The Effect of Nano‐Fertilization With NPK and Spraying With Potassium Silicate on Improving the Physical Characteristics of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruits of Khastawi and Khadhrawi Cultivars
This study was conducted during the 2024 growing season at the Palm Research Station in Al-Zafaraniya, Baghdad, Iraq. A total of 54 uniform date palm trees (Khastawi and Khadhrawi cultivars), approximately 15 years old and planted at 10-m spacing, were selected for experimental treatments. The objective was to evaluate the effects of three concentrations of nano NPK fertilizer (0, 2, and 4 g·L−1), applied in six foliar doses, and three concentrations of potassium silicate (0, 2, and 4 mL·L−1), applied in four foliar doses, as well as their interaction, on date yield, and fruit quality. The results revealed significant improvements in all measured traits. Total date yield per tree increased from 29.81 kg in the control to 68.95 kg with the N3S3 treatment. Average bunch weight rose from 7.45 kg to 17.23 kg, and fruit set percentage increased from 66.15% to 79.90%. The Khastawi cultivar produced higher bunch weight and total date yield, whereas Khadhrawi excelled in individual date size and dimensions. The most effective treatment combination was nano NPK at 4 g/L with potassium silicate at 2 mL/L (N3S2), which yielded optimal results across most traits. These findings confirm that the integration of nano-fertilizers and potassium silicate foliar sprays can significantly enhance the productivity and fruit quality of dates under arid environmental conditions.
https://doi.org/10.1155/sci5/4314722
Analysis of the effect of temperature and packing method on the quality and oxidative stability of walnuts in storage
Walnuts are rich in a variety of nutritional components. However, due to their high content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), the quality of walnuts tends to decline during storage, which adversely affects the development of the walnut industry. This study was aimed to investigate the impacts of temperature and packaging methods on the storage quality and oxidative stability of walnuts. The Wen 185 walnut variety was selected, and the physical-chemical and nutritional indexes of walnuts stored for 42 weeks under different temperatures (-18°C, 4°C, and room temperature) and packaging methods (vacuum light-exposed, vacuum light-proof, vacuum-radiation light-exposed, vacuum-radiation light-proof, nitrogen-filled light-exposed, nitrogen-filled light-proof) were measured. The results showed that low temperatures, especially -18°C, in combination with vacuum lightproof packaging, could effectively suppress the increase in oxidative stability indicators such as acid value (AV) and peroxide value (PV), and maintain high retention rates of nutritional indicators like tocopherol and phytosterol. This study has elucidated that low temperatures and appropriate packaging methods play the crucial roles in maintaining the quality and oxidative stability of walnuts during storage. It has provided comprehensive and valuable data support and theoretical basis for the scientific storage of walnuts, contributing to the development of the walnut industry and the guarantee of product quality.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocsci.2025.02.005
Evaluation of the crop sequence boundary (CSB) dataset for field boundary mapping and spatial overlap analysis supporting pesticide risk assessment
Accurate delineation of field boundaries is essential for translating pixel-level remote sensing data into actionable field-scale agricultural decision-making. This study evaluates the accuracy of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Crop Sequence Boundaries (CSB) dataset, which derives crop field polygons from eight years of Cropland Data Layer (CDL) data by analyzing crop rotation history and spatial contiguity. Focusing on California, with a detailed case study in Kern County, we assess accuracy of the CSB dataset against high-quality, independent references from the Kern County Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards (KAFB) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Evaluation metrics include total and crop-specific acreage, number of fields, alignment of field boundaries, and F1 scores for crop type classification. Results indicate that the CSB dataset underestimates total cultivated area by 6.3 % relative to KAFB and 5.4 % relative to DWR. Crop-specific comparisons using KAFB as a reference show that the CSB dataset performs reliably for orchard crops—accurately capturing pistachios (0 % difference), slightly overestimating almonds (+5.2 %), and modestly underestimating citrus (−7.5 %)—while exhibiting larger overestimates for grapes (+17 %), cotton (+10.7 %), and alfalfa (+31.8 %), and significantly underrepresenting “other” crops (−31.7 %). The CSB also overestimates the number of fields, reporting more than twice as many as KAFB (28,022 vs. 11,914), due to field subdivisions driven by within-field variability in the gridded satellite data. F1 scores demonstrate medium to high crop classification accuracy, with values ranging from 73 % for alfalfa to 88 % for citrus and 86 % for almonds, indicating strong performance for perennial crops. Despite segmentation limitations, the CSB dataset offers substantial value through its provision of temporally consistent, field-scale crop type data with medium to high classification accuracy in a user-friendly format. To illustrate its practical use, we applied the CSB dataset in an overlap analysis with selected listed species ranges, an essential step in in pesticide risk assessments under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This overlap analysis, which evaluates the potential likelihood of pesticide exposure, demonstrated that CSB significantly improves accuracy of overlaps between agricultural lands and endangered species habitats by providing more accurate, year-specific data compared to current regulatory approaches that use the Use Data Layer (UDL) as inputs. While both UDL and CSB are derived from the same underlying CDL dataset, —the annual resolution of CSB offers greater benefits for pesticide risk assessment. Overall, the CSB dataset demonstrates strong potential as the best available data source for practical applications such as overlap analysis for pesticide risk assessment, although continued refinement is needed to enhance its accuracy in field boundary detection.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2025.110894
Production of Filamentous Fungal Biomass (Aspergillus awamori) in Pellet Form from Almond Hull Extract
