Dry Grain Research Articles

Parâmetros genéticos e dissimilaridade genética de Gower em aveia preta

ABSTRACT: This research evaluated the agronomic performance through mixed models, and determined the genetic divergence between black oat genotypes. The experiment was carried out at Federal University of Santa Maria, Frederico Westphalen/RS. Fourteen black oat genotypes were evaluated, being 11 lines developed by Breeding Program of University, and three commercial cultivars (IAPAR 61, UPFA 21 - Moreninha and, IPR Cabocla). We evaluated quantitative traits associated to plant height, cycle, dry mass yield and seeds yield; and 19 qualitative traits, being these morphological descriptors. The results showed that lines UFSMFW 2-05 and UFSMFW 2-07 stand out with characteristics such as early cycle, higher dry mass and grain yield. Divergence analysis revealed the formation of three distinct groups, indicating the presence of variability. These results suggested the potential for the development of new cultivars of black oat, presenting early cycle and good grain yield.

Post-heading dry-matter transport and nutrient uptake differentiate hybrid and inbred indica rice in the double-cropping system in South China.

Hybrid rice demonstrated superior performance in enhancing yield and efficiency in rice production compared to inbred rice. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism responsible for the increased yield and efficiency of hybrid rice in South China's double-cropping rice region remains understudied. Field experiments over two consecutive years were conducted. Firstly, yield variations among 20 inbred and 15 hybrid rice cultivars prevalent in South China's double-cropping rice system were examined. Secondly, selecting representative hybrid and inbred rice cultivars with significant yield disparities were carried out on further analyzing dry-matter production, source-sink relationships, and nutrient absorption and utilization in both rice types. Hybrid rice displayed an average grain yield of 8.07 and 7.22t hm-2 in the early and late seasons, respectively, which corresponds to a 12.29% and 13.75% increase over inbred rice with statistically significant differences. In comparison to inbred rice, hybrid rice exhibited enhanced nitrogen concentration in leaves at the heading stage (15.48-16.20%), post-heading dry matter accumulation (52.62-73.21%), post-heading dry matter conversion rate (29.23-34.12%), and harvest index (17.31-18.37%). Additionally, grain nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in hybrid rice increased by 11.88-22.50% and 16.38-19.90%. Hybrid rice mainly improved post-heading nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and transport, while not total nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. Internal nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency enhanced by 9.83%-14.31% and 10.15%-13.66%, respectively. Post-heading dry matter accumulation, harvest index, grain nitrogen and phosphorus uptake, and internal nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency exhibited significant positive linear correlations with grain yield. The period from heading to maturity is critical for enhancing hybrid rice yield and efficiency. Improving photosynthetic capacity during this period and promoting nutrient transport to grains serve as crucial pathways for increasing grain yield and efficiency. This study is of great significance for further improvement grain yield and breeding rice cultivars with high-yield and high nutrients use efficiency for South China's double-cropped rice system.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the development and copper content in corn and sorghum plants.

The concentration of copper in the soil increased with the intensification of agricultural activities, mainly in grape production areas and orchards as a result of the application of pesticides. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi make up the microbial biomass of the soil and appear as an alternative to be researched for the development of plants in an environment contaminated with copper. The purpose of this pot study was to analyze the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the development and content of copper in corn and sorghum plants. Soil treatments were: without inoculum (control) and two arbuscular mycorrhizal (Acaulospora scrobiculata and Rhizoglomus clarum) and five doses of copper (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg Cu kg-1 soil); with seven repetitions. Plant height, stem diameter, number of tillers, root volume, shoot and root dry weight yields, shoot, root and grain Cu concentrations, pseudo-total soil Cu, percentage of mycorrhizal colonization and relative mycorrhizal efficiency index in reducing Cu concentration in root and shoot of corn and sorgum were evaluated. Morphological parameters of sorghum and corn were reduced with at high Cu doses in the soil, and the inoculation with Acaulospora scrobiculata and Rhizoglomus clarum resulted in greater development and lower Cu concentration in the dry mass of the shoot and root parts sorghum and corn plants.

