Ahmad Jewehan (PhD)’s Post

📚 Fall Armyworm in Maize 🌽🐛🌽🐛🌽🐛 🔰 Scientific Name: Spodoptera frugiperda. 🔰🌎 Origin: The America . 🔰 Order: Lepidoptera. 🔰 Damaging Stage: Larvae (Caterpillar). 📍🌽 Host Plant: Mainly Maize (Corn) but can also infest other crops like rice, sorghum, sugarcane, and cotton. 🌽🐛 Nature of Damage: ◽Fall Armyworm infestation can cause significant damage to maize crops. ◽The larvae feed voraciously on the plant, resulting in defoliation, loss of yield, and decreased quality of produce. 🏜️ Favourable Condition: ◽Fall Armyworm thrives in warm and humid climates, with temperatures between 20-30°C. ◽They can spread rapidly, especially during the rainy season. 🛡️ Control Measures: 1️⃣ Early Detection: • Regular monitoring of fields for signs of infestation, such as ragged leaves and egg masses, can help catch the problem early. 2️⃣ Biological Control: •Encourage natural enemies like predators and parasitoids, which can help keep Fall Armyworm populations in check. 3️⃣ Use of Resistant Varieties: • Planting maize varieties that are genetically resistant to Fall Armyworm can significantly reduce damage. 4️⃣ Crop Rotation: •Avoid planting maize in the same field year after year, as this can break the pest's life cycle. 5️⃣ Proper Field Sanitation: •Remove and destroy crop residues after harvest to reduce overwintering sites for the pest. 6️⃣ Traps: •Installing pheromone traps can help monitor adult moth populations and indicate potential infestations. 7️⃣ Biological Pesticides: • Environmentally friendly pesticides, such as those based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), can selectively target Fall Armyworm larvae. 8️⃣ Chemical Pesticides: • As a last resort, if the infestation is severe and other methods have failed, judicious use of chemical pesticides may be necessary. Follow label instructions and avoid harm to non-target organisms. 9️⃣ Community Awareness: • Educate farmers and local communities about Fall Armyworm identification, monitoring, and control strategies. 🔟 Integrated Pest Management (IPM): •Implement a holistic approach that combines multiple control measures to manage Fall Armyworm sustainably and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. 📍Protecting our maize crops from Fall Armyworm is crucial to ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture. By adopting proactive measures and working together, we can mitigate the impact of this destructive pest on our precious crops. Together, let's safeguard our agricultural heritage and secure a brighter future for farming communities. #Farming #Agriculture #MaizeProtection #FallArmywormControl #SustainableFarming 🌾 📷Picture by-[]Abhijit Shinde []

According to Stephanie Porter, Soybean Aphids are Back in Illinois! "Soybean aphids have not been a concern since the early mid-2000s. These small, pear-shaped insects can be a major threat and cause damage to soybean plants." To determine if aphids in soybean crops have reached economically damaging levels, several factors need to be considered. These include the population density of aphids, the growth stage of the soybean plants, the presence of beneficial insects, and the economic threshold set for aphid management. Selecting insecticides that minimize the impact on beneficial insects is crucial for sustainable pest management. Beneficial insects play an essential role in controlling pests, including soybean aphids, and promoting ecological balance in agricultural systems. Here are some considerations for reducing the impact on beneficial insects when selecting insecticides: ★ Selective Insecticides: Choose insecticides that are known to be more selective, meaning they have a lower impact on beneficial insects compared to the target pests. Some insecticides, such as certain IGRs or newer chemistry options, are designed to specifically target certain pest species while minimizing harm to beneficial insects. ★ Timing of Applications: Timing the insecticide applications correctly can help reduce the impact on beneficial insects. Consider applying insecticides when beneficial insects are less active or during the pest's vulnerable life stages, minimizing the risk of harming beneficial populations. ★ Localized Applications: Apply insecticides only to the areas where pest populations have reached economically damaging levels, rather than spraying the entire field. This practice helps to reduce overall insecticide use and limit exposure to beneficial insects in non-affected areas. ★ Follow Label Instructions: Always carefully read and follow the label instructions of the selected insecticide. The label provides important information regarding application rates, timing, and precautions to minimize the impact on beneficial insects. ★ Using the spray tip that will provide the best deposition of the insecticide on the target, minimizing losses. TeeJet Technologies has selected the top 2 spray tips that are ideal for insecticide application to control aphids. AIXR tip for applications in earlier soybean stages and/or drift control is needed. TTJ60 when better canopy penetration is needed. Read this article to learn more about soybean aphids in Illinois: https://lnkd.in/gitqff9c #teejettechnologies #teejet #soybean #aphids #ipmanagement #ilsoyadvisor

Bacterial necromass is as important or even more for gluing soil particles. Besides, the origin of glomalin is not really confirmed to only AMF. The review by Irving et al. (2021) on the topic is very interesting and relevant to read https://lnkd.in/eff8hsrW

