Content Of Grains Research Articles

Overexpression of OsTIP1;2 confers arsenite tolerance in rice and reduces root-to-shoot translocation of arsenic

Tonoplast Intrinsic Proteins (TIPs) are vital in transporting water and solutes across vacuolar membrane. The role of TIPs in the arsenic stress response is largely undefined. Rice shows sensitivity to the arsenite [As[III]] stress and its accumulation at high concentrations in grains poses severe health hazards. In this study, functional characterization of OsTIP1;2 from Oryza sativa indica cultivar Pusa Basmati-1 (PB-1) was done under the As[III] stress. Overexpression of OsTIP1;2 in PB-1 rice conferred tolerance to As[III] treatment measured in terms of enhanced shoot growth, biomass, and shoot/root ratio of overexpression (OE) lines compared to the wild-type (WT) plants. Moreover, seed priming with the IRW100 yeast cells (deficient in vacuolar membrane As[III] transporter YCF1) expressing OsTIP1;2 further increased As[III] stress tolerance of both WT and OE plants. The dithizone assay showed that WT plants accumulated high arsenic in shoots, while OE lines accumulated more arsenic in roots than shoots thereby limiting the translocation of arsenic to shoot. The activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants also increased in the OE lines on exposure to As[III]. The tissue-specific localization showed OsTIP1;2 promoter activity in root and root hairs, indicating its possible root-specific function. After As[III] treatment in hydroponic medium, the arsenic translocation factor (TF) for WT was around 0.8, while that of OE lines was around 0.2. Moreover, the arsenic content in the grains of OE lines reduced significantly compared to WT plants.

Design and simulation of capacitive sensor for grain moisture detection

The high moisture content of grain would result in quality deteriorations such as mold and mildew during storage and transportation. For effective detection of grain moisture, a forked-finger capacitive sensor in the form of triangular prism is proposed. The effect of the sensor structural parameters on its capacitance, electric field distribution, sensitivity and penetration depth are investigated using finite element simulations. The results show that an optimised effective penetration depth of 2.73 mm for grain moisture detection can be achieved when the finger width, number, length and spacing are 50 μm, 25.4 mm and 50 μm, respectively. This work may provide a new approach for the structural design of capacitive grain moisture sensors.

The Quality of Winter Wheat Grain by Different Sowing Strategies and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates: A Case Study in Northeastern Poland

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of different sowing strategies and spring nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates on the technological quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain in terms of its milling quality, protein complex quality, and enzyme activity (falling number). Winter wheat grain for laboratory analyses was produced in a small-area field experiment conducted between 2018 and 2021 in the AES in Bałcyny (53°35′46.4″ N, 19°51′19.5″ E, NE Poland). The experimental variables were (i) sowing date (early: 6 September 2018, 5 September 2019, and 3 September 2020; delayed by 14 days: 17–20 September; and delayed by 28 days: 1–4 October), (ii) sowing density (200, 300, and 400 live grains m−2), and (iii) split application of N fertilizer in spring (40 + 100, 70 + 70, and 100 + 40 kg ha−1) at BBCH stages 22–25 and 30–31, respectively. A sowing delay of 14 and 28 days increased the bulk density (by 1 and 1.5 percent points (%p), respectively), vitreousness (by 3 and 6%p, respectively), and total protein content of grain (by 1% an 2%, respectively). A sowing delay of 14 days increased grain hardness (by 5%), the flour extraction rate (by 1.4%p), and the falling number (by 3%) while also decreasing grain uniformity (by 1.9%p). In turn, a sowing delay of 28 days increased the wet gluten content of grain (+0.5–0.6%p) and improved the quality of the protein complex in the Zeleny sedimentation test (+1.5%). An increase in sowing density from 200 to 300 live grains m−2 led to a decrease in grain uniformity (by 2.6%p), the total protein content (by 1.5%), and the wet gluten content of grain (by 0.7%p). A further increase in sowing density decreased grain vitreousness (by 1.4%p). The grain of winter wheat fertilized with 40 and 100 kg N ha−1 in BBCH stages 22–25 and 30–31, respectively, was characterized by the highest hardness (64.7), vitreousness (93%), flour extraction rate (73.9%), total protein content (134 g kg−1 DM), wet gluten content (36%), and Zeleny sedimentation index (69 mL).