Rancang Bangun Alat Pembersih dan Pengering Gabah Berbasis Arduino Uno

The planning of this grain cleaning and drying machine is one of the efforts to apply appropriate technology. To assist the community in processing crop yields with a grain drying machine that is heated using a heater using a dht22 sensor. As a temperature and humidity sensor with a control system using an arduino uno as the brain of this tool . One of the reasons is that the grain drying process takes a long time because it still depends on sunny weather and requires a relatively large area. Because of that, the idea emerged to make a Design and Development of an Arduino Uno-Based Grain Cleaning and Dryer Tool. What I want to achieve from this final project is to dry grain without waiting for sunny weather first and of course it is more efficient in terms of energy and land for farmers and the community and produces good quality rice.

Effects of Major Fungal Pathogens on Growth and Yield of Improved and Local Sorghum Genotypes under Field Trials in Lower Eastern Kenya

Sorghum is a climate resilient cereal that offers food and nutrition security for the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Its production potential is however limited by fungal diseases. A study on the effects of major fungal diseases on sorghum growth and yield and identification of tolerant genotypes is critical for sustainable sorghum production. A total of 14 germplasms were analyzed under a two-seasonal field trial laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications at two different agro-ecological zones within Kenya’s ASALs. A spreader row technique using a highly susceptible variety and natural infections was used for fungal inoculation. Ten plants randomly sampled and tagged from two inner rows in each plot, were used to asses plant growth, yield, and diseases. Diseases were identified using identification keys, visual symptoms, and signs and effects scored through disease severity (DS) and disease incidence (DI). Identified diseases included anthracnose, leaf blight, rust, gray leaf spot, ladder leaf spot, oval leaf spot, downy mildew, and covered kernel smut. Higher DS (>7.0) and DI (>50%) were recorded in anthracnose, leaf blight, and leaf rust across most genotypes. The significant (P≤0.01) negative correlations between DS and days to 50% flowering, number of green leaves, leaf area and panicle width indicated potential disease inhibition of sorghum growth. Correlations between DS and dry biomass, grain yield and grain weight were also negative but insignificant (P>0.05) implying no disease effects on sorghum yield. Improved genotypes had the least foliar and panicle infections and produced significantly higher grain yield (>2.0 t/ha) compared to local varieties with lower yield (<1.5t/ha) and higher foliar and panicle symptoms. The improved genotypes were thus classified as tolerant to fungal diseases and could be used to support resistance breeding programs as a sustainable management strategy for improved sorghum production in ASALs of Kenya.

Effect of tillage methods and sowing dates on growth, yield and yield attributes of newly released Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties under direct seeded

To standardize the tillage methods and dates of direct seeded Jammu Basmati rice varieties under sub tropical condition, a field experiment was conducted at research farm of Agrometeorology Section, Division of Agronomy, SKUAST-J, Chatha, Jammu during kharif season 2020. The experiment was comprised of two tillage methods i.e. zero (T1) and conventional tillage (T2) , two direct sowing dates viz., 10th (D1) and 25th June (D2) along with four newly released Basmati rice varieties viz., Jammu Basmati-370 (V1), Jammu Basmati-118 (V2), Jammu Basmati-138 (V3) and Jammu Basmati-123 (V4) with 16 treatment combinations and three replications in split-split plot design. Various crop growth parameters (plant height, LAI and above ground dry matter accumulation) were recorded at fortnight interval starting from 30 DAS till physiological maturity of crop was attained. Jammu Basmati rice varieties sown under conventional tillage method recorded significantly higher number of tillers/m2 (232.7) and also effective tillers/m2 (222.7) than the zero tillage method. The 10th June sown crop observed significantly higher leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, yield and yield attributes compared to late sown crop. Crop sown under conventional tillage method realized significantly higher grain yield (23.74 q/ha) as compared to zero tillage method (18.03 q/ha). Among the varieties, Jammu Basmati-123 recorded significantly higher leaf area index, dry matter accumulation and grain yield followed by Jammu Basmati-118, Basmati-370 and Jammu Basmati-138.

