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        <title>Frontiers in Agronomy | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/agronomy</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Agronomy | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-08-19T10:25:03.618+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1905259</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1905259</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Biochar as an effective carrier for poultry-feather hydrolysate with positive effects on nutrient retention across soil textures]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Aditi Roy</author><author>Michaela Černá</author><author>David Kahoun</author><author>Olga Šolcová</author><author>Veronika Jílková</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Rapid nutrient loss from soluble organic amendments remains a key challenge in sustainable soil management, limiting their long-term effectiveness in maintaining crop productivity, soil fertility, and ecosystem functioning. While organic amendments like poultry-feather hydrolysate and plant-derived biochar are being explored for improving soil health, their combined effects particularly across different soil textures remain underexplored. A four-month laboratory microcosm experiment was conducted to determine the effects of hydrolysate applied alone or absorbed into biochar on nutrient availability and microbial properties in two soils differing in texture (loamy sand and sandy loam). Hydrolysate absorbed into biochar reduced early nutrient losses especially for phosphorus, calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) by 24%, 72% and 14%, respectively, and enhanced later soil nutrient retention, increasing soil content of dissolved organic carbon (by 50%), Ca (by 47%) and Mg (by 523%) than the hydrolysate alone. Hydrolysate absorbed into biochar also maintained higher and more consistent soil pH, indicating improved buffering capacity. The effects were more pronounced in sandy loam soil, where microbial activity increased by 25% and dissolved Ca and Mg content increased by 30% and 14%, respectively, compared to the loamy sand soil, reflecting the higher sorption capacity of the finer-textured soil. These findings position hydrolysate absorbed into biochar as an effective slow-release amendment, with maximum potential for optimizing nutrient retention, particularly in finer-textured soils. Future field- and plant-based studies should test whether these benefits extend to nutrient uptake and crop productivity.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1861579</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1861579</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The unquantified cost of delay in African maize systems: an evidence gap for policy]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Perspective</category>
        <author>Bertha Kachala</author><author>Andrew Thadzi</author><author>Annie Mtimuni Matumba</author><author>Jacinta Andrew Nyaika</author><author>Theresa Nakoma-Ngoma</author><author>Elija Kamundi</author><author>Loveness Msofi Mgalamadzi</author><author>Amos Ngwira</author><author>Innocent Pangapanga-Phiri</author><author>Pieter Andreas Swanepoel</author><author>Limbikani Matumba</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Timely planting and fertiliser application are established principles of African maize agronomy, but their acceptance has encouraged a mistaken sense that the underlying research question is closed. In rainfed African systems, operational delays reflect rainfall uncertainty, labour bottlenecks, land readiness, liquidity constraints and late input delivery. Although studies show that delay reduces yield, inconsistent benchmarks, intervals and contextual reporting prevent comparison of penalties and identification of avoidable losses. Credible estimates could make the opportunity cost of delay tangible, helping farmers prioritise competing operations while enabling programmes to distinguish late execution from other causes of poor performance. Here, we argue that the established direction of effect must be separated from unresolved questions about response shape, critical thresholds, heterogeneity, uncertainty and economic consequence, and propose a practical experimental and reporting framework that specifies: (i) the benchmark operation and reference point used to define delay; (ii) environmental context, including rainfall patterns and crop growth stages; (iii) observed absolute and relative yield contrasts, with time-normalised measures reported only where study design permits; and (iv) economic translation where agronomic outcomes have been measured. Addressing these questions requires coordinated multi-location and multi-season experiments using defined delay gradients, controlled co-treatments and links to the operational constraints experienced by farmers. The framework supports generation of context-specific evidence that can strengthen farmer decisions where timely action is feasible, identify constraints requiring institutional response and inform public investment appraisal grounded in measured and preventable loss.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1912895</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1912895</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Allelopathic potential and soil persistence of bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso & Poit.) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel powders, as sustainable plant-derived products for the management of resistant weeds associated with durum wheat]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Thomas Conte</author><author>Maria Grazia Morea</author><author>Antonia Carlucci</author><author>Angela Libutti</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionChemical pesticides negatively affect humans and environment, and increase weed resistance, forcing modern agriculture to shift to natural means. Plant derived products offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for weed control. This study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic potential of bergamot (Citrus × bergamia (Risso) Risso & Poit.) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit peel powders, alongside the potential weed-suppressive efficacy of EP5 commercial powder, under in vitro and in vivo conditions.MethodsPowder water extracts were preliminarily tested under laboratory conditions against Alopecurus myosuroides, and Lolium multiflorum seeds, as well as durum wheat kernels. Subsequently, two greenhouse pot-experiments were carried out to evaluate the powder herbicidal activity, phytotoxicity on durum wheat, and persistence over time within the soil. A set of germination-related parameters, including the final germination percentage, mean germination time, germination index and seed vigor index, and a set of growth-related parameters, such as root, shoot and total seedling lengths and dry matter content, plant inhibition index and biomass accumulation inhibition were detected on both weeds and wheat.ResultsThe in vitro experiment revealed a strong inhibitory effect on weeds without affecting wheat. In the first in vivo experiment, EP5 reduced wheat germination and seed vigor by approximately 50%, while pomegranate reduced wheat dry matter; on weeds, EP5 was the strongest germination inhibitor, all powders reduced root length, and pomegranate maximized overall plant and biomass inhibition. The second in vivo experiment revealed a biostimulatory trend: bergamot and pomegranate accelerated wheat germination, EP5 promoted seedling elongation, and pomegranate enhanced dry matter. Furthermore, seed vigor of weeds increased under all treatments, with bergamot promoting plant length, while pomegranate and EP5 minimized growth inhibition.DiscussionThe tested powders are promising natural alternatives to chemical herbicides; however, their short-term soil persistence and slight phytotoxicity to wheat suggest that they may be particularly suitable for pre-emergence applications.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1824812</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1824812</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Integrated management packages accelerate agroecological recovery and improve the economic viability of degraded coffee systems]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Jules Ntamwira</author><author>Walter Ocimati</author><author>Gabriel Shabani</author><author>Nancy Kitumaini Safari</author><author>Elizabeth Kearsley</author><author>Guy Blomme</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionNeglected and degraded coffee farms characterized by low productivity and farmer income are widespread in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This study evaluated the effectiveness and economic viability of integrated management packages (IMPs) for restoring soil health, agroecological functions, and coffee productivity in degraded systems.Materials and methodsA 34-month field experiment evaluated five IMPs that combined a cover crop or intercrops with one-time application of cow manure, residue retention, and elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) hedges around plots and Calliandra hedges around blocks. The IMP treatments were distinguished by the cover crops or intercrop as: velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens), bushy rattlepod (Crotalaria grahamiana), elephant grass, and velvet bean–bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) rotation, and banana intercrop. A control with only Calliandra along block edges, was included. The six treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design, each treatment replicated four times. Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties were assessed alongside coffee growth, survival, yield, and nominal costs and benefits.Results and discussionCoffee yield significantly increased in the IMP with velvet bean–bush bean rotation at 24 and 34 months, and with year-round bushy rattlepod cover at 34 months. All IMPs reduced coffee tree mortality, while relative stem diameter growth increased significantly at 34 months. Despite the improvements in coffee performance, minimal changes were detected in most soil chemical properties whereas earthworm population and some physical indicators improved suggesting early biological and physical recovery. The IMP with banana-coffee intercropping was the sole IMP to fully offset its costs within the first 24 months, though with a slower recovery in coffee productivity and soil health. The IMP with bushy rattlepod offset its costs from the 25th and 34th months without fully recovering the cumulative costs incurred over the 34 months. Elephant grass hedges significantly reduced coffee productivity near plot borders. Extrapolating the performance of central plants to whole plots suggests that elimination of these edge effects could increase yields and profits by 270-490%, shortening the return-on-investment period across the IMPs. These findings show that well-designed IMPs can accelerate the agroecological recovery and improve economic performance of degraded coffee systems.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1856833</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1856833</link>
        <title><![CDATA[High-resolution remote sensing suggests greater vegetation resilience in maize-based intercropping systems than monocropping]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Amal Chakhar</author><author>Chetan Deva</author><author>Andrew Juan Challinor</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionIntercropping is widely promoted as a strategy to enhance crop resilience, but spatial evidence for its vegetation- stress benefits in smallholder systems based on remote sensing data remains limited.MethodsWe used Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data to map maize monocrop and maize intercrop in western Kenya, and Sentinel-2 vegetation indices to compare vegetation-stress conditions across these systems during the 2021 and 2023 long-rain seasons. We tracked monthly vegetation condition using normalized difference indices of vegetation, (VCI from NDVI, MCI from NDMI, and GCI from GNDVI) and were integrated into an ensemble stress index ENS. All these four metrics were subsequently incorporated into the Intercrop Advantage Score (IAS)  - a remote-sensing proxy that combines the magnitude, uncertainty and seasonal consistency of intercrop-monocrop differences. Results and DiscussionAcross both seasons, maize intercrop generally showed higher vegetation condition and lower stress than maize monocrop. The relatively small, but statistically significant differences, provide evidence for resilience from remotesensing, in the absence of yield data. The IAS provides an interpretable transferable framework for comparing crop-system vegetation-stress profiles using satellite data and has potential application for evaluating of a wider range of agricultural interventions.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1892552</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1892552</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Closing the phosphorus loop: circular economy approaches for phosphorus recovery from agricultural wastes in India]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Suvana Sukumaran</author><author>Abhinav Aditya Das</author><author>Sheetal K. Radhakrishnan</author><author>Ashok Kumar Indoria</author><author>Sumanta Kundu</author><author>Renjith P. S.</author><author>Anusha S. Kathyayani</author><author>Keerthika A.