Resumen (Objetivo) El objetivo fue analizar la composición de aves asociadas a cultivos orgánicos de cacao (Theobroma cacao) manejado debajo de 3 diferentes tipos de cobertura arbórea. (Metodología) Distribuimos 3 puntos de conteo en cada finca, para registrar todas las aves observadas y escuchadas, en muestreos de 5 minutos. Los conteos fueron realizados por triplicado, tanto en las primeras horas de la mañana como al atardecer. La diferencia en la composición de la avifauna entre las fincas fue analizada con la prueba ANOSIM. Las abundancias se transformaron por medio de la función decostand y el método Hellinger del paquete estadístico R-Vegan. La agrupación de las especies entre las plantaciones se efectuó mediante el escalamiento multidimensional no métrico (nMDS) y el índice de Bray-Curtis. La contribución de las especies a la disimilitud entre grupos fue analizada con el módulo SIMPER. Consideramos diferencias estadísticamente significativas cuando P ≤ 0,05. (Resultados) Observamos 428 individuos, clasificados en 49 especies y 23 familias. La finca donde las plantas de cacao crecen en condiciones más sombreadas, debido al desarrollo del dosel, mostró mayor cantidad de especies (34) y de individuos (146). La composición de aves varió significativamente entre las fincas (F(1,8) = 3,22; P < 0,02). La abundancia media de 19 especies (39,6 %) hizo notar diferencias significativas (P < 0,05), al comparar la finca con mayor sombra y menor sombra. (Conclusión) La composición de aves es más compleja en aquellas fincas de cacao orgánico que conservan un mayor desarrollo estructural de los árboles de dosel y que están cerca de bosque en regeneración.

Resumo (Objetivo) O objetivo foi analisar a composição das aves associadas às plantações de cacau orgânico (Theobroma cacao) manejadas sob três tipos diferentes de cobertura arbórea. (Metodologia) Distribuímos 3 pontos de contagem em cada fazenda, para registrar todas as aves observadas e ouvidas, em amostragens de 5 minutos. As contagens foram realizadas em triplicata, tanto nas primeiras horas da manhã quanto no final da tarde. A diferença na composição da avifauna entre as fazendas foi analisada com o teste ANOSIM. As abundâncias foram transformadas usando a função de costande o método Hellinger do pacote estatístico R-Vegan. O agrupamento de espécies entre as plantações foi feito usando o escalonamento multidimensional não métrico (nMDS) e o índice de Bray-Curtis. A contribuição das espécies para a dissimilaridade entre os grupos foi analisada com o módulo SIMPER. Consideramos as diferenças estatisticamente significativas quando P ≤ 0,05. (Resultados) Observamos 428 indivíduos, classificados em 49 espécies e 23 famílias. A fazenda onde as plantas de cacau crescem em condições mais sombreadas, devido ao desenvolvimento do dossel, apresentou um número maior de espécies (34) e indivíduos (146). A composição das aves variou significativamente entre as fazendas (F(1,8) = 3,2 apresentou diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) n; Paco< 0, mpa 02). A abundância média de 19 espécies (39,6%) ração entre a fazenda mais sombreada e a menos sombreada. (Conclusão) A composição das avesé mais complexa nas fazendas de cacau orgânico que mantêm árvores de dossel mais desenvolvidas estruturalmente e estão próximas à floresta em regeneração.

Abstract (Objective) The objective of this investigation was to analyze the composition of birds associated with organic cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crops managed under 3 different types of tree cover. (Methodology) Three census points were established in each farm to record all birds observed and heard in 5-minute sample periods. Counts were conducted in triplicate, both in the early morning and at dusk. Differences in avifauna composition between farms were analyzed using the ANOSIM test. Abundances were transformed using the Decostand function and the Hellinger method in the R-Vegan statistical package. Analysis of clustering of species among plantations was performed using non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and the Bray-Curtis index. Contribution of species to the dissimilarity between groups was analyzed with the SIMPER module. Statistically significant differences were considered when P ≤ 0.05. (Results) Four hundred and twenty-eight individuals were observed, and classified into 49 species and 23 families. The farms where cocoa plants grow in shadier conditions due to canopy development showed a higher number of species (34) and individuals (146). Bird comp P < 0.02). The mean abundance of 19 species osit (39.ion 6%) varied significantly between farms (F (1,8) = 3.22; showed significant differences (P < 0.05) when comparing the farms with the most and least shade. (Conclusion) Bird composition is more complex on organic cocoa farms, which have more developed canopies and are near regenerating forests.

