Average Total Yield Research Articles

Evaluation of Black-jack (Bidens pilosa L.) substrate for the production of Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom

Using commonly used agricultural byproducts as a substrate for cultivating mushrooms is challenging due to their high cost. Finding economically viable alternative substrates with a high biomass return, particularly for mushroom production like P. ostreatus, is essential. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of the weed (Black-jack straw) for oyster mushroom cultivation. Oyster fruiting bodies were obtained from mushroom growers in Mekelle city, Ethiopia. Mycelial culture was secreted via tissue culture and it was used as inoculum for spawn development. The substrates were chopped, weighed (500 g dry weight of substrate), and sterilized. The substrates were packed in polyethylene bags, inoculated with 4% (w/w) spawn. The five treatments, consisting of various blends of Black-jack and wheat straws, were arranged in completely randomized design with triplicates. The highest average total yield (351 g/bag) and biological efficiency (70.20%) were obtained from 100% Black-jack straw. However, lower yield (199 g/bag) and biological efficiency (39.80%) were obtained from 100% wheat straw. Higher (8.78 cm) mean cap diameter and higher (3.48 cm) mean stipe length were recorded from 75% wheat straw + 25% Black-jack straw and 50% wheat straw + 50% Black-jack straw. This study revealed that the best substrate for overall mushroom yield and biological efficiency was 100% Black-jack. Therefore, the Black-jack straw can be considered as low-cost substrate to effectively substitute wheat straw for the cultivation of oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) mushroom in the studied area.

B-231 Evaluation of the KingFisher Flex for DNA Isolation From FFPE Tissue Utilizing Autolys M Tubes and the MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kit

Abstract Background Our institution is facing increasing demand for oncology testing that requires high quality DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. The current DNA extraction workflow involves a time and labor-intensive manual process that limits our ability to accommodate increasing downstream clinical testing volumes. We evaluated the KingFisher (KF) Flex utilizing Autolys M Tubes and the MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kit as a possible high-throughput, automated DNA isolation workflow option that would decrease hands-on time and be conducive to volume growth without the need for additional staff. Methods DNA from 52 FFPE tissue samples (n=24 unique cases previously extracted by the current “manual method”) were extracted using Autolys M tubes, the MagMAX FFPE DNA/RNA Ultra Kit, and the KF Flex (Thermo Fisher Scientific Waltham, MA) over 4 “automated method” runs. Method modifications to the published procedure were introduced over the runs to determine any effects on DNA quality/quantity. Timings were taken during each run to compare hands-on and total run time against that of the manual method. Precision experiments were performed by extracting 4 replicates of sample on a single run (intra-assay precision) and 2 samples from 2 cases over 2 runs (inter-assay precision). Three cases were processed using varying tissue input levels to assess input-yield correlation. DNA yield was measured using HS dsDNA Qubit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA). A subset of samples was tested by digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) (n=10), chromosomal microsomal microarray (CMA) (n=1), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) (n=3). Variants and QC metrics of the KF DNA were compared to those of the manual method DNA. Results The average total DNA yield was 3% lower from samples extracted following the manufacturer recommended KF procedure compared to matched samples extracted using the manual method (n=28 samples from 23 unique cases). A CV of 2.8% was observed in an intra-assay experiment (n=4 replicates from 1 case) and 3.0% in an average inter-assay experiment (n=2 replicates from 2 cases). There was a direct correlation between the tissue input amount (4 amounts of varied tissue input) and the total DNA yield (n=3 samples). We observed concordant fractional abundance values for ddPCR samples and concordant variant detection for NGS and CMA samples. We did not see a significant difference in the quality metrics tracked for any of the downstream testing assays. Conclusions This evaluation demonstrated that, as compared to our manual method, the automated method resulted in comparable DNA yields and downstream assay results. The incorporation of this automation would significantly increase our FFPE DNA extraction capacity without requiring additional staff while reducing hands-on time per run by about six hours. We would also be able to reduce ergonomic hazards related to tube cap manipulation, eliminate use of hazardous reagents, and leverage the plate format to better integrate extracted DNA into our clinical sample preparation workflows. These operational benefits highlight the value of automating high-throughput workflows.

