Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 112–116

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120803

Research Article

Title: Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana Against Spodoptera frugiperda in Zea mays Crops

Names of Authors: Ojiambo, R. M.¹, Kamau, P. N.¹, and Tesfaye, A.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Nairobi, Kenya. ²Department of Microbial Pest Management, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Melkassa, Ethiopia.

Abstract: The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) poses a severe risk to food security frameworks across sub-Saharan Africa due to its destructive feeding habits on maize foliage. Over-reliance on synthetic chemistry accelerates localized target site resistance development. This field trial assessed the biological pest management efficacy of three distinct oil-formulated concentrations of native Beauveria bassiana isolates (10⁶, 10⁷, and 10⁸ spores/mL) sprayed at vegetative stages. Larval mortality records were compiled at 3, 7, and 14 days post-application. The highest concentration (10⁸ spores/mL) produced an 82.4% larval mortality rate within 7 days, outperforming standard botanical emulsions. Field evaluation scores showed a significant reduction in leaf damage indices, dropping from 4.8 in untreated blocks to 1.2 in biological protection sectors. Microscopic examinations confirmed extensive mycelial growth over larval cuticles, resulting in system failures within host targets. Total harvestable grain yields in B. bassiana protected sectors averaged 5.42 tons/ha, matching chemical standard controls while preserving non-target predatory insect populations.

Keywords: Biological pest control; Mycoinsecticides; Fall armyworm; Integrated pest management; Spore formulation; Agro-ecological health.

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 20, 2026; Revised June 15, 2026; Accepted July 24, 2026; Published August 16, 2026.

Citation: Ojiambo, R. M., Kamau, P. N., and Tesfaye, A. (2026). Efficacy of Entomopathogenic Fungi Beauveria bassiana Against Spodoptera frugiperda in Zea mays Crops. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 112–116.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 107–111

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120802

Research Article

Title: CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Knockout of the OsSUT1 Gene to Enhance Grain Filling Efficiency in Oryza sativa

Names of Authors: Wang, J. Y.¹, Liu, Y. X.¹, and Zhang, Q.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, China. ²Department of Plant Microbe Interactions, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Beijing, China.

Abstract: Optimizing carbon allocation from vegetative sources to developing sinks is a primary objective for boosting yield potentials in rice (Oryza sativa L.). This study utilized the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing system to generate targeted knockouts of the sucrose transporter gene (OsSUT1) within elite indica lines to characterize its specific role during starch deposition. Homozygous mutant lines (T² generation) were confirmed via high-throughput sequencing, showing a high editing efficiency of 88.5% across target loci. Agronomic evaluations across controlled greenhouse environments showed that modified configurations adjusted plant source-sink relationships. Under high solar radiation conditions, mutant lines showed a 14.2% increase in total panicle branch formation compared to wild-type controls. Total grain weight parameters per panicle increased from 4.25 ± 0.15 g to 4.92 ± 0.18 g, driven primarily by optimized starch packing within inferior spikelets. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis confirmed that photosynthetic quantum yields remained unaffected by the genetic modification. The results confirm that editing specific carbohydrate distribution pathways represents a viable avenue for breaking current yield barriers in commercial cereal breeding operations.

Keywords: Plant genome editing; Carbon partitioning; Sink strength; Starch deposition; Genetic transformation; Yield architecture.

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 18, 2026; Revised June 12, 2026; Accepted July 22, 2026; Published August 14, 2026.

Citation: Wang, J. Y., Liu, Y. X., and Zhang, Q. (2026). CRISPR-Cas9 Mediated Knockout of the OsSUT1 Gene to Enhance Grain Filling Efficiency in Oryza sativa. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 107–111.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 102–106

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120801

Research Article

Title: Optimizing Controlled-Environment Hydroponic Parameters for Maximizing Bioactive Compounds in Ocimum basilicum

Names of Authors: Tanaka, H.¹, Sato, M.¹, and Yamamoto, K.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan. ²National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan.

Abstract: Controlled environment agriculture allows production of high-value culinary herbs with specific chemical profiles. This investigation optimized electric conductivity (EC) values and lighting ratios within indoor vertical hydroponic systems to maximize sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) biomass production and total rosmarinic acid outputs. Basil crops were evaluated under three nutrient EC treatments (1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 dS/m) paired with three red-to-blue LED light configurations (4:1, 2:1, and 1:1 ratios). The 1.8 dS/m nutrient setup combined with a 2:1 red-to-blue LED distribution achieved an optimal yield configuration, producing a fresh shoot weight of 142.5 ± 8.4 g per plant. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profiles verified that this exact environment stimulated a 45.2% increase in total rosmarinic acid accumulations compared to low EC control groups. Increasing nutrient salinity to 2.4 dS/m triggered mild osmotic stress, causing leaf tip burn and reducing commercial leaf areas. The study confirms that adjusting environmental and nutritional conditions can maximize both agronomic output and phytochemical concentration values.

Keywords: Vertical farming; Plant factories; Rosmarinic acid; Light emitting diodes; Electrical conductivity; Secondary metabolites.

Manuscript Timeline: Received April 15, 2026; Revised June 10, 2026; Accepted July 20, 2026; Published August 12, 2026.