Growth and production of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in ultisol using liquid organic fertilizer and NPK

One of the efforts to increase rice production in the dry land of ultisol such as in Riau is extensification. To alter low nutrient availability in ultisol, liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) from waste of banana corm and NPK fertilizers are evaluated. Research aimed to obtain the best dose of LOF and NPK fertilizers to improve the productivity of upland rice on ultisols. This experiment was arranged in a completely randomized factorial design consisting of two factors. The first factor was LOF from banana corm (0 mL, 50 mL, 100 mL, and 150 mL per polybag). The second factor was NPK fertilizers (0%, 25%, 50%, and 100% recommendation dose); the recommendation base was: 300 kg Urea, 100 kg TSP, and 100 kg KCl ha-1. The results indicated that the application of 150 mL LOF per polybag and NPK fertilizers at 100% recommendation significantly enhances plant height, number of tiller numbers, productive tiller, filled grain per panicle, and dry grain weight of Inpago 9 variety.
 Keywords: rice; organic matter; inorganic; sub-optimal soil

Critical Period of Weed Control in Maize as Influenced by Soil Tillage Practices and Glyphosate Application

Increasing evidence on environmental and economic benefits has raised farmers’ interest in adopting alternative, less intensive soil management practices. To evaluate the influence of weed-competitive ability in response to a different tillage regime, a field study was conducted in maize under humid Central European climatic conditions in Slovenia. This study was established as a split-plot arrangement with three tillage practices (TPs) as the main plot: conventional (CN), conservation (CS), and no tillage (NT); this was combined with glyphosate application and the weed removal timing as the subplot. The weed removal timings were at the V3, V6, V9, V15, and R1 maize stages, with weed-free and weed season-long monitoring. The beginning and the end of the critical period of weed control (CPWC), based on a 5% maize yield loss rate, were determined by fitting the four-parameter log-logistic equations to the relative maize dry grain yield. The weed dry biomass from maize germination until the R1 growth stage in the NT TP was consistently lower than that in the CN and CS TP. Moreover, the NT TP resulted in a shorter CPWC (39 days after emergence (DAE)) compared to the CN (57 DAE) and CS (58 DAE). The results of CTWR (critical timing of weed removal) showed that less intensive tillage operations in the CS resulted in an earlier need for weed control (V2 and 23 DAE) compared to the CN (V3 and 39 DAE) and NT (V3 and 40 DAE). Our study suggests that the intensive tillage operations performed in the CN TP and the pre-sowing use of non-selective burndown herbicide in the NT delay the CTWR by more than 2 weeks, thus reducing the need for early post-emergence herbicide application in maize.

The mathematical model of the process of combined drying of commercial grain in con-veyor-type installations

The article discusses the results of the development of a model of combined microwave-convective drying of grain products in installations where the product moves inside the working chamber, alternately reaching the minima and maxima of exposure to the electromagnetic field of the microwave range. In the course of research, it was found that it is rational for these purposes to use a working chamber made in the form of a rectangular resonator. The developed mathematical model makes it possible to perform technical calculations for conveyor–type installations - for example, for drum and shaft grain dryers, where the product moves horizontally. Due to the large number of metal structures inside the drying chambers, it is proposed to implement the working chamber as a separate unit that stimulates the release of moisture to the surface of the product.

Effect of Irrigation Scheduling and Different Sowing Dates on Water Productivity and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

“Effect of moisture regime under different sowing dates of wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.)” was investigated at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Ayodhya (U.P.) Agronomy Research Farm in rabi season 2021-22. Twelve main plot treatments included 15th November, 25th November, and 5th December sowing dates, while four sub plot treatments included irrigation at 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, and 1.2 IW/CPE ratios. Split plot design was used for three replications. Under 15th November sowing, all growth, yield, and characteristics rose dramatically. Irrigation at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio increased wheat shoot m-2, plant height (cm), dry matter accumulation (g m-2), yield characteristics, grain and straw yield (q ha-1) considerably. D113 (15 November planting with irrigation at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio) had the best net return and D1I2 (15 November sowing with irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE proportion) the highest B:C ratio (2.54). Wheat yields were highest when sown on November 15. Under 15th November planting, water use efficiency was highest (9.85 kg ha-1mm-1). Irrigation with 1.0 IW/CPE ratio had the maximum water usage efficiency (9.34 kg ha-1 mm-1). The 15 November seeding with irrigation at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio yielded the highest net return (1,17,124.00), making wheat farming profitable. Maximum B:C ratio (2.54) with I1D2 therapy.