Evaluation of Commercial Head Cabbage (<i>Brassica oleracea </i>L.) Varieties in Kellem Wollega Zone

Cabbage <i>(Brassica oleraceae</i> var.capitata) is one of the most important leafy vegetables worldwide and is adapted to cool moist conditions. The experiment was conducted at two sub-sites of Haro Sabu Agricultural Research Center from 2020-2024 at Belam FTC and in 2024 at Gute Anani FTC of Kellem Wollega zone, during main cropping season. Six commercial head cabbage were evaluated with objective the objective of selecting and recommending high yielder, disease and insect pest tolerant head cabbage varieties at for potential areas of Kellem Wollega. Analysis of variance(ANOVA revealed that the main effect of variety showed highly significant effect on days to head initiation and significant on plant height, plant spread, head length, average head weight, marketable yield, total yield and disease reaction. Similarly the main effect of environment showed highly significance on all recorded parameters. The highest (26.4tha<sup>-1</sup>) and the lowest (20tha<sup>-1</sup>) marketable yield were recorded from Bakker and Delta varieties. Hence Bakker and Olter varieties were recommended for the yield increment of head cabbage in the studied areas of Western Oromia.

Responses of potential double cropping areas expansion and appropriate crop management practices to climate change in northern China

IntroductionGlobal climate change has led to increases in the temperature and decreases in the number of frost days in northern China, facilitating a shift from a single cropping system (SCS, spring maize) to a double cropping system (DCS, winter wheat-summer maize rotation).MethodsTherefore, under the current climate conditions, DCS expansion should be evaluated, and new planting schemes should be explored. In this paper, we identified the areas with potential for DCS in northern China considering an annual accumulated temperature of >0°C. The World Food Studies simulation model was used to simulate the yield, irrigation requirement (IR), and net income under various crop management conditions when considering the maximum yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of crops.ResultsOur results indicated that the potential DCS area increased by approximately 31.51 × 104 km2 in northern China, with the primary DCS areas being located in the provinces of Gansu, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, and Liaoning. Regarding variety selection, winter wheat and summer maize varieties with early and mid-early maturation were found to be favored for the potential DCS areas. The sowing dates corresponding to the maximum WUEs of the crops were later than those corresponding to the maximum yields. In the potential DCS areas, under the maximum yield condition, the average unit total yield, IR, and net income increased to 2700 kg ha−1, 305 mm, and 607 USD ha−1, respectively, whereas under the maximum WUE condition, increases of 2862 kg ha−1, 284 mm, and 608 USD ha−1, respectively, were observed. The average unit total yield of the DCS was 15927 and 13793 kg ha−1 under the maximum yield and maximum WUE condition, respectively.DiscussionOur findings may clarify the effects of climate change on agricultural production patterns and indicate suitable crop management practices.

Performance of High TSS Onion Varieties in Telangana

Field experiments were conducted at Vegetable Research Station, Hyderabad, India during rabi seasons (October–March) of 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22 to study the performance of high TSS varieties of onion in initial evaluation trial, advanced varietal trial-I and advanced varietal trial-II as part of All India Network Research Project on Onion and Garlic. The entries tested were DOGR-HT-1, DOGR-HT-2, DOGR-HT-3, DOGR-HT-4, Agrifound White, PKV White and Bhima Shweta. The predominant colour of all the entries was white and the predominant shape of the bulbs was oval. High amount of uniformity in bulb size was reported by Bhima Shweta and PKV white, while the rest of the entries DOGR-HT-1, 2, 3, 4 and Agrifound White reported average uniformity in bulb size. Among the seven entries tested DOGR-HT-2 reported the highest TSS value (17.77 °Brix) followed by DOGR-HT-3 (15.30 °Brix) and the least TSS value was reported by DOGR-HT-1. Maximum mean bulb weight (100.73 g), marketable yield (49.03 tha-1) and total yield (50.48 t ha-1) was reported by Bhima Shweta and it was followed by PKV White (100.26 g, 48.99 t ha-1 and 50.28 t ha-1). The least average bulb yield (84.31 g), marketable yield (41.09 t ha-1) and total yield (42.34 t ha-1) was reported by DOGR-HT-2 but was at par with DOGR-HT-3 and DOGR-HT-4. Minimum incidence of thrips and purple blotch were noticed in DOGR-HT-4.

