Experimental Variants Research Articles

Биопрепараты как факторы повышения продуктивности сои

Abstract. In 2021–2023, in the forest-steppe zone of North Ossetia – Alania, research was carried out on the use of biological products (growth regulator “Giberelon” and microfertilizer “Ul’tramag Kombi”) on soybean crops of Vilana, Irbis, Vita varieties. The purpose of the work is to improve the technology of soybean cultivation, aimed at improving productivity and grain quality through the use of biological products. Scientific novelty. For the first time in the foothill zone of the republic, the influence of biologics (growth regulator and micronutrients) on photosynthetic activity, the size and quality of soybean crops of various ripeness was studied. Methods. The object of research was three high-yielding soybean varieties - Vilana, Irbis, Vita (breeding of the Federal Research Center of the V. S. Pustovoit Research Institute of Oilseeds). Among the biological products used were "Giberelon" (70 g/ha), a plant growth stimulator based on gibberellic acids; "Ultramag Combi" (2 l/ha) – a concentrated complex micronutrient for leafy top dressing of cereals. Observations and records were carried out according to generally accepted methods of field experience. Results. It has been established that the use of biological products “Giberelon” and “Ul’tramag Kombi” increases the symbiotic activity of soybeans and the amount of fixed nitrogen in the air. During the growing season, the largest number of active nodules were formed in plots where plants were treated with “Ul’tramag Kombi” microfertilizer. With the use of “Ul’tramag Kombi” microfertilizer, the mass of nodules also increased by 18.7–19.9 g compared to the control. The biological products used stimulated plant growth, where the highest plant height was noted for varieties ranging from 79.1–115.1 cm. The yield of soybean crops using the growth regulator “Giberelon” (with an application rate of 70 g/ha) increased by 0.13–0.25 t/ha, with the use of “Ul’tramag Kombi” microfertilizer (with an application rate of 2 l/ha) – by 0.28–0.47 t/ha. The average level of profitability for all studied varieties of experimental variants was 65.25 %, which is 28.75 % higher than the control variants.

Comparative analysis of bacterial populations in sulfonylurea-sensitive and -resistant weeds: insights into community composition and catabolic gene dynamics

This study aimed to compare the impact of iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium and an iodosulfuron-based herbicidal ionic liquid (HIL) on the microbiomes constituting the epiphytes and endophytes of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus L.). The experiment involved biotypes of cornflower susceptible and resistant to acetolactate synthase inhibition, examining potential bacterial involvement in sulfonylurea herbicide detoxification. We focused on microbial communities present on the surface and in the plant tissues of roots and shoots. The research included the synthesis and physicochemical analysis of a novel HIL, evaluation of shifts in bacterial community composition, analysis of the presence of catabolic genes associated with sulfonylurea herbicide degradation and determination of their abundance in all experimental variants. Overall, for the susceptible biotype, the biodiversity of the root microbiome was higher compared to shoot microbiome; however, both decreased notably after herbicide or HIL applications. The herbicide-resistant biotype showed lower degree of biodiversity changes, but shifts in community composition occurred, particularly in case of HIL treatment.Graphical

Comparative Effects of Water Scarcity on the Growth and Development of Two Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes with Different Geographic Origin (Mesoamerica/Andean).

Drought stress is widely recognized as a highly detrimental abiotic stress factor that significantly impacts crop growth, development, and agricultural productivity. In response to external stimuli, plants activate various mechanisms to enhance their resistance or tolerance to abiotic stress. The common bean, a most important legume according to the FAO, serves as a staple food for millions of people worldwide, due to its rich protein, carbohydrate, and fiber content, concurrently, and water scarcity is the main factor limiting common bean production. The process of domestication and on-farm conservation has facilitated the development of genotypes with varying degrees of drought stress resistance. Consequently, using landraces as biological material in research can lead to the identification of variants with superior resistance qualities to abiotic stress factors, which can be effectively integrated into breeding programs. The central scope of this research was to find out if different geographic origins of common bean genotypes can determine distinct responses at various levels. Hence, several analyses were carried out to investigate responses to water scarcity in three common bean genotypes, M-2087 (from the Mesoamerican gene pool), A-1988 (from the Andean gene pool) and Lechinta, known for its high drought stress resistance. Plants were subjected to different water regimes, followed by optical assessment of the anatomical structure of the hypocotyl and epicotyl in each group; furthermore, the morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters and molecular data (quantification of the relative expression of the thirteen genes) were assessed. The three experimental variants displayed distinct responses when subjected to 12 days of water stress. In general, the Lechinta genotype demonstrated the highest adaptability and drought resistance. The M-2087 landrace, originating from the Mesoamerican geographic basin, showed a lower resistance to water stress, compared to the A-1988 landrace, from the Andean basin. The achieved results can be used to scale up future research about the drought resistance of plants, analyzing more common bean landraces with distinct geographic origins (Mesoamerican/Andean), which can then be used in breeding programs.