Grain protein and amino acid dynamics in sorghum with in‐season split‐nitrogen application

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesField experiments were conducted to assess the influence of in‐season split application of nitrogen (N) on grain protein, protein digestibility, and amino acid dynamics in grain sorghum, in three different environments. Treatments included a zero N check and eight treatments with varying N application timings and amounts.FindingsThe five high N treatments had significantly greater grain protein content than all the lower N treatments. As the total protein increased, the kafirin portion of the protein increased, whereas the albumin‐globulin levels decreased. Nitrogen treatment had a significant effect on 13 of the 18 amino acids. High N applications significantly increased amino acids on a protein basis including alanine, glutamic acid, leucine, proline, and phenylalanine.ConclusionsTreatment N92 with N applied at 92 kg N ha−1 as split application at three different growth stages including planting, panicle initiation, and booting emerged as the optimum N treatment for increasing protein and amino acid concentration in grain sorghum.Significance and NoveltyThe ideal N application approach identified can be used to screen a wide range of sorghum hybrids under varying levels of irrigation and the same N treatments can be adopted by producers to enhance grain protein in sorghum.

Assessment of nutrient content in grain, hydroponic and conventional fodder with focus on maize, wheat and Sudan grass

Assessment of nutrient content in grain, hydroponic and conventional fodder with focus on maize, wheat and Sudan grass

Monitoring and predicting corn grain quality on the transport and post-harvest operations in storage units using sensors and machine learning models

Monitoring the intergranular variables of corn grain mass during the transportation, drying, and storage stages it possible to predict and avoid potential grain quality losses. For monitoring the grain mass along the transport, a probe system with temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide sensors was developed to determine the equilibrium moisture content and the respiration of the grain mass. These same variables were monitored during storage. At drying process, the drying air and grain mass temperatures, as well as the relative humidity, were monitored. For the prediction of the physical and physical–chemical quality of the grains, the results obtained from the monitoring were used as input data for the multiple linear regression, artificial neural networks, decision tree, and random forest models. A Pearson correlation was applied to verify the relationship between the monitored and predicted variables. From the results obtained, we verified that the intergranular relative humidity altered the equilibrium moisture content of the grains, contributing to the increased respiration and hence dry matter losses along the transport. At this stage, the artificial neural network model was the most indicated to predict the electrical conductivity, apparent specific mass, and germination. The random forest model satisfactorily estimated the dry matter loss. During drying, the air temperature caused volumetric contraction and thermal damage to the grains, increasing the electric conductivity index. Artificial neural network and random forest models were the most suitable for predicting the quality of dry grains. During storage, the environmental conditions altered the moisture contents causing a reduction in the apparent specific mass, germination, and crude protein, crude fiber, and fat contents. Artificial neural network and random forest were the best predictors of moisture content and germination. However, the random forest model was the best predictor of apparent specific mass, electrical conductivity, and starch content of stored grains.

Nitrogen Fertilization and Cultivar Interactions Determine Maize Yield and Grain Mineral Composition in Calcareous Soil under Semiarid Conditions.

