Content Of Grains Research Articles

Root Dipping, Foliar and Soil Application of Zinc Increase Growth, Yields, and Grain Zinc in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grown in Moderate Zinc Soil of Inceptisol Order

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) fertilization not only increased yield of rice but also serves as an economical source of Zn to fight Zn deficiency problems in humans and cattle. A pot experiment was conducted during 2016 (kharif) to study the response of different methods of Zn application on growth, yield, and zinc concentration of rice. Treatments consisted of T1 – without fertilizers (WF); T2 – recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); T3 – RDF+soil application of 5.0 kg Zn ha−1 (SA5); T4 – RDF + soil application of 7.5 kg Zn ha−1 (SA7.5); T5 – RDF + soil application of 10 kg Zn ha−1 (SA10); T6 – RDF + root dipping in 2% ZnO (RD); T7 – RDF + SA5 + RD; T8 – RDF + foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering and flowering stage (2FA); T9 – RDF + foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering, flowering, and milking stage (3FA); T10 – RDF + SA5 + foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering stage (1FA); T11 – RDF + SA5 + 2FA; and T12 – RDF + SA5 + 3FA. Significantly higher grain and straw yield was obtained in T7 and T6, with a corresponding increase of 17.6 and 30.0% over RDF. Conjoint application of Zn (T7) increased the Zn concentration in grain and straw as compared to RDF, but FA of Zn was more effective than SA. Higher doses of Zn applied increased Zn and manganese (Mn), but decreased the concentration of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) in grain. Application of 10 kg Zn ha−1 (T5) significantly increased (1.78 folds) the DTPA extractable Zn content in postharvest soil over RDF.

Stem solidness as an important factor for wheat protection from European wheat stem sawfly (Cephus pygmaeus L.) in Altai

Background. European wheat stem sawfly (Cephus pygmaeus L.) is the main pest of wheat in Altai Territory, Russia. Resistance of host plants to this insect is based on a solid stem. The effect of a solid stem on the infestation of wheat stem sawfly larvae and on agronomic traits of spring bread wheat under the conditions of Altai Territory has not been studied.Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the experimental field of the Federal Altai Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies, Barnaul, Russia, in 2019–2021. The index of stem solidness was assessed according to a 20 point scale. The interplay between stem solidness and wheat stem sawfly larvae infestation of wheat plants was studied on 12 genotypes. The effect of stem solidness on agronomic traits was studied on 6 pairs of sister lines. One hundred cultivars were studied for the stem solidness index and 184 cultivars were tested for their resistance to wheat stem sawfly.Results. Stem solidness negatively correlated with wheat stem sawfly infestation (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was rs = –0.77 in 2019 and rs = –0.80 in 2020). Sister lines with a solid stem had significantly shorter plant height (–5 cm), less kernels per spikelet (–0.11 kernels), 1000 grain weight (–1.7 g) and grain weight per spike (–0.08 g), but higher grain weight per tiller spike (+0.11 g), compared to sister lines with a hollow stem averaged over two years. Stem solidness had no negative effect on yield or grain quality. Eleven cultivars with a solid stem index higher than 15 points were identified (‘Ershovskaya 33’, ‘Izera’, ‘Kvintus’, ‘KWS Akvilon’, ‘Tybalt’, ‘Cunningham’, ‘KW 240-3-13’, ‘KWS 3.13’, ‘Lillian’, ‘Sparrow’, ‘WW-4’).Conclusion. Stem solidness significantly decreases the damage from wheat stem sawfly and has no negative effect on yield or gluten and protein content in grain. The abovementioned cultivars with a solid stem are recommended for use in breeding for resistance to wheat stem sawfly.