Fungal cultivation using agricultural byproducts is a sustainable approach to produce valuable bioproducts for applications such as protein-rich foods. In this study, Aspergillus awamori (A. awamori) was cultivated in batch flasks to investigate the effects of different nitrogen sources and initial carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios of 15, 30, and 45 on fungal yield and characteristics using almond hull extract as a substrate. Yeast extract was identified as the most effective nitrogen source, while NH4Cl was selected to adjust the C/N ratio to reduce raw material costs. The highest fungal biomass concentration and yield were achieved at a C/N ratio of 15, at which the fungal biomass had the highest crude protein content of 18.10% and the lowest fat content of 2.28%. Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) imaging revealed that fungal pellets transitioned from smooth and dense to hollow with uneven surfaces as cultivation progressed. Following the flask experiments, the effect of pH control and agitation on fungi growth was studied in 2 L bioreactor. The highest biomass yield (0.97 g TSS/g sugar), biomass concentration (15.01 g/L), and uniform pellet size (3.75 mm) were achieved at 150 rpm without pH control. This study demonstrated that almond hull extract can serve as a promising substrate for the production of fungal pellets.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-025-03955-x
Effects of introduced macadamia on soil organic carbon and water stocks in subtropical agroforestry systems of southwestern China
Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia)-based agroforestry systems, widely adopted in Yunnan Province, China since 1981, are critical for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. However, their effects on SOC stocks and coupling mechanisms with soil water dynamics remains poorly understood. This study quantified changes in SOC and soil water stocks following the conversion from primary forest to macadamia monoculture and intercropping systems (dasheen, konjac, and maize) in Yongde County, southwestern Yunnan province. Soil profiles (0–100 cm, 0–20 cm, and 20–100 cm) were analyzed to assess vertical SOC and soil water stocks interactions and driving factors. Results revealed that macadamia-based agroforestry systems reduced significantly SOC stock compared to primary forest (261 t/hm2) but enhanced soil water stock. Among intercropping systems, macadamia+dasheen plantation exhibited the highest recovery of SOC and soil water stock. Surface soil layers (0–20 cm) showed strong SOC-water coupling, whereas this relationship weakened in deeper layers (20–100 cm). Simultaneously, woody above-ground biomass directly increased SOC stock, while specific leaf area and leaf phosphorus content regulated SOC stock directly or indirectly via woody above-ground biomass. Conversely, herb above-ground biomass negatively influenced SOC stock in surface soil layer, but had no significant effect in the deeper layer. Woody above-ground biomass exhibited a consistent negative influence on soil water stock across all soil layers, with the standardized path coefficients of −1.23 (0–100 cm), −1.153 (0–20 cm), and −1.23 (20–100 cm). This relationship was further modulated by indirect effects mediated through specific leaf area and leaf phosphorus content. This study provides mechanistic insights into the interdependencies of SOC and water stock in the subtropical macadamia-based agroforestry systems, providing valuable guidance for sustainable carbon management practices in China’s subtropical mountainous region.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.121344
Mitigating tropical cyclone susceptibility in pecan (Carya illinoinensis) orchards
The production of tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans is a globally important agricultural industry. Climate risk posed to tree nut orchards was recently brought to light by a series of severe tropical cyclone impacts to the primary pecan-producing areas of Georgia, USA which caused $1.2 billion USD in losses. Understanding how severe wind risk changes with pecan tree size can guide the development of climate-smart practices that improve global resilience of tree nuts. Immediately after 2023 Hurricane Idalia, we reconstructed hurricane damage to 11 pecan orchards across southern Georgia and examined how tree susceptibility varied with wind speed and tree size for 1142 trees. We found that the probability of tropical cyclone damage to pecan trees increased with wind speed and was highest for intermediate size classes—peaking at 35 cm diameter at breast height. We developed a conceptual model for assessing hurricane risk on crop yield which illustrates how explicit consideration of age-structure can influence expected profits when hurricane risk is considered. We recommend that pecan growers consider age and size structure in orchard planning. Prior research also suggests that mechanical hedge pruning increases windfirmness. Climate-smart practices can enhance resilience and sustainability in pecan orchards in future climates where increases in severe tropical cyclones are expected.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2025.114236
From waste to wrap: Pistachio shell powder–reinforced chitosan biocomposite for eco-friendly packaging
Chitosan (Cs) is a biopolymer which has exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability and antibacterial properties. On the other hand, pistachio shell (Ps) powder is environmentally friendly, sustainable, biodegradable and non-toxic. Therefore, the combination of these two biomaterials may lead to a biocomposite with numerous attractive properties. In this work, we report the preparation and characterization of a series of Cs/Ps biocomposites. Films of these biocomposites were prepared by solvent casting and were examined by FT-IR, XRD, DSC, TGA, SEM and UTM analyses. Analyses were conducted to evaluate their moisture content, water vapour permeability (WVP), swelling percentage and transparency for packaging applications. The composite's mechanical properties improve the most when it is loaded with 20% Ps. The high moisture content of 14.39% observed in the pure Cs film has gone down to 10.76% in its composite film Cs/Ps40. The biocomposite films' WVP properties are significantly influenced by the amount of pistachio filler used. At a specified time, the pure Cs film experiences the highest swelling percentage, while the Cs/Ps40 film experiences the least swelling percentage. It has also been observed that the thermal stability of biocomposite films gradually improves with the filler amount. The thermal stability of the biocomposite film Cs/Ps40 was higher than that of any prepared films. The evaluated properties of these films indicate that these biocomposites have the potential to be used in food packaging.
