Nanobased Natural Polymers as a Carrier System for Glyphosate: An Interesting Approach Aimed at Sustainable Agriculture.

Polymer-based herbicide nanocarriers have shown potential for increasing the herbicide efficacy and environmental safety. This study aimed to develop, characterize, and evaluate toxicity to target and nontarget organisms of natural-based polymeric nanosystems for glyphosate. Polymers such as chitosan (CS), zein (ZN), and lignin (LG) were used in the synthesis. Nanosystem size, surface charge, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, toxicity to weed species (Amaranthus hybridus, Ipomoea grandifolia, and Eleusine indica), and Roundup Ready (RR) crops, soil respiration, and enzyme activity were evaluated. The most stable system was the combination of ZN with the cross-linker poloxamer (PL), with higher weed control efficacy (90-96%) for A. hybridus, compared to commercial glyphosate (40%). No improvement was observed for I. grandifolia and E. indica. No glyphosate toxicity was observed in RR crops, soil respiration, or soil enzymes, indicating no toxic effects of the nanoformulation in these models. ZN-PL systems can be a promising alternative for glyphosate delivery, using environmentally friendly materials, with improved efficiency for weed control in agriculture.

First evidence of early neolithic archery from Cueva de los Murciélagos (Albuñol, Granada) revealed through combined chemical and morphological analysis.

The extraordinary preservation of Cueva de Los Murciélagos (Albuñol, Spain) provides a unique opportunity to identify the materials and the techniques involved in archery during the Early Neolithic period. Arrows with preserved feathers, tied fibres, adhesive substance, and two probable bowstrings have been studied trough an unprecedented multi-proxy investigation, including microscopy and biomolecular methods, to unravel archery techniques. The study has identified the oldest known sinew bowstrings, the first evidence for the use of olive tree (Olea europaea) and reed (Phragmites sp.) to produce arrow shafts in prehistoric European archery, and the identification of birch bark tar as a coating on the shafts. The results of this study provide insights into ancient craft, technological solutions, and adaptations to local resources in the production of these reed-shafted hardwood tipped arrows and bowstrings. Their deposition in a burial cave sheds new light on the role of these artefacts in a Neolithic farming community.

Valorization of agro-industrial wastes of sugarcane bagasse and rice husk for biosorption of Yellow Tartrazine dye.

The use of agro-industrial wastes as biosorbents is a promising alternative for sustainable, economical and effective adsorption. However, few studies evaluate the use of Brazilian agro-industrial waste as biosorbents without physicochemical pre-treatment. This study explored the potential of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and rice husk waste (RHW) as low-cost biosorbents for yellow tartrazine dye removal. Characterization of the materials were carried out using ATR-FTIR, SEM, pHPZC and lignocellulosic composition. Cellulose and hemicellulose were the major constituents of both materials. By the Box-Behnken experimental design, the response surfaces indicated maximum removal of 60.1% for SCB and 83.1% for RHW. While the qmax of SCB and RHW for tartrazine were relatively low at 2.45 ± 0.03 mg g-1 and 3.55 ± 0.02 mg g-1, respectively, the potential for achieving higher dye removals by increasing the adsorbent dosage in large-scale applications warrants further investigation. For both biosorbents, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Brouers-Sotolongo isotherm provided the best fit for the data, and the adsorption processes were spontaneous and exothermic. In conclusion, SCB and RHW demonstrated high tartrazine removal, promoting sustainable agro-industrial waste management.

Tomato Urban Gardening Supported by an IoT-Based System: A Latin American Experience Report on Technology Adoption.