</author><author>Monu Meena</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Phosphorus (P) is an important macronutrient vital for plant development, energy transfer, and food production, making its steady availability essential for agricultural yields and food security. Nonetheless, its availability mainly hinges on limited phosphate rock deposits and fertilizer systems that heavily depend on imports. In India, issues like reliance on fertilizers, varying levels of fertility across many regions, and the rise in agricultural waste production highlight the necessity for implementing more circular P management methods. Existing farming methods, such as residue burning and poor nutrient cycling, worsen P depletion and harm the environment. This review examines major waste streams in India that have potential for P recovery, including crop residues, livestock waste, fish processing waste and food processing waste. It also highlights key recovery methods like struvite crystallization, adsorption, thermochemical processing, chemical extraction, biological treatment and hybrid approaches. These waste streams hold significant quantities of P, which if properly harnessed, can lessen dependence on limited phosphate rock supplies and minimize nutrient leakage into the environment. Research shows that recovery efficiency differs significantly depending on the feedstock type, processing conditions and operational scale, indicating a requirement for customized extraction methods to enhance P recovery. Recovered P can aid in replacing P fertilizers, thus minimizing environmental losses and improving nutrient use efficiency. Nevertheless, widespread adoption in India encounters obstacles including gaps in collection and segregation, contamination risks, elevated capital and operational costs, and insufficient integration into value chain, alongside societal pushback against altering practices such as residue burning. Enhancing policy backing, performing localized techno-economic evaluations, establishing incentive structures, and crafting market routes for recovered P products will be vital for broadening circular P systems and boosting long-term nutrient security, while easing environmental and economic stresses.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1801230</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1801230</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Towards the sustainable control of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.) in cruciferous crops: current trends, resistance mechanisms, and future frontiers]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Abdul A. Jalloh</author><author>Thomas P. Dunn</author><author>Rajesh N. Udavant</author><author>Sourav Pal</author><author>Osariyekemwen Uyi</author><author>Jason M. Schmidt</author><author>Donald Champagne</author><author>Paulo S. G. Cremonez</author><author>Michael D. Toews</author><author>Saumik Basu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella L.) is one of the most damaging pests of cruciferous crops, causing significant economic losses in multiple agri-food production systems globally. The high reproductive potential of DBM, rapid adaptability to diverse ecological zones, and resistance to several synthetic insecticides destabilize their integrated pest management (IPM) efforts. Here, we critically synthesize the current knowledge on DBM research across key IPM thematic areas, including biocontrol, insecticide use, phytochemistry interactions, insect-associated microbiomes and insecticide resistance, as well as the impact of climate alterations. This review has emphasized the importance of evidence based on insecticide applications, which have encouraged the development of resistance and are not sustainable for use in insect population management. However, the availability of other options for biocontrol agents, such as parasitoids, predators, entomopathogens, and host-plant resistance, has also been significant and sustainable for the management of DBM population. Apart from this, the effects of climate fluctuation have increased the spread of DBM population, which has also necessitated the use of adaptive strategies for its management, such as advanced pest surveillance systems, genome editing, and climate resilient cropping systems for breeding resistance to the pest. Despite significant technological advancements, key research gaps remain, including a limited understanding of DBM interactions with phytopathogens, as well as the socio-economic and policy-related barriers that hinder the adoption of IPM. Hence, future goal for DBM control would be implementing robust, sustainable, eco-friendly, and technology-driven approaches to reduce the development of resistance to conventional insecticides and achieving maximum control effects. Future approaches should focus on multidisciplinary collaboration, farmer awareness, and policy support to improve sustainable DBM management. In conclusion, our review provides practical information for improving IPM strategies against DBM populations, ensuring food security, and developing long-term resilience of plant production systems under increasing ecological and climate change pressures.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1901636</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1901636</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Beyond farm size: spatial determinants of cocoa productivity in Ashanti Region, Ghana]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Welson Bentum</author><author>Emmanuel Odame Owiredu</author><author>Nana Kena Frempong</author><author>Michael Asante Ofosu</author><author>Esther Boateng</author><author>Kwaku Obeng Owusu</author><author>Agyeman Shadrack</author><author>Elvis Anyimadu Asiedu</author><author>Sandra Addai-Henne</author><author>Wilhemina Adoma Pels</author><author>Harriet Achiaa Dwamena</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Cocoa yields in Ghana have declined 23% since 2020 despite favorable prices, yet the spatial dimensions of this productivity crisis remain under-researched. This study analyzed 2,612 georeferenced cocoa farms across 10 districts in Ghana’s Ashanti Region (5°30’N–7°45’N, 0°15’W–2°25’W) to identify spatial patterns and determinants of yield variation. We integrated GIS-based spatial analysis with multivariate spatial regression modeling, applying Moran’s I statistics, and Ripley’s K-function. Results revealed strong spatial clustering of productivity (Moran’s I = 0.594, p < 0.001), indicating that unobserved spatially structured factors significantly shape yield outcomes, with seven distinct clusters identified through point pattern analysis. A two-hurdle spatial regression approach was employed to analyze cocoa yield determinants, while addressing the substantial zero inflation in production data. More than 50% of sampled farms (n = 2,612) reported zero yields during the 2022/2023 season, reflecting distinct economic and agronomic processes governing participation versus productivity decisions. In Hurdle 1, a spatial autoregressive probit model was applied to estimate the binary participation decision, while Hurdle 2 employed spatial error regression among producing farms to identify conditional yield determinants. The results reveal strong spatial dependence at both decision stages, with spatial autoregressive coefficient ρ = 0.698 in the participation model and spatial error coefficient λ = 0.690 in the productivity model. Tree density exhibits super-elastic effects (elasticity = 1.29), while farm size shows an inverse productivity relationship (elasticity = -0.0287). The model explains 92.07% of yield variation on the original scale using Duan’s smearing estimator for backtransformation. Policy implications emphasize geographically targeted interventions, smallholder intensification through replanting programs, and sustained extension engagement.