Fish Emulsion Research Articles

Effect of adding fish emulsion and vermicompost on the growth of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.)

The experiment was carried out in the canopy of the Horticulture and Landscape Department - College of Agriculture - University of Kerbala during the spring semester of 2023. The study was implemented as a factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.) with three replications. The experiment included two factors: fish emulsion (F), which was added at four concentrations: 0, 1, 2, 3% and added five times every two weeks, while the second factor was vermicompost (V), which was added before transferring the seedlings to the planting pots, at four levels: 0, 25, 50. 100 g pot-1. The results showed that adding fish emulsion had a significant effect on most vegetative growth traits, except for plant height and dry matter percentage, while adding Vermicompost had no significant effect on plant height and chlorophyll content of leaves, while it had a significant effect on the rest of the vegetative growth traits. The results of the intervention treatments between the study factors varied in their influence on the studied traits. The F4V4 intervention treatment gave the highest rate of plant height and number of branches, as it gave 85.16 cm and 32.50 branch plant-1, respectively, while the F2V3 treatment gave the highest rate of stem diameter of 3.127 mm, and F1V3 gave the highest rate of dry matter perce32wesaz2ntage, which gave 20.57%, and F3V3 the highest rate of leaf chlorophyll content, which gave 46.91 mg g-1 fresh weight. It can be concluded from this study that fertilizers resulting from organic waste can be used as fertilization sources for plants and combined with them to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, reduce environmental damage, follow a sustainable agriculture system, and increase the efficiency of fertilizer use.

Production of Biocalcium from Fermented Fish Bone Residue for Fish Emulsion Sausage Fortification.

Fermented fish bone residue (FFBR) is an underused by-product of the industrial-scale production of fermented fish sauce. Subjecting FFBR to proper alkaline treatment can transform FFBR into biocalcium, which can be added to fish emulsion sausage (FES) to increase its calcium content. This study comprised two experiments. First, we aimed to find the most suitable alkaline treatment conditions for preparing biocalcium from FFBR. Alkaline treatments combining three sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (0%, 3%, and 6%) and three soaking times (0, 1, and 2 h) were tested. Quality parameters of alkaline-treated biocalcium (crude protein, crude fat, ash content, calcium, phosphorus, crude fiber, salt content, CIE color values, morphology of biocalcium particles, and the intensity of the fermented fish smell) were assessed. Second, we fortified FES with the properly treated biocalcium (0, 12, 24, or 36 g) and evaluated the sausage's calcium, phosphorus, crude fiber, salt content, pH, CIE color values, texture profile analysis (TPA), emulsion stability, and sensory criteria. It was found that treatment with 3% or 6% NaOH produced better crude protein, ash content, calcium, and CIE color value results than no alkaline treatment. These two NaOH concentrations effectively lowered the salt content and the intensity of the fermented fish smell. However, 3% and 6% NaOH produced similar results. A soaking time of 1 h or 2 h produced better results than no soaking in terms of crude protein, crude fat, ash content, calcium, phosphorus, CIE color values, and the intensity of fermented fish smell. However, 1 h and 2 h produced similar results. It is concluded that 3% NaOH and soaking for 1 h would be the most suitable alkaline treatment to prepare biocalcium from FFBR. Fortifying FES with biocalcium from FFBR increased the calcium and phosphorus contents but slightly reduced TPA. The other FES quality parameters were unaffected by biocalcium fortification.

Enhancement of mangrove growth performance using fish emulsion and halotolerant plant growth-promoting actinobacteria for sustainable management in the UAE

The combination of fish emulsion (FE) and the actinobacterial isolate, Streptomyces griseorubens UAE1 (Sg) capable of producing plant growth regulators (PGRs) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase, was evaluated on mangrove (Avicennia marina) in the United Arab Emirates. Under greenhouse and field conditions, sediments amended with the biostimulant FE effectively enhanced mangrove growth compared to those inoculated with Sg only. Plant growth promotion by Sg was more pronounced in the presence of FE (+FE/+Sg) than in individual applications. Our data showed that Sg appeared to use FE as a source of nutrients and precursors for plant growth promotion. Thus, in planta PGR levels following the combined +FE/+Sg were significantly induced. This is the first report in the field of marine agriculture that uses FE as a nutrient base for soil microorganisms to promote mangrove growth. This study will support mangrove restoration along the Arabian Gulf coastline as a nature-based solution to changing climate and economic activities.