Source material for breeding winter bread wheat for grain quality in the north of the Middle Volga Region

Background. Development of cultivars with high stable yields and high grain quality is the main trend in wheat breeding. The aim of this study was to characterize a set of winter bread wheat accessions from the VIR collection and the working collection of Kazan Scientific Center in terms of their yield, protein content in grain (P, %), and swelling of flour in acetic acid (S, ml), and select the best accessions for the combination of these characters for use in a crossbreeding program.Materials and methods. Twenty-three winter bread wheat accessions were studied for the abovementioned characters in the north of the Middle Volga Region using conventional techniques. The study lasted three years (2016–2019).Results and conclusion. The yield of the accessions varied across the years of studies; however, none of them surpassed the reference cv. ‘Kazanskaya 560’. The values of protein content in grain were medium or high. The following accessions had high and stable levels of protein content in grain (15.1–16.1%): ‘TAW 42971/80’ (k-58363, Germany); ‘Lutescens 471 N8’ (Kazakhstan); ‘Rita’ (k-58057), ‘Scotty’ (k-59322) and ‘Nelson’ (all from the U.S.); ‘Moskovskaya 39’ (k-65160, Russia); ‘Bilotserkivchanka’ (k-64330) and ‘Barkan’ (k-64495) (both from Ukraine). Flour swelling power in acetic acid did not fall below 50 ml, attesting to the formation of high-quality grain. This was also confirmed by the protein quality index determined by the S : P ratio, which ranged from 3.6 to 4.7. Sources with high-quality protein were selected from the tested accessions for use in breeding: ‘CDC Clair’ (k-64168, Canada), ‘Lutescens 471 Н8’ (Kazakhstan), ‘Moskovskaya 39’ (Russia), ‘Barkan’ (Ukraine), and ‘Favorytka’ (k-64337, Ukraine).

Conservation Agriculture- Based Planting Techniques and Weed Management Practices Influence on Nutrient Content and Their Uptake in Dry Direct-Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Conventionally established rice leads to major challenges in crop production like soil health degradation, water table declination and labour scarcity which ultimately increases the cost of production. To address these issues of transplanted rice, different conservation agriculture (CA) based crop establishment practices in combination with suitable weed management options were incorporated to sustain rice productivity. The field trial was conducted for two years during kharif season of 2018 and 2019 at Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (India). The experiment was laid out in split plot design having four planting techniques in main plots viz., farmer’s practice (Conventional Transplanting), zero-till direct seeded rice (ZT-DSR), reduced-till direct seeded rice (RT-DSR) (Rotavator single pass) and conventional-till direct seeded rice (CT-DSR) and five weed management practices viz., pendimethalin 1 kg ha-1 pre-emergence (PE) followed by (fb) chlorimuron + metsulfuron (4g + 4g ha-1) at 20 days after sowing (DAS), pendimethalin 1 kg ha-1 PE fb pyrazosulfuron (30 g ha-1) at 20 DAS, bispyribac-sodium + chlorimuron + metsulfuron (25g + 4g + 4g ha-1) at 20 DAS, hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and Weedy check in sub-plots and replicated thrice. The results showed that Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) content in grain and straw were not significantly influenced by planting techniques and weed management practices. However, among various crop establishment methods CT-DSR recorded significantly higher N, P and K uptake by both grain and straw over rest of the treatments except ZT-DSR during both the years. Similarly, two hands weeding (at 20 DAS and 40 DAS) recorded the highest N, P and K uptake by the crop. With respect to herbicidal treatments, higher N, P and K uptake by crop was found with the application of pendimethalin 1 kg ha-1 (pre-em) fb chlorimuron + metsulfuron (4g + 4g ha-1) at 20 DAS compared to others during both the years of experimentation. Based on the results, it is concluded that application of pendimethalin 1 kg ha-1 PE fb chlorimuron + metsulfuron (4g + 4g ha-1) at 20 DAS to CT-DSR was registered maximum N, P and K uptake by both grain and straw of rice.

Влияние листовой подкормки на качество зерна озимой пшеницы в типичных сероземах с орошаемыми условиями

