Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Essential Oils and Extracts from Argentinian Northwest Plants as Potential Biofungicides for Olive and Grapevine Pathogens: in vitro Studies
Full text linkThis work studies the effect of 12 botanical products from Argentinian northwest plants on spores and mycelium of Verticillium dahliae and Phaeoacremonium parasiticum, two pathogens of agronomic importance for the region. The fungi were exposed to essential oils (EOs) or ethanolic extracts (EEs), determining the percentage of germinated spores and mycelial growth. All tested EOs and EEs showed varying degrees of antifungal activity, dependent on plant species, extract type, pathogen, and targeted fungal structures. V. dahliae germination was completely inhibited by Zuccagnia punctata and Clinopodium gilliesii EOs. In experiments with EEs, Z. punctata EE was the most effective in suppressing spore germination of both fungi. The C. gilliesii EE also controlled V. dahliae germination. The EEs of Z. punctata, C. gilliesii and Lippia turbinata were the most active against mycelial growth. These three EEs had a fungistatic effect on P. parasiticum while Z. punctata and L. turbinata EEs showed a fungicidal effect on V. dahliae. The products obtained from Z. punctata, C. gilliesii and L. turbinata have potential as biocontrollers against V. dahliae and P. parasiticum. This is encouraging since no effective treatments are available for the diseases involving these pathogens.
Highlights:
Antifungal activity of plant-derived products varied depending on plant species, extract type, pathogen, and targeted fungal structures.
Ethanolic extracts (EEs) showed higher antifungal activity than Essential oils (EOs).
V. dahliae was more sensitive to plant product activity than P. parasiticum.
The studied botanical products offer promising eco-friendly alternatives for integrated disease management in regional crops. This work studies the effect of 12 botanical products from Argentinian northwest plants on spores and mycelium of Verticillium dahliae and Phaeoacremonium parasiticum, two pathogens of agronomic importance for the region. The fungi were exposed to essential oils (EOs) or ethanolic extracts (EEs), determining the percentage of germinated spores and mycelial growth. All tested EOs and EEs showed varying degrees of antifungal activity, dependent on plant species, extract type, pathogen, and targeted fungal structures. V. dahliae germination was completely inhibited by Zuccagnia punctata and Clinopodium gilliesii EOs. In experiments with EEs, Z. punctata EE was the most effective in suppressing spore germination of both fungi. The C. gilliesii EE also controlled V. dahliae germination. The EEs of Z. punctata, C. gilliesii and Lippia turbinata were the most active against mycelial growth. These three EEs had a fungistatic effect on P. parasiticum while Z. punctata and L. turbinata EEs showed a fungicidal effect on V. dahliae. The products obtained from Z. punctata, C. gilliesii and L. turbinata have potential as biocontrollers against V. dahliae and P. parasiticum. This is encouraging since no effective treatments are available for the diseases involving these pathogens.
Highlights:
Antifungal activity of plant-derived products varied depending on plant species, extract type, pathogen, and targeted fungal structures.
Ethanolic extracts (EEs) showed higher antifungal activity than Essential oils (EOs).
V. dahliae was more sensitive to plant product activity than P. parasiticum.
The studied botanical products offer promising eco-friendly alternatives for integrated disease management in regional crops.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the woody endocarp of native and commercial walnuts from Argentina
Full text linkJuglans australis is a tree from the Juglandaceae family found in the southernmost region of America. Its small edible nuts are not commercialized, and their bioactive characteristics are unknown. This study first reports the antioxidant, antiradical, and antibacterial activity of extracts from this native walnut against phytopathogenic bacteria and compared with its commercial counterpart, J. regia L. Different extracts from the woody endocarp (shells) were obtained using methanol and ethyl acetate. Methanolic extracts significantly inhibited phytopathogenic growth at all concentrations tested (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL). The best activity was reported against Xanthomonas. Highest total phenolics and the most significant antioxidant activity were determined in methanolic extracts (TPC: 121 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of dried peel, FRAP: 58.6 mmol Trolox/100 g of peel dried and 9.7 mM Trolox/100 g of dried peel). Extracts from both species demonstrated congruent patterns. Gallic acid was the most abundant compound in the methanolic extract. However, extracts demonstrated superior efficiency, suggesting a potential synergistic effect among their components. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts against Xanthomonas make them potential control agents.
