J. Villegas, R.J. Rosales*, C.B.A. Balbas, A.L. Pungtilan, J.M. Bangayan and D. Bucao
Department of Agricultural Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development, Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac 2906 Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Crops Research Laboratory, Mariano Marcos State University, City of Batac 2906 Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Corresponding e-mail: rgrosales@mmsu.edu.ph
Abstract: Seed priming is a pregerminative technique used to improve seedling vigor in different crops, including okra. The effect of hydropriming and biopriming (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei) on the root characteristics and seedling vigor of okra was evaluated. The two priming methods with different priming durations, 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 h, were applied in the Smooth Green variety of okra. Unprimed seeds served as the control. The primed and unprimed seeds were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications and grown under ambient conditions with a temperature of 29 ± 2 °C and a relative humidity of 60 ± 5%. Results showed that hydropriming for 6.0 h improved the germination percentage more than without priming, but it was comparable to other hydropriming (3.0 and 4.5 h) and biopriming (4.5 h) durations. Germination index was improved by hydropriming for 4.5 h, and this was comparable with 1.5 and 3.0 h. Hydropriming for 6.0 h was similar to hydropriming for 4.5 h and biopriming durations, resulting in faster germination. Stimulation of the root elongation and production of a higher number of secondary roots per seedling was observed in hydropriming for 6.0 h. At this hydropriming duration, it produced vigorous okra seedlings.
K.H. Aboud1, H.A.H. Al-Bakri2, S.H. Al-Shammari3 and M.R. Ajeel4, *
1Plant Production Techniques Department, Al-Mussaib Technical College, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, 2Plant Production Techniques Department, Al-Mussaib Technical College, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, 3Plant Production Techniques Department, Al-Mussaib Technical College, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, 4Department of Soil and Water Techniques, Al-Musayyab Technical College, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Iraq. Corresponding e-mail: mohammed.rahim@atu.edu.iq
Abstract: This study was conducted in the ornamental plant shade house of the Plant Production Techniques Department at Al-Mussaib Technical College during the fall 2024 and spring 2025 seasons to examine the effect of nitrogen addition and fungal inoculation on the growth of S. surattensis seedlings. A factorial experiment was implemented using a completely randomized design with two factors: urea fertilizer at three levels (N0: no addition, N1: 40 kg ha?¹, N2: 80 kg ha?¹) and fungal inoculation at four levels (B0: no inoculation, B1: Trichoderma asperellum, B2: mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus sp.), B3: a mixture of mycorrhizal fungi + Trichoderma). The results showed that B3 produced the highest plant height (102.53 cm), stem diameter (9.5 mm), chlorophyll content (39.7 SPAD units), leaflet number (543 leaflets plant?¹), and shoot dry weight (24.6 g). Nitrogen treatment N2 also improved all measured traits, giving 97.7 cm in height, 9.0 mm stem diameter, 37.6 SPAD units, 517.3 leaflets plant?¹, and 22.9 g dry weight. The treatment of combined inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi and T. asperellum under nitrogen fertilization resulted in the greatest increases overall, with plant height reaching 106.3 cm, stem diameter 10.6 mm, chlorophyll content 41.7 SPAD units, 576 leaflets plant?¹, and shoot dry weight 27.2 g.
1Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Kashmir, India. 2Division of Soil Science, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, India. 3Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Kashmir, India. 4IBPR, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Kashmir, India. 5Division of Vegetable Science, SKUAST-K, Shalimar, Kashmir, India. Corresponding e-mail: Baizasidiqi@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i02.60
Key words: Apple, phenology, growing degree days, temperature accumulation, thermal time
Abstract: Temperature is a major driver of phenological development in apple under temperate conditions. The present study was conducted to evaluate to study the influence of temperature accumulation on the phenological stages as well as derive the relationship between accumulated growing degree days (GDD) and phenological progression in apple cv. Gala Redlum under Kashmir conditions using three years of field observations (2023-2025). Growing degree days (GDD) were calculated from 1 January of each year to the date of occurrence of each phenological stage using a base temperature (Tbase) of 4°C. Nine phenological stages were recorded and expressed as day of year (DOY) and accumulated growing degree days (GDD). Variation in the timing of phenological stage appearance (DOY) was observed across years; with advanced development in 2023 and 2024 and delayed development in 2025. However, the accumulated GDD for the appearance of each phenological stage remained within a relatively narrow range across three years, indicating that thermal time is a useful indicator of phenological progression. The results suggest that GDD-based phenology forecasting in apple can be used to optimise the timing of orchard operations such as spraying, thinning, irrigation, pollination management, and frost protection. Additional validation across cultivars, locations and other environmental variables is needed to improve the applicability of GDD-based phenology models.
1Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. 2Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. 3Research Institute for Northern Agriculture, Faculty of Science and Technology, Charles Darwin University, 0810, Australia. Corresponding e-mail: mofizur.rahman@sau.edu.bd
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i02.61
Key words: Strawberry cultivars, foliar nutrition, micronutrients, productivity, fruit quality
Abstract: Micronutrient deficiencies and unsuitable cultivar selection constrain strawberry production in subtropical regions. Selection of suitable cultivars and foliar fertilization of micronutrients may offer potential solutions to overcome these limitations in strawberry production. This research was carried out to enhance the growth, yield and quality of strawberries by investigating the performance of selected cultivars under foliar boron and zinc application. The field experiment was laid out in a 3 × 3 factorial experiment arranged in an RCBD with three replications. Three strawberry cultivars (RU 3, BARI Strawberry 1, and BARI Strawberry 2) were sprayed with three foliar micronutrient sprays (0, 50 ppm boron, and 50 ppm zinc) at vegetative, flowering, and fruit setting stages. The results showed that the interaction of the cultivar RU 3 and foliar application of boron potentially enhanced the quantitative and qualitative traits of strawberry plants. The highest plant height (30.7 cm), number of fruits per plant (32.8), single fruit weight (31.4 g) and yield per plant (1.03 kg) were found in the combination of RU 3 with 50 ppm boron application at harvest maturity. Besides, TSS (10.9 °Brix), TSS/TA ratio (17.3), vitamin C (42.8 mg 100 g-1), phenolic content (2.9 mg GAE 100 g?¹ FW.) and shelf life (4.9 days) were higher in RU 3 spraying with 50 ppm boron at harvest maturity. Hence, the combination of RU 3 with foliar 50 ppm boron can be recommended for subtropical strawberry cultivation in Bangladesh, subject to economic validation.
Ali Jabbar Abdulsada*,Zainab Abduljabbar Hussien, Adnan Shbar Falih and Mahmood Abdullah Ramadhan.
Scientific Research Commission, Baghdad, Iraq. Corresponding e-mail: aliabdulsada70@gmail.com
Abstract: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) production is often limited by suboptimal growth and stress-induced oxidative damage and salinity. This field experiment evaluated the comparative effects of foliar application of putrescine and naturally extracted ascorbic acid from citrus peels on vegetative growth, yield components, nutrient accumulation and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT) of okra cv. Mahi 45 under field conditions. The experiment included three concentrations of putrescine (50, 100, and 150 mg/L) and ascorbic acid extracted from lemon and orange peels at similar concentrations, in addition to a control treatment sprayed with water only. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used to assess treatments. The results demonstrated that foliar application of putrescine at 150 mg mg/L significantly improved plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, stem diameter, and accelerated flowering and fruiting. Yield components, including the number of fruits per plant, fruit length, and fruit weight, were also significantly enhanced. Moreover, this treatment recorded the highest leaf contents of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and protein percentage as well as activities of enzymatic antioxidants, including Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD) and Catalase (CAT). Notably, the citrus peel-derived ascorbic acid markedly increased all the measured traits. These findings highlight the potential of eco-friendly natural compounds (putrescine 150 mg mg/L) in improving okra performance and stress resilience under field conditions.
