Artificial Shading Research Articles

Impact of shade on outdoor thermal comfort, in the case of a Mediterranean Promenade

Outdoor thermal comfort is a frequent research topic nowadays. This research focuses on the Mediterranean coastal promenade, taking as a case study the coastal promenade of the city of Durres in Albania. The purpose of this research is to find out how and to what extent natural and artificial shades impact outdoor thermal comfort at the pedestrian’s level by including climate parameters during the analysis. The study is both quantitative and qualitative. Following an evaluation of the urban texture, thermal cameras and climatic instruments are used to conduct field measurements. Then, ENVI-met computer simulations are run with a focus on the PET index. The results of measurements and simulations of the promenade have indicated a high level of thermal stress. In the end, using computer simulation, two hypothetical scenarios are developed, taking into consideration the parameter of shade. They are set under identical climate circumstances on a common summer day. The results of the scenarios have shown that selecting the appropriate types of greenery and artificial shading improves pedestrian thermal comfort by 12-45 percent. Thus, it is very important how promenades and public spaces are designed, paying special attention to their physical elements such as natural and artificial shading.

Shade effect on the productivity and structure of natural campos communities: Doctoral thesis abstract

The characteristics of the forest plantations determine the dynamics of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) under the tree canopy and its area of influence. The objective of this work was to study the effect of shade on the structure and biomass production of the natural grassland (CN), analyzing the relationships between the light environment on the vegetation cover of the understory (%), the species present and their photosynthetic metabolisms. In addition, the effect of artificial shade on the production, seasonal distribution of forage and structure of a CN were analyzed for three years. P. taeda and E. grandis exhibited a similar light environment, presenting the lowest levels of plant cover. E. globulus showed a more illuminated environment, generating better conditions for plant development. C4 species increase their coverage against increases in incident photosynthetically active radiation (PARi) levels and C3 species achieve the highest coverage at intermediate levels of light interception. The composition in summer and autumn tends to become homogeneous over the years, associating with summer perennial grasses (GPE), regardless of the level of interception of solar radiation (IRS). In winter and spring the cover evolves towards a greater association with winter perennial grasses (GPI) and winter annual grasses (GAI) in the levels of greater shade. The increase in IRS levels increased the production of CN. The effect of shade over time determined different seasonal responses in biomass production and composition of functional types of plants. The shade modifies the botanical composition, increasing the coverage of GPI, GAI and reducing the GPE. The shade level modifies the seasonal distribution of forage, smoothing the annual production curve.

Effects of artificial canopy shading on vegetative growth and ripening processes of cv. Nero d'Avola (Vitis vinifera L.).

The biology of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is clearly influenced by the climatic conditions of the growing environment, where temperature and light play a major role in modifying plant physiology. In the scenario of climatic changes, radiative excess, correlated to the increase in temperature, can concretely subject the photosynthetic apparatus to a condition of light saturation and cause a drastic reduction in photochemical efficiency, giving rise to chronic photoinhibition phenomena. Undoubtedly, the ripening behavior also undergo evident alterations; the problem of sugar ripening, which is often strongly accelerated, is induced not only by high temperatures but also by the excess concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), which results in a higher ripening. In addition, high berry temperatures favor a reduction in the concentration of organic acids. The reported trends indicate that the need for urgent action is closely linked to the future environmental impacts that these changes could have on the entire wine sector. In recent years, shade treatments have been applied to the vine canopy to overcome this issue. The objective of this study was to determine how artificial canopy shading affects the vines vegetative growth and the ripening processes of Vitis vinifera cv. Nero d'Avola during the 2019-2020 vegetative seasons. Three treatments were established: shading treatment with a green net (shade factor 27%), shading treatment with a white net (shade factor 32%), and untreated vines, thus naturally exposed to light radiation. Artificial shading, applied at full fruit set, interfered with the microclimate of the vines, causing partial effects on the grape ripening processes. At harvest, significant differences were found between the treatments in terms of sugars, also shading treatments increased must acidity and decrease pH. Results obtained on vegetative parameters, suggest that the shading treatment delays leaf fall, with potentially positive effects on the starch accumulation on perennial reserve organs to be exploited at the following season's sprouting. Shading significantly reduced berry size, with obvious consequences on bunch weight and yield per vine. In 2020, shaded plants showed a delay in all the phenological phases. The total anthocyanins content was not changed by the shading treatment. The results obtained confirm the importance of net coverage on the microclimate of the vines, vegetative-productive activity, and grapes quality. From this point of view, the net covering technique can be a tool for controlling grapes ripening dynamics in the context of climate change.

