International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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First Assessment of Soil Mite Communities in Togo with Special Reference to Mesostigmata as Potential Biological Control Agents
No full textA survey of soil arthropods was conducted in two contrasting localities of southern Togo, SEAL (Agronomic Experimental station) and GOUNOU KOPE, to assess the richness of soil mites, with a focus on Mesostigmata with potential in biological control. A total of 14,369 arthropods were collected, of which 11,510 were from SEAL and 2,859 from GOUNOU KOPE. Mites were the most abundant group overall (66.2%; 9,056 individuals), followed by Collembola (19.6%) and other insects (14.3%). Arthropod abundances varied by site and land-use type: uncultivated soils supported higher densities than cultivated soils at SEAL, whereas the opposite trend was observed at GOUNOU KOPE. Mite abundance was significantly influenced by site (df = 1, F = 49.16, P < 0.0001), soil type (df = 1, F = 50.12, P < 0.0001), and season (df = 1, F = 36.70, P < 0.0001), with higher densities consistently found at SEAL, in uncultivated soils, and during the rainy season. Taxonomic analysis revealed two mite orders, Oribatida and Mesostigmata, with Oribatida dominating across sites and land-use types. Within Mesostigmata, three families were identified: Ologamasidae, Parasitidae, and Uropodidae. Ologamasidae was the most abundant family, representing 70% and 67% of Mesostigmata in cultivated and uncultivated soils at SEAL, and 56% and 59% at GOUNOU KOPE, respectively. These findings highlight marked spatial and seasonal variation in soil arthropod communities and underline the predominance of predatory Mesostigmata families with potential relevance for biological control in West African agroecosystems
Influence of Coffee Parchment-Based Compost on Soil Management under Rice Crops in the Department of Man, Côte d\u27Ivoire
No full textThe fertility of tropical acid soils is limited by their acidity, low organic matter content and limited availability of nutrients. However, the composting of coffee husks. is a source of organic matter and nutrients that play an important role in maintaining soil fertility and, therefore, in sustainable agricultural.
Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of coffee parchment-based compost on the chemical and biological characteristics of Bofesso soils in Man department.
Various treatments (control, slash-and-burn control, composts (5-10-15 kg) and mineral fertilisation NPK+urea) were applied to the soils. Parameters analyzed include pH, organic matter (OM), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (Nt), C/N ratio, available phosphorus (Pass), cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable bases (SEB), base saturation (V), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn). Results show that slash-and-burn temporarily increases pH, CEC, and some micronutrients but reduces OM and microbial biomass. Compost, particularly at 5–10 kg rates, significantly improves CEC, Pass, OM, pH, MBC, DHA, and micronutrient balance, enhancing long-term soil fertility. Mineral fertilization with NPK+urea increases some available nutrients (P, Zn, Fe) but is limited in restoring organic and biological quality.
Compost made from coffee parchment can be used as a bio-fertilizer to improve soil fertility and health. Sustainable management of tropical soils should thus prioritize organic amendments and, ideally, their integration with mineral inputs to reconcile immediate agricultural productivity and long-term sustainability
A Systematic Review of Heavy Metal Contamination and Human Health Risk Assessment in Soils and Vegetables of Jhansi, Bundelkhand Region, India
No full textHeavy metal contamination in soil and vegetables poses a serious threat to environmental safety and human health, particularly in regions with intensive agricultural and industrial activities. This review focuses on the extent of heavy metal contamination in the Jhansi district of the Bundelkhand region, analyzing its sources, pathways, accumulation in vegetables, and associated health risks. Metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg) have been detected at alarming levels in both soil and edible plants, primarily due to the use of contaminated water for irrigation, application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and proximity to traffic and industrial zones. Health risk assessments, including Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), indicate potential non-Harmful chemicalsic and Harmful chemicalsic risks, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The findings highlight an urgent need for continuous monitoring, public awareness, and the implementation of regulatory measures to control the sources of contamination
Influence of Morphopedological Conditions on the Agronomic Characteristics of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Azaguié, Guibéroua, and Niablé, Côte d\u27Ivoire
No full textThe pepper plant is cultivated in tropical areas. Its fragrant, pungent berries make it a quality spice, considered the queen of spices, consumed worldwide. This study was initiated to assess the impact of morpho-pedological factors on the agronomic performance of black pepper in three localities (Azaguié, Guibéroua, Niablé) in Côte d\u27Ivoire. The present study, carried out in Azaguié, Guibéroua and Niablé, aimed to assess the morphopedological conditions of these localities in Côte d\u27Ivoire and to evaluate the agronomic parameters of pepper berries.
