Bean Research Articles

Testing the efficacy of Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) as a inundative biological control agent in Western Nebraska.

The western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta) is a primary pest of corn and dry edible bean, for which control measures are often warranted. Inundative releases of Trichogramma ostriniae have been used to control lepidopterous pests, such as the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), in eastern North America (e.g., New York, Virginia). However, no prior field studies have assessed T. ostriniae as a biological control agent in the North American Great Plains. Objectives for this study were (i) to determine the suitability of S. albicosta as a host for T. ostriniae and (ii) to assess the feasibility of T. ostriniae as a biological control agent of S. albicosta in Nebraska corn and dry edible bean fields. Dispersal and parasitism were monitored with yellow sticky cards and sentinel egg masses (O. nubilalis, S. albicosta, and Ephestia kuehniella) at 36 locations surrounding a central release point. Trichogramma ostriniae adults tended to be concentrated near the point of release. However, egg parasitism was so low that the minimum rates of T. ostriniae needed for effective control could not be determined. Our evidence indicates that the low parasitism measured in this study may indicate low suitability of T. ostriniae to Western Nebraska and, possibly, the Great Plains.

White Bean and Weed Desiccation With Pelargonic Acid

Few studies have evaluated pelargonic acid for desiccating white bean and annual weeds. Five field experiments were conducted from 2021 to 2023 near Exeter and Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada to assess pelargonic acid applied alone or sequentially at different rates and several alternative herbicides for desiccating white bean and annual weeds. Pelargonic acid applied at 3400 g ai ha-1 desiccated white bean 88, 92, and 98% at 5, 8, and 14 days after application (DAA), respectively. Increasing the application rate, using sequential application, or adding 28% urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), did not improve white bean desiccation. Pelargonic acid applied at 3400 g ai ha-1 desiccated green pigweed 0, 2, and 1%; common ragweed 4, 3, and 3%; common lambsquarters 0, 0, and 0%; green foxtail 8, 12, and 15%; and barnyardgrass 5, 5, and 4% at 5, 8, and 14 DAA, respectively. Increasing the application rate, using sequential applications, or adding 28% UAN did not improve overall weed desiccation, except for green foxtail where desiccation was enhanced 14, 14, and 15% with pelargonic acid applied at 6800 g ai ha-1 at 5, 8, and 14 DAA, respectively and common ragweed where desiccation was increased 5% with pelargonic acid applied at 6800 g ai ha-1 at 8 DAA. At 14 DAA, green pigweed, common ragweed, common lambsquarters, green foxtail and barnyardgrass desiccation with carfentrazone-ethyl was 30, 6, 0, 11, and 7%; with ammonium salt of fatty acid was with 60, 12, 0, 59, and 36%; with flumioxazin was 54, 68, 31, 90, and 69%; with saflufenacil was 100, 96, 75, 37, and 55%; with tiafenacil was 100, 88, 5, 80, and 42%; with glufosinate was 100, 95, 100, 99, and 96%; and with diquat was 100, 99, 99, 99, and 96%, respectively. Dry bean desiccation with ammonium salt of fatty acid, glufosinate, carfentrazone-ethyl, flumioxazin, saflufenacil, tiafenacil, and diquat was 98-99% at 14 DAA. Among the desiccants evaluated, diquat and glufosinate were the most effective with 99% white bean desiccation and 95-100% desiccation of annual weeds at 14 DAA.

Effect of application of ozone at low-pressure on the technological properties, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of common beans during storage

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of low-pressure ozone treatment on the technological quality, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) during storage. Samples of 5.0 kg of dry beans were exposed to ozone in a hypobaric chamber with an internal volume of 70 L. Ozone was injected until the internal chamber pressure reached 100000 Pa, with an inlet concentration of 61.37 mg L−1 and flow rate of 1.0 L min−1. Ten cycles of ozone injection were adopted. Oxygen was used in control treatment. The effect of the treatments on the grain quality was assessed over storage for 180 days. Ozone did not affect the percentage composition of the dry beans, which exhibited 18.76% of protein, 11.66% of moisture content, 3.44% of minerals, 1.32% of lipids, and 64.51% of carbohydrates. A significant difference (p < 0.05) between the treatments and the control was noticed in total titratable acidity. The luminosity (L*) and hue (h*) of the grains were not altered by ozonation. Ozone had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the phenolic content of the dry beans but no significant effect (p > 0.05) on their antioxidant capacity. The phenolic compounds content and antioxidant capacity decreased over storage in all treatments. Ozone application at low pressures proved a promising technology for controlling insect pests and promoting fungal decontamination without altering dry bean quality throughout storage.

