The agriculture sector is actively looking for the most effective ways to manage water resources. Proper water management is crucial for increasing agricultural productivity and optimizing the region’s water usage efficiency. The purpose of this study was for estimating the irrigation water requirement, reference and crop evapotranspiration and irrigation schedule for cotton in Çukurova region over a 31-year period (1990-2020) using the CROPWAT model. To ensure appropriate water utilization and planning, information regarding the climate data was obtained from the Adana station of Turkish State Meteorology Service. The soil and crop data were sourced from Turkey’s directorate of agricultural research and policies. The dates, amounts, effective rainfall, net irrigation requirement (NIR), and yield decrease for rainfed and different irrigated conditions were all calculated using the CROPWAT 8.0 model. The findings indicated that the average reference evapotranspiration (ETo), crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for cotton and effective rainfall were 918.9 mm, 809.5 mm, and 149.4 mm respectively. It was also estimated that the dates of irrigation after planting (DAP) were 72 days, 101 days, 131 days and 170 days. The total quantity of water utilized for irrigation throughout the growing season at critical depletion and user defined were 700 mm and 545 mm respectively, thus 155 mm of water was saved (22%). Data of maximum crop yield obtained at critical depletion by CROPWAT was associated with data from Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) (2014-2020) and TUIK data is compared with CROPWAT data which was estimated under rainfed condition. According to the result 51% of yield reduction was simulated when irrigation was not applied.

Seed hardiness threatens the growth and yield of okra by causing low and non-uniform germination. Seed priming is an effective, ecologically sound, and practical technique to promote germination. A study was conducted from March to July 2024 in Chitwan, Nepal, to evaluate the effectiveness of different seed priming treatments in enhancing the germination, growth, and yield of okra. The study used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications, under five different treatments: Control: no soaking, Hydro priming, NaCl @ 0.5%, KNO3 @ 0.5%, GA3 @ 100 ppm. Each plot consisted of twenty plants. Data on germination percentage, growth, and yield were recorded using standard methods. The collected data were examined employing MS Excel and R-studio version 4.3.2. Seeds primed with GA3 @ 100 ppm showed a significant rise in germination percentage (90 %), plant height at 30 DAS (17.50 cm) and 45 DAS (39.81 cm), leaf canopy diameter at 45 DAS (69.68 cm), fruit number per plant (9.15), fruit weight per plot (423.75 g), and maximum yield (1.41 t/ha), followed by other treatments. The leaf number per plant and fruit length were not significant. However, priming positively affected germination, growth, and yield parameters compared with the control (no soaking). The study found that priming okra with GA3 @ 100 ppm enhanced growth and yield. Seed priming with GA3 is recommended for okra production in Rampur, Chitwan.

Bu araştırma, yurtta kalan kız öğrencilerin beslenme alışkanlıkları, beden imaj algıları ve akademik başarılarının değerlendirilmesi amacıyla planlanmıştır. Araştırma Ocak 2024-Haziran 2024 tarihleri arasında Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa Üniversitesinde öğrenim gören ve yurtta kalan 18-24 yaş arası kız öğrenciler ile yapılmıştır. Araştırmaya dahil edilme kriterleri, yurtta kalıyor olmak ve araştırmaya katılmaya gönüllü olmak olarak belirlenmiştir.  Bu araştırmanın örneklemini belirlemek amacıyla yapılan power analizi sonucuna göre, %95 güven aralığında en az 185 kız öğrenciye ulaşılması hedeflenmiştir. Uygulanan anket formunda bireylerin sosyo-demografik özelliklerini içeren sorular sorulmuş ve beden imaj ölçeği uygulanmıştır. Aynı zamanda 3 günlük besin tüketim kaydı (2 gün hafta içi 1 gün hafta sonu), mezura ile bel ve kalça çevresi ölçümü, taşınabilir stadiometre ile boy uzunluğu, tanita ile bireylerin vücut ağırlığı ölçülmüştür. Akademik başarı ortalamaları ile kahvaltı saati, öğlen ve akşam yemeği tüketme durumu, yurtta akşam yemeği tüketimi, ara öğün yapma durumu arasında istatistiksel açıdan anlamlı bir fark bulunmuştur. Beden imaj ölçeğine göre vücutlarını yeterli ölçüde beğendikleri belirtilmiştir. Enerji (kkal), protein (gr), karbonhidrat (gr), yağ (gr), kolesterol (mg), vitamin C (mg), tiamin (mg), riboflavin (mg), Folat (µg), vitamin B12 (mg), kalsiyum (mg), bakır (µg), flor (mg), iyot (µg), demir (mg), magnezyum (mg), fosfor (mg), çinko (mg), potasyum (mg), sodyum (mg), posa (g), doymuş yağ asidi (g), tekli doymamış yağ asidi (g), çoklu doymamış yağ asidi (g) değerleri ile beden imaj ölçeği arasında istatistiksel açıdan anlamlı bir fark bulunmuştur. Alınan besin tüketim kayıtlarının ortalamaları ile bireylerin yeterince makro ve mikro besin ögesi alamadıkları, sağlıksız beslenme davranışlarının akademik başarı ortalamalarını etkilediği görülmüştür.