When urban agriculture is addressed at a family scale, known as urban gardening, it is assumed as a non-commercial activity where some family members voluntarily take care of the plantation during their free time. If technology is going to be used to support such a process, then the solutions should consider the particularities of these gardeners (e.g., life dynamics and culture) to make them adoptable. The literature reports several urban agriculture experiences in Western countries and Southeast Asia; however, this activity has been poorly explored in South American countries, particularly at a family scale and considering the culture and the affordability of the solutions. This article presents an experience report of urban gardening in Peru, where a prototype of an IoT system and a mobile application were conceived, implemented, and used to support the gardening of vegetables at a family scale, considering the cultural aspects of the gardeners. This experience obtained positive results in terms of tomato production, mainly showing the system's capability to self-adapt its behavior to consider the cultivation conditions of these urban gardeners. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first IoT system that can be iteratively adjust its behavior to improve the chances of being adopted by a particular end-user population (i.e., gardeners).

Silver Nanoparticles as a Potent Nanopesticide: Toxic Effects and Action Mechanisms on Pest Insects of Agricultural Importance-A Review.

Nanotechnology has been a promising plant protection discipline in recent years, attributed to the unique physicochemical properties exhibited at the nanoscale. In this context, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been effective in various applications, including medical, industrial, and agronomic, and during the last few years, the control of insect pests has raised great interest. The present review mainly provides updated information about the use of AgNPs elaborated by different synthesis methods, such as biological (plants, microorganisms), physical, and chemical, and their effect against various insect species of agricultural importance belonging to the order Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera. The physiological and toxic effects of applying AgNPs are reported and characterized by developmental problems, mortality, weight reduction, interference with enzymatic activity, and anomalies in the life cycle. Moreover, in the final section, the action mechanisms through which AgNPs act on insects are also discussed, highlighting mechanisms such as alteration of transmembrane permeability, interruption of DNA replication, alteration of protein synthesis, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Biotechnological advances in plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for sustainable agriculture.

The rhizosphere, the soil zone surrounding plant roots, serves as a reservoir for numerous beneficial microorganisms that enhance plant productivity and crop yield, with substantial potential for application as biofertilizers. These microbes play critical roles in ecological processes such as nutrient recycling, organic matter decomposition, and mineralization. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) represent a promising tool for sustainable agriculture, enabling green management of crop health and growth, being eco-friendly alternatives to replace chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In this sense, biotechnological advancements respecting genomics and gene editing have been crucial to develop microbiome engineering which is pivotal in developing microbial consortia to improve crop production. Genome mining, which involves comprehensive analysis of the entire genome sequence data of PGPR, is crucial for identifying genes encoding valuable bacterial enzymes and metabolites. The CRISPR-Cas system, a cutting-edge genome-editing technology, has shown significant promise in beneficial microbial species. Advances in genetic engineering, particularly CRISPR-Cas, have markedly enhanced grain output, plant biomass, resistance to pests, and the sensory and nutritional quality of crops. There has been a great advance about the use of PGPR in important crops; however, there is a need to go further studying synthetic microbial communities, microbiome engineering, and gene editing approaches in field trials. This review focuses on future research directions involving several factors and topics around the use of PGPR putting special emphasis on biotechnological advances.

Fluvial erosion in a catchment cultivated with no-tillage at the edge of the southern Brazilian plateau.

The dynamics of fluvial erosion responds to soil erosion and surface runoff on hillslopes due to land use and environmental fragility, conditioned by the soil, geology, relief, and rainfall rate. Despite the increasing problems associated with fluvial erosion in Brazil, little information is available on bedload transport in headwater catchments under intense agricultural activity. Therefore, this study sought to characterize the fluvial erosion processes and bedload dynamics in an experimental catchment in southern Brazil located at the edge of the Brazilian Meridional plateau, which is representative of a large area of high environmental fragility and intense agricultural activity in Southern Brazil. The Guarda Mor River drains a headwater catchment (18.5 km2) with undulating and hilly terrain with fragile soils and intense agricultural activity controlling fine and coarse sediment supply downstream. During 11 major rainfall-runoff events, monitoring was conducted to measure streamflow, bedload transport rates, sediment size, and hydraulic parameters, such as Manning's n values and viscous layer thicknesses. A rating curve was established based on 40 streamflow and bedload discharge measurements taken at different water levels and stages along the hydrograph. In addition, a river portion (gravel bed) was characterized as well as the granulometric characteristics of its surface and subsurface layers. The results showed that the transport pattern is influenced by factors other than hydraulic parameters alone, including the interdependence between successive events, armoring effects, and hysteresis. These factors are strongly related to the surface runoff and erosion observed on the hillslopes, which define the streamflow energy and the supply of sand fraction, respectively. A discussion is held on the bedload transport dynamics under non-equilibrium conditions in the modeling of fluvial erosion processes.