Effect of collection period on oleoresin yield of Pinus merkusii

Pinus merkusii is one of the most important timber species in Indonesia, the main product of which is its oleoresin. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of collection period (three periods, with 6-day observation each) on oleoresin yield in relation to two factors: growth sites of Pinus merkusii, which in the case of this study were East Banyumas, West Banyumas, and West Pekalongan Forest Management Units, and use of stimulants (sulfuric acid and ethephon mixtures, ETRAT, SR4, and no treatment). The average total oleoresin yield from a single tree or wound during the 18-day observation period was 110-185 g/tree for untreated trees and 159-442 g/tree for stimulant-treated trees. By analysis of variance, the interaction between each collection period (6-day observation period) and tree growing sites showed that the maximum average oleoresin yield for one hole was 109.32 g/tree measured in East Banyumas in the first collection period. Furthermore, the East Banyumas site consistently showed significantly the highest yield in each period. The interaction between the factors of stimulant and collection period (6-day observation) resulted in the highest average oleoresin yield (121.86 g/tree) measured for trees treated with sulfuric acid (20%) and Ethephon (2%) mixtures in aqueous solution (v/v) treatment in the first collecting period. In West Pekalongan, the resin yield from trees treated with different treatments tended to be positively related to tree diameter. In addition, a positive correlation was found between resin yield and tree height or crown closure, while a negative correlation was found between resin yield and site elevation in trees treated with certain stimulants.

Relationships Between Partial Milk Yield and Actual Milk Yield According to Parity in Buffaloes

In this study, the relationships between 100-day of partial milk yield and 270-day of additive and total milk yield of buffaloes according to different parity were investigated. A total of 697 lactation records belonging to 135 heads of buffalo and seven lactations were used in the material. The relationships between the animals' 100-day partial milk yield for 270-day and total milk yield were analyzed for seven lactations. In the study, 100-day milk yield was taken as an independent variable, 270-day and total milk yields as dependent variables, and possible relationships were determined according to simple and multiple linear regression analysis methods. The average lactation period was 256.74 ± 2.61 days, the average 270-day additive milk yield was 2078 ± 65.26 litres and the average total milk yield was 1831 ± 89.57 litres. The daily average milk yields were 7.69 ± 0.11 and 7.08 ± 0.07 liters for 270-day and 100-day respectively. The correlation coefficients were calculated for each parity and calculated as 0.901 (p < 0.01) between the 100-day and 270-day additive yield for the general group. The simple and multiple linear regression equations were shown as [V270 = 470.72 + 1.737 V100 (R2 = 80.2%)], [V270 = 966.23 + 0.645 V100 + 0.001V1002 (R2 = 82.4%)] for the groups. As the parity of lactation increased, it was seen that the determination coefficients were increased. Finally, predicting the total lactation yield by using 100-day of partial milk yield has the highest accuracy.