Identifying the contributions of climate factors and fertilization to maize yield is significant for the assessment of climate change impacts on maize production under semiarid conditions. This experiment was conducted with an overall objective to find how N fertilization and cultivar interactions along with climatic conditions determine the mineral composition and maize yield responses of four divergent maize cultivars grown under eight different fertilization levels. The results showed that element contents were significantly affected by year (Y), cultivar (C), N fertilization, and N × C interaction. The element contents of grains were mainly influenced by N rate or N × C interactions. The results showed that maize yield was significantly affected by year (Y), genotype (G), N fertilization (N), and Y × G × N interaction. These results implied that the maize yield was significantly affected by changes in genotypes and environments. Overall, our findings are a result of the interactions of genetic, environmental, and agronomic management factors. Future studies could evaluate more extreme plant densities, N fertilizer levels, and environments to further enhance our understanding of management effects on the mineral composition and maize yield in calcareous soil.

Effects of foliar application of Zn combined with organic matters on Cd accumulation and its chemical forms in rice.

Rice consumption is a key Cd exposure pathway, which poses a health risk to humans. Reducing cadmium (Cd) concentrations in rice remains challenging. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to examine the effects of foliar spray of Zn combined with organic matters (including Zn-lysine (Zn-Lys), Zn-fulvic acid (Zn-FA), Zn-amino acid (Zn-AA), and Zn combined with glutathione (Zn + GSH)) on Cd accumulation in rice grains. Compared with the control group, all treatment groups exhibited reduced Cd concentration in rice grains, while improving plant growth, and reducing Cd transport from other tissues to the grains. Zn-FA was found to be the most effective fertilizer, which considerably reduced Cd concentrations in grains from 0.77 ± 0.068 to 0.14 ± 0.021mg/kg and yielded reductions of up to 81%, which is within the Chinese food maximum tolerable limit of 0.2mg/kg. Furthermore, the analysis of the chemical forms of Cd of rice tissues indicated that the treatment groups had increased proportions of integrated with pectates and protein in the stems. Except for the group treated with Zn-Lys spray, the percentages of undissolved Cd phosphate in the leaves were increased in all treatment groups, which reduced Cd toxicity to rice plants. The foliar application of Zn combined with organic matters may be a promising strategy to decrease Cd concentration in rice grains cultivated in severely Cd-contaminated agricultural soil, particularly in the karst area in southwest China with limited available cultivable agricultural land.

Unravelling the impact of soil types on zinc, iron, and selenium concentrations in grains and straw of wheat/Amblyopyrum muticum and wheat/Triticum urartu doubled haploid lines

The concentration of mineral nutrients in plants is associated with bioavailabilities of soil mineral nutrients, which are regulated by various soil physio-chemical properties. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of soil type on grain and straw zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) concentrations of wheat/Amblyopyrum muticum and wheat/Triticum urartu doubled haploid lines. A set of 42 treatments in a factorial combination with 21 genotypes and two soil types collected from Ngabu and Chitedze Research Stations in Malawi was laid in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) in three replicates. Pre-experiment soil Zn and Fe were extracted using DTPA extraction method followed by analysis with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Aqua-regia hotplate acid digestion was used to extract soil Se and analysis was done using ICPM-MS. Grain and straw samples were digested using nitric acid digestion (HNO3) and analysed using ICP-MS. Soil analysis results showed that the two soils had the same textural class (Sandy clay loam), but different mineral concentrations, pH levels and percentage organic matter. Analysis of variance revealed a ~two-fold higher Zn concentration in grains grown in low pH, high Zn soils (Chitedze soils) compared to grains grown in high pH, low Zn soils (Ngabu soils). Variation in grain Zn concentration was associated with the genotypes (p = 0002), soil type (p = <0.0001), and their interaction (p = 0.035). Grain Fe was 1.3-fold higher in low pH than in high pH soils, and it was influenced by genotypes (p = < 0.0001) and soil type (p = <0.0001). Grain Se was highly associated with soil type (p = <0.0001), and it was 30-fold higher in high pH than in low pH soils. Straw Zn was generally higher in plants grown in Chitedze soils than Ngabu soils, whilst straw Se was higher in plants grown in Ngabu soils than Chitedze soils. The findings demonstrate the significance of soil physio-chemical properties for mineral accumulation and distribution to plant parts, thus informing future breeding programs on important considerations on crop genetic biofortification with the three mineral elements.