Changeability of quantitative and quality signs of pollen of Robinia pseudoacacia L. is in the conditions of megalopolis

The work is aimed at spreading the practice of bioindication, in particular palynoindication of atmospheric air quality in the surface layer. It is possible to continue monitoring the state of the environment in Ukraine under the conditions of the destructive impact of military operations only with the use of methodologically and economically accessible approaches. The obtained results provide an opportunity to make scientifically based conclusions about the state of the environment and recommendations for zoning territories according to environmental risks for the population. Assessment of the state of atmospheric air in the surface layer is important for determining the potential consequences for the ecosystem and for assessing the risk to public health. We believe that the most informative are the results of the study of plants of the shrub layer. Their generative part is exposed to the long-term effects of the main components of air pollution in the zone of maximum impact on the respiratory system of people. Cytogenetic testing was carried out on Robinia pseudoacacia plants, which belong to the group of sensitive phytoindicator species. Monitoring was carried out during 2020–2021 at 7 locations of park, forest-park ecosystems and street landscaping in four administrative districts of Kyiv. The analysis of weather and climate conditions, the differences of the studied territories in terms of the level of atmospheric air pollution, the level of anthropogenic load, the intensity of transport connections, as well as the provision of green spaces as the main factor in reducing the impact of the urban environment on the state of life and health of the population is given. It was noted that the pollen sterility index reflects the influence of non-optimal factors of the growing environment on the reproductive potential of R. pseudoacacia. The variability of the morphometric characteristics of dry grains according to the shape index is also a fairly informative indicator of its quality. In particular, a tendency to decrease in the equatorial diameter and a further prolonged decrease in the length of the polar axis during the flowering phase of plants was observed. A significant increase in the proportion of degenerated and hypertrophied grains of R. pseudoacacia was noted in areas with significant influence of a complex of exogenous factors and year conditions. Intensive inhibition of the microsporogenesis process was noted in plants in areas with active traffic. Minimal violations were observed in plants from large park plantations. A certain improvement in the state of the atmospheric air during the lockdown period also contributed to a decrease in the number of morphologically abnormal grains. The results of cytotesting of the sensitivity of R. pseudoacacia pollen to the influence of factors of the growing environment can serve as an important component of the assessment of the quality of the environment and zoning of the territories of the metropolis.

Weed Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Economics of Kharif Grain Sorghum

In the Kharif grain sorghum growing areas of Karnataka, the sorghum production suffers greatly due to weed problem, which offers limitations to crop. It was found that weed infestation become unmanageable throughout the growing period by the traditional methods of interculturing and manual weeding due to continuous and heavy rains during entire vegetative and early reproductive stages of Kharif sorghum. Hence, integration of herbicides with some cultural operations and use of pre-emergence, post-emergence herbicides in combination with mechanical methods can prove to be more successful. A field experiment entitled “Weed management in kharif grain sorghum” was conducted during Kharif 2019 at ARS, Hagari in deep black soil with neutral reaction (pH 7.50), organic carbon (5.5 g kg-1), available nitrogen (248.00 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (36.75 kg ha-1) and available potassium (312.00 kg ha-1). An experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There were fourteen treatments comprising of weed management practices. The dominant weeds observed in the experimental fields were among grasses Brachiaria reptans, while in broad leaved weeds, Amaranthus viridis and among sedges, Cyperus rotundus. Significantly lower population of grasses, sedges, and broad leaved weeds, weed dry weight, weed index (%) and higher weed control efficiency throughout the crop growth period was noticed in sequential pre-emergence application of atrazine 50 WP @ 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb 2,4-D Na Salt 80 WP @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 as PoE at 25 DAS except weed free treatment. Atrazine 50 WP @ 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb 2,4-D Na Salt 80 WP @ 0.75 kg a.i. ha-1 as PoE at 25 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation, leaf area, test weight, grain yield, straw yield, harvest index, gross return, net return and benefit cost ratio (160.8 cm, 183.4 gplant-1, 24.1 dm2 plant-1, 30.53 g, 4195 kg ha-1, 9891 kg ha-1, 29.80 %, Rs. 1,03,675ha-1, Rs. 71,636 ha-1and 3.24, respectively) except weed free and it was on par with atrazine 50 WP @ 0.50 kg a.i. ha-1 as PE fb IC at 25 DAS and HW at 25 DAS and IC at 40 DAS.