Abstract. The problem of improving the quality of winter wheat grain is urgent and at the same time relatively unresolved. In recent years, the yield of winter wheat on irrigated lands in many farms of the country is 50 cwt/ha and more. Depending on the type and variety of wheat, the protein content of the grains is 11–20% and is used for various purposes. If the protein content of wheat grains is up to 11–13%, it is used in the preparation of animal feed, up to 14–15% — bread and 17–18% — pasta. Most of the grains of winter soft wheat grown on irrigated lands of the country with a yield of 70–80 cwt/ha and above are used in the manufacture of bread and bakery products. At the same time, the quality of grain remains low, the protein content of the grain is up to 10–12%, the amount of crude gluten in it is in the range of 19–25%. The amount of this protein in the grain of winter wheat is much lower than the established norm, and the effectiveness of mineral fertilizers with foliar fertilization increases sharply, increasing the resistance of plants to sucking pests. The technological properties of the grain are dramatically improved, i. e. the protein content increases by 1.5–2.1%, gluten by 3.1–4.9%. Vitreous, its strength and bread volume increase. Nitrogen requirements of winter wheat are high throughout the growing season. In a wheat plant, 75–80% of nitrogen accumulates in the leaves and stems of the plant until the germination period. It is from this accumulated nitrogen that the bulk of the protein in the grain is formed. When the yield is high (65–70 cwt/ha), the amount of nitrogen accumulated in the leaves and stems of the plant does not ensure a sufficient amount of protein in the grain. In particular, nitrogen deficiency is observed in the formation of yield elements in winter wheat, i. e. during the period of development, flowering, flowering and milk ripening. For example, germination causes a number of difficulties in feeding through the soil due to overgrowth of the plant during flowering, low rainfall, or lack of water. On this reason, when winter wheat is harvested, there is a lack of nitrogen in the soil, which is easily absorbed by the plant. This in turn has a negative impact on wheat grain yield and quality.

Effect of Integrated use of Organic, Inorganic and Bio-Fertilizers on Soil Fertility and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Alluvial Soil

The present experiment was conducted during rabi season of year 2020-21 at the Research Farm of Kulbhaskar Ashram Post graduate College, Prayagraj to study the Effect of Integrated use of Organic, Inorganic and Bio-Fertilizers on Soil Fertility and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Alluvial Soil. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and eleven treatments viz. T1-100% RDF (120:60:40 NPK), T2-75% RDF + 3 t/ha FYM + Azospirillum, T3-50% RDF + 6 t/ha FYM + Azospirillum, T4-25% RDF + 9 t/ha FYM + Azospirillum, T5-75% RDF + 2.5 t/ha WH + Azospirillum, T6-50% RDF + 5 t/ha WH + Azospirillum, T7-25% RDF + 7.5 t/ha WH + Azospirillum, T8-75% RDF + 1 t/ha VC + Azospirillum, T9-50% RDF + 2 t/ha VC + Azospirillum, T10-25%RDF + 3 t/ha VC + Azospirillum and T11-control. The results revealed that application of balanced fertilizers in wheat crop increased the growth, yield, yield attributing characters and protein content in grain. Integrated use of organic manure with chemical fertilizers and bio-fertilizers improved the soil properties in respect of pH, ECe, organic carbon, available N, P and K. The maximum reduction in pH and ECe was recorded with the treatment T10-25% RDF + 3 t/ha VC + Azospirillum and T3-50% RDF + 6 t/ha FYM + Azospirillum respectively. The organic carbon, available N, P and K were found maximum in treatment T8-75% RDF + 1 t/ha VC + Azospirillum.

Study results of the economic and biological characteristics of winter common wheat varieties when sown after sunflower in the south of the Rostov region

Methods. The current study was conducted in 2018–2020 on the experimental plots of the FSBSI “Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” in order to estimate the effect of sunflower as a forecrop on the formation of productivity and quality traits of the winter common wheat varieties in the south of the Rostov region. There have been studied 13 winter common wheat varieties developed by the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy”. The variety ‘Ermak’ was taken as a standard.Results. Through the years of study, the new winter bread wheat varieties ‘Razdolie’, ‘Donskaya step’ and ‘Rubin Dona’ had a higher realization of the genetic potential, which provided yields at the level of 5.30–5.78 t/ha, which was on 0.50–0.98 t/ha higher than that of the standard variety ‘Ermak’, and 0.46 t/ha with НСР05. The variety ‘Aksiniya’ had the smallest (66.0 cm) value of the trait ‘plant height’. On average for 2018–2020 there were dominated the varieties of medium-low height (from 66.0 to 80.0 cm). According to the trait ‘1000-grain weight’ the varieties ‘Aksiniya’, ‘Etyud’, ‘Donskaya step’, ‘Yubiley Dona’, ‘Zodiak’ and ‘Rubin Dona’ were of medium-size with 35.68–38.12 g, the standard variety ‘Ermak’ had 36.24 g. According to the trait ‘protein percentage’ the variety ‘Aksiniya’ corresponded to the 1-st class of quality (> 14.50%). According to the trait ‘gluten content’, the studied varieties ‘Tanais’, ‘Zernogradka 11’, ‘Aksiniya’, ‘Nakhodka’, ‘Etyud’, ‘Shef’, ‘Donskaya step’, ‘Yubiley Dona’, ‘Zodiak’, ‘Rubin Dona’ corresponded to the 2-nd class of quality (28.0–32.0%). The volume of bread yield ranged from 557 cm3 for the variety ‘Yubiley Dona’ to 683 cm3 for the variety ‘Aksiniya’, and 643 cm3 for the standard variety ‘Ermak’. Productivity had a positive average correlation with the trait ‘plant height’ (r = 0.59, p < 0.05) and a weak correlation with ‘heading stage’ (r = 0.20, p < 0.05) and with ‘gluten deformation index’ (r = 0, 22, p < 0.05). Productivity also negatively correlated with protein and gluten content in grain (r = -0.67 and r = -0.64, p < 0.05) and with kernel hardness (r = -0.27, p < 0.05).