Growth stimulant influence on biometric indicators of oak seedlings in the Bukovyna Sub-Carpathian region

The use of growth stimulants for the cultivation of oak seedlings in the Bukovyna Sub-Carpathian region allows to accelerate their development and increase their sustainability in an environment where there is no natural forest regeneration. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of growth stimulants at different multiplicity of treatments during the growing season on the biometric parameters of Quercus robur L. Seedlings were grown in Ecotherm containers in the glasshouse of the base nursery. The composition of the substrate for filling the containers is a mix of peat, sand and black soil in equal proportions with mycorrhiza from under the forest canopy of oak stands. The results of the effect of growth stimulants on the biometric parameters of one-year-old seedlings of common oak with a closed root system are presented. Plant growth stimulants were used for spraying and irrigation seedlings during their cultivation. The results of the research indicate a positive effect of the use of growth stimulants on the seedlings of common oak. All experimental variants showed a positive effect on the biometric parameters of one-year-old oak seedlings at three, six and nine times of feeding with growth stimulants during the growing season. The difference in the variants with the use of plant growth stimulants compared to the control in height is up to 27%, in the length of the root system – up to 43%, and in the total length – up to 29%, accordingly, depending on the dose of the stimulants and the frequency of treatment during the growing season. Refined data on the biometric parameters of one-year-old seedlings of common oak with a closed root system grown in closed ground conditions were obtained. The data obtained are useful for forest restoration in regions with damaged or degraded ecosystems where natural regeneration is limited

ДИНАМИКА АКТИВНОСТИ ФЕРМЕНТОВ УГЛЕРОДНОГО ЦИКЛА В УСЛОВИЯХ ПЕРЕХОДА НА МИНИМАЛЬНЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ОБРАБОТКИ

The purpose of research is to study the dynamics of the activity of enzymes in the carbon cycle of agrochernozems and its effect on the transformation of easily mineralizable organic compounds when using waste and surface treatment methods. Field observations were carried out on the basis of the production experience of OOO OPH Dary Malinovki in the Sukhobuzimo District in the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe (56°10′ N and 91°47′ E). The impact of dump and minimal processing technologies on the seaso¬nal dynamics of the activity of carbon cycle enzymes in the layers of agrochernozem is considered. The field experiment scheme is represented by the following options: moldboard plowing (standard), minimal tillage (surface disking), flat-cut tillage (cultivation). The level of polyphenol oxidase activity in the soil of the experimental variants was estimated to be weak. The intraseasonal dynamics of the studied enzymes was significant and correlated with the transformation of the humus accumulation coefficient. On non-dumping backgrounds, the variability of polyphenol oxidase was less variable. The minimum va¬lues of the humus accumulation coefficient were found at the initial stage of introducing the technologies under study during the fallow period of agrochernozems, as well as during the barley growing season. The maximum is in the soil under spring wheat crops. The use of flat-cut cultivators led to a strong relationship between the activity of polyphenol oxidase and the coefficient of humus accumulation. In the soil of all variants, an inverse relationship was observed between peroxidase activity and the coefficient of humus accumulation. The participation of peroxidase in the biochemical processes of mineralization was carried out mainly under the conditions of dump processing of agrochernozems. The activity of oxidoreductase enzymes indicated favorable conditions for the humification of organic compounds and the accumulation of newly formed humic substances in the soil when spring wheat was placed in fallow under conditions of using no-moldboard technologies.