Enhancement of tomato functional food value through nutrient supplementation with fish emulsion biostimulant

Fish emulsion (FE) is a derivative of fish waste, commonly utilised within organic agricultural and horticultural applications, predominantly as a source of nitrogen within fertiliser regimens. However, as a biological derivative, FE is a complex of many bioactive compounds, and as such is also known to function as a biostimulant. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a functional food, commonly produced for consumption due to its desirable hedonic qualities and health-promoting properties associated with antioxidant phytochemicals. Accordingly, the work herein explored the potential for FE to alter the functional and hedonic measures of tomato. Results indicated that the supplementation of fertiliser regimens with FE during tomato growth significantly (p = 0.001) increased fruit total phenolic content by 1.25-fold, whilst not significantly impacting flavonoid content (p = 0.418) or fruit colour (assessed by image colour analyses). Additionally, the FE treatment did not substantially impact sensory perception of hedonic measures such as smell, taste, mouth feel, or visual appeal. Accordingly, the results herein indicate that FE is a desirable fertiliser supplement during tomato cultivation, to enhance the functional value of tomato fruits, and thereby provide enhanced health-promoting benefits from tomato consumption.

Formulation and efficacy testing of vermi-tea based liquid organic fertilizers on green-amaranth (<em>Amaranthus viridis</em> L.) for home gardens

Sudden food shortage due to strict green agriculture policy, economic crisis, COVID pandemic situation instruct the importance of home level organic production of good quality fruits and vegetables. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to test the efficacy of organic liquid fertilizers formulated from fish, livestock’s and plant wastes on leafy vegetable green Amaranth to promote home gardening. The liquid fertilizer was tested on Amaranth grown separately in vemicompost and garden compost. The 7 kg capacity pots were filled with two media (medium 1: vemicompost; medium 2: garden compost) and arranged in CRD with four replicates with each medium. Five plants of green-amaranth per pot were planted and treated with fish emulsion + vermi-tea (1:4=T1), cow urine + vermi-tea (1:4=T2), three leaves [Neem+ Giliricidia+ Candle bush] solution + vermi tea (3:1=T3), vermi tea (T4) and control (T5) at the rate of 50 mL/pot on 2nd, 4th and 6th week after planting. Agronomic and yield data were collected and subjected to ANOVA using SAS. Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test and PROC CORR was used to determine the best treatment combination at P <0.05. The results revealed that there was significant difference in N, P and K content of the treatments tested. The plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, root shoot ratio was significantly higher in fish emulsion + vermi-tea (1:4) [T1] and cow urine + vermi-tea [T2] at 8th weeks after planting in vermi-compost medium. There was strong and positive correlation (R2 > 0.8) among yield parameters, and root: shoot ratio with N, P K content of the liquid fertilizers tested in vermi-compost medium. Therefore, this investigation concludes that the fish emulsion + vermi-tea (1:4) and cow urine + vermi-tea (1:4) are good combination to use as liquid fertilizer at the rate of 50mL/Pot to get best yield in vermi-compost medium.

Soil Microbial Community Responses to Cyanobacteria versus Traditional Organic Fertilizers

This study explores the impact of diverse organic fertilizers, including a non-traditional cyanobacteria-based alternative, on soil microbial communities in varying soil types and depths. The research aims to elucidate the effects of these fertilizers on soil microorganisms in certified organic cucumber (Cucumis sativus) field and peach (Prunus persica) orchard settings. Fertilizers were applied either on the soil surface or banded 5 cm below the soil surface, and microbial ester-linked fatty acids (EL-FAMEs) were analyzed in collected soils. Notably, cyanobacteria and Neptune hydrolyzed fish emulsion fertilizers induced significant alterations in the microbial communities of cucumber plots, enhancing microbial biomass and favoring the proliferation of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and actinomycetes compared to other treatments. In the peach orchard, fertilizer choice differentially impacted microbial communities, especially in the first year and at greater soil depths. Notably, the supplementation of poultry manure with cyanobacteria fertilizer resulted in augmented microbial biomass and relative fungal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal abundances compared to poultry manure alone. These shifts have promising implications for organic vegetable and fruit cultivation. The study further underscores the potential of cyanobacteria-based fertilizers to reduce reliance on traditional options and minimize manure application, promoting self-sufficiency and benefiting soil microorganisms, plant growth, and the ecosystem. Thus, the research emphasizes the importance of exploring and adopting cyanobacteria-based fertilizers to bolster sustainable agricultural practices.

Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer Selection Influences Water Use Efficiency in Drip-Irrigated Sweet Corn

Organic farmers often rely on off-farm nitrogen (N) sources for mid-season N. Farmers can also produce cyano-fertilizer on-farm by growing N-fixing cyanobacteria (Anabaena spp.) in raceways and applying the cyanobacteria through irrigation systems. A two-year field study was conducted, and blood meal, feather meal, fish emulsion, and cyano-fertilizer were evaluated to determine whether the water use efficiency (WUE) of sweet corn (Zea mays) was affected by fertilizer type. Fish emulsion and cyano-fertilizer were supplied in four split applications through drip irrigation, while the blood meal and feather meal were subsurface banded pre-plant. Leaf gas exchange measurements were taken during tasseling. The amounts of phytohormone and Fe applied in organic N fertilizers were correlated with field water use efficiency (fWUE), instantaneous water use efficiency (iWUE), and leaf gas exchange components of sweet corn. A positive relationship was observed between the amount of salicylic acid (SA) applied with both iWUE (r = 0.71, p < 0.05) and fWUE (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). The amount of Fe applied was positively correlated with the leaf vapor pressure deficit (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) and transpiration rate (r = 0.53, p < 0.01). Cyano-fertilizer had the highest yield and WUE, likely due to the high amount of SA applied, although fish emulsion was comparable in year one. These relationships require further exploration to elucidate the mechanisms impacting WUE.

Organic Nutrient Solutions for Hydrophonic Spinach (<em>Basella alba</em>) Production in Urban Agriculture

Purpose: Macro and micronutrients rich vegetable and fish wastes are generated hugely in Sri Lanka, but not recycled properly into valuable byproducts. It is a serious problem and needs to be managed to make environment free from pollution. Extraction of nutrients from organic wastes can be used as liquid fertilizers for hydroponic crop production even in congested urban cities. Research Method: Organic hydroponic medium using vegetable waste extracts (M2), fish emulsion (M3), vermi tea (M4), the mixture of M2+M3+M4, and Albert’s solution (M1-control) were prepared and tested on Spinach. The experimental setup was arranged in a CRD with four replicates. The nutritional qualities of formulated liquid fertilizers (N, P, K, Ca, Na), pH, EC, spinach growth parameters such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, root length, weight (Fresh /Dry) were measured eight weeks after planting and subjected to ANOVA using SAS 9.1. Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test to identify the best treatment combination at P <0.05. Findings: The results revealed that the amount of each N, P, K, Na, and Ca was significantly different between treatments (P <0.05). The highest quantity of each N (11.1mg/L), P (37.99mg/L), and K (145,5 mmol/L) was detected in M2. Whereas, Na and Ca quantities were highly significant in M4 with the values of 208.7 and 96.2 mmol/L, respectively. Plant height and root length in M1, M2 and M3 were significantly higher than those of other treatments. Fresh and dry weights were also significantly higher in M3, M1 and M2 treatments when compared with other treatments. The highest leaf number and leaf area were also recorded in M3 treatment after 8 weeks of planting. Originality/Value: This study shows that fish emulsion solution was found to be more promising and both fish emulsion and vegetable waste hydrophonics medium can be used as alternatives to Albert’s solution.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ВЛАСТИВОСТЕЙ БАГАТОКОМПОНЕНТНИХ СУМІШЕЙ БОРОШНА