Highlights:
First report of antioxidant and antibacterial properties in Juglans australis nuts.
Methanolic extracts from walnut shells significantly inhibit Xanthomonas.
High phenolic content and antioxidant activity highlight Juglans australis'.
Galic acid is the dominant bioactive in methanolic extracts with synergistic effects.
Native walnut extracts offer sustainable phytopathogen control alternatives.Juglans australis is a tree from the Juglandaceae family found in the southernmost region of America. Its small edible nuts are not commercialized, and their bioactive characteristics are unknown. This study first reports the antioxidant, antiradical, and antibacterial activity of extracts from this native walnut against phytopathogenic bacteria and compared with its commercial counterpart, J. regia L. Different extracts from the woody endocarp (shells) were obtained using methanol and ethyl acetate. Methanolic extracts significantly inhibited phytopathogenic growth at all concentrations tested (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL). The best activity was reported against Xanthomonas. Highest total phenolics and the most significant antioxidant activity were determined in methanolic extracts (TPC: 121 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g of dried peel, FRAP: 58.6 mmol Trolox/100 g of peel dried and 9.7 mM Trolox/100 g of dried peel). Extracts from both species demonstrated congruent patterns. Gallic acid was the most abundant compound in the methanolic extract. However, extracts demonstrated superior efficiency, suggesting a potential synergistic effect among their components. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of methanolic extracts against Xanthomonas make them potential control agents.
Highlights:
First report of antioxidant and antibacterial properties in Juglans australis nuts.
Methanolic extracts from walnut shells significantly inhibit Xanthomonas.
High phenolic content and antioxidant activity highlight Juglans australis'.
Galic acid is the dominant bioactive in methanolic extracts with synergistic effects.
Native walnut extracts offer sustainable phytopathogen control alternatives
The Native Dryland PGPR ‘Pseudomonas 42P4’ Promotes Adventitious Rooting in Woody Cuttings of Vitis spp.
Full text linkThis study evaluated the effect of two native PGPR strains from an arid region (Mendoza, Argentina) on the rooting of woody cuttings of Vitis spp. These strains are known for their growth-promoting capacity, including auxin production. Dormant V. vinifera cv. Malbec cuttings were grafted onto four rootstocks - 1103 Paulsen, 110 Richter, 101-14 MGt and SO4. Then, basal ends of these grafted cuttings and own rooted controls were incubated for 12 h in solutions of (1) Pseudomonas 42P4 at 107 CFU mL-1, (2) Enterobacter 64S1 at 107 CFU mL-1, (3) autoclaved LB medium, (4) water, and (5) a quick-dip immersion of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). After treatment, the cuttings were placed in a forcing chamber at 28°C and relative humidity ~100% for 21 days. Rooting parameters and scion-rootstock union percentages were recorded. Pseudomonas 42P4 significantly promoted rooting in Malbec own-rooted cuttings. However, Enterobacter 64S1 had negative or null effects. Furthermore, Pseudomonas 42P4 enhanced rooting in Malbec grafted onto 1103 Paulsen, but not on 101-14 MGt, 110 Richter or SO4. This strain also improved graft union success on SO4, but did not affect the other rootstocks. These results suggest that a dryland native strain such as Pseudomonas 42P4 could sustainably enhance the quality of both own-rooted and grafted grapevine plants in commercial nurseries.
Highlights:
Pseudomonas 42P4, a native PGPR strain from arid soils, has genotype-specific effects during grapevine propagation.
Pseudomonas 42P4 promotes rooting in own-rooted Malbec woody cuttings and in Malbec grafted onto 1103 Paulsen.