Unsupervised modeling of mutational landscapes of adeno-associated viruses viability

Adeno-associated viruses 2 (AAV2) are minute viruses renowned for their capacity to infect human cells and akin organisms. They have recently emerged as prominent candidates in the field of gene therapy, primarily attributed to their inherent non-pathogenic nature in humans and the safety associated with their manipulation. The efficacy of AAV2 as gene therapy vectors hinges on their ability to infiltrate host cells, a phenomenon reliant on their competence to construct a capsid capable of breaching the nucleus of the target cell. To enhance their infection potential, researchers have extensively scrutinized various combinatorial libraries by introducing mutations into the capsid, aiming to boost their effectiveness. The emergence of high-throughput experimental techniques, like deep mutational scanning (DMS), has made it feasible to experimentally assess the fitness of these libraries for their intended purpose. Notably, machine learning is starting to demonstrate its potential in addressing predictions within the mutational landscape from sequence data. In this context, we introduce a biophysically-inspired model designed to predict the viability of genetic variants in DMS experiments. This model is tailored to a specific segment of the CAP region within AAV2’s capsid protein. To evaluate its effectiveness, we conduct model training with diverse datasets, each tailored to explore different aspects of the mutational landscape influenced by the selection process. Our assessment of the biophysical model centers on two primary objectives: (i) providing quantitative forecasts for the log-selectivity of variants and (ii) deploying it as a binary classifier to categorize sequences into viable and non-viable classes.

Influence of reclamation techniques and vegetation types on water retention in hard coal spoil heaps

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between the reclamation method (with topsoil and with bare rock), individual species, and land cover (woodland, grassland, and forbsland) on micro‐climate and retention properties, that is, volumetric water content (vwc) and water storage capacity (S). The large overburden dump “Sośnica” in Upper Silesia served as a research site, which makes it possible to investigate the planned experimental variants with relatively homogeneous properties of the deposited rock. The study uses statistical analysis and multilinear regressions to investigate the correlation between reclamation method, species, and land cover with parameters such as atmospheric temperature, relative humidity, vwc, soil temperature (st), and S. The experiments were carried out both in the field and in the laboratory. The results of this study indicate that the parameters related to retention properties were higher in the recultivated areas than in the areas left to natural succession. “S” was significantly higher in grassland and forbsland (15.67–16.52%) than in control plots where 10.23% was found, and in areas where an additional soil layer was applied (14.72%). Maximum vwc (22.17%) was on plots with topsoil than on bare rock (14.89%). Vwc were highest in the areas designated as grassland (28.54%), in comparison with woodlands and forblands (the control without vegetation cover had the worst thermal and retention properties). This study sheds light on the effects of reclamation method, species, and land cover on various parameters and helps to understand the importance of appropriate reclamation techniques for soil and water conservation. Further research on the impacts of reclamation techniques and land cover on micro‐climatic conditions in diverse post‐mining landscapes is crucial for developing globally applicable restoration strategies that promote ecological resilience.

Application of vermiculture products as an innovative direction of organic production

An important strategy for diversifying agricultural production is the use of vermicomposting and the production of new products from vermicompostfor their further widespread use. Objective. To investigate the effectiveness of the use of vermicompost and the biological product ‘Nanoverm’ obtained from it as a high-quality complex environmentally friendly organic fertiliser for application to grain crops. Methods. The research was conducted at LIGA COLAP LLC, the Department of General and Applied Ecology and Zoology of Zaporizhzhia National University (Zaporizhzhia) and farms of the Vilnyansky and Orikhivsky districts of Zaporizhzhia region in two stages. At the first stage, the effect of vermicompost at a dose of 1.0-1.5 l/t and Nanoverm at a dose of 1.0-1.5 l/t on the first stages of winter wheat ontogeny of Podolyanka variety was studied. At the second stage, the effect of the biological product ‘Nanoverm’ on the formation of biometric growth parameters and yield of winter wheat was studied. Plants of the control group were grown without fertilizers, and the experimental group was treated with Nanoverm biofertilizer at a dose of 1.5 l/t. Results. It was found that pre-sowing treatment of winter wheat seeds with vermicompost provided an increase in seed germination energy by 3.7-4.0 % compared to the control, and laboratory germination by 5.3 %. When seeds were treated with Nanoverm biological product at a dose of 1 l/t, germination energy increased by 4.7 %, and laboratory germination increased by 6.0 %. With an increase in the dose of the preparation to 1.5 l/t, these indicators increased by 5.0 and 7.3 %, respectively. Pre-sowing treatment of seeds with the studied preparations also had a positive effect on such indicators as the length of the coleoptile and roots of winter wheat seedlings. The analysis of biometric parameters of winter wheat growth and yield after harvesting showed that in the experimental variant, such indicators as grain weight, number of grains per ear and yield were significantly higher. With almost the same plant height and a slight increase in the length of the ear, the stimulating effect of feeding winter wheat in the earing phase with Nanoverm was expressed in an increase in the number of grains per ear by 15.3 %, and the weight of grain per ear by 22.2 % (p<0.001). As a result, the grain yield in the experimental group was 8.3 c/ha higher than in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusions. It was found that pre-sowing treatment of seeds with vermigum or biological product ‘Nanoverm ’ improves all the indicators that characterise the first stages of ontogeny of winter wheat variety Podolyanka. Fertilising winter wheat in the earing phase with Nanoverm at a dose of 1.5 l/ha led to the activation ofgrowth processes and contributed to the formation of higher productivity. As a result of a significant increase in the number and weight of grains in the ear, the yield increased by 22.3 % and amounted to 47.2 c/ha. Keywords: california worms, vermicompost, Nanoverm, winter wheat, Podolianka, growth, yield.