Response of nutrients uptake and bio fortification to the optimum zinc fertilizer doses for maize crop (Zea mays L.)

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient that participates in several plant metabolisms. Soil application of Zn is an effective strategy to increase the productivity and Zn concentration in maize grains, but the effect of Zn fertilizers on the nutrients uptake and biofortification still needs more studies. In this study, a greenhouse plot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the optimum Zn fertilizer doses (0, 5.7, and 11.4 kg ha−1) on the nutrients uptake and Zn biofortification of maize crops. Zn applications were found to increase significantly the transpiration rate; photosynthesis rate, Zn, and P concentration in the maize shoot at the VT (Tasseling) stage as well as the grain Zn and maize grain yield. P, Mg, and phytic acid (PA) concentration in grains was also increased with a Zn application of 11.4 kg ha−1. The PA/Zn molar ratio in grains decreased due to the Zn application doses as compared with the control treatment, but there was no significant difference between Zn 5.7 and 11.4 kg ha−1 doses, while Zn 5.7 kg ha−1 achieved a higher PA/Fe molar ratio in maize grains compared to other treatments.

Effects of elevated CO2 on MeHg and IHg in rice

Methylmercury (MeHg) and, to a lesser extent, inorganic mercury (IHg) contamination of rice is a global public health concern, but little is known about how soil and grain Hg concentrations respond to elevated CO2 (ECO2), or how ECO2 alters movement of Hg through the soil-plant-grain system. To advance knowledge of how Hg contamination of rice will change in the future, this study explored the effect of elevated CO2 (ECO2, c. 800 ppm) on soil, iron plaque, root, stem/leaf, and grain concentrations of MeHg and IHg. We observed evidence that ECO2 increased accumulation of MeHg, but not IHg, in rice grain. For IHg, ECO2 did not alter its uptake from the soil, translocation through the plant, or concentration in rice grain. However, ECO2 did reduce uptake of IHg from the air into leaf tissues, likely as a result of the reduced stomatal conductivity and thus more limited direct uptake from the air.Methylmercury concentrations in the grain of plants grown at ECO2 were significantly higher than those of plants grown at ambient CO2. Moreover, MeHg concentrations were also elevated in stem/leaf (82 %) and root tissue (37 %) for ECO2 plants, although the root-tissue results were not statistically significant. In contrast, soil MeHg concentrations were virtually indistinguishable between treatments, indicating that higher rice grain MeHg concentrations were not likely due to higher microbial IHg methylation in soil. Plant uptake of MeHg into stem/leaves and grain from the soil was significantly greater in the ECO2 treatment; however, translocation patterns of MeHg within the plant itself did not differ between treatments. Notably, these patterns existed despite consistently lower transpiration in the ECO2 treatment, and thus less mass flow of solute towards and through the plant. Our results indicate that as CO2 concentrations rise, the human health risks related to MeHg in grain will likely increase.

ВЛИЯНИЕ АБИОТИЧЕСКИХ ФАКТОРОВ СЕВЕРО-ЗАПАДНОГО РЕГИОНА НА УРОВЕНЬ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ БЕЛКА И АДАПТИВНУЮ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ ДИПЛОИДНЫХ СОРТОВ ОЗИМОЙ РЖИ