Resumen El fosfito (Phi) es un bioestimulante que está recibiendo un interés creciente en la horticultura debido a que su aplicación en cultivos ha mejorado el rendimiento, calidad y la tolerancia a diversos tipos de estrés. Se evaluaron cuatro dosis crecientes de fosfito (0, 0.1, 0.3 y 0.5 mM) durante 30 días en condiciones in vitro en caña de azúcar (Saccharum spp.) durante la etapa de multiplicación. Se utilizaron las variedades CP 72-2086 y Mex 69-290 en las que se registraron variables de crecimiento (brotes, hojas y biomasa) y bioquímicas (clorofilas, carbohidratos, aminoácidos y proteínas). Para el análisis de datos se realizó análisis de varianza y se aplicó la prueba de Tukey (P ≤ 0.05) para la separación de las medias. La dosis de 0.3 mM Phi en la variedad CP 72-2086 incrementó la longitud, ancho y número de hojas; también incrementó el número de brotes y la concentración foliar de clorofilas a y b. El tratamiento con 0.3 mM Phi en la variedad Mex 69-290 aumentó el tamaño de brotes y longitud de hojas. Por lo tanto, el Phi tiene un papel crucial como bioestimulante inorgánico en variedades de caña de azúcar cultivadas in vitro, al mejorar las variables de crecimiento y bioquímicas.

Summary Phosphite (Phi) is a biostimulant that is receiving increasing interest in horticulture because its application in crops has improved yield, quality and tolerance to various types of stress. Four increasing doses of phosphite (0, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 mM) were evaluated for 30 days under in vitro conditions in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) during the multiplication stage. Varieties CP 72-2086 and Mex 69-290 were used in which growth (shoots, leaves and biomass) and biochemical (chlorophylls, carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins) traits were measured. For data analysis, analysis of variance was performed and Tukey’s test (P ≤ 0.05) was applied for the separation of means. The dose of 0.3 mM Phi in the variety CP 72-2086 increased the length, width and number of leaves; it also increased the number of shoots and leaf concentration of chlorophyll a and b. Treatment with 0.3 mM Phi in variety Mex 69-290 increased shoot size and leaf length. Therefore, Phi plays a crucial role as an inorganic biostimulant in in vitro-grown sugarcane varieties by improving growth and biochemical variables.

Resumen: A pesar de todo el conocimiento generado en torno a las técnicas de injerto en especies vegetales, existe poca investigación que evalúe los resultados encontrados. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar, mediante técnicas bibliométricas, la información publicada en artículos científicos donde se evalúo alguna técnica de injerto, para identificar metodologías de análisis, tipos de injertos, especies vegetales y la aplicación de los resultados encontrados. La palabra clave utilizada para la búsqueda de los artículos científicos fue ‘grafting’, y se consideraron publicaciones hasta diciembre de 2022. De 1994 a 2022 se identificaron 293 artículos científicos, la frecuencia de su publicación mostró una tendencia exponencial (R2 = 0,54). Se encontró que se evalúan variables asociadas al portainjerto, injerto y sobrevivencia de la nueva planta formada, que son evaluadas cada vez con mayor frecuencia con técnicas multivariadas por el interés de detectar las variables más significativas a partir de un número elevado de variables analizadas. Se documentaron 11 técnicas de injerto: púa, hendidura, empalme, inglés, yema, in vitro, microinjerto, en T, chapado, chip y entube. Las especies de mayor análisis correspondieron a frutícolas (cítricos), hortícolas (tomate), forestal (nogal), y ornato (rosa). Sin embargo, el 63,47% de los artículos científicos se limitaron a hacer análisis descriptivos sobre prendimiento, compatibilidad y sobrevivencia de los materiales vegetativos. Lo anterior, deja un área de oportunidad para desarrollar investigación sobre los procesos de mejora genética en la búsqueda de caracteres agronómicos de interés (fruto y crecimiento), o bien en la diversidad genética orientada a la productividad y/o conservación.