To this end, chemical analyses were carried out on pepper berries and soil samples taken from the 0-60 cm stratum of four (4) soil pits opened in pepper plantations in each of the three localities.
The results show that the soils in the study areas are generally Ferralsols with a silty clay-sandy texture on the surface and clay at depth in Azaguié and Guibéroua. At Niablé, the texture is silty on the surface and silty-clayey at depth. The hydrodynamic properties of the soils are characterised by high useful reserves in Azaguié (Ru= 169 mm) compared with Guibéroua (Ru= 139 mm) and Niablé (Ru= 142 mm). Soils are strongly acidic in Guibéroua (pH˂5), moderately to weakly acidic in Niablé (5.22<pH<5.6) and Azaguié (5.4<pH<6.5).
Organic matter content decreases with depth, and is higher overall at Azaguié, with an average value of 1.86%, compared with 1.69% at Niablé and 1.43% at Guibéroua.
In terms of agronomic properties, the berries obtained in Azaguié had a high diameter (5.37 mm) and piperine content (6.42g/100g), while water (11.69%) and ash (3.59%) contents were low.
At Guibéroua and Niablé, grain diameters (4.16 mm and 4.33 mm) and piperine (4.61 and 4.76g/100g) and ash (4.37%) contents are similar. Grain moisture content was 13.49% at Niablé and 12.47% at Guibéroua.
These values comply with black pepper quality standards. These three localities, therefore, offer conditions conducive to the production of good-quality black pepper. In conclusion, the study found that black pepper grown in three regions of Côte d\u27Ivoire adapts well to local soils and lower rainfall, producing berries that meet quality standards. Azaguié showed the highest piperine content, and only Niablé exceeded the moisture limit, indicating good potential for high-quality pepper production
Metagenomics of Plant Viruses: Tools and Applications
No full textMetagenomics which has gained considerable attention in recent years, offers a powerful tool for detecting plant viruses which possess a serious threat to agriculture, food security, and biodiversity globally. Traditionally, methods of diagnosis such as serological techniques, often fail to detect unknown, divergent or emergent type of viruses. However, metagenomic approaches have made it possible to characterize such viruses on a larger scale. This review provides an overview of metagenomic strategies used for plant virological studies with major emphasis on next generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools used for data processing and analysis. Furthermore, applications with reference to biotechnology, nanotechnology, agriculture, and environmental studies emphasizing its role in plant virus management are also mentioned. Though significant progress made, several knowledge gaps still persist, which requires attention to enhance the utility of metagenomics for studying plant viruses, are also discussed in this review
Field Evaluation of Fungicides for Management of Alternaria Blight in Rapeseed (Brassica rapa var. toria)
No full textAlternaria blight caused by Alternaria brassica and, A. brassicicola singly or by mixed infection is one of the most widespread and destructive disease of oilseed brassicas globally. In order to identify the effective and economic molecules of fungicides against Alternaria blight, a field trial was conducted during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Nagaon, Assam in rapeseed (Brassica rapa L. var. toria). The trial was conducted with seven fungicides and replicated thrice (RBD) to assess the most effective fungicide in managing the disease. Among the different fungicides tested, the ready-mix formulation of tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG resulted in maximum reduction in disease severity both on leaves (54.1 %) and pods (55.7 %). Thus, this combo-formulation led to realization of the highest seed yield (1187 kg ha-1) with yield advantage of 78.5 % over check. The highest net monetary return (NR) of Rs. 39001 ha-1 with benefit-cost ratio (B:C) of 2.02 was received in the treatment, followed by azoxystrobin 23 % SC @ 1 ml l-1 with 46.1 % and 45.8 % reduction in disease incidence respectively on leaves and pods and yield increase of 54.8 %. Interestingly, when B:C ratio was calculated, azoxystrobin 23% SC recorded the highest B:C (2.31) with NR of Rs. 37959 ha-1
Floristic List of Weeds in Irrigated Sorghum bicolor (Grain Sorghum) Fields in the El-Meilg Area, Gezira Scheme, Sudan
No full textStudies on weed flora are fundamental for the development of effective weed management strategies. This study provides the first comprehensive inventory of weed species in irrigated grain sorghum fields using the Sudan Gezira Scheme. Field surveys were conducted during the August-October 2025 growing season across multiple farms in the El-Meilg region. A visual inventory method was employed to record weed species, which were identified using regional flora and online taxonomic databases (Kew Plants of the World Online, IPNI). This study documented 39 weed species across 34 genera and 14 families. Dicotyledons were dominant (28 species), followed by the monocotyledons (11 species). The Poaceae family was the most species-rich (8 species), followed by Malvaceae (7 species), and Fabaceae (5 species). Most weeds were annual, with fewer annual/perennial and perennial species. Propagation was primarily by seeds (31 species), with other species reproducing via seeds and/or stolons (5 species), seeds and/or rhizomes (2 species), or a combination of all three (2 species). This study established a critical baseline database for developing targeted weed control protocols for Sudan\u27s most important agricultural systems
