The brown bast (BB) syndrome causes a 15-20% loss of annual rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) production in Malaysia, and no sustainable remedy has been developed yet. Initial investigation showed a macronutrients deficiency in the bark of affected plants compared to non-affected plants. Therefore, this study was undertaken to know the effect of spraying the deficient macronutrients in curing BB syndrome and increasing latex productivity. The treatments were selected by adjusting deficient nutrients, especially in N, K, and S, compared to healthy plants. The treatments consisted of 13 combinations of nutrient concentrations and a control (no application on healthy rubber trees). One liter of individual treatment per tree was applied on the trunk of BB-affected trees once a week for one month. Data on latex production was collected one week after the last application and continued for up to three months. The results showed that the treatment T9 (0.5% N, 0.8 mg/L K, and 0.2% S), in addition to.....

356 hits

By 2050, the global population is anticipated to reach 10 billion, marking a significant 34% increase and raising concerns regarding food availability. Challenges such as the recent pandemic, which led to workforce and input shortages in agriculture, have made it difficult for many countries to maintain adequate food self-sufficiency (SSL). It is crucial to explore various farming methods to ensure that food remains available and affordable, especially in urban areas where over 55% of the population resides. Traditional agriculture faces issues like poor soil and excessive fertilizer use, which harm the environment. These factors threaten sustainable agriculture and food security, particularly in urban environments. Adopting sustainable soilless technology can enhance urban agriculture by providing a controlled environment for producing healthy food and addressing these challenges post-pandemic. This review, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analys.....

82 hits

Ginger is widely cultivated globally and considered the third most important spice crop due to its medicinal properties. It is cultivated for its therapeutic potential in treating different medical conditions and has been extensively researched for its pharmacological and biochemical properties. Despite its significant value, the potential for genetic improvement and sustainable cultivation has been largely ignored compared to other crop species. Similarly, ginger cultivation is affected by various biotic stresses such as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, leading to a significant reduction in its potential yields. Several techniques, such as micropropagation, germplasm conservation, mutation breeding, and transgenic have been extensively researched in enhancing sustainable ginger production. These techniques have been utilized to enhance the quality of ginger, primarily due to its vegetative propagation mode. However, the ginger breeding program has encountered challenges due to.....

63 hits

The unprecedented challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted various sectors, with the agri-food system proving especially vulnerable to disruptions. Ensuring food security and bolstering the resilience of agri-food systems in the aftermath of the pandemic has emerged as a crucial concern. Utilizing the PRISMA protocol, this systematic literature review systematically searched relevant databases and repositories using specific keywords related to agri-food security in the pre and post-pandemic context. The final review incorporated 37 articles. The results revealed that the pandemic profoundly impacted all facets of the agri-food sector, particularly agri-food systems. Despite this, we identified several measures that were implemented or recommended to mitigate disruptions caused by the pandemic and ensure the resilience of the agrifood sector for future similar events. Robust policy measures, promotion of urban agriculture, support for small-scale far.....

72 hits

In recent years, the progressive escalation of climate change scenarios has emerged as a significant global concern. The threat to global food security posed by abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, waterlogging, temperature stress (heat stress, freezing, and chilling), and high heavy metal accumulation is substantial. The implementation of any of these stresses on agricultural land induces modifications in the morphological, biochemical, and physiological processes of plants, leading to diminished rates of germination, growth, photosynthesis, respiration, hormone and enzyme activity disruption, heightened oxidative stress, and ultimately, a reduction in crop productivity. It is anticipated that the frequency of these stresses will progressively escalate in the future as a result of a rise in climate change events. Therefore, it is crucial to develop productive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of these challenges on the agriculture industry and improve crop resilience a.....

77 hits

VEGETABLES have been a part of human meals due to the health benefits associated with their consumption and the presence of beneficial compounds. However, vegetable production encounters a wide range of environmental stresses, such as heat and drought, that hamper their productivity. With the frequent climate change events across agricultural farmland in the world, the problems associated with the emergence of heat and drought are expected to persist and worsen as time ticks, consequently resulting in yield loss. To abate these problems, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are essential in enhancing plant nutrient intake, plant growth, increased photosynthesis rate, and reduced oxidative stress under abiotic stress. It inhibits the downregulation of important metabolic pathways and helps host plants up-regulate tolerance mechanisms. Being naturally occurring root symbionts, AMF gives host plants vital inorganic nutrients, enhancing growth and yield in both stressed and unstressed condit.....

86 hits