Nesting activity of Lepidochelys olivacea, and the effect of artificial shade at Cascajilloso beach, a newly inhabited nesting site in Pacific Panama

AbstractSea turtle nesting activity on newly monitored beaches yield important data to support future regional and global conservation assessments. Here, we report on nesting activity of Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) at Cascajilloso beach in Pacific Panama based on data from a new hatchery during seasons 2019, 2020 and 2021. Further to this, we conducted a field experiment analyzing the effects of artificial shade versus unshaded treatments on hatchlings' biometric characteristics, hatching success, incubation success and the incubation period. The analyses of three seasons showed that nesting activity, based on number of egg clutches transferred to the hatchery, reached a peak between September (33%) and October (25%). Curved carapace length (CCL) of nesting females (64.3–66.2 cm) was similar to other populations of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). The number of eggs clutches were 80 in 2019, 73 in 2020 and 108 in 2021; however, the clutch size was slightly smaller (93.92 ± 18.78 eggs) compared with other populations of the ETP. This could be a phenotypic variation of nesting females at this beach. The ability to move egg clutches to the hatchery was affected during 2020 season due to COVID19 restrictions. Heavy rainfall during the incubation period caused a reduction in ambient temperature resulting in cooler (maximum average 29.9°C) nest temperatures registered under artificial shade and unshaded treatments. This could result in males hatchlings during the 2020 season. The warmer temperatures in our experimental nests produced heavier hatchlings contrary to general assumptions, but this was also related to straight carapace length only after a threshold value of 40 mm. Hatchlings under the artificial shade were able to grow to a certain size but potentially at the costs of storing less mass (trade‐off). Ongoing beach patrolling and hatchery management techniques with long‐term baseline data collection are needed to secure the nesting population of L. olivacea in this recently surveyed beach.

Influence of Artificial Shading and SiO2 on Agastache mexicana subsp. mexicana’s Ability to Survive under Water Stress

Medicinal plants are crucial for developing new medicines; the Agastache mexicana subspecies mexicana (Amm) or “toronjil morado” is considered an at-risk plant because of its inability to grow outside of its natural habitat. This research aims to measure the response of Amm to achieve survival with low nutrient levels and water stress, supported by different dioxide silicon (SiO2) (0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8%) and artificial shading (AS) levels (38, 87, and 94%). Applying AS and SiO2 supported gradual tolerance to the effects of both waterlogging and drought stresses. The survival values were statistically significant in the interaction and simple analysis of SiO2 and AS, where p = 0.0001. The highest survival percentage (SP) value was SP = 91.3% for treatment number six (τ6), where AS = 94% and SiO2 = 0.2%. Additionally, the index of survival efficiency under water stress (SIef) was calculated, with the highest value being SIef = 0.062 for the hypothetical interaction of AS = 94% and SiO2 = 0.4. Research has shown that applying both SiO2 and a high level of AS can guarantee the survival of Amm under water stress.

Three environmental dimensions of beef cattle in tropical feedlot: Water, nutrients and land

This study aims to evaluate water, land, and nutrient efficiencies in a tropical beef feedlot system by providing artificial shading and considering local conditions and feed cultivation. The study was conducted at the Experimental Feedlot of Embrapa Southeast Livestock in Brazil. Forty-eight Nellore bulls were divided into two groups, with one group having shade (GS) and the other without shade (GWS). The animals' body weights, water intake, and dry matter intake were recorded. The water footprint was calculated using a product-focused assessment, considering water consumed in feed production and animal drinking. The nutrient balance and land footprint were also assessed. To both treatments, the crop scenario with soybean and corn first crop produced in Maringa resulted in the lowest water and land footprint values. Corn was the main contributor to green water consumption. The efficiency in water use for corn decreased between the first and second crops. The water footprint of soybean meal varied between production locations. GWS had slightly higher average blue water consumption than GS. In terms of nutrient balance, the GS treatment exhibited lower nitrogen and phosphorus balance values, indicating higher efficiency in the use of these elements. The provision of artificial shading was found to reduce the water footprint and improve nutrient use efficiency. The location of grain production and the timing of corn planting were identified as key factors influencing water and land footprint values.