Pseudomonas 42P4 might be a sustainable alternative to synthetic auxins in commercial nurseries.This study evaluated the effect of two native PGPR strains from an arid region (Mendoza, Argentina) on the rooting of woody cuttings of Vitis spp. These strains are known for their growth-promoting capacity, including auxin production. Dormant V. vinifera cv. Malbec cuttings were grafted onto four rootstocks - 1103 Paulsen, 110 Richter, 101-14 MGt and SO4. Then, basal ends of these grafted cuttings and own rooted controls were incubated for 12 h in solutions of (1) Pseudomonas 42P4 at 107 CFU mL-1, (2) Enterobacter 64S1 at 107 CFU mL-1, (3) autoclaved LB medium, (4) water, and (5) a quick-dip immersion of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). After treatment, the cuttings were placed in a forcing chamber at 28°C and relative humidity ~100% for 21 days. Rooting parameters and scion-rootstock union percentages were recorded. Pseudomonas 42P4 significantly promoted rooting in Malbec own-rooted cuttings. However, Enterobacter 64S1 had negative or null effects. Furthermore, Pseudomonas 42P4 enhanced rooting in Malbec grafted onto 1103 Paulsen, but not on 101-14 MGt, 110 Richter or SO4. This strain also improved graft union success on SO4, but did not affect the other rootstocks. These results suggest that a dryland native strain such as Pseudomonas 42P4 could sustainably enhance the quality of both own-rooted and grafted grapevine plants in commercial nurseries.
Highlights:
Pseudomonas 42P4, a native PGPR strain from arid soils, has genotype-specific effects during grapevine propagation.
Pseudomonas 42P4 promotes rooting in own-rooted Malbec woody cuttings and in Malbec grafted onto 1103 Paulsen.
Pseudomonas 42P4 might be a sustainable alternative to synthetic auxins in commercial nurseries
Green Synthesis and Foliar Application of Copper Nanoparticles in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) to Improve Physiological Parameters and Yield
Full text linkNanotechnology holds significant interest across various domains, including agriculture. The green synthesis of nanoparticles offers environmentally friendly solutions. This study aimed to synthesize copper nanoparticles (NPs) using Aloe vera extracts and evaluate their foliar application on two sunflower hybrids, Chané (Ch) and Calchaquí (Ca). The two types of Aloe Vera extracts used to produce nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectral analysis and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The Np particles synthesized with Aloe vera Home (Np1) measured 242.8 nm (62.6%) and 74.87 nm (37.4%), while Aloe vera Commercial (Np2) resulted in sizes of 339.6 nm (90.7%) and 66.07 nm (9.3%). Two different doses of Np (150 ppm and 300 ppm) were applied to sunflower plants. We measured germination power (GP), plant height (PH), leaf number (LN), leaf area (LA), dry weight accumulation and achene yield. Chané’s parameters improved at both nanoparticle doses, while Calchaquí only improved with the 300 ppm treatment. This research highlights the potential use of green nanotechnology to improve growth and yield in sunflower.
Highlights:
Nanoparticles, with unique physicochemical properties, have garnered significant attention in crop management strategies
Aloe vera, popular for its medicinal and bioactive properties, is a compelling candidate for synthesizing copper nanoparticles, aligning with sustainable practices and offering biocompatible and eco-friendly nanomaterials for agriculture.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an emblematic oilseed crop known for its adaptability to various environments and the capacity to provide oil, seeds, and biomass.
This research aims to describe the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-plant interactions, and how Aloe Vera-based copper nanoparticles affect growth, biomass accumulation and partitioning in two sunflower hybrids.
The Np particles synthesized with Aloe vera Home (Np1) measured 242.8 nm (62.6%) and 74.87 nm (37.4%), while Aloe vera Commercial (Np2) resulted in sizes of 339.6 nm (90.7%) and 66.07 nm (9.3%).
Chané's parameters improved at both nanoparticle doses (150 ppm and 300 ppm), while Calchaquí showed only improved with the 300 ppm treatment.Nanotechnology holds significant interest across various domains, including agriculture. The green synthesis of nanoparticles offers environmentally friendly solutions. This study aimed to synthesize copper nanoparticles (NPs) using Aloe vera extracts and evaluate their foliar application on two sunflower hybrids, Chané (Ch) and Calchaquí (Ca). The two types of Aloe Vera extracts used to produce nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis spectral analysis and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The Np particles synthesized with Aloe vera Home (Np1) measured 242.8 nm (62.6%) and 74.87 nm (37.4%), while Aloe vera Commercial (Np2) resulted in sizes of 339.6 nm (90.7%) and 66.07 nm (9.3%). Two different doses of Np (150 ppm and 300 ppm) were applied to sunflower plants. We measured germination power (GP), plant height (PH), leaf number (LN), leaf area (LA), dry weight accumulation and achene yield. Chané’s parameters improved at both nanoparticle doses, while Calchaquí only improved with the 300 ppm treatment. This research highlights the potential use of green nanotechnology to improve growth and yield in sunflower.