The aim of the study is a comprehensive analysis of winter rye varieties for environmental sustainability and identification of the most promising ones. The object of the study is 9 varieties of diploid winter rye (Grafinya, Kiprez, Flora (Kirov Region), Moskovskaya 18 (Moscow Region), Talovskaya 45 (Voronezh Region), Saratovskaya 10 (Saratov Region), Novosibirskaya 17 (Novosibirsk Region), Sudarushka (Tomsk Region)), which have been added to the VIR collection in recent years. The Era variety (Leningrad Region) served as a standard. The study was carried out on the experimental fields of the Pushkin and Pavlovsk Laboratories of VIR National Research Scientific and Practical Institute in 2019–2022. The soils of the experimental field are sod-weakly podzolic, sandy loam in mechanical composition, with neutral acidity (pH = 7.1–7.6). The thickness of the humus horizon is 23–47 cm, the humus content is 2.1–3.0 %. The supply of mobile forms of potassium is average, phosphorus is high, the predecessor is pure fallow. For an accurate and reliable assessment, the following indicators were used: environmental variation (Si2), variation coefficient (CV), measure of superiority (Pi), indicator of agroecological superiority (Jsp), stress susceptibility index (SSPi), stability indicator (YSi), ecological valence (Wi), degree of adaptation (DAA), reaction effect (Er), intensity indicator (I), stress resistance (Ymin – Ymax), compensatory capacity (Ymin + Ymax)/2, stability (Ymin/Ymax), responsiveness coefficient (Kr). Significant variability of protein content in grain was determined from 11 % in 2020 to 13 % in 2022. The varieties Talovskaya 45, Moskovskaya 18, Novosibirskaya 17, Sudarushka exceeded the standard variety Era by 1–0.4 %. Of the 14 indicators used, the following should be used for a more reliable assessment: the coefficient of variation (CV), the measure of superiority (Pi), the index of susceptibility to stress (SSPi), the ecological valence (Wi), the degree of adaptation (DAA), the effect of reaction (Er), the intensity index (I). The varieties Moskovskaya 18, Novosibirskaya 17, Sudarushka, Talovskaya 45 have a high degree of adaptability.

ВЛИЯНИЕ КОЛИЧЕСТВА СКАШИВАНИЙ НА ЭНЕРГОСОДЕРЖАНИЕ И ЭНЕРГОПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ ЯРОВОГО ОВСА В КРАСНОЯРСКОЙ ЛЕСОСТЕПИ

The purpose of the study is to establish the influence of the method of use on the energy content and energy productivity of spring oat varieties. Objectives: to study the effect of the number of mowing on the energy content and dry matter collection; determine the dependence of energy productivity on the method of use, weather conditions and oat variety. The study was carried out in the forest-steppe zone of the Krasnoyarsk Region. Two cultivation methods were studied: single-cut (traditional technology with combine harvesting) and double-cut. The double-mowing method of use was carried out by mowing the green mass of oat varieties during the booting phase, and after their regrowth and the formation of a grain harvest, harvesting it. The yield of green mass was determined by a continuous method, by weighing the entire mass from the accounting area of the plot. Accounting, observations, and calculation of energy productivity were carried out according to the methodology of the All-Russian Research Institute of Feeds named after V.R. Williams. The objects of the study are oat varieties included in the list of breeding achievements approved for use in the Krasnoyarsk Region and promising for use: Tubinsky, Sig, Sayan, Uzhursky, Ural 2, Krasnoobsky and Poloves. Control is single cutting use and Tubinsky variety. The energy content depended on the method of use and type of product. The energy content of dry matter of green mass ave¬raged 9.681 MJ/kg; energy content of grain with double mowing – 13.003; with a single mowing – 13.515 MJ/kg. In the forest-steppe conditions of the Krasnoyarsk Region, the energy content of oat varieties corresponded to the first quality class. In terms of energy content of dry matter of green mass, the Tubinsky variety Sayan was superior to the control. The dry matter energy content of this variety averaged 11.133 MJ/ha. The energy productivity of oats depended on the variety, weather conditions of the years of research and energy content. In terms of energy productivity, all studied varieties showed an advantage when used with double-cutting compared to single-cutting. The maximum increase in single cutting use was shown by the Sig variety, which exceeded the control by 127.1 %. The Sayan variety stood out in terms of energy productivity; its increase per cutting was 60.2 GJ/ha.