Prevalence of growth hormone receptor gene polymorphisms and their association with milk production and fertility-related traits of cross-bred dairy cows in Sri Lanka

This study investigated the association of selected growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene SNPs with selected fertility and milk production-related phenotypes of cross-bred dairy cows (n = 153) reared on three National Livestock Development Board farms in Sri Lanka. Selected cows were genetically screened for SNPs in the exon 08 (n = 153) and 5’ upstream (n = 118) regions of the GHR gene using the target sequencing method. The relationships between different genotypes and fertility traits (average calving interval, average number of services per conception, and age at first calving) and milk production-related traits (average total lactation yield, average lactation length, and average milk yield) were analyzed using the General Linear Model in SPSS. Among the identified Four GHR SNPs, rs1099014416 was significantly associated with average calving interval and age at first calving. Cows with GG genotype exhibited younger age at first calving (918.51 ± 113.42 days) and longer calving intervals (543.41 ± 43.29 days) compared to cows with GT (1275.18 ± 38.31, 515.09 ± 24.49 days) and TT (1212.89 ± 88.22, 364.52 ± 54.01 days) genotypes. Other SNPs did not show associations with the studied traits. SNP rs109014416 has the potential to be used as a genetic marker for fertility-related traits in the selection of cross-bred dairy cows in Sri Lanka which should be validated with a larger population.

Sub-okra leaf shape conferred via chromosomal introgression from Gossypium barbadense L. improves photosynthetic productivity in short-season cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Leaf shape is a vital agronomic trait that affects plant and canopy architecture, yield, and other production attributes of upland cotton. Compared with normal leaves, lobed leaves have potential advantages in improving canopy structure and increasing cotton yield. A chromosomal introgression segment from Gossypium barbadense L. conferring sub-okra leaf shape to Gossypium hirsutum L. was identified on chromosome D01. To determine the effects of this transferred sub-okra leaf shape on the leaf anatomical characteristics, photosynthesis-related traits, and yield of short-season cotton, we performed a field experiment with three sets of near-isogenic lines carrying okra, sub-okra, and normal leaf shape in Lu54 (L54) and Shizao 2 (SZ2) backgrounds. Compared with normal leaves, sub-okra leaves exhibited reduced leaf thickness and smaller leaf mass per area; moreover, the deeper lobes of sub-okra leaves improved the plant canopy structure by decreasing leaf area index by 11.24%-22.84%. Similarly, the intercepted PAR rate of lines with sub-okra leaf shape was also reduced. The chlorophyll content of sub-okra leaves was lower than that of okra and normal leaf shapes; however, the net photosynthetic rate of sub-okra leaves was 8.17%-29.81% higher than that of other leaf shapes at most growth stages. Although the biomass of lines with sub-okra leaf shape was less than that of lines with normal leaves, the average first harvest yield and total yield of lines with the sub-okra leaf shape increased by 6.36% and 5.72%, respectively, compared with those with normal leaves. Thus, improvements in the canopy structure and photosynthetic and physiological characteristics contributed to optimizing the light environment, thereby increasing the yield of lines with sub-okra leaf shape. Our results suggest that the sub-okra leaf trait from G. barbadense L. may have practical applications for cultivating short-season varieties with high photosynthetic efficiency, and improving yield, which will be advantageous for short-season varieties.

Utilizing locally accessible substrate, to maximize oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) growth and bioconversion efficiency in Ambo, Central Ethiopia

The effect of different locally available wastes as the substrates on oyster mushroom growth and bioconversion efficiency was investigated. P. ostreatus was grown on different substrates prepared from corn cob, sorghum stem, faba bean straw, pea straw, coffee husk, and sawdust alone (100%), and all with cottonseed waste in (1:1) ratio. Cottonseed waste alone was used as a control. Spawn run days, harvest days, average mushroom weight, fruiting body, cap diameter, stipe length, total yield, and biological efficiency were evaluated. All the quantitative data gathered were analyzed by SPSS statistical software for Windows version 25. Pea straw alone (T7) and pea straw:cotton seed waste (1:1) ratio (T8) with 15±2 and 15±3.1 days, had the shortest mycelia run, whereas sawdust alone (T11) took longer with 33±6.7 days for mycelia run. T7 had the shortest incubation to the first harvest 24±5.2 days, while T11 had the longest incubation to the first harvest 46±8.1 days. T11, 90±12 days, took the longest total production cycle, while T7, 63±6.6 days had the shortest total production cycle. T7 produced the greatest, number of fruiting bodies (254±48.5), whereas T11 produced the fewest fruiting bodies (20±5). The highest and lowest yield was obtained from the T7 substrate with 1614±17.1g and T11 substrate with 384±37.9g, respectively. The best substrate was found to be the T7; with mycelia run 15±2 days; incubation to 1st harvest 24±5.2 days, shortest production cycle 63±6.6 days, fruiting bodies 254±48.5, the highest total yield of 1614±17.1g and biological efficiency of 323±48.9%.

