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Genotype-Specific Responses to Drought During Seed Production in Carrot: Biochemical, Physiological, and Seed Quality Evaluation
Drought stress during the reproductive phase substantially reduces seed yield and quality, posing a major challenge to sustainable crop production under climate change. This study investigated the effects of drought stress at the flowering stage on selected biochemical and physiological parameters in 18 carrot accessions. To describe the long-term consequences of drought comprehensively, we examined seed quality parameters. Our analyses revealed that stress responses are highly dependent on the genotype and the parameter examined. Regarding antioxidant responses and potential tissue damage caused by drought, ‘Dolanka’, DC97, DC265, DC359, DC522, DC701, DC704, and DC720 exhibited the highest tolerance. The photosynthetic apparatus and pigments were maintained under stress in DC233, DC522, DC717, and DC728. Germination parameters served as reliable indicators of stress tolerance in DC97, DC359, DC432, DC522, DC701, and DC722 accessions. Based on these findings and detailed discussion of the results, we conclude that tolerance/sensitivity assessment of carrot genotypes should consider the holistic response of the plant rather than individual parameters. Through overall assessment, we recommended DC522 accession as the most drought-tolerant, given its enhanced ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) scavenging mechanisms, increased chloroplast pigments accumulation, and superior germination parameters under drought conditions. Conversely, DC295 should not be cultivated under water-deficient conditions due to its impaired ability to detoxify ROS, altered photosynthetic activity, and disrupted seed germination under such conditions. These results collectively highlight the potential for selecting drought-tolerant carrot genotypes in breeding programs targeting improved seed performance under water-limited conditions, thereby supporting the development of resilient cultivars adapted to future climate challenges.
The Effect of Drip Irrigation and Nitrogen Levels on the Oil and Fatty Acid Composition of Sesame and Its Economic Analysis
One of the oldest oilseed crops is sesame, which is mainly cultivated due to its valuable oleic/linolenic fatty acid ratio. The application of precise irrigation and fertilisation is crucial to ensure the continuity and productivity of sesame production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aimed to determine the effect of drip irrigation and nitrogen levels on sesame’s oil and fatty acid composition. For this purpose, four nitrogen doses (N0: 0 kg ha−1, N30: 30 kg ha−1, N60: 60 kg ha−1 and N90: 90 kg ha−1) and three different irrigation water levels (I50, I75 and I100, which correspond to 50, 75 and 100% evaporation levels from the evaporation of the Class A pan) were applied. The highest oleic acid content (43.06%) was obtained for the I75N90 treatment. In the case of linoleic fatty acid, the greatest value (43.66%) was for I50N0 treatment. The effects of irrigation and nitrogen doses on oleic acid and linoleic acid content were inverse of each other. An increase in applied irrigation water increased the linoleic acid content. However, it caused a decrease in oleic acid content. Increasing the nitrogen dose increased the oleic acid content and caused a decrease in linoleic acid content. Furthermore, this study showed that the I50N60 treatment (50% Epan and a rate of 60 kg N ha−1) is the most effective for achieving high grain and oil yields in sesame cultivation. The results obtained provide practical guidance for farmers in sesame cultivation.
The effects of high temperature and low humidity on crop water stress index of seed pumpkin plants (Cucurbita pepo L.) in semi-arid climate conditions
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high temperature and low humidity on the crop water stress index (CWSI) of seed pumpkin plants grown under semi-arid climate conditions to determine the optimum irrigation time. This research unveils the critical impact of high temperature and low humidity on seed pumpkin growth, emphasizing the vital role of the CWSI in optimizing irrigation strategies and seed yield. Moreover, the relationship between CWSI, physiological parameters, and seed yield of the pumpkin was investigated. The mean CWSI values in the I70 (0.40) and I35 (0.56) treatments were 42% and 100% higher, respectively than those in the full irrigation (I100) treatment (0.28). While the I70 treatment showed manageable water stress with minimal impact, the I35 treatment experienced severe stress, significantly reducing crop growth and yield. The mean seed yield (SY) in the I70 treatment increased to 1245.2 kg ha–1 compared to I35 (903.3 kg ha–1) but remained lower than I100 (1339.3 kg ha–1). The CWSI had negative correlations (p ≤ 0.01) with seed yield, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index, while it had positive correlations with water use efficiency and irrigation water use efficiency (p ≤ 0.01). This study showed that pumpkins could be grown successfully at 30% water deficit conditions, and a water deficit higher than 30% may cause a significant seed yield loss in semi-arid climate conditions. In addition, the results highlight the importance of optimal irrigation and CWSI monitoring for informed irrigation decisions and sustainable agricultural practices. Therefore, moderate water deficit (I70) can be adopted in pumpkin cultivation as an alternative to full irrigation.