The technical process of 3D cultivation with the described components involves several steps: Preparation of Nutrient-rich Soil Mixture: A nutrient-rich soil mixture is prepared, possibly including organic matter, minerals, and other essential nutrients needed for plant growth. This mixture serves as the base material for the cultivation process. Genetically Engineered Seeds Selection: Genetically engineered seeds tailored for rapid growth, disease resistance, or other desired traits are selected. These seeds may contain genetic modifications to enhance specific characteristics, such as yield or nutrient content. Integration of Mycelium: Mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus, is integrated into the soil mixture. Mycelium can serve multiple purposes, including enhancing nutrient uptake, promoting soil structure, and potentially providing disease resistance. Moisture Control: The moisture level of the soil mixture is carefully controlled to provide optimal conditions for seed germination and initial root growth. This may involve the use of automated irrigation systems or moisture-retaining materials. Layered Application: The soil mixture, containing seeds, mycelium, and moisture, is sprayed or applied in thin layers onto a substrate, such as trays or growing beds. Each layer is carefully managed to ensure even distribution of nutrients, seeds, and moisture. Germination and Root Network Formation: The genetically engineered seeds germinate rapidly in the nutrient-rich soil mixture, aided by the presence of mycelium and controlled moisture levels. As the plants grow, they develop a dense root network within the soil, facilitating nutrient uptake and anchoring the plants. Monitoring and Maintenance: Throughout the cultivation process, environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light levels, are monitored and adjusted as needed to optimize plant growth. Pests, diseases, and other potential threats are also managed through integrated pest management strategies. Harvesting and Yield Optimization: Once the plants reach maturity, they are harvested, and the yield is optimized through careful handling and processing. The efficiency of the 3D cultivation process is evaluated, and adjustments may be made to improve future iterations. By integrating these steps, the 3D cultivation process aims to promote fast germination, robust root network formation, and efficient nutrient utilization, ultimately enhancing plant growth and yield. #AgriculturalInnovation #PlantBiotechnology #3DCultivation #GeneticEngineering #MyceliumUtilization #SustainableAgriculture #CropYieldOptimization #ControlledEnvironmentAg #NutrientManagement #PlantGrowthOptimization #VerticalFarming #AdvancedCultivation #AgriculturalResearch #BiotechHorticulture #SoilHealthEnhancement

🌿 Protect your crops against Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV)    🔍 Understanding the threat: ToBRFV is an RNA virus that wreaks havoc on Solanaceae plants, causing brown spots on leaves, deformities, and decreased yield.    🌱 How Peroxide UltraPure™ works:   1️⃣ Protects the crop: Minimizes viral load in water, reducing disease spread. 2️⃣ Controls biofilms: Keeps irrigation systems clean, preventing bacteria growth. 3️⃣ Boosts plant resistance: Increases oxygen levels, strengthening plant defenses.    💧 Generated on-site: Our GOgen system produces ultra-pure hydrogen peroxide directly in your facility, adhering to the highest standards for efficacy.    📈 Results speak for themselves: Improved crop health, higher yields, and sustainable disease control.    Don't let ToBRFV ruin your harvest. Upgrade to Peroxide UltraPure™ and safeguard your crops today! 🌿🚀 #AgriculturalInnovation #CropProtection #HealthyHarvests https://lnkd.in/e9qYsZZq

Charcoal rot of maize, also known as stalk rot or dry rot, is a destructive fungal disease caused by the pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. This disease can significantly impact maize crops, leading to reduced yield and quality. Here are some important details about charcoal rot of maize: Symptoms: The symptoms of charcoal rot typically appear during the reproductive stages of maize plants. Infected plants may exhibit wilting, yellowing, or browning of leaves, starting from the lower leaves and progressing upwards. As the disease advances, the internal tissues of the lower stalk may show discoloration, becoming dark brown to black, and acquiring a characteristic charcoal-like appearance. Infected plants may ultimately lodge or topple due to weakened stalks. Disease cycle: The fungus M. phaseolina survives in the soil as resilient structures called microsclerotia, which can persist for several years. When environmental conditions become favorable, such as high temperatures (30-38°C) and moisture stress, the microsclerotia germinate, and the fungus infects the roots of maize plants. The infection progresses from the roots to the lower stalk, obstructing the vascular system and causing the characteristic symptoms of the disease. Contributing factors: Several factors can influence the development and severity of charcoal rot of maize: Environmental conditions: High temperatures, particularly during the reproductive stages of maize, are conducive to disease development. Moisture stress, either due to drought or excess irrigation, can also favor the disease. Soil conditions: Poor soil drainage, compaction, and low fertility can increase the susceptibility of maize plants to charcoal rot. Crop management: High plant populations, excessive nitrogen fertilization, and continuous monocropping of maize can contribute to disease severity. Disease management: Managing charcoal rot in maize can be challenging, and an integrated approach is often recommended. Here are some strategies for disease management: Crop rotation: Avoid planting maize or other susceptible crops in the same field for several years, as this breaks the disease cycle and reduces pathogen populations in the soil. Resistant varieties: Planting maize hybrids or cultivars that possess genetic resistance or tolerance to charcoal rot can help mitigate the disease's impact. Irrigation management: Implement proper irrigation practices to maintain optimal soil moisture levels and avoid excessive moisture stress or waterlogging. Soil health and fertility: Focus on improving soil drainage, organic matter content, and overall soil health to enhance plant vigor and resilience. It is crucial to consult local agricultural experts, plant pathologists, or agricultural extension services for specific recommendations tailored to your region and prevailing conditions. They can provide guidance on suitable management strategies and recommend maize varieties with resistance or tolerance to charcoal rot.