Evaluation of furrow fertigation and model validation on maize field

In new agricultural practices, joint application of water and fertilizer has been become common. Uniform distribution of fertilizer in soil and in plant growth duration is possible by this procedure. The main objective of this study was to investigate furrow fertigation management effects on distribution uniformity and runoff losses of nitrate in a cornfield, and validate a numerical fertigation model. A field experiment was carried out with seed corn at 12 experiments with a complete randomized block design during 2 years. Nitrogen requirement was determined by soil analysis and accomplished in four stages of the growth: before cultivation, in seven leaves, shooting and earring stages which first section (before cultivation) was applied by manual distribution and others by fertigation. Potash and super phosphate fertilizers (based on soil analysis) were sprayed on soil before planting. Water requirement was estimated by using class a evaporation pan multiplied by plant (Kc) and pan coefficients. Nitrogen fertilizer was solved in irrigation water and injected at the last minutes of irrigation. The results showed that fertilizer distribution uniformity of the low quarter (DU_LQ) ranged from 85.7% to 91.5% in first year, and 69.9% to 95.5% in second year. While water DU_LQ ranged from 74.1 to 98.2% in 2 years. Nitrate losses of surface runoff have ranged between 5.7 and 42.0% in first year according to the application time and the outflow flux. In second year, the nitrate losses decreased by adopting appropriate management based on the experiences of first year. The fertigation model was subsequently applied to the experimental data and results showed good agreement with field data.     

Physico-chemical characteristics of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Northern Areas of Pakistan

In order to ascertain physico-chemical, functional and geometrical traits of apricot fruit from Northern Areas of Pakistan, six predominantly grown varieties namely, Alman, Habi, Khakhas, Mirmalik, Neeli and Shai were selected in this study. Proximate composition as crude fat (2.1–3%), crude protein (6.18–8.7%), crude fiber (11.85–13.6%), ash (9.45–12.1%) and total sugars (56.8–64.9%) were determined on dry weight basis. The data showed variations among the investigated parameters in all varieties. Functional properties of apricot fruit viz. ascorbic acid (67.39–90.94 mg/100 g), total phenolic compounds (4590–7310 mgGAE/100 g), total carotenoids (10.09–18.13 mg/100 g β-carotene) and antioxidant activity (56.84–82.33%) were also recorded. The data pertaining to mineral contents (mg/100 g) revealed K as the predominant element (2040–3000) followed by P, Mg, Ca, Na and Fe among all the tested samples. Furthermore, geometrical characters of apricot varieties were also determined as important sensory and technological attributes on fresh weight basis. The result from the present study showed that all the tested varieties are highly nutritious and rich in functional components.     

Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline CoWO4@silk fibers with antibacterial activity under ultrasound irradiation

The present investigation reports the novel synthesis of CoWO₄ nanoparticles@silk fiber under ultrasound irradiation. The effect of temperature, power of ultrasound irradiation and sequential dipping steps in growth of the CoWO₄ particles were studied. Results show a decrease in the particles size as the temperature and power of irradiation decreased. The fibers containing CoWO₄ nanoparticles were tested for their antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus and were found to possess significant antibacterial activity. The results show the CoWO₄ nanoparticles@silk with strongest fluorescence characteristics can be obtained in this method. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Toxicity of three insecticides and tobacco extract against the fungus gnat, Lycoriella auripila and the economic injury level of the gnat on button mushroom

Lycoriella auripila (Winnertz) (Diptera: Sciaridae) is one of the most frequently seen pests of cultivated mushrooms, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach. The effects of different concentrations of diazinon, imidacloprid and deltamethrin, and tobacco extract were tested against L. auripila on varieties 737 and A15 of button mushroom. Also, economic injury level (EIL) of fungus gnat was evaluated on variety 737. Different varieties of button mushroom were cultured and weight of harvested mushrooms was recorded to provide an estimate of yield loss. A linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between pest density and mushroom yield. Imidacloprid was the most effective insecticide against L. auripila on both varieties and caused 100 % control at the highest tested concentration. The lowest concentration of diazinon (500 ppm a.i.) increased pest emergence on 737 and A15. This is possibly due to the hormoligosis. Deltamethrin and tobacco extract were ineffective against fungus gnat between both varieties. High levels of adults of L. auripila were associated with significant reduction in mushroom yield. EIL were calculated according to the number of L. auripila required to cause the critical yield loss from the predictive model and by control costs, mushroom price, and the reduction of injury due to spraying by imidacloprid and diazinon. The lowest values of EIL were related to imidacloprid compared with diazinon. This is due to the different efficiency of these two insecticides, for it causes mortality in population of L. auripila. Based on this research, for the first time clear EILs are introduced to the button mushroom growers for treatment of L. auripila.     