Determination of the Effect of a Thermal Curtain Used in a Greenhouse on the Indoor Climate and Energy Savings
In order to reduce the impact of outdoor extreme weather events on crop production in winter, energy saving in greenhouses that are regularly heated is of great importance in reducing production costs and carbon footprints. For this purpose, the variations in indoor temperature, relative humidity and dew point temperature in the vertical direction (2 m, 4 m, 5.7 m) of thermal curtains in greenhouses were determined. In addition, depending on the fuel used, the curtains’ effects on heat energy consumption, heat transfer coefficient, carbon dioxide equivalents released to the atmosphere and fuel cost were investigated. To reach this goal, two greenhouses with the same structural features were designed with and without thermal curtains. As a result of the study, the indoor temperature and relative humidity values in the greenhouse with a thermal curtain increased by 1.3 °C and 10% compared to the greenhouse without a thermal curtain. Thermal curtains in the greenhouse significantly reduced fuel use (59.14–74.11 m3·night−1). Considering the heat energy consumption, the average heat energy consumption was 453.7 kWh·night−1 in the greenhouse with a curtain, while it was 568.6 kWh·night−1 in the greenhouse without a curtain. The average heat transfer coefficient (U) values were calculated at 2.87 W·m−2 °C with a thermal curtain and 3.63 W·m−2 °C without a thermal curtain greenhouse. In the greenhouse, closing the thermal curtain at night resulted in heat energy savings of about 21%, related to the decrease in U values. The use of a thermal curtain in the greenhouse reduced the amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere (116.6–146.1 kg·night−1) and fuel cost (USD 21.3–26.7·night−1). To conclude, extreme weather events in the outdoor environment adversely affect the plants grown in greenhouses where cultivation is performed out of season. A thermal curtain, used to reduce these adverse effects and the amount of energy consumed, is essential in improving indoor climate conditions, providing more economical greenhouse management and reducing the CO2 released into the atmosphere due to fuel use.
Determination of the Effects of Different Irrigation Levels and Vermicompost Doses on Water Consumption and Yield of Greenhouse-Grown Tomato
This study was conducted in pots under a polycarbonate greenhouse to determine the effects of different irrigation levels and vermicompost doses on the morphological and phenological characteristics, water consumption, water use efficiency, and yield parameters of tomato plants. For this purpose, different irrigation levels of 100%, 75%, 50% (I100: full irrigation, I75, I50) and vermicompost (VC) doses of 0, 10% and 20% (VC0, VC10 and VC20, w/w) were applied as the treatments. The study’s results determined the irrigation levels and vermicompost doses affected the tomato plants’ morphological and fruit quality parameters. The highest and lowest plant water consumption (ET) values for the treatments were determined as 47.8 L (I100VC10) and 21.2 L (I50VC0), respectively. Moreover, irrigation water levels and vermicompost doses significantly influenced the total yield of tomatoes. The highest and lowest total and marketable yields were obtained from the I100VC20 and I50VC0 irrigation levels and vermicompost doses. Similarly, the highest and lowest total water use efficiencies were achieved from the I100VC20 (21.9 g L−1) and I50VC0 (11.0 g L−1) treatments. Furthermore, the highest and lowest marketable water use efficiencies were obtained from the I100VC20 (21.9 g L−1) and I50VC0 (7.8 g L−1) treatments. The yield response factor (ky) was found to be 1.42. Although the highest efficiency was achieved from 100% full irrigation and a 20% vermicompost dose in the study, it is suggested that 75% irrigation level and 10% fertilizer doses can also be applied in places where water is limited and fertilizer is expensive. The results revealed that the appropriate irrigation level and vermicompost doses could reliably be used to enhance tomato yield.