Estimation of some Genetic Parameters and Field Evaluation for Pure Lines of Cherry Tomato

An experiment was carried out in one of Unheated greenhouses of the Department of Horticulture and Landscaping at the College of Agriculture-Diyala University during the fall season2021/2022 where the seeds were sown eight pure lines of Cherry tomato the entry is:(LA3002, LA2838A, LA0797, LA4355, LA7371, LA3534, LA3535, LA3530)With the aim of evaluating its field performance and estimating some of its genetic parameters, the following characteristics were studied: number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight (g), plant yield (g), total yield (Ton greenhouse −1), vitamin C, Lycopene and beta-carotene100gm −1. and the results showed that lines the pure ones differed significantly among themselves under the probability level of 0.05 and 0.01 in all studied traits, and outperforming the pure line LA2838A Significantly four characteristics: the number of fruits in the plant and vitamin C Lycopene and beta-carotene reached (365.666 fruits.plant−1, 0.326 mg .100 gm−1, 5.62 mg. gm−1 and 0.333 mg. gm−1), respectively. The genetic, environmental and phenotypic variance differed from zero significantly for all studied traits, and the genetic variance was greater than the environmental variance for all traits, and the values of heritability in the broad sense and the expected genetic improvement as a percentage of the average trait were high for all traits except for lycopene trait if it was average for both.

Improving the Growth and Production of Beets by Fertilizing with Fish Water and Spraying Lentil Extract

The experiment was conducted in the fields belonging to the Department of Horticulture, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Baghdad, at Al-Jadriya Complex / Station A, for the autumn season of 2022-2023. The aim was to study the effect of water fish irrigation and water lens plant extract foliar application on the growth and productivity of beetroot. The experiment included two factors: the first factor was water fish irrigation with five concentrations (A) Control treatment (irrigation with river water and recommended fertilization), (B) Water fish irrigation at 25% concentration, (C) water Fish irrigation at 50% concentration, (D) Water Fish irrigation at 75% concentration, (E) Water fish irrigation at 100% concentration. The second factor was the foliar application of water lens plant extract, including (T1) Control treatment, (T2) Foliar application of extract at 0.25% concentration, (T3) Foliar application of extract at 0.50% concentration, (T4) Foliar application of extract at 0.75% concentration, (T5) Foliar application of extract at 1% concentration. The experiment was designed using a completely randomized block design with three replications, and a total of 25 treatments per replication. The means were compared using the Least Significant Difference (L.S.D) test at a significance level of 0.05. The results were as follows: Water fish irrigation treatments showed significant superiority in yield indicators, including root diameter, dry weight, height, and total yield. Treatment (E) gave the highest averages in root dry weight and total yield, while the largest root diameter was observed in treatment (D). As for root height, the highest average was recorded in treatment (C). The results of water lens plant extract foliar application showed a significant effect on yield indicators, with treatment (T5) outperforming in root dry weight, root height, and total yield. The interaction treatment ET5 showed the highest average total yield per hectare, reaching 1372 kg/ha.