Integrated Effect of Synthetic Fertilizers and Bio-Inoculant on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

During the Rabi season of 2021-22, a field trial was carried out in micro plots within the 'pot culture house' at the Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology in Kanpur. The study involved nine treatment combinations arranged in a randomized block design with three replications, aiming to assess the impact of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and Azotobacter on the wheat variety K-1317. Based on the findings obtained from the study, it can be deduced that concerning the growth parameters maximum plant height is 77.51 cm, maximum number of tillers plant-1 is 6.00 were associated with the treatment T6 [125 % RDF + Azotobacter]. Similarly, among the yield components and productivity parameters maximum values in relation to length of ear (12.75 cm), number of grain ear-1 (57.67), fresh weight plant-1 (156.24 g), dry weight plant-1 (25.25 g), grain yield (52.00 q ha-1), straw yield (65.80 q ha-1) and biological yield (101.96 q ha-1) were also found in the treatment T6 [125 % RDF + Azotobacter]. While the minimum value of growth, yield attributes and yield parameters were also found under the treatment T1 [Control].

Modified TAL expression in rice plant regulates yield components and grain quality in a N-rate dependent manner

Context or problemHigher-yield and superior-quality rice are the major goals in rice breeding and nitrogen management. Genetic modification combined with optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization is expected to realize it. Objective or research questionModification in transaldolase (TAL) expression alters both the number and pattern of vascular bundles in rice plants, but its interactions with N rate remains unknown. MethodsWe employed three representative lines with different expression levels of TAL in the same genetic background (Wuyunjing 7, WT), and analyzed their responses in dry matter accumulation (DMA), carbohydrate transport, grain filling, yield, yield components, and grain quality under a wide range of N rate. ResultsIncreased expression of TAL (OE) promoted rice yield by producing more spikelets per panicle and higher 1000-grain weight, while decreased expression of TAL lowered the seed setting rate and grain weight significantly. Under a fixed N rate, when TAL expression was altered, the direct path coefficients of the seed setting rate and 1000-grain weight to the yield were higher than other yield components, especially at a high N rate. Decreased expression of TAL (RNAi) significantly reduced the starch and non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) contents in the stems, but enhanced the soluble sugar retention, whereas increased expression of TAL enhanced the translocation of NSC. The grain weight at maturity and mean grain-filling rate (mg d−1) increased significantly along with the TAL expression, but their differences among RNAi, WT and OE narrowed at higher N rate. Decreased expression of TAL enhanced the apparent amylose content (ACC) and protein (PC), reduced the starch granule size, and caused a loose starch arrangement and elevated chalkiness, as a consequence, significantly reduced the peak viscosity, hot viscosity, final viscosity, and taste value in a N rate dependent manner. The taste values of OE and WT were similar and the highest value was attained under a moderate N rate. ConclusionsTAL expression plays an important role in the regulation of assimilate supply, grain filling, yield formation, and grain quality. Increased expression of TAL alleviates competition effect among the yield components and enhances the yield potential, especially under moderate to high N rate. Higher TAL expression combined with a moderate N rate improves ECQ. Implications or significanceTAL expression and N rate interacts to regulate yield components and quality. This finding provides meaningful knowledge to administering N rate and genetically modifying TAL expression in a rice variety.

