Sisal is a major economic crop in the Bahia state of Brazil. Sisal production is decreased by the infection of the red rot disease caused by Aspergillus niger (picture). Current control methods are not effective, and there is a need to invent sustainable treatments as alternatives to toxic pesticides. Gama et al. tested homeopathic drugs to control red rot. Homeopathic drugs are substances used at very low levels, similar to human disease treatments. Results show that homeopathic drugs reduced disease severity.
Why crop productivity is low in developing countries?
In many developing countries crop productivity is low. Many factors could explain this issue, but actually there is no successful, systematic method to identify those factors in order to solve the productivity issue. A literature review by Kraaijvanger et al shows that there are three categories of methods based upon either farmer control and opinion, or scientist control and opinion, or scientist control and farmer opinion. Methods were tested in four localities in northern Ethiopia.
Safe soil heat treatments to control of soil viruses
Food contamination is due to toxic pesticides that are used to control pests and diseases. Therefore safer treatments are need for better food security. Scientists Luvisi et al. show that soil steaming with addition of potassium hydroxide or calcium oxide decreased the infectivity of the Tobacco mosaic virus below 3.0 %.
Fast growing trees for sustainable bioenergy
The global energy demand is predicted to grow more than 50% by 2025, inducing possible adverse effects on climate due to increasing atmospheric CO2, a greenhouse gas, from fossil fuel burning. This issue can be solved by replacing fossil fuels by renewable fuels such as trees. The use of trees such as poplar, eucalyptus, salix, paulownia (photo), and black locust has many advantages such as allowing multiple harvests, revitalizing local economies, promoting energy self-sufficiency, and reducing environmental problems. Scientists Durán et al. show the benefits of short-rotation tree plantations for the bioenergy sector.
Unexpected decrease of cereal production in half of the world nations since 1961
It is commonly claimed in the scientific literature that the world food production has highly increased since the start Green Revolution. However there are still millions of undernourished people in the world. To make a precise assessement for all countries, scientists Liu et al. reviewed the historical trends of cereal production, pesticide application and fertilizer application from 1961 to 2010. They found that cereal production in 38% of countries and yields in 47% of countries either stagnated or decreased from 1961 to 2010. Countries showing decreasing yields are mainly located in Africa, South America and West Asia.
Less carbon emissions of wheat-maize intercropping under reduced tillage in arid areas
Global warming is partly due to intensive monoculture farming that burns soil carbon into carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, which is then transferred to the atmosphere. Alternative agriculture pratices are therefore needed to preserve soil carbon. Agronomists Hu et al. found that wheat-maize intercropping with reduced tillage and stubble mulching decreased carbon emission by 10% and increased yield by 11% compared to conventional tillage.
42% maize yield increase using natural biochar organic fertilizers
Biochar is a black solid created by pyrolysis of biomass such as crop residues and other agricultural waste. Research on Terra Preta soils in Amazonia suggest that biochar could improve soil properties and crop yield. However, we know little on the performance of mixture of biochar and fertilizers under European conditions. Glaser et al. performed field experiments in Northern Germany. They found that biochar addition to mineral fertilizers, biogas digestate or compost increase maize yield from 20 to 42%. Their findings demonstrate that biochar-fertiliser combinations have a better performance than pure fertilizers, in terms of yield and plant nutrition.
Mechanims of herbicide resistance unveiled in wheat
Herbicides are widely used in agriculture to control weeds that decrease cereal production and economic profits. A new control method is based on cultivation of Clearfield® wheat cultivars that are resistant to the imazamox herbicide. Scientists Rojano-Delgado et al. have evidenced several mechanims involved in imazamox resistance.
Chitosan for pest control in agriculture
Current control of pests in agriculture is done mainly using mineral fertilizers and toxic pesticides. Alternative solutions are thus needed due to concerns for public health, environmental protection, and development of resistant pests. Chitosan, obtained from exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, showing both antimicrobial and plant-immunity eliciting properties. Agronomists Xing et al. explain that chitosan, a material obtained from exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects, can be used to enhance natural plant defenses. Chitosan also displays antimicrobial properties.
A solution for soybean yield loss under drought stress
Climate change will increase the negative impacts of drought stress on food production. This issue is particularly relevant for drought-sensitive legumes. For instance a moderate deficit of water can decrease soybean yields by about 40%. Experiments by agronomists Prudent et al. show that the yield of water-stressed soybean can be increased by adding a bacterial substance. Findings suggest promising field applications.