Biostimulant seed priming with humic acid followed by drying: A sustainable technique to enhance early growth of maize
Carla da Silva Dias, Davi Souza de Freitas, Jefferson Nicolau Romeiro, Raphael Oliveira de Melo, Girlaine Pereira Oliveira, Vinicius de Souza Oliveira, Jéssica Broseghini Loss, Lúcio de Oliveira Arantes, José Altino Machado Filho, Sara Dousseau-Arantes*
Northern Research, Development and Innovation Center, Capixaba Institute of Research, Technical Assistance and Rural Extension, Post Office Box 62, CEP 29900-970, Linhares, ES, Brazil
Vértice University Center (Univértix), Bernardo Tôrres Street, 180, Retiro, Zip Code 35367-000, Matipó, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Bience Agriscience, New Business Style Building, Jamel Cecílio Dep. Avenue, 2496, Room 115-A, Jardim Goiás, Goiânia-GO, Zip Code 74810, Brazil
Serrano Research, Development and Innovation Center, Capixaba Institute of Research, Technical Assistance and Rural Extension, BR 262, km 94 – State Farm – Aracê, Brazil
ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4068-1587
Abstract: Humic acids (HAs) are increasingly recognized as agricultural inputs due to their biostimulant effects, acting through mechanisms similar to plant growth regulators. This study evaluated the effects of seed priming with humic acid followed by drying on the germination, growth, and early seedling quality of maize (Zea mays L.). Five treatments were tested: T1 – control; T2 – imbibition in water for 8 h without drying; T3 – imbibition in humic acid solution for 8 h without drying; T4 – imbibition in water followed by drying to 14% moisture content; and T5 – imbibition in humic acid solution for 8 h followed by drying to 14% moisture content. Germination was assessed at four and seven days after sowing, while at 33 days plant height, stem diameter, root length, shoot and root biomass, total dry biomass, and the Dickson Quality Index were determined. Seeds subjected to Treatment 5 (humic acid, 10 mmol L⁻¹ of carbon, 8 h + drying) showed superior performance compared with all other treatments. They produced more vigorous seedlings, with greater root and shoot biomass accumulation, higher total dry matter, and improved quality indices. These findings indicate that humic acid priming followed by drying is a sustainable and effective technique to improve maize seedling establishment and early crop development.
Submitted: 17/07/2025 | Revised: 13/09/2025 | Accepted: 14/10/2025
Pages 1158-1163 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p61
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Impact of Nitrospirillum amazonense inoculation on the competitiveness of sugarcane pre-sprouted seedlings
Luana Carolina Gomes Jonck*, Patrícia Andrea Monquero, Marcia Maria Rosa Magri, Carina de Fatima Felippe
Center for Agricultural Sciences – Federal University of São Carlos, Araras, SP, Brazil
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2389-0096
Abstract: The pursuit of sustainability in the sugarcane-energy sector has intensified interest in bacterial inoculants. Among these, Nitrospirillum amazonense has been identified as a promising agent for enhancing crop competitive ability against weeds. This study evaluated the influence of N. amazonense inoculation on pre-sprouted sugarcane seedlings (var. RB966928) under competition with three major weed species: Merremia aegyptia, Urochloa decumbens, and Cyperus rotundus. For each weed, a completely randomized 4 × 2 factorial design was employed, with the following factors: (i) four weed densities (10, 20, 40, and 80 plants·m-²) and (ii) the presence or absence of N. amazonense inoculation. Growth parameters (height, leaf area, shoot dry mass, and root dry mass) were assessed 90 days after transplanting. Inoculation significantly increased seedling height only when the plants were in competition with U. decumbens. Conversely, for M. aegyptia, inoculation intensified the negative competitive effects, as evidenced by a progressive decrease in leaf area with increasing weed density. No significant effects were detected under competition with C. rotundus. Although inoculation did not offset the adverse effects of weed competition, the findings underscore critical crop–weed–microbe interactions. The differential responses observed among weed species indicate that the effectiveness of N. amazonense may be context-dependent, highlighting the need for further investigation to refine inoculation methodologies or integrate them with complementary practices to fully realize its potential within integrated crop management.
