Review
Engineering, Environmental
Maria Eggertsen, Christina Halling
Summary: Farming of eucheumatoid seaweeds is a significant livelihood option in tropical coastal areas, with generally low environmental impact but potential introduction of alien species and alterations of local environment. Despite decades of practice, knowledge on the environmental impacts of farming non-native eucheumatoid haplotypes remains limited.
Article
Fisheries
Vaibhav A. Mantri, Ramalingam Dineshkumar, Anshul Yadav, K. Eswaran, M. Shanmugam, Tejal K. Gajaria
Summary: The mass mortality of seaweed in India has hindered the expansion of commercial farming, but the government's target of increasing production has renewed interest in this sector. A study comparing different farming techniques showed that all methods of cultivation of Kappaphycus alvarezii are profitable, with the raft method being the most profitable.
Article
Ecology
Huu-Luat Do, Truong Dang Thuy
Summary: In Vietnam, converting mangrove forests into shrimp farming systems has led to deforestation and negative impact on shrimp yield, although mangroves can also reduce production risk.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
James R. Hunt, John A. Kirkegaard, Felicity A. Harris, Kenton D. Porker, Allan R. Rattey, Marisa J. Collins, Corinne Celestina, David J. Cann, Zvi Hochman, Julianne M. Lilley, Bonnie M. Flohr
Summary: Increasing crop yields requires the combination of technology and practices, especially through synergy between genotypic and management improvements. In southeast Australia, transformational change in water productivity has been achieved through synergistic systems such as soil water conservation, crop diversity, earlier sowing, and precision matching of nitrogen fertilizer to water-limited demand. Collaboration between researchers has led to the development of commercial genotypes with stable flowering time, showing the potential for further increases in yield.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Suci Wulandari, Fadjry Djufry, Renato Villano
Summary: COVID-19 has impacted Arabica and Robusta coffee farmers in Indonesia, with the study highlighting coffee livestock integration as an important strategy for improving farmers' livelihoods and introducing an innovation sharing model for implementation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Bienson Ceasar Narvarte, Lourie Ann R. Hinaloc, Tom Gerald T. Genovia, Shienna Mae C. Gonzaga, April Mae Tabonda-Nabor, Michael Y. Roleda
Summary: The physiological and biochemical properties of 10 new wild strains of K. alvarezii belonging to four non-commercially cultivated haplotypes were examined. Growth rates significantly varied among the strains but did not vary among haplotypes. The dry biomass of all strains mainly consisted of ash and carbohydrate, and tissue stoichiometry was comparable among the strains. The strain SamW-014 showed promising growth performance under hatchery conditions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gilles Lepoint, Gaetan Tsiresy, Melanie Deydier, Frederic Pascal, Bruno Frederich, Igor Eeckhaut
Summary: Seaweed farming for carrageenan production is becoming more economically important. However, farmed algae can host epiphytes, which can be detrimental and cause economic losses. In this study, we investigated the impact of the epiphyte Polysiphonia sp. on the nutrient acquisition of the farmed host K. alvarezii. Our results showed that the epiphytes could outcompete their hosts in nutrient uptake and act as true parasites by diverting some of the host's resources. This has implications for biocontrol and highlights the importance of choosing nutrient-rich areas for seaweed farming.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tristan Senga Kiesse, Michael S. Corson, Aurelie Wilfart
Summary: This study highlights the importance of considering variability in farm characteristics when assessing the impact of climate variability on farm performance. By applying the statistical method of Extreme Value Theory, the researchers were able to identify dairy farms with extreme amounts of forage and found that these farms often had different characteristics depending on the region.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Rabia Mazhar, Hossein Azadi, Steven Van Passel, Rando Varnik, Marcin Pietrzykowski, Rytis Skominas, Zou Wei, Bi Xuehao
Summary: Land-tenure security is crucial for socioeconomic development in local communities. This study examines the impact of different contract-farming regimes on land-improvement investment, productivity, and technical efficiency of farmers in Punjab, Pakistan. The findings suggest that long-term contracts lead to higher yields, income, and profit for farmers, as well as greater investment in land-improvement measures and improved technical efficiency.
Article
Geography
Kin Wing (Ray) Chan, Gareth Enticott
Summary: This paper investigates the concept of the 'good farmer' in rural studies, focusing on the appropriate methods to understand good farming and its relevance in non-western countries. Using pig farmers in Hong Kong as a case study, the paper proposes specific methodologies to capture the practices that construct the meaning of the 'good farmer' in different cultural contexts. The study examines translations of 'good farming' and develops a farmer-oriented methodology to analyze how these translations are used in relation to the management of animal disease. By using farm mapping and interviews, the study reveals how the idea of the 'diligent farmer' is more resonant in Hong Kong and highlights the performative work involved in becoming a diligent farmer. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for further methodological advancement and recognition of cultural linguistic differences in the concept of good farming.