Balancing grain yield and environmental performance by optimizing planting patterns of rice-wheat cropping systems

To alleviate the adverse consequences of conventional planting of the rice–wheat cropping system and achieve long-term sustainability, a 3-cycle experiment (2019–2022) was conducted to investigate the effects of six planting patterns (PPs) on the grain yield and environmental performance. PP1 entailed annual rotary tillage (RT) without straw returning but without fertilization for rice and wheat seasons. PP2 was the same as PP1 but involved fertilization. PP3 was the same as PP2 but included straw return. PP4 entailed rice planting the same as in PP3, but with innovative zero-tillage (ZT) seeding technology for wheat planting. PP5 entailed wheat planting the same as in PP4, but with rice planting involving direct paddy seeding under RT. PP6 entailed wheat planting the same as in PP4, but rice planting followed dry direct seeding under ZT. The results showed that the average total yield under PP2, PP3, PP4, PP5, and PP6 was 64 %, 54 %, 69 %, 51 %, and 54 % higher than that under PP1, respectively. The highest methane and nitrous oxide emissions occurred under PP4 and PP6, respectively. When soil organic carbon changes were included in the calculations, the carbon footprint per unit area (CFA) was sharply reduced under PP4 and PP6, and the highest CFA was achieved under PP1, followed by PP2. Implementing annual RT promoted soil mineral nitrogen accumulation under PP2 and PP3 after wheat harvest, increasing the risk of mineral nitrogen leaching and the nitrogen footprint per unit area than that under the other PPs. PP4 exhibited the highest ammonia volatilization, which was offset by reduced mineral nitrogen leaching. Overall, PP4 exhibited a yearly increase in the comprehensive scores obtained via Z-score analysis and yielded the highest score in the last year due to the highest annual grain yield, steady SOC increase, and lower nitrogen loss.

Beneficial effects of antioxidant micronutrients during peri-parturient period on reproductive, udder and body performance of crossbred cows

BackgroundThe critical and stressful peri‑parturient period in the life of a dairy animal creates challenges for dairy owners to keep the animal in the optimum condition of health and hence production. Micronutrients with antioxidant properties help in reducing oxidative stress. A combination of antioxidant micro-nutrients was investigated in the ration of crossbred cows with a hypothesis to eliminate the negative effects of oxidative stress during the stressful peri‑parturient period. MethodsTwenty healthy advanced pregnant crossbred cows reared under similar conditions of feeding with no history of mastitis during previous lactation were selected randomly for the study. Cows were equally distributed randomly into two groups keeping the parity, body condition score, and last record of lactation comparable. Cows were fed the same basal ration with the inclusion of a combination of antioxidant micronutrients (having trace elements copper and zinc with vitamins A and E as per the standard recommendations for cows for the prevention of mastitis) in the diet of the treated group daily, while another group served as control. ResultsThe overall average total (5 %) and fat-corrected milk yield (10 %) remained high in the treatment group. The fat, protein, and lactose content of milk, as well as milk pH, remained statistically comparable (P > 0.05) between the two groups. The overall mean values of milk solid-not-fat remained significantly high (P = 0.04) with a reduced value of the somatic cell count (P = 0.03) in the treatment group indicating the advantage of the antioxidant micronutrients inclusion in the diet. The incidences of mastitis reported in the treatment group were only 14 % (8 Vs 56) as compared to the control group across the entire study period. Higher (P = 0.023) body condition scores in the treatment group cows during the prepartum period lead to lower (0 Vs 40 %) incidences of peri‑parturient reproductive disorders. ConclusionsIt may be concluded that supplementation of antioxidant micronutrients in the dairy cow's ration helps in preventing the adverse effect of oxidative stress during the stressful transition stage and is hence capable to reduce the incidences of mastitis and peri‑parturient reproductive disorders in addition to an enhancement in solid-not-fat content of the milk.

Effect of Different Combinations of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under Rupandehi Condition

An experiment on effect of different combinations of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. ArkaAnamika was conducted at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa, Rupandehi during February 2017 to June 2017. The experiment was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments 220:200:60 NPK Kg ha–1 (T1), 200:180:60 NPK Kg ha–1 (T2), 180:160:40 NPK Kg ha–1 (T3), 160:140:40 NPK Kg ha–1 (T4), 140:120:20 NPK Kg ha–1(T5), 120:100:20 NPK Kg ha–1 (T6) and Control (T7) were applied and the growth, yield and yield attributes of okra were studied. The result revealed that there were no significant differences (p=0.05 level by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test-DMRT) on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, fruit length, fruit diameter, average number of fruit per plant and average marketable yield to the effect of different combination of NPK levels. However, the result showed that average marketable yield and total yield was found significant over the control and also the highest total yield (43.21 Mt/ha) was obtained at 160:140:40NPK Kg ha–1.