Abstract: Despite all the knowledge generated about grafting techniques in plant species, there is little research that evaluates the results found. The objective of this work was to analyze, through bibliometric techniques, the information published in scientific articles in which a grafting technique was evaluated, to identify analysis methodologies, types of grafts, plant species, and the application of the results found. The keyword used for the search of scientific articles was ‘grafting’, and publications up to December 2022 were considered. From 1994 to 2022, 293 scientific articles were identified, the frequency of their publication showed an exponential trend (R2 = 0,54). It was found that variables associated with rootstock, graft and survival of the newly formed plant are evaluated, with an increasing use of multivariate techniques in order to detect the most significant variables. Eleven grafting techniques were documented: bark grafting, cleft grafting, splice grafting, whip and tongue grafting, budding, in vitro grafting, micrografting, T-budding, side-veneer grafting, chip budding, and tube grafting. Fruit (citrus), horticultural (tomato), forest (walnut), and ornamental (rose) crops were the most widely analyzed. However, 63,47% of the scientific articles were limited to descriptive analyses on success rate, compatibility and survival rate of vegetative materials. This provides the opportunity to conduct research on genetic improvement processes in the search for agronomic traits of interest (fruit and growth), or on genetic diversity aimed to improve productivity and/or conservation.

Abstract: Effective weed control in crop fields at an early stage is a crucial aspect of modern agriculture. Nonetheless, detecting and identifying these plants in environments with unpredictable conditions remain a challenging task for the agricultural industry. Thus, a two-stage deep learning-based methodology to effectively address the issue is proposed in this work. In the first stage, multi-plant image segmentation is performed, whereas regions of interest (ROIs) are classified in the second stage. In the segmentation stage, a Deep learning model, specifically a UNet-like architecture, has been used to segment the plants within an image following two approaches: resizing the image or dividing the image into patches. In the classification stage, four architectures, including ResNet101, VGG16, Xception, and MobileNetV2, have been implemented to classify different types of plants, including corn and weed plants. A large image dataset was used for training the models. After resizing the images, the segmentation network achieved a Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) of around 84% and a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of around 74%. On the other hand, when the images were divided into patches, the segmentation network achieved a mean DSC of 87.48% and a mIoU of 78.17%. Regarding the classification, the best performance was achieved by the Xception network with a 97.43% Accuracy. Then, According to the results, the proposed approach is a beneficial alternative for farmers as it offers a method for detecting crops and weeds under natural field conditions.

Abstract Root-knot nematodes are detrimental to agricultural crops and hard to control once established in the field. The objective of this research was to evaluate the growth, sporulation, and capture in vitro of asexual fungi against Meloidogyne sp. Molecular identification of the asexual fungi included in the study was performed by sequencing the ITS1 region of rDNA. The growth and sporulation of Arthrobotrys sp., Dactylellina sp. and Dactylaria sp. was evaluated in five culture media and two types of substrates (rice husks and ground corn). For the evaluation of attraction and capture of the nematodes, second stage juveniles of Meloidogyne sp. All the evaluated fungal isolates grew and sporulated in the culture media and substrates. The fungi Arthrobotrys sp. (C19-1-1) and Dactylellina sp. (C19-48) showed greater effectiveness in attracting and capturing Meloidogyne sp. The evaluated fungal isolates have the potential to colonize different culture media and substrates. In addition, they can form modified and specialized hyphae that control juvenile Meloidogyne sp. nematodes. Therefore, future studies should focus on evaluating fungal isolates against root-knot nematodes under field conditions.

Resumen Los nematodos formadores de agallas son perjudiciales para los cultivos agrícolas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el crecimiento, esporulación y captura de hongos asexuales contra Meloidogyne sp. en condiciones in vitro. La identificación molecular de los hongos asexuales se realizó con PCR utilizando secuencias de la región ITS del ADNr. Se evaluó el crecimiento y esporulación de Arthrobotrys, Dactylellina y Dactylaria en cinco medios de cultivos y dos tipos de substratos (cascarilla de arroz y maíz molido). Para la evaluación de atracción y captura de los nematodos se emplearon juveniles de segunda etapa de Meloidogyne sp. Todos los aislamientos fúngicos evaluados crecieron y esporularon en los medios de cultivos y substratos. Los hongos Arthrobotrys sp. (C19-1-1) y Dactylellina sp. (C19-48) mostraron mayor efectividad en la atracción y captura de Meloidogyne sp. Los aislamientos fúngicos evaluados tienen el potencial de colonizar diferentes medios de cultivos y substratos. Además, pueden formar hifas modificadas y especializadas que controlan nematodos juveniles de Meloidogyne sp. Por lo tanto, los futuros estudios se deberían centrar en evaluar los aislados fúngicos contra los nematodos formadores de agallas en condiciones de campo.

