Journal of Agriculture and Ecology Research International

Agroecological Plant Protection for Climate-Resilient Food Systems: Integrating Biodiversity-Based Pest Suppression, Biocontrol Networks, and Soil-Mediated Defense

Omprakash Tetarwal — 2026-07-13

Global food systems face a convergence of pressures from climate variability, biodiversity loss and the diminishing returns of pesticide-intensive crop protection. This review synthesises current evidence on agroecological plant protection as a pathway toward climate-resilient agriculture, focusing on three interlinked pillars: biodiversity-based pest suppression through crop and landscape diversification, biological control networks operating across trophic levels and spatial scales, and soil-mediated plant defense mediated by rhizosphere microbiota and mycorrhizal symbioses. Evidence from meta-analyses generally indicates that plant diversification can reduce herbivore pressure and enhance natural enemy abundance, although outcomes are moderated by landscape context, herbivore guilds and management intensity. Landscape complexity supports natural enemy communities more reliably than it suppresses pest populations outright, revealing a persistent gap between biodiversity conservation and realised pest control. Soil microbiomes and mycorrhizal fungi prime systemic defense pathways that operate independently of, and synergistically with, aboveground biological control, offering a belowground dimension of resilience that has been comparatively underexploited in mainstream pest management. Climate change is simultaneously reshaping pest phenology, range and voltinism, intensifying the urgency of ecologically grounded alternatives to systems heavily reliant on chemical control. The review identifies persistent knowledge gaps around scaling farm-level diversification to landscape and regional levels, mechanistic understanding of soil–plant–insect feedback loops under warming and drought, and the socio-economic barriers that slow farmer adoption of agroecological practice. It concludes that durable climate resilience in plant protection will depend on integrating these three pillars within regionally adapted, multi-scale management frameworks rather than treating them as independent technical fixes.

Adaptability of Developing a New Sketch Paper Made of Rice Straws and Banana Trunk (Bani) Combination

Romeo C. Lanzaderas — 2026-05-25

Background: Environmental concerns and the rising demand for paper have encouraged the use of agricultural wastes as sustainable alternatives to wood pulp. Rice straw and banana trunk fibres are abundant residues with suitable properties for pulp production.

Aims: To develop and assess the feasibility of using rice straw and banana trunk (bani) combination as a primary raw material for producing an eco-friendly alternative sketch paper for drafting and artistic applications.

Study Design: Experimental research design.

Place and Duration of Study: A highly-populated campus of a state-university, Cebu City, Philippines, Academic Year 2025-2026.

Methodology Fifty Respondents Participated: 25 drafting students (non-experts) and 25 drafting instructors (experts). Three treatment ratios were tested: T1 (50:50), T2 (60:40), and T3 (70:30 rice straw to banana trunk). The paper-making process involved cutting, boiling with baking soda, pulping, bleaching, blending, straining, mixing with adhesive, molding, and sun-drying. Data were collected using a validated 4-point Likert scale survey assessing feasibility, thickness, texture, and absorbency. Statistical analysis included mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test (α = 0.05).

Results: The 70:30 ratio (T3) was the optimal prototype, yielding 28-29 A4-sized sheets per kilogram with a 13-19 sheet successful drying rate. Non-experts rated all indicators across feasibility (mean: 3.44-3.80), thickness (3.32-3.92), texture (3.16-3.76), and absorbency (3.36-3.80) as "Strongly Agree." Experts rated feasibility (3.16-3.80) and absorbency (2.92-3.52) mostly as "Strongly Agree," while thickness (2.76-3.72) and texture (3.00-3.16) were predominantly "Agree." The independent t-test showed a statistically significant difference between groups (p < 0.05), with non-experts rating higher than experts. Both groups affirmed the product's functionality and acceptability.

Conclusion: The rice straw and banana trunk sketch paper demonstrates viable potential as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional wood-based sketch paper. While it meets general usability standards for educational and artistic purposes, further refinement in fiber processing and surface finishing is recommended to achieve professional-grade quality and enhance commercial viability.

