<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>We have tested the refraction of 6 cultivars of open-field tomatoes. In our work, we have tested the nutritional values of tomato cultivars harvested at different times. Our aim was to answer the question as to which cultivar fulfils the requirements for processing under given circumstances. During harvest time, we also measured the ratio of yellow and red pigments. The trial was conducted in Kecskemét, Hungary, on the trial field of NAIK ZÖKO, in open-field conditions. The refraction measurement was done on weighted tomato, which was then ground to juice and then measured on a tabletop refractometer. The 6 tested cultivars Brix% were measured at 5 different harvest dates, and then the average refraction of the harvest was analysed. The most suitable cultivar for processing was found to be Solerosso.</abstract>

Assessment of nutrient content of tomato hybrids for processing

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The soil of North-Central Nigeria is home to many plant products that are used as industrial raw materials, and after processing their waste are often left in drainage channels, which ultimately find their way into rivers and streams where they pollute these water bodies, and sometimes some of these materials are burnt, which further aggravates global warming. In addition, the soil of the region is characterized by low organic matter content because of annual bush burnings, which reduce the low humus content of soils. Watermelon requires a fertile soil, which is high in organic matter content, while infertile soils yield an increased production of male flowers at the expense of female flowers, which results in low fruit set. Therefore, a study was carried out at the University of Ilorin Teaching and Research Farm, Ilorin, North-Central Nigeria, during the rainy seasons of 2013 and 2014 to assess the effect of different organic materials on the growth and yield of watermelon. The factors imposed were a control, NPK fertilizer and five organic materials (neem seed cake (NSC), jatropha seed cake (JSC), poultry manure (PM), compost manure (CM), and cow dung (CD)). The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated thrice. Data collected on soil physico-chemical properties were: organic matter content, soil pH, organic carbon, total N, P, K, Ca, and Mg, bulk density (BD), micro porosity (MIP), macro porosity (MAP), and saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS). Plant parameters evaluated include growth (vine length and number of leaves) and yield (number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, and yield ha−1). Results indicated that the organic matter content increased after the first year’s cropping and declined at the end of the study. The amended plots showed significantly higher values (P &lt; 0.05) with respect to most soil physical properties (MIP), (MAP), and (KS), except the BD, where the values were lower. The bulk density particularly deteriorated on soils that were not organically amended. In addition, the soil chemical properties examined increased following the first year’s cropping, and thereafter declined at the end of the second-year cropping season. The response of watermelon showed that the two years’ yield data ranged between 334 and 402 t/ha, 306 and 390 t/ha, and 38.25 and 59.20 t/ha for NPK, poultry manure, and control treatments respectively. From the results, it was observed that the organic amendments were environmentally more friendly compared to the inorganic amendment (NPK fertilizer) in terms of positive effects on soil structural properties.</abstract>

Performance of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) in response to organic and NPK fertilizers

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Roses are one of the oldest and perhaps most noble and beautiful plants in the world. The propagation of roses by stem cutting is the simplest and a largely used method to multiply them. For the present experiment, seven varieties of roses were selected as follows: ‘Monika’, ‘Mr. Lincoln’, ‘Queen Elisabeth’, ‘The Fairy’, ‘Peace’, ‘King’s Ransom’, and ‘Don Juan’. To assess the differences between the varieties, growth, root length, root number, and frost damage were determined. The aim of the experiment is to determine which rose varieties are better suited to propagation by cuttings, which varieties have a higher rooting tendency, and to what extent the rooting could be influenced by rooting hormones [Incit-8 (0.8% of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid) and Radi-Stim®]. From our results, it could be determined that the Incit-8 positively influenced the number of roots of all varieties. In conclusion, our research suggests that the rooting hormones increase the rooting of the rose varieties; moreover, that proper rooting could also be depending on the appropriate conditions.
</abstract>

Propagation of rose varieties by cuttings under the effect of different rooting hormones