Highlights:
Nanoparticles, with unique physicochemical properties, have garnered significant attention in crop management strategies
Aloe vera, popular for its medicinal and bioactive properties, is a compelling candidate for synthesizing copper nanoparticles, aligning with sustainable practices and offering biocompatible and eco-friendly nanomaterials for agriculture.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an emblematic oilseed crop known for its adaptability to various environments and the capacity to provide oil, seeds, and biomass.
This research aims to describe the mechanisms underlying nanoparticle-plant interactions, and how Aloe Vera-based copper nanoparticles affect growth, biomass accumulation and partitioning in two sunflower hybrids.
The Np particles synthesized with Aloe vera Home (Np1) measured 242.8 nm (62.6%) and 74.87 nm (37.4%), while Aloe vera Commercial (Np2) resulted in sizes of 339.6 nm (90.7%) and 66.07 nm (9.3%).
Chané's parameters improved at both nanoparticle doses (150 ppm and 300 ppm), while Calchaquí showed only improved with the 300 ppm treatment
Transition management and dairy cow performance: insights from dairy farms in Argentina
Full text linkThis study aims to describe nutritional strategies, management practices, and health events in transitioning cows on 28 commercial dairy farms in Argentina, selected based on their association with graduate students. During 2022, we surveyed herd management, feeding, health events, and milk yield, based on local research and validated recommendations. Most cows were housed in dry lots, with 97% of farms having far-off and close-up groups, but only half had a fresh group. The average dry period was 59±11.4 days. The mortality and culling rate were 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively. The herd incidence rates were 1.8% for milk fever, 0.3% for clinical mastitis, 2.7% for metritis, and 1.4% for retained placenta. All farms used anionic diets and monitored urinary pH, with corn silage included in all diets, and soybean meal/expeller as the main protein source. Lactating cows produced an average of 33.8±10.43 kg of milk on the first test day and 38.2±10.05 kg at peak. Primiparous cows produced 75% of the milk of mature cows. Bulk tank milk averaged 3.9±0.19% fat and 3.5±0.07% CP. This report highlights strengths and areas for improvement in Argentina’s dairy transition programs.
Highlights:
Surveyed transition cow management and performance on 28 Argentine dairy farms, providing novel regional data.
Strengths: Routine far-off and close-up grouping, widespread use of negative DCAD diets, and frequent bunk monitoring contributed to low incidence of health disorders, culling, and mortality.
Milk composition showed above-average fat and protein content, reflecting effective nutritional strategies.
Challenges: Lack of fresh groups, grouping primiparous with multiparous cows, limited shade, and extended dry periods (>50 d) increased risks of social stress and overconditioning.
Opportunities: Improve forage sampling frequency, refine energy balance prepartum, and enhance cow comfort to optimize productivity and sustainability.This study aims to describe nutritional strategies, management practices, and health events in transitioning cows on 28 commercial dairy farms in Argentina, selected based on their association with graduate students. During 2022, we surveyed herd management, feeding, health events, and milk yield, based on local research and validated recommendations. Most cows were housed in dry lots, with 97% of farms having far-off and close-up groups, but only half had a fresh group. The average dry period was 59±11.4 days. The mortality and culling rate were 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively. The herd incidence rates were 1.8% for milk fever, 0.3% for clinical mastitis, 2.7% for metritis, and 1.4% for retained placenta. All farms used anionic diets and monitored urinary pH, with corn silage included in all diets, and soybean meal/expeller as the main protein source. Lactating cows produced an average of 33.8±10.43 kg of milk on the first test day and 38.2±10.05 kg at peak. Primiparous cows produced 75% of the milk of mature cows. Bulk tank milk averaged 3.9±0.19% fat and 3.5±0.07% CP. This report highlights strengths and areas for improvement in Argentina’s dairy transition programs.
Highlights:
Surveyed transition cow management and performance on 28 Argentine dairy farms, providing novel regional data.
Strengths: Routine far-off and close-up grouping, widespread use of negative DCAD diets, and frequent bunk monitoring contributed to low incidence of health disorders, culling, and mortality.
Milk composition showed above-average fat and protein content, reflecting effective nutritional strategies.