Flour is a component of many types of food products, such as bakery, pasta, confectionery, meat, fish emulsion products, sauces and low-calorie mayonnaise. The expansion of the range of flour products is accompanied by the introduction of flour blends into the recipe and their enrichment with useful nutrients. The article presents the results of research into the properties of various types of flour and their multicomponent mixtures. The indicator of moisture retention capacity was determined experimentally by the centrifugation method and calculated by the principle of additivity. It is possible to adjust this indicator by changing the number of individual components in mixtures containing different types of flour.The use of blends of flour in the recipes of food products ensures the expansion of their assortment and enrichment with useful nutrients. Bread, pasta, confectionery, meat and fish emulsion products, sauces and low-calorie mayonnaises containing flour are complex systems. Important and relevant for such systems is the study of the properties of the constituent components and the study of their influence on the quality of finished products.Inthe process of developing recipes for flour products and products that include different types of flour, it is necessary to take into account the indicators of both individual types of flour and their mixtures with different amounts of components inthe system. It is also important to study the possibility of adjusting the properties of flour compositions by changing the numberof individual components in their composition.Analysis of research and publications showed that considerable attention is paid tothe use of non-traditional flour raw materials in the production of food products. The conducted research mainly concerns the study of the properties of individual types of flour, which makes the urgent task of researching multicomponent mixtures of flour.The purpose of the article is to study the properties of both individual types of flour and their multicomponent mixtures, establish the possibility of regulating such an indicator as moisture-retaining capacity for blends, as well as the formation of multicomponent flour mixtures with specified parameters.In the work, indicators of the moisture-retaining capacity of various types of flour and their multicomponent mixtures are determined. Calculations of the moisture-retaining capacity of two-, three-, and four-component blends of flour were carried out according to the principle of additivity, taking into account the share of each component in the mixture. The results were obtained regarding the possibility of increasing the water-absorbing capacity of wheat flour by adding bran to it. The presented materials can be used to form blends of flour with the specified indicators of moisture retention capacity

Organic materials and fish emulsion on shoot multiplication of Cavendish banana (Musa paradisiaca ‘Cavendish’)

This study aims to investigate the effect of combining organic matter and fish emulsion on the multiplication of Cavendish banana shoots. This study employed one factor of a complete randomized design, with 13 levels of treatment: MS (Murashige and Skoog) + purple sweet potato extract, MS + purple sweet potato extract + fish emulsion 2 ppm, MS + purple sweet potato extract + fish emulsion 4 ppm, MS + purple sweet potato extract + fish emulsion 6 ppm, MS + banana peel extract, MS + banana peel extract + fish emulsion 2 ppm, MS + banana peel extract + fish emulsion 4 ppm, MS + banana peel extract + fish emulsion 6 ppm, MS + bean sprouts extract, MS + Bean sprouts extract + fish emulsion 2 ppm, MS + bean sprouts extract + fish emulsion 4 ppm, MS + bean sprouts extract + fish emulsion 6 ppm, and MS + BAP (benzyl amino purine) as controls. The results show that the combination of synthetic materials (BAP) still has significantly different results compared to organic matter and fish emulsion treatment.

Assessment of a Diterpene-Rich Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Extract as a Natural Antioxidant for Salmon Pâté Formulated with Linseed.

The use of natural plant extracts with standardised antioxidant properties is a growing strategy to stabilise food products. The use of a rosemary lipophilic extract (RLE), obtained from the by-product of high-yield selected plants and rich in polyphenols (334 mg/g, with diterpenes such as carnosic acid and carnosol as main compounds), is here proposed. Four RLE doses (0, 0.21, 0.42 and 0.63 g/kg) were tested in a salmon pâté formulated with sunflower oil and linseed, which was pasteurised (70 °C for 30 min) and subjected to storage at 4 °C and 600 lux for 42 days. Rosemary diterpenes resisted pasteurisation without degrading and showed antioxidant activities during the shelf-life of pasteurised pâté. RLE addition led to increased peroxide value (from 3.9 to 5.4 meq O2/kg), but inhibited formation of secondary oxidised lipids such as malondialdehyde (from 1.55 to 0.89 mg/g) and cholesterol oxidation products (from 286 to 102 µg/100 g) and avoided discolouration (slight brownness) in the refrigerated pâté. However, this did not entail relevant changes in fatty acid content or in the abundance of volatile organic compounds from oxidised lipids. Increasing the RLE dose only improved its antioxidant efficacy for some oxidation indexes. Thus, the oxidative deterioration of these types of fish emulsion can be naturally controlled with rosemary extracts rich in diterpenes.