Submitted: 16/07/2025 | Revised: 06/09/2025 | Accepted: 16/10/2025
Pages 1164-1169 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p77
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Gene expression dynamics in Eucalyptus under physiological stress: Unveiling potential markers for environmental adaptability
Jéssica Naiara dos Santos, Any Caroliny Pinto Rodrigues, Ariadne Marques, Leandro Marcio Moreira, Janaína Fernandes Gonçalves, Karina Carnielli Zamprogno Ferreira, Helton Maycon Lourenco, Luiz Henrique de Almeida, Emerson Delano Lopes, Tamires da Silva Gonçalves, Marcelo Luiz de Laia*
Departamento de Engenharia Florestal, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, CEP 39.100-000, Brazil
Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, CEP 35.400-000, Brasil
Veracel Celulose, Salvador, Bahia, CEP 45.820-970, Brazil
Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia do Norte de Minas Gerais, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, CEP 39.100-970, Brazil
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6366-4558
Abstract: We quantified the expression of five abiotic-stress-related genes (CDPK26, CIPK, WRKY4, CDPK11, and MYB) in Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla clones exhibiting Physiological Disorder in Eucalyptus (PDE) across two field environments. Using quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) (three biological and two technical replicates) with melt-curve specificity and normalization to housekeeping genes, we observed in the harsher site (A1) higher expression of CDPK26, CIPK, WRKY4 and CDPK11 in symptomatic plants of Clone01, whereas MYB was comparatively higher in symptom-free plants from the milder site (A2). Across genotypes, a consistently symptomatic clone (Clone02) upregulated all five genes relative to an asymptomatic clone (Clone03), indicating genotype-dependent sensitivity. These patterns support roles for Ca²⁺ CBL–CIPK signaling and WRKY/MYB transcriptional control in field responses to water and edaphoclimatic stress. The targeted set behaves as practical markers to flag PDE-associated stress responses under operational conditions.
Submitted: 18/07/2025 | Revised: 08/10/2025 | Accepted: 08/10/2025
Pages 1170-1178 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p78
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First report of Colletotrichum nymphaeae causing anthracnose on argan (Argania spinosa L.) in Morocco
Soukaina Maazouzi*, Soukaina Msairi, Moulay Abdelaziz El Alaoui, Zineb Sellal, Karima Selmaoui, Amina Ouazzani Touhami, Allal Douira
Higher Institute of Nursing and Health Techniques Professions (ISPITS) Dakhla 47000, Morocco
Laboratory of Plant, Animal Productions and Agro-industry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, 14000, Morocco
Research Center of Plant and Microbial Biotechnologies, Biodiversity and Environment. Laboratory of Botany and Valorisation of Plant and Fungal Resources. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-0912-1541
Abstract: This study presents the identification of Colletotrichum nymphaeae for the first time as the causal agent of anthracnose on argan fruits (Argania spinosa L.) in Morocco. The affected fruits were collected from Dar Chef Province (Ouazzane region). The pathogen was isolated and identified using morphological and molecular characterization. The pathogenicity tests were also carried out to confirm its ability to induce disease symptoms on argan fruits. The results showed fungal colonies that produce abundant orange conidial masses. The microscopic examination showed cylindrical, hyaline, unicellular conidia similar with known morphology of C. nymphaeae. Pathogenicity tests confirmed Koch’s postulates. The typical anthracnose symptoms were developed on inoculated fruits, with larger lesions developing on wounded tissues (average diameter: 1.64 cm) compared to unwounded tissues (0.66 cm). However, control fruits were asymptomatic. Molecular identification using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA showed 99.83% similarity with C. nymphaeae isolate from China (GenBank: ON793164.1). Phylogenetic analysis grouped the Moroccan isolate (OP363901) within a well-supported clade alongside Asian and Central American C. nymphaeae species complex, confirming its taxonomic status within the C. acutatum species and highlights its genetic divergence from related species such as C. acutatum, C. lupini, and C. godetiae. This finding raises an important phytopathological concern, given the economic importance of argan oil production in Morocco. The wide host diversity and environmental adaptability of C. nymphaeae suggest its potential impact as an exotic threat to argan agroecosystems. The study highlights the urgent need for integrated disease management strategies and subsequent future research including multilocus sequencing in order to better understand the population structure and epidemiology of C. nymphaeae in Morocco.
