Organic and inorganic fertilization influenced on yield and quality of sugar beet genotypes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and quality of sugar beet genotypes (Beta vulgaris L.). Therefore a field trial was carried out at New Developmental Farm of The University Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan during winter 2012–13. The field experiment was layout in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement having three replications. Fertilizers treatments (control, higo organic plus (composted manure, it contains N 2%, P 3%, K 3%, organic matter 40%, organic carbon 11%, Zn 145 mg kg^–1, Cu 56 mg kg^–1, Fe 380 mg kg^–1 and Mg 228 mg kg^–1), maxicrop sea gold (extract of sea weeds i.e., Sargasssum, Laminara Polysaccharide and Ascophyllum Nodosum), farm yard manure, NP (90: 60 kg ha^–1), NP (120: 90 kg ha^–1) and NP (150: 120 kg ha^–1) were allotted to main plots while genotypes (Sandrina, Serenada and Kawe Terma) to the sub plots. Farm yard manure (10 t ha^–1) and higo organic Plus (5 t ha^–1) was incorporated in the soil before seed bed preparation. Maxicrop sea gold (5 lit ha^–1) was sprayed after the emergence of the crop. All phosphorus was applied @ of 60, 90 and 120 kg ha^–1 at the time of sowing while nitrogen @ of 90, 120 and 150 kg ha^–1 in two splits/3 of the dose was applied at the time of sowing while the remaing 1/3 of the dose was applied before earthen up. Plots treated with application of NP ratio 120: 90 kg ha^–1 produced maximum beet yield (76.4 t ha^–1), sugar yield (11.1 t ha^–1), Pol (polarizable sugar) percentage (14.67%) and more economic return (Rs.234 Thousand ha^–1) as compared to control plots. Sugar beet genotype Serenada had significantly produced maximum beet yield (55.5 t ha^–1), sugar yield (7.9 t ha^–1), pol (polarizable sugar) percentage (14.60%), brix percentage (14.60%) and more economic return (158) as compared to other genotypes. It was concluded from the above results that sugar beet genotype Serenada treated with NP ratio 120: 90 kg ha^–1 for improved sugar beet productivity and quality therefore it is recommended for general practice in agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley.     

优化施肥对琯溪蜜柚产量、品质和碳排放的影响

明确减量优化施肥和增施钙镁肥对平和琯溪蜜柚产量、品质和碳排放的影响,为琯溪蜜柚绿色提质增效施肥技术提供科学依据。在蜜柚主产区平和县坂仔镇布置6个田间试验点,设置农户常规施肥(FFP)、优化施肥(OPT,减量施用氮磷钾肥)和优化施肥+钙镁肥(OPT+Ca Mg)处理,研究不同施肥处理对蜜柚产量、品质、肥料偏生产力、经济效益和碳排放的影响。结果表明:①与FFP处理相比,OPT和OPT+Ca Mg处理减肥不减产,且OPT+Ca Mg处理可以显著降低果实的可滴定酸含量(降幅7.0%)、提高固酸比(增幅8.8%),部分试验点可溶性固形物含量存在显著差异,但平均可溶性固形物含量无显著差异,不同处理的果实可食率无显著差异;     

Comparison of California Mastitis Test (CMT), Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) and bacteriological examinations for detection of camel (Camelus dromedarius) mastitis in Ethiopia

A total of 956 quarter milk samples from 253 traditionally managed lactating camels were collected aseptically from Negele (Borena Region), Dire Dawa, and Gewane (Afar Region), Ethiopia, according to multi-stage sampling. The quarter milk samples were subjected to California Mastitis Test (CMT), Somatic Cell Counts (SCC) and bacteriological examinations. Five hundred and seventy one (59.7%) quarter milk samples had microorganisms. Of these, 428 (75.0%) had isolates that were identified as major pathogens (MAP) and 143 (25.0%) as minor pathogens (MIP). A positive correlation was found between CMT scores and bacteriological classes (MAP, MIP) (p-value = 0.00). Strong correlation (p-value = 0.00) between CMT scores and SCC was recorded. The differences among the median log SCC of bacteriological classes (MAP, MIP) were not significant (p-value = 0.24). Similarly, the application of the cut-off level of 2.5 x 10(5) ml(-1) indicated less agreement (p-value = 0.32) for bacteriological classes MAP and MIP.     

Changes of extracted bioactive compounds from brown algae (Cystoseira indica) after conversion to mill and tablet using a quantitative metabolomics approach

Aquaculture International - There is developing importance in the biomedical use of seaweeds such as brown algae, mostly due to their contents of bioactive substances. In the present study,...     

