Biological Control of Postharvest Diseases: The Evolution of New Concepts and Perspectives.

Postharvest biological control based on the use of microbial antagonists has been the subject of research and development for more than three decades. Several formulated products have been developed; however, their widespread use has not been realized, which has led to the development of new concepts and paradigms to better describe, understand, and employ biocontrol systems under commercial conditions. In the first part of this review, the evolution of postharvest biocontrol and its current status are briefly discussed.

Implementing a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate organic farming weed control and fertilizers environmental implications.

Organic farming is expanding globally in response to the growing need for more sustainable food production. However, assessing both direct and indirect environmental effects is essential for identifying effective practices. This paper employs a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using a cradle-to-farm gate framework to evaluate the environmental effects of non-chemical weed control methods (row-cultivator, finger-weeding, flaming, and hand-weeding) in combination with four fertilization treatments (compost at 10, 30, and 60 m ha, and chemical fertilizer) in the production of four organic field crops grown under irrigated conditions in a Mediterranean climate.

Designing a nitrogen-efficient cold-tolerant maize for modern agricultural systems.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the world's most productive grain crop and a cornerstone of global food supply. However, in temperate agricultural systems, maize exhibits 2 key anomalies.

Combined approaches to reduce stress and improve livestock well-being: A review.

It is well established that various stressors confer hazardous impact on the welfare, health, productive, and reproductive efficiencies of farm animals. Among the major stress stimuli, temperature, transportation, weaning, pathogens, diet quality, and routine handling are cardinal in causing diminished performance of livestock. It is hypothesized that the key to reducing disease incidence and animal discomfort appears to be centered at reducing their response to stress.

Shocking results: interspecific variation in response to low-energy electrocution for weed control at various phenological stages.

Background: Low-energy electrocution and robotics are emerging technologies in weed management. Optimizing robotic weed-electrocution platforms require biological insights to improve energy efficiency and operational effectiveness. Although previous studies have shown varying sensitivity across species and growth stages, precise energy thresholds for control remain unclear.

Changes in microbial assembly and ecological processes following application of Aureobasidium pullulans on apple fruit surface.

The apple fruit surface hosts a diverse microbiome that plays a vital role in fruit health and resistance to postharvest decay. Aureobasidium pullulans, a core member of this microbiome, has been extensively studied for its biocontrol properties, yet its ecological role in shaping microbial community dynamics remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of manipulating a native Aureobasidium, to act both as a biocontrol agent and as a modulator of the epiphytic microbiome when applied at different stages of fruit development and storage.

Chromosome-Level Assemblies of the Allohexaploid Genomes of Conyza sumatrensis and Conyza bonariensis.

Conyza sumatrensis and Conyza bonariensis are two important hexaploid weed species that impact crop production systems across the globe. Here, we report reference genome assemblies for both species. The sequenced accession of C.

FHY3/FAR1 transposable elements generate adaptive genetic variation in the Bassia scoparia genome.

Background: A nearly complete genome assembly consisting of 14 scaffolds, a total length of 969.6 Mb, and an N50 scaffold length of 99.88 Mb, was generated to better understand how transposable element activity has led to adaptive evolution in Bassia scoparia (kochia), an agronomically important weed.

Dietary Moringa oleifera improves goat milk quality: Benefits for human nutrition and the dairy industry.

This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera silage on milk quality in lactating goats, aiming to produce a nutritionally enriched product with health-promoting compounds. In line with this goal, milk from Moringa-fed goats exhibited higher fat, protein, and lactose contents, along with a significant reduction in somatic cell count, compared to those fed clover hay. Enhanced antioxidant status was indicated by increased α-tocopherol (P < 0.

Meta genetic analysis of melon sweetness.

Through meta-genetic analysis of Cucumis melo sweetness, we expand the description of the complex genetic architecture of this trait. Integration of extensive new results with published QTL data provides an outline towards construction of a melon sweetness pan-QTLome. An ultimate objective in crop genetics is describing the complete repertoire of genes and alleles that shape the phenotypic variation of a quantitative trait within a species.

Effect of Different Temperatures on Herbicide Efficacy for the Management of the Invasive Weed Dunal (Family: Solanaceae).