Submitted: 03/08/2025 | Revised: 12/09/2025 | Accepted: 07/10/2025
Pages 1180-1186 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p82
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Application sequences of pyroxsulam and pyrethroids in wheat: effects on phytotoxicity and glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity
André Lélis Dias, Bruna Ferrari Schedenffeldt, Bruno Barbugian Ramalho Siqueira, Gabriel Rohrer Pereira, Isabella Carvalho Tanganini, Sandra Regina Ceccato-Antonini, Andreia Cristina Silva Hirata, Patricia Andrea Monquero*
Federal University of São Carlos, 13600-970 – Araras, São Paulo, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9123-1861.
Corteva AgriScience – 13900870, Mogi Mirim, SP. Brazil
Department of Food Science and Technology, São Paulo University, 13418-900. ESALQ. Brazil
Regional APTA. Regional Research and Development Unit – 19015-970, Presidente Prudente. Brazil
Abstract: The use of pesticide mixtures is a common agricultural practice that can lead to antagonistic, synergistic, or additive effects. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of different application sequences and intervals of the herbicides pyroxsulam and pyrethroid insecticides on wheat, with a focus on phytotoxicity, plant biometrics, total protein levels, and the catalytic activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GSTs). Two experiments were conducted using the herbicide pyroxsulam and the insecticides deltamethrin (5 g a.i. •ha⁻¹) and acetamiprid + fenpropathrin (30 g a.i.•ha⁻¹ + 45 g a.i. •ha⁻¹). The insecticides were applied either alone or in combination with the herbicide (18 g a.i.•ha⁻¹) in different sequences (insecticide–herbicide or herbicide–insecticide) and at varying intervals (tank mixture, three, and seven days). Each insecticide was evaluated separately in a completely randomized design comprising seven treatments with four replications. Phytotoxicity symptoms were visually assessed at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after application, while plant growth parameters, GSTs activity, and leaf protein content were measured at 24, 48, and 72 h postapplication. When applied at specific intervals and sequences, the combined application of the insecticides deltamethrin or fenpropathrin + acetamiprid with the herbicide pyroxsulam induces only slight phytotoxic effects. However, the combination of fenpropathrin + acetamiprid significantly affects plant height or biomass. Both combinations decreased protein levels and elevated GSTs activity. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate application strategies to minimize crop stress.
Submitted: 21/07/2025 | Revised: 11/09/2025 | Accepted: 08/10/2025
Pages 1187-1194 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p83
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Agronomic response of wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) to different seeding rates in Oxisol soils from Canindeyú, northeastern Paraguay
Alcides Rubén Villalba Arriola*, Marcos Fabian Sanabria Franco, Elida Auxiliadora Peralta, Marcelo Helguera, Javier Mendoza, Carlos Alcides Villalba Algarin*
Instituto Paraguayo de Tecnología Agraria, Campo Experimental Yhovy, Canindeyú-Paraguay
Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias-Universidad Nacional de Canindeyú, Canindeyú-Paraguay
Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz- Universidade São Paulo, Piracicaba-Brasil
Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Centro de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Instituto de Fisiología y Recursos Genéticos Vegetales, Córdoba-Argentina
Instituto Paraguayo de Tecnología Agraria, Centro de Investigación Capitán Miranda, Capitán Miranda-Paraguay
Abstract: The lack of systematic studies on seeding rates has hindered efforts to maximize the productive potential of wheat varieties cultivated in Oxisol soils of Paraguay. Optimizing seeding rates improves resource-use efficiency and enhances yield performance. This study evaluated the agronomic response of six popular wheat cultivars grown at five seeding rates: 180, 270, 420, 540, and 720 plants m⁻². The experiment was conducted in Colonia Yhovy, Canindeyú, Paraguay, during the 2021 growing season, using a randomized complete block design with three replications in a bifactorial arrangement (6 cultivars × 5 seeding rates). Measured variables included tillers m⁻², spikes m⁻², thousand kernel weight, grain yield (kg ha⁻¹), and harvest index. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). Cultivars and seeding rates significantly influenced tillers m⁻², spikes m⁻², and thousand kernel weight. Spike density and grain yield were unaffected by cultivar but varied with seeding rate. The 540 plants m⁻² seeding rate maximized tiller production, while spikes m⁻² increased linearly with seeding rate. Thousand kernel weight decreased at higher seeding rates, with 420 plants m⁻² producing the highest grain yield and harvest index. Cultivars demonstrated similar genetic potential, highlighting the importance of seeding rate management to fully exploit wheat’s genetic yield potential.