Effect of Nitrogen and Plant Growth Regulators on Nutrient Concentration and Uptake of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L. Sprague)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2016-17 entitled “Effect of nitrogen and plant growth regulators on nutrient concentration and uptake of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L. sprague)” at Agronomy farm, Sri Karan Narendra College of Agriculture, Jobner in Jaipur district of Rajasthan. The experiment comprising of total twenty treatment combinations consisting four levels of nitrogen (0, 30, 60, 90 kg ha-1) and five levels of plant growth regulators (control, NAA 50 ppm at 40 day after sowing, NAA 50 ppm at 40 and 60 day after sowing, thiourea 500 ppm at 40 day after sowing, thiourea 500 ppm at 40 and 60 day after sowing) laid out in factorial randomized block design replicated thrice. The results showed that application of nitrogen up to 30 kg ha-1 significantly higher nitrogen concentration in grain and straw over control. However, total nitrogen uptake was significantly increased with application of 60 kg N ha-1 over lower levels, but remained at par with 90 kg N ha-1. Foliar application of plant growth regulators significantly increased nitrogen concentration in grain, straw and total nitrogen uptake of ajwain over control.

Arbuscular Mycorrhiza mediated mineral biofortification and arsenic toxicity mitigation in Triticum aestivum L.

The potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in augmenting arsenic (As) tolerance in wheat is well recognized; however, its effect on mineral profile of grains under As stress is not known. The study was performed to assess the effectiveness of Rhizophagus intraradices on acquisition, translocation, and accumulation of minerals in grains of wheat grown in three As levels (0, 25, and 50 mg As kg−1 soil). Inoculation of R. intraradices decreased As accumulation, increased macronutrients uptake, and ensured higher accumulation of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg in grains. However, its influence was non-significant on S concentration in grains. Presence of As in soil reduced Zn, Ni, and Se and augmented Fe, Na, and Mn concentrations in wheat roots. Conversely, translocation of Fe, Na, and Mn to grains declined significantly and concentrations of Fe, Na, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Se reduced in grains with increasing As level in soil. Regardless of lower concentration of Fe and Mn in roots, mycorrhizal (M)-plants maintained higher concentrations of Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni, Se, and Mo in grains than non-inoculated (NI)-plants. Although, mycorrhizal status of plant had non-significant effect on grain phytic acid concentration, R. intraradices significantly increased the bioavailability of Fe and Zn in grains, which was primarily due to enhanced accumulation of Fe and Zn. While bioavailability of Zn improved from poor to moderate, bioavailability of Fe in M-plants, although higher than NI-plants, remained below the desired level.Overall, the study advocates that in addition to limiting As accumulation in grains, AMF could also provide augmented levels of P, N, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Se in grains, thus can aid in overcoming the mineral deficiencies for populations consuming wheat-based diets especially in As contaminated areas.