Challenges: Lack of fresh groups, grouping primiparous with multiparous cows, limited shade, and extended dry periods (>50 d) increased risks of social stress and overconditioning.
Opportunities: Improve forage sampling frequency, refine energy balance prepartum, and enhance cow comfort to optimize productivity and sustainability
Influence of Apis mellifera in-hive conditions on germination capacity of rapeseed pollen (Brassica napus)
Full text linkBrassica napus L. (rapeseed, canola) ranks third in worldwide importance among oilseeds. The production of hybrid rapeseed seed requires an androsterile female parent; therefore, fertilization is possible through pollinators carrying viable pollen from an androfertile line. To ensure high pollinator populations, hives are used. However, little is known about the risk of transporting viable pollen into hives. The in vitro germinability of pollen exposed to in-hive conditions was evaluated. Samples of rapeseed pollen obtained from potted plants were placed in four hives of Apis mellifera L. In-hive conditions are unfavorable for rapeseed pollen germinability. Brood areas with the highest temperatures showed no germinated pollen grains within 24 h. Starting at 48 h, germinability decreased significantly, with germinated grains showing atrophied tubes. At 72 h, pollen placed away from brood areas lost germinability.
Highlights:
Pollen grains in the brood area lost their germination capacity after 24 h of exposure to in-hive conditions, markedly reducing the risk of contaminating new seed production plots.
In the honey areas, pollen germinability decreased substantially after 48 h of exposure to in-hive conditions and germination capacity was completely lost after 72 h.
The highest germination percentages were obtained with freshly collected pollen (control treatment).
Fresh pollen had the thickest and most developed pollen tubes. After 24 h in the hive, pollen grains had thinner, shorter, and convoluted pollen tubes. After 48 h, pollen tubes were atrophied.Brassica napus L. (rapeseed, canola) ranks third in worldwide importance among oilseeds. The production of hybrid rapeseed seed requires an androsterile female parent; therefore, fertilization is possible through pollinators carrying viable pollen from an androfertile line. To ensure high pollinator populations, hives are used. However, little is known about the risk of transporting viable pollen into hives. The in vitro germinability of pollen exposed to in-hive conditions was evaluated. Samples of rapeseed pollen obtained from potted plants were placed in four hives of Apis mellifera L. In-hive conditions are unfavorable for rapeseed pollen germinability. Brood areas with the highest temperatures showed no germinated pollen grains within 24 h. Starting at 48 h, germinability decreased significantly, with germinated grains showing atrophied tubes. At 72 h, pollen placed away from brood areas lost germinability.
Highlights:
Pollen grains in the brood area lost their germination capacity after 24 h of exposure to in-hive conditions, markedly reducing the risk of contaminating new seed production plots.
In the honey areas, pollen germinability decreased substantially after 48 h of exposure to in-hive conditions and germination capacity was completely lost after 72 h.
The highest germination percentages were obtained with freshly collected pollen (control treatment).
Fresh pollen had the thickest and most developed pollen tubes. After 24 h in the hive, pollen grains had thinner, shorter, and convoluted pollen tubes. After 48 h, pollen tubes were atrophied
Remaining in rural areas: towards a rural entrepreneur’s analysis framework
Full text linkThis research employs an empirical approach to understand aspects defining why young people remain in their rural territories. Utilising a rural region of Caldas, Colombia as a case study and based on an agricultural education program for entrepreneurship, information from 368 rural young people was obtained. The study explored a conceptual model shaped by four dimensions and 34 variables. Using a Probit method, we identify significant variables regarding permanence in rural areas. We identify 11 key variables that determine the categories of socio-demographic profile, profile of entrepreneur characteristics, and category of motivations and territory. Our study contributes to literature on rural entrepreneurship from an empirical approach. Additionally, we propose a new analytical framework to address major problems in agriculture and rural territories, particularly in developing countries, such as Latin America.
Highlights:
This paper proposes an analysis model of the rural entrepreneur, which seeks to understand the aspects that determine the interest of rural young people wanting to stay within their own rural territories.
The categories and variables determining the permanence of rural youth in their territory based on entrepreneurship can be divided into an internal environment such as the dimensions of the profile and skills for entrepreneurship, as well as an external environment based on what determines the territory as a motivational factor.
