Background and aimsMining causes severe damage to forest ecosystems, and the restoration of these environments in Amazonia remains a challenge. The first step is restoring the quality of the Technosol for plant establishment. This study evaluated the effects of pit size on the chemical properties of Technosol and the performance of selected tree species. MethodsThree different pit sizes were tested: Small Pit or Control (CTR), Medium Pit (MP), and Large Pit (LP) in an area degraded by kaolin mining. Four tree species were used for each pit size. After 24 months of planting, the chemical properties of Technosol, survival, periodic annual increment (PAI) for total height (PAIHt) and diameter at soil height (PAIDSH), canopy area (CA), and aboveground biomass (AGB) were evaluated. ResultsThe study found no significant differences in the chemical properties of Technosol across pit sizes (CTR, MP and LP). Survival rates were consistently high for all treatments. MP and LP provided the best increases in PAIHt of Tapirira guianensis. Average CA values ranged from 0.41 +/- 0.19 to 1.82 +/- 0.31 m2 between species, and LP provided the highest average CA for Terminalia argentea. Furthermore, pit size influenced AGB in Moquilea tomentosa, Terminalia argentea, and Tapirira guianensis. ConclusionThe restoration technique significantly impacted Technosol properties and species performance, highlighting its role in ecological recovery. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing forest restoration techniques in tropical regions impacted by mining.

The consumption of tomatoes has been associated with diminishing the risk of several lethal diseases, e.g., heart attack and cancer. This is because tomato contains high antioxidants that have been shown to protect against oxidative damage in numerous empirical and epidemiological studies. Considering the health benefits, more emphasis should be given to produce organic tomatoes. Tomatoes have been ranked as the most important fruit and vegetable in Western diets as essential source of antioxidants such as lycopene, beta-carotene, phenols, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Environmental conditions and agricultural practices are key factors that affect the quantities of these compounds available in tomato. Therefore, controlling the environmental conditions, such as water availability, temperature, light, saline soil, and agricultural practices (fertilization practices, harvesting, and food storage) are valuable tools to enhance the nutritional value of tomato fruits organically. Although, the quantitative and qualitative contents of health-promoting compounds in vegetables and fruits depend on their genetic predispositions. Agricultural practices and different environmental condition have broad effects on the nutraceutical compounds. Thus, this present study emphasizes on enhancing tomato nutrition through improved agricultural practices and optimized farming, especially in saline and water-deficit conditions. This organic-oriented strategy may counteract the scepticism caused by genetically modified tomatoes (GMOs) and will prompt further exploration in future studies.

Capnodis tenebrionis (Linn & eacute;) is a devastating pest of stone fruits (Prunus spp.) in the Mediterranean region. The endophytic root-boring larvae cause the main damage and can kill a large tree within 2 years. For several decades, with the absence of an effective biological control strategy, the management of this pest has mainly relied on the use of nonselective insecticides. These insecticides are applied either as a foliar spray targeting adults or as a soil treatment targeting neonate larvae. The search for alternative management options has increased since 2000 as a result of reduced efficacy of chemical control, decreased number of available insecticides, and the need for control measures suitable for organic stone fruit production. The main focus was on entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi. Several isolates/strains of these pathogens were found to be effective against larvae and adults of C. tenebrionis under laboratory and semi-field conditions. In this article, we review the current management options of C. tenebrionis, including chemical, biological, resilient rootstock, and cultural options. The prospects for developing an integrated management approach for this pest are also discussed.