Effects of apple cider vinegars produced with different techniques on blood lipids in high-cholesterol-fed rats

Red delicious apples were used to produce natural apple cider with and without inclusion of maceration. Traditional surface and industrial submersion methods were then applied to make vinegar from apple ciders. Apple cider vinegar samples produced with inclusion of maceration in the surface method had the highest total phenolic content, chlorogenic acid, ORAC, and TEAC levels. Cholesterol and apple vinegar samples were administered using oral gavage to all groups of rats except the control group. Apple cider vinegars, regardless of the production method, decreased triglyceride and VLDL levels in all groups when compared to animals on high-cholesterol diets without vinegar supplementation. Apple cider vinegars increased total cholesterol and HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and decreased liver function tests when compared to animals on a high-cholesterol diet without vinegar supplementation. A high-cholesterol diet resulted in hepatic steatosis. VSBM and VSB groups significantly decreased steatosis.     

Farm management optimization using chance constrained programming method

This paper presents a stochastic optimization model to determine the optimal number of acres of hay a farm should harvest for their own horses’ consumption, as well as how much hay to purchase and sell to maximize the total profit of the farm. This research is motivated by horse farmers who must make yearly decisions concerning the management of feeding horses. These decisions are affected by the cost to grow their own hay, the cost to buy hay, the cost associated with selling hay, and the stochastic nature of crop yield due to different weather conditions. The uncertainty of weather conditions is included in the mathematical model by including random variables in the model constraints. Optimal policies are obtained for a real world case study provided by a Kentucky horse farmer by applying chance constrained programming method. A sensitivity analysis is performed to show the effectiveness of the approach.     

Levels of some antioxidant molecules and lipid peroxidation during in vivo transformation of the progenetic metacercaria of Clinostomum complanatum to ovigerous adult worms

The levels of oxidative stress markers are an important indicator of the physiological state of the parasite and its host. In the present study levels of lipid peroxidation, glutathione S transferase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase were determined in the Clinostomum complanatum progenetic metacercaria, obtained from the fish peritoneum (a hypoxic habitat). The in vivo transformed ovigerous adult worms were obtained from the aerobic environment of the buccopharyngeal region of experimentally infected chickens. Levels of antioxidant molecules were also determined in the blood of experimentally infected chickens. An increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation, and a significant decrease in the levels of glutathione S transferase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase was observed in the infected host as compared to the controls. In the ovigerous worms, the levels of lipid peroxidation, glutathione S transferase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase were found to be significantly less than the levels observed in the progenetic metacercaria. Since the establishment of worm in the buccal cavity of the avian host would lead to its exposure to oxygen and the haematophagous nature of the parasite also exposes it to the free radicals in the host blood, the progenetic metacercaria has evolved to produce excess free radical scavenging molecules reserved to combat the oxidative stress encountered within the microhabitat of the definitive host.     

Effect of temperature on predation of Chilocorus bipustulatus L. (Col.: Coccinellidae) feeding on Agonoscena pistaciae (Hem.: Psyllidae)

Chilocorus bipustulatus L. (Col.: Coccinellidae) is a predatory coccinellid with a wide geographical distribution. Biological control programs should have a good understanding of the capacity of a predator to kill the target prey. Therefore, the age-stage specific predation rate and functional response of C. bipustulatus feeding on Agonoscena pistaciae (Hem.: Psyllidae) were studied at 18, 25, and 32 °C (65?±?5%RH and 16 L: 8D) to confirm its potential as a biological control agent of common pistachio psylla. The functional response at 18 and 25 °C were described by type II and type III at 32 °C. The estimated maximum attack rate (T/Th) was at 25 °C. Moreover, the highest net feeding (C₀) was observed at 25 °C (3271.5 psyllids). This laboratory study, thus, suggested that the predatory coccinellid C. bipustulatus reacted to the rise of temperature by enhancing the predation rate on A. pistaciae.

     

The effects of different methods of zinc application on canola seed yield and oil content

Abstract

Zinc (Zn) as a microelement plays a salient role in the vital processes of plants such as metabolism and nutrition. This experimental study was conducted in the research field of Agriculture Faculty, Zanjan University using two genotypes of canola as main factor (Okapi and Tassilo) and zinc fertilizer application method in 7 levels including control, foliar spraying (2, 3.5, and 5?g/L) at the beginning of flowering and soil application (25, 50, and 75?kg/ha) were considered as sub-plot factor. The results showed that the application of zinc significantly increased the chlorophyll content as compared to control treatment. The highest chlorophyll content was observed in foliar spraying of 3.5 and 5?g/L zinc in Okapi cultivar. While, the highest value of RWC content resulted only with spraying 5?g/L of zinc. The result showed that zinc foliar of 5?g/L obtained the highest oil and seed yields and seed yield components. In addition, the highest qualitative seed traits (oil and protein content and zinc content in seed and plant) resulted with spraying 5?g/L of zinc. Also, Okapi cultivar had more quantitative and qualitative yields than Tassilo cultivar. The foliar spray of 5?g/L Zn can be recommended to increase the quantity and quality seed yield of canola.