Animal & Agricultural Science Digest (AASD)

Role of Boron in Enhancing Sunflower Yield Components

2026-02-05T06:35:33+00:00

Boron (B) is one of the important elements that are required in small amounts, often referred to as micronutrients. Boron also has a major impact on the growth and various physiological processes in plants which affects the yield and overall growth. This research was aimed at determining the effect of B application on the yield components of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. 2019) crop. The experiment was carried out at Amir Muhammad Khan Campus, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, during the kharif season of 2022. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The four levels of Boron (0, 4, 8, and 12 kg ha⁻¹) were applied in order to assess the effect of Boron on sunflower growth. It was observed that the application of Boron per hectare significantly improved the key yield components such as plant height (153.73 cm), number of leaves (15.64), seed weight (62.12g of seeds), and oil content (44.11%). In addition, the grain yield per hectare also improved (1054kg). Meanwhile, the biological yield was 4371kg. These results are critical in demonstrating the effectiveness of Boron in optimizing sunflower productivity in Mardan's region. This study also emphasizes the need for a better understanding of oilseed crop management practices by examining Boron as a potential nutrient in improving sunflower yields.

E-Agribusiness Adoption and Market Efficiency: The Moderating Role of Rural Digital Infrastructure

2026-03-26T11:02:49+00:00

The digitization of agriculture through e-agribusiness platforms offers transformative opportunities for enhancing market efficiency, reducing transaction costs, and improving farmers’ income. E-agribusiness adoption refers to the utilization of digital tools, mobile applications, online marketplaces, and farm management software to streamline production, marketing, and distribution processes. These platforms enable farmers to access market information, track supply chains, optimize pricing, and engage in direct sales, contributing to more efficient agricultural markets. This study investigates the impact of e-agribusiness adoption on market efficiency, focusing on the moderating role of rural digital infrastructure (RDI). RDI encompasses the availability, accessibility, and quality of internet connectivity, mobile networks, and digital services in rural areas. Robust RDI is hypothesized to amplify the benefits of e-agribusiness adoption, facilitating seamless digital transactions, timely information flow, and effective market linkages. A quantitative research design was employed, targeting farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, and rural market stakeholders engaged with e-agribusiness platforms. Structured questionnaires measured e-agribusiness adoption, market efficiency, and rural digital infrastructure readiness. Data were analyzed using Smart PLS structural equation modeling to evaluate the direct effect of e-agribusiness adoption on market efficiency and the moderating influence of RDI. Results indicate that e-agribusiness adoption positively influences market efficiency by reducing information asymmetry, lowering transaction costs, and enhancing price discovery. Rural digital infrastructure significantly moderates this relationship, highlighting that regions with better connectivity and digital services enable farmers to fully leverage e-agribusiness platforms. The findings underscore the importance of combining digital adoption with infrastructural development to enhance agricultural market performance and sustainability. Policy implications include investing in rural digital infrastructure, promoting farmer digital literacy, and incentivizing adoption of e-agribusiness solutions to achieve inclusive and efficient agricultural markets.

Genomic Breeding Technologies and Climate-Resilient Crops: The Mediating Role of Genetic Diversity and Adaptive Crop Traits

2026-03-26T11:04:42+00:00

Climate change poses significant threats to global food security by reducing crop productivity, altering precipitation patterns, and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. Developing climate-resilient crops is essential to sustain agricultural productivity and ensure global food supply. Genomic breeding technologies (GBT), including marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and CRISPR-based gene editing, provide innovative approaches to accelerate the development of climate-resilient crops. These technologies enable precise manipulation of crop genomes to enhance tolerance to drought, heat, salinity, and pest stress while maintaining yield stability. This study investigates the impact of genomic breeding technologies on the development of climate-resilient crops, focusing on the mediating roles of genetic diversity and adaptive crop traits. Genetic diversity refers to the range of alleles and gene variants within and among crop populations, which underpins their adaptability to environmental stresses. Adaptive crop traits, such as drought tolerance, heat resistance, and early maturity, reflect phenotypic responses that enhance resilience under climate variability. A quantitative research design was adopted, with data collected from plant breeders, agronomists, and agricultural scientists implementing genomic breeding programs. Structured questionnaires assessed the adoption of genomic breeding technologies, enhancement of genetic diversity, expression of adaptive traits, and development of climate-resilient crops. Data were analyzed using Smart PLS structural equation modeling to evaluate direct effects of genomic breeding technologies and the mediating roles of genetic diversity and adaptive traits. Results indicate that genomic breeding technologies significantly enhance the development of climate-resilient crops. Genetic diversity and adaptive crop traits both mediate this relationship, emphasizing the importance of combining advanced genomic tools with crop variability and trait selection strategies. The findings highlight the necessity of integrating genomics with traditional breeding knowledge and phenotypic assessments to accelerate the development of resilient crops. These insights inform policymakers, research institutions, and technology developers aiming to strengthen agricultural resilience to climate change.