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The Zichy Castle from Vajdaszentiväny (Voievodeni) is located in Mure§ County, central Romania, south-west from the town of Reghin. Its constniction in classical baroque style dates back to the beginning of the X\TH Century. The archaeological findings from the area show that Vajdaszentiväny was already populated in the Copper Age. The findings of gray dishes from the III and IV centuries were considered by Dr. Protase as indigenous Daco-Roman relics. The Roman presence here was demonstrated by residues of the hewn-stone road along the Maros River. After the Roman Age, several other populations (Goths, Slavonic peoples. Darghins and Huns) settled down here. The feudal Hungarian state occupied this area around the XI Century. Several streams, terraces and old cemetery ruins demonstrate tliat the Hungarians used the region for protective purposes. The first mitten records of Vajdaszentiväny date back to 1332, when die Papal documents (Sacerdos de Sancto Johanne) mention the settlement for the first time. In 1366. the name of the village was Märton-Szent-Ivän. and dunng the centuries it belonged to several old and noble families and dynasties as szentiväni Szekely. monoszlai Losonczi. Szakäcsi. the Bänffy and Dezsöfi, the Szentiväni, Butkai, Balog, Kecseti, Kerelöi, Szengyeli, Dengelegi, Fodor, vajdaszentivänyi Földväri, Koka, Piski, Järai or Järai Felsöjärai Abafäja. During the first half of the 19* Century, among former Hungarians noble owners of the village, the following can be mentioned: Count Sämuel Kemeny, Albert Horvath, Budai, Szocs (Käroly es Mihäly) and Duke Löwenthäl. Later on, the village of Vajdaszentiväny became famous because of its castle, later named the “Zichy Castle,” but also because of its citizens as preservers of folk music, folk dance and folk tales. </abstract>

Assessment of the environmental value of the Zichy Castle Park in Voivodeni, Romania – Brief description

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>In the beginning, nature was an irreplaceable environment for humans. The concept of horticulture therapy (HT) denotes the use of ornamental plants to improve people’s health based on the connection between landscape architecture principles, design elements, and guidelines in healthcare facility gardens. In HT, people can improve and maintain health; so, gardens must provide only beneficial effects for users (patient, family, staff), testing design elements, which can be a scroll direction in garden, point of interest, connection with nature. This paper presents a case study analysis of the current landscape architecture standpoint: one of the Cluj-Napoca clinics, where HT can improve patients’ well-being.</abstract>

Specific horticulture therapy guidelines in the landscaping of Cluj-Napoca hospital facilities – improving mental and behavioural healthcare

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>This paper endeavours to highlight three aspects of postmodern landscape design: theoretical basis, composition and design elements. Postmodern theories, philosophy influenced the language of the postmodern landscape architecture and got materialized in the use of narratives, eclecticism, the Rhizome-principle. Postmodern landscape composition can be associated with anti-hierarchy, unusual structures, landforms, and playful moods. Postmodern design elements consist of the strong graphical use of colour and pavements, bizarre water features, unusual structures and buildings, postmodern sculptures and thematic garden details. 25 analysed projects try to capture the essence of postmodernism in landscape architecture as well as to reveal points of intersection within these projects.</abstract>

Postmodern landscape architecture: theoretical, compositional characteristics and design elements with the analysis of 25 projects

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Wine is a product of human creativity, culture, and nature, and therefore it is an intriguing subject for scientific research and admiration. Among its many kinds, white wine stands out oenologically because of its diverse flavours, aromatic attributes, and capacity to mature. In this experiment, we established 3 different bud load levels (25%, 50%, and 75%) on the well-known white wine grape variety ‘Fetească Albă’. The sugar content significantly increased in the 50% and 76% groups, whereas there were no significant changes regarding titratable acid content, must quantity, and cluster weight.
</abstract>

Evaluation of the ‘Leányka’ (‘Fetească Albă’) white wine grape variety’s qualitative and quantitative parameters in the context of different bud loads

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The National Centre for Biodiversity and Gene Conservation (NBGK) started the gene bank collection and agrobotanical evaluation of wild pear varieties in 2022. The survey of individuals and the recording of descriptors was carried out in several rounds. Part of the data was recorded in situ on the field, and the other part was analysed after the trip. For the in-situ collection of wild fruit plant species and varieties, it was necessary to develop a method for the collection and description. This applied to the development of the survey methodology as well as to the design of the working method.
</abstract>

Complex evaluation of wild pear

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
All problems related to conventional agriculture are a reference to the search for sustainable solutions. In this context, a comparative study between three agroforestry practices (AFP): <italic>Citrus sinensis, Olea europaea, and Punica granatum, each associated with Vicia faba</italic> (Fabaceae), was conducted on Bordjias Plain. In order to study the impacts of each association on the physico-chemical properties and water and soil fertility, the soil samples were taken from two profiles (P1 under the tree and P2 between trees), through three horizons (Sh, Mh and Lh), before and after the establishment of culture. The results of the analyses show that moisture variability appears to be influenced by the type of soil and the woody species. By increasing the organic matter content, these associations improve the structural stability of the soil, accelerating the process of dissolution of calcium carbonate, changing the pH, EC, P2O5, CEC, and ion exchange in soil. The statistical approach (ANOVA) allowed us to bring out the positive impact of agroforestry practices on soil fertility.
</abstract>