Floristic Diversity and Composition of Urban Forest Trees in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

A. S. Dawaki — 2026-06-04

Urban forests play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, enhancing environmental quality, and supporting biodiversity, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. However, limited information on floristic diversity and species composition in cities like Kano Metropolis hinders effective urban forest management and biodiversity conservation planning. This study evaluates the species composition and diversity of urban trees in Kano Metropolis, Northern Nigeria, with emphasis on their ecological structure and distribution. A systematic vegetation survey was conducted across 15 representative urban sites using quadrats and transect sampling techniques. All trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥10 cm were identified to species level, and their abundance, frequency, and dominance were recorded. Diversity indices, including Shannon–Wiener, Simpson, and Evenness indices, were computed to evaluate floristic diversity, while species composition patterns were analyzed using importance value indices (IVI). A field inventory of all trees with diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 10 cm was conducted across selected urban locations. Tree species were identified and measured, and diversity was assessed using Shannon–Wiener and Simpson indices. A total of 1,144 individual trees belonging to 15 families were recorded, comprising both native and exotic species. Shannon–Wiener diversity values ranged from 1.07–2.36, indicating moderate species diversity across sites, while species evenness was generally low, reflecting dominance by a few cultivated or exotic species. The results revealed variations in species abundance and distribution, with Azadirachta indica being the most dominant species, while Ficus platyphylla, Balanites aegyptiaca, and Acacia seyal were among the least represented. Diversity indices indicated moderate species diversity within the study area. The study highlights the heterogeneity of urban forest structure in Kano Metropolis and emphasizes the need for strategic planning and conservation of indigenous species to enhance urban biodiversity and resilience. Findings provide a baseline for urban forestry planning and management, contributing to sustainable urban green space development in rapidly expanding Nigerian cities.

Effect of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Vegetative Growth Characters of Lilium Growing under Different Cultivation Practices

Man Mohan — 2026-06-12

The increasing demand for sustainable floriculture production has emphasized the need for eco-friendly nutrient management practices that enhance plant growth while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. The present investigation was conducted during 2021–22 and 2022–23 at the Agri-tourism Centre, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, to evaluate the effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on the vegetative growth of Asiatic Lilium under different cultivation environments. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising nine nutrient management treatments and three growing conditions, viz., polyhouse, shade-net, and open field, with three replications. The treatments included farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), Azotobacter, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and their various combinations. Significant variations were observed among growing environments and nutrient treatments for all vegetative growth parameters. Among the cultivation conditions, polyhouse-grown plants exhibited superior performance with respect to early bulb sprouting, plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, and leaf width compared with shade-net and open-field conditions. Among the nutrient management treatments, the combined application of FYM @ 5.0 t ha⁻¹ + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha⁻¹ + Azotobacter + PSB (T9) proved most effective, recording minimum days to bulb sprouting (5.41 and 5.68 days) and maximum plant height (102.54 and 105.31 cm), number of leaves per plant (70.86 and 72.91), leaf length (9.25 and 9.70 cm), and leaf width (2.59 and 2.75 cm) during 2021–22 and 2022–23, respectively. The interaction between growing conditions and nutrient treatments was also found to be significant for most growth attributes, with T9 under polyhouse conditions producing the best results. The enhanced growth response may be attributed to the synergistic effects of organic manures and beneficial microorganisms, which improved nutrient availability, soil biological activity, root development, and overall plant vigor. The findings indicate that integrated application of FYM, vermicompost, Azotobacter, and PSB under protected cultivation offers an effective, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable strategy for improving vegetative growth and commercial production of Asiatic Lilium.