Citation: Tanaka, H., Sato, M., and Yamamoto, K. (2026). Optimizing Controlled-Environment Hydroponic Parameters for Maximizing Bioactive Compounds in Ocimum basilicum. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(8), pp. 102–106.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 7, July 2026 | pp. 96–101

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120701

Research Article

Title: Physicochemical and Antioxidant Enhancements in Postharvest Mangifera indica Fruit Treated with Salicylic Acid

Names of Authors: Espinosa, J. F.¹, Rodriguez, K. L.¹, and Torres, M. A.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Postharvest Technology, National Center for Agricultural Research, Celaya, Mexico. ²Faculty of Food Sciences, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.

Abstract: Managing ripeness velocities in mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is a core requirement for reducing postharvest losses during export transport. This study evaluated the effects of postharvest dips in salicylic acid solutions (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mM) on the physiological shelf life and antioxidant profiles of 'Tommie Atkins' mangoes stored at 12 degrees Celsius for 24 days. Respiration rates, weight loss trends, flesh firmness, total carotenoids, and key antioxidant enzyme activities were analyzed at 4-day intervals. Mangoes treated with 2.0 mM salicylic acid maintained high flesh firmness metrics (yielding a value of 18.4 N vs 5.2 N in control groups by day 24) and showed a delayed climacteric ethylene peak. This concentration restricted total weight loss to 4.8%, compared to 11.3% within the reference controls. Furthermore, activities of catalase and peroxidase remained high in the treated fruit, boosting overall resistance against anthracnose decay (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). The findings indicate that salicylic acid triggers defense mechanisms that extend the storage life of mango crops.

Keywords: Tropical fruits; Ripening suppression; Salicylic treatments; Weight loss management; Anthracnose control; Shelf life expansion.

Manuscript Timeline: Received March 10, 2026; Revised May 12, 2026; Accepted June 15, 2026; Published July 18, 2026.

Citation: Espinosa, J. F., Rodriguez, K. L., and Torres, M. A. (2026). Physicochemical and Antioxidant Enhancements in Postharvest Mangifera indica Fruit Treated with Salicylic Acid. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(7), pp. 96–101.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 6, June 2026 | pp. 90–95

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120601

Research Article

Title: Evaluating Variable-Rate Nitrogen Applications via UAV Photogrammetry in Precision Maize Cultivation

Names of Authors: Schneider, T. P.¹, Fischer, L. M.¹, and Weber, M. J.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institute of Sugar Beet Research, Göttingen, Germany. ²Department of Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

Abstract: Uniform distribution of nitrogen fertilizers across heterogeneous fields reduces profitability and causes nitrate leaching into groundwater systems. This study evaluated an automated variable-rate nitrogen application model driven by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) multispectral imagery in silage maize (Zea mays). Vegetation index maps, specifically the Simplified Canopy Chlorophyll Content Index (SCCCI), were generated during early vegetative expansion phases (V6 stage) to quantify localized nitrogen deficits. Prescription fertilization shapes were generated and executed using real-time variable-rate equipment, comparing results to conventional uniform application fields. The precision imagery approach reduced total synthetic nitrogen use by 18.5% across highly variable terrains. Biomass evaluations showed a more uniform crop canopy profile, with dry matter silage yield reaching an average of 18.4 tons/ha in precision sectors compared to 17.1 tons/ha in uniform fields. Residual soil nitrate measurements taken post-harvest were 34.2% lower in variable-rate blocks, showing high environmental protection performance.

Keywords: Precision agriculture; Drone photogrammetry; Multispectral sensing; Fertilizer prescription; Nitrogen leaching; Silage maize.

Manuscript Timeline: Received February 02, 2026; Revised April 05, 2026; Accepted May 10, 2026; Published June 15, 2026.

Citation: Schneider, T. P., Fischer, L. M., and Weber, M. J. (2026). Evaluating Variable-Rate Nitrogen Applications via UAV Photogrammetry in Precision Maize Cultivation. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(6), pp. 90–95.

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 5, May 2026 | pp. 84–89

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120502

Research Article

Title: Methane Emissions Mitigation in Pasture-Based Dairy Systems Using Macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis Supplements

Names of Authors: Walsh, M. J.¹, O'Neill, H. C.¹, and Smith, R. E.²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Ireland. ²School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.

Abstract: Enteric methane emissions from ruminant production setups represent a significant driver of national greenhouse gas inventories. This research tracked the methane reduction capacity of supplementing grazing dairy cows with low doses of the marine macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis. Thirty lactating Holstein cows were grouped into a randomized design, receiving either 0%, 0.25%, or 0.50% inclusions of macroalgae based on total organic matter intake parameters over an 8-week monitoring block. Enteric outputs were tracked via open-circuit respiration systems during milking. Supplementation at the 0.50% configuration reduced absolute daily methane emissions by 62.4% relative to control groups without changing dry matter intake speeds or pasture consumption rates. Bromoform residue assessments in milk and meat tissue samples fell below the limit of quantification, showing high safety compliance. Milk yields and total milk fat percentages remained stable across all groups. The results show that low-dose macroalgae inclusions can lower climate footprints for pasture-based livestock systems without compromising commercial output metrics.

Keywords: Ruminant livestock; Enteric fermentation; Bromoform residues; Climate mitigation; Algal biomass; Dairy production.

Manuscript Timeline: Received January 12, 2026; Revised March 08, 2026; Accepted April 12, 2026; Published May 24, 2026.

Citation: Walsh, M. J., O'Neill, H. C., and Smith, R. E. (2026). Methane Emissions Mitigation in Pasture-Based Dairy Systems Using Macroalgae Asparagopsis taxiformis Supplements. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(5), pp. 84–89.