Impact of climate change on the distribution of insectivorous bats: Implications for small-scale farming in southern Mexico.

Bats provide important ecosystem services for agriculture, such as pest control, a function that is particularly relevant for small-scale farmers. However, climate change is causing a decrease in bat populations. To assess the potential impacts of climate change on insectivorous bats and the implications on small-scale farming of indigenous communities in the Chiapas Highlands in southern Mexico we developed a three-step protocol: (1) projecting distribution shifts of insectivorous bats under climate change scenarios using non-dispersal and limited-full dispersal assumptions, (2) using official information to estimate the average economic value of conducting chemical pest control in crops at a state level, (3) surveying small-scale farmers to estimate the local economic value of pest control and determine how bats are perceived by small-scale farmers. Our models project shifts in bat species due to climate change. Given that new suitable climatic areas are also projected, if we assume a limited-full dispersal scenario, bats might not be as at risk by climate change, but shifting their distribution to more suitable habitats will probably affect the dynamic of the ecosystem service they provide. The official estimated value of chemical pest control is $15.15 USD/ha, while the estimated cost resulting from a hybrid survey with small-scale farmers was $47.53 USD/ha. The difference in cost could be related to an overuse of insecticides for pest control or an increase in price due to reduced accessibility. Sixty percent of surveyed farmers perceived a decline in bat populations, 68% were unaware of the benefits that bats provide to their crops, 51% believe that bats are mainly hematophagous, and 10% recognize that people harm or kill bats. A new approach including communicating small-scale farmers in their native languages the benefits that insectivorous bats provide along with a pest management strategy for the efficient use of insecticides needs to be implemented.

Agro-industrial wastes and their application perspectives in metal decontamination using biocomposites and bacterial biomass: a review.

Contamination of water bodies is a significant global issue that results from the deliberate release of pollutants into the environment, especially from mining and metal processing industries. The main pollutants generated by these industries are metallic wastes, particularly metals, which can cause adverse effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective and sustainable approaches to prevent their discharge into the environment. Biofiltration is a technique used to remediate contaminated fluids using biological processes. Microorganisms and agro-industrial wastes have been used successfully as biosorbents. Hence, this review emphasizes the innovative use of agro-industrial waste reinforced with microbial biomass as bioadsorbents, highlighting their dual capacity for metal removal through various bioremediation mechanisms. The mechanisms at play in these biocomposite materials, which offer enhanced sustainability, are also analyzed. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge by suggesting new strategies for integrating reinforced materials in biosorption processes, thus providing a novel perspective on the potential of lignocellulosic-based systems to improve decontamination efforts. On the other hand, it shows some studies where the optimization and scaling-up of biosorption processes are reported. Additionally, the implementation of multisystem approaches, leveraging multiple bioremediation techniques simultaneously, can further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of metal removal in contaminated environments.

A precision agriculture solution for water stress estimation in Hass avocado farms in Colombia.