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1867943</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1867943</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Intercropping dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with Cucumis myriocarpus and Cleome gynandra under deficit irrigation: impacts on soil physicochemical properties, water-use efficiency and crop growth]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Boitumelo Patience Lekgoathi</author><author>Pholosho Mmateko Kgopa</author><author>Puffy Soundy</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionWater scarcity is a major constraint limiting agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions. Developing sustainable production systems that improve water-use efficiency while maintaining soil physicochemical quality is therefore essential. This study evaluated the combined effects of cropping systems and deficit irrigation on instantaneous water-use efficiency (iWUE), soil physicochemical properties, nutrient dynamics, crop growth, and productivity in dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)-based intercropping systems with Cucumis myriocarpus and Cleome gynandra.MethodsA field experiment was conducted over two growing seasons (2023/24 and 2024/25) using three cropping systems and three irrigation regimes supplying 100% (full irrigation, FI), 75% (moderate deficit irrigation, DI), and 50% (severe DI) of crop water requirements. Measurements included iWUE, soil physicochemical properties, exchangeable cations, crop growth, biomass production, and yield.ResultsIrrigation level had a greater influence on iWUE than cropping system. Severe deficit irrigation (50% DI) significantly reduced crop growth, biomass accumulation, and yield, whereas full irrigation (100% FI) generally produced the highest performance. Moderate deficit irrigation (75% DI) maintained satisfactory productivity while reducing water input, demonstrating its potential as a water-saving strategy. Both cropping system and irrigation regime significantly affected soil physicochemical properties and exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, and K). Intercropping improved soil conditions by reducing bulk density and enhancing soil pH and nutrient cycling compared with sole cropping. However, dry bean-based systems maintained higher exchangeable cation concentrations and cation exchange capacity than C. gynandra-based systems. Soil nutrient availability declined progressively with increasing water deficit. Sole dry bean under full irrigation recorded the highest growth and yield. Although intercropping reduced dry bean yield compared with sole cropping, the dry bean + C. myriocarpus intercrop consistently outperformed the dry bean + C. gynandra intercrop under water-limited conditions.DiscussionThe findings demonstrate that irrigation management plays a more decisive role than cropping system in determining water-use efficiency and crop productivity under semi-arid conditions. Moderate deficit irrigation (75% DI), when combined with compatible intercropping systems, particularly dry bean + C. myriocarpus, offers a practical strategy for conserving irrigation water while sustaining crop productivity and improving soil physicochemical quality. These results support the adoption of integrated water and cropping management practices to enhance the resilience and sustainability of crop production in water-limited environments.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1823187</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1823187</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Drip fertigation for vegetable production: a comprehensive review of crop performance, nutrient use efficiency and sustainable resource management]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Anjitha Das</author><author>Rekha V. R. Nair</author><author>Raji Swaroop</author><author>Naveen Leno</author><author>Thulasi V.</author><author>Rani B.</author><author>Krishnapriya M. K.</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Doubling farmers’ income by maximizing crop productivity per unit of resource utilized while safeguarding long-term soil health has become a major global concern in sustainable agriculture. The horticulture sector is progressively shifting from an exclusive focus on yield maximization toward improving irrigation water and fertilizer use efficiency to achieve higher productivity with reduced resource consumption. Inefficient use of water and fertilizers not only limits crop productivity but also contributes to soil degradation, nutrient losses, environmental pollution, and declining input-use efficiency. In this context, drip fertigation has emerged as an effective management strategy for vegetable production due to its ability to deliver water and nutrients directly to the crop root zone in a precise and demand-driven manner. Fertigation improves synchronization between crop nutrient demand and resource supply, thereby enhancing nutrient uptake, reducing nutrient losses, and improving crop performance. This review critically evaluates the role of fertigation in improving crop growth, yield, produce quality, nutrient use efficiency, and water productivity in vegetable crops. The review further highlights the importance of appropriate irrigation scheduling, fertilizer application rates, and nutrient management strategies for achieving optimum crop performance and resource conservation. Despite its considerable advantages, the large-scale adoption of fertigation remains constrained by challenges such as emitter clogging, high initial installation costs, maintenance requirements, salinity buildup, and improper nutrient scheduling. The article also discusses practical management approaches to overcome these limitations and enhance the long-term sustainability of fertigation systems. Overall, fertigation offers substantial potential to improve agricultural productivity, resource-use efficiency, economic returns, and environmental sustainability in modern vegetable cultivation under changing climatic conditions.