Aram A. Mohammed1*, Hemn A. Mustafa1, Ashtekhwaz A. Sharef1, Chnoora A. Ahmed1
1Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah city 46001, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Corresponding e-mail: aram.hamarashed@univsul.edu.iq
Abstract: Seed-propagated Hippeastrum vittatum plants generally require three to five years to produce marketable flowering bulbs. The present study evaluated the effects of two rates of bat guano, 15 and 30 g per pot, and biochar, 3 and 6 g per pot, applied individually and in combination to one-year-old hybrid seedlings of H. vittatum. Compared to control seedlings, the treatments were not capable of improving any studied growth traits. The control seedlings had the highest root number (13.44), bulb weight (1.80 g), bulb size (1.82 cm3), leaf number (4.55), leaf length (31.87 cm), and leaf width (1.49 cm). In contrast, the combination of 30 g bat guano and 6 g biochar decreased root number (6.00), root length (3.67 cm), bulb weight (0.21 g), bulb size (0.13 cm3), leaf number (2.22), leaf length (10.54 cm), and leaf width (0.41 cm). Contrarily, the latter combination elevated root soluble sugar (211.89 µg g-1), root total carbohydrates (193.55 µg g-1), root starch (353.77 µg g-1), root total indoles (14.55 µg g-1), bulb total carbohydrates (260.64 µg g-1), leaf total flavonoids (31.48 µg g-1), leaf total proteins (2057.47 µg g-1), leaf total indoles (49.56 µg g-1). The same combination lowered leaf total carbohydrates (37.41 µg g-1), bulb starch (850.47 µg g-1), and root total proteins (225.19 µg g-1). These results indicate that the applied doses may indicate supra-optimal application rates to H. vittatum, thereby suppressing growth traits rather than enhancing them.
Chanar Salih Mohammed1, Jihad Yousif Hassan2 and Layla Shaaban Mohammed3
Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture Engineering Sciences, University of Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq, Corresponding e-mail: chanarmohammed@uod.ac, jihad.hasan@uod.ac, layla.mohammed@uod.ac,
Abstract: The present study was executed on Pelargonium x hortorum, which used three effective factors that were examined, which are wounding of stem cuttings at two levels (wounded or non-wounded), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at three concentrations (0, 500, and 1000 mgL-1) and three levels of ethephon (0, 100, and 200 mgL-1) to assess their influence on vegetative and flowering characteristics. This study was conducted through a 2 × 3 × 3 factorial experiment arranged in an RCBD with three replications. The recorded data on the parameters studied revealed that the wounding significantly increased in the plant survival percentage (92.79%), plant height (15.04 cm), number of branches (7.88), canopy height (12.87 cm) and shoot fresh weight (8.85 g) from the positive response of cuttings to wounding practice. At the same time, applying IBA at 1000 mgL-1 caused the maximum number of branches and fresh shoot weight. In contrast, the highest canopy heights were obvious from the effect of 500 mgL-1. Furthermore, ethephon at 200 mgL-1 produced the highest number of branches (7.98) and canopy height (13.812 cm).
Wiam Yahya Rasheed Al-Shakarchy1, Shamil Younis Hassan AL-Hamadany2*, Amer Abdullah Hussein Al-Jubouri2, Muhanad A. Ahmad2, Badran S. Agha2 and Ahmed Abdel Hady Rashedy3*
1Department of Field Crops, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Iraq. 2Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Iraq. 3Department of Pomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail:shamil@uomosul.edu.iq
Abstract: Iraq is ranked as the fifth-most vulnerable country to climate change. Determining the optimum planting date and the most productive onion variety is essential for maximising production and minimising the adverse effects of climate change. This study evaluated the growth, yield, and genetic parameters of three onion varieties (Long Red, Round Red, and Round White) planted on 20 February, 1 March, and 11 March during the spring season. The latest planting date (11 March) produced the lowest bulb yield. Compared with 11 March, planting on 1 March increased the bulb yields of Round Red and Round White by 95.44% and 258.4%, respectively. For Long Red, planting on 20 February produced the highest bulb yield (11.67 t ha-1), representing an increase of 116.4% over the latest planting date. At their respective optimum planting dates, Long Red yielded 8.96% and 16.7% more than Round Red and Round White, respectively. Genotypic and environmental variance components were estimated for all traits. Broad-sense heritability was high for plant height, bulb length, and bulbing ratio, indicating genetic control and the potential for direct improvement of these traits in subsequent generations. Expected genetic advance as a percentage of the mean was high for bulb length, moderate for plant height, neck diameter, and bulbing ratio, and low for the remaining traits.