https://doi.org/10.1002/pts.70002
Mathematical modeling of powdery mildew disease in cashew plants with optimal control and cost-effectiveness analysis
This study aimed to determine the optimal and cost-effective strategy for controlling powdery mildew disease (PMD) in cashew plants by incorporating resistant varieties, cultural practices, and chemical control into a mathematical model. A deterministic model was developed and analyzed to study the impact of implementing these three time-dependent controls on disease transmission dynamics. Pontryagin’s maximum principle was employed to derive necessary conditions for the existence of optimal controls and to determine the most effective disease management strategy. Additionally, cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) to compare the efficiency of various strategies. The results suggest that the strategy involving the use of resistant cashew varieties in combination with cultural control methods is the most cost-effective and achieves greater health impact at a lower cost. Therefore, farmers are advised to prioritize preventive measures such as planting improved, disease-resistant cashew varieties, timely pruning, and proper sanitation to ensure optimal and cost-effective control of PMD. This study provides a scientific basis for guiding farmers toward integrated and sustainable disease management practices.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-025-02495-9
Carbon-water coupling in California almond orchards: a multi-scale assessment of ecosystem water use efficiency using eddy covariance and remote sensing
Water use efficiency (WUE) at the ecosystem level is a critical ecophysiological indicator that integrates carbon-water coupling processes and provides essential insights for sustainable agriculture in water-limited environments. This study investigated the dynamics of WUE in California almond orchards, a high-value and water-intensive crop system of global economic significance, by combining eddy covariance (EC) measurements with satellite remote sensing to analyze seasonal and interannual patterns from 2020 to 2022. Gross primary productivity (GPP) was estimated using the Vegetation Photosynthesis Model (VPM), while evapotranspiration (ET) was derived using the pySEBAL surface energy balance model applied to Landsat imagery. The ratio of these fluxes provided spatially distributed WUE estimates. Daily GPP ranged from ~0.5 to 11.5 g C m-2 d-1, while ET ranged from ~0.5 to 7.5 mm d-1, with both fluxes peaking during mid-summer. WUE values exhibited distinct seasonal patterns (ranging from ~0.5 to 5.9 g C kg-1 H2O), with higher efficiency during dormancy and lower values during fruit development stages, averaging 2.14 g C kg-1 H2O over the study period. GPP and ET showed similar seasonal patterns and responded in tandem to key climatic variables (solar radiation, air temperature, and humidity), suggesting common environmental drivers govern these processes. WUE exhibited more complex behavior: it increased slightly with greater precipitation and humidity and declined under high solar radiation, high vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and extreme temperatures. The remote sensing-derived GPP and ET agreed well with EC tower measurements (R2 ≈ 0.87-0.88), affirming the reliability of the integrated approach. This study advances our understanding of carbon-water coupling in perennial almond orchard systems. It provides valuable ecological indicators for precision irrigation management in the face of increasing water scarcity and climate variability.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179914
Management strategies to optimize peanut yields in Argentina under restrictive environmental conditions
Peanut production in Argentina is predominantly rainfed, with considerable variability in rainfall patterns within and between seasons. This variability results in droughts of varying duration and severity, which can significantly reduce yields. Water availability is, therefore, a critical factor in determining the optimal sowing date. The objectives of this study were to (i) assess the effects of sowing dates and water gradients on peanut yield and crop traits at two representative sites in the central peanut-producing region, and (ii) identify management strategies that optimize yield under water-limited conditions. Seasonal and annual analyses were conducted, incorporating water availability at sowing, environmental conditions, site characteristics, management practices, and cultivars. The Cropping System Model CROPGRO-Peanut was employed to simulate the impacts of those factors. Seasonal analysis revealed that delayed sowing dates consistently led to yield reductions, irrespective of water availability, with decreases in seed number, maximum leaf area index, total biomass, and water use efficiency. These yield reductions were more pronounced under lower water availability at sowing. When sown late, annual analysis indicated that combining an early cultivar and progressively narrowing row spacing resulted in increased yields. In contrast, intermediate-cycle and late cultivars experienced yield declines due to lower radiation and temperature levels. Differences in yield were also explained by the varying contributions of transpiration and evaporation to total water use. Our findings underscore the importance of management decisions in influencing water use components, with soil water-holding capacity playing a key role in crop performance. This study provides valuable insights for developing adapted management practices to improve productivity in temperate regions under water-limited conditions.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.farsys.2025.100155