Effect of reproductive indices and bovine somatotropin on milk yield in Holstein cows experiencing climatic sub-fertility

This study aimed at determining the association between reproductive indexes and the total milk yield in non-planed lactations ≥600 days in sub-fertile Holstein cows treated or not with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) and experienced prolonged hyperthermia. A total of 1141 cows with a single lactation were enrolled in the study: 622 were not treated with rbST (control) and 519 were treated with rbST (500 mg every 14 days throughout lactation). Across parities, control cows with >480 days open, produced 5642 kg more milk (p<0.01) than cows with <380 days open. rbST-treated cows produced 5994 more (p<0.01) kg of milk during the entire lactation than cows with <380 days open. In control cows receiving ≥10 services, the average total milk yield was 1811 kg higher (p<0.01) than in cows receiving ≤10 services. In rbST-treated cows, the average total milk yield was 1680 kg higher (p<0.01) in cows receiving ≥10 services, compared to cows receiving ≤10 services. The overall conception rate for all services was 51% and 73% (p<0.01) for control and rbST-treated cows, respectively. In conclusion, the greater the delay to get pregnant and the greater the number of services per lactation the higher the total milk yield per lactation were observed. Thus, in this unusual situation where sub-fertile cows are retained with >380 days open and they continue to be inseminated after 10 unsuccessful services, the impact of delayed conception is not entirely negative as this disadvantage is more than outweighed by the extra milk that is produced when lactation is extended.

Effects of Varieties and Different Environments on Growth and Yield Performance of Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum)

Shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) is one of the major cash crops produced in the Amhara region, including East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia. However, the shallot is being out of production, and there are limited research efforts concerning the influence of the growing environment on shallot varieties. Thus, the objective of the study was to identify adaptable and high-yielding shallot varieties across different agroecologies/location in the East Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted at three locations (Debre Markos, Wonka, and Yelam Gej) during 2019/20 and 2020/21 growing seasons. The study consists of four shallot varieties (Minjar, Huruta, Negelle, and local). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth, yield, and yield component parameters were recorded and analyzed using SAS Computer Software version 9.0. The present results indicated that the highest plant height, leaf length, number of shoots per plant, number of bulblets per bulb, average bulb weight, total yield, and marketable yield per hectare were recorded from improved shallot varieties Minjar, Negelle, and Huruta. Thus, Minjar, Negelle, and Huruta were better performed for growth, yield, and yield components at all testing locations. Thus, Minjar, Negelle, and Huruta were found to be superior in yield and yield components at all testing locations and were thus suggested to be used by the growers in the study area. It would be advisable to evaluate the varieties in the participatory varietal trail for further dissemination of varieties to shallot growers in the study area.

Hydrogen and Methane Production in a Two-Stage Thermophilic Anaerobic Digestion System by Co-Digestion of Kitchen Waste and Municipal Sewage Sludge with a High Solid Content

The thermophilic anaerobic fermentation of mixed materials for simultaneously producing biohydrogen and methane has become a research hotspot. In this study, thermally treated kitchen waste (KW) and municipal sewage sludge (MSS) were used as substrates for a thermophilic two-stage anaerobic digestion process. The effects on gas production performance were investigated in both the hydrogen-producing stage and methane-producing stage under different organic load rates (OLRs). The production rates, volume, removal rates, and energy yields of volatile solids (VS) were optimal under higher OLRs for both the hydrogen (OLR = 12.5 g VS/L·day) and methane stages (OLR = 5 g VS/L·day). These conditions also provided the optimal average removal rate and total energy yield of VS for the entire anaerobic fermentation system (65.4% and 30.9 kJ/g VS, respectively). Overall, the results demonstrate the superior efficiency of VS removal and hydrogen and methane production in a two-stage thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion of KW and MSS with a high solid content under proper material mix ratio and higher OLRs. This study provides the basis for material mass ratio, mixtures' pretreatment, and operation control for future pilot tests.