In‐depth adaptation of winter wheat cultivation technology in the Central Chernozem region

Aim . The purpose of the research is to determine the method of soil cultivation and the dose of NPK, based on in‐depth adaptation of winter wheat cultivation technology, ensuring the minimum cost of producing grain of the crop of the required quality in the Central Black Earth Region (CBER). Materials and Methods . The efficiency of winter wheat production largely depends on the adaptation of the technology of its cultivation to soil and climatic conditions, which are identified at the level of the agroecological province. But the main object of farming systems ‐ the soil cover within the agroecological province is distinguished by a high territorial diversity in fertility, which is not taken into account when developing agricultural technologies and thus lowers the level of their adaptability. Therefore, it is proposed to minimize the use of resources in intensive technologies due to in‐depth adaptation of tillage and fertilization in accordance with the initial state of the soil of a particular field. Results . It was found that for the conditions of the CBER, the optimal values of the factors are the dose N 19 P 39 K 39 and the combined method of tillage for winter wheat, which correspond to the minimum cost of grain of 5.38 thousand roubles/t with a yield of 3.38 t/ha and a 12% protein content in grain of 3 rd class. Conclusion . In addressing agricultural problems when there is an interaction between the factors, the effectiveness of in‐depth adaptation increases with the complex optimisation of factors according to innovative methodology using the mathematical method of indefinite Lagrange multipliers. Comprehensive optimisation of the factors made it possible to determine the method of tillage and the dose of fertiliser that would ensure the minimum cost of producing grain of a given quality under the conditions of the CBER.

Comparation of Se accumulation and distribution of two rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars with high- and low- Se efficiency as affected by exogenous application of selenite

BackgroundIn production, increasing Selenium (Se) level of rice grain could be achieved by adding exogenous Se and selecting Se efficient rice cultivars. However, the accumulation and distribution of Se in rice cultivars with high- and low-efficiency after Se application is not well documented. A pot experiment with two Se levels was carried out on two rice cultivars. ResultsSe concentration in grain, shoot and root of Se efficient rice was significantly higher than that of Se inefficient rice with Se application (p < 0.05). Besides, Se application significantly increased the expression of NRT1.1B gene in stem nodes of Se efficient rice in comparison to Se inefficient rice. The proportion of Se accumulation in shoot and spike of Se efficient rice was 18.3% and 9.5% higher than that in Se inefficient rice when Se was applied. Moreover, the contents of various mineral elements in leaf showed that Se enhanced the concentration of most elements in Se efficient rice, indicating that it seems to be a better cooperative transport relationship between Se and other mineral elements in Se efficient rice. The spatial distribution of Se, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in Se efficient rice grains was tended to be distributed distal to the embryo, while such elements in Se inefficient rice grains was more concentrated proximal to the embryo, which indicated that Se efficient rice could make better use of the storage capacity of grain. ConclusionsHigher Se accumulation in Se efficient rice primarily attributed to the increase of Se transport capability and Se source as well as better synergistic effects between Se and other mineral elements. The findings will provide theoretical support for breeding new rice varieties and developing Se-enriched rice industry.

Influence of weather and climatic conditions on the genetic and physiological system of winter wheat plants in arid conditions of the Central Caucasus, Russia

Aim . In the arid zone of the Central Caucasus it is especially important to grow crops with a high adaptive capacity to changing weather and climatic conditions. In this regard, the purpose of this research work was to determine the influence of hydrothermal factors of the region on the pigment complex and the ability of plants to accumulate nitrogen, protein content in grain and productivity of various varieties of winter wheat. Material and Methods . In the experiment, statistical and mathematical methods were used comprehensively to determine the influence of weather and climatic factors of the region on the pigment complex, the ability of plants to accumulate nitrogen, grain quality and yield of 3 varieties of winter wheat (Zustrich, Bagheera and Bagrat). Results . With the aid of statistical and mathematical analysis, the spectrum of changes in the individual reaction of genotypes of various varieties of winter wheat (according to chlorophyll, carotenoids, nitrogen content in plants, grain quality [protein content) and productivity) in arid conditions of the region was revealed. As a result of the research, it was found that the Bagrat variety optimally realizes its potential to neutralize the negative impact of external environmental factors. The remaining varieties in the agrocenoses of the region had average indicators. Conclusion . The varietal reaction of winter wheat to the phases of plant vegetation was been established. Varieties of agricultural crops with high adaptive stability for economic use in the prevailing conditions of precipitation reduction and temperature increase were identified. Practical recommendations for optimising plant nutrition and obtaining the highest productivity of winter wheat grain are proposed.