Trichoderma harzianum Reveals Significant Performance over Copper Sulphate by Visible Microbial Re-establishment in the Recovery of Phytophthora infestans-Infected Potato under Zero-tillage Paddy-straw Mulch in East Kolkata Wetland Area

Asim Panda — 2026-06-22

Zero-tillage paddy-straw-mulched potato farming is a low-input surface-planting method whose success depends on the biological condition of the tuber-straw-soil interface. In the sewage-treated paddy fields of the East Kolkata Wetland area, monsoon-driven auto-nutrient recharge makes beneficial microbial growth more important than fertiliser dependence. This study evaluated whether Trichoderma harzianum could support recovery of Phytophthora infestans-infected potato tubers under approximately 11 inches of paddy-straw mulch and whether visible Trichoderma-type growth on jute-bag sheet surfaces could indicate beneficial microbial re-establishment. Sixteen 75 sq ft beds were established with store-bought Kufri Jyoti tubers. Treatments compared clean and infected tubers, CuSO4-based surface sterilisation, T. harzianum-based biological sterilisation, four and six watering events, weed removal or grass-mat conditions, and foliar or surface application of the control agent. The infected-tuber + CuSO4 + grass-mat system produced a mean yield of 3,300.50 kg ha-1, whereas infected tubers treated with T. harzianum produced 14,637.00 kg ha-1. Under infected conditions, T. harzianum gave better recovery and yield than CuSO4 under both watering schedules. The best overall model was healthy tuber selection, field preparation through rice-potato practice or weed removal, surface sterilisation with T. harzianum and soil pretreatment with T. viride, producing 24,754.00 kg ha-1. One-way ANOVA confirmed a strong treatment-system effect on yield, F(5,10) = 75.25, p = 1.32 x 10^-7, and Kruskal-Wallis testing was also significant, H = 14.47, p = 0.013. Visible growth appeared earlier in biological treatments (40 days) than in CuSO4-treated beds (50-60 days), supporting its value as a practical indicator of microbial re-establishment.

Enhancement of Salinity Stress Tolerance in Zea mays L. (maize) Seedlings through Seed Priming and Foliar Applications of Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)

Ghanashyam Behera — 2026-06-27

Salinity stress is a major constraint to crop establishment and productivity, particularly in salt-affected agricultural soils. The present study evaluated whether calcium chloride (CaCl₂) applied through seed priming, foliar application or their combined use could improve salinity tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings of variety BS-652. The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions using a completely randomised design with seven treatments and three replications. Salinity stress was imposed with 150 mM NaCl, and seedlings were grown for 30 days before morphological, physiological and biochemical traits were assessed. Salt stress alone reduced plant height, seedling fresh and dry weight, relative water content, chlorophyll content and total protein content, while increasing proline accumulation and malondialdehyde content. These responses indicate impaired growth, osmotic disturbance and membrane injury under salinity. Calcium chloride treatments improved seedling performance under both non-saline and saline conditions. Foliar application generally produced greater improvement than seed priming alone, while the combined seed priming and foliar application treatment showed the strongest response under salinity stress. This combined treatment improved plant height, biomass accumulation, water status, chlorophyll retention and protein content compared with untreated salt-stressed plants. It also enhanced proline accumulation and the activities of catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, while reducing malondialdehyde content. The results indicate that CaCl₂ application may support maize seedling tolerance to salinity by improving water balance, membrane stability, osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defence. Among the treatments evaluated, the combined use of seed priming and foliar application was the most effective approach for mitigating 150 mM NaCl-induced stress in maize seedlings.

