Geostatistical models for asymmetric agricultural data
Amilton Luciano Garcia da Silva*, Miguel Angel Uribe-Opazo, Jerry Adriani Johann, Gustavo Henrique Dalposso
PGEAGRI, Western Paraná State University – (UNIOESTE), Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil
PPGBio, Federal University of Technology Paraná – (UTFPR), Toledo, Paraná, Brazil
Abstract: Soybean production (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is key to the global economy and environmental sustainability, but it faces the challenge of increasing productivity without harming the environment. In this context, geostatistics appears as an essential tool for Precision Agriculture (AP), allowing the mapping of spatial variability of factors such as soybean productivity and soil physicochemical attributes, which helps in making more efficient decisions, for optimizing input application, improving crop management, reducing environmental impact, and maximizing yield. This study was carried out in a commercial area of 173.04 ha during the 2022/2023 harvest. We analyzed soybean yield data and soil attributes, such as nutrient content and mechanical resistance to penetration, which required data transformations due to asymmetric distributions. Diagnostic techniques of local influence were used to identify influential observations, whose impacts were evaluated in parameter estimates, in the generation of thematic maps and in the definition of management zones. The exclusion of these observations changed spatial patterns and productivity estimates, highlighting the importance of careful analysis. Although, in some cases, the isolation forest method has identified outliers that coincided with influential observations, it is important to emphasize that this detection is not directly related to the concept of influential observations, since the methods have different approaches. The proposed procedure contributes to a more sustainable agriculture, reducing the environmental impact and optimizing the use of resources, aligning greater profitability with environmental responsibility.
Submitted: 10/04/2025 | Revised: 16/06/2025 | Accepted: 03/08/2025
Pages 1078-1089 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.11.p12
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Silicon nanoparticles for the control of Fusarium sp. in maize
Severino de Carvalho Neto*, Clint Wayne Araújo da Silva, Helder Windson Gomes dos Santos Oliveira, Lucy Gleide da Silva, Mirelly Coêlho de Souza, Ana Cecília da Rocha Oliveira, Severino Moreira d Silva, Adjair José da Silva, Edcarlos Camilo da Silva, Hilderlande Florêncio da Silva, Luciana Cordeiro do Nascimento
Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB)- Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA) - 12 Rodovia, PB-079, 58397- 000- Areia - PB, Brasil
Abstract: Maize is one of the most important crops worldwide but is highly susceptible to fungal diseases, particularly those caused by Fusarium sp., which compromise grain yield and quality. Conventional control relies on fungicides, posing risks of pathogen resistance and environmental impacts. Although silicon is not essential for plants, it can induce resistance, making it a promising sustainable alternative. This study evaluated the use of silicon nanoparticles for the control of Fusarium sp. both in vitro and in maize plants. The experiment was conducted at the Phytopathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), Campus II, Areia - PB, testing silicon nanoparticle concentrations (0 to 5 g/L) and a commercial fungicide (Prothioconazole + Trifloxystrobin). In the in vitro assay, mycelial growth and sporulation of the fungus were analyzed, while in the in vivo test, and at 30 days after sowing (DAS), the Jabatão variety was inoculated, and growth, biomass, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and pathogen infection rate were evaluated. The in vitro results indicated that doses of 1 to 3 g/L reduced mycelial growth, whereas sporulation was more inhibited at 4 g/L. In the in vivo test, infection was eliminated at 1 g/L, with no significant effects on physiological or biometric variables. Multivariate analysis identified shoot length, shoot dry mass, and root volume as key predictors of infection. These findings suggest that silicon has potential for Fusarium sp. control, warranting further studies to elucidate its mechanisms and optimize its application.
Submitted: 16/04/2025 | Revised: 17/06/2025 | Accepted: 21/08/2025
Pages 1090-1099 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.11.p15
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Nutritional, mineral, and antinutritional components of five cultivars of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach)
Muhammad Dicky Mandiri Nasution, Nafiatul Umami*, Asih Kurniawati, Mohammad Mijanur Rahman, Takahiro Gondo
Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Sandakan 90000, Sabah, Malaysia
Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen Kibanadai-nishi, Miyazaki, 889-2192, Japan
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7796-5885
Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the nutrient content, digestibility, mineral composition, and anti-nutritional compounds in five cultivars of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) in Indonesia. The study utilized five Napier grass cultivars: ‘Gama Umami’, ‘Pakchong’, ‘Mott’, ‘Purple’, and ‘Local’. A total of 20 replicates per cultivar were planted using a randomized group design. Harvesting was conducted 70 days after planting, and the measured parameters included morphological characteristics, production, nutrient content, fiber components, in vitro digestibility, mineral content, and anti-nutrient content. Morphological measurements exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05) for nearly all variables among the cultivars. The ‘Gama Umami’ cultivar showed significantly higher fresh production, leaf production, and leaf-to-stem ratio (P < 0.05). At the same time, nutrient and chlorophyll contents varied significantly (P < 0.05) across cultivars. In terms of fiber composition, significant differences (P < 0.05) were found for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). However, lignin content did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the cultivars. Likewise, both in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) varied significantly among the cultivars (P < 0.05). The mineral composition and anti-nutrient levels of each cultivar also showed significant differences (P < 0.05), with each cultivar exhibiting distinct characteristics and advantages. Overall, the study's results emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate Napier grass cultivars to optimize forage nutritional quality, enhance livestock productivity, and promote sustainability in tropical farming systems.