Impact of Zeolite on Protein, Mg and Zn Content of Triticum aestivum L. Wheat in Contaminated Soils of War Zones

Background: Nowadays, the use of unconventional weapons has made a serious damage to the environment. The use of zeolite is one of the solutions in soil pollution management. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of natural zeolite on grain protein, Mg and Zn uptake in the wheat in contaminated soils by war weapons. Methods: The experiment was carried out in factorial arrangement in a randomized complete design with three replications in a pot. The studied treatments were four levels of zeolite as zero, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5% based on weight of soil and two types of soils including non-contaminated and contaminated soil by mines and war explosives. Contaminated and non-contaminated soil samples were taken from the southern region of Dehloran city. Results: The results showed that the amount of grain protein and Mg in contaminated soils were significantly higher than non-contaminated soils. The use of zeolite in both soils caused a significant increase in either of them. In this study, the Zn concentration of grain in contaminated soils was higher than non-contaminated. In addition, the concentration of Zn was significantly decreased when zeolite consumption was increased. Conclusion: The results showed that the use of zeolite in contaminated and non-contaminated soils had a positive effect in terms of grain protein and Mg. In addition, the use of zeolite can prevent the excessive increase in Zn due to war weapons and can be effective in plant and community health.

Effect of iron nanopowder on the physiological resistance of winter wheat to low temperatures

This paper shows the effect of iron nanopowder on productivity and physiological and biochemical processes, the metal is used at an optimal concentration of 1 g per hectare (seeding rate) of winter wheat variety Moskovskaya 56. Iron nanopowder is quite effective in dressing winter wheat before sowing. At the same time, it increases the length of the roots of experimental winter wheat plants by 22.8%, and also increases the dry weight of plants by 8.9%, which is associated with its biocatalytic properties. The effect of iron nanoparticles on the accumulation of water-soluble polysaccharides in winter wheat plants during the tillering period before the winter period was studied. Iron nanopowder increases the accumulation of polysaccharides in the whole plant by 4.2%, in the tillering node by 4.6%, in the roots - by 0.7%, these changes increase the winter hardiness of winter wheat. It is shown that iron nanopowder increases the yield of winter wheat grains by 19.7%, the weight of a thousand grains by 7.5%, the number of spikelets in an ear also increased by 13.3% and the number of grains in a spikelet - by 14.5% higher than control . Under the influence of the optimal concentration of iron nanopowder, the chemical composition of wheat grain changes, the content of gluten in the grain increases by 2.0% and its quality index, and the ash content of grain also slightly increased (+0.2% higher than the control). Based on the results of the research, it is possible to recommend the introduction of iron nanopowder into the production of winter wheat.

English

Two low-light sensitive varieties of sweet corn (Zea mays L.), cultivars Xiantian 5, and Huazhen, were subjected to different shading-intensity treatments during the grain-filling stage in a field experiment in order to clarify physiological mechanisms of lowlight effects on the yield, quality, and sucrose-metabolizing enzyme activity of sweet corn. The results showed that under weak light stress (50% light transmittance), the ear length and diameter, fresh ear yield, grains per row and grain weight, weight per ear and sugar content of the grains decreased sharply, while the bald length and water content of the fresh grains increased significantly. The 50% shading decreased the fresh ear yield, max weight per 100 fresh grains, and soluble sugar content of Xiantian 5 by 40.5, 31.3, and 19.5%, respectively, whereas those of Huazhen were decreased by 17.5, 19.8 and 10.1%, respectively. Shading furthermore suppressed the activities of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) and sucrose synthetase (SS), and delayed the emergence of peak SPS activity. Key words: Sweet corn, shading condition, yield, quality, sucrose-metabolizing enzyme.

EFFICACY OF COCONUT SHELL BIOCHAR WITH COW DUNG MANURE AND FERTILIZERS APPLICATION ON PRODUCTIVITY AND NUTRIENT CONTENT OF UPLAND RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) IN TYPIC HAPLUSTALF