Water Needs of Sweet Cherry Trees in the Light of Predicted Climate Warming in the Bydgoszcz Region, Poland
The Bydgoszcz region (Poland) is located in an area with a very high demand for supplementary irrigation during the vegetation period of plants. The projected global warming will bring a rise in the water needs of crops, and thus a further increase in irrigation needs. The goal of the study was an attempt to estimate the water needs of sweet cherry trees in 2021–2050 (forecast period) in the region of Bydgoszcz. The years 1981–2010 were adopted as the reference period. The water needs of sweet cherry trees were calculated on the basis of air temperature using the Treder method, in which water needs are equated with the potential evapotranspiration of a given fruit tree species. It was found that in the growing season of the forecast period, the relative diversity of sweet cherries’ water needs was relatively small (7%). The highest variability of monthly water needs was in April, May, and June. The seasonal water needs amounted to 573 mm, with very high monthly water needs noted in July (139 mm) and August (134 mm). A significant trend of the time variability of water needs was calculated only in August. During this month, it is predicted that the water needs will rise by 5 mm in each subsequent decade. These results will be helpful in the design of sweet cherry irrigation treatments.
Evaluation of Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) for High Tunnel Greenhouse Tomatoes under Different Irrigation Levels
An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of water stress on yield and various physiological parameters, including the crop water stress index for tomatoes in the Central Anatolian region of Turkey. For this purpose, the irrigation schedule used in this study includes 120%, 100%, 80%, and 60% (I120, I100, I80, I60) of evaporation from the gravimetrically. Water deficit was found to cause a stress effect in tomato plants, which was reflected in changes in plants’ morphological and pomological function (such as stem diameter, fruit weight, pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids). Irrigation levels had a significant effect on the total yield of tomatoes. The lowest water use efficiency (WUE) was obtained from the I60, while the highest WUE was found in the I100 irrigation level. The CWSI was calculated using an empirical approach from measurements of infrared canopy temperatures, ambient air temperatures, and vapor pressure deficit values for four irrigation levels. The crop water stress index (CWSI) values ranged from −0.63 to a maximum value of 0.53 in I120, from −0.27 to 0.63 in I100, from 0.06 to 0.80 in I80, and from 0.37 to 0.97 in I60. There was a significant relation between yield and CWSI. The yield was correlated with mean CWSI values, and the linear equation Total yield = −2398.9CWSI + 1240.4 can be used for yield prediction. The results revealed that the CWSI value was useful for evaluating crop water stress in tomatoes and predicting yield.
The Effect of Irrigation and Vermicompost Applications on the Growth and Yield of Greenhouse Pepper Plants
In agricultural practice, improper irrigation levels and excessive fertiliser use negatively impact water resources and soil properties, respectively. This experiment aims to determine the effects of varying irrigation levels and vermicompost doses on the growth, quality, and productivity of pepper plants grown under polycarbonate greenhouse conditions. To achieve this objective, different irrigation levels (IL) of IL100 (100% full irrigation), IL75 (75%), IL50 (50%), and vermicompost doses (VD) of VD0 (0%), VD10 (10%), and VD20 (20%) were tested. The highest irrigation level was in the IL100–VD10 treatment, which also had the highest water consumption (ET) in the 27.8 L pot−1. By comparison, the IL50–VD0 treatment had the lowest irrigation level in the 15.4 L pot−1, representing nearly 55.4% of the maximum irrigation water amount. The findings showed that the irrigation levels and vermicompost doses had a significant impact on plant growth, quality, and fruit yield parameters. Accordingly, the irrigation levels and vermicompost doses had significant effects on the studied plant growth parameters (stem diameter, plant height, number of leaves, stem fresh weight, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight). Similar effects were also observed on the fruit quality parameters (fruit width, fruit length, fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, pH, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), chrome, and hue). This study found that the highest total yield (164.5 g pot−1), marketable yield (149.8 g pot−1), total water use efficiency (6.1 g L−1), and marketable water use efficiency (5.6 g L−1) were obtained at the 100% irrigation level. However, similar results were observed at the 75% irrigation level and a 20% vermicompost dose, where the total water use efficiency was 5.9 g L−1 and the marketable water use efficiency was 5.3 g L−1. This suggests that 75% irrigation can be a viable alternative to full irrigation (100%) and offers water-saving potential, particularly in areas with limited water resources.