Evaluation of Rabbit Urine as Bio-fertilizer for the Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (l.) walp)

Rabbit urine, a bio-fertilizer can be used alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizer, organic or green manure to improve the growth and yield of crops. Trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Akwa Ibom State University, Obio Akpa campus, during the 2021 and 2022 second cropping seasons, to evaluate the effects of rabbit urine on the growth and yield of cowpea in the humid tropical region of South Eastern Nigeria. The experiment consisted of three varieties of cowpea (Sampea-7, Funam L2 and Ife brown), and five fertilizer application rates (0, NPK 200kg/ha, NPK 200kg/ha+250mls of rabbit urine (Ru), NPK 200kg/ha+500mls of Ru, NPK 200kg/ha+75mls of Ru) (designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively). The experiment was a 3x5 factorial, laid out in a randomized complete block design, and replicated three times. Results indicated significant differences in growth and yield parameters. Among the cowpea varieties; Ife brown performed better than Funam L2 and Sampea-7; it produced the longest vines (28.96cm), the broadest leaves (2218cm2) and the highest grain yield (698.23kg/ha). The fertilizer rates also had significant positive effects on the growth and yield traits of cowpea; as the concentration of Ru in the mixture increased, growth and yield values also increased, with T5((NPK 200kg/ha +750mls of Ru) producing the best yield (708.89kg/ha). There were significant interaction effects between the cowpea varieties and fertilizer application rates; when T5( NPK 200kg/ha +750 mls of Ru.) was applied to Ife brown, it produced the highest number of seeds/pod (7.65), the highest number of pods/plant (19.81) and the highest dry grains yield (749.62kg/ha). Ife brown and NPK 200kg/ha + 750mls of Ru (T5) were therefore recommended to farmers in the study area.

Rice Growth Response and Yield to Different Planting Systems in Merauke Regency, South Papua

Technological use potentially serves as the main factor in increasing production and productivity. One of the cultivation technologies that could be used to increase rice productivity through Legowo cultivation system and tegel system. Previous studies report that jajar legowo planting system could increase productivity by 1-1.5 tonnes/ha, or by more than 30% when compared to conventional planting systems. The study was conducted in Kamangi Village, Tanah Miring District, Merauke Regency from April to July 2019. This study applied a factorial randomized design, with the first being four rice varieties: Inpari 35, Inpari 36, Inpari 37 and Inpari 43. The second factor was the cultivation approaches, including jajar legogo and tegel planting systems. The rice field used in the study was owned by farmers and covered an area of 3 hectares, with 1.5 hectares using the jajar legowo 4:1 planting system and the remaining 1.5 hectares using the tegel planting system. The parameters observed included plant height, number of productive tillers, number of panicles per hill, and dry grain yield per plot. The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), If the results of the analysis of variance show a real effect, then proceed with the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level. The research results indicate that the productivity of the Inpari 37 variety using the jajar legowo 4:1 cultivation technique shows better results compared to the tegel system.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Growth and Production in Main Square System Treatment with Liquid Organic Fertilizer of Gold Snails (Pomacea caniculata L.) and Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle)

The use of artificial chemicals as fertilizers and pesticides can endanger the health of the environment and consumers, so the potential utilization of natural materials as fertilizers and pesticides needs to be increased from local sources such as golden snails and citronella. The experiment aims to get the best interaction between golden snail Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) and citronella oil for rice growth and production. The experiment was carried out in the paddy fields of Jorong Paraman Ampalu, Gunung Tuleh District, West Pasaman Regency from September 2020 to January 2021 using an RBD of 2 factors with 3 replications. The first factor was the golden snail LOF concentration, namely: 0, 100, 200, and 300 ml/L. The second factor was the citronella oil concentration, namely: 0, 10, 20, and 30 ml/L. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and DNMRT at 5% and 1%. The experimental results showed that the interaction between golden snail LOF and citronella oil concentration accelerated flowering, increased panicle length, grain weight, and dry grain production per hectare, while the golden snail LOF concentration factor increased plant height, maximum number of tillers and productive tillers, panicle length, number of grains per panicle, and 1000 grain weight. The highest grain production was obtained at concentrations of golden snails LOF of 200 ml/L and citronella oils 20 ml/L, namely 9.18 t/ha. The frequency of attacks by ground beetles and golden snails decreased at a concentration of 30 ml/L citronella oil, while stink bug infestation frequency was reduced at a concentration of 10 ml/L.