Submitted: 24/04/2025 | Revised: 29/06/2025 | Accepted: 29/08/2025
Pages 1100-1113 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.11.p19
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GC-MS analysis of bioactive compounds in Wedelia trilobata L. leaf extract and their herbicidal potential against Cyperus rotundus L.
Qurrotul Uyun, Dyah Weny Respatie*, Didik Indradewa, Aziz Purwantoro
Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5382-6197
Abstract: This study investigates the allelopathic and bioherbicidal potential of Wedelia trilobata L. leaf extract against Cyperus rotundus L., a globally invasive and yield-reducing weed. GC–MS analysis identified 108 bioactive compounds in the extract, predominantly terpenoids (87.6%), including steroids (30.7%), triterpenoids (26.3%), sesquiterpenes (13.8%), diterpenoids (11.5%), and carotenoids (3%). A greenhouse experiment was conducted using three extract concentrations (10%, 20%, 40%) alongside a distilled water control and a gallic acid reference. Purple nutsedge tuber sprout emergence and leaf development were measured at 10 and 30 days after planting. The results showed that the 10% concentration had limited inhibitory effects, while the 20% significantly reduced early-stage sprout emergence. The 40% concentration consistently suppressed both tuber shoot emergence and leaf development across all observation points. These findings confirm that Wedelia leaf extract exhibits a concentration-dependent bioherbicidal effect on Cyperus rotundus, attributed to its rich terpenoid content. The application of the extract significantly reduces vegetative growth, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic herbicides. This work provides a foundation for further studies on formulation optimization and large-scale application in sustainable agricultural systems.
Submitted: 12/05/2025 | Revised: 25/07/2025 | Accepted: 26/07/2025
Pages 1114-1120 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.11.p21
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Nitrogen-fixing and IAA-producing bacterial strains isolated from maize soil in Vietnamese mountainous regions
Tran Van Chi, Ngo Xuan Binh, Nguyen Tien Dung, Nguyen Manh Tuan, Nguyen Thanh Hai, Pham Thi Thuyet Mai, Nguyen Thi Giang, Nguyen Trinh Hoang Anh, Hoang Thi Lan Anh, Nguyen Quoc Khuong*
Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Quyet Thang, Thai Nguyen 24119, Vietnam
Mountainous Resources Environment Center, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry
Institute of Life Science, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Quyet Thang, Thai Nguyen 24119, Vietnam
Ministry of Science and Technology, Ha Noi 100000, Vietnam
Faculty of Environment, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Quyet Thang, Thai Nguyen 24119, Vietnam
Faculty of Crop Science, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5654-8401
Abstract: Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting factor for crop yield, especially in acidic soils. A biological approach should be taken as the usage of chemical N fertilizer is expensive and harmful to both human health and the environment. Therefore, the current study aimed at isolating a promising N2-fixing bacteria (NFB) that can provide IAA as an indicator of a plant growth promoter. The origin of isolation was in the mountainous areas in the North of Vietnam. The finest isolate according to IAA and N-fixing. Then, the biochemical and genomic traits of the selected isolate were determined. Eight of the twelve NFB strains identified in the study were able to produce IAA. The IAA-producing NFB showed an amount of 18.882–109.381 NH4+ and 4.321–22.158 IAA (µg/ml). The NL1 strain was chosen because of its exceptional performance compared to the other strains. The morphology and biochemical processes of the NL1 strain were determined. Its growth condition was as follows: duration (A) of 5.22 days, temperature (B) of 31.73°C, and pH (C) of 6.61 at the maximum bacteria density of 3.12159 × 108 CFU/ml. After that, the NL1 strain was identified as Azospirillum sp. and contained 12 N2-fixing genes and 4 IAA-producing genes. This indicates the potential of the Azospirillum sp. NL1 strain as an N2 fixer and an IAA producer. Thus, to increase soil fertility and crop productivity, and partially replace chemical fertilizer for sustainable agriculture, it should be further investigated in greenhouse and field studies.