Derinkuyu dry bean irrigation planning in semi-arid climate by utilising crop water stress index values
This study was conducted to determine crop water stress index (CWSI) values and irrigation timing in the case of Derinkuyu dry bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.). In 2017, dry beans were grown as the main crop according to the field design consisting of plots divided into randomised blocks. Irrigation treatment comprised full irrigation (I100) and irrigation issues with three different levels of water stress (I66, I33, I0). This study applied 602 mm of water under the I100 irrigation. The yield of Derinkuyu dry beans was equal to 3576.6 kg∙ha –1 in I100 irrigation. The lower limit (LL) value, which is not necessary for the determination of CWSI, was obtained as the canopy–air temperature difference ( Tc – Ta) versus the air vapour pressure deficit ( VPD). The upper limit (UL) value, at which the dry beans were wholly exposed to water stress, was obtained at a constant temperature. The threshold CWSI value at which the grain yield of dry beans started to decrease was determined as 0.33 from the measurements made with an infrared thermometer before irrigation in I66 irrigation treatment. As a result, it can be suggested that irrigation should be applied when the CWSI value is 0.33 in dry beans. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between grain yield and crop water stress index and a positive correlation between yield and chlorophyll content. According to variance analysis, significant relationships were found between the analysed parameters at p ≤ 0.01 and p ≤ 0.05.
Energy Potential of Greenhouse Plant Residue: The Cases of Turkey and Poland
The search for waste management opportunities is crucial for achieving environmentally friendly waste practices and ensuring the country’s energy security. This research aimed to valorize biomass and waste generated in greenhouses and to analyze the potential for electricity production from this waste. The analyses compared the situations in Turkey and Poland, where greenhouse production of vegetables is developing and constitutes an important link in agricultural activities, despite differences in climatic conditions. The cultivation of vegetables and flowers under cover is rapidly expanding in both countries and, with changing climatic conditions, is expected to shape the future of agriculture. In addition to estimating the energy that can be obtained, the study also evaluated the economic benefits of such a solution and the volume of avoided CO2 emissions from fossil fuels. The issue of utilizing these wastes is significant because current methods of their management do not lead to energy production, so their considerable energy potential is wasted, as highlighted in this study. Moreover, there is a lack of similar studies in the literature. The plant species chosen as materials in this study were tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, watermelon, and melon in the case of Turkey. For Poland, the analysis was conducted for tomatoes and greenhouse cucumbers. These crops represent the largest cultivated areas under cover in the respective countries. Results indicated that the average yearly amount of vegetable residue is approximately 463 thousand Mg in Turkey, and 77 thousand Mg in Poland. The estimated annual electricity potential is 430 GWh in Turkey and 80 GWh in Poland. Considering the efficiency of power generation in a typical power plant, the real amount of electricity to be obtained is 0.46 MWh per Mg of waste in Turkey and 0.52 MWh in Poland.
Analysis of Crop Water Requirements for Apple Using Dependable Rainfall
Rainfall expected to occur in a given period is defined as dependable rainfall. The increasing pressure on freshwater resources necessitates efficient water use in the agricultural sector, where water is used the most globally. Therefore, dependable rainfall values in dry (80%), normal (50%) and wet (20%) periods, which are used in the planning and operation stages of irrigation networks, can be determined by analysis. In this study, the change in the irrigation water requirement of apple trees was investigated based on the dependable rainfall of Warsaw and Isparta, two important apple production regions of Poland and Turkey. For this purpose, dependable rainfall values in both locations between 1984 and 2021 were calculated monthly and annually with the Rainbow program. Then, using the climate parameters of the relevant years, plant water consumption and irrigation water requirements were calculated with the help of Cropwat software. As a result of the research, rainfall values expected to occur in the dry, normal and rainy years in Warsaw are 466 mm, 532 mm and 604 mm, respectively, while, in Isparta, these values are 422 mm, 520 mm and 602 mm, respectively. Crop water requirements calculated based on dependable rainfall are 363 mm, 237 mm and 108 mm in Warsaw during the dry, normal and wet periods, while these values are 452 mm, 367 mm and 277 mm, respectively, in Isparta. The application of appropriate irrigation rates that take into account water requirements will optimize the use of water resources and also improve apple yields. This is extremely important for these research areas in particular, as Turkey and Poland are among the largest apple producers in the world.