The model shows the relevance of the interrelation of dimensions and environments, as even when rural young people have entrepreneurial skills, there are other aspects that promote permanence in the territories.This research employs an empirical approach to understand aspects defining why young people remain in their rural territories. Utilising a rural region of Caldas, Colombia as a case study and based on an agricultural education program for entrepreneurship, information from 368 rural young people was obtained. The study explored a conceptual model shaped by four dimensions and 34 variables. Using a Probit method, we identify significant variables regarding permanence in rural areas. We identify 11 key variables that determine the categories of socio-demographic profile, profile of entrepreneur characteristics, and category of motivations and territory. Our study contributes to literature on rural entrepreneurship from an empirical approach. Additionally, we propose a new analytical framework to address major problems in agriculture and rural territories, particularly in developing countries, such as Latin America.
Highlights:
This paper proposes an analysis model of the rural entrepreneur, which seeks to understand the aspects that determine the interest of rural young people wanting to stay within their own rural territories.
The categories and variables determining the permanence of rural youth in their territory based on entrepreneurship can be divided into an internal environment such as the dimensions of the profile and skills for entrepreneurship, as well as an external environment based on what determines the territory as a motivational factor.
The model shows the relevance of the interrelation of dimensions and environments, as even when rural young people have entrepreneurial skills, there are other aspects that promote permanence in the territories
Strategic Pathways for the Olive Oil Chain in Argentina: Profitability, Sustainability and Oleo tourism
Full text linkThe olive oil agri-food chain in Argentina is strategically relevant for rural development, employment, exports and tourism. Despite quality production and industrial capacity, the sector faces structural problems: high labour and energy costs, limited domestic consumption, and dependence on subsidized international competitors. This study analyses the chain using multicriteria programming across five dimensions: productive, economic-financial, commercial, environmental and tourism-territorial. The baseline was built from data collected between 2018 and 2024 (Agricultural Census 2018, official reports and international benchmarks), covering the country’s most representative producing regions (Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza), which together account for over 90% of national output. Results from scenario simulations reveal trade-offs: export-oriented strategies maximize profit but increase vulnerability to global prices; internal consumption growth strengthens resilience yet moderates revenues; environmental sustainability improves efficiency through lower water use; and balanced development with olive oil tourism achieves robust outcomes across all dimensions. A novel contribution is the quantitative inclusion of tourism, showing its potential to generate rural employment and enhance brand value. The findings support forward-looking strategies that combine technological reconversion, market diversification, efficient resource use and tourism integration, offering policy guidelines for sustainable territorial development.
Highlights:
Multicriteria programming applied to the Argentine olive oil value chain.
Integrated analysis of five dimensions: economic, productive, environmental, commercial, tourism.
Scenarios reveal optimal strategies combining competitiveness and sustainability.
Oleotourism emerges as a driver for regional value creation and diversification.
Model supports bioeconomy-based policies for the olive oil sector’s future.The olive oil agri-food chain in Argentina is strategically relevant for rural development, employment, exports and tourism. Despite quality production and industrial capacity, the sector faces structural problems: high labour and energy costs, limited domestic consumption, and dependence on subsidized international competitors. This study analyses the chain using multicriteria programming across five dimensions: productive, economic-financial, commercial, environmental and tourism-territorial. The baseline was built from data collected between 2018 and 2024 (Agricultural Census 2018, official reports and international benchmarks), covering the country’s most representative producing regions (Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza), which together account for over 90% of national output. Results from scenario simulations reveal trade-offs: export-oriented strategies maximize profit but increase vulnerability to global prices; internal consumption growth strengthens resilience yet moderates revenues; environmental sustainability improves efficiency through lower water use; and balanced development with olive oil tourism achieves robust outcomes across all dimensions. A novel contribution is the quantitative inclusion of tourism, showing its potential to generate rural employment and enhance brand value. The findings support forward-looking strategies that combine technological reconversion, market diversification, efficient resource use and tourism integration, offering policy guidelines for sustainable territorial development.
Highlights:
Multicriteria programming applied to the Argentine olive oil value chain.
Integrated analysis of five dimensions: economic, productive, environmental, commercial, tourism.
Scenarios reveal optimal strategies combining competitiveness and sustainability.
Oleotourism emerges as a driver for regional value creation and diversification.