Sun-Shading Sails in Courtyards: An Italian Case Study with RayMan

Forecasts of a drastic increase in temperatures in the coming decades are driving the adoption of design strategies and solutions to improve the livability of urban environments. Increasing attention is being paid to the thermal comfort of open spaces by both designers and researchers. Nature-based solutions and man-made devices to improve the comfort of outdoor spaces during summer are spreading, but effective, easy simulation and design support tools for this purpose are still lacking, as most of the available software such as ENVI-met or RayMan cannot model such devices. As Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) is one of the most relevant and comprehensive indicators of Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC), this study aims to investigate PET variations of different artificial shading systems and propose a simplified methodology for assessing them through analytical simulations with RayMan software. When modeling the shading elements, the trick adopted for this purpose is to associate different cloud densities with the shading provided by the screens, thus overcoming a gap that affects the software. The procedure is digitally tested in a covered courtyard case study in Bologna (Italy). Diverse options proposed by the designers for textile screening materials have been compared, showing that these reduce by at least 1 °C the PET-gauged thermal stress. Beyond specific results, the main outcome of this study is the procedure developed to simulate sun-shading sail effects on OTC by means of RayMan, which can support designers in planning effective solutions for open space livability in summertime.

Effect of Applied Shading During Fruit Ripening on Tannin Structure-Activity Relationships of Grape Skin Extracts.

Historically, the effect of wine grape shading on flavonoids have investigated the impact of light incidence on proanthocyanidin (PA), flavonol, or anthocyanin concentration. In addition to concentration, the current experiment was designed to look at changes in proanthocyanidin composition, size and tannin activity through ripening. Tannin activity is a methodology for assessing the impact of structure and size on the affinity of tannin towards a hydrophobic surface and is considered to be a proxy for predicted astringency descriptive quality. In 2016 a shade cloth study was imposed on Cabernet Sauvignon on Mt. Veeder, within the larger Napa Valley viticultural area. A control, which was unshaded, and two treatments consisting of 40% and 80% shade were applied at the onset of veraison. Results showed significant differences in the composition and concentration of anthocyanins throughout ripening. Compositional differences in proanthocyanidin were also observed, where shaded treatments had a significantly higher proportion of galloylated subunits. The molecular mass of the extracted tannin was significantly lower in the unshaded control than in the 80% shade treatment. These factors led to a lower measured tannin activity in extracts from exposed fruit. This work suggests that manipulation of canopy architecture, such as artificial shading, leads to changes in berry pigmentation, tannin composition and activity. These results show that astringency and mouthfeel characteristics of a wine may be altered by vineyard management practices. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

ARTIFICIAL SHADE ADAPTATION AND POPULATION DENSITY ON SWISS CHARD (Beta vulgaris subsp. Cicla (L) W.D.J Koch) IN URBAN AR-EA

Swiss chard is a leafy vegetable that is high in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants that are beneficial to human health. Swiss chard. Swiss chard is generally cultivated in the Mediterranean climate, grows well in full sunlight, air temperatures 14-21oC, and can still survive at temperatures close to light frost. The aim of this study to evaluate efficient plant densi-ties in urban limited land area and looking at the response of Swiss chard plant to reduc-ing the intensity of sunligt of 45%, 55% and 80%.in urban tropic area. This research was used 4 different artificial shading i.e 0% (control, shade 45%, shade 55% and shade 80%. Microclimate was measured per each shade for 14 days i.e., air temperatur, soil temperature, air humidity, and soil moisture using a data logger meter. Shade with intensity 80% is proven to reduce air temperate and soil temperature, but also inhibits the growth and development of Swiss chard plants. Population 1plant/pot gives the best growth and yield of Swiss chard per plant, 3 plants/pot increased total fresh weight per cultivation area, thereby maximize the use of limited urban land

Artificial shade as a heat abatement strategy to grazing beef cow-calf pairs in a subtropical climate.