Technological aspects of the development of thermal vacuum installation for drying grain with simultaneous dehydration and disinsection

The Ukraine is one of the largest producers of grain products. Its natural and climatic conditions are such that annually from 50 to 80 % of the harvested crop of grain crops is subject to drying and disinfection. Drying and simultaneous disinsection of grain are the main technological operations for removing harmful moisture from grain material and freeing it from barn pests, which on a national scale makes it possible to avoid millions of losses. The article provides materials on the development of a highly efficient environmentally friendly installation and energy-saving technology of dehydration with simultaneous disinfection of wet grain, which makes it possible to dry grain in a short period of time to a moisture content of 12...14 % and destroy pests. A brief review discusses the main drying units, which are of the convective type and mainly use heated air. Their main positive and negative aspects of use are analyzed. An experimental model of the developed highly efficient environmentally friendly grain drying plant with physical and mathematical justification is presented. Thus, at the same time, such indicators as the speed of grain swirling (υВ) at different temperatures, the value of the centrifugal force of the grain (F) moving in the cavity of the heating element through a spiral channel were calculated. The instantaneous process of thermal energy transfer from the heater wall to the wet grain is substantiated.Thus, the surface element (dS) of a wet grain receives a flow of thermal energy (dQ) with a temperature (Т) in a short period of time (∆τ) with a heat transfer coefficient (a). It has been experimentally proven that grain dehydration is affected by at least three parameters: the heating temperature, its humidity, and the pressure in the vacuum chamber. All parameters are interconnected and affect technological indicators. Thus, the use of thermovacuum technology is an alternative to traditional high-temperature methods of drying grain crops. Key words: thermovacuum dehydration of grain, drying, disinsection.

Corn grain rehydration methods: Water vs. cactus pear in the diet for feedlot lambs

The goal was to evaluate the productive performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and blood parameters of feedlot lambs fed silages of corn grain rehydrated with water or cactus pear. Thirty male intact lambs, mixed breed, and with an average initial weight of 22 ± 4.29 kg were assigned to a completely randomized design with three treatments and ten replications. The treatments were defined as diet containing ground dry corn grain - CG (Control); diet containing corn grain silage rehydrated with water (CW) and; diet containing corn grain silage rehydrated with cactus pear (CCP). No significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) among the treatments in terms of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), total carbohydrate (TCHO), and metabolizable energy (ME). However, the ME content (P = 0.0204) of the diets containing rehydrated corn grain silage (CW) (2.57 Mcal/kg DM) was significantly higher than that of the CG diets (2.29 Mcal/kg DM). This difference in ME was associated with improved digestibility of DM (P = 0.0148), OM (P = 0.0032), and TCHO (P = 0.0027) in the CW diets. Animals fed the CG diets exhibited lower total weight gain, daily weight gain, and reduced feed efficiency. Additionally, a higher percentage of starch was found in the feces of animals consuming CG diets. In contrast, animals fed the CCP diet had higher plasma glucose concentrations (P = 0.0177). The inclusion of rehydrated corn grain silage in the diets proved to be a valuable nutritional strategy to enhance the overall nutritive value of corn grain for lambs, leading to improved animal performance. Furthermore, the utilization of cactus pear as a source of rehydration for grain silage can be particularly advantageous in regions where water resources are limited.

Herbicide Program to Control Parthenium hysterophorus in Grain Sorghum in an Arid Environment

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an emerging production constraint in many summer crops including sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), but limited control options are available. In this field study, the efficacy of sole and sequential applications of a pre-emergence (pendimethalin) and a post-emergence (bromoxynil) herbicide was evaluated for parthenium weed control in grain sorghum over two years. Pendimethalin or bromoxynil alone could only provide 54% and 63% control, whereas their sequential application provided 86% control of parthenium weed over the weedy treatment. The sorghum plants in pendimethalin followed by bromoxynil treatment had the highest leaf fresh weight per plant, plant dry biomass, plant height, and the number of heads among the herbicide treatments. Sorghum fresh forage yield, dry fodder yield, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield were highest in the weed-free treatment followed by the pendimethalin followed by (fb) bromoxynil treatment. Overall, the herbicide treatment performance was in an order of pendimethalin fb bromoxynil > bromoxynil > pendimethalin for weed control and sorghum yield improvement. These results suggest that pendimethalin followed by bromoxynil may provide acceptable control (>85%) of parthenium weed and may improve sorghum grain yield (up to 23%).