Agriculture 4.0 technologies continue to see low adoption among small and medium-sized farmers, primarily because these solutions often fail to account for the specific challenges of rural areas. In this work, we propose and implement a design methodology to develop a Precision Agriculture solution aimed at assisting farmers in managing water stress in Hass avocado crops. This methodology provides a structured approach for development, enabling the identification of key issues and appropriate solutions. The resulting device measures essential weather variables for calculating crop evapotranspiration and effective precipitation, operates without requiring internet or electricity connections, and transmits data globally via satellite connectivity, overcoming the limitations of existing solutions for this crop. As a result, it can detect water stress and provide crucial information for irrigation scheduling. The proposed solution was tested at a working Hass avocado farm for over a year, collecting weather data and undergoing both major and minor revisions during the iterative testing process. The collected data-covering air temperature, relative humidity, sunshine duration, and rainfall-has been made freely available to support further research and development.

Statistical data transformation in agrarian sciences for variance analysis: a systematic review.

In statistical analyses, a common practice for enhancing the validity of variance analysis is the application of data transformation to convert measurements into a different mathematical scale. This technique was first employed in 1898 by Edgeworth and remains relevant in current scientific publications despite the proliferation of more modern and advanced techniques that obviate the need for certain assumptions. Data transformations, when appropriately used, can make the model error terms approximate a normal distribution. It is also possible to use the technique to correct the heterogeneity of variances or to render an additive model, ensuring the validity of the analysis of variances. Given that this technique can be hastily applied, potentially leading to erroneous or invalid results, we conducted a systematic literature review of studies in the field of agrarian sciences that utilized data transformations for the validation of analysis of variances. The aim was to check the transformations employed by the scientific community, the motivation behind their use, and to identify possible errors and inconsistencies in applying the technique in publications. In this study, we identified shortcomings and misconceptions associated with using this method, and we observed incomplete and inadequate utilization of the technique in 94.28 % of the analysed sample, resulting in misguided and erroneous conclusions in scientific research outcomes.

Cadmium availability in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils in cacao farms in Santander, Colombia.

Current research has highlighted the need to understand the factors influencing cadmium (Cd) availability in cacao-growing soils to elucidate its presence in cacao beans (the raw material for chocolate). Although literature about this topic is increasing, few report the importance of rhizosphere soils on Cd dynamics. This study aimed to understand the changes in available Cd and its association with soil properties (pH, pseudo-total Cd, available Cd (Cd-DTPA), Ca, Mg, K, Na, soil organic carbon, P, Zn, urease activity, exchangeable acidity, and cation exchange capacity) considering rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. Both soil types (51 samples of each, 102 in total) were collected from two Colombian cacao farms. The medians of pseudo-total Cd (1.86 mg kg-1) and Cd-DTPA (0.76 mg kg-1) were, respectively, about threefold and fourfold higher in rhizosphere compared to non-rhizosphere soils. Principal component analysis showed a clear distinction between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils based on differences in soil properties, which explained the observed changes in available Cd when comparing both soil types. Soil organic carbon and Zn were important drivers of available Cd in rhizosphere soils. Spatial distribution analysis revealed a tendency of available Cd to cluster in rhizosphere soils, and indicated hotspots within each farm. These findings highlight the importance of rhizosphere soils for Cd diagnosis and monitoring, and for improving knowledge about Cd dynamics in the soil-Theobroma cacao L. system.

Late Archaic large-scale fisheries in the wetlands of the pre-Columbian Maya Lowlands.

Multiproxy data collected from the largest inland wetland in Belize, Central America, demonstrate the presence of large-scale pre-Columbian fish-trapping facilities built by Late Archaic hunter-gatherer-fishers, which continued to be used by their Maya descendants during Formative times (approximately 2000 BCE to 200 CE). This is the earliest large-scale Archaic fish-trapping facility recorded in ancient Mesoamerica. We suggest that such landscape-scale intensification may have been a response to long-term climate disturbance recorded between 2200 and 1900 BCE. Agricultural intensification after 2000 BCE has been credited for supporting the rise of pre-Columbian civilizations in Formative Mesoamerica, but we suggest that some groups relied more heavily on the mass harvesting of aquatic resources. We argue that such early intensification of aquatic food production offered a high value subsistence strategy that was instrumental in the emergence of Formative period sedentarism and the development of complexity among pre-Columbian civilizations like the Maya.

