📄 agriculture

Bio-Efficacy of Seed and Leaf Extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Jatropha curcas (physic nut) against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Infestation in Maize Fields

This study demonstrates that seed and leaf extracts of *Azadirachta indica* and *Jatropha curcas*, particularly the seed extract of neem, effectively reduce Fall armyworm infestation and leaf damage while significantly increasing maize grain yield compared to untreated controls, suggesting their potential as viable alternatives to synthetic insecticides.

Mayaki Alhaji CECE, Israel Kayode OLAYEMI, Muhammadu Tajudeen SALAUDEEN, Azubuike Christian UKUBUIWE, Ibrahim Maikudi SA (…)2026-07-03
📄 agriculture

Efficacy of two biological agents integrated with chemical control for managing Cyclamen mite, Phytonemus palidus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae), in strawberry greenhouses

This greenhouse study demonstrates that while integrating the predatory mite *Neoseiulus californicus* with other biological agents or the acaricide bifenazate effectively suppresses cyclamen mites in strawberries, the standalone application of *N. californicus* is the most recommended strategy due to its equivalent efficacy combined with superior cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

Fatemeh Molavi, Mohammad Khanjani, Zarir Saeidi2026-07-03
📄 agriculture

Unrevealing the mechanism of characteristic metabolite formation in lychee kefir: An integrated metagenomic and untargeted metabolomics analysis

This study integrates metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics to elucidate how *Liquorilactobacillus nagelii* drives distinct metabolic pathways and acid profiles in lychee kefir, revealing that backslopping fermentation enhances acidity and specific metabolite formation compared to traditional methods.

Junhan Xiang, Kaifeng Chen, Jiawei Luo, Da Ma, Shan Xiao, Shuiyang Zou, Zhouyi Xiong, Jihui Wang, Xuan Chen2026-07-03
📄 agriculture

Optimisation of different agro-waste substrates and their effects on the yield and nutritional composition of oyster mushrooms in northern Uganda

This study demonstrates that locally available agro-waste substrates significantly influence the yield and nutritional profile of oyster mushrooms in northern Uganda, with maize cob/straw mixtures maximizing yield and protein content while banana fibre/leaf mixtures enhance vitamin levels, offering a sustainable strategy to combat food insecurity.

Reagan Okumu, Gad Kwizera, Amos Acura, Jennifer Angwech, Joanita Joan Atim, Bonny Aloka2026-07-03
📄 agriculture

Identifying Barriers to Effective Phytosanitary Implementation in The Agricultural Sector of Tanzania

This study identifies that despite high smartphone access and familiarity with standard operating procedures, effective phytosanitary implementation in Tanzania's agricultural sector is hindered by insufficient training, limited resources, and inconsistent adherence to protocols at major border entry points, necessitating strengthened capacity building and resource allocation to mitigate pest and disease risks.

Henry Mnyaga, Gration Rwegasira, George Tryphone2026-07-03
📄 agriculture

Modulating Adventitious Root Morphogenesis in Eriobotrya japonica Semi- Hardwood Cutting Through the Interaction of Plant Growth Regulator Application and Substrate Composition

This study demonstrates that the propagation of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) semi-hardwood cuttings is most effectively achieved by combining 80 ppm paclobutrazol with vermicompost, which significantly enhances root length and survival rates compared to other plant growth regulator and substrate combinations.

Chander kant, Niharika Chauhan, Suddhasuchi Das, Sovan Debnath, Feroze Hasan Rahman2026-07-03
📄 agriculture

Cultivar-specific regulation of vitamin C metabolism in kiwifruit during postharvest ripening

This study reveals that cultivar-specific retention of vitamin C during kiwifruit postharvest ripening is determined by the coordination between biosynthetic capacity and recycling efficiency rather than initial ascorbic acid content alone, as demonstrated by the contrasting metabolic profiles of 'Hongyang', 'Guihong', and 'Guihai No.4'.

Xia Liming, Ye Kaiyu, Liu Cuixia, Gao Jianyou, Zhu Rongxiang, Lin Wei, Jiang Qiaosheng, Wang Faming2026-07-03
📄 agriculture

Effects of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices on Economic Outcomes of Smallholder Farmers in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis of 14 studies across eight African countries indicates that Climate-Smart Agricultural practices generally improve smallholder farmers' yields, income, food security, and welfare, though the authors caution that these findings are preliminary due to the limited evidence base.

Hayford Nieto, Noble Morgan, Zelda Charlene Fafa Gadegbeku, Charles Amoatey, Ebenezer Kondo2026-07-03