Welcome to the Current Issues page of the American Journal of International Crop Science Digest!
Here, you will find the latest published articles that represent the forefront of research in international crop science. These papers showcase significant advancements, discoveries, and insights in the field and have been rigorously reviewed by experts.
Featured Articles in the Latest Issue
- Volume 3(Issue 1) JANUARY- JUNE 2026
Research Articles
Remote Sensing–Guided Nitrogen Management for Water-Limited Wheat Production in Southern Spain
Vol.3(1); Pages:1-13. Published on April 2026
Abstract
The increasing variability of climatic conditions across Mediterranean agricultural zones has intensified the need for efficient nitrogen management strategies in wheat cultivation. This study evaluated the integration of satellite-derived vegetation indices with variable-rate nitrogen application in semi-arid wheat fields of southern Spain. A two-season field experiment was conducted across multiple production plots using Sentinel-2 imagery combined with soil nutrient diagnostics to determine crop nitrogen demand at different phenological stages. Treatments compared conventional uniform fertilization with adaptive nitrogen scheduling based on normalized difference vegetation index values. Results indicated that precision-guided application improved nitrogen use efficiency by 18.7% while maintaining grain protein content and increasing average yield by 11.3% relative to conventional management. Soil nitrate accumulation after harvest was substantially reduced, indicating lower environmental losses. Economic analysis demonstrated reduced fertilizer expenditure and improved net farm profitability. The study further observed enhanced chlorophyll retention and greater drought resilience in precision-managed plots during late grain filling stages. The findings confirm that satellite assisted nutrient management can significantly improve productivity and sustainability in semi-arid cereal systems while minimizing excessive fertilizer application and associated ecological risks.
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Comparative Evaluation of Biochar Amendments on Salinity Stress in Coastal Rice Cultivation
Vol.3(1); Pages:14-24. Published on May 2026
Abstract
Soil salinity remains a major limitation to rice production in coastal agroecosystems subjected to seawater intrusion and irregular precipitation patterns. This investigation assessed the effectiveness of three biochar sources rice husk, hardwood, and poultry litter biochar in mitigating salinity stress in irrigated rice systems. Controlled greenhouse experiments and field validations were conducted using saline soils collected from coastal agricultural zones with electrical conductivity values exceeding recommended thresholds for rice growth. Biochar treatments were incorporated at varying application rates and evaluated for their influence on soil physicochemical properties, root development, photosynthetic efficiency, and grain yield. Rice husk biochar demonstrated the greatest reduction in sodium uptake and improved potassium retention within plant tissues. All biochar treatments enhanced soil porosity and water-holding capacity, contributing to improved seedling establishment under saline conditions. Grain yield improvements ranged from 9.4% to 21.6% compared with untreated controls. Microbial biomass carbon also increased significantly in amended plots, indicating improved biological activity. The findings suggest that biochar amendments offer a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable strategy for managing salinity stress in coastal rice ecosystems and may support long-term soil rehabilitation under changing climatic conditions.
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Influence of Controlled Deficit Irrigation on Berry Quality and Water Productivity in Mediterranean Vineyards
Vol.3(1); Pages:25-35. Published on May 2026
Abstract
Water scarcity in Mediterranean viticulture has accelerated interest in irrigation practices capable of preserving yield while enhancing grape quality. This study investigated the physiological and productive responses of grapevines subjected to controlled deficit irrigation across three consecutive growing seasons in Mediterranean vineyard conditions. Experimental treatments involved varying irrigation levels applied during vegetative growth and berry maturation stages. Parameters including canopy temperature, stomatal conductance, berry sugar accumulation, titratable acidity, anthocyanin concentration, and water productivity were monitored throughout the study period. Moderate water deficit treatments improved berry phenolic composition and increased soluble solids without significantly reducing total yield. Excessive deficit conditions, however, negatively affected berry size and vine recovery after harvest. Water productivity improved by approximately 24% under optimized deficit schedules compared with fully irrigated controls. Seasonal climate variability influenced treatment responses, particularly during periods of elevated heat stress. The study further demonstrated that strategic irrigation scheduling can enhance wine grape quality while conserving limited freshwater resources. These findings support the adoption of regulated deficit irrigation as an adaptive management strategy for sustainable vineyard production in drought-prone agricultural regions.
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Genotypic Screening of Cold-Tolerant Maize Hybrids under Northern European Spring Conditions
Vol.3(1); Pages:36-46. Published on June 2026
Abstract
Low-temperature stress during early developmental stages continues to restrict maize expansion into cooler temperate environments. This study evaluated the agronomic and physiological performance of twelve experimental maize hybrids under spring cold stress conditions across multiple Northern European trial sites. Germination stability, seedling vigor, chlorophyll fluorescence, root biomass, and final grain productivity were assessed under fluctuating temperature regimes representative of early planting scenarios. Significant genotypic variation was identified among tested hybrids, with several entries demonstrating superior emergence rates and enhanced photosynthetic recovery following cold exposure. Hybrids exhibiting greater membrane stability and stronger root development achieved improved nutrient uptake efficiency and higher biomass accumulation during early vegetative stages. Grain yield differences between tolerant and susceptible genotypes exceeded 17% across locations. The investigation also highlighted the importance of integrating physiological markers with conventional breeding indicators for more accurate hybrid selection. Statistical modeling confirmed strong correlations between early vigor indices and final productivity outcomes. The results indicate that targeted breeding for cold resilience can substantially improve maize adaptability in cooler production regions and may contribute to expanded cultivation opportunities under increasingly unpredictable climatic conditions.
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Integrated Pest Monitoring Using Drone Imaging in Commercial Soybean Production Systems
Vol.3(1); Pages:47-60. Published on June 2026
Abstract
Rapid identification of pest outbreaks is essential for minimizing crop losses and reducing unnecessary pesticide applications in commercial soybean systems. This study examined the effectiveness of drone-based multispectral imaging for early pest detection and decision support in large-scale soybean farms. Field trials were conducted across commercial production sites where unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with multispectral sensors monitored canopy reflectance patterns associated with insect infestation. Image-derived stress indicators were compared with manual scouting observations and laboratory-confirmed pest incidence records. The drone-assisted monitoring system successfully identified early-stage infestations before visible symptoms became widespread, improving intervention timing and reducing delayed pesticide applications. Areas managed using drone-guided interventions experienced lower pest severity and achieved yield increases averaging 12.1% relative to conventionally monitored fields. Operational efficiency also improved through reduced labor requirements and optimized field coverage. Data integration with geographic information systems enabled spatial mapping of infestation hotspots and supported targeted pesticide application strategies. The study demonstrates that drone imaging technologies can strengthen integrated pest management programs by enhancing surveillance accuracy, reducing chemical inputs, and supporting environmentally responsible soybean production practices in modern commercial agriculture systems.
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Explore these articles to gain valuable insights into the most current research and developments in the field of crop science. The topics range from advances in crop genetics and breeding to innovative farming practices and sustainable agricultural solutions.
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