Abstract Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major global crop. Genetic modification of this crop can contribute to enhance yields, reduce pesticide use, and facilitate sustainability, but there is a need for locally adapted genetically modified varieties. Glyphosate tolerant soybean developed under an agbiogeneric model is an attractive prospect as the technology is now mostly in the public domain. This research evaluates the potential for transformation of three soybean varieties (BR1, BR2, and FNS) and an established variety (SK7). The study investigates the interaction between these genotypes and two A. tumefaciens strains, establishes a selection protocol using glyphosate, compares two explant types and evaluates a bacterial removal protocol. Our findings highlight the importance of plant genotype and bacterial strain specificity in the transformation process, with variety BR1 consistently showing the best performance. While challenges remain, this study advances in the development of glyphosate-tolerant soybean varieties as agbiogenerics. Glycine L. L yields use sustainability domain BR1, BR (BR1 BR2 FNS SK7. SK7 SK . (SK7) A strains glyphosate process performance remain glyphosatetolerant agbiogenerics (BR (SK7 (SK

Abstract: In recent times, there has been an environmental pressure to reduce the amount of pesticides applied to crops and, consequently, the crop production costs. Therefore, investments have been made in technologies that could potentially reduce the usage of herbicides on weeds. Among such technologies, Machine Learning approaches are rising in number of applications and potential impact. Therefore, this article aims to identify the main machine learning algorithms used in integrated crop-livestock systems for weed management. Based on a systematic literature review, it was possible to determine where the selected studies were performed and which crop types were mostly used. The main research terms in this study were: "machine learning algorithms" + "weed management" + "integrated crop-livestock system". Although no results were found for the three terms altogether, the combinations involving "weed management" + "integrated crop-livestock system" and "machine learning algorithms" + "weed management" returned a significant number of studies which were subjected to a second layer of refinement by applying an eligibility criteria. The achieved results show that most of the studies were from the United States and from nations in Asia. Machine vision and deep learning were the most used machine learning models, representing 28% and 19% of all cases, respectively. These systems were applied to different practical solutions, the most prevalent being smart sprayers, which allow for a site-specific herbicide application. Abstract times consequently costs Therefore weeds impact croplivestock livestock management review system. system . altogether criteria Asia models 28 19 cases respectively solutions sprayers sitespecific site specific application 2 1

Abstract This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of various types of fertilizers and growth stimulants on the productivity and quality of yellow melilot. Their increase is necessary to ensure a balanced mineral composition of livestock diet. Research methods include the analysis of field germination of seeds, the study of plant growth at various stages, and the analysis of the agrochemical composition of the soil and feed mass. The field experiments were conducted in the steppe zone of the Akmola region, Kazakhstan with fluctuating air temperature and low rainfall. The results show that the use of fertilizers and growth stimulants significantly increased the field germination of seeds, the content of protein, carotene, and feed units, as well as the yield of the green mass of the yellow melilot. Particularly high rates were achieved with the use of the Fulvimax N and Start Up fertilizers and the Gumato Fosfat N and K growth stimulants. The results indicate the potential of fertilizers and growth stimulants to improve agricultural production and emphasize the importance of choosing the optimal fertilizers to achieve maximum results. The study contributes to the expansion of knowledge about methods of increasing the yield and quality of feed crops, which is an important issue in agriculture. melilot diet seeds stages region rainfall protein carotene units crops agriculture

Resumo Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito de vários tipos de fertilizante e estimulante de crescimento na produtividade e qualidade do meliloto-amarelo. Seu aumento é necessário para garantir uma composição mineral equilibrada na dieta do gado. Os métodos de pesquisa incluem a análise da germinação de sementes em campo, o estudo do crescimento das plantas em várias etapas e a análise da composição agroquímica do solo e da massa de alimentação. Os experimentos de campo foram conduzidos na zona de estepe da região de Akmola, Cazaquistão, com temperatura do ar oscilante e baixa precipitação. Os resultados mostram que o uso de fertilizantes e estimulantes de crescimento aumentou significativamente a germinação de sementes em campo, o teor de proteína, caroteno e unidades de alimentação, bem como a produção da massa verde do meliloto-amarelo. Taxas especialmente altas foram alcançadas com o uso dos fertilizantes Fulvimax N e Start Up e dos estimulantes de crescimento Gumato-Fosfato N e K. Os resultados indicam o potencial dos fertilizantes e estimulantes de crescimento para melhorar a produção agrícola e enfatizam a importância da escolha dos fertilizantes ideais para alcançar resultados máximos. O estudo contribui para a ampliação do conhecimento sobre métodos de aumento do rendimento e qualidade das culturas alimentares, o que é uma questão importante na agricultura. melilotoamarelo. melilotoamarelo meliloto amarelo. amarelo meliloto-amarelo gado alimentação Akmola Cazaquistão precipitação proteína GumatoFosfato Gumato Fosfato K máximos alimentares agricultura