A field experiment was conducted to study the combined and individual application of coconut shell biochar (CSB) with cow dung manure (CDM) and NPK fertilizers on yield and nutrient content of upland rice in acid sandy loam Alfisol. The study was consisted of a RCBD design with sixteen treatments consisting of four levels of CSB at 2, 4, 6 and 8 t ha-1 and two levels of CDM at 5 and 10 t ha-1 with applied alone and in combinations with three replications. The recommended dose of NPK fertilizer (100:50:50 kg ha-1) was common except absolute control. Analysis of the data showed that the response of upland rice was described a better to combine the coconut shell biochar with cow dung manure and NPK fertilizers compared to sole application of biochar. Significantly higher upland rice grain (5784 kg ha-1) and straw yield (7624 kg ha-1) and nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) content in grain and straw was in the CSB, CDM and NPK fertilizers combined treatments. This results confirmed that sole application of coconut shell biochar not increased the upland rice productivity because of its high C : N ratio and low mineralization rate, hence, blending with cow dung manure could be reduced the high C:N ratio of coconut shell biochar. Since, cow dung manure is a good source of microorganisms and hastens the better mineralization rate and increased the efficiency of biochar to ameliorating the acid soils and make bio-availability of nutrients. This study indicates the necessity of combined application of biochar, manure and fertilizer for higher yield, reflecting and confirming the sustainable nutrient availability to upland rice.

Tillage, sole and intercrop systems and soil amendment influence on sorghum grain and stover nutrient levels

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) is a major grain crop in Burkina Faso. A three-year experiment was conducted in the Sudanian zone to determine the combined effects of tillage methods (T) and cropping systems with different soil amendments (CS/SA) on plant nutrient concentrations and related this to human and cattle nutrient requirements. The analysis of variance indicated that tillage, soil amendment nor cropping system affected the stover nutrient concentration of grain sorghum. Nitrogen, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn and Cu concentrations in grain were all influenced by the Y x T interaction largely due to increased nutrient concentrations for no-till in 2012 and tied ridges in 2013. As grain yield increased, grain N, Ca, Mg and Mn concentrations decreased while P and Zn increased. Grain N, P, Mg, S, Fe and Zn concentrations met human nutritional requirements, while K, Ca, Mn and Cu were deficient and merited supplementation. Nutrient gross means indicated that cattle nutrient requirements were met for N, P, Mg, Fe and Zn, but low for K, Ca, S, Mn and Cu. Tillage, CS/SA and Y had no or small effects on the nutrient concentrations of sorghum grain and stover. The agroecological zones in 2012 and 2013 indicated most nutrients to be adequate for human and cattle diets, but not for K, Ca, Mn and Cu.

Jasmonic acid alleviates cadmium toxicity through regulating the antioxidant response and enhancing the chelation of cadmium in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Cadmium (Cd) is a potentially hazardous element with substantial biological toxicity, adversely affecting plant growth and physiological metabolism. Therefore, it is necessary to explore practical and environment-friendly approaches to reduce toxicity. Jasmonic acid (JA) is an endogenous growth regulator which helps plants defend against biological and abiotic stresses. To determine how JA help relieve Cd toxicity in rice, both laboratory and field experiments were implemented. In the seedling stage, the role of JA in mediating rice Cd tolerance was investigated via a fluorescent probe in vivo localization, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and colorimetry. At the mature growth stage of rice, field experiments were implemented to research the effects of JA on the Cd uptake and translocation in rice. In the seedling stage of rice, we found that JA application increased the cell wall compartmentalization of Cd by promoting the Cd combination on chelated-soluble pectin of rice roots and inhibited Cd movement into protoplasts, thereby reducing the Cd content in the roots by 30.5% and in the shoots by 53.3%, respectively. Application of JA reduced H2O2 content and helped relieve Cd-induced peroxidation damage of membrane lipid by increasing the level of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione (GSH), but had no significant effect on the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Additionally, field experiments showed that foliar spraying of JA inhibited rice Cd transport from the stalk and root to the grain and reduced Cd concentration in grain by 29.7% in the high-Cd fields and 28.0% in the low-Cd fields. These results improve our understanding of how JA contributes to resistance against Cd toxicity in rice plants and reduces the accumulation of Cd in rice kernels.