ANALISIS RANTAI PASOK DAN RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM KETERTELUSURAN KOPI ROBUSTA BERBASIS ANDROID

Robusta coffee is the most widely cultivated coffee commodity in Indonesia. In the East Bolaang Mongondow Regency, the problem at the supplier level is limited market information, which makes the coffee beans' quality inconsistent, impacting the price and product quality image. This research aims to identify supply chain structure models and members, added value, and design a traceability system to support product quality validation. Robusta coffee supply chain participants and their interactions were identified at the Modayag coffee plantation in East Bolaang Mongondow. The data were collected through observations, interviews, and field studies. Supply chain analysis was performed using the Vorst method and the added value was calculated using the Hayami method. The traceability system design follows the system development lifecycle method. The findings indicate that the Robusta coffee supply chain in East Bolaang Mongondow Regency includes farmers, collector traders, processing plants, the retail industry, coffee roasteries, and consumers. Farmers profit from selling perfectly ripe wet coffee beans 42-43%, wet mixed coffee beans (8%), and dry mixed coffee beans 63-71%. A traceability system named Kinton was successfully developed and integrated with the Firebase database to store all information.

Exploring Genetic Variability and Diversity in Exotic Germplasm Collection of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

The current research investigates the genetic variation and diversity in exotic accessions of cocoa to identify materials with desired characteristics as well as important traits contributing to yield and variability. The experiment was conducted at Cocoa Research Centre, Kerala Agricultural University, from 2021 to 2023. The study comprises 23 exotic genotypes in which observations were recorded on quantitative traits on flowers, pods, and beans. Statistical analysis was carried out based on the observations recorded. The morphological evaluation revealed ample variability among the genotypes for all the quantitative characters studied. The average dry bean weight recorded was 1.08 grams, which is a desirable trait in selecting individuals with high processing efficiency for the chocolate industry. Characters such as single bean dry weight, pod value, pod index, and efficiency index have recorded high values of GCV, heritability and genetic advance as percent of the mean. Principal component (PC) analysis showed that the first three PCs with more than one Eigen-value contributed to 92.18 percent of total variability among the germplasm. Yield components viz. pod value, total bean weight pod-1 and single bean dry weight significantly contribute to maximum variability among the exotic germplasm. Moreover, genotypes were grouped into five clusters based on hierarchical agglomerative clustering technique. Hybridization program involving superior genotypes identified in diverse clusters as parents can produce high-yielding hybrids. The high values recorded for the genetic parameters by yield components suggest the selection of genotypes based on which can result in better-performing progeny.

Chemical Profiling of Polar Lipids and the Polyphenolic Fraction of Commercial Italian Phaseolus Seeds by UHPLC-HRMS and Biological Evaluation

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the oldest food crops in the world. In this study, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) technique was used to characterize the polar lipid composition and polyphenolic fraction of five bean varieties commonly consumed in Italy: Cannellino (PVCA), Controne (PVCO), Borlotti (PVBO), Stregoni (PVST), and Vellutina (PVVE). Lipid content represents a minor fraction of the whole metabolome in dry beans, and little is known about their polar lipids, which could be potentially bioactive components. Thirty-three compounds were detected through UHPLC-MS/MS, including oxylipins, phospholipids, N-acyl glycerolipids, and several fatty acids. The dichloromethane extracts were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), with the results showing greater differentiation for the Borlotti variety. Moreover, 27 components belonging to different polyphenol classes, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, anthocyanins and their glycosides, and some saponins, were identified in the hydroalcoholic seed extracts. In addition, the mineral content of the beans was determined. Considering the high number of compounds in the five apolar seed extracts, all samples were examined to determine their in vitro inhibitory activity against the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is inducible in inflammatory cells and mediates inflammatory responses. Only PVCO showed the best inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme with an IC50 = 31.15 ± 2.16 µg/mL. In light of these results, the potential anti-inflammatory properties of PVCO were evaluated in the LPS-stimulated murine macrophage cell line J774A.1. Herein, we demonstrate, for the first time, that PVCO at 30 µg/mL can significantly reduce the release of TNF-α, with a less significant anti-inflammatory effect being observed in terms of IL-6 release.