Abstract We aimed to estimate genetic parameters and select sorghum lines for forage purposes based on agronomic and chemical traits. A total of 100 inbred lines, comprising the biomass/bmr, biomass, dual purpose (sweet/forage), and forage types, were evaluated in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 crop years. We analyzed the data using a linear mixed model approach. Genetic variance, line mean-based heritability, selection accuracy, genetic correlation between traits and crops and the coefficient of experimental variation were estimated. The breeding values of the lines were predicted, and the factor analysis and genotype-ideotype distance index based on BLUP (FAI-BLUP) were applied for multi-trait selection. Biomass production and cell wall composition traits were measured. There was genetic variation among the lines, with moderate to high heritability. The lines selected by the FAI-BLUP index resulted in significant genetic gains expected with selection for all traits. 10 biomassbmr biomass bmr biomass/bmr sweet/forage, sweetforage sweet/forage , sweet (sweet/forage) types 20202021 2020 2021 2020/202 20212022 2022 2021/202 years approach variance meanbased mean heritability accuracy estimated predicted genotypeideotype genotype ideotype FAIBLUP FAI (FAI-BLUP multitrait multi trait measured 1 (sweet/forage 2020202 202 2020/20 2021202 2021/20 202020 20 2020/2 202120 2021/2 20202 2 2020/ 20212 2021/

Abstract The complexity of the agroecosystem can also be assessed by the different land uses in the system and the surroundings, being a relevant way to assess the heterogeneity of the landscape and the effects on the community of interest, in this case, entomofauna. Thus, the objective of this work is to verify how the use of soil in the surroundings of Chilean lettuce horticultural systems, in the Coquimbo Region, alters the entomological community of the crop. Insect sampling was conducted (February 2021 to March 2022) using yellow pan traps. Two sites will be sampled on each of the seven studied lettuce crops. Land use and land cover classes were defined: Forests, water bodies, shrub vegetation, grasslands, barren lands, impermeable surfaces, and urban areas. After land use and land cover classification, buffers of 500 to 5,000 m were created around each data collection point. For data analysis, the percentages of land use of different classes were compared with the ecological attributes: Abundance of insects, abundance of insect pests, richness of entomological families and types of oral apparatus (licker-sucker, mandible, picker-sucker, and sucker). Land uses at different distances from horticultural systems affected the entomological community. interest case entomofauna Thus Region crop February 202 2022 traps crops defined Forests bodies vegetation grasslands lands surfaces areas classification 50 5000 5 000 5,00 point analysis attributes insects pests lickersucker, lickersucker licker sucker, sucker (licker-sucker mandible pickersucker, pickersucker picker picker-sucker sucker. . sucker) 20 00 5,0 2 0 5,