Enhancing Poultry Waste Composting through Paddy Straw and Effective Microorganisms: Microbial and Parasitological Responses

Irfan A. Baba — 2026-06-30

Poultry carcasses and litter require safe disposal methods to reduce environmental contamination and biosecurity risks in poultry production systems. This study evaluated the influence of paddy straw and effective microorganisms on microbial, parasitological, and thermal changes during the composting of poultry carcasses and poultry litter under winter and summer conditions. Four treatment groups were assessed: poultry carcasses with poultry litter as the control, poultry carcasses with poultry litter and paddy straw, poultry carcasses with poultry litter and effective microorganisms, and poultry carcasses with poultry litter, paddy straw, and effective microorganisms. Each treatment was replicated four times. Compost samples were examined at the initial, primary, and secondary stages for coliform count, total viable count, and parasitic egg or larval load. Compost temperature was also monitored during the process. Coliform count and total viable count declined progressively from the initial stage to the secondary stage in all treatments during both seasons. At the secondary stage, coliform counts ranged from 2.08 to 2.41 log10 cfu/g in winter and from 2.00 to 2.58 log10 cfu/g in summer. Total viable counts at the secondary stage ranged from 4.91 to 5.83 log10 cfu/g in winter and from 3.50 to 4.80 log10 cfu/g in summer. Parasitic load decreased from severe levels at the initial stage to non-detectable levels in most treatments by the secondary stage. The highest primary-stage temperatures were recorded in the treatment containing both paddy straw and effective microorganisms, with values of 59.0°C in winter and 59.5°C in summer. The findings indicate that composting can reduce microbial and parasitic contamination in poultry waste, while paddy straw and effective microorganisms may improve temperature development and composting performance.

Impacts of Climate Change on Agricultural Transformation in Satkhira District, Bangladesh: Challenges of Livelihood Diversification

Md. Ashraful Islam — 2026-07-01

This study examines the impacts of climate change on agricultural transformation and the challenges of livelihood diversification in Satkhira District, Bangladesh. The study focused on three upazilas, namely Satkhira Sadar, Tala, and Assasuni, where farming households are exposed to recurrent climatic and environmental stresses. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining a structured household survey with qualitative information from key informant interviews and focus group discussions. A total of 196 respondents were surveyed, with 66 respondents from Satkhira Sadar, 65 from Tala, and 65 from Assasuni. In addition, six key informant interviews and six focus group discussions were conducted to supplement and contextualize the survey findings.

The results show that farmers in the study area are highly exposed to climate-related hazards. Salinity intrusion was reported by 99.49% of respondents, cyclones by 95.41%, flooding by 82.14%, storm surges by 72.96%, irregular rainfall by 32.65%, and drought by 17.35%. These hazards have affected crop, livestock, and fish production through reduced yields, crop failure, increased soil salinity, livestock mortality, fish mortality, damage to aquaculture infrastructure, and declining water quality. In response, households are adopting diverse livelihood activities, including 80.10% engaged in crop cultivation, 77.55% in aquaculture, 43.37% in livestock farming, and 43.88% in poultry production, as well as organic farming, small businesses, non-farm activities, and temporary or permanent migration. However, limited skills, inadequate capital, restricted market access, high production costs, and recurrent climatic hazards constrain effective livelihood diversification. The study highlights the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices, farmer training, improved access to finance, stronger market linkages, and locally appropriate livelihood support to enhance resilience among smallholder farmers in coastal Bangladesh.

Plant Diversity, Carbon Storage and Sequestration Potential of Urban Green Spaces: A Climate Change Mitigation Tool in the Republic of Niger, West Africa

Assoumane Guéro Ousseini — 2026-07-01

Urban green spaces contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate regulation, but their woody plant composition and carbon sequestration potential remain insufficiently documented in the Republic of Niger. This study assessed woody plant diversity, biomass, carbon storage and carbon dioxide sequestration within public green spaces in Niamey, Maradi, Tahoua and Zinder cities. Woody plants with a diameter at breast height of at least 3 cm were inventoried using a stratified random sampling approach across selected categories of public green space. Measurements included species identity, total height, diameter at breast height and green space area. In total, 15,719 woody individuals were recorded, representing 47 species, 41 genera and 24 botanical families. Fabaceae was the most represented family, accounting for 23.40% of recorded species. The flora was dominated by dicotyledons, which accounted for 93.62% of the floristic assemblage. Azadirachta indica was the most abundant species, representing 81.86% of all inventoried woody individuals. Total biomass varied across green space types, ranging from 3.83 t/ha in parks to 299.55 t/ha in memorial green spaces. Overall carbon stock was estimated at 747.81 tC/ha, corresponding to 2,744.46 tCO₂/ha of sequestered carbon dioxide. The findings show that public green spaces in Nigerien cities support woody plant diversity and provide measurable carbon storage benefits, highlighting their relevance to urban climate mitigation and sustainable planning.