Recycling of biogas wastewater to organic fertilizers and influence of organic fertilizers on maize, mung bean growth and yield under the field conditions

The objective of the study was to utilize the biogas effluents to produce solid and liquid organic fertilizers, as well as evaluate their effect on the growth and yield of corn and mung beans under field conditions. For liquid organic fertilizer, biogas effluents were mixed with fish emulsion and beneficial bacteria while biogas effluents-absorbing coal slag was mixed with sugarcane filter, fishmeal and beneficial bacteria to create solid organic fertilizer. Liquid organic fertilizer was irrigated with a dose of 5 L/1000 m2 while solid organic fertilizer was applied with a dose of 1 ton/ha with 75% recommended NPK formula for maize and mung bean. The results showed that applying solid or liquid organic fertilizer formulated from biogas effluents with other amendments helped to reduce the amount of recommended NPK fertilizer by 25%, but still maintained growth and yield of maize and mungbean equivalent to the control treatment fertilized with 100% recommended NPK. In conclusion, the amount of organic matter and N, P, K in biogas effluents from biogas digesters can be utilized to produce organic fertilizers which not only help to reduce chemical fertilizers, but also solve the environmental problems and create new friendly value-added products for practicing sustainable agricultural production.

Physicochemical properties, oxidative stability and sensory acceptance of shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma) – surimi emulsion sausages

The aim of this study was to identify the physicochemical properties, oxidative stability and sensory acceptability of shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma) emulsion sausage incorporated with commercial surimi and silver catfish (Pengasius) protein hydrolysate. Fish emulsion sausage was prepared with fish mince and surimi ratios as follows: Formulation A (100:0); B (60:40); C (40:60); D (0:100). The proximate compositions of the fish emulsion sausages were determined. An increase in surimi percentage was increased lightness (L*) and decreased redness (a*) values of the sausages significantly (p<0.05). The higher fish mince ratio caused an increase in texture profile and a betteremulsified microstructure with fewer voids compared to the control. The fish protein hydrolysate could help maintain oxidative stability, as it has antioxidant properties. Moreover, the sensory evaluation indicated that all formulations of shortfin scad sausage incorporated with surimi and fish protein hydrolysate can be accepted by consumers, with formulation B had the highest rank as compared to control (100% surimi).

Effect of fish protein hydrolysate on physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma) emulsion sausage

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of silver catfish (Pangasius sp.) protein hydrolysate (SCPH) on physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of emulsion sausage prepared from shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma). The SCPH with different concentrations (1, 2, and 3%) was added into fish emulsion sausage followed by characterization of its physicochemical properties. The results obtained from this study revealed that the fish emulsion sausages contain high moisture content (63.49-66.85%), protein content (18.04-21.89%), fat content (7.16-8.59%), carbohydrate content (2.28- 2.72%) and low ash contents (1.83-2.17%). The addition of SCPH improvised the hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness and resilience of the emulsion sausage (p<0.05) compared to the control sample. The finer fat globules were visualized in the sample added with SCPH at higher concentration of 3% (10-20 µm) compared to other concentrations (1 and 2%). Besides, the incorporation of SCPH at all concentrations shows a significant difference on L*, a* and b* values of the emulsion sausages during extended storage of 12 days (p<0.05). The SCPH was shown to retard lipid oxidation of sausage after extended storage of 12 days, with lower PV and TBARS values. Therefore, the effectiveness in retarding lipid oxidation achieved with the higher concentration of SCPH and it also capable to retain textural properties of fish emulsion sausage in the refrigerated storage of 12 days. Thus, as an alternative antioxidant in fish emulsion sausage, SCPH showed a potential to be used as it improved the physicochemical properties and oxidative stability of fish emulsion sausage.

EFFECTS OF ORGANIC FERTILIZER AND BIOPRODUCTS ON YIELD, QUALITY AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF NU HOANG GUAVA PRODUCTION AT CU M’GAR DISTRICT, DAKLAK PROVINCE

This study aims to determine the most suitable dose of the mixture of organic fertilizers and probioticsincluding Ong Bien fertilizer, manure and composts from fish and soybean via foliar spray and irrigation for 4-year-old Taiwan guava grown at Cumgar district, Daklak Province in 2019. The results showed thatthe application of 30 kg manure + 9 kg organic fertilizer (Ong Bien) with foliar spray of 8 liter fish emulsion + 8 liter soybean emulsion (for plant-1) led to an increase in flowering and fruiting rate, fruit weight and fruit quality. By this combined application, the acutal fruit yield, Brix and economic efficency of the guava reached29.60 tons ha-1 (39.62% higher in comparision with control), 10.15% (10.57% higher in comparision with control) and 463.95 milion VND ha-1 per year (30.17% higher in comparision with control), respectively.