Grazing livestock in subtropical and tropical regions are susceptible to prolonged exposition to periods of extreme environmental conditions (i.e., temperature and humidity) that can trigger heat stress (HS). Currently, there is limited information on the effects of HS in the cow-calf sector globally, including in the southern U.S., as well as on mitigation strategies that could be implemented to improve animal well-being and performance. This study evaluated the impact of artificial shade (SHADE vs. NO SHADE) and breed (ANGUS vs. BRANGUS) on performance of pregnant-lactating cows, nursing heifers, and their subsequent offspring. Twenty-four Angus and 24 Brangus black-hided cows [579 ± 8 kg body weight (BW); approximately 85 d of gestation] and their nursing heifers (approximately 174 d of age) were randomly allocated to 12 'Pensacola' bahiagrass pastures (Paspalum notatum Flüggé; 1.3 ha, n = 4 pairs/pasture), with or without access to artificial shade [NO SHADE BRANGUS (NSB), NO SHADE ANGUS (NSA), SHADE BRANGUS (SB), and SHADE ANGUS (SA)] for 56 d that anticipated weaning during the summer season in Florida. Body condition score (BCS) of cows, blood samples, and BW of cow-calf pairs were obtained every 14 d during the 56-d experimental period until weaning. Following weaning (d 56), treatments were ceased, and cows and weaned heifers were managed alike. Weaned heifers were randomly allocated to 4 pens (n = 12/pen) equipped with GrowSafe feed bunks for 14 d to assess stress responses during weaning via plasma haptoglobin. An effect of SHADE × BREED interaction was detected for cow ADG, BW change, final BW, and final BCS, where SB had the greatest ADG, BW change, final BW, and final BCS. On d 14, SA cows had the greatest concentrations of insulin whereas on d 28 NSB had the lowest concentrations, NSA the greatest, and SA and SB being intermediate. On d 56, SA tended to have the greatest plasma insulin concentrations and SB the lowest. Weight gain per area (kg/ha) tended to be 11.4 kg/ha greater in SHADE vs. NO SHADE pastures. Pre-weaning calf ADG tended to be 0.14 kg greater for SHADE vs. NO SHADE calves. Weaning weight and BW at 14-d post-weaning were lesser for NSB vs. NSA, SA, and SB, whereas no differences in postweaning ADG or haptoglobin were observed. Effects of SHADE × BREED × day interaction was detected on plasma concentrations of IGF-1, in which NSA heifers had the lowest concentrations on weaning day. Gestation length was greater for SHADE vs. NO SHADE cows, but with no impacts on subsequent calf birth and weaning weight. In summary, providing artificial shade to pregnant-lactating beef cows increased body weight gain of nursing heifers and Brangus cows, while no impact on Angus dams were observed. The provision of artificial shade during the first trimester of gestation did not alter growth performance of the subsequent offspring at birth and weaning even though gestation length was longer.

Linking below‐ and aboveground indicators under different forest restoration interventions in a mosaic landscape with different land‐use legacies

Deforestation and forest degradation continue at alarming rates. Landowners often clear forest patches for alternative use, creating landscape mosaics of different land‐use legacies. Ecological restoration is usually monitored by aboveground processes, while belowground processes are far less studied. We addressed how the abundance and activity of nutrient improvement bacteria contribute to restoration success, considering different restoration interventions and land‐use legacies. We assessed the abundance and potential activity of N‐fixing and P‐mineralizing bacteria in the rhizosphere of 279 two‐year‐old Quercus mexicana plantlets in a disturbed oak forest in central Mexico. We analyzed the differences across landscape patches (eroded landslide, pastureland, and forest) of four common restoration interventions: passive restoration, artificial shading, topsoil translocation, and combining both treatments. Restoration interventions modified soil functioning differently across landscape patches with a significant increase of P‐mineralizing bacteria abundance and potential activity in the landslide and pastureland. In contrast, N‐fixing bacteria increased only in the landslide site where we registered the lowest organic matter content. Surprisingly, interventions that enhance bacterial activity and abundance do not necessarily improve short‐term seedling performance. We recommend considering the landscape heterogeneity to better match the restoration interventions with the prevailing degradation factor in each landscape patch. Also, combining restoration strategies does not necessarily result in synergy and may imply a useless expense of resources. Finally, monitoring soil health provides novel insights to understand restoration trajectories that remain undetected when focusing only on seedling performance.