Landscape degradation drives metal bioaccumulation in bats from Atlantic Forest cacao region, Brazil.

Agricultural landscapes worldwide are heavily sprayed with agrochemicals to increase crop productivity. These agrochemicals release bio-accumulative pollutants such as heavy metals that often persist in the environment with harmful impacts on biota. In a prime endangered Atlantic Forest biome, in Bahia, Brazil, agroforestry of cacao (Theobroma cacao) provides a livelihood for small farmers and suitable habitats for forest species. However, landscape transformation to pasture and monoculture expose vulnerable communities to scarcely evaluated pollutants with unknown effects on the health of humans and animals. We assessed the bioaccumulation of manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) by analyzing hair samples of 326 bats representing 28 species across 15 cacao agroforestry and 2 forest remnants. Bats from regions heavily disturbed by pastures and monocultures showed higher levels of Pb (41.20 µg/g) and Mn (0.44 µg/g) compared to those from areas where forest or cacao agroforestry dominates the landscape. Local grassland covers increased Pb bioaccumulation, while forest cover reduced it. Cacao agroforestry appeared to increase Cu exposure, likely due to fungicide use. This study pioneers the evaluation of heavy metal accumulation in bats inhabiting cacao agroforestry and Atlantic Forest remnants, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices to protect wildlife and ecosystem health.

Formulation of an innovative model for the bioeconomy.

BACKGROUND: The bioeconomy, an evolving concept promoting sustainable use of renewable biological resources, confronts the challenge of balancing growth and sustainability across sectors like biotechnology, agriculture, and forestry. This study aims to elucidate the bioeconomy's dynamic nature, constructing a comprehensive theoretical model addressing these complexities. METHODOLOGY: Through an extensive literature review, foundational elements for this model were identified: defining the core concept, delineating relevant variables, specifying assumptions and parameters, and depicting relationships through equations or diagrams. Special attention was given to integrating Georgescu-Roegen's insights, emphasizing causal links, state variables, measurement scales, and validation plans. RESULTS: The model incorporates Georgescu-Roegen's insights, highlighting the importance of clearly defining the bioeconomy for a comprehensive understanding. The proposed model leverages variables, assumptions, and equations within Georgescu-Roegen's framework, serving as a crucial tool for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. This approach facilitates research structuring, informed decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. CONCLUSION: By addressing the bioeconomy's evolution, and cross-sectional boundaries, and adopting a broader perspective, this study contributes to policy development for a more sustainable and integrated bioeconomy. Based on empirical knowledge, this model provides not only a solid theoretical framework but also practical guidelines for advancing toward a balanced and resilient bioeconomy.

Sustainable production of Pleurotus sajor-caju mushrooms and biocomposites using brewer's spent and agro-industrial residues.

Brazil is one of the world's largest beer producers and also a major food producer. These activities generate a large amount of residues which, if disposed of inappropriately, can have adverse effects on the environment. The objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of using these residues for both mushroom cultivation (traditional use) and the production of mycelium-based composites (innovative use). Mushroom production (Pleurotus sajor-caju) was conducted using only brewer's spent grains (fresh and dried) and also mixed with banana leaves (1:1) or peach palm leaves (1:1), which are residues widely available in the northern region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The productivity of mushrooms cultivated using fresh and dried brewer's spent grains did not exhibit a statistically significant difference, indicating that this residue can be utilized shortly after its generation in the industrial process, thereby reducing costs associated with production. Combining brewer's spent grains with banana or peach palm leaves resulted in enhanced mushroom production (0.41 and 0.38 g day-1, respectively) compared to using the leaves as a sole substrate. The mushrooms produced contain sugars and a minimal sodium content, and are considered a source of phosphorus. In addition, no toxic elements (Hg and Pb) were present. The mycelium-based composites produced using the residual substrate (after the mushroom harvest) exhibited better mechanical properties (compressive strength = 0.04 MPa, density = 242 kg m-3, and low humidity sorption) than those produced using fresh substrate. The results demonstrate the synergistic effect of combining the two approaches under investigation. The use of brewer´s spent enhance the mushroom productivity and the residual substrate enhance the mechanical properties of mycelium-based composites. The compressive strength, density, and air humidity sorption properties are essential for determining the potential applications of mycelium-based composites. The use of brewer's spent grains mixed with banana leaves demonstrated significant promise for mushroom production and subsequent application in the development of mycelium-based composites. These sequential approaches contribute to waste valorization and the rational utilization of natural resources, as the mycelium-based composites are considered for substitution of synthetic materials, thereby promoting sustainability for future generations.