Submitted: 01/08/2025 | Revised: 23/09/2025 | Accepted: 21/10/2025
Pages 1195-1203 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p92
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Starch and sucrose characteristics of selected tobacco plants under waterlogged conditions
Ismul Mauludin Al Habib*, Hanif Rafika Putri, Hepta Bungsu Agung Jayawardana
Biology Education Department, PGRI Argopuro University, Jember, East Java, Indonesia
Abstract: Studies in Indonesia have identified tobacco varieties with varying levels of waterlogging tolerance, ranging from tolerant to moderate to sensitive. However, starch and sucrose content in tobacco plants under waterlogged conditions is rarely reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the starch and sucrose content of tobacco plants under waterlogging conditions. This study used a factorial randomized block design with 3 replications, including 2 factors: 100% (field capacity as control), 120%, 140%, and 160% of waterlogging and 3 selected tobacco plant genotypes: tolerant genotype, moderately genotype, and sensitive genotype to waterlogging. Starch and sucrose samples were taken under waterlogging conditions for 6 hours and 6 hours after recovery. Starch and sucrose levels were measured using the Luff Schoorl Method. The results showed that tolerant genotypes responded to waterlogging by reducing their starch content at 140% of waterlogging conditions. The starch content of the tolerant genotype decreased by 24% at 160% waterlogging. However, after waterlogging, the starch content was increased significantly from 2.57 to 3.95 mg/g at 120% and 140% of waterlogging, respectively. Moderate and sensitive genotypes experienced a decrease in sucrose during and after waterlogging stress. The Bojonegoro 1 genotype exhibited the best metabolic adaptation to waterlogged conditions through a mechanism of starch reduction during stress followed by a significant increase during the recovery phase, whereas the Benyak and GT genotypes showed weaker responses with decreases in both starch and sucrose contents during and after waterlogging. Therefore, the Bojonegoro 1 genotype is recommended as a potential parental line for breeding programs aimed at developing waterlogging tolerant tobacco, due to its superior ability to restore metabolic activity and maintain physiological stability after hypoxia.
Submitted: 11/08/2025 | Revised: 28/10/2025 | Accepted: 29/10/2025
Pages 1204-1211 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p95
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Rejuvenation of robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) plants under matured fruit trees reduces berry yield, increases land productivity and income
Sampson Konlan*, Patricia Adu-Yeboah, Moses Kwame Aidoo, Jerome A. Dogbatse, Godfred K. Awudzi, Frank Owusu-Ansah, Fredrick Amon-Armah, Jacob Danso
ORCID ID: 0000000155571589
Agronomy Division, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8. New Tafo-Akim
Physiology/Biochemistry Division, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8. New Tafo-Akim
Soil Science Division, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8. New Tafo-Akim
Entomlogy Division, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8. New Tafo-Akim
Social Science and Statistics Unit, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, P.O. Box 8. New Tafo-Akim
Abstract: Sole coffee system is known to be efficient in utilizing scarce farmlands, while leaving the farmer with no income during the first two years after planting and during regeneration/rejuvenation. Therefore, it is critical to explore intercropping systems utilizing permanent fruit trees to improve the efficiency of land-use and buffer the farmer during vegetative growth phases of the coffee. In this study, Robusta coffee plants under mature sweet orange, avocado and coconut trees as well as coffee plants previously intercropped with pineapple and pawpaw were coppiced and monitored. The physiology, growth, and yield of the coffee plants and the intercrops, as well as the cost of management were evaluated. The results showed that the presence of fruit trees had adverse effects on coffee stem diameter, height, and lateral retention but not on its leaf chlorophyll content. Higher chlorophyll fluorescence was observed in coffee under avocado and coconut trees. Stomatal conductance of the coffee plants was moderated, especially by the presence of avocado trees, during adverse and optimal weather conditions. The fruit trees and the previous intercropping with pineapple and papaya led to significant reductions in clean coffee yield, ranging from 11 kg ha-1 (coffee+papaya) to 1,076 kg ha-1 (coffee+citrus) due to competition from citrus trees. However, the coffee+avocado and coffee+citrus systems increased the overall farm productivity ha-1, leading to higher positive gross and net incomes. The cumulative net income from the coffee+avocado (US$8,432.07) and coffee+citrus (US$5,667.71) systems was higher than the income from the sole coffee system (US$5,426.28). The results, therefore, indicated that the coffee+avocado system was the most beneficial as it achieved higher productivity per unit land area with a higher cumulative net income increase of US$3,005.79 relative to the sole coffee system.