Resumo A complexidade do agroecossistema também pode ser avaliada pelos diferentes usos do solo no sistema e no entorno, sendo uma forma relevante de avaliar a heterogeneidade da paisagem e os efeitos na comunidade de interesse, neste caso, a entomofauna. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é verificar como o uso do solo no entorno dos sistemas hortícolas de alface chilena, na região de Coquimbo, altera a comunidade entomológica da cultura. A amostragem de insetos foi realizada (fevereiro de 2021 a março de 2022) utilizando armadilhas amarelas. Serão amostrados dois locais em cada uma das sete culturas de alface estudadas. Foram definidas classes de uso e cobertura da terra: Florestas, corpos d'água, vegetação arbustiva, pastagens, terras áridas, superfícies impermeáveis e áreas urbanas. Após a classificação do uso e cobertura do solo, foram criadas zonas tampão de 500 a 5,000 m em torno de cada ponto de recolha de dados. Para análise dos dados, foram comparados os percentuais de uso da terra das diferentes classes com os atributos ecológicos: Abundância de insetos, abundância de insetos-praga, riqueza de famílias entomológicas e tipos de aparelhos bucais (sugador-lambedor, mandíbula, sugador-colhedor e sugador). Os usos da terra em diferentes distâncias dos sistemas hortícolas afetaram a comunidade entomológica. interesse caso entomofauna Assim chilena Coquimbo cultura fevereiro 202 2022 amarelas estudadas Florestas dágua, dágua d água, água d'água arbustiva pastagens áridas urbanas 50 5000 5 000 5,00 dados ecológicos insetospraga, insetospraga praga, praga insetos-praga sugadorlambedor, sugadorlambedor sugador lambedor, lambedor (sugador-lambedor mandíbula sugadorcolhedor colhedor sugador. . sugador) 20 00 5,0 2 0 5,

ABSTRACT. Summer pruning of fruit species as an alternative for feeding with vegetable waste in beef cattle breeding is observed. The experiment was conducted in 2020 in an experimental farm for beef cows (Hornless Hereford breed) of the Research Institute of Mountain Stockbreeding and Agriculture, Troyan (Bulgaria). The animals were fed in a controlled manner with standardized amounts of foliar fodder, obtained after summer pruning of fruit crops (plums, apples, pears). The main purpose of the study is to consider the potential and opportunity of using plant matter after summer pruning (green pruning) in various orchards, as a food reserve in beef cattle breeding. The highest appetite was shown by the leaves and twigs obtained during plum pruning (combined group of two cultivars) (46.6%), followed by those of the apple (31.2%) and the lowest value was registered for pear species (22.2%). The total amount of the three types of fodder is accepted as 100%. Compared to the other studied species, the foliar fodder from Prunus domestica had the highest content of crude protein (20.3%), minerals (11.7%), calcium (2.2%), phosphorus (0.6%) and nitrogen (3.2%). ABSTRACT observed 202 Hornless breed Agriculture Bulgaria. Bulgaria . (Bulgaria) plums, plums (plums apples pears. pears pears) green orchards combined cultivars 46.6%, 466 46.6% , 46 6 (46.6%) 31.2% 312 31 2 (31.2% 22.2%. 222 22.2% 22 (22.2%) 100 100% 20.3%, 203 20.3% 20 3 (20.3%) 11.7%, 117 11.7% 11 7 (11.7%) 2.2%, 2.2% (2.2%) 0.6% 06 0 (0.6% 3.2%. 32 3.2% (3.2%) (Bulgaria 46.6 4 (46.6% 31.2 (31.2 22.2 (22.2% 10 20.3 (20.3% 11.7 1 (11.7% 2.2 (2.2% 0.6 (0.6 3.2 (3.2% 46. (46.6 31. (31. 22. (22.2 20. (20.3 11. (11.7 2. (2.2 0. (0. 3. (3.2 (46. (31 (22. (20. (11. (2. (0 (3. (46 (3 (22 (20 (11 (2 ( (4 (1

Abstract The agricultural sector, particularly in emerging economies like Africa, faces significant challenges in weed management, directly impacting yield, production costs, and crop quality. Accurate and early weed identification is pivotal for effective weed control strategies. In response, our research extends beyond conventional deep learning methodologies by integrating Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) with Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) for enhanced plant seedling classification. Leveraging a dataset of 5539 images across 12 plant species, including essential crops such as Common Wheat, Maize, and Sugar Beet, alongside nine weed types, we embarked on a comprehensive analysis employing four advanced CNN architectures: ResNet-50, Inception-V3, VGG-16, and EfficientNet-B0. Our approach involved initial model training and validation, followed by the application of GWO for feature optimization and SVM for refined classification. Post-optimization, the EfficientNet-B0 model emerged as the frontrunner, showcasing exemplary performance with a remarkable training accuracy of 99.82% and a test accuracy of 98.83%. These results highlight the efficacy of combining CNNs with evolutionary algorithms and machine-learning techniques in agricultural applications. This study illustrates the capabilities of CNNs in agricultural contexts and emphasizes the added value of optimization algorithms in improving model performance. The integration of GWO and SVM presents a significant advancement in plant seedling classification, offering a powerful tool for precision agriculture. Our findings hold great promise for enhancing crop management and yield in Africa and other emerging economies, contributing to the evolution of sustainable farming practices through innovative technological solutions. sector costs quality strategies response (CNN (GWO (SVM classification 553 1 species Wheat Maize Beet types architectures ResNet50, ResNet50 ResNet 50, 50 ResNet-50 InceptionV3, InceptionV3 InceptionV Inception V3, V3 V Inception-V3 VGG16, VGG16 VGG 16, 16 VGG-16 EfficientNetB0. EfficientNetB0 EfficientNetB EfficientNet B0. B0 B validation Postoptimization, Postoptimization Post optimization, Post-optimization EfficientNet-B frontrunner 9982 99 82 99.82 9883 98 83 98.83% machinelearning machine applications agriculture solutions 55 ResNet5 5 ResNet-5 Inception-V VGG1 VGG-1 998 9 8 99.8 988 98.83 ResNet- VGG- 99. 98.8 98.