Characterization of bioactive content and aroma compounds of geographical indication İspir, Narman and Hınıs dry beans

Characterization of bioactive content and aroma compounds of geographical indication İspir, Narman and Hınıs dry beans

Effects of cooking and market classes on nutritional and antioxidant properties of dry bean flours and soluble dietary fiber-rich fractions

Dry beans are a rich source of proteins, starch, dietary fiber, and phenolic compounds, thus exhibiting potential health benefits. Fractionating dry beans, especially soluble dietary fiber (SDF), could be considered a valuable functional food ingredient. This study investigated the effects of pinto and black dry bean market classes and atmospheric pressure cooking on the physicochemical attributes of dry bean flours and the extraction and characterization of SDF-rich fractions. Cooking significantly (p < 0.05) increased the dietary fiber content, altering the macronutrient profile. Raw flours exhibited higher levels of extractable phenols and antioxidant capacity, while cooked flours had more hydrolyzable phenols and associated antioxidant activities. Pinto beans were found to have higher levels of slowly digestible starch (23.76%) and resistant starch (5.24%) compared to black beans (20.63% and 3.22%, respectively). The SDF-rich fraction from cooked flours showed a reduced residual protein content and included pectic polysaccharides, hemicelluloses, and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), with cooking affecting their molecular weight distribution. These fractions demonstrated shear-thinning behavior and temperature-dependent viscosity. The study highlights the significant influence of market class and cooking process on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of dry beans, suggesting their potential contributions to dietary health.

Trend Analysis of Dry Bean Production, Yield, Consumption, Import and Export in South Africa from 1970 to 2019

Trend Analysis of Dry Bean Production, Yield, Consumption, Import and Export in South Africa from 1970 to 2019

Analysis of the effect of fermentation duration on the organoleptic properties of dried cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao L.) at Nglanggeran Agricultural Technology Park

The post-harvest process of cocoa fruits includes fruit harvesting, cracking, wet bean sorting, fermentation, drying, dry bean sorting, and packaging. One of the post-harvest processes that significantly affects the quality of cocoa beans is fermentation. The fermentation process, facilitated by acetic acid and lactic acid bacteria, aims to reduce moisture content, enhance aroma and flavor, and improve the quality of cocoa beans. Acetic acid bacteria, such as Acetobacter and Gluconobacter, contribute to acetic acid production, giving cocoa beans their characteristic flavor. These bacteria convert alcohol into acetic acid, a process crucial for developing the beans' flavor. On the other hand, lactic acid bacteria, like Lactobacillus and Pediococcus, play a role in the breakdown of complex compounds, enhancing the aroma. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which contributes to the beans' aroma. One factor that influences the success of cocoa fruit fermentation is the duration of fermentation. The optimal fermentation time for cocoa fruits is 5 – 6 days. If it is less or exceeds the optimal time, the fermentation of cocoa fruits will not be perfect. The duration of cocoa fruit fermentation has been proven to affect the aroma, taste, texture, and color of dried cocoa beans. Keywords: Cocoa, Fermentation, Post-harvest process of cocoa, Organoleptic

Impact of a Pulse-Enriched Human Cuisine on Functional Attributes of the Gut Microbiome Using a Preclinical Model of Dietary-Induced Chronic Diseases.

Introducing grain legumes, i.e., pulses, into any food pattern effectively increases dietary fiber and other bioactive food components of public health concern; however, the impact depends on the amount consumed. Given the convergence of preclinical and clinical data indicating that intake of at least 300 g (1.5 cup) of cooked pulse per day has clinically observable benefit, the feasibility for a typical consumer was demonstrated by creation of a fourteen-day menu plan that met this criterion. This menu plan, named Bean Cuisine, was comprised of a combination of five cooked pulses: dry beans, chickpeas, cowpeas, dry peas, and lentils. As reported herein, the impact of each menu day of the fourteen-day plan on gut microbial composition and predicted function was evaluated in female C57BL/6J mice, a strain commonly used in studies of metabolic dysfunction-associated chronic diseases. We report that pulse-related effects were observed across a wide variety of food item combinations. In comparison to a pulse-free human cuisine, all pulse menu days enriched for a gut ecosystem were associated with changes in predicted metabolic pathways involving amino acids (lysine, tryptophan, cysteine), short-chain fatty acids (butyrate, acetate), and vitamins (B1, B6, B9, B12, K2) albeit via different combinations of microbiota, according to the PICRUSt2 estimates. The predicted metabolic functions correlating with the various pulses in the menus, indicate the value of a food pattern comprised of all pulse types consumed on a regular basis. This type of multi-pulse food pattern has the potential to enhance the taxonomic and functional diversity of the gut microbiome as a means of strengthening the resilience of the gut ecosystem to the challenges associated with the daily activities of living.