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), has a broad host range including pepper plants and causes significant economic losses worldwide. The effectiveness of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in inducing plant immunity against pests has recently been tested on various plant insect pests. This study aims to investigate the impact of AMF colonization on the demographic characteristics of M. persicae feeding on the Demre type pepper cultivar. AMF (Glomus spp.) was ensured to colonize the pepper plant roots and the experiments were carried out in the climate room with plant growth LEDs under 25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 5 RH and 16:8 light:dark conditions. As a result of daily counts, raw data on the aphid biology were analyzed in the Two-sex MSChart program. The findings indicated that AMF application did not result in any statistically significant differences in the biological and life table parameters of M. persicae. Furthermore, similar results were obtained when the results were compared with the control in the 45-day population simulation. Determining the AMF-plant-insect interactions with different plant species and insect species will make a significant contribution to increasing the success of biological control and preserving the natural balance.

This study analysed fisherfolk’s poverty and food insecurity status in the coastal region of Nigeria. Data from 420 artisanal fisherfolk, selected through a multistage sampling procedure, were analysed using descriptive statistics, a multidimensional poverty index approach, a household food insecurity access scale, and Seemingly unrelated regression equation (SURE). Findings from the study showed that about 62% of the respondents lived in households with malnourished individuals, no clean water, no electricity, no education, a dirty floor, inadequate infrastructure, and poor healthcare services. Infrastructure such as markets and road networks had the highest contribution to the poverty intensity with education having the least contribution in the study area. The results revealed that artisanal fisherfolk who are non-poor are more food secure than those who are poor. Also, estimates from SURE show that household size, daily income, and owning a house significantly influenced household food insecurity level, while multidimensional poverty level was significantly influenced by age, education experience, daily income, owning a house, and credit constraint. It is, therefore, recommended that initiatives that address poverty and food insecurity issue among the artisanal fisherfolk in the coastal region of Nigeria should be given utmost priority because of the contribution of the sub-sector to the economy. Also, artisanal fisherfolk are encouraged to diversify their means of livelihood in order to reduce their level of poverty.

The effect of treatment of the Californian earthworm Eisenia fetida with preparations containing silver (Ag; in the form of either nanoparticles (AgNPs) or cations (AgNO3 solution)) and gold (Au; in the form of nanoparticles (AuNPs)) on its vitality was studied in a laboratory experiment for 12, 48, and 158 h. After the observations were completed, the total elemen content was analysed after exposure to individual preparations applied to the soil. Earthworms and the soil in which they were grown were analysed. Measurements were performed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique, with prior mineralisation of earthworms and soil samples. The results of quantitative studies showed a several-fold increase in Ag content in earthworms exposed to preparations containing Ag compared to the control group. Significantly higher contents of K, Na, P, Mg, and Si were also found in earthworms exposed to Ag and Au compared to the control group. Despite exposure to AuNPs, no increase in the concentration of this element was observed in the earthworms. The analysis also included other elements: Li, Al, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Ba, Au, Hg, Tl, and Pb. The initial analysis did not show any significant differences in the concentrations of these elements in earthworms exposed to individual preparations compared to the control. The high level of elements classified as toxic to earthworms, including As, Cd, and Pb, is noteworthy, but the concentrations of these elements were not dependent on the use of any of the preparations. Based on a visual inspection of live individuals, we could not confirm the reduced vitality of earthworms exposed to individual preparations compared to the control. In contrast, individual populations retained full vitality after exposure and reproduced.

Plantation forestry primarily aims to enhance the production of high-quality timber. This research focuses on evaluating the effect of various climatic factors (such as relative humidity, annual precipitation, average, minimum and maximum temperatures) on the growth parameters (including tree height, breast height diameter and base diameter) of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) and Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra Arn. subsp. pallasiana (L.) Holmboe). This study was conducted in two adjacent plantations established in 1995, with data collected over a three-year period (2022-2024). To assess growth patterns, 30 trees from each plantation were randomly selected and monitored. Climatic data were sourced from Türkiye’s general directorate of meteorology and climatology. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that growth and climate parameters were statistically similar (p>0.05) for both species, except for tree height, which showed significant differences in Taurus cedar. The Spearman rank correlation analysis identified a strong and statistically significant relationship (p<0.05) between temperature variables (minimum, maximum, and average) and the growth traits of both tree species. On the other hand, relative humidity and annual precipitation showed no significant correlations (p>0.05). The findings underscore the critical role of temperature in influencing tree growth within plantation forestry, offering valuable insights for sustainable forest management practices.