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1866628</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1866628</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Trade-offs between yield, physiological performance, and quality in basil (Ocimum basilicum) cultivated in hydroponic versus conventional soil-based greenhouse system]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Gil Carron</author><author>Marilou Maret</author><author>Robert Farinet</author><author>Philip Bosshard</author><author>Florentina Gartmann</author><author>Nadine Rüegg</author><author>Selçuk Yildirim</author><author>Christoph Carlen</author><author>Zala Schmautz</author><author>Cédric Camps</author><author>Daniel Tran</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Controlled Environment Agriculture, specifically high-density vertical farming, offers unprecedented spatial yields but often suffers from a “yield-quality trade-off,” in which accelerated biomass accumulation dilutes secondary metabolites. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether optimizing the vertical farm (VF) environment can uncouple rapid growth from quality degradation in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). To achieve this, we compared the agronomic, ecophysiological, and nutritional performance of eight commercial cultivars. The experiment was conducted in Switzerland characterized by a continental climate with Mediterranean influences, to compare successive harvests across two setups: an indoor, high-density hydroponic VF system (fully controlled microclimate) and a conventional soil-based greenhouse. VF cultivation accelerated the crop cycle by bypassing prolonged nursery phases, doubling temporal productivity (+106%) without compromising structural dry matter. Ecophysiologically, hydroponic plants adopted a conservative water-use strategy, halving stomatal conductance and apparent transpiration while maintaining photochemical efficiency. This adaptation triggered significant ionomic shifts: rapid carbon assimilation caused a systemic dilution of nitrogen and potassium, while unhindered root bioavailability led to luxury phosphorus uptake and increased foliar calcium despite reduced transpirational pull. Crucially, the VF system successfully broke the traditional yield-quality paradigm, producing basil with enhanced visual greenness and elevated essential oil content. However, these benefits were dictated by Genotype × Environment interactions. Elite cultivars (Adi and Prospera) exhibited high phenotypic plasticity, maximizing biomass and volatile organic compounds, whereas traditional open-field varieties struggled. Ultimately, unlocking vertical farming’s full potential relies on pairing advanced hydroponic engineering with targeted genetic selection.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1875968</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1875968</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Optimizing nitrogen management with a magnesium supply improves rice yield and nutrient-use efficiency]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Zou Dai</author><author>Lubing Jia</author><author>Yang Wang</author><author>Wenfeng Zhang</author><author>Teng-fei Lv</author><author>Li Zhang</author><author>Jie Shen</author><author>Sajad Hussain</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Nitrogen (N) and magnesium (Mg) are essential nutrients that jointly regulate rice growth, productivity, and nutrient utilization, particularly in acidic, Mg-deficient soils. Delayed N application is a key strategy for improving N-use efficiency and achieving N-conserving, yield-stable rice production. However, research on the synergistic effects of delayed N application combined with Mg fertilization on rice growth, yield, and nutrient-use efficiency under the unique plateau climate and Mg-deficient soil conditions of Mianning County in Sichuan Province, China remains limited. We investigated the effects of different N application strategies combined with Mg fertilization on rice yield, biomass production, and nutrient-use efficiency in this high-altitude rice-growing region. A two-year field experiment (2024–2025) was conducted using a split-plot design with the rice cultivar Shenyou Yuehe Simiao. The main plots received a constant N application rate of 150 kg/hm2 applied at three basal:tillering:panicle ratios (20:20:60–N2:2:6, 30:30:40–N3:3:4, and 40:40:20–N4:4:2), together with a zero-N control. The subplots received Mg at 0, 60, or 90 kg/hm2, expressed as Mg0, Mg1, and Mg2, respectively. The assessed parameters included yield components, dry matter accumulation and translocation, N management, Mg fertilization, year, and their interactions, all of which significantly influenced rice growth and nutrient utilization. The combination of the 30:30:40 N application regime with 60 kg Mg/hm2 consistently achieved the highest grain yield (11,332.7 kg/hm2), representing an 8.7% increase compared with the corresponding treatment without Mg application. At the full heading and maturity stages, dry matter accumulation reached 11,103.38 and 16,286.69 kg/hm2, respectively; the amount and rate of dry matter translocation from stems and leaves were 2,745.20 kg/hm2 and 38.77%, respectively. This combined application significantly promoted N uptake, with total plant N accumulation of 144.38 kg/hm2; agronomic efficiency, partial factor productivity, and recovery efficiency of N fertilization of 21.64 kg/kg, 62.96 kg/kg, and 35.32%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that optimizing N application timing (30:30:40) combined with 60 kg Mg/hm2 synergistically enhances dry matter accumulation and translocation, nutrient-use efficiency, and carbon metabolism, thereby improving rice grain yield in Mg-deficient soils.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1839648</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1839648</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Genome-wide association mapping and functional annotation of loci conferring resistance to Pyrenophora teres f. teres in barley]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Yuliya Genievskaya</author><author>Akerke Maulenbay</author><author>Alibek Zatybekov</author><author>Yerlan Turuspekov</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionNet form net blotch (NFNB), caused by Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt), is a major constraint to barley production. However, the genetic basis of adult plant resistance (APR) and seedling resistance remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to dissect the genetic architecture of NFNB resistance in a diverse panel of 273 spring barley accessions.MethodsAPR was evaluated in two contrasting field environments in Kazakhstan, whereas seedling resistance was assessed under greenhouse conditions using two Ptt races. Genotyping with the 50K SNP array yielded 31,834 high-quality SNPs. Genome-wide association analyses were performed using four models – MLM, MLMM, FarmCPU, and BLINK – that accounted for population structure and kinship. Candidate genes within QTL intervals were prioritized using transcriptomic data from 16 barley tissues and co-expression network analysis.ResultsSubstantial phenotypic variation was observed, with moderate heritability for APR (h2 = 50.6%) and seedling resistance (h2 = 41.3%), together with strong