Agricultural Data Analysis using Machine Learning: A Study on Dry Bean Classification

The classification of Dry Beans using various techniques such as Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification, K-means clustering, Decision Trees and Random Forest (RF) classification using an ipython notebook. To refine the model, performance matrix graphs of Cross entropy vs Epoch number, True value vs Predictive value and Accuracy vs Epoch. This analysis is often used in agricultural practices for improved crop management, increasing yield, resource optimization, enhancing sustainability etc.

Efficacy of Saflufenacil for Dry Bean and Annual Weed Desiccation

The efficacy of saflufenacil for desiccating dry bean and annual weeds may be influenced by application rate, single or sequential applications, adjuvant selection and rate, and water carrier volume. Five field experiments were conducted from 2021 to 2023 near Exeter and Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada to evaluate the efficacy of saflufenacil applied at two rates, applied once or sequentially, with four adjuvants at various rates, and three water carrier volumes for desiccating dry bean and common weed escapes in Ontario dry bean production. Saflufenacil (25 g ai ha-1) + Merge (1.0 L ha-1) applied with a 200 L ha-1 water carrier volume desiccated dry bean 96, 100, and 100% at 5, 8, and 14 days after application (DAA), respectively; there was no improvement in dry bean desiccation by increasing the rate of Merge to 2.0 L ha-1 or with a sequential application. With saflufenacil (50 g ai ha-1) + Merge (1.0 L ha-1), there was no impact on dry bean desiccation with water carrier volumes of 100, 200, or 300 L ha-1. Dry bean desiccation with saflufenacil (50 g ai ha-1) plus the adjuvants Merge, MSO, AMS, or Merge + AMS was similar. Sequential applications of saflufenacil (25 g ai ha-1) applied twice at a 1-week interval did not improve dry bean desiccation. For weed species desiccation, saflufenacil + Merge desiccated green pigweed (38-100%) and common ragweed (65-96%) most effectively. However, it was less effective on common lambsquarters (0-48%), barnyardgrass (9-24%), and green foxtail (6-14%), with no significant effect of saflufenacil rate, adjuvant selection, adjuvant rate, single vs sequential application, or water carrier volume. This study highlights the potential and limitations of saflufenacil for desiccating dry bean and common weed escapes in Ontario dry bean production.

SUCRALFATE MAY BE AN EFFECTIVE TOPICAL AGENT IN PREVENTING ORAL MUCOSITIS

SUCRALFATE MAY BE AN EFFECTIVE TOPICAL AGENT IN PREVENTING ORAL MUCOSITIS

A Comparison of Dry Bean and Pea Consumption on Serum Cholesterol: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Adults with Mild Hypercholesterolemia

BackgroundDiets including pulses are associated with better cardiovascular profiles, including lipid, glycemia, and hemodynamics; however, evidence is lacking regarding the contributions of individual pulse varieties. ObjectivesThis randomized, controlled trial examined the effects of beans or peas individually, relative to rice, on LDL-cholesterol levels (primary outcome) and other indices of cardiovascular disease risk (secondary outcomes) at 6 wk in adults with mild hypercholesterolemia. MethodsThis randomized, controlled, single-blind, 3-arm parallel-group study was conducted in 2 Canadian cities (Edmonton, Alberta; Winnipeg, Manitoba). Participants (n = 60 per group) were randomly assigned to 6 wk of regular consumption of foods containing either 120 g (∼0.75 cups) of beans (mixture of black, great northern, navy, and pinto) or 120 g (∼0.75 cups) peas (mixture of yellow and green), or identical foods containing white, parboiled rice (control foods). LDL-cholesterol (primary outcome) and indices of lipid metabolism, glycemia, and hemodynamics (secondary outcomes) were assessed. ResultsMean LDL-cholesterol was lower in the bean group (−0.21; 95% CI: −0.39, −0.03) but not the pea group (−0.11; 95% CI: −0.29, 0.07) relative to rice after 6 wk. Non-HDL-cholesterol (−0.20; 95% CI: −0.40, −0.002) and total cholesterol (−0.28; 95% CI: −0.49, −0.06) were also lower in the bean compared with rice groups. No changes were noted in triglycerides (−0.07; 95% CI: −0.28, 0.14), glucose (0.02; 95% CI: −0.17, 0.14), insulin (4.94; 95% CI: −5.51, 11.38), or blood pressure (systolic: −1.39; 95% CI: −5.18, 2.40; diastolic: −1.89; 95% CI: −4.65, 0.88). Dietary fiber intake (grams per day or grams per 1000 kcal) was not correlated with LDL-cholesterol (grams per day: r2 = 0.209, P = 0.142; grams per 1000 kcal: r2 =0.126, P = 0.379) in the bean group. Gastrointestinal effects were transient and most often not related to the study foods. ConclusionsBeans, but not peas, lowered LDL-cholesterol, relative to rice, in adults with mild hypercholesterolemia. Fiber may not be responsible for the effect of beans, suggesting other phytochemicals may be the active component(s). Strategies incorporating 120 g of pulses in a meal are feasible for managing some cardiometabolic risk factors.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01661543.

