- Volume 10, Number 2 (2023)
BALANCING ACT: BIO-PESTICIDES IN INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR CAMBODIAN CROPS
Khemra Sophea, Vannak Somnang
Chemical pesticides have played a pivotal role in safeguarding modern agriculture, shielding crops from potential losses and upholding product quality by mitigating pest and disease infestations (Damalas, 2009). Their affordability and efficacy have established them as a crucial input in agricultural practices (Haynes, 1988). This dependency on pesticides is particularly pronounced in the vegetable production sector of South East Asian countries (Schreinemachers et al., 2017). However, the pervasive use of these chemicals exacts a toll on both human health and the environment, contributing to various diseases, instances of poisoning, and pollution of air, water, and soil. Moreover, it impacts non-target...
DRIVING CHANGE AT THE GRASSROOTS: LOCAL REACTOR BIOCHAR PRODUCTION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Ama Mensah Abena, Kwabena Kwame Osei
Biochar, a porous carbonaceous substance derived from the thermochemical conversion of organic matter under oxygen-depleted conditions, exhibits physicochemical traits conducive to secure and enduring carbon sequestration in the environment. It holds substantial promise for soil enhancement (Lehmann et al., 2009). Unlike regular charcoal, biochar is expressly crafted for application in soil as part of agronomic or environmental management strategies. The incorporation of biochar into soil has recently emerged as a propitious avenue for augmenting soil quality, bolstering crop yields, and pioneering a unique approach to carbon sequestration (Lehmann et al., 2003). Possessing minimal density and high porosity, biochar functions akin...
COMPARATIVE STUDY ON FERMENTATION IN CONCENTRATE WITH GRAPE POMACE
Sofia Isabel Martinez, Miguel Angel Perez, Pedro Jose Rodriguez
The agricultural sector in Spain is a vital component of the nation's socioeconomic framework, occupying an extensive portion of its landmass. Specifically, the livestock industry, predominantly concentrated in the Extremadura region, places Spain as the second-largest sheep-holder within the European Union. Ruminants, a significant facet of this sector, possess a digestive system adept at converting fibrous materials into crucial elements like volatile fatty acids, fermentation gases, and heat. However, within this process, methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, is also produced, contributing significantly to anthropogenic CH4 emissions. Simultaneously, Spain boasts the world's largest vineyard area and ranks among the top...
ECOLOGICAL AND GENETIC DRIVERS OF CASSAVA MOSAIC DISEASE VIRUSES: CASE STUDY IN YANGAMBI, DRC
Albert Mbuyi, Andreas Fischer, Claire Dubois
Abstract Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) poses a significant threat to cassava cultivation in Africa, with devastating consequences for the agricultural sector. It is widely recognized as a primary concern in the region due to its destructive impact on cassava crops. The prevalence of dual infections involving African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic virus-Uganda (EACMV-UG) is particularly associated with the extensive spread of CMD across the continent. This phenomenon has been well-documented in various studies, highlighting the critical role of these viruses in CMD proliferation. Notably, CMD's expansion has been traced from its epicenter in Uganda to...