Harmonizing manure and mineral fertilizers can mitigate the impact of climate change on crop yields

Global population growth and climate change challenge food security severely, and adopting appropriate fertilization strategies to guarantee food production under climate change is uncertain. This research studied the crop yield and soil organic carbon (SOC) in peas-wheat-potato rotation system under four fertilization regimes (viz. unfertilized control (CK), applied mineral nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer (NP), applied sheep manure (M), and applied NP+M (MNP)) through an 18-year field experiment combined with the DeNitrification-DeComposition biogeochemical modeling. We observed that MNP had the highest yield, the average total crop yield of pea, wheat and potato was 5784, 4735, 3240 and 1481 kg ha-1 respectively in MNP, M, NP and CK. Manure application improved SOC significantly, it was 7.08, 7.51, 3.47 and 2.92 g kg-1 respectively in MNP, M, NP and CK at the end of the field experiment. Under the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 6 climate projection (2022–2100), in all four climate scenarios (SSP1–2.6, SSP2–4.5, SSP3–7.0 and SSP5–8.5), the yield order was MNP > M > NP > CK, and there was a significant difference in the average total yield of pea, wheat, and potato among treatments. Under future climate, the pea yields were higher than that in the historical period (2004–2021); the wheat yield in CK was similar to the historical period but it was higher in NP and M and lower in MNP than historical period. Moreover, the potato yield in MNP was slightly lower than that of the historical period but it was significantly higher in M and lower in NP and CK than historical period. Comparatively, MNP had higher yield stability and sustainability than NP, both under historical and future climate conditions. Fertilization reduced the yield response to growing-season precipitation under historical climate, while combined fertilization reduced the yield response to annual precipitation and average temperature in future climates. In addition, SOC increased in all treatments under the future climate scenarios and the effect of manure was significant, but the increase rate retarded as the climate scenario increase and time over. These results suggested that the combined application of manure and mineral fertilizer contributed to mitigating climate change’s impact on crop yields.

Supracarinal lymph node positivity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and factors predicting metastasis in supracarinal compartment nodes: Should a total mediastinal node dissection be the standard of care?

Adequate lymphadenectomy in middle- and lower-third esophagus cancer is still a matter of debate. This study aims to find out the extent of histopathological supracarinal lymph nodes positivity rate to establish an adequate lymph node dissection in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cases operated up-front or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) + radiotherapy (RT) and its short-term oncological outcome. After approval from institutional board review, a retrospective study was conducted from April 2017 to September 2019. A total of 76 patients having mid- or lower-third carcinoma esophagus were operated at our institute for partial/total esophagectomy with extended two-field lymph node dissection were followed. Intraoperative nodal stations were harvested separately and lebeled individually according to the Japanese Esophageal Classification and sent for histopathological examination. The patients had an average age of 52 years. Histologically all were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Forty-four patients received preoperative concurrent RT plus drug therapy, whereas 18 cases were operated up-front. Fourteen patients were operated after palliative treatment (CT/RT). The average total lymph node yield was 22 nodes (range 3-69). In 26 patients (34.2%), lymph nodes were positive (N+ disease). Supracarinal nodes were positive in 20 cases (26.31%). The average supracarinal lymph node yield was 10.33 nodes (range 2-32). Five patients (6.5%) had only supracarinal lymph nodes positive on histopathological examination. Seventeen patients had a complete pathological response rate (pCR). In cases of mid-third esophageal carcinoma, extended two fields with supracarinal lymphadenectomy is strongly recommended even after the patient has received neoadjuvant treatment, although the same for lower-third/gastroesophageal (GE) junction tumors should be considered.