Dunal, an invasive weed first recorded in Israel in the 1950s, undergoes multiple germination waves from early spring to late summer. Recently, its distribution has significantly expanded, with new populations reported throughout the country. This study assessed the efficacy of various herbicides for controlling populations under two distinct temperature regimes, focusing on temperature-dependent variations in herbicide performance.

Mapping genomic regions affecting sensitivity to bovine respiratory disease on chromosome X using selective DNA pooling.

Bovine respiratory disease is a leading health problem in feedlot cattle. Identification of affecting genes is essential for selection for decrease sensitivity. Chromosome X is a special attractive target for gene mapping in light of reports on both sexual dimorphism in immunity and higher susceptibility of males to this disease.

Chromosome-level assembly of basil genome unveils the genetic variation driving Genovese and Thai aroma types.

Basil, Ocimum basilicum L., is a widely cultivated aromatic herb, prized for its culinary and medicinal uses, predominantly owing to its unique aroma, primarily determined by eugenol for Genovese cultivars or methyl chavicol for Thai cultivars. To date, a comprehensive basil reference genome has been lacking, with only a fragmented draft available.

Chemical Control of the Invasive Weed : Nethouse Studies.

L. (Aizoaceae), commonly known as desert horse purslane or black pigweed, is a C4 dicot succulent invasive annual plant that is widespread in agricultural fields in Southeast Asia, tropical America, Africa, and Australia. In Israel, is an invasive weed of increasing importance in agricultural fields, including mainly corn, tomato, alfalfa watermelon, and groundnut crops.

Integrated use of electrochemical anaerobic reactors and genomic based modeling for characterizing methanogenic activity in microbial communities exposed to BTEX contamination.

In soil polluted with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), oxygen is rapidly depleted by aerobic respiration, creating a redox gradient across the plume. Under anaerobic conditions, BTEX biodegradation is then coupled with fermentation and methanogenesis. This study aimed to characterize this multi-step process, focusing on the interactions and functional roles of key microbial groups involved.

Water Loss From Bagged Leaves During Storage: Why and When?

In ecophysiology leaves are frequently stored for hours after sampling before measuring their leaf water potential (Ψ). Here, we address a previously unidentified source of error, that metabolic heat generation can cause continuous water loss from leaves stored in impermeable bags, leading to a Ψ drop over time. We tested Ψ drop rates under various conditions: two bag materials, two species, initial Ψ above or below the turgor loss point (Ψ), and storage at 25°C versus 4°C.

Dynamic responses of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters to drought across diverse plant families.

Chlorophyll fluorescence measurement is a quick and efficient tool for plant stress-level detection. The use of Pulse amplitude modulation (PAM), allows the detection of the plant stress level under field conditions. Over the years, several parameters estimating different parts of the chlorophyll and photosystem response were developed to describe the plant stress level.

The dominant white color trait of the melon fruit rind is associated with epicuticular wax accumulation.

Microscopic analyses and chemical profiling demonstrate that the white rind phenotype in melon fruit is associated with the accumulation of n-alkanes, fatty alcohols, aldehydes and wax esters. Serving as an indicator of quality, the rind (or external) color of fruit directly affects consumer choice. A fruit's color is influenced by factors such as the levels of pigments and deposited epicuticular waxes.

Examination of genetic lines of as potential sources of organic agricultural pest control agents.

is a Mediterranean shrub cultivated in Israel for traditional, ceremonial use only, with more than 98 % of the crop biomass, equivalent to 26-27 tons per ha per annum, considered agricultural waste. Therefore, potentially profitable use for this excess is being highly sought. As is also known for its unique terpene and terpenoid content, this work evaluated the impact of essential oil (EO) extracted from several cultivars on storage insects, nematodes, fungi, and pathogens.

Chiral Chemopolymorphism in the Monoterpenes of Pistacia palaestina Leaves and Galls.

Pistacia palaestina Boiss. is a common tree in the Mediterranean maquis. The leaves of this plant accumulate defensive monoterpenes, whose levels greatly increase in galls induced by the aphid Baizongia pistaciae.