The rising adoption of agricultural technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) or “smart farming” aims to boost crop production in terms of both quantity and quality. This study compares the benefits of a smart farm employing an IoT-based hydroponic system with those of a conventional hydroponic farm, using Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis L.) as the experimental crop. Our primary objective was to automate environmental monitoring, achieving pH level and electrical conductivity (EC) maintenance through smartphone or computer interfaces for nutrient and acid–base solution adjustments. Additionally, we evaluated plant growth and crop quality, finding superior results with the smart hydroponic system. On average, there were substantial increases in various parameters, including total fresh weight (27.14%), total dry weight (48.90%), plant height (11.14%), stem diameter (32.89%), leaf area (94.30%), leaf width (32.36%), leaf length (38.12%), and chlorophyll content (22.73%). Nitrate accumulation in the edible parts of Chinese cabbage remained within safe limits for both systems, reflecting careful nutrient management. These findings highlight the potential of IoT-based technology in enhancing productivity and quality in hydroponic farming, marking a significant step towards revolutionizing traditional agricultural practices for more efficient crop production systems.

Dog and cat faeces are a globally neglected issue that demands proper management. The poor handling of pet waste not only impacts environmental health but also contributes to community conflicts due to insufficient waste management practices. The objectives were to investigate the properties of pet wastes compared to livestock wastes (pigs, hens, and cattle) with the intention of formulating an efficient compost product suitable for agricultural applications. Faeces from dogs and cats were collected from the community, while faeces from livestock (pigs, cattle, and hens) were collected from farms. Faeces were mixed with probiotics, rice bran, and rice husk to make compost and used to grow sweet corn plants. The nutrient content was compared between fresh and composted faeces. Composted manure from different animal sources was compared for its effectiveness in promoting sweet corn growth. The results showed that fresh and composted dog and cat manures contained higher levels of nutrients (p < 0.05) compared to livestock manures. Additionally, composted pet manure accelerated (p < 0.05) the growth of the plants compared to composted livestock manures and control groups. This is the first study to conclude that composted pet faeces surpass livestock manure in their higher nutrients and enhance plant growth. The findings could help reduce pet waste and transform it into a valuable recycled resource. However, the safety of composted manure, especially concerning toxoplasmosis from cat faeces, remains a significant concern and requires further investigation.

In the selection phase of melon breeding programs, genetic variability is a critical component for yield improvement. The goals of this study were to discover the variables that affect melon fruit weight and examine genetic variability, correlation, and path analysis of eight melon varieties. The experiment was arranged as a completely randomized block design with 4 blocks. It was conducted between July and September 2021 at the School of Agricultural Technology, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The result found that stem diameter and length, leaf length, width, number, and chlorophyll, day to 50 male and female flowering, and fruit perimeter, height, and weight were highly significant across the varieties. The genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) of observed variables were all lower than phenotypic coefficients of variation (PCV). Fruit weight (15.462 and 19.865) had the highest GCV and PCV. High broad-sense heritability was linked to high (H) or moderate (M) genetic advance as a percentage of the mean from stem length (67.606: H and 21.992: H), fruit weight (60.586: H and 24.793: H), fruit perimeter (76.395: H and 12.258: M), and fruit height (69.828: H and 12.122: M). The maximum and significant genotypic correlation value was obtained between leaf length and leaf width (r=1.000). Fruit weight is positively correlated with fruit perimeter (r=0.940) and fruit height (r=0.831). According to correlation and path analyses, stem diameter and length, leaf chlorophyll, and fruit perimeter and height were considered variables for fruit weight improvement in the breeding programs. It suggests that the increase in traits with a favorable direct influence on fruit weight may directly contribute to fruit weight.

Herein, the effect of supplementing ground sago palm trunk (GSPT) with varying concentrations of plant-based ingredients (PIs), including rice bran (RB), soybean meal (SM), and perilla seed (PS), on the nutritional profile of sago palm weevil larvae (SPWL) was investigated. Increased PS intake induced an increase in α-linolenic acid level and a reduction in the n-6/n-3 ratio in SPWL (p < 0.05). The presence of fatty acids in SPWL was determined predominantly by the fatty acid profile in the feed. The activities of Δ5 + Δ6 desaturases and thioesterase were not different among SPWL fed different diets (p < 0.05); however, PI intake resulted in low suppression of fads2 gene expression. RB, SM, and PS at the appropriate concentrations of 17.5%, 8.8%, and 7.0% in GSPT (F3 diet), respectively, boosted both protein quantity and quality of SPWL, as indicated by higher levels of essential amino acids, particularly lysine, than the FAO protein reference. Therefore, incorporating PIs into a regular diet is a viable method for enhancing the nutritional value and sustainability of farm-raised SPWL as a potential alternative source of high-quality lipid and protein.

Damping-off disease, caused by Pythium aphanidermatum, significantly impacts tomato production. This study explored the potential of a two-pronged approach for enhanced biocontrol: combining two antagonistic Trichoderma asperellum strains (CB-Pin-01 and NST-009) with a plant immune stimulant (CaCO₃). Laboratory assays demonstrated strong individual efficacy of both Trichoderma strains against P. aphanidermatum, with significant growth inhibition and overgrowth capabilities. Importantly, scanning electron microscopy confirmed their compatibility. Greenhouse experiments revealed that the combined application of Trichoderma strains and CaCO₃ achieved the most significant reduction in disease incidence (17.78%) compared to the control (66.55%). Furthermore, this treatment resulted in 100% root colonization by Trichoderma and the highest population density in the soil (6.17 × 10⁷ CFU g⁻¹), suggesting the immune stimulant’s role in promoting beneficial microbe establishment. These findings highlight the potential of this combined strategy as a sustainable and effective approach for managing damping-off disease in tomatoes.