genotype × environment and genotype × race interactions. In total, 275 marker–trait associations were detected for APR and 48 for seedling resistance. These associations were consolidated into 57 genome-wide significant (P < 1.57E–6) or multi-model-supported QTLs across all seven barley chromosomes, including 39 APR and 18 seedling-resistance QTLs. Forty QTLs co-localized with known resistance genes (Rpt1, Rpt2, Rpt3, Rpt4, Rpt6, Rpt8, Rpt9, and SPN1) or previously reported net blotch QTLs, whereas 17 were potentially novel. Transcriptomic integration identified 87 highly expressed genes within APR QTL regions and 42 within seedling-resistance QTLs. The potentially novel QTLs Q_NB_1H.6, Q_NB_2H.3, and Q_NB_3H.1 harbored genes encoding proteins previously associated with pathogen resistance and stress responses. Co-expression analysis revealed stage-specific transcriptional patterns, with APR-associated genes enriched in regulatory functions and seedling-resistance genes enriched in metabolic and structural functions.DiscussionThe results demonstrate that NFNB resistance is polygenic and developmentally stage-dependent, with partly distinct mechanisms underlying adult plant and seedling resistance. The identified QTLs and prioritized candidate genes provide targets for independent validation, functional characterization, and the development of molecular markers to support breeding for durable NFNB resistance in barley.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1880628</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1880628</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Agronomic and economic responses of cabbage to phosphorus fertilizer application]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Yiling Zheng</author><author>Nora Doonan</author><author>Shuresh Ghimire</author><author>Avishesh Neupane</author><author>Mia Maltz</author><author>Haiying Tao</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Optimum Phosphorus (P) fertilization is essential for crop yield and quality, economic return, and the environment. However, agronomic and economic responses to P fertilization are unclear for cabbage grown in the soil and environment in Connecticut. The goal of this study was to quantify agronomic and economic responses to P fertilizer application rates of fall cabbage grown on a P-deficient Woodbridge fine sandy loam in Connecticut. Field experiments were conducted in 2024 and 2025 using five P rates (0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg P2O5 ha-1) arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Marketable head yield and head tissue P concentration were analyzed, and their responses to P rates were described using Linear Plateau, Quadratic Plateau, Quadratic, and Mitscherlich models. P applications resulted in significantly greater marketable yields compared with the unfertilized controls in both years, and yield increased significantly up to 168 and 112 kg P2O5 ha-1 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Model fit statistics were similar among models but estimated agronomic and economic optimum rates varied widely. The quadratic model ensured the greatest economic net return in both years, with economic optimum rates of 172.8 and 167.9 kg P2O5 ha-1 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Head tissue P concentrations increased significantly as P application rates increased up to 168 kg P2O5 ha-1in both years, and the critical concentrations derived by the models ranged from 0.252% to 0.468%. These findings provide preliminary estimates of P fertilizer application rates for optimizing productivity and profitability of cabbage grown in a P-deficient soil representative of a common soil series. Additional experiments are needed to develop P fertilizer recommendations across a broader range of soil series and soil-test P levels in Connecticut.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1864545</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1864545</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Successful integration of overwintering annual flower strips into sugar beet cultivation for the control of virus yellows transmission by aphids]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Benedict Wieters</author><author>Ingo Glock</author><author>Heinz-Josef Koch</author><author>Nicol Stockfisch</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionVirus yellows diseases transmitted by aphids pose significant threats to sugar beet production in Europe, and alternative pest management strategies are urgently needed. This study evaluated the integration of overwintering annual flower strips into sugar beet fields as a conservation biological control measure to reduce virus yellows transmission while maintaining economic viability.MethodsField experiments were conducted across 18 commercial sugar beet fields in Germany for two growing seasons (2021–2023). Five flower species mixtures were sown in 6-mwide strips running parallel through fields in September prior to sugar beet planting. Three treatments were compared: flower strips with adjacent sugar beet, untreated sugar beet control (INS−), and insecticide-treated practice (standard). Virus yellowing symptoms, sugar beet growth parameters, yield, and economic performance were assessed under contrasting pest pressure conditions.ResultsMost flower species successfully overwintered, with Centaurea cyanus emerging as the most robust species. In 2022, under high aphid pressure, flower strips significantly reduced virus yellowing symptoms from 12.5% to 6.7% of the affected area (46% reduction, p < 0.0001) compared to INS−. However, this disease reduction did not translate into significant yield improvements, with flower strip treatments averaging 14.7 t ha−1 compared to 14.8 t ha−1 in INS− and 15.6 t ha−1 in standard. Under low aphid pressure (2023), no treatment differences in symptoms or yield occurred. Economic analysis revealed that flower strips reduced contribution margins by 13% (366 € ha−1) compared to standard insecticide-protected cultivation, primarily due to area loss (11.2% of field) and establishment costs.DiscussionFlower strips offer valuable ecosystem services, positioning them as potential components of integrated pest management strategies, particularly as insecticide options become increasingly limited. Future optimization should focus on narrower strip designs, improved species selection for overwintering reliability, and integration with complementary biological control measures to enhance economic viability.