1Onion and Garlic Research Institute, Gyeongsangnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, Changnyeong 50319, Republic of Korea. Corresponding e-mail: organicjt@hotmail.com
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mechanical transplanting, mulching/covering methods, and cultivar selection on the growth and bulb yield of intermediate-day onions (Allium cepa L.). Field trials were performed during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 growing seasons. The growing methods included mechanical transplanting under polyethylene mulch (MTPEM), mechanical transplanting under no mulch and nonwoven polypropylene covering in winter (MTNWPPC), mechanical transplanting under no mulch (MTNM), and hand transplanting under polyethylene mulch (HTPEM). Ten cultivars widely grown in major onion-producing areas were selected for this study. Stand reduction of ten cultivars in the seedling tray ranged from 6.9% to 23.2%. MTPEM significantly enhanced bulb weight and marketable yield compared to other growing methods, despite a significant stand reduction of 23.5% in the main field. MTNWPPC achieved 82.0% of the bulb yield obtained under MTPEM, while simultaneously improving scale quality- including the number of intact rings and centers, and enhancing storage stability. Among the cultivars, ‘Powerball’, ‘Bigbang’, and ‘Bridger’ produced marketable yields exceeding 100.0 Mg ha-1 under MTPEM. However, ‘Honors’ and ‘Daehwang’ performed best under MTNWPPC, yielding over 85 Mg ha-1. Additionally, ‘Healthy Q’ and ‘Bridger’ showed higher number of scales, number of intact rings and dry matter content, resulting in lower storage loss. These results suggest that mechanical transplanting without mulching, combined with NWPP covering during winter, is an effective onion production system for ensuring stable productivity, superior bulb and storage quality and potential for reduced labor inputs. Future cultivar selection should prioritize high emergence rates and high yields for mechanical transplanting under non-mulched conditions.
1Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, 695522, India. 2Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Agricultural University, Kerala, Pin- 695522, India. Corresponding e-mail: swapna.alex@kau.in
Abstract: The banana (Musa spp.) tissue culture industry plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture by enabling large-scale production of disease-free and genetically uniform plantlets. However, reliance on ammonium nitrate as the primary nitrogen source in the tissue culture medium presents logistical and regulatory challenges due to its use in explosives. This study investigates the efficacy of nano-urea (4-5 % nitrogen), a nanotechnology-based, slow-release, nitrogen fertilizer as an alternative to ammonium nitrate in banana micropropagation. Cultures grown on medium supplemented with nano-urea at 2 mL L-1 (T5) without ammonium nitrate exhibited similar growth to the control medium containing ammonium nitrate, with comparable shoot number, shoot length, and leaf parameters. In contrast, higher concentrations of nano-urea negatively affected shoot proliferation and delayed shoot initiation. Correlation and principal component analysis revealed strong positive relationships among vegetative traits, while days to shoot initiation was negatively associated with overall growth. Preliminary gene expression analysis of nitrogen uptake-related genes (MaAMT, MaNRT2, and MaNRT) suggests that nano-urea at optimal concentration was associated with increased MaNRT (nitrate transporter) transcript abundance, while reducing MaNRT2 transcript abundance, whereas MaAMT (ammonium transporter) expression remained largely unchanged. These results demonstrate that nano-urea can partially substitute ammonium nitrate in banana tissue culture medium, although the concentration of nano-urea needs to be carefully optimized to avoid adverse effects. To the best of our knowledge, this is among the first reports exploring the use of nano-urea in tissue culture medium, offering a novel and potentially more sustainable alternative for in vitro plant production systems.