JOURNAL OF RURAL STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Lucinda J. Watt, Lindsay W. Bell, Keith G. Pembleton
Summary: This study parameterised the APSIM model for four forage brassica genotypes and extensively tested the model using data from diverse environments. The results showed that the model accurately predicted biomass and metabolisable energy yield, enabling prediction of forage productivity across different production environments and agronomic management practices. This model will contribute to a better understanding of the potential value of forage brassicas in livestock production systems.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Wenfang Yang, Jingbao Liu, Junfang Yang, Suli Xing, Zengliang Yue, Ketong Liu, Shaohui Huang, Yunma Yang, Liangliang Jia
Summary: This study conducted on-farm trials in Hebei Province, China to assess the yield and water productivity of rainfed summer maize. Results showed that the farmers achieved a significant percentage of the yield and water productivity potentials, but there were variations among different farming types. Factors such as nitrogen fertilizer application rate and rain were found to be the most significant for the yield and water productivity gaps. Scenario analysis indicated that optimizing fertilization levels and achieving the yield and water productivity potentials could significantly increase the yield and water productivity.
Article
Agronomy
Jianguo Zhou, Zhiwen Zhang, Yue Xin, Guodong Chen, Quanzhong Wu, Xueqi Liang, Yunlong Zhai
Summary: The root system is vital for connecting plants with soil moisture and nutrients. This research explored the response of different spike type winter wheat varieties to different planting configurations and studied the growth and development of the root system during the whole growth period. The results showed that the root system was most dense and had the largest diameter at a soil depth of 0-40 cm. The jointing stage and heading stage were the most vigorous periods of root growth, and promoting root thickening could effectively meet the water and nutrient needs for aboveground plant and grain formation. The highest yield was achieved with a specific planting pattern. Overall, the study highlights the importance of root system characteristics and management practices for winter wheat production.
Article
Fisheries
Alexander V. Prazukin, Elena V. Anufriieva, Nickolai V. Shadrin
Summary: Green algae Cladophora spp. inhabit diverse water environments and have high productivity and diverse biochemical content. Their biomass can be used as fertilizer, growth stimulant, and animal feed, with wide applications in agri-/aquaculture.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Aurelija Paulauskiene, Daiva Sileikiene, Rasa Karkleliene, Zivile Taraseviciene, Laima Cesoniene
Summary: This research compared the differences between conventionally and organically grown beetroots, demonstrating the life processes in the products using chemical and electrochemical research methods. The study found that conventionally grown vegetables had a higher yield of 4-19% compared to organically grown vegetables, and the relationship between chemical composition and farming system was uncertain. Organic beetroots had higher levels of DM, TSS, and sugars, while conventionally grown plants accumulated higher amounts of betalains. However, ecologically grown beetroot showed better quality, vitality, and suitability for human consumption based on lower values of electrochemical parameters rH and P.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Leonel Pereira, Alan T. Critchley
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2020)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Danilo Largo, Alan Critchley, Anicia Hurtado, Nicholas Paul, Leonel Pereira, Melania Cornish
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Gloria Batista de Vega, Carlos E. Ulloque N, Anicia Q. Hurtado, Lynn Cornish, Alan T. Critchley
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2020)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Pushp Sheel Shukla, Tudor Borza, Alan T. Critchley, Balakrishnan Prithiviraj
Summary: The use of seaweed extracts to stimulate plant immunity is a viable strategy due to the bio-elicitors present in them. These bioactive elicitors activate defense responses in plants by priming the induced systemic resistance and systemic acquired resistance pathways. The diversity of modes of action among various seaweed extracts provides opportunities for developing new commercial products for crop protection in a sustainable manner.