Towards a comprehensive methodology for ecotoxicological assessment: Prioritizing plant protection products for mixture testing in edge-of-field surface waterbodies.

Pesticide applications in agriculture result in complex mixtures of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) in the environment. The ecotoxicological effects of these mixtures can occur at concentrations considered safe for individual chemicals, indicating potential risks underestimated by current regulatory assessments focused on individual active ingredients. To address this challenge, our study introduces a methodology for identifying priority PPPs for formulating mixtures, enabling further ecotoxicological testing in water and sediment compartments of edge-of-field surface water bodies, targeting pelagic and benthic organisms. This methodology was primarily based on the actual quantification of PPPs present in these compartments from selected case study sites (CSSs) in Europe and Argentina (11 and 4 for water and sediments, respectively). A conceptual framework was developed that discriminates and selects concerning PPPs based on their individual risk quotient and frequency of occurrence in each CSS, drawing upon two EU regulatory risk assessment approaches, i.e., the general approach under REACH for any environmental contaminant of concern - the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) approach; and that specifically focusing on PPPs - the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approach. Irrespective of whether the focus is on water or sediments, the study revealed disparities in PPP rankings depending on the approach used to identify PPPs of concern, with the ECHA approach being more conservative than the EFSA approach. Despite this, the EFSA approach follows a more standardized assessment factor definition strategy, potentially allowing avoidance of risk overestimation, as well as resulting in a more balanced representation of different PPP classes for subsequent mixtures testing. Overall, the methodological development reported herein, along with the inconsistencies found when comparing different regulatory approaches to assess the risk of environmental contaminants, highlight the need for further discussion on the most appropriate directions towards the standardization of the regulatory risk assessment of PPP mixtures.

Carbon pools and microbial indicators in vineyard soils under organic and conventional fertilization in the São Francisco Valley, in a semi-arid tropical climate.

Soil management systems that do not prioritize conservation contribute to carbon (C) depletion in tropical environments. In the semi-arid region of Brazil, fruit farming has been a key driver for economic development, yet high agricultural yields depend on the use of costly inputs. We conducted a groundbreaking study in São Francisco Valley, northeastern Brazil, to investigate the effects of organic (OF) and synthetic fertilizers (CF) on carbon stock and stability, organic matter fractions, microorganismal carbon biomass (C-mic) and quality indexes, and C-CO2 emissions up to the 1 m of depth in grapevine soils. Additionally, we compared the fertilized soils with their nearby native vegetation under the Caatinga biome. Compared to native vegetation, the OF and CF grapevine soils store 33 Mg ha-1 in one year and 26 Mg ha-1 in two years of establishment, respectively. The total labile C stock was found to be 10.2 Mg ha-1 and 6.0 Mg ha-1 at a depth of 1 m. We observed the development of C-mic at 40-100 cm (approximately 280 mg kg-1) in the OF soil, which resulted in efficient C mineralization without disrupting microbial metabolism, which produced roughly 8.0 mg kg-1 day-1 of C-CO2. The isotopic signature shows that C3 plants partially influence carbon and nutrient cycling in deeper OF soil layers. The soil in OF exhibited a high concentration of carbonate equivalent (32 g kg-1) and calcium (6 g kg-1), which resulted in the protection of labile C from decomposition. The Cambisols of viticultural farm under organic fertilization exhibited a balance of humic and fulvic acids fractions of organic matter, consequently, a potential stability of C. Our findings show that organic fertilization based on cassava juice, fish amino acids, and straw combined with manure under intensive irrigation contributes to an increase in C storage and microbial indicators in the soil. Therefore, this type of fertilization could be employed as a sustainable management system in grape farming in the Brazilian Northeast to improve soil conditions and crop yield under harsh environmental conditions.