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1892509</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1892509</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Predicting regional soybean suitability in France under climate change: integrating phenology and machine learning models]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Céline Schoving</author><author>Hélène Raynal</author><author>Hélène Tribouillois</author><author>Julie Constantin</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionSoybean is an oilseed plant with agronomic and nutritional benefits. However, the European Union (EU27) imports 17.5 Million Tons (MT)/year, while the production reached only 2.9 MT in 2023. Climate change provides the opportunity to locally cultivate soybean, particularly in northern areas of France.ObjectiveOur objective is to assess the potential cultivation areas in France, and identify suitable maturity groups (MGs) at high spatial resolution. MethodsA simple phenology algorithm (SPA) was calibrated for seven MGs (G0000 to GII) using a Monte Carlo approach on a large dataset of flowering (R1) and maturity (R8) dates. Emergence prediction was enhanced with a random forest (RMSE reduced from 5.7 to 0.7 days). Then, R1 and R8 stages were simulated on 8,602 grid cells in the RCPs 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios for three climate series (2003–2023, 2024–2044 and 2045–2065) from Drias-2020 CNRM-CM5/ALADIN63 data. Optimal sowing dates were estimated based on temperature and water availability. ResultsAfter calibration, SPA predicted R1 and R8 with RMSE of 6.9 and 12.7 days, respectively. The sowing dates were consistent with current climate data and may occur up to 30 days earlier in certain regions under future conditions. By 2045–2065, climatically suitable areas for soybean could expand across most of France, with a shift towards later MGs. Suitability areas for GII, GI/II and G00 would increase by 73%, 49% and 78%, respectively. ConclusionOur study updates knowledge on European soybean cultivars and feasible sowing dates, highlighting that further northward expansion will depend on breeding cultivars with reduced photoperiod sensitivity and improved cold tolerance, enabling earlier flowering and reliable establishment under cooler spring conditions.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1863730</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1863730</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Seed dormancy regulation and its breaking methods in important weed species: a systematic review and quantitative synthesis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Akashdeep Singh</author><author>Debashis Paul</author><author>Ali Bajwa</author><author>Aniruddha Maity</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionSeed dormancy is a critical evolutionary trait that enhances weed persistence in soil seedbanks by preventing germination under unfavorable environmental conditions. Despite its importance in determining weed emergence patterns, seedbank longevity, and management success, a comprehensive synthesis of dormancy characteristics and dormancy-breaking mechanisms across major weed species has been lacking.MethodsA systematic review and quantitative synthesis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, encompassing 252 studies from five continents involving 81 globally important weed species representing 22 taxonomic families. Data were compiled on seed dormancy level, dormancy duration, life cycle, pollination system, seed production season, and dormancy-breaking methods. Descriptive analyses and principal component analysis were used to evaluate relationships among taxonomic, biological, and ecological factors influencing weed seed dormancy.ResultsTaxonomic factors, particularly family and species, accounted for most variation in dormancy degree and duration, followed by life cycle and pollination system. Seed maturity season was strongly associated with dormancy intensity, whereas dormancy duration was more closely related to life cycle. Most weed families exhibited >70% dormancy in freshly matured seeds, with Plantaginaceae, Convolvulaceae, Brassicaceae, and Poaceae showing the highest dormancy levels, whereas Onagraceae and Cyperaceae exhibited relatively low dormancy. Annual species generally displayed greater dormancy intensity, while perennial species maintained longer dormancy periods. Seeds produced during spring and summer exhibited greater and longer dormancy than those produced during fall. Cold stratification and hormonal treatments were the most effective approaches for overcoming physiological dormancy, whereas scarification was essential for breaking physical dormancy. Germination responses were strongly regulated by temperature and light, with optimal conditions varying among taxonomic groups.DiscussionWeed seed dormancy is governed by interacting taxonomic and life-history traits that influence species persistence and emergence dynamics. Understanding dormancy mechanisms and dormancy-breaking requirements can improve prediction of weed emergence, optimize stale seedbed and herbicide-timing strategies, and enhance long-term seedbank management. This review highlights the need for a comprehensive global database integrating weed seed dormancy characteristics, dormancy-breaking methods, and adaptive responses to environmental change.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1850038</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1850038</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Harnessing polyethylene mulching and herbicide integration for sustainable weed management and improved onion productivity]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-06T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sanket J. More</author><author>Bhagyashri Kawale</author><author>Yogita Raskar</author><author>Thangasamy Arunachalam</author><author>Sagar M. Wayal</author><author>Yogesh P. Khade</author><author>Suresh Gawande</author><author>Pranjali A. Gedam</author><author>Bhushan Bibwe</author><author>Rajiv Kale</author><author>Vijay Mahajan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Onion growers face multifaceted challenges, including climate variability, varietal limitations, and agronomic constraints, among which weed infestation remains a major yield-limiting factor. However, weed management strategies with consistent performance across growing seasons are not well established. Therefore, the present study evaluated integrated weed management approaches involving pre-emergence herbicides followed by sequential post-emergence herbicide applications, polyethylene mulching, manual weeding, or other post-emergence interventions across two varieties and three contrasting seasons (post-rainy, winter, and rainy). Among all treatments, pendimethalin followed by polyethylene mulching (T5) consistently achieved the highest weed control efficiency (WCE), comparable to the weed-free control (T8). This performance was attributed to the physical barrier effect of mulch, which effectively suppressed weed emergence during the critical crop-weed competition period (30–60 days after transplanting). Consequently, T5 enhanced canopy development and bulb yield, increasing marketable yield by 49-54% (post-rainy), 43-90% (winter), and 388-499% (rainy) compared to the weedy check (T9), without increasing bulb rot incidence under high-moisture conditions. Uncontrolled weed