Abstract Given the scarcity of water resources for agricultural use, it is necessary to promote the use of wastewater for agriculture. The towns of Capulálpam de Méndez and Ixtlán de Juárez in the State of Oaxaca have anaerobic wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The morphological growth, biomass production and N and P content were evaluated in two forage species -Chenopodium quinoa Willd and Zea mays- irrigated with treated wastewater (TWW). A complete randomized design (CRD) was established in each municipality, given the homogeneity of the soil, using a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, i.e., two forage crops (Quinoa and corn) and two types of irrigation (fresh water and treated wastewater), with 4 replicates per treatment. Analyses of variance and Tukey mean tests (P≤0.05) were performed for the studied variables. In the soils, the pH level was "moderately acid" to "neutral" (5.1 to 7.3); the EC indicated "negligible effects of salinity"; organic matter was found at intervals of "medium to high", and the texture was sandy clay loam in Ixtlán and clay loam in Capulálpam. Growth variables (plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves) and biomass were significantly higher in plants irrigated with treated wastewater in both forage crops. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents were significantly higher in quinoa and corn plants receiving TWW. TWW could be an alternative that would help reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, as it is an important source of nutrients in forage crops.

Resumen Ante la escasez del recurso hídrico para el uso agrícola, es necesario promover el uso del agua residual para la agricultura. En las localidades Capulálpam de Méndez e Ixtlán de Juárez, Estado de Oaxaca cuentan con plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales (PTAR) de tipo anaerobio. Se evaluó el crecimiento morfológico, producción de biomasa y contenido de N y P en dos especies forrajeras: Chenopodium quinoa Willd y Zea mays, regados con agua residual tratada (ART). Se estableció un diseño completo aleatorio (DCA) en cada municipio, dada la homogeneidad del suelo. Con arreglo factorial 2 x 2, esto es, dos cultivos forrajeros (Quinoa y maíz), y dos tipos de riego (agua dulce y agua residual tratada), con 4 repeticiones por tratamiento. Se realizaron análisis de varianza y pruebas de media Tukey (P≤0.05) de las variables estudiadas. En los suelos el nivel de pH fue “moderadamente acido” a “neutro” (5.1 a 7.3); la CE indicó “Efectos despreciables de la salinidad”; Materia orgánica en intervalos de “medio a alto”; y Textura Franco arcilloso arenoso en Ixtlán y Franco arcilloso en Capulálpam. Las variables de crecimiento (altura de planta, diámetro de tallo y número de hojas) y biomasa fueron significativamente mayores en plantas regadas con agua residual tratada en ambos cultivos forrajeros. El contenido de nitrógeno y fósforo fue significativamente mayor en plantas de quinoa y maíz que recibieron ART. El ART podría ser una alternativa que ayude a disminuir el uso de fertilizantes químicos, al ser una fuente importante de nutrimentos en los cultivos forrajeros.

Abstract A study was conducted to identify peasant survival strategies with a systemic approach in the Chugchilán parish, Cotopaxi province, in areas at 3,000 meters above sea level. The results addressed five different zones according to their particular topography, soil types and climate; those zones are: cold peaks, low slopes of the Quilotoa volcano, high and low slopes of the western mountain range and the Toachi river basin. The strategies implemented by the farmers to cope with their vulnerability were: itinerant migration to the city to sell their labor force, agricultural production for sale (60%) and self-consumption (40%), and the use of traditional crops such as chocho (Lupinus mutabilis) for sale in the market. Other non-agricultural sources of income were also reported, such as construction, handicrafts and services related to rural tourism. Farmers' socioeconomic conditions may improve or worsen depending on the agroecosystem conditions where they are located.