СОРТА ДВУРУЧКИ КАК ИСХОДНЫЙ МАТЕРИАЛ ДЛЯ СЕЛЕКЦИИ ЯРОВОЙ ПШЕНИЦЫ В СЕВЕРНОЙ ЛЕСОСТЕПИ ТЮМЕНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The objective of research is to study the facultative wheat varieties bred by the Krasnodar Research Institute of Agriculture for a set of economic traits and to establish the possibility of using them in the bree-ding of spring wheat in the Tyumen Region. Research was conducted in 2022–2023 on a small experimental field of the Northern Trans-Urals State Agricultural University. The object of research is five facultative wheat varieties (Anka, Afina, Leo, Karavan, Velena) bred by the Krasnodar Research Institute of Agriculture and the standard spring wheat variety Ikar. It was found that facultative wheat varieties, when sown early (soil temperature 8–10 °C), grow and develop well and, at the same time as the standard spring variety Ikar, reach economic grain maturity at the end of August. They form stems 80–90 cm high with shortened lower internodes, dense straw walls (weight of 1 cm of straw is 23.1–27.5 mg, for the standard – 19.7 mg) and are resistant to lodging. In terms of field germination and survival of plants for harvesting, the diurnal varieties exceeded the standard Ikar variety by 13–18 and 12–17 %, respectively. In terms of resistance to brown leaf and stem rust, powdery mildew and septoria, they were rated at 7–9 points. Productive tillering was one and a half to two times higher than that of the standard Ikar variety and amounted to 2–4 stems per plant. Due to the high grain content per ear (23–28 pcs.) and average grain size (34.3–37.1 g), the grain weight per ear was 0.82–1.14 g, which is 0.12–0.44 g higher than that of the standard Ikar variety. In terms of protein and gluten content in grain, as well as grain bulk density, vitreousness, and falling number, the facultative varieties generally met the requirements for valuable and strong wheat. According to the studied economic characteristics, facultative wheat varieties are valuable source material for breeding spring wheat in the Tyumen Region.

Relationship between mineral fertilization, plant macro- and microelement contents and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract. The effectiveness of mineral fertilization on wheat productivity was determined in a field experiment on Alluvial-meadow soil (Fluvisol, FAO 2015) at the experimental field of Tsalapitsa village, Plovdiv region, during 2019-2020. Four increasing rates of nitrogen fertilization along with a constant background of phosphorus fertilization were tested in the following variants: N40P100; N80P100; N120P100; N160P100, and N0P0 (control) – without any fertilization. The influence of these variants on yield and the content of basic macro- and microelements in wheat’s dry biomass were assessed. Plant samples were collected at the full maturity phase of wheat, with each variant sampled in triplicate, to determine the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe. Correlation analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to identify dependencies between observed variables. Significant differences between the variants for N% content in grain, chaff and straw of wheat were established. The highest nitrogen values were observed in the grain of the N160P100 and N120P100 variants, at 2.10% and 2.02%, respectively. The applied fertilization had a significant positive effect on the accumulation of potassium, calcium, copper, manganese and iron in wheat biomass. This finding was supported by the correlation coefficients between fertilizer rates and N (R = 0.948), Ca (R = 0.854), Cu (R = 0.681), Mn (R = 0.735), and Fe (R = 0.769) in the wheat grain. Significant yield differences were observed among the variants, with the highest yield recorded for N120P100 (7123.0 kg/ha), more than tripling that of the control variant. The uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by the total biomass of wheat increased depending on the fertilization rates and it was the highest in the N120P100 variant.