CONCEPTUAL METAPHORS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND AI DEVELOPMENT IN THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

The whirlwind advent of ChatGPT in 2022 has marked a new age of artificial intelligence (AI), the general name for the technology that combines computer technology, big data bases and machines. This AI technology quickly makes its presence felt with hundreds of popular programs and chatbots such as the portrait-making AI diffusion art and the thesis-writing ChatGPT. This paper investigates the conceptual metaphors representing AI and AI development in The Guardian, a UK-based newspaper, to figure out how this technology and its growth have been introduced to ordinary people via mass media. Employing the Conceptual Metaphor Theory proposed by Lakoff &amp; Johnson (1980), this study found three AI-related conceptual metaphors, namely, AI IS A HUMAN BEING, AI IS AN ANIMAL and AI IS A NATURAL FORCE, which are realized by more than 100 linguistic expressions across 33 news articles. Also, this research found five conceptual metaphors related to AI development, namely AI DEVELOPMENT IS WAR, AI DEVELOPMENT IS A RACE, AI DEVELOPMENT IS A CONVERSATION, AI DEVELOPMENT IS A DANCE, AI DEVELOPMENT IS A GAME and these metaphors are manifested by approximately 40 linguistic expressions. This paper discusses the way that these metaphors could influence the way people and technology companies think about AI and AI development.

The Influence of Maceration and Flavoring on the Composition and Health-Promoting Properties of Roasted Coffee.

Over the years, many methods of refining green beans have been developed, including maceration aimed at enriching the coffee aroma and improving the overall quality. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different methods of maceration (fruit and wine) and the addition of food flavors to coffee beans on antioxidant activity, caffeine, phenolic and organic acid content, as well as health-promoting properties. This research showed that the use of the maceration in melon and apple fruit pulp (100 g of fruit pulp per 100 g of green coffee, incubated for 24 h, coffee roasting at 230 °C, control trial roasted coffee) ensured the highest polyphenol (hydroxycinnamic acids and their esters-chlorogenic acids) content (in melon pulp-13.56 g/100 g d.b. (dry bean); in apple pulp-13.22 g/100 g d.b., p < 0.05 (one-way ANOVA)) and antioxidant activity. Melon (92.11%, IC50 = 3.80 mg/mL extract) and apple (84.55%, IC50 = 4.14 mg/mL) showed the highest α-amylase (enzyme concentration 10 μmol/mL) inhibition activity (0.5 mg/mL for both fruits). The addition of food flavors reduced the total content of chlorogenic acids to the range of 4.64 to 6.48 g/100 g d.b. and increased the content of acrylamide and 5-HMF, which positively correlated with a low antioxidant potential compared to the macerated samples and the control. Studies have shown that coffee macerated in the pulp of melon and apple fruit, due to its great potential to inhibit α-amylase in vivo, may have a preventive effect on type II diabetes. This study complements the current knowledge on the potential health-promoting properties of coffee flavored using different methods; further research should include more advanced models for testing these health-promoting properties. Statistical analysis was based on the determination of the average values of six measurements and their standard deviation, as well as on the one-way ANOVA (analysis of variation) and the Pearson correlation coefficient, using Statistic 10.0 software. The significance was defined at p ≤ 0.05.

Host Range Characterization of Phytophthora sansomeana Across Corn, Soybean, Wheat, Winter Cereal Rye, Dry Bean, and Oats and an In Vitro Assessment of Seed Treatment Sensitivity.