Effects of interspecific grafting of Coffea arabica and elevation on coffee growth, yield, and quality attributes in Costa Rica

Interspecific grafting of Coffea arabica scions on C. canephora rootstock has been proposed as a strategy against nematode infestation, but also for cultivation of coffee under environmental stressors (such as temperature extremes). An agroforestry-like microclimate was established using artificial shade nets (30% light interception) across a multi-site elevation trial (from 1000 to 1450 m above sea level) in Costa Rica (Alajuela region). The effects of interspecific grafting of scions from modern C. arabica varieties (‘Villa Sarchi’ and an F1 hybrid called ‘H3’) onto C. canephora (‘Nemaya’) rootstock were tested under these conditions. The interactions between grafting, genotype and elevation were determined on the above- and below ground growth, agronomic traits, photosynthesis as well as bean and cup qualities.Variation in the protuberance of the graft union (trunk vs. below graft union collar diameters) were detected. However, no physical vascular blockages were observed in any of the interspecific grafted plants. Generally, interspecific grafting negatively affected most aerial and root traits as well bean yields for both ‘H3’ and ‘Villa Sarchi’ varieties compared to the non-grafted plants. A significant reduction in the photosynthesis of grafted ‘H3’ (in terms of Vcmax and ΦCO2max) was also observed. However, there were no impacts of grafting on the final bean attributes nor cup quality. Genetics of the scions largely determined coffee yields, with higher yields produced by ‘H3’ compared to ‘Villa Sarchi’. The scion also controlled agronomic traits, bean qualities and belowground biomass (dry weight of taproot, secondary root mass and overall root system). This was observed when either C. arabica or C. canephora scion material was used. Increasing elevation significantly reduced the trunk, branches and shoot system, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and other agronomic traits. However no significant interactions were found between grafting and elevation (within the range tested). Our results show how interspecific grafting of C. arabica onto C. canephora can reduce plant biomass and productivity under shade and across an elevational gradient, especially when the composite plant involves a vigorous and high yielding F1 hybrid.

The Growth of Drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Seedling under Artificial Shade and their Early Growth after Transplanting

The Growth of Drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) Seedling under Artificial Shade and their Early Growth after Transplanting

Analysis of morphological characters in soybean plants submitted to different levels of artificial shading

Morphological characters of soybean can be influenced by shading which are occasionally caused in plants. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different shading levels on epicotyl length, epicotyl diameter and height of soybean plants. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse. When the plants reached the V2 development stage, measurements were taken of epicotyl length and epicotyl diameter in experiment I (conducted in autumn); and epicotyl length, epicotyl diameter, and plant height in experiments II (spring/summer) and III (summer). Each experiments were conducted in a randomized block design, in subdivided plots, with four repetitions. The plots were composed of four shading levels and the subplots were composed of eight conventional cultivars. Each experimental unit consisted of one plant grown in a 3 dm³ pot filled with soil and organic matter. The three characters evaluated in the experiment presented significant effect for the interaction cultivar x shading x sowing seasons. Epicotyl length, independent of the sowing season, increased as the shading level intensified. Both the shading level and the sowing season influenced the diameter of the epicotyl, in a general way, reducing the diameter as the shading level increased. With increasing shading rate there was an increase in plant height. Moreover, the cultivars formed statistically distinct groups for the three morphological characters evaluated.

Impact of meteorological conditions, canopy shading and leaf removal on yield, must quality, and norisoprenoid compounds content in Franciacorta sparkling wine.

Climate change is a major concern in agriculture; in grapevine production, climate change can affect yield and wine quality as they depend on the complex interactions between weather, plant material, and viticultural techniques. Wine characteristics are strongly influenced by microclimate of the canopy affecting primary and secondary metabolites of the grapevine. Air temperature and water availability can influence sugar and acid concentration in grapes and relative wines, and their content of volatile compounds such as norisoprenoids. This becomes relevant in sparkling wine production where grapes are generally harvested at a relatively low pH, high acidity, and low sugar content and where the norisoprenoids significantly contributes to the final aroma of the wine. The effect of climate change on grapevine and wine, therefore, calls for the implementation of on-field adaptation strategies. Among them canopy management through leaf removal and shading have been largely investigated in the wine growing sector. The present study, conducted over 4 years (2010-2013) aims at investigating how leaf removal and artificial shading strategies affect grape maturation, must quality and the production of norisoprenoids, analyzed using an untargeted approach, in sparkling wine. Specifically, this paper investigates the effect of meteorological conditions (i.e., water availability and temperatures) and the effect of leaf removal and shading on Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay and Pinot noir, which are suitable to produce sparkling wine in the DOCG Franciacorta wine growing area (Lombardy, Italy). The effect of leaf removal and shading practices on norisoprenoids has been the focus of the study. No defoliation and artificial shading treatments play an important role in the preservation of the acidity in warm seasons and this suggests calibrating defoliation activities in relation to the meteorological trend without standardized procedures. This is particularly relevant in the case of sparkling wine, where the acidity is essential to determine wine quality. The enhanced norisoprenoid aromas obtained with a total defoliation represent a further element to direct defoliation and shading strategies. The obtained results increase knowledge about the effect of different defoliation and artificial shading applications in relation to meteorological condition supporting the management decision-making in the Franciacorta wine growing area.