Satpal1, Rayees Ahmed Wani2, Kehar Raj2, A.H. Pandit2, Syed Romana Mehmood2 and Atiya Maqbool2
1Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Fruit Science Department, Faculty of Horticulture, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229. 2Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Faculty of Horticulture, Division of Fruit Science, Srinagar, Kashmir-190025. Corresponding e-mail: Sattumeghwal4@gmail.com
Abstract: Genetic variability, heritability and trait association among ten exotic apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) accessions were studied under temperate Kashmir conditions during the period 2021-2023 through field study. germplasm accessions planted in a randomized block design with three replications. Most of the yield, fruit quality, stone and biochemical traits showed significant differences among accessions. Lunafell produced the highest yield per tree. Yerwani produced the highest fruit weight and Mayacot the highest total soluble solids. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was generally higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation, indicating the effect of environment on the expression of the trait. High heritability along with appreciable genetic advance was observed for traits like TSS, reducing sugar, total sugar, ascorbic acid, yield per tree and selected fruit and stone traits, which indicated the utility of these traits for selection. The results show that the germplasm exhibited useful variability for the improvement of apricot in temperate conditions.
Mohammed D. Abdulhadi
Horticulture and Landscape Gardening Department, College of Agriculture, University of Diyala. Corresponding e-mail: mohammed.daher@uodiyala.edu.iq
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2026.v28i02.69
Key words: Date palm, albinism, tissue culture, rbcL gene, DNA sequencing, ISSR-PCR, genetic variations.
Abstract: Albinism is a significant physiological and genetic barrier that limits micropropagation efficiency in date palms. This study documented the molecular identity of Medjool date palm vegetative shoots induced from indirect somatic embryos while analyzing the albinism phenomenon observed during propagation. Genetic variation was evaluated using ISSR primers to detect albinism. ISSR investigations revealed nuclear genetic alterations in albino shoots, and certain bands were missing compared with healthy shoots, with a reported genetic distance of 39.39%. The molecular study was carried out using PCR amplification and nucleotide sequencing of the rbcL gene. Results showed a positive band at approximately 529 bp (BLAST alignment length) with a 100% match to the genetic reference (MG437548.1), confirming that no sequence variation was detected in the amplified rbcL region. The results suggest that albinism may be associated with nuclear genomic variation affecting plastid differentiation, but this requires confirmation through nuclear gene expression, plastome-wide sequencing, chlorophyll analysis, and chloroplast ultrastructure studies, or nuclear mutations affecting plastid differentiation under high hormonal conditions.
Gehan A. Mahmoud1 and Rania A. Mahmoud2*
1Fruit Crops Handling Research Department, Chemical Analysis Central Laboratory, Horticulture Research Institute (HRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt. 2Deciduous Fruits Research Department, Biotechnology Central Laboratory, Horticulture Research Institute (HRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt, Corresponding e-mail: raaniaahmed@arc.sci.eg
Abstract: Oxidative stress plays a central role in postharvest browning of apples, particularly following mechanical wounding. Chitosan is considered a promising preservative that enhances stress tolerance and maintains postharvest fruit quality. The study explored antioxidant defense mechanisms elicited in response to mechanical damage-induced oxidative stress in four apple cultivars differing in their susceptibility to browning for providing integrated insights into cultivar-specific defense strategies. Wounding induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas chitosan treatment elicited antioxidant defense mechanisms, effectively modulating ROS metabolism and preventing the loss of membrane integrity. The responses varied significantly among the tested cultivars, reflecting inherent differences in browning susceptibility. Golden Delicious accumulated high malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, accompanied by peak cell membrane leakage. Royal Gala exhibited reduced phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity under all conditions and generally contained the lowest levels of total phenolics. In contrast, Red Delicious was characterized by the highest phenolic content along with elevated activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD); these enzymatic activities were further stimulated under stress conditions. Granny Smith exhibited a significant increase in PAL activity in response to all treatments, with relatively high phenolic content ranking second only to Red Delicious. It also showed the highest H2O2-scavenging activity, while maintaining lower cell membrane permeability under all conditions. Furthermore, Granny Smith showed lower POD enzyme activity, followed by Royal Gala. The diversity among apple cultivars allowed investigation of how POD activity and its isoforms are involved in oxidative stress-associated potential browning responses and antioxidant defense mechanisms.