The Bio-Functional Properties of Pigmented Cereals may Involve Synergies among Different Bioactive Species

This study was aimed at characterizing the anthocyanins and phenolics profile in different varieties of pigmented corn and wheat and in some of their milling fractions. Acid/ethanol extracts were used to assess total anthocyanins, overall antioxidant activity, the overall polyphenol profile, and for evaluating the inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase and of intestinal α-glucosidase. Both enzymes were inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by all extracts, but individual extracts had specific effects on each enzyme. Anti-inflammatory response was evaluated by using acid-free extracts and Caco-2 cells transiently transfected with a luciferase reporter gene responding to cytokine stimulation. The immune response of interleukin-stimulated cells decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner in the presence of 20–50 μM/l anthocyanins from all grains extracts, again with a different efficiency. The inhibitory ability and the anti-inflammatory capability of these extracts are in most cases higher than in similar extracts from other sources, suggesting that activities in each extract may imply specific synergies between anthocyanins and other phenolics.

     

Micropropagation of Prunus scoparia,a Suitable Rootstock for Almond under Drought Conditions

Prunus scoparia is a wild deciduous shrub, usually living on dry calcareous soils of the rocky mountains and has been used as a grafting rootstock for domesticated almonds to provide drought resistance. In the current study, micropropagation ability of P. scoparia was investigated using cytokinin and auxin. Uniform nodal shoot pieces (3–5 cm in length) of seedlings were used as explants. The explants were disinfected with 10% sodium hypochlorite solution. For adventitious shoot induction and proliferation, Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing 7.00 g/l agar and 30.00 g/l sucrose containing five concentrations of benzyl adenine (BA) (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, and 4.00 mg/1) and also containing six concentrations of Thidiazuron (TDZ) (0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00, 5.00, and 7.00 mg/1) were compared. For rooting, in vitro shoots (2–3 cm) were transferred into ½ MS medium supplemented with 30 g/l sucrose, 7.50 g/l agar, and different concentrations of IBA (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mg/l) and NAA (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 mg/l). Based on the results obtained for shoot proliferation, only 2.00 and 4.00 mg/l BA and 2.00 mg/l TDZ concentrations generated shoots, while other treatments did not show shoot proliferation. Among the three treatments that generated shoots, the best results for shoot number, leaf number, and leaf color quality were observed in media containing 2.00 mg/l TDZ. Based on the results obtained for rooting, the effect of IBA concentrations on the rooting percentage, root number, and root length was significant. Among IBA concentrations, only 0.50 mg/l IBA induced rooting, while there was no rooting in the media containing other IBA concentrations. None of the NAA concentrations showed rooting. In conclusion, MS culture medium supplemented with 2.00 mg/l TDZ and ½ MS culture medium supplemented with 0.50 mg/l IBA are suggested for in vitro shoot proliferation and rooting of P. scoparia, respectively. The results presented herein could be used for in vitro selection and micropropagation of P. scoparia.     

Dietary simultaneous replacement of fish meal and fish oil with blends of plant proteins and vegetable oils in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) fry: Growth,digestive enzymes,antioxidant status and skin mucosal immunity

A 56‐day nutritional research was performed to examine the influence of alternative vegetal protein and lipid sources on performance of yellowfin seabream fry (Acanthopagrus latus) (0.5 ± 0.0 g). In this regard, five isoproteic (Ca. 500 g/kg) and isolipidic (Ca. 150 g/kg) diets were formulated in which fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) were simultaneously replaced with blends of plant proteins (PP, soybean meal and corn gluten) and vegetal oils (VO, canola and soybean oils) at 20% (SR20), 40% (SR40), 60% (SR40) and 80% (SR80) levels, respectively; meanwhile, a control diet (SR0) was formulated based on FM and FO. Growth and feed utilization were not influenced by experimental diets. The fatty acid profile of fillet drastically altered by dietary treatments. Fish fed with the SR60 and SR80 feeds had higher total protease, trypsin and α‐amylase activities than other treatments. The antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione content in liver were enhanced in fish fed with the SR40, SR60 and SR80 diets. Skin mucosal immune parameters including total protein content, alkaline phosphatase and alternative complement pathway activities in the control group were relatively lower than the vegetal treatments. According to these results, it is recommended that 410 g/kg of FM and 45 g of FO/kg can be replaced with alternative vegetal sources in diet for A. latus fry.     

Effect of various phosphorus and calcium concentrations on potato seed tuber production

Although the effects caused in plants by the calcium (Ca)–phosphorus (P) interaction in calcareous soils are well documented, very few studies report on such effects in nutritive solutions or hydroponic cultivation. In a sand and perlite (1:1 volume) hydroponic system, effects of various P (21, 42, and 63 ppm) and Ca (120, 180, and 240 ppm) concentrations on potato tuberization were studied. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted. For maximum tuber yield and tuber number production, 21 and 42 ppm P was sufficient, respectively. Increase in P and Ca concentrations in nutrient solutions in early growing season resulted in an increase in shoot and root weight, leaf area, and shoot length linearly, but tuber yield and tuber number did not follow this trend. The maximum tuber specific gravity and total solid percent were also observed in 42 ppm P. The highest tuber number and tuber yield were observed in 120 ppm Ca concentration.