Suppression of mercury methylation in soil and methylmercury accumulation in rice by dissolved organic matter derived from sulfur-rich rape straw

Straw amendment significantly enhances mercury (Hg) methylation and subsequent methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation in Hg-contaminated paddy fields by releasing dissolved organic matter (DOM). This study comprehensively investigates the regulatory mechanisms of DOM and its different molecular weights derived from sulfur-rich rape straw (RaDOM) and composted rape straw (CRaDOM) applied in the rice-filling stage on soil MeHg production and subsequent bioaccumulation in rice grains. The results indicated that the amendment of RaDOM and CRaDOM significantly reduced soil MeHg content by 42.40–62.42%. This reduction can be attributed to several factors, including the suppression of Hg-methylating bacteria in soil, the supply of sulfate from RaDOM and CRaDOM, and the increase in the humification, molecular weight, and humic-like fractions of soil DOM. Additionally, adding RaDOM increased the MeHg bioaccumulation factor in roots by 27.55% while inhibiting MeHg transportation by 12.24% and ultimately reducing MeHg content in grains by 21.24% compared to the control group. Similarly, CRaDOM enhanced MeHg accumulation by 25.19%, suppressed MeHg transportation by 39.65%, and reduced MeHg levels in the grains by 27.94%. The assimilation of sulfate derived from RaDOM and CRaDOM into glutathione may be responsible for the increased retention of MeHg in the roots. Over the three days, there was a significant decrease in soil MeHg content as the molecular weight of RaDOM increased; conversely, altering the molecular weight of CRaDOM demonstrated an inverse trend. However, this pattern was not observed after 12 days. Applying sulfur-rich rape DOM can help mitigate MeHg accumulation in paddy fields by regulating the quality of soil DOM, sulfur cycling, and Hg-methylating bacteria.

The Design and Experimentation of a Corn Moisture Detection Device Based on Double Capacitors.

Detecting the moisture content of grain accurately and rapidly has important significance for harvesting, transport, storage, processing, and precision agriculture. There are some problems with the slow detection speeds, unstable detection, and low detection accuracy of moisture contents in corn harvesters. In that case, an online moisture detection device was designed, which is based on double capacitors. A new method of capacitance complementation and integration was proposed to eliminate the limitation of single data. The device is composed of a sampling mechanism and a double-capacitor sensor consisting of a flatbed capacitor and a cylindrical capacitor. The optimum structure size of the capacitor plates was determined by simulation optimization. In addition to this, the detection system with software and hardware was developed to estimate the moisture content. Indoor dynamic measurement tests were carried out to analyze the influence of temperature and porosity. Based on the influencing factors and capacitance, a model was established to estimate the moisture content. Finally, the support vector machine (SVM) regressions between the capacitance and moisture content were built up so that the R2 values were more than 0.91. In the stability test, the standard deviation of the stability test was 1.09%, and the maximum relative error of the measurement accuracy test was 1.22%. In the dynamic verification test, the maximum error of the measurement was 4.62%, less than 5%. It provides a measurement method for the accurate, rapid, and stable detection of the moisture content of corn and other grains.

Studying the Influence of Moisture Content in Grain on the Efficiency of the Microwave Field Transfer into a Grain Layer with the Use of a Computer Model

The objective of these studies was to determine the dependence of the distribution of the microwave field into a grain layer and the efficiency of energy transfer from the magnetron into the grain layer, via a waveguide, on the moisture content. The subject of the research was a semicircular waveguide with slot radiators that supply a microwave field to the grain surrounding the waveguide. The change in the directional diagram of the microwave field in the longitudinal direction of the waveguide was studied using CST Microwave Studio 2019 software. It was found that the change in the moisture content of the processed grain leads to a significant change in both the radiation and total efficiency values of the waveguide. For instance, the radiation efficiency of the waveguide decreases by 15.1% (from 68.729 dB to 58.294 dB) when the moisture content of the processed grain increases from 14% to 26%. The total radiation efficiency also decreases (from 11.27 dB to 21.7 dB). In this case, not only the value of the radiation efficiency but also the shape of its dependence on the magnetron radiation frequency change. The results of this study enable the formulation of a requirement for a selective approach to the alignment of emitting waveguides depending on the moisture content of the processed grain. Data were obtained on the change in the Q-factor for resonators in which grain layers are processed, depending on the variation in grain moisture content. The research results suggest that when designing microwave convective zones for grain processing, the quality factor of the resonator should not be considered as the primary parameter. The main focus should be on maximizing the radiation efficiency of the waveguides.