Camelina sativa Seeds and Oil as Ingredients in Model Muffins in Order to Enhance Their Health-Promoting Value.

The aim of this study was to see whether it is possible to add camelina oil and seeds as ingredients in muffins in order to enhance their health-promoting value, such as their bioactive compound content, while maintaining the organoleptic attributes considered desirable by consumers. Camelina oil is characterised by a high linolenic acid content. Four types of muffins were prepared for analysis: MBnO-control muffins (containing 11.85% rapeseed oil), MCsO-muffins containing camelina oil instead of rapeseed oil, MCsS-muffins containing 6.65% camelina seeds in relation to the mass of prepared dough, and MCsOS-muffins containing both camelina oil and camelina seeds. The change in the fatty acid profile in muffins with the addition of camelina oil was significant; however, it was found that, as a result of thermal treatment, lower amounts of saturated fatty acids were formed. Among all the investigated experimental variants, muffins were characterised by the highest contents of all the phenolic acids analysed. The substitution of rapeseed oil with camelina oil had no negative effect on most of the organoleptic attributes of the muffins. Moreover, thanks to a greater content of carotenoids, camelina oil had an advantageous effect on the improvement of product colour, thus improving its overall desirability.

Цитогенетические последствия воздействия бензина на Lepidium sativum L.

The study aimed to characterize the ecological aftermath of the impact of gasoline on biological objects. On today, oil and products from it remain one of the most common pollutants. The novelty and relevance of the study are determined by the minimum database of cytogenetic changes after impact of gasoline on biota. The registration of such consequences, as a rule, negative ones, dictates the need to develop directions and methods for the reclamation of contaminated areas. An experimental study using a model plant object – watercress (Lepidium sativum L.) revealed the aftermath of gasoline impact. This object made it possible to identify a complex of changes determined by the gasoline. The experiment studied the effect of AI-95 gasoline in concentrations of 3, 5, 10% (water solution). For cytogenetic analysis, temporary compressed micro preparations of root sections stained with acetoorcein were examined. The anaphase method was used to account the chromosomal abnormalities. Gasoline can also be characterized as a mutagen. The level of mutations (bridges, fragments, micronucleus) under the impact of gasoline at a concentration of 5% is 35 times higher than in the control. Multiple violations were registered only as a result of impact by the investigated pollutant, which determines a high increase in the frequency of micronucleus. The proportion of aberrant anaphases in the total number of anaphases in the control was 1,2%, in the experimental variants it increased to 42,0, 68,4 and 79,6% under the impact of gasoline at concentrations of 3, 5 and 10%. Mitotoxic, as well as cytotoxic activity, was recorded. It is shown in a decrease in the mitotic index and a change in the ratio of mitotic phases. In the experimental variants, the frequency of cells in anaphase is decreased and the proportion of cells at the prophase stage is increased. That may be due to increase repair systems operating time. New experimental data on the genotoxicity of gasoline replenish the information database on the negative consequences of the impact of gasoline on plant objects.