Dynamics of Ralstonia solanacearum Species Complex as Influenced by Soil Ecology
No full textBacterial wilt, caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC), is one of the most destructive plant diseases worldwide, particularly in vegetable crops. The remarkable variability of RSSC—spanning genetic, ecological, and functional diversity-complicates disease management and sustainable crop production. Among the many determinants of this variability, soil properties play a decisive role by shaping pathogen survival, persistence, and virulence. Soil pH, organic matter content, moisture, and texture directly influence population dynamics, while the indigenous microbiome and antagonistic interactions act as biotic filters that suppress or facilitate infection. Environmental factors such as temperature and moisture further regulate the pathogen’s ability to enter dormant states (e.g., viable but non-culturable) and disperse through water or alternative hosts. Recent evidence shows that acidic, clay-rich soils often enhance long-term survival, whereas alkaline soils can restrict infection. Understanding these soil–pathogen interactions is essential for developing targeted interventions. Soil-based management strategies, including pH adjustment, organic amendments, anaerobic soil disinfestation, microbiome engineering, crop rotation, and host resistance breeding, offer promising avenues for integrated control of bacterial wilt. Future research should focus on integrating soil microbial community dynamics with high-resolution RSSC genomics to better understand how specific microbiome–pathogen interactions influence pathogen evolution, virulence, and disease outcomes under diverse agroecosystems. By focusing on the interplay between soil ecology and pathogen variability, this review highlights new opportunities for sustainable, soil-centred management of bacterial wilt in diverse agroecosystems
Biochar for Remediation of Acidic Soils: Effects on Soil Chemistry, Structure, and Biological Activity
No full textA major barrier that significantly reduces agricultural productivity on some of the world’s arable land is soil acidity. Low microbial activity, nutrient deficiencies, and, most importantly the phytotoxicity of manganese (Mn2+) and aluminum (Al3+) are common problems in these soils. For the remediation of acid soils, the use of biochar a carbon-rich substance produced by the pyrolysis of plant biomass has shown promise as a sustainable substitute for conventional liming techniques. Current studies on the various ways that biochar can balance soil acidity and improve soil qualities are summarized in this review. We examine the main chemical, physical, and biological processes that are stimulated by the high porosity and natural alkalinity of biochar. Furthermore, the review explores the scientific knowledge about the production technology, acidity problems, and mechanism of biochar in aspect of physical, chemical and biological in soil. With all the aspects this study also aims to cover the effect of biochar on crop productivity and soil fertility
Hydroponics vs Aeroponics: A Comparative Review
No full textThe increasing global population, urbanization, and limited arable land have intensified the need for innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. Soilless cultivation systems, particularly hydroponics and aeroponics, offer viable solutions by enabling precise nutrient management, reduced water usage, and enhanced crop productivity. This review provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of hydroponics and aeroponics, examining their principles, mechanisms, growth performance, resource efficiency, economic feasibility, environmental impact, and crop suitability. Hydroponics, which delivers nutrients to plant roots via water-based solutions, is widely implemented due to its adaptability, moderate setup costs, and ability to support a variety of crops. Aeroponics, in which roots are suspended in air and periodically misted with nutrient solutions, offers accelerated growth, superior nutrient and water efficiency, and higher yields, although it requires higher initial investment and technical expertise. The review also highlights technological innovations, including automation, IoT integration, nutrient monitoring systems, and AI-driven optimization, which are enhancing the efficiency and scalability of both systems. Despite these advantages, challenges such as high operational costs, technical complexity, crop-specific nutrient formulation, and equipment reliability persist, indicating areas for future research and development. The comparative analysis suggests that while hydroponics is suitable for commercial and small-scale farming with moderate investment, aeroponics is ideal for high-value crops, urban vertical farms, and research-oriented applications. Overall, hydroponics and aeroponics are poised to play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture, addressing food security challenges and optimizing resource utilization. Continued innovation, research, and policy support will be essential for maximizing their potential in modern farming practices