44 Impacts of Pre- and Postpartum Heat Stress Abatement on Physiology and Performance of GrazingBos Indicus -Influenced Cow-Calf Pairs

Abstract This study evaluated the impacts of heat abatement during pre- and postpartum periods on physiology and performance of beef heifers and their calves. On day 0, 64 Brangus beef heifers (21 mo of age) were stratified by their initial body weight (BW; 454 ± 37 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 6.3 ± 0.28) and then were allocated into of 1 of 16 bahiagrass pastures (1 ha and 4 heifers/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (8 pastures/treatment) and consisted of heifers provided (SH) or not (NSH) access to artificial shade from day 0 to 33 (83 ± 4 d prepartum until 50 ± 4 d postpartum). Shade structures were removed on day 33. Calves were weaned on day 203 (119 ± 9 d of age), and then transferred to 1 of 16 drylot pens (3 to 4 calves/pen) and limit-fed a soybean hulls-based diet (3.25% of BW) until day 268. Data were analyzed as a complete randomized design using MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures for non-binary and binary variables, respectively. Heifer BCS on days 55, 133 and 203 were greater (P ≤ 0.01) for SH vs. NSH heifers. Plasma glucose did not differ (P ≥ 0.29), whereas plasma IGF-1 were greater (P ≤ 0.05) on days 55 and 133 for SH vs. NSH heifers. Calf BW was less (P = 0.05) for NSH vs. SH calves at birth, did not differ (P = 0.44) at weaning, and was less (P = 0.05) for SH vs. NSH calves on day 268. Plasma haptoglobin concentrations were greater (P = 0.05) and serum titers against bovine respiratory syncytial virus tended (P = 0.10) to be less for SH vs. NSH calves after vaccination. Serum titers against all remaining viruses did not differ (P ≥ 0.24) between treatments. Therefore, heat abatement during pre- and postpartum increased heifer BCS and plasma IGF-1 during late-gestation, increased calf birth BW, reduced calf post-weaning growth, and had minor changes to calf humoral immune function.

TEKNOLOGI PEMBIAKAN TERKINI PIPER BETLE VAR NIGRA. SEBUAH REVIEW LENGKAP

The betel vine, a species of Piper, has organic impacts on human health through its secondary metabolites. Historically, it has been used to treat various illnesses including liver and stomach problems, inflammation, and as an antioxidant, antipyretic, and antimicrobial. Despite its medicinal benefits, the black betel vine (Piper betle var. Nigra) is not widely cultivated. This review summarises traditional and advanced methods of betel cultivation, including the habitats and diseases affecting Piper Betle L. There are two cultivation systems:closed-type and open-type, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The modern method of propagation through callus induction is gaining popularity, but requires specialised knowledge and is more costly. Traditional cultivation is less complicated, but exposes young plants to disease. Implementing smart farming practices, maintaining optimal growth conditions, and utilizing a screen house with artificial shading and lighting may lead to higher-quality crops with reduced losses. Before planting, the cuttings should be soaked in a fungicide mixture and grown as individual plants to avoid bacterial leaf blight from occurring.

Productivity Enhancement of Total-Cross-Tied PV Array Under Static Shade Conditions

Mismatch losses, hotspot creation, lower power production, and the occurrence of multiple peaks are the major impacts of the partial shading in a photovoltaic (PV) array. To mitigate the shading effect, this article introduces a Parquet SuDoKu-based static array reconfiguration approach and validates it using an experimental investigation. This concept is initially tested on a 9 × 9 PV array via simulations under five shade patterns before being implemented on a 3 × 3 hardware prototype. In an effort to perform a hardware execution, artificial shade is devised with commercially available polythene sheets and synthetic soiling. This method improved overall efficiency while significantly reducing losses. Also, performance study and a technoeconomic analysis are conducted in support of this assertion.