Impacts of agroforestry practices on the physico-chemical, water and soil fertility properties in semi-arid environments: The case of Bordjias Plain (Mesra, North-West Algeria)

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This paper reports a pilot programme conducted in a Hungarian school to foster environmental literacy among students using landscape design principles. This programme utilized a design-based learning approach and incorporated soft skills to develop students’ environmental understanding and engagement. In the period of four weeks, participants autonomously designed solutions for their schoolyard while following the design process. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interviews, observation, and analysis of the productions. The results indicated improved understanding of landscape design, increased awareness of the schoolyard, and enhanced soft skills among the participants. The findings provide insights for future programme iterations.
</abstract>

Pilot landscape and design-based programme to foster student environmental literacy

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of this work was to analyse the systemic structure of multifunctional agriculture (MFA) and its nexus with sustainability through a bibliometric review of existing literature. By monitoring articles published on the Web of Science platform, a sample of 432 documents was identified. Two software packages, Bibliometrix and VOSviewer, were used to map scientific collaboration networks. The results made it possible to identify the authors, journals, and countries that had given rise to the current structure of knowledge. Four broad thematic clusters were identified: a) MFA and sustainability; b) ecosystem services and biodiversity; c) European public policies; d) governance and urban agriculture. It is concluded that despite an increase in publication rates research is concentrated in Europe, and, furthermore, there are few collaborative networks between different disciplines, suggesting that SDG17 is not being achieved.
</abstract>

Multifunctional agriculture in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Bibliometric review

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
In the southwestern part of Algeria, the stands of Atlas pistachio (<italic>Pistacia atlantica</italic> Desf.) constitute a special natural heritage. They are usually scattered between the steppe plains and the Saharan Atlas. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the dendrometric characteristics of Atlas pistachio that could be indicators of good productivity. The aim is to investigate the influence of stationary factors (slope, exposure, geology) on the dendrometric characteristics of <italic>Pistacia atlantica</italic>. The results obtained on the dendrometric parameters of this species are very interesting. From a dendrometric approach, <italic>Pistacia atlantica</italic> is a large tree that can reach impressive dendrometric dimensions: 8 to 10 meters in height and a diameter often exceeding 100 cm. This dendrometric analysis allowed us to make a structural characterization of stands of <italic>Pistacia atlantica</italic>, which is an essential step in the management plan and the valuation in the medium or long term. This species of <italic>Pistacia atlantica</italic> deserves adequate measures of protection, especially in its natural environment. Therefore, a better knowledge of their potentialities, problems, and factors of the decline of this hardy species would contribute to the protection and the preservation to favour their regeneration, which would allow a better extension of this species.
</abstract>

Dendrometric study of stands of <italic>Pistacia atlantica</italic> in southwestern Algeria

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>A multi-environment sorghum variety trial comprised of nine genotypes along with one standard check, “yeju”, was carried out in the main cropping seasons of the period of 2006–2008. The objective of this research was to identify a stable and better-yielding sorghum variety under the conditions of the sorghum-growing area of North Shewa, Ethiopia. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design replicated three times within an experiment. AMMI analysis based on grain yield data revealed that genotypes ICSV 1112BF, 82 LPYT-2 # 5x81ESIP 46, and PGRC/E #222880 were superior to the standard check both in grain yield and stability, and hence these genotypes have been verified, and the genotype PGRC/E #222880 has been registered by the national variety-releasing technical and standing committee by the given name “Chare” for commercial production for the North Shewa sorghum-growing areas.</abstract>

Genotype-by-environment interaction and yield stability analysis in sorghum (<italic>Sorghum bicolor</italic> (L.) Moench) genotypes in North Shewa, Ethiopia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Field irrigation experiments were conducted to assess the varietal performance and correlation of pod yield and yield attributes under irrigation at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, during the 2015 and 2016 dry seasons. The results revealed that the most outstanding for fresh pod yield per plant were okra cultivar Kwadag Y’ar gagure Salkade, and Kwadam, in descending order, with yield ranging from 580.38 to 622.67 g, while the Composite cultivar had the lowest value of pod yield of 428.62 g over the two years. The greatest average values for the number of pods per plant and the number of primary branches per plant were observed for Salkade and Y’ar gagure, respectively. Highest fresh pod length and fresh pod diameter were also exhibited for Salkade and Kwadag. The genotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the phenotypic variation for the entire yield-contributing characters. Days to 50% flowering were positive and highly significant differences associated with plant height, number of pods per plant, and fresh weight per pod could be observed. Path coefficient analysis showed that the number of pods per plant exhibited positive and direct influence on the pod yield across the studied years. Indirect influence of other yield components through this character also contributed mainly towards pod yield. Therefore, days to 50% flowering, plant height, pod length, number of pods per plant, pod diameter, number of primary branches per plant, and fresh weight per pod could be taken into consideration for the selection and development of high pod-yielding varieties in okra. </abstract>