Grain iron and zinc content is independent of anthocyanin accumulation in pigmented rice genotypes of Northeast region of India

The traditional rice genotypes of Assam are considered to have biological value due to the presence of several bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and anti-aging properties. The pigmented genotypes are considered to have high iron (Fe) content. However, the effect of Fe and Zinc (Zn) accumulation on anthocyanin content is yet to be studied in pigmented rice of Assam. We studied the Fe, Zn, and anthocyanin content in grains of 204 traditional rice of Assam, which are traditionally preferred for their nutraceutical properties. We performed phenotypic and biochemical compositional analyses of 204 genotypes to identify those having high Fe, Zn, and anthocyanin. We also carried out the differential expression of a few selected Fe and Zn transporter genes along with the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. Interestingly, all pigmented rice genotypes contained a higher amount of phenolic compound than the non-pigmented form of rice. We found the highest (32.73 g) seed yield per plant for genotype Jengoni followed by Kajoli chokuwa and Khau Pakhi 1. We also listed 30 genotypes having high levels of Fe and Zn content. The genotype Jengoni accumulated the highest (186.9 μg g−1) Fe, while the highest Zn (119.9 μg g−1) content was measured in genotype Bora (Nagaon), The levels of Ferritin 2 gene expression were found to be significantly higher in Bora (Nagaon) (> 2-fold). For Zn accumulation, the genotype DRR Dhan-45, which was released as a high Zn content variety, showed significant up-regulation of the ZIP4 gene at booting (> 7-fold), post-anthesis (7.8-fold) and grain filling (> 5-fold) stages followed by Bora (Nagaon) (> 3-fold) at post-anthesis. Anthocyanidin synthase gene, Flavanone 3-dioxygenase 1-like (FDO1), and Chalcone-flavanone isomerase-like genes were up-regulated in highly pigmented genotype Bora (Nagaon) followed by Jengoni. Based on our data there was no significant correlation between iron and zinc content on the accumulation of anthocyanin. This challenges the present perception of the higher nutritive value in terms of the micronutrient content of the colored rice of Assam. This is the first report on the detailed characterization of traditional rice genotypes inclusive of phenotypic, biochemical, nutritional, and molecular attributes, which would be useful for designing the breeding program to improve Fe, Zn, or anthocyanin content in rice.

Can Azospirillum brasilense compensate part of the phosphate fertilizer in soybean crop by promoting plant growth?

Bioinoculants are widely used in Brazil, based on their efficiency and low cost, in addition to increase in grain yield and lower use of fertilizers in agriculture. In this context, we investigated the use of Azospirillum brasilense to compensate part of phosphate fertilization in soybean crop by promoting plant growth. The field trials were carried out in 2020/21 crop season in four locations in Brazil. The treatments consisted of control (no P application and no microbial inoculation); complete fertilization (100% of the recommended P for the crop and no microbial inoculation); standard commercial inoculant + 75% of the recommended P for the crop; Azosphera® (inoculant based on A. brasilense, strains Ab-V5 and Ab-V6) + 75% of the recommended P for the crop. The effects were assessed on grain yield, thousand grain weight, nodulation, root and shoot dry weight, N and P content in grains and leaves. The results obtained show that inoculation of soybean crop with Azosphera® inoculant, combined with 75% of the recommended phosphate fertilization, in general, provided higher nodulation and plant dry weight and increased grain yield compared to control, and these parameters also did not differ from treatment with complete phosphate fertilization. Thus, the results show that the use of Azosphera® inoculant promoted soybean plant growth and it was possible to compensate the 25% reduction in phosphate fertilization, without impairing the development and yield of soybean crop.