Production of sage, oregano and rosemary under shading conditions and the effects of light on growth and essential oil properties

Intercropping and agroforestry systems provide sustainable land and resource use efficiency, however, shading conditions generated by the base crop or tree cover is a restricting factor on the growth of the intercrop and productivity of the system. Hence, a two-year field experiment was carried out to assess the yield, essential oil properties, morphological changes, and anatomical adaptation of the shade-exposed sage (Salvia officinalis L.), oregano (Origanum onites L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) plants. Plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll content, herbage yield, essential oil content and biochemical profile of the selected species were comparatively examined under open-field, 40% and 75% shading conditions. Initially, after the seedlings were transplanted to the field, a horizontal growth of shaded plants, resulted in lower plant height, then, after the plants covered the soil surface, vertical growth was observed. Overall drug herbage yield decreased by 65% due to the shading treatments in the first year whereas rosemary, sage and oregano had 20.9%, 25.3% and 40.3% lower yields respectively in the second year. Average essential oil content of low-light exposed plants increased by 23% and 41% first and second year of the experiment, respectively. A negative linear relation between α-thujone content in essential oil of sage and shading level was recorded while in contrast, carvacrol content of oregano essential oil increased by shade treatment. The results concluded that herbage yield and quality properties of shaded plants were promising, especially after the first year, considering their potential in intercropping and agroforestry systems. Since the current study represented the results for artificial shading conditions, the tree-based intercropping studies needed to be performed with these species for the final conclusion.

Removing maternal heat stress abatement during gestation modulated postnatal physiology and improved performance of Bos indicus-influenced beef offspring.

This study evaluated the growth and immune response of beef calves born from Bos indicus-influenced beef heifers provided pre- and postpartum heat abatement on pasture. On 83 ± 4 d prepartum (day 0), 64 Brangus crossbred beef heifers (~¼ B. indicus) were stratified by body weight (BW; 454 ± 37 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 6.3 ± 0.28; scale 1 to 9), and then allocated into 1 of 16 bahiagrass pastures (1 ha and 4 heifers per pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures (8 pastures per treatment) and consisted of heifers provided (SH) or not (NSH) access to artificial shade (4.5 m2 of shade area per heifer) from 83 d prepartum to 50 d postpartum (days 0 to 133). Heifers and calves were managed similarly from day 133 until the start of the breeding season (day 203). Calves were weaned on day 203 (at 119 ± 19 d of age), limit-fed the same drylot diet at 3.5% of BW (DM basis) days 209 to 268 (3 to 4 calves per pen; 8 pens per treatment) and vaccinated against respiratory disease pathogens on days 222 and 236. Heifer intravaginal temperatures from days 35 to 42 were lower (P ≤ 0.03) for NSH vs. SH heifers from 0000 to 0800 hours but greater (P ≤ 0.05) for NSH vs. SH heifers from 1100 to 1800 hours. Heifer intravaginal temperature from days 126 to 132 did not differ (P = 0.99) between NSH and SH heifers. Heifers assigned to NSH had greater respiration rates from days 20 to 96 (P ≤ 0.0007), greater plasma concentration of cortisol on days 35 (P = 0.07) and 55 (P = 0.02), less plasma concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on days 35 (P = 0.10), 55, and 133 (P ≤ 0.05), and less BCS from days 55 to 203 (P ≤ 0.01) compared to SH heifers. Calves born from NSH heifers had less birth BW (P = 0.05), greater overall plasma haptoglobin concentrations (P = 0.05), greater seroconversion against bovine respiratory syncytial virus on day 222 (P = 0.02), tended to have greater ADG from days 209 to 268 (P = 0.07), and had greater BW on day 268 (P = 0.05) compared to SH offspring. Plasma concentrations of cortisol and serum titers against other respiratory disease pathogens did not differ (P ≥ 0.15) between NSH and SH offspring. Hence, removing maternal access to artificial shade: (1) increased prepartum intravaginal temperature and plasma concentrations of cortisol but reduced prepartum BCS and plasma concentrations of IGF-1 in grazing B. indicus-influenced beef heifers; and (2) increased post-weaning BW gain and had positive effects on humoral immune response of their offspring.