Formally described in 2009, Phytophthora sansomeana is a pathogen of increasing interest in native, agricultural, and horticulturally important plant species. The objective of this study was to elucidate the symptomatic and asymptomatic host range of P. sansomeana on six agricultural crop species commonly used in field crop rotations in Michigan. In addition, sensitivity to oomicides commonly used in seed treatments, including oxathiapiprolin, mefenoxam, ethaboxam, and pyraclostrobin, was performed to aid in disease management recommendations. Plant biomass, quantity of P. sansomeana DNA in roots, and reisolations were used to assess pathogenicity and virulence of 18 isolates of P. sansomeana on each plant species using an inoculated seedling growth chamber assay. Isolates displayed varying levels of virulence to the hosts tested. Reisolations were completed for each plant species tested, and varying quantities of P. sansomeana DNA were found within all plant species root samples. Corn, wheat, soybean, dry bean, and winter cereal rye plants were symptomatic hosts with significant reduction observed in the total plant biomass. No significant reduction in total plant biomass was observed in oats, and oat roots harbored the least amount of P. sansomeana DNA. No P. sansomeana isolates were insensitive to the oomicide compounds tested with mean absolute inhibition (EC50) values of fungicide required for 50% growth inhibition values of 7.8 × 10-2 μg/ml for mefenoxam, 1.13 × 10-1 μg/ml for ethaboxam, 2.6 × 10-2 μg/ml for oxathiapiprolin, and 3.04 × 10-1 μg/ml for pyraclostrobin. These results suggest that common crop rotations in Michigan may not be a viable option to reduce soilborne inoculum accumulation and oomicide seed treatments could be considered for early-season management of P. sansomeana.

Field-based multispecies weed and crop detection using ground robots and advanced YOLO models: A data and model-centric approach

The implementation of a machine-vision system for real-time precision weed management is a crucial step towards the development of smart spraying robotic vehicles. The intelligent machine-vision system, constructed using deep learning object detection models, has the potential to accurately detect weeds and crops from images. Both data-centric and model-centric approaches of deep learning model development offer advantages depending on environment and non-environment factors. To assess the performance of weed detection in real-field conditions for eight crop species, the Yolov8, Yolov9, and customized Yolov9 deep learning models were trained and evaluated using RGB images from four locations (Casselton, Fargo, and Carrington) over a two-year period in the Great Plains region of the U.S. The experiment encompassed eight crop species—dry bean, canola, corn, field pea, flax, lentil, soybean, and sugar beet—and five weed species—horseweed, kochia, redroot pigweed, common ragweed, and water hemp. Six Yolov8 and eight Yolov9 model variants were trained using annotated weed and crop images gathered from four different sites including combined dataset from four sites. The Yolov8 and Yolov9 models’ performance in weed detection were assessed based on mean average precision (mAP50) metrics for five datasets, eight crop species, and five weed species. The results of the weed and crop detection evaluation showed high mAP50 values of 86.2 %. The mAP50 values for individual weed and crop species detection ranged from 80.8 % to 98 %. The results demonstrated that the performance of the model varied by model type (model-centric), location due to environment (data-centric), data size (data-centric), data quality (data-centric), and object size in the image (data-centric). Nevertheless, the Yolov9 customized lightweight model has the potential to play a significant role in building a real time machine-vision-based precision weed management system.

QTL mapping for pod quality and yield traits in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

Pod quality and yield traits in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) influence consumer preferences, crop adoption by farmers, and the ability of the product to be commercially competitive locally and globally. The objective of the study was to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for pod quality and yield traits in a snap × dry bean recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. A total of 184 F6 RILs derived from a cross between Vanilla (snap bean) and MCM5001 (dry bean) were grown in three field sites in Kenya and one greenhouse environment in Davis, CA, USA. They were genotyped at 5,951 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and composite interval mapping was conducted to identify QTL for 16 pod quality and yield traits, including pod wall fiber, pod string, pod size, and harvest metrics. A combined total of 44 QTL were identified in field and greenhouse trials. The QTL for pod quality were identified on chromosomes Pv01, Pv02, Pv03, Pv04, Pv06, and Pv07, and for pod yield were identified on Pv08. Co-localization of QTL was observed for pod quality and yield traits. Some identified QTL overlapped with previously mapped QTL for pod quality and yield traits, with several others identified as novel. The identified QTL can be used in future marker-assisted selection in snap bean.