Changes in the elemental composition of agrocenosis components on gray forest soil under long-term application of mineral and organic fertilizers

The paper analyzes the elemental composition of soils and plants of agrocenosis on the gray forest soil of Vladimir opolye under long-term application of mineral and organic fertilizers. The content of total and mobile forms of Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Fe and the content of these elements in aboveground plant organs, as well as changes in the main agrochemical characteristics that can affect the availability of elements to plants were evaluated. It is shown that the application of mineral fertilizers contributes to soil acidification, increase in the content of organic carbon, mobile forms of phosphorus. At the same time, the variants with joint application of mineral and organic fertilizers are subject to less change of these characteristics, which may be due to the increased buffering capacity of the soil with respect to the components coming with mineral salts, due to the applied organic matter. Introduction of Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Fe into agrocenosis with fertilizers (organic and mineral) did not affect the gross content of metals in soil. There was a change in the content of mobile forms of metals in the soil due to changes in agrochemical parameters of soils. Changes in the content of trace elements in plant products were recorded. The reduction of Zn, Cu content in plants on the variants with more intensive use of fertilizers (and with higher yield) is explained by "dilution effect". The low content of Co in the soil and its insufficient supply to the plants must be controlled. The joint use of data on changes in the elemental composition of soils and plants allows better differentiation of experimental variants in the space of principal components when analyzed by this method and is promising for monitoring the consequences of agrogenic load of different degrees. The results obtained can be taken into account in the formation of criteria for assessing the mineral nutrition of plants and fertilizer application rates.

Studying and improving reasoning in humans and machines

In the present study, we investigate and compare reasoning in large language models (LLMs) and humans, using a selection of cognitive psychology tools traditionally dedicated to the study of (bounded) rationality. We presented to human participants and an array of pretrained LLMs new variants of classical cognitive experiments, and cross-compared their performances. Our results showed that most of the included models presented reasoning errors akin to those frequently ascribed to error-prone, heuristic-based human reasoning. Notwithstanding this superficial similarity, an in-depth comparison between humans and LLMs indicated important differences with human-like reasoning, with models’ limitations disappearing almost entirely in more recent LLMs’ releases. Moreover, we show that while it is possible to devise strategies to induce better performance, humans and machines are not equally responsive to the same prompting schemes. We conclude by discussing the epistemological implications and challenges of comparing human and machine behavior for both artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology.

Fabrication of bioactive silk composite meshes for hernia repair and guided soft tissue remodeling: In silico, in vitro and in vivo models

ObjectivesPost-operative complications stemming from incompatible meshes often lead to delayed wound healing, seroma, infections, inappropriate tissue infiltration and pain. The present study was outlined to develop biocompatible composite hand-knitted silk meshes modified with polymers and natural extracts. Our study introduced hand-knitted B. mori silk fibroin as the primary mesh material, offering superior mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The spin-assisted dip coating achieved desirable morphology, internal structures, thickness, and surface roughness. Moreover, the application of biopolymeric composite coatings containing polymers and natural extracts introduced antimicrobial character, facilitated cell attachment, migration, proliferation, potentiating gene expression and accelerating the process of wound healing. These composite meshes are a viable solution for addressing post-op complications in hernia and soft tissue repair surgeries. MethodIn this study, 9 silk-based composite meshes (modified with polymeric-extract blends through spin-assisted dip coating) were successfully developed. Experimental variants were then subjected to various characterizations including SEM, DMA and chemical analysis (FTIR and GC-MS). Modified meshes were evaluated for their physiological characteristics and biological responses (the basic criterion for the selection of composite silk mesh). The biological testing included (antimicrobial susceptibility testing, in vitro cell viability assay, cell attachment assay (NIH3T3 and hUc-MSCs), in vitro cell migration, in vitro gene expression analysis with NIH3T3, in silico molecular docking with bioactive ligands of HE extract and in vivo analysis with PHBV-HE and PHBV-Control composite meshes in rat models. ResultsResults showed that all variants exhibited a multi-fiber morphology with significant surface coating, allowing for optimal drug release up to 72 h. This release facilitated antibacterial properties and biocompatibility, as evidenced by in vitro cell viability, migration assays and gene expression analysis. Among the variants, the PHBV-HE composite mesh demonstrated superior results. In the case of PHBV-coated polymeric controls, the SEM analysis concluded that the presence of coating reduced the pore size up to 39.62 % whereas, fiber diameter was increased by up to 19.89 % as compared to the control. The presence of a coating on the mesh improved the mechanical strength/modulus by 165.89 %, UTS by 185.38 % and reduced the % strain by 64.67 %. The fast release of HE from PHBV-HE composite mesh was 90.7% up to 72h, confirming that it can induce antibacterial activity against surgical infections. ConclusionPHBV-HE showed the highest cell viability, wound healing and gene expression. Based on appreciable biological evaluation results shown by PHBV-HE, in rat hernia models, only the PHBV-HE variant was tested for in-vivo analysis. Results confirmed its non-toxic nature and wound-healing abilities. Enhanced cell proliferation and wound healing observed both in vitro and in vivo indicated that PHBV-HE holds promise as a biomedical implant suggesting its potential for effective hernia and soft tissue repair and regeneration.