Influence of Different Organic Manure Sources on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Ground Nut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Semi-Arid Conditions of Sudan

Feisal M. Ismaeil — 2026-07-03

A field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Kordofan, El-Obeid, Sudan, between July and October 2025. The study aimed to assess the effects of different sources of organic manure on the growth, yield and quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under semi-arid conditions.Five treatments were assessed: farmyard manure, poultry manure, sheep manure, goat manure and a control without manure. The treatments were arranged in a randomised complete block design with four replications, and each manure source was applied at 15 ton/ha. Growth, yield and quality traits were measured, including plant height, branches, leaves, nodules, dry weight, pods, kernels, 100-kernel weight, harvest index, shelling percentage, pod yield, kernel yield, haulm yield, oil content and protein content. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments for most studied traits. Organic manure treatments improved growth, yield and quality attributes compared with the control. Poultry manure produced the highest values for plant height (44.21 cm), pod yield (2.11 ton/ha), kernel yield (1.87 ton/ha), haulm yield (4.78 ton/ha), oil content (51.89%) and protein content (25.81%). The control recorded the lowest corresponding values. The findings indicate that partially decomposed poultry manure at 15 ton/ha can improve groundnut performance under the study conditions.

Optimizing the Productivity and Profitability of Potato (cv. Jelly) through Sustainable Fertilization in High-altitude Areas of Cameroon

Kelie Laure Nangmo Temateu — 2026-07-06

Potato production in the Western Highlands of Cameroon is constrained by variable soil fertility, altitudinal differences, and limited access to mineral fertilisers. This study evaluated the effects of altitude and fertilisation on the growth, yield, soil chemical properties, and economic performance of potato cv. Jelly in the Menoua department. The experiment was conducted from January to May 2023 at three sites located at 1,337 m (A1), 1,413 m (A2), and 1,514 m (A3) above sea level. Five fertilisation treatments were compared: an unfertilised control (T1), urban compost applied at 20 (T2), 40 (T3), or 60 t dry matter ha⁻¹ (T4), and mineral fertiliser NPK 11-11-22 + 5.5 MgO applied at 350 kg ha⁻¹ (T5). Tuber yield, post-harvest soil properties, and the value-cost ratio were assessed. The results showed that altitude and fertiliser treatments significantly affected tuber yield (P < 0.05). The highest overall yield was recorded at the highest altitude, 1,514 m (A3). At this altitude, treatment T2 (20 t ha⁻¹ compost) achieved the maximum yield of 28.56 t ha⁻¹, followed closely by the mineral treatment T5, with 28.09 t ha⁻¹. At lower altitudes, treatment T2 also outperformed the other treatments, generating the highest yield at 1,337 m (A1), with 20.74 t ha⁻¹, and at 1,413 m (A2), with 6.13 t ha⁻¹, although overall yields at A2 remained particularly low. Compost application, notably T2, T3, and T4, improved several post-harvest soil chemical properties, particularly pH, available phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and cation exchange capacity. The economic analysis revealed that only treatment T2 was profitable at the most productive altitudes (A1 and A3), whereas treatment T5 exhibited negative profitability values across all altitudes (A1, A2, and A3), rendering it unprofitable. Based on these results, it is recommended that the altitude of 1,514 m (A3) be prioritised for the production of potato cv. Jelly in the region. Furthermore, for sustainable and economically viable production, a moderate application of urban compost at 20 t ha⁻¹ (T2) constitutes the most suitable recommendation, as it maximises yield, restores soil fertility, and ensures positive financial returns.