Model supports bioeconomy-based policies for the olive oil sector’s future
Farmers’ Fertilizer Use Behaviour: Evidence from Western Part of Türkiye
Full text linkFertilizer use has been important for decades. Recent records show significant increases in their usage. Excessive and unconscious applications threaten human and environmental health and cause economic losses. This study aims to identify farmers’ fertilizer use behaviour in Izmir province. In 2016, survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire concerning farmers’ views and attitudes regarding fertilizer use. Seven factors were identified, explaining 80.34% of total variability, determining farmers’ behaviour in the study area by cluster analysis. Farmers in the region were classified into four groups. The largest group, “environment and health-oriented”, comprised 38.8% of the farmers. We concluded that farmers consider environmental sensitivity regarding fertilizer applications; however, environmental awareness should be further developed.
Highlights:
Seven key factors explaining 80.3 % of the variability in farmers’ fertilizer use behaviour were identified through factor analysis.
Cluster analysis classified farmers into four groups: unconscious, support-oriented, environment & health-oriented, and return-oriented.
The largest group (38.8 %) showed strong environmental and health awareness regarding fertilizer use.
Economic incentives and expectations of crop price or fertilizer price changes significantly influenced fertilizer use decisions.
Results highlight the need for extension services and policy measures to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable fertilizer management.Fertilizer use has been important for decades. Recent records show significant increases in their usage. Excessive and unconscious applications threaten human and environmental health and cause economic losses. This study aims to identify farmers’ fertilizer use behaviour in Izmir province. In 2016, survey data were collected using a structured questionnaire concerning farmers’ views and attitudes regarding fertilizer use. Seven factors were identified, explaining 80.34% of total variability, determining farmers’ behaviour in the study area by cluster analysis. Farmers in the region were classified into four groups. The largest group, “environment and health-oriented”, comprised 38.8% of the farmers. We concluded that farmers consider environmental sensitivity regarding fertilizer applications; however, environmental awareness should be further developed.
Highlights:
Seven key factors explaining 80.3 % of the variability in farmers’ fertilizer use behaviour were identified through factor analysis.
Cluster analysis classified farmers into four groups: unconscious, support-oriented, environment & health-oriented, and return-oriented.
The largest group (38.8 %) showed strong environmental and health awareness regarding fertilizer use.
Economic incentives and expectations of crop price or fertilizer price changes significantly influenced fertilizer use decisions.
Results highlight the need for extension services and policy measures to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainable fertilizer management
Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.) Performance under Irrigation. Sowing Dates and Cultivars in the Northern Oasis of Mendoza
Full text linkFoxtail millet is a short-season, summer annual forage crop primarily used for haymaking in Argentina. Valued for its efficient water use, it provides effective fiber for various milk and meat production systems. This trial evaluated two sowing dates (mid-November and mid-December) for the three commercially available foxtail millet cultivars in Argentina (Yaguané Plus INTA, Carapé Plus INTA, and Nará INTA) across two production cycles (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). The experiment was conducted at the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, in Mendoza (33°00’38” S and 68°52’28” W). Yields of up to 14,000 kg DM/ha were obtained in the northern oasis of Mendoza. Significant differences in yield were observed between sowing dates, with December sowing yielding more than November. Additionally, Nará INTA was the highest-yielding cultivar.
Highlights:
High yields of foxtail millet can be obtained in the northern oasis of Mendoza.
Sowing in December produce more forage than in November for three foxtail millet cultivars tested.Foxtail millet is a short-season, summer annual forage crop primarily used for haymaking in Argentina. Valued for its efficient water use, it provides effective fiber for various milk and meat production systems. This trial evaluated two sowing dates (mid-November and mid-December) for the three commercially available foxtail millet cultivars in Argentina (Yaguané Plus INTA, Carapé Plus INTA, and Nará INTA) across two production cycles (2022/2023 and 2023/2024). The experiment was conducted at the Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, in Mendoza (33°00’38” S and 68°52’28” W). Yields of up to 14,000 kg DM/ha were obtained in the northern oasis of Mendoza. Significant differences in yield were observed between sowing dates, with December sowing yielding more than November. Additionally, Nará INTA was the highest-yielding cultivar.
Highlights:
High yields of foxtail millet can be obtained in the northern oasis of Mendoza.
Sowing in December produce more forage than in November for three foxtail millet cultivars tested