Use of Rainwater Harvesting from Roofs for Irrigation Purposes in Hydroponic Greenhouse Enterprises
This study was conducted to determine the irrigation water demand due to solar radiation in high-tech greenhouses using hydroponic systems in Turkey’s Mediterranean and continental climates, and to determine the annual water consumption and storage capacity with harvested rainwater. Intensive greenhouse cultivation and the recent increase in modern greenhouse cultivation were important factors in selecting the provinces for the study. The chosen provinces were Antalya and Adana, with a Mediterranean climate, and Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir, with a continental climate. In this research, depending on the production period, the amount of water consumed per unit of area in greenhouses in Antalya, which has a Mediterranean climate, was determined to be 1173.52 L m−2 per yr−1, and in Adana, it was 1109.18 L m−2 per yr−1. In the provinces of Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir, where a continental climate prevails, water consumption was calculated to be 1479.11 L m−2 per yr−1 and 1370.77 L m−2 per yr−1, respectively. Storage volumes for the provinces of Antalya, Adana, Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir were found to be 438.39 L m−2, 122.71 L m−2, 42.12 L m−2 and 43.65 L m−2, respectively. For the provinces of Antalya, Adana, Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir, the rates of rainwater harvesting and meeting plants’ water consumption were calculated to be 80.79%, 54.27%, 27.47% and 25.16%, respectively. In addition, the amount of water fee savings that could be achieved by rainwater harvesting was calculated to be USD 901.3 per yr−1 for Antalya, USD 835.3 per yr−1 for Adana, USD 247.6 per yr−1 for Afyonkarahisar and USD 210.2 per yr−1 for Kırşehir. As a result, rainwater harvesting will not only provide economic gain to enterprises but will also be important in reducing the negative effects of irregular rainfall regimes caused by climate change on underground and surface water resources. It was also concluded that enterprises should focus on popularizing rainwater harvesting.
The effect of climate change on stream basin hydrometeorological variables: The example of Dim Stream (Turkey)
Calculation of the Potential Biogas and Electricity Values of Animal Wastes: Turkey and Poland Case
This research aimed to analyze the potential amount of electrical energy from biogas energy obtained from animal wastes in Turkey and Poland. Animal waste values were calculated by taking into account the recommended literature values. In determining the biomass energy potential of livestock enterprises in Turkey and Poland, FAO’s 2012–2021 data were taken into account. The animal breeds selected as material in this study were cattle, goat, sheep, chicken, duck, goose, turkey, horse, pig, mule and donkey. Considering 10-year calculations, the potential amount of biogas energy that can be obtained from animal wastes for Turkey is 28,845,975 GJ, which is equivalent to 8,105,058 MWh of electrical energy. In Poland, the potential amount of biogas energy that can be generated from animal waste is 13,999,612 GJ, which is equivalent to 3,902,020 MWh of electricity. Moreover, it is estimated that the percentage of the potential amount of electricity to be obtained in 2021 to cover the amount of electricity consumed is 0.303% for Turkey and 0.392% for Poland. For 2021, the amount of economic gains that can be from electricity obtained was also calculated, and it was determined that this value can be 78,650,302 Euro for Turkey and 62,182,435 Euro for Poland. At the same time, it was calculated that the electricity needs of 406,170 houses in Turkey and 171,958 houses in Poland can be met in 2021. As a result, it is thought that the potential electricity to be obtained will contribute to determining energy gains and investment plans for biogas plants.
The Importance of Rainwater Harvesting and Its Usage Possibilities: Antalya Example (Turkey)
The significance and effective use of water, one of the most basic requirements for sustaining vital activities, is gaining importance every day. Population growth and unprogrammed industrialization accelerate the consumption of available water resources. However, drought, as a result of climate change, poses a threat to water resources. Factors such as the exhaustibility of water resources, rapid population growth, unscheduled industrialization and drought increase the tendency towards alternative water resources. Rainwater harvesting is based on the principle of using the rainwater falling into the regions after it is stored. Water collected through rain harvesting can be utilized in many different areas, such as agricultural irrigation, landscape irrigation and domestic use. Among agricultural activities, the idea of water harvesting in greenhouse areas comes to the fore. Due to the gutters on the greenhouse roofs, water can be stored. In Antalya, which has about half of the greenhouses in Turkey, the amount of water in the rain harvest that can be obtained in greenhouses is 224,992,795.8 m3 per year. Monthly calculations throughout the year showed that the minimum water can be harvested in August (938,447.53 m3) and the maximum (54,771,210 m3) in December. Therefore, it is thought that some plant water consumption can be met by building sufficient storage in areas close to the greenhouse.