In this paper, mathematical models are presented to study the thermal behavior of crops (cabbage and peas) for open sun drying (natural convection) and inside the greenhouse under both natural and forced convection. The predictions of crop temperature, greenhouse room air temperature and rate of moisture evaporation (crop mass during drying) have been computed in Matlab software on the basis of...

The environmental temperature plays an important role in the growing crops. How to make use of computer technology to realize automatic control ambient temperature of greenhouse is a hot issue in the intelligent agriculture. The control of environmental temperature in modern greenhouses is collected and analyzed by monitoring system of greenhouse environment based on Labview software and wirele...

The evolution of resistance by pests can reduce the efficacy of transgenic crops that produce insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). However, fitness costs may act to delay pest resistance to Bt toxins. Meta-analysis of results from four previous studies revealed that the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema riobrave (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) imposed a 20% fitness cost for ...

a In order to meet the increasing need for quality conscience crops and to utilize the resources efficiently, the concept of Greenhouse was introduced. It assists in accurate monitoring and controlling of various parameters, in order to nurture healthy crops. In this paper efforts are made to acknowledge the problems associated with maintaining precise environmental conditions, and to implement...

The southern Brazilian grassland biome contains highly diverse natural ecosystems that have been used for centuries for grazing livestock and that also provide other important environmental services. Here we outline the main factors controlling ecosystem processes, review and discuss the available data on soil carbon stocks and greenhouse gases emissions from soils, and suggest opportunities fo...

Several types of trap crops have been recommended for managing the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, including collards (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). However, results have been variable perhaps because populations of P. xylostella develop on these trap crops and spill over to the cash crop. To overcome this problem, we sought to develop ‘‘dead-e...

The response of 29 rye, oat, triticale, and wheat cultivars to selected nematode species was determined in the greenhouse. Variability in nematode root galling and final nematode population densities in root and soil in response to cool season annual graminaceous crops occurred for spiral (Helicotylenchus dihystera), stubby root (Paratrichodorus minor), and root-knot (Meloidogyne incognita) nem...

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and other greenhouse gases have risen over the past few decades. If this continues, it could indirectly lead to increases in global temperature. Responses of grain legume crops (soybean, dry bean, peanut and cowpea) to elevated [CO2] and interactions with temperature are summarized. Our research shows that, in the absence of biotic (pests, diseas...

One of the assumptions underlying efforts to convert cropping land, especially marginal crop land, to plantations is that there will be a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with a gas "sink" replacing a high energy system in which the breakdown of biomass is routinely accelerated to prepare for new crops. This research, based on case studies in Kingaroy in southeast Queensland, compares...