A bitter cup of coffee? Assessing the impact of climate change on Arabica coffee production in Brazil.

Brazil, the world's largest producer and exporter of Arabica coffee, faces increasing challenges from climate changes. To maintain the sustainability of this commodity, innovative management techniques will be essential. This study aimed to assess the impact of climate projections, considering two CMIP6 emission scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) on the phenology and yield of Arabica coffee in 36 representative locations across Brazil for the periods 2041-2060, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100. Observed meteorological data from the BR-DWGD (Brazilian Daily Weather Gridded Data) and projected data from CLIMBra (Climate Change Dataset for Brazil) were employed. An agrometeorological model, calibrated for Brazilian conditions, estimated yield and phenology. Results indicate significant impacts on coffee cultivation areas, mainly due to rising temperatures and increased water deficits. Projections also suggest changes in coffee phenology, with anthesis advancing in colder regions and delaying in warmer areas, while maturation timing occurring earlier in all climates. Yield increases from CO2 fertilization were more pronounced in category C climates (Cfa, Cfb, Cwa, and Cwb), particularly in Cwb climates, reaching 2.9 bags ha-1 (3.7 bags ha-1 with irrigation) under the SSP2-4.5 scenario and 2.5 bags ha-1 (3.5 bags ha-1 with irrigation) under SSP5-8.5. However, higher temperatures and water deficits could cause severe yield losses, especially in Aw climates and under high-emission scenarios, where losses may reach 100 %. Irrigation will play an important role in mitigating yield losses, especially in northern regions such as northern Minas Gerais and Bahia, where yields could exceed 30 bags ha-1. While southern Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and northern Paraná are projected to have the highest yields, these regions also face greater uncertainty and variability. This study underscores the need for adaptive agricultural practices, the development of resilient coffee cultivars, and supportive research policies to ensure the sustainability of coffee farming in the face of climate change.

Assessment of unintentional acute pesticide poisoning among smallholder vegetable farmers in Trinidad and Jamaica.

Poisoning caused by pesticides is widely recognized as a major public health problem among smallholder farmers and rural communities, including in the Caribbean. However, a lack of quality data impedes understanding of the problem and hampers the development of effective strategies for its management. To better understand the prevalence of unintentional acute pesticide poisoning (UAPP) in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica and the pesticides and practices involved, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 197 and 330 vegetable farmers in Trinidad and Jamaica, respectively. The findings from this study revealed a high incidence of self-reported health effects from occupational pesticide exposure, with 48 and 16% of respondents, respectively, experiencing symptoms of UAPP within the previous 12 months. Furthermore, the substantial proportion of UAPP incidents were associated with a few highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), particularly lambda-cyhalothrin, acetamiprid, and profenofos in Jamaica, and alpha-cypermethrin, paraquat and lambda-cyhalothrin in Trinidad. Given the well-documented adverse effects of these chemicals on human health, the results of this study should be of significant concern to health authorities in Jamaica and Trinidad. This clearly indicates an urgent need for improved regulation and safer alternatives to the use of HHPs, as well as the promotion of alternatives. We provide policy recommendations and identify alternatives to HHPs for tropical vegetable production.