Article
Fisheries
Zi-Min Hu, Ti-Feng Shan, Jie Zhang, Quan-Sheng Zhang, Alan T. Critchley, Han-Gil Choi, Norishige Yotsukura, Fu-Li Liu, De-Lin Duan
Summary: China has the largest scale of kelp cultivation and production operations globally, but its kelp aquaculture industry is facing challenges such as genetic contamination, ocean warming, and acidification. This review outlines steps to improve the industry, including interventions like collecting and preserving kelp germplasm and developing stress-resistant cultivars, which could benefit environmental health and economic well-being in China, Japan, and Korea.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Joao Cotas, Diana Pacheco, Glacio Souza Araujo, Ana Valado, Alan T. Critchley, Leonel Pereira
Summary: The study evaluated the seasonal polysaccharide yield and quality of three selected seaweeds, revealing variations in production concentrations among seasons. This underscores the importance of assessing the thresholds at which seaweed-derived polymers may have positive or negative impacts on human nutrition.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fu-Li Liu, Jing-Jing Li, Zhou-Rui Liang, Quan-Sheng Zhang, Feng-Juan Zhao, Alexander Jueterbock, Alan T. Critchley, Stephen L. Morrell, Jorge Assis, Yong-Zheng Tang, Zi-Min Hu
Summary: Sargassum thunbergii, a brown macroalga endemic to the northwest Pacific, plays important ecological roles in coastal marine ecosystems. Bioactive compounds from S. thunbergii have potential uses in various fields such as anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities. This review provides insights on cultivation efforts in China and potential applications, while also highlighting the importance of conserving natural populations.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chaminda De Silva Weeraddana, Saveetha Kandasamy, G. Christopher Cutler, Pushp Sheel Shukla, Alan T. Critchley, Balakrishnan Prithiviraj
Summary: Ascophyllum nodosum extracts have been widely used as plant biostimulants, conferring resistance against various stresses. However, little is known about the effects of ANE on crop insect pests. This study found that ANE treatment provided protection against GPA infestations in Arabidopsis plants, while also delaying senescence.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mohamed Faize, Lydia Faize, Lorenzo Burgos, Alan T. Critchley, Nuria Alburquerque
Summary: The commercial extract of the seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum had a significant enhancing effect on bud regeneration in Nicotiana benthamiana and promoted rhizogenesis in Prunus domestica. While it couldn't replace the need for a micropropagation medium alone, its combination with a half-strength MS medium improved plant growth parameters. This study suggests potential use of A. nodosum extracts in mass propagation of higher plants in vitro.
Article
Plant Sciences
Schery Umanzor, Sol Han, Hye-In Song, Ji-Sook Park, Alan T. Critchley, Charles Yarish, Jang K. Kim
Summary: The use of seaweed extracts as biostimulants, specifically the Ascophyllum marine plant extract powder (AMPEP), has been found to enhance growth and thermal tolerance in Neopyropia yezoensis. The study also revealed that the growth enhancement can be transferred to new blades through archeospore germination, providing new evidence for the potential use of seaweed extracts in supporting the cultivation of economically important seaweed species.
Article
Plant Sciences
Brijesh Singh Chauhan, Rohit Kumar, Pradeep Kumar, Prabhat Kumar, Saket T. Sinha, Sunil Kumar Mishra, Kavindra Nath Tiwari, Alan T. Critchley, Balakrishnan Prithiviraj, Saripella Srikrishna
Summary: FRAN extract, rich in flavonoids, shows strong neuroprotective activity against A beta(42) aggregation in eye tissue of Drosophila. It acts by dissolving A beta(42) fibrils and altering cellular and molecular events involved in neurotoxicity.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Schery Umanzor, Sol Han, Hye-In Song, Ji-Sook Park, Alan T. Critchley, Charles Yarish, Jang K. Kim
Summary: Seaweed-derived extracts, such as AMPEP and Kelpak (R), were examined for their effects on the life history of Neopyropia yezoensis. Temperature was found to be the main driver of developmental stages, although there were some interactive effects with the extracts. The results suggest that the application of AMPEP and Kelpak (R) may have some influence on the growth and development of N. yezoensis, but further research is needed to determine their impact on thermal tolerance.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
J. L. Perez-Llorens, A. T. Critchley, M. L. Cornish, O. G. Mouritsen
Summary: The benefits of various seaweeds have long been recognized by humans, especially by coastal dwellers and those who use seaweeds as food and medicine. Their positive effects are likely due to the presence of hydrocolloids and bioactive compounds. This compilation of excerpts from major medical publications and esteemed writers provides a rich background supporting the positive applications of seaweeds for various human ailments.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Plant Sciences
Alan Critchley, Anicia Hurtado, Iain Neish
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ole G. Mouritsen, Prannie Rhatigan, M. Lynn Cornish, Alan T. Critchley, Jose Lucas Perez-Llorens
Summary: Seaweeds are crucial contributors to Earth's production of organic matter and oxygen, as well as a nutritious food source. Throughout history, seaweeds have played a significant role in saving humans during times of crises. Lessons learned from these interactions can guide us in how to utilize seaweeds to address future challenges.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2021)