Bread is among the most commonly consumed foods in daily diets around the world. It is known that breads produced with sourdough or different cereal flours have positive effects on health. Consumer demand for these types of bread is steadily growing. One key factor influencing bread consumption is their sensory qualities. The aim of our study was to assess the sensory properties of sourdough breads made with various cereal flours and a buckwheat (pseudocereal) substitute. For this purpose, six types of sourdough breads were produced with durum (yellow) wheat, wheat, rye, einkorn, wheat germ flours and buckwheat flour as a grain substitute, and these bread varieties were scored between 1-5 by 9 trained panelists according to loaf and crust appearance, crust thickness, crust color, crust odor, crumb appearance, crumb porosity, crumb color, crumb elasticity, chewability, odor, taste, and general appreciation features. As a result of the evaluation, in terms of general appreciation, the average scores of the bread varieties, from the most to the least appreciated, were determined as buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) bread (4.017), durum wheat (Triticum durum) bread (3.811), wheat (Triticum aestivum) bread (3.685), einkorn (Triticum monococcum) bread (3.102), wheat germ bread (3.076) and rye (Secale cereale) bread (3.008). Additionally, when the average total scores were reviewed at the end of the evaluation, it was found that the breads were rated at least 2.5 points (medium), which is above average. Therefore, it was concluded that breads produced with sourdough by substituting buckwheat, durum wheat, einkorn, wheat germ and rye flours could serve as a good alternative to sourdough wheat bread for healthy nutrition by gaining consumer approval.

The most complex microhabitat is the rhizosphere, which is composed of a varied alliance of archaea, fungi, bacteria, and eukaryotes as well as an interconnected network of plant roots and soil. Crop yield and growth are directly affected by rhizosphere conditions. Plant development and yield were enhanced under nutrient-rich rhizosphere conditions. Most soils that require nurturing before or at the time of next harvest are drained by extensive agriculture. Fertilizers are the primary source of nutrients for crop. However, their extensive and unchecked use seriously threatens ecosystem stability and agricultural sustainability. These toxic substances accumulate in the soil, leak into water, and are discharged into the atmosphere, where they stay for decades and impart a vital risk to the ecosystem as a whole. The rhizosphere of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) transforms a variety of vital nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, and others that are unavailable to plants into forms that they can use. In order to interact with the valuable or pathogenic counterparts in the rhizosphere, PGPR produces a variety of hormones such as auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, antimicrobial agents, secondary compounds, cell lytic enzymes, chitinases, proteases, hydrolases, stress- releasing materials 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, chelating siderophores, and certain signaling substances such as N-acyl homoserine lactone. PGPR can be used for rhizosphere engineering, which has several uses beyond crop fertilization, development of plant growth, sustainability, and environment friendly agriculture. There is an increasing concern regarding stress-resilient plant growth promoting. microorganisms (PGPM). This review paper covers the three elements of rhizosphere engineering with a particular emphasis on PGPM and how it might promote the appropriate use of rhizosphere engineering particularly in hosts, as an important aspect of environmentally conscious farming.

This study investigated the impact of various drying techniques and ultrasound pretreatments on the drying kinetics, rehydration properties, energy efficiency, and quality parameters of apple slices. Apples were dried using hot-air drying at 55 °C and 65 °C, and intermittent microwave drying at 240 W and 400 W. US pretreatment was applied at acoustic densities of 60 and 80 W L⁻¹ prior to hot-air drying to assess its effect on mass transfer and quality. The drying behavior was modeled using both thin-layer mathematical models and artificial neural networks. Results revealed that US pretreatment significantly enhanced the drying rate and reduced drying time and energy consumption, particularly at higher acoustic density and temperature, while intermittent microwave drying achieved the shortest drying durations and lowest energy consumption. Among the models, the Midilli and Kucuk model best described the thin-layer drying data, although ANN models provided superior predictive performance across most conditions. Rehydration ratio was positively influenced by US pretreatment at lower temperatures but was adversely affected at higher temperatures and higher microwave power levels due to structural damage. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were preserved or enhanced by microwave drying, whereas US pretreatment showed no clear benefit and, in some cases, led to degradation, likely due to prolonged sonication and water immersion. Color values showed minimal undesirable changes with US pretreatment, and higher L* values (lightness) were retained in most cases. a* and b* values increased after drying processes. Principal component analysis (PCA) effectively differentiated treatment groups based on all measured parameters. US pretreated and unpretreated samples are positioned in the same place, while intermittent microwave dried and fresh samples are in a different plane. In conclusion, US pretreatment and microwave drying are promising technologies for improving drying efficiency and maintaining quality in dried apple products.