Iron and sulfur reduction caused by different growth seasons inhibits cadmium transfer in the soil-rice system

Effects of iron and sulfur redox states in the soil caused by different growth seasons on Cd uptake by rice remain unclear. In this study, three early rice cultivars and three late rice cultivars were cultivated in a double-cropping system in Cd-contaminated paddy fields. The total Cd accumulation of early rice cultivars was 20.5–51.1 µg plant−1, and the Cd concentration in grains was 0.19–0.73 mg kg−1, significantly lower than those of late rice cultivars by 8–15 times and 3–9 times, respectively. The filling and mature stages were identified as the most crucial stages of Cd uptake by both early and late rice cultivars. The growth season of early rice cultivars was characterized by more abundant rainfall and lower soil Eh than that for late rice cultivars. Therefore, the abundances of Fe-reducing bacteria (FeRB, 36.9–39%) and S-reducing bacteria (SRB, 1.77–2.79%) were higher during the filling and mature stages of early rice. They primarily belonged to the Clostridium, Geobacter, and Desulfuromonadales genera. Stimulation of FeRB and SRB activity promoted Fe(III) and S reduction and increased the content of Fe2+ and S2- in rhizosphere soil. This promoted the binding of Cd to amorphous Fe oxides and sulfides or Fe sulfides, thereby decreasing the available Cd content. Moreover, the Cd in the iron plaque (IP) and Cd transfer from IP to roots were lower in early rice. These findings suggest that maintaining high moisture content in the soil during the filling and mature stages, especially for late rice cultivars, could efficiently reduce Cd uptake by rice planted in contaminated soil.

Mycotoxins in Dairy Feed and its Harmful Impact on Animal Health: Diagnostic Aids and Treatment: A Big Animal Health Challenge

Monitoring the certain health conditions and properly identifying the diseases are the most important steps in getting the high productions from dairy cattle. Mycotoxins are chemicals produced by fungi (molds) under certain conditions, not essential for fungal itself growth or reproduction, having toxic affects to animals and humans. More than 250 mycotoxins have been detected. For many toxins, their toxicological characteristics have not been fully determined until now. There are many kinds of mycotoxins, causing different kinds of mycotoxicoses. Mycotoxins enter into the body, usually by consumption of contaminated feed, do acts on cells causing the mycotoxicoses. Mycotoxicoses are not contagious, nor is there significant stimulation of the immune system. Aflatoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, commonly found in corn, milo, cottonseed and peanuts, while its concentrations in grains is very enough to cause acute aflatoxicosis. The five important aflatoxins are aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1. Aflatoxin is a liver poison (hepatotoxin) in all species that consume it, however, ruminants tolerate it better than do monogastrics or poultry. It causes liver damage and liver cancer at high doses. Aflatoxin exposure leads to depress the immune system, causes liver damage, liver cancer and abortions. Depression, anorexia, reduced gain or milk production, subnormal body temperature and slow rumen motility are the clinical signs of aflatoxicosis. Ingestion of ergot alkaloids contain in the sclerotia of Claviceps spp, commonly found in cereal grains causing Ergot toxicosis, leads to cause agalactia in lactating females. Fumonisins are produced by Fusarium moniliforme and F. proliferatum, found primarily in white and yellow corn, having three kinds, fumonisins B1, B2, and B3. Equine leukoencephalomalacia (ELE) is a fatal disease of horses and Porcine pulmonary syndrome in swine are caused by fumonisins, through inhibition of enzymes involved in the production of sphingosine (important component of cell membranes for neurons) from sphinganine. Vomitoxin or Deoxynivalenol is produced by Fusarium roseum (F. graminearum) and F. moniliforme. It is commonly found in corn, wheat, barley, milo and rarely found in oats, hay or forages. Vomitoxin is not very toxic, associated with feed refusal and decreased feed consumption leads to affect the animal performance by inhibiting the protein and nucleic acid synthesis. Zearalenone is produced by Fusarium roseum (F. graminearum) and F. moniliforme, found in corn, wheat, barley, milo and occasionally in oats. Zearalenone is a chemical that can act similarly to the female sex hormone estrogen, leads to disrupt the estrus cycle in females, causes infertility and feminization in males, and precocious puberty in sexually immature females. Zearalenone content typically found in grains. Its production become increase due to unusual environmental conditions during the growing season and insufficiently stored dried grain usually having enough adversely effect on animals. Mycotoxins present in the feed/ration can be treated by adopting Modern agricultural practices, giving usually supportive therapy and Antidotes, giving activated charcoal to decrease the ingested mycotoxins absorption, using feed additives as mycotoxins binders, removing, stopping and preventing further exposure of contamination to animal feed.