R.P. Arisandy1, A. Munif2 and Krisantini1*
1Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. 2Department of Plant Protection, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia. Corresponding e-mail: krisantini@apps.ipb.ac.id
Abstract: Endophytic microorganisms have significant potential as natural bio-inputs for improving plant health. The research aimed to isolate and purify bacteria collected from Scindapsus treubii grown in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, to evaluate their potential to enhance the early growth of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) seedlings, and to measure the growth-promoting compounds and phosphate-solubilizing abilities of these bacteria. A total of 56 endophytic bacteria were successfully isolated and subjected to pathogenicity and haemolysis tests, and the selected isolates were tested for their ability to produce auxin (indole-3-acetic acid) and to solubilize phosphate. Eighteen isolates were collected from Scindapsus plant tissues; one isolate produced the highest indole-3-acetic acid level of 16.96 µg/mL. Two isolates, B10 and B22, significantly increased the length of capsicum seedling shoots and roots compared to the control. However, none of the 18 isolates exhibited phosphate-solubilizing capability. These findings demonstrate that some bacterial isolates from Scindapsus grown in the natural habitat in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, have potential as biostimulants to improve the early growth quality of capsicum seeds. Identification of the bacterial isolates using 16S rRNA primers 27F (5’-AGA-GTT-TGA-TCM-TGG-CTC-AG-3’) and 1492R (5’-AC-CTT-GTT-ACG-ACT-T-3’) revealed that of 18 isolates, six are affiliated with the genera Priestia, Azospirillum, Bacillus, Roseomonas, and Curtobacterium. However, further confirmation is required with polyphasic approaches. These findings are important for the early identification and characterization of endophytic microorganisms that may exhibit pathogenic potential or provide beneficial effects to crops.
Seydou Tuo1,2*, Diulyalè Kambou3, Bossombra L. Apollinaire Anguiby4, Souleymane Coulibaly5 and Daouda Koné1,2
1University of Félix Houphouët-Boigny, UFR Biosciences, Plant Physiology and Pathology Teaching and Research Unit, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire. 2African Center of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture (CEA-CCBAD), 22 BP 463 Abidjan 08, Côte d’Ivoire. 3University Nangui Abrogoua, UFR Sciences de la Nature, Plant Production Division, 02 BP 801 Abidjan 02, Côte d’Ivoire. 4University Peleforo-Gon-Coulibaly, Department of Plant Biology, UFR Sciences Biologiques, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire. 5Normal Superior School (ENS) d’Abidjan, Science and Technology Department, Life and Earth Sciences. Corresponding e-mail: tuo.seydou1@ufhb.edu.ci
Abstract: The Bogofa commune is becoming a dynamic area for market-oriented vegetable production with farmers who use synthetic pesticides. However, synthetic pesticides threaten both the environment and consumer health. There is growing interest in assessing pesticide-use practices among local farmers to raise awareness and promote the safe, responsible, and appropriate use of pesticides in agricultural production. An exploratory survey was conducted from August 2023 to September 2023 to evaluate commercial garden systems in the Bogofa community and determine which commercial garden areas were most representative. The Bogofa community was selected as it drastically increased vegetable production due to significant barriers associated with safe pesticide usage. A sample of 58 farmers was selected based on the amount of production using hectares as a measurement to complete the analysis through Statistica Version 12.5. The plants produced most commonly were tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, cabbage, and cucumbers (94.83 %). Additionally, approximately 11 pesticides from the Directorate of Plant Protection, Control, and Quality (Class II) are available to vegetable farmers, which contain K-Optimal 35 EC (Lambda-cyhalothrin and Acetamiprid) and Decis Forte 100 EC (Deltamethrin) that put them at risk due to their lack of Personal Protective Equipment (94.83 %) and reliance on their regular clothing (91.38 %) and 91.38 % of purchasing pesticides from farmer vendors in local retail outlets. Storage methods vary little; they store them at home-46.55 %-in field shelters-27.59 %-or storage facilities-25.86 %. Moreover, 37.93 % dispose of their remaining pesticide mixes in farms or storage facilities. Of the rest, 27.59 % discarded any unused mixed pesticides along with their empty containers and other debris collected from their farms. Farmers commonly burned empty containers (44.83 %), leave them in the field (39.66 %), or reuse them somewhere else (3.45 %). All these practices combined will increase the amount of leftover pesticide residue on farms, making consumers may increase the risk of environmental contamination and dietary exposure. The findings demonstrate an urgent need for formal training in pesticide selection, application, personal protection, storage, and container disposal.
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