growth resulted in substantial yield losses (35% to >70%), with the greatest impact during the rainy season. Economic analysis revealed that pendimethalin followed by polyethylene mulching translated into higher net returns and favorable benefit-cost ratios across seasons. Weed flora exhibited seasonal variation, with dicot dominance in post-rainy and winter seasons and monocot predominance during the rainy season, highlighting the need for season-specific weed management strategies. Correspondingly, herbicide performance varied across seasons: pendimethalin followed by propaquizafop + oxyfluorfen (T1) was more effective in post-rainy and winter seasons, whereas pendimethalin followed by clodinafop-propargyl + oxyfluorfen (T3) performed better during the rainy season. Multivariate and correlation analyses revealed that bulb yield was primarily driven by early weed suppression (WCE at 30 and 60 DAT) and improved morphological and canopy traits rather than biochemical parameters. Integrating pre-emergence pendimethalin with polyethylene mulching provides a robust weed management strategy across diverse production environments. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to herbicide-only programs, particularly for rainy-season onion cultivation. Nevertheless, further research on mulch-specific agronomic practices, multi-location validation, and long-term ecological impacts is essential to fully realize the potential of plasticulture-based systems.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1885332</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1885332</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Perennial ryegrass responses to contrasting phosphorus fertilizer sources: nutrient dynamics and root system architecture assessed by X-ray micro-computed tomography]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Katrin Kuka</author><author>Mayka Schmitt Rahner</author><author>Paul Keßeler</author><author>Sylvia Kratz</author><author>Elke Bloem</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionAlthough recycled phosphorus (P) fertilizers may contribute to circular nutrient management, their agronomic performance depends on how nutrient release dynamics align with plant demand, which affects biomass production and root development.MethodsIn a two-cut pot experiment with Lolium perenne grown in a P-poor sandy substrate, we compared an unfertilized control (P0), struvite (STR - a recycled P fertilizer), and triple superphosphate (TSP - a highly soluble mineral P source) with respect to P supply. We assessed dry matter yield, nutrient uptake, plant nutrient status, forage quality, and root system architecture, the latter examined using non-destructive X-ray micro-computed tomography.ResultsTreatment responses were strongly time-dependent. In the first cut, STR produced a significantly higher dry matter yield than P0 (2.22 vs. 1.87 t ha−¹), while not differing significantly from TSP, despite having a lower nitrogen (N) concentration and uptake than P0 and TSP. These results suggest a temporal dissociation between early biomass formation and N acquisition, which may partly reflect differences in N source and availability between treatments. STR also increased P uptake relative to the P0 treatment (7.74 vs. 6.25 kg ha−¹), though values remained below those of TSP (9.41 kg ha−¹). In contrast, TSP promoted stronger early root development, as evidenced by greater total root volume and greater root surface area in coarser diameter classes than P0. STR, however, showed reduced fine-root volume compared to P0. By the second cut, nutrient concentrations declined across treatments. Differences in P uptake between STR and TSP decreased, and most root traits converged. Across both cuts, root volume and surface area remained concentrated in the upper substrate layers.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that STR effectively functions as a recycled P fertilizer, supporting high initial biomass production and improved P acquisition relative to P0. Notably, its response pattern differs from that of TSP, characterized by slower nutrient delivery, weaker regrowth, and less pronounced early root proliferation.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1831957</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fagro.2026.1831957</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Biological strategies to maximize nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency in grain sorghum with Trichoderma harzianum]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-08-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Cintia da Silva de Oliveira</author><author>Rikelme Matheus dos Santos Relvas</author><author>Rithielly Machado Rodrigues de Araújo</author><author>Cecília Leão Pereira Resende</author><author>Luciana Maria da Silva</author><author>Kátia Aparecida de Pinho Costa</author><author>Fabricio Rodrigues</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Chemical fertilization is essential for increasing yields in various crops, including Sorghum bicolor. Currently, there is increasing interest in sustainable alternatives, such as microbial-based biostimulants. Among the most widely used microorganisms, Trichoderma spp. are well-known plant growth-promoting fungi. The objective of this study was to evaluate biological strategies for reducing fertilizer use in grain sorghum through the application of Trichoderma harzianum combined with varying rates of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. Two experiments were conducted at the State University of Goiás, in Ipameri, Goiás, Brazil. The experimental design was a 4 × 5 factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with five replications. In the nitrogen experiment, stabilized urea (N45) and conventional urea were applied, with or without T. harzianum, at nitrogen rates of 50, 70, 90, 110, and 130 kg N ha-1. In the phosphorus experiment, stabilized phosphorus sources (P35) and single superphosphate were applied at rates of 10, 80, 150, 220, and 290 kg P2O5 ha-1. The evaluated variables included plant height, relative chlorophyll content, days to flowering, stem diameter, fresh stem mass, fresh leaf mass, and dry grain mass. The treatment with stabilized urea (N45) combined with T. harzianum (T2) exhibited higher dry grain mass at the maximum nitrogen rate (130 kg N ha-1), which was associated with higher photosynthetic activity, greater consistency of stem diameter growth, and increased leaf mass compared to the conventional urea treatment (T3). In the phosphorus experiment, treatment T2 (stabilized phosphorus – P35 combined with T. harzianum) exhibited the highest dry grain mass at 290 kg P2O5 ha-1. In this case, the increase in grain yield was attributed to higher photosynthetic activity, greater plant height and stem diameter, and increased fresh stem and leaf mass, despite fewer days to flowering, compared with T3 (single superphosphate).]]></description>
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