Resumen Se realizó un estudio para identificar las estrategias de sobrevivencia campesina con enfoque sistémico en la parroquia Chugchilán, provincia de Cotopaxi, en áreas a 3.000 m.s.n.m. Los resultados abordaron cinco zonas diferentes de acuerdo a su particular topografía, tipos de suelo y clima; las zonas son: cumbres frías, faldas bajas del volcán Quilotoa, laderas altas y bajas de la cordillera occidental y la cuenca del río Toachi. Las estrategias implementadas por los campesinos para hacer frente a su vulnerabilidad fueron: migración itinerante a la ciudad para vender su fuerza de trabajo, producción agrícola para la venta (60%) y el autoconsumo (40%), y el uso de cultivos tradicionales como el chocho (Lupinus mutabilis) para la venta en el mercado. Se reportaron también otras fuentes de ingresos no agrícolas como la construcción, la artesanía y los servicios relacionados con el turismo rural. Las condiciones socioeconómicas de los agricultores pueden mejorar o empeorar dependiendo de las condiciones del agroecosistema donde se encuentren.

Resumen Introducción. En Costa Rica el sector agrícola es uno de los más diversos, este presenta una alta variabilidad socioeconómica. El cantón de Talamanca alberga un fuerte rezago económico y requiere la generación de alternativas productivas. Objetivo. Caracterizar a nivel socioeconómico, productivo y comercial, los agricultores del Caribe Sur. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo en los distritos de Cahuita, Bratsi y Sixaola de Talamanca del 2019 al 2021. Se determinó un tamaño de muestra con un nivel de confianza del 95 %. Se diseñó un cuestionario estructurado con veintisiete preguntas para los agricultores, y ocho para responsables de instituciones gubernamentales en la zona. Se aplicó encuestas a 155 agricultores y 33 representantes de instituciones y organizaciones. Los agricultores se clasificaron mediante un análisis de conglomerados jerárquico y análisis discriminantes, se utilizaron variables socioeconómicas cuantitativas continuas. Resultados. Se identificaron cuatro tipos de agricultores, 1) agricultores de subsistencia (ATS, 7,10 %), 2) pequeños (ATP, 23,23 %), 3) medios (ATM, 41,29 %) y 4) grandes (ATG, 28,39 %), con diferencias estadísticas (p<0,05, χ2<0,05) entre sus variables de estudio. Sobre la agroindustria se identificó que el 77,91 % no industrializaron sus productos, por falta de mercado (14,68 %) y falta de recursos (14,37 %) como principales razones. Conclusión. La actividad agrícola se caracterizó por una agricultura familiar. Se producen plátano, cacao y banano; no obstante, la diversidad de cultivos y frutales representa un alto potencial para el desarrollo de la agroindustria.

Abstract Introduction. In Costa Rica, the agricultural sector is one of the most diverse, it presents, a high socioeconomic variability. The canton of Talamanca harbors a strong economic lag and it is necessary the generation of productive alternatives. Objective. To characterize the socioeconomic, productive, and commercial level of the South Caribbean farmers. Materials and methods. An exploratory and descriptive study was carried out in the districts of Cahuita, Bratsi, and Sixaola of Talamanca from 2019 to 2021. A sample size was determined with a confidence level of 95%. A structured questionnaire with twenty-seven questions was designed for farmers, and eight for heads of government institutions in the area. Surveys were applied to 155 farmers and 33 representatives of institutions and organizations. Farmers were classified through hierarchical cluster analysis and discriminant analysis, continuous quantitative socioeconomic variables were used. Results. Four types of farmers were identified, 1) subsistence farmers (ATS, 7.10 %), 2) small (ATP, 23.23 %), 3) medium (ATM, 41.29 %), and 4) large (ATG, 28.39 %), with significant statistical differences (p<0.05, χ2<0.05) between their study variables. Regarding agro-industry, it was identified that 77.91 % did not industrialize their products, due to lack of market (14.68 %) and lack of resources (14.37 %) as the main reasons. Conclusion. The agricultural activity is characterized by family farming. Plantain, cocoa, and bananas are produced; however, the diversity of crops and fruit trees represents a high potential for the development of agro-industry.