitability for Major Tree Crops Using GIS and Local Knowledge Systems in Ejisu-Juabeng District

2026-02-12T10:33:01+00:00

Sustainable land management is crucial for mitigating land degradation, restoring degraded areas, and ensuring the optimal use of land resources for the benefit of both present and future generations. There is a growing interest and recognition of the importance of local technical knowledge in the planning, use, and sustainable management of land resources. This study assessed indigenous knowledge of soil suitability and compared it with technical soil evaluation approaches in four villages within the Ejisu–Juabeng District of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Two contrasting but complementary soil mapping approaches were employed: a geopedologic approach following Zinck (1988), representing expert-driven soil classification, and a farmer-based approach that relied on local spatial knowledge, experience, and land-use history. Farmers first developed soil maps based on their understanding of landscape features and soil behaviour, and subsequently evaluated the suitability of mapped soils for economically important tree crops—cocoa, oil palm, and citrus. In parallel, expert-based soil suitability evaluation was conducted using the Automated Land Evaluation System (ALES), which applies the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) land evaluation framework by matching land characteristics and qualities with specific crop requirements. The resulting farmer-derived and expert-derived suitability maps were integrated and analysed within a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment to assess spatial correlation and agreement between the two knowledge systems. Farmers’ suitability assessments indicated that 81% of the study area was suitable for cocoa, while citrus and oil palm accounted for 71% and 26%, respectively. In contrast, expert-based evaluations classified 66% of the area as suitable for cocoa, with citrus and oil palm suitability covering 41% and 39%, respectively. Comparative map analysis revealed overall accuracies of 67% for cocoa, 43% for citrus, and 14% for oil palm, reflecting varying degrees of concordance between local and technical assessments. The spatial correlation analysis highlights both convergences and divergences in soil classification between indigenous and expert systems, with topsoil characteristics emerging as a critical factor influencing farmer decision-making. The findings underscore the importance of integrating local soil knowledge with scientific land evaluation tools to enhance sustainable land management and informed agricultural planning in smallholder farming systems.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Agricultural Production and Farmer Livelihoods in Raipur District, Chhattisgarh, India

2026-03-25T11:38:35+00:00

Background: The backbone of the Indian financial system, and the main source of income in rural India, is agriculture. Agriculture and allied businesses are crucial for the sustainable growth and development of the Indian economy. The COVID-19 illness significantly impacted the agricultural supply chain, from the industrial hub to the final consumer.

Aim: This study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on farmers’ production in Raipur District of Chhattisgarh.

Methods: The study was conducted in agricultural years 2019–20 and 2020–21. By selecting sample villages, the study's data were gathered from 300 households and 50 migrant and non-migrant workers in the Chhattisgarh district of Raipur. Primary data was collected from the farmers using a personal interview method, a well-planned schedule, and a questionnaire. Secondary data was gathered from Census reports, the Labour Bureau, Chhattisgarh, the Government of Chhattisgarh, the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, and various reputable journals, articles, and books. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and paired sample t-tests, were employed.

Results: The study found that the maize crop had the highest yield loss, mostly -5.13 per cent, which is due to untimely harvest and unavailability of labour. Also, lak/teora crop yield decreased by -2.83 per cent. Also, the findings indicated that the yield of paddy, vegetables (Bitter guard, brinjal ladies finger and bottle guard), and Arhar had increased by 16.18, 60.76, 61.39, 39.87, 59.74 and 14.28 per cent respectively from previous years yield. The real impact in the case of crop production was seen in the prices of farm produce. The return of migrant workers also increased production; it was found from the study that agriculture was the only source of income for every household during the lockdown. Farmers experienced a shortage of agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides as a result of world trade disruption.

Conclusion: A significant relationship was observed between the COVID-19 pandemic and agricultural production in the study area. The study recommends increasing investments in vital logistics to sustain the demand for agricultural commodities and supporting start-ups and e-commerce businesses through appropriate policies and incentives.

Geographic Information System to Study the Spatial Distribution of Pigeonpea Flower Webber, Maruca vitrata (Geyer) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Leaf Webber, Grapholita critica (Meyr.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Kalaburagi District, India

2026-03-27T11:44:01+00:00

The flower webber Maruca vitrata (Geyer)leaf webber, Grapholitacritica (Meyr.) are lepidopteran pests of pigeonpea, which results in heavy crop loss by webbing leaves and floral parts. The study was conducted using a GIS tool to assess the spatial distribution of pests and their incidence with weather parameters (temperature and rainfall) to develop risk assessment maps for precise pest management. It was employed to know the spatial distribution of pests across the Kalaburagi district from 2013 to 2016. A total of 2752 survey points were generated through the e-SAP (Electronic Solutions against Agricultural Pests) application. From these data points, spatio-temporal analysis was carried out using ArcGIS software to determine the distribution of pests across space and time. Kalaburagi district is more prone to pest attack, especially in Chincholi, Sedam, and Kalaburagitalukas. The rainfall and maximum temperature are the most influential factors on the population of M. vitrata. Overlay analysis indicated that the incidence level of M. vitrata attained ETL status in the eastern part of Kalaburagi, which recorded the highest rainfall, ranging between 423 and 501 mm and with maximum temperature in the range of 31.11 to 32.84 °C. Whereas, in the other regions, the district with less than 403 mm rainfall and less than 31°C recorded pest incidence at less than ETL. In the case of leaf webber, the rainfall and maximum temperature are the most influential factors on its population. Overlay analysis indicated that rainfall of more than 400 mm with a one-month lag time and maximum temperature above 32°C with 10 days lag time favoured the higher incidence of pest.