The influence of time, soil moisture and exogenous factors on the survival potential of oospores and chlamydospores of Phytophthora cinnamomi

AbstractThe mode of persistence of Phytophthora cinnamomi, a highly aggressive soil‐ and water‐borne pathogen, remains unclear. This study investigated the survival of viable oospores and chlamydospores of P. cinnamomi when present as free propagules in untreated soil, or in soil subject to four exogenous treatments: smoke water, fish emulsion and two fungicides (ridomil and furalaxyl). The exogenous treatments were applied under moist and dry soil conditions. Spore viability was determined by the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining technique, with a qPCR assay used to compare general patterns of decline. Over 96% of oospores lost viability over a period of 48 weeks irrespective of soil moisture conditions. The mean percentage viability for oospores decreased from 91% at time zero to 72, 35, 20 and 1% after 6, 12, 24 and 48 weeks, respectively. Reduction in viability of chlamydospores was more rapid than oospores, with viability declining from 92% to zero after 12 weeks. There was no significant difference between untreated soil and the exogenous treatments. The RNA‐based qPCR assay indicated a strong presence of viable oospores of P. cinnamomi up to week 12 for moist soil and week 3 for dry soil, but thereafter failed to detect RNA even though viable oospores could be detected by MTT staining. Based on the MTT staining, this study indicated that viability of P. cinnamomi oospores may be entirely lost within 1 year and that of chlamydospores within 3 months for the soil type tested. Therefore, oospores and chlamydospores when existing as free propagules in soil appear unlikely to be involved in the long‐term survival of P. cinnamomi.

Organic Fertilizer Source and Application Method Impact Ammonia Volatilization

ABSTRACT Ammonia (NH3) volatilization from fertilizer applications reduces efficiency and poses environmental hazards. This study used semi-open static chambers to measure NH3 volatilization from organic fertilizers (feather meal, blood meal, fish emulsion, cyano-fertilizer) to evaluate the impacts of fertilizer source, application method, and rate on NH3 volatilization. In 2014, two application rates (28 and 56 kg N ha−1) were applied to lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Solid fertilizers (feather meal, blood meal) were preplant applied in a subsurface band, whereas liquid fertilizers (fish emulsion, cyano-fertilizer) were applied weekly through drip irrigation beginning two weeks after transplanting. In 2015, a single application rate (28 kg N ha−1) was applied to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Solid fertilizers were applied in either subsurface or surface bands. There was a significant difference in NH3 volatilization among fertilizers, but there was little difference between application rates. Liquid fertilizers had lower NH3 emissions than solid fertilizers due to their timing and placement. In 2014, blood meal at 56 kg N ha−1 and feather meal at both rates had the highest NH3 fluxes. In 2015, surface-banded blood and feather meal had the highest NH3 fluxes. Fertilizer decisions for organic systems should consider NH3 emission losses and practices for their reduction.

Organic Fertilizer Comparison on Growth and Nutrient Content of Three Kale Cultivars

Selecting supplemental nitrogen (N) fertilizer for use on certified organic farms can be difficult and confusing. There are many options commercially available to farmers with similar N concentrations but widely different ingredients. Experiments were conducted in a certified organic field and high tunnels near Fort Collins, CO in 2013 and 2014 to evaluate the impact of organic fertilizers on yield and nutrient concentrations of three kale (Brassica oleracea and Brassica napus) cultivars. This study includes an organic fertilizer (cyano-fertilizer), which is produced on-farm by growing N-fixing cyanobacteria (Anabaena cylindrica) in raceway ponds. The three fertilizer treatments were hydrolyzed fish emulsion, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) meal, and cyano-fertilizer. These were applied at rates calculated by subtracting soil nitrate concentration from a target 50 mg·kg