Урожайность масличных культур и пшеницы озимой в зависимости от содержания в чернозёме выщелоченном подвижных форм азота, фосфора и калия в стационарном полевом опыте ВНИИМК

In grain-row crop rotation, sunflower – winter wheat, castor plant – winter wheat, soybean – winter wheat in stationary field experiment in 1981– 1989, we studied contents of nitrate nitrogen, mobile phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium, the degree of phosphate mobility in 0–60 cm layer of leached black soil in the spring after incorporating plant residues of cultivated crops into the soil and applying mineral fertilizers. It was revealed that the application of plant residues and mineral fertilizers in the soil increased the contents of nitrate nitrogen by 0.1–9.0 mg/kg, mobile phosphorus – by 3.7–21.9 mg/100 g, in comparison with the control, depending on culture. On average, according to the experimental variants, the soil received 7.3 t/ha of above-ground plant residues of sunflower, 5.7 t/ha of castor plants, 3.7 t/ha of soybeans, 6.5 t/ha of winter wheat after sunflower, 7.9–8.0 t/ha – after castor plants and soybeans. With plant residues after their mineralization, 42–57 kg/ha of nitrogen, 13– 26 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 30–208 kg/ha of potassium are returned to the soil. The dependence of the yield of sunflower, castor plant, soybean, and winter wheat after oil preceding crops on the contents of nitrate nitrogen, mobile phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium, the degree of phosphate mobility in spring in leached black soil has been established, and regression equations have been calculated. The optimal contents of nitrate nitrogen, mobile phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium, the degree of phosphate mobility in leached black soil in spring for sunflower, castor plants, soybeans, and winter wheat are shown, above which the use of fertilizers for these crops is ineffective. Sunflower, castor plants, and soybeans, as predecessors of winter wheat, have different effects on the dependence of the yield of winter wheat on the content of nitrate nitrogen, mobile phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium in the leached black soil in the spring.

Impact of neutron irradiation on the tensile properties of advanced EUROFER97-type steels

Tensile properties (strength and ductility) of three different experimental EUROFER97 variants and two standard EUROFER97 products were investigated before and after neutron irradiation performed in the temperature range 275–300 °C up to ∼3 dpa, i.e a damage dose comparable to the end-of-life of ITER operation. The grades with the chemical compositions within and outside the specifications of EUROFER97 steel followed alternative thermo-mechanical treatments (TMT) as compared to the reference EUROFER97. Mechanical properties were assessed with hardness and tensile tests, while fracture surface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Post irradiation examination was conducted to evaluate the hardening behavior, change in ductility and fracture surface after irradiation. Furthermore, Ductile-to-Brittle Transition Temperature (DBTT) shift due to neutron irradiation was estimated based on the correlation formerly established for EUROFER97 at the studied irradiation temperature.