Sustainable Livestock Product Processing and Food Safety: The Mediating Role of Smart Quality Monitoring Systems

2026-03-26T11:07:02+00:00

The livestock industry is a vital component of global food systems, providing essential nutrition, employment, and economic benefits. However, ensuring the sustainability of livestock product processing and maintaining food safety remains a significant challenge due to microbial contamination, chemical residues, and inefficiencies in production processes. The adoption of sustainable livestock processing practices—including improved handling, waste management, and energy-efficient operations—can reduce environmental impacts, enhance product quality, and mitigate health risks. Smart quality monitoring systems (SQMS), integrating sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, real-time data analytics, and automated control systems, provide innovative solutions for ensuring product quality and safety. These systems enable continuous monitoring of temperature, humidity, microbial load, and chemical composition during processing, storage, and distribution, allowing for early detection of deviations and preventive interventions. This study investigates the impact of sustainable livestock product processing practices on food safety, emphasizing the mediating role of smart quality monitoring systems. Sustainable practices alone may not guarantee food safety without effective monitoring mechanisms; SQMS ensure adherence to safety standards, traceability, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. A quantitative research design was employed, targeting livestock processing plants, quality control managers, and regulatory officers. Structured questionnaires assessed sustainable processing practices, the implementation of smart quality monitoring systems, and food safety outcomes. Data were analyzed using Smart PLS structural equation modeling to evaluate direct and mediated effects. Results indicate that sustainable livestock processing positively influences food safety. Smart quality monitoring systems significantly mediate this relationship, highlighting that real-time monitoring and automated quality control enhance the effectiveness of sustainable practices. Findings underscore the importance of integrating technological solutions with environmentally responsible practices to achieve safe, high-quality livestock products. Policymakers, industry managers, and technology developers can leverage these insights to strengthen food safety protocols, improve operational efficiency, and promote sustainable livestock production.

Drone-Based Crop Monitoring and Pest Detection: The Moderating Role of Technology Adoption Readiness among Farmers

2026-03-26T11:08:43+00:00

Agricultural productivity is increasingly threatened by pest infestations, diseases, and inefficient crop management practices. Drone-based crop monitoring systems provide a technological solution, enabling high-resolution aerial imaging, real-time data collection, and early pest detection. By integrating remote sensing, multispectral imaging, and artificial intelligence, drones allow precise assessment of crop health, facilitating timely interventions and resource optimization. This study investigates the impact of drone-based crop monitoring on pest detection and overall crop management, with a focus on the moderating role of farmers’ technology adoption readiness (TAR). TAR encompasses farmers’ willingness, skills, and preparedness to adopt and effectively utilize innovative technologies. High TAR is expected to enhance the effectiveness of drone-based monitoring by enabling accurate interpretation of data and timely implementation of pest management strategies. A quantitative research design was adopted, targeting farmers, agronomists, and agricultural extension officers using or familiar with drone technologies. Structured questionnaires assessed drone usage, pest detection efficiency, crop monitoring practices, and farmers’ technology adoption readiness. Data were analyzed using Smart PLS structural equation modeling to evaluate direct effects of drone-based crop monitoring and the moderating role of TAR on pest detection and crop management outcomes. Results indicate that drone-based crop monitoring significantly improves pest detection and crop management. Technology adoption readiness positively moderates this relationship, emphasizing that farmers who are more prepared and skilled in technology adoption derive greater benefits from drone-based systems. These findings highlight the importance of combining innovative technologies with human readiness and capacity-building initiatives to optimize agricultural productivity and pest management. Policymakers, extension services, and technology developers can leverage these insights to design effective adoption strategies and enhance sustainable farming practices.