Effect of the Combination of Compound NPK Fertiliser and Potassium Fertiliser on the Growth and Yield of Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr.)

Dwi Rahma Angraini — 2026-07-07

Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr.) is a bulbous plant with cultivation potential; however, its productivity is influenced by nutrient availability and appropriate fertilisation management. This study was conducted to identify the best combination of NPK 16:16:16 compound fertiliser and potassium fertiliser for improving the growth and yield of Bawang dayak, with particular emphasis on bulb diameter as an important indicator of yield quality. The experiment was conducted at the Integrated Agricultural Zone, Medan Baru, Muara Bangkahulu District, Bengkulu City, Bengkulu Province, Indonesia, from October 2025 to February 2026. A completely randomised design with one factor was used, consisting of six fertiliser treatments: no fertiliser, 2.5 g NPK plant⁻¹, 1.25 g NPK plant⁻¹ + 1 g potassium plant⁻¹, 1.25 g NPK plant⁻¹ + 2 g potassium plant⁻¹, 0.62 g NPK plant⁻¹ + 1 g potassium plant⁻¹, and 0.62 g NPK plant⁻¹ + 2 g potassium plant⁻¹. Each treatment was replicated four times, with five plants per experimental unit. The observed variables included plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers, leaf greenness, time to flower emergence, fresh plant weight, bulb fresh weight, number of bulbs per clump, bulb diameter, and root fresh weight. Data were analysed using analysis of variance at the 5% significance level, followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test when treatment effects were significant. The fertiliser treatments significantly affected plant height, bulb fresh weight, and number of bulbs per clump, but did not significantly affect number of leaves, number of tillers, leaf greenness, time to flower emergence, fresh plant weight, bulb diameter, or root fresh weight. The 2.5 g NPK plant⁻¹ treatment produced the greatest plant height and bulb fresh weight, while 1.25 g NPK plant⁻¹ + 1 g potassium plant⁻¹ produced the highest number of bulbs per clump.

The Effect of Irrigation Water Quality, Oil Residue Pollution Levels, and the Interaction between them on the Growth, Yield, and Quality of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Crop

Sanaa Khadem Abdul-Amir Al-Rubaie — 2026-07-08

A greenhouse field trial was conducted in the Al-Hussayniya district of Karbala Governorate, Iraq, during 2025 to investigate the effects of irrigation water quality and oil residue contamination on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cv. Kuban. The experiment evaluated three irrigation-water sources (freshwater, well water and wastewater), four oil residue contamination levels (0, 25, 50 and 75 g kg⁻¹ soil) and their interactions. A two-factor experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replicates.

Freshwater irrigation generally improved the measured growth, yield and seed-quality traits compared with well water and wastewater. Across the irrigation-water treatments, freshwater recorded the highest mean plant height (146.0 cm), chlorophyll content (47.7 SPAD), 300-grain weight (24.83 g), grain yield (162.32 g plant⁻¹) and seed oil concentration (37.91%). The maximum protein concentration (20.86%) was recorded under freshwater irrigation without oil contamination, while wastewater irrigation produced the lowest values for most traits. Increasing oil residue contamination reduced the measured growth and yield traits. Plant height decreased from 155.1 to 109.1 cm, chlorophyll content from 49.4 to 38.7 SPAD, 300-grain weight from 25.39 to 21.25 g and grain yield from 164.65 to 117.66 g plant⁻¹ as contamination increased from 0 to 75 g kg⁻¹ soil.

The interaction analysis indicated that the best overall plant response occurred under freshwater irrigation without oil contamination, whereas the weakest response was observed under wastewater irrigation at the highest contamination level (75 g kg⁻¹ soil). These findings indicate that irrigation water quality strongly influenced sunflower performance under oil-contaminated soil conditions and that poor-quality water intensified the adverse effects of oil residue contamination.