Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 11-22 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 16 retaining crop residues have been found to increase nitrogen accumulation and improve soil biodiversity, leading to sustainable production systems (Punyalue et al., 2018). These conservation tillage practices are essential for optimizing cultivation practices and ensuring environmental sustainability in maize production systems. Figure 2 Two-dimensional root length density (cm cm-3) distribution at a 0~40 cm soil depth in the filling growth stages in different planting systems (Adopted from Wu et al., 2024) Image Caption: (A, D) Rice under dry cultivation–maize intercropping; (B, E) sole maize; (C, F) sole rice under dry cultivation (Adopted from Wu et al., 2024) 6 Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM) 6.1 Major pests and diseases and their impacts In fresh-eating maize cultivation, common pests such as the corn borer and aphids, along with diseases like downy mildew, significantly impact yield and quality. The corn borer can cause extensive damage to maize plants by boring into stalks and ears, leading to reduced plant vigor and yield loss (Busch et al., 2020; Yurina et al., 2023). Aphids, on the other hand, not only weaken plants by sucking sap but also act as vectors for viral diseases, further compromising crop quality and yield (Green et al., 2020). Downy mildew, a fungal disease, affects the leaves and can lead to stunted growth and poor grain development, thereby diminishing both yield and quality (Furlan et al., 2017). 6.2 Biological control and ecological regulation techniques Biological control and ecological regulation techniques offer sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides by utilizing natural enemies, microbial agents, and plant-based pesticides. For instance, beneficial microbes like Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens have been shown to suppress disease incidence and enhance plant health, thereby reducing reliance on chemical controls (Khokhar et al., 2024). The use of entomopathogens and other biological agents can effectively manage pest populations such as the fall armyworm, demonstrating economic and environmental benefits (Yurina et al., 2023). A case study on managing corn aphids highlighted the successful application of biological control techniques, which not only reduced aphid populations but also minimized the need for chemical interventions (Pecenka et al., 2021). 6.3 Precision pest and disease monitoring and control Precision agriculture technologies, including drones and sensors, are revolutionizing pest and disease monitoring and control in maize cultivation. These technologies enable early detection and targeted interventions, reducing
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