Submitted: 07/08/2025 | Revised: 16/10/2025 | Accepted: 21/10/2025
Pages 1212-1223 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p97
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Effect of container and planting media on the growth of oil palm seedlings (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in prenursery
M Guna Setiawan*, Sudradjat, Supijatno
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia
Abstract: Oil palm nurseries are crucial for future production and productivity. This study explored the impact of different seedling containers, various planting media compositions, and the interaction between container type and media composition on oil palm seedling growth in initial nurseries. This research was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024. Using a split plot design in a completely randomized factorial design, the study examined seedling containers (W) and media type (M). The main plot features containers such as pot tray (205 ml volume) and polybag (10 cm × 10 cm, 230 ml volume), while sub-plots included planting media combinations in different ratios. The first level (M1) was 100% topsoil, the second level (M2) 25 % soil and 75 % cocopeat; third level (M3) 25% soil and 50% cocopeat and 25% POME; fourth level (M4) 25 % soil and 50 % cocopeat and 25% chicken manure, fifth level (M5) 25% soil and 50% cocopeat and 25 % biofertilizers. The observed variables were plant seedling height, stem diameter, leaf count, wet and dry seedling weights, root volume and chlorophyll levels. The results showed that the pot tray (205 ml volume) had the greatest effect on plant height and leaf chlorophyll levels. The planting media treatment with 25% soil, 50% cocopeat, and 25% biofertilizers had the best effect on plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, wet weight of seedling, dry weight of seedling, root volume and chlorophyll levels on 9 weeks after planting. The interaction effect between the type of pot tray seedling container and the combination of soil planting media was 25%; cocopeat 50%; 25% biofertilizers and polybag container type and soil planting medium25 %; cocopeat 50%; 25% biofertilizer had the best effect on changing chlorophyll levels.
Submitted: 01/01/2025 | Revised: 17/02/2025 | Accepted: 08/04/2025
Pages 1224-1231 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p323
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Determination of the ideal drying temperature for Brazilian Ginseng (Pfaffia glomerata) roots: product enhancement, chemical characterization, and color parameters
Fabio Dias Bertoco Júnior, Laura Correia Marquezi, Creir da Silva, Bogdan Demczuk Junior, Giselle Giovanna do Couto de Oliveira, Otavio Akira. Sakai, Marcela Moreira Terhaag*
LACE, Chemistry Department, Federal Institute of Science and Education of Paraná, Umuarama, PR, Brazil
Food Engineer Department, Federal Technological University of Paraná, Campo Mourão, PR, Brazil
*Federal Institute of Science and Education of Parana, Umuarama. Rod. PR 323, KM 302, Parque Industrial. Umuarama - PR – Brazil, CEP 87507-014.
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-3558-9199
Abstract: This study investigated the impact of convective drying conditions on the physicochemical properties of Pfaffia glomerata (Brazilian Ginseng) sliced roots. Drying experiments were conducted at 40, 60, and 80 °C temperatures, with and without forced air circulation (1 ms⁻¹), to analyze drying kinetics and develop an empirical model. The activation energy (Ae) of the drying process was determined. Colorimetric analysis (∆E*) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were employed to assess changes in color attributes and chemical composition. Results indicated that drying time was primarily influenced by temperature, followed by air velocity. The dominant mass transfer mechanism during drying was identified as diffusion, and a modified Page model effectively described the drying behavior. The calculated activation energy (Ae) was 27.85 kJ mol⁻¹. Compared to fresh roots, dried samples exhibited color alterations, including darkening. Based on FTIR-ATR and colorimetric analysis, optimal drying conditions for maintaining root quality were determined to be 40 and 60 °C with forced air circulation (1 ms⁻¹), achieving desired moisture levels at 900 and 360 minutes, respectively.
Submitted: 15/03/2025 | Revised: 11/06/2025 | Accepted: 22/06/2025
Pages 1232-1241 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.12.p378