Department of Biological Sciences, Fountain University, Osogbo, and Department of Crop Production, University of Maiduguri,

Department of Crop Production, University of Maiduguri,

Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State,

Department Plant Science and Biotechnology, Federal University, Oye Ekiti,

Varietal performance and correlation of okra pod yield and yield components

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title><italic>Sorghum bicolor</italic> is one of the most important cereal crops around the world, particularly in Africa, highly cultivated for dietary staple. For this reason, a good knowledge and usage of this genetic resource in sorghum accessions is highly vital for improving crop quality. Analysis of genetic variability among the accessions will enable accurate results in breeding. The research design used was augmented design, which is common in many gene banks. This research finding would be used later by plant breeders to select best performers for further evaluation of the crop and obtain a new variety of sorghum.</abstract>

Genetic diversity study of sorghum (<italic>Sorghum bicolor</italic> (L.) Moenc) genotypes, Ethiopia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Cereal finger millet (<italic>Eleusine coracana</italic> (L.) Gaertn) is one of the most promising vital crops of Asia and Africa in the face of climate change. It has a capacity to adapt to extreme environmental conditions and can be grown under a wide range of wider agroecology. It is believed to be originated in the highlands of Ethiopia and then disseminated across the globe. It is mainly cultivated as dietary staple food for humans, animal feeds and also used as medicinal crop. Though finger millet is recognized as the most important staple crop, particularly for the poor people in dry and semidry areas, it has been neglected and given little concern in mainstreaming the crop for its improvement research.</abstract>

Phenotypic characterization of Ethiopian finger millet accessions (<italic>Eleusine coracana</italic> (L.) Gaertn), for their agronomically important traits

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The study was conducted in two purposefully selected zones of Oromiya Regional State, namely Jimma and Illubabor. The objective of the study was to analyse the honey-bee production and to assess hive technology preferences in the study area. A total of 156 beekeepers were randomly and proportionately selected from four districts (Mana and Gomma from Jimma and Bacho and Yayo from Illubabor). Data were collected through formal survey and secondary sources. Accordingly, the average age of the beekeepers was 40.2 ± 8.13 years with an average of 13.5 ± 6.58 years of experience. The majority of the respondents (53.2%) in the study area got their colonies by catching swarms. Three hive types (traditional, transitional, and frame hive) were found in the study area. More than 70% of the respondents harvested once a year from traditional hives, while 25% of respondents harvested up to three times per year from frame hives. Moreover, an average of 22 ± 4.6 and 16 ± 4.1 kg of honey were harvested from frame and transitional hives per year, respectively. Compared to these two hives, a much lower (7 ± 1.6 kg) amount of honey was harvested from traditional hives. Various honey-bee floras were identified in the study area. Plants such as <italic>Vernonia amygdalina, Croton macrostachyus</italic>, and <italic>Schefflera sp</italic>. produce white honey. Half of the respondents’ preferred transitional hive followed by frame hive (37.2%). Factors which affect the use of frame hives were lack of equipment (36.5%) followed by wax quality and availability problems (34%). That is why few beekeepers tried to modify the frame hive to solve the problems of wax in vertical frame hive. In order to adopt and sustain modern hive technology, the focus should be on honey-bee equipment as well as wax quality and availability.</abstract>

Honey-bee production practices and hive technology preferences in Jimma and Illubabor Zone of Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>The toxicity, persistence, and non-biodegradability of chemical pesticides have increased calls for the adoption of sustainable and cost-effective pest control measures. Biopesticides present a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. However, the biopesticide utilization in agrarian countries like Nigeria remains low, resulting in increased chemical pesticide utilization. Therefore, this paper seeks to examine the current status, challenges, and prospects of biopesticides in Nigeria. The findings revealed that biopesticide utilization in Nigeria is low due to high costs, poor infrastructure, skilled manpower alongside inconsistent field performance and government policies. The solution to these challenges will significantly boost crop protection, food security, and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.</abstract>

Current status, challenges, and prospects of biopesticide utilization in Nigeria

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Acta Universitatis Sapientiae, Agriculture and Environment

The Journal of Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania

The series Agriculture and Environment publishes exclusively original research papers, review papers, and in some cases technological descriptions (provided that new methods are...

The series Agriculture and Environment publishes exclusively original research papers, review papers, and in some cases technological descriptions...

Acta Universitatis Sapientiae, Agriculture and Environment

The Journal of Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania

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