Submitted: 21/05/2025 | Revised: 07/07/2025 | Accepted: 26/08/2025
Pages 1121-1131 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.11.p39
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Prospects for cleaning heavy metal polluted soils using Helianthus annuus L. (common sunflower) in a semi-arid area of Tanzania
Nyatwere Donasian Mganga*, Malila Malugu Malila
Department of Botany, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35060, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Department of Biology, University of Dodoma, P. O. Box 338, Dodoma, Tanzania
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5628-4063
Abstract: Natural processes and anthropogenic activities are responsible for the ever-increasing contamination of heavy metals in plants and soils. Elevated levels of heavy metals are reported to threaten physiological processes and functions of plants, also deteriorating microbial activities that, in turn, lower the quality of soils. However, some plant species are capable of tolerating elevated levels of heavy metals by extracting large amounts of the metals without developing any phytotoxic effects. The effectiveness of plants/crops to remove heavy metal pollutants from the soils depends on the nature of the plant and physical, chemical, geological and biological conditions of a particular region. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower) to extract lead and cadmium from polluted soils at the University of Dodoma, considering that the soil in that area is reportedly polluted. The levels of lead and cadmium in sunflower roots, leaves and in artificially polluted soils and control (pollutant-free soils) were measured by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results indicate significantly high bioaccumulation factor and translocation factor of sunflower grown in lead-polluted soil and the control soil with cadmium (non-polluted), respectively (p < 0.05). The study concluded that in Dodoma, a semi-arid area, sunflower, which is highly cultivated in that region, is a hyperaccumulator for cadmium and an excluder for lead; thus, suitable for phytoremediation initiatives. Further studies on sunflowers, particularly heavy metal accumulation in seeds, which are borne on the harvestable part of the plant, are recommended.
Submitted: 26/05/2025 | Revised: 06/09/2025 | Accepted: 19/09/2025
Pages 1132-1139 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.11.p45
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Exploring morphological and anatomical trait diversity in Moroccan populations of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus
Imane NEG, Said BOUDA, Hasna ZAGGOUMI, Youssef AIT BELLA, Younes ABBAS, Abdelmajid HADDIOUI*
Laboratory of Agro-Industrial and Medical Biotechnologies, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco
Polyvalent Research and Development Team, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Béni-Mellal, Morocco
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8860-6194
Abstract: Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus is a significant element of the forest ecosystems in High and Middle Atlas of Morocco. It is very well known for its resistant hard wood and for its essential oils used in traditional medicine. However, little data is available on its intra-specific variability and its adaptability. The objective of our study is to characterize and evaluate the phenotypic variation of this natural species. Using 22 morphological traits related to needles, cones, and stomata, we investigated the phenotypic variability of eight Moroccan wild populations to identify biogeographical trends and population relationships. Statistically significant differences were found between the studied populations for the most examined traits indicating a high level of phenotypic variability within this species. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster revealed three groups of populations not related to geographical and climatic factors. Our study provides the first phenotypic and anatomical information on Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus, a previously under-studied plant in Morocco, and reveals a high level of phenotypic diversity. Our observations indicate that populations from distinctly different altitudes display clear morphological differences (Ouaouizeght and Chefchaouen), This diversity appears to be associated with environmental factors such as altitude and temperature, both of which demonstrate significant correlations with certain morphological traits. This approach supports informed decision-making in conservation efforts. The data gathered serves as a critical resource for future research and conservation planning.
Submitted: 12/06/2025 | Revised: 29/07/2025 | Accepted: 28/08/2025
Pages 1140-1149 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.11.p58
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First detection of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the root system of plants growing under metallic trace elements stress in eastern Morocco at a polluted mining site and identification of spores in the soil
Hanae El Yeznasni*, Wissame Chafai, Halima Bouchentouf, Abdelaziz Smouni, Ahmed Khalid
Laboratory for the Improvement of Agricultural Production Biotechnology and Environment, University Mohammed the First, Oujda, 60000, Morocco
Plant Biotechnology and Physiology Laboratory, University Mohammed V, Rabat 10000, Morocco
Abstract: Soil pollution has become a major environmental concern, particularly in industrialized regions. The role of accumulator and hyperaccumulator plants in the remediation of soils contaminated by mining activities is now well recognized. Consequently, optimizing the growth of plant species capable of thriving in such environments is essential for enhancing the uptake of heavy metals.This study aims to investigate the presence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi in the roots of plants growing in a metal-stressed area, and to isolate and identify fungal spores from a former mining site located in eastern Morocco. This site, which operated from 1945 to 1980, was dedicated to the processing and refining of lead and silver for over 33 years. The mining site was closed due to the depletion of local raw material sources. Following the collection of plant species from the area, a root staining procedure using trypan blue was carried out to accurately assess the frequency and intensity of mycorrhizal colonization in each species. Subsequently, fungal spore identification was conducted. The results revealed that all seven plant species were mycorrhizal, exhibiting high colonization frequencies — over 80% for Diplotaxis erucoides and an intensity of 86% for Capsella bursa-pastoris. The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal spores present in the soil of Oued El Heimer were predominantly from the genus Glomus, whereas Ambispora was the least represented. Overall, this study demonstrates that the mining site harbors a high diversity of AM fungi, which contribute to enhanced plant tolerance to trace metal elements. Furthermore, these fungi aid in soil remediation by immobilizing metal ions on plant roots, indicating significant fungal colonization in the area.
Submitted: 12/06/2025 | Revised: 09/09/2025 | Accepted: 10/09/2025
Pages 1150-1157 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.11.p369