The use of chitosan and an inactivated yeast to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide in wine

This study aims to evaluate the sulfur dioxide dynamics in two wines, dry white wine Fetească albă and dry red wine Fetească neagră made in Târnave vineyard, and to observe their evolution after application of Bactiless and Longevity to lower the level of SO2. The wines from 2020 harvest were produced using traditional winemaking techniques. The experimental variants were: Control, Longevity (20, 30, 40, 0, and 40 g/hL) with Bactiless (20, 35, 50, 50 and 0 g/hL). For all the samples studied in this work, it was determined a decrease concentration of free and total sulfur dioxide. The best results obtained for the Fetească albă wine was the decrease of free SO2 from 35.00 mg/L to 25.33±0.60 mg/L and total SO2 from 120.50 mg/L to 117.50 mg/L by using 50 g/hL of Bactiless (CFAV4). For the Fetească neagră wine, the best results obtained were the decrease of free SO2 from 32.50±0.29 mg/L to 14.83±0.18 mg/L and total SO2 from 85.00±0.87 mg/L to 75.00±0.86 mg/L by adding 40 g/hL of Longevity and 50 g/hL of Bactiless (CFNV3). With an allowed SO2 concentration, the evaluated wines maintained their varietal characteristics and organoleptic properties.

Восстановление плодородия малопродуктивных дерново-подзолистых почв, вновь вводимых в сельскохозяйственный оборот

The purpose of research is to develop agro-reclamation measures to restore the fertility of low-productive sod-podzolic sandy loam soils for the conditions of the southern part of the Non-Chernozem Zone of Russia. Objectives: to conduct a comparative assessment of the impact of granular fertilizer based on turkey droppings and a liquid-phase biological product (LPBP) on increasing soil fertility, phenological characteristics of plants, crop yields and their quality. Six variants of the field experiment were developed: control variant (without fertilizers); granular fertilizer based on turkey droppings at a dose of 15 t/ha; granular fertilizer based on turkey manure at a dose of 15 t/ha together with pre-sowing seed treatment with 1 % LPBP; pre-sowing seed treatment with 1 % LPBP; granular fertilizer based on turkey droppings at a dose of 30 t/ha. The application of organic ameliorant and pre-sowing treatment of seeds with a biological pre¬paration help to improve the agrochemical parameters of the soil, and, as a result, a higher yield of perennial grasses. The best option is option G30, where the yield was 48.3 t/ha of green mass of grass in total for 2 cuttings, which is 33.8 % more than the control option. In the G15 and G15 LPBP options, the harvest was practically not inferior and exceeded the control option by 30.5 and 24.4 %, respectively, soil fertility indicators improved: soil acidity decreased to 4.8–5.0 (pHsol) and 5.4–5.6 (pHwod), an increase in organic matter by 33.9 %, the content of mobile phosphorus and mobile potassium, and the concentration of total nitrogen increased significantly.

INFLUENCE OF CULTIVATION CONDITIONS ON THE GROWTH AND ACCUMULATION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES OF HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS L. UNDER IN VITRO CONDITIONS

Introduction. Since ancient times, aromatic plants have been widely used to treat diseases of various natures due to the content of valuable metab-olites and essential oils (EOs). In modern medicine, cosmetology and the food industry, the importance of aromatic plants is also not in doubt; the chemical composition, accumulation features, synthesis and properties of EO are being actively studied. With the development of clonal micropropaga-tion technology, it has become relevant to study the accumulation of biologically active substances in aseptic in vitro culture (microclones and cell cul-tures) under various propagation protocols. Material and methods. Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.) is a common aromatic plant from the family Lamiaceae Martinov. The aerial parts and EO of the plant have a wide range of biological activities - anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc., which determines the use of plant biomass and extracts in food and light industries, medicine, and pharmacology. In this work, the influence of the mineral and hormonal composition of nutrient me-dia on the growth of aseptic plants of two cultivars of Hyssopus officinalis – Lekar and Iney – was studied. Results and conclusion. A comparison was also made of the accumulation of the total flavonoids in an aseptic culture depending on the cultivation mode - the degree of aeration of the culture vessel and the addition of cytokinin or auxin components to the nutrient medium. It was found that the leaves of aseptic plants of Hyssopus officinalis accumulate more flavonoids (up to 3.6 mg/g fresh weight) than the stems (0.3–1.1 mg/g fresh weight for most experimental variants), in addition, the cv. Lekar was significantly richer in compounds of this group (2.7–3.6 mg/g fresh weight in leaves) compared to the cv. Iney (no more than 1.5 mg/g fresh weight in leaves).

Influence of cultivation methods on the soil aggregate state in the context of weed development in winter wheat plantations

Weed control in winter wheat crops is an important issue. There is a risk of increasing populations of certain weed species that are resistant to some of herbicides used for winter wheat crops. This could be controlled by a combination of agronomic, mechanical, chemical, and biological methods. After introducing winter wheat into the rotation and improving tillage, the weediness of regular black soils with perennial root and emerged weeds were significantly reduced. The formation of nodal and rudimentary roots had a significant effect on the productivity of winter wheat under different soil moisture conditions. The highest yield of winter wheat was obtained when sown at the optimum time, with higher stem density and ear productivity due to better grain fullness. We studied what effects did the tillage methods have on the aggregate state of the soil in relation to weed development in winter wheat crops, finding that the structural and aggregate composition of the soil played an important role in winter wheat crops, influencing both the development of the crop root system and the water-physical balance of the chernozem, as well as naturally influencing the course of erosion processes in the experimental plots, and having a universal dynamic in terms of adaptation of aggregation and disaggregation processes. Prolonged mechanical stress on soil can cause destruction of its structure. For instance, continuous ploughing or moldboardless tillage with little or no manure application may permanently reduce soil fertility by increasing humus mineralisation. Subsequently, these factors may cause a significant decline in the soil's structural and aggregate composition, resulting in larger amounts of dusty particles smaller than 0.25 mm and cloddy particles larger than 10–12 mm. The soil's structural condition before sowing winter wheat in early September, on average for 2011–2016, indicates increased dispersion of the tilth layer (0–10 cm) in the experimental variants where shallow disc tillage of 10–12 cm was applied. Increase in the number of clods larger than 10 mm in the areas where moldboardless tillage had been applied can be attributed to significant soil drainage. The soil's aggregate state was rated as good, with 8.7% in the 0–10 cm soil layer and 1.7% of clods > 10 mm in the 0–30 cm layer. In 2014–2016, it was rated as satisfactory, with 7.4% and 9.8% of clods > 10 mm, respectively. Shallow disc cultivation resulted in slightly worse indicators: 6.6% and 8.3% of clods > 10 mm in soil layer 0–10 cm and 0–30 cm, respectively, in 2011–2013; and 7.2% and 6.9% of clods > 10 mm, respectively, in 2014–2016. In general, the parameters of optimal structural condition were positive. The tillage method used had a considerable effect on weed growth and development, particularly for those with a root and rhizome structure. It also affected the prevalence and development of pests and diseases in winter wheat. Agrotechnical methods of weed control do not guarantee complete destruction of weeds. Mechanical moldboardless tillage to the depth of 14–16 cm and disc tillage to the depth of 10–12 cm left the fields with 4.1 to 8.8 annual weeds per square meter and 1.3 to 3.3 specimens of harmful root weeds such as Convolvulus arvensis, Lactuca tatarica and Cirsium arvense. Mechanical moldboardless tillage to the depth of 14–16 cm and disc tillage to the depth of 10–12 cm left the fields with 4.1 to 8.8 annual weeds per square meter and 1.3 to 3.3 specimens of harmful root weeds such as Convolvulus arvensis, Lactuca tatarica and Cirsium arvense. Post-harvest residues (4–5 t/ha) can provide almost complete protection against weeds by covering the soil surface. However, pests and diseases may spread more easily due to preservation of fungal spores on the surface of plant residues and preservation of pest larvae in the straw and soil. The distribution of weed seeds in the soil was altered when the rotational tillage of common chernozems in winter wheat cultivation technology had been replaced with energy–saving minimum tillage (shallow flat-cutting disc tillage). This resulted in the concentration of most of the weed seeds (85–90%) in the upper soil layer (0–10 cm).

A modular library for fast prototyping of solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance experiments

Abstract. We present a framework library (Modular Elements, ME) for the development of pulse sequences for Bruker spectrometers. It implements a two-level abstraction approach – the lower level comprises basic functional elements of pulse sequences and the higher one often-reused blocks comprising several evolution periods. The low-level abstractions reduce code duplication between variants of experiments such as hard-pulse and selective variants of individual NMR experiments. The high-level modules enable further reuse of pulse program code and aid in the construction of complex experiments. We show the library's functionality by presenting pulse programs that can be switched between standard and TROSY variants as well as hard and shaped pulses and that can seamlessly incorporate real-time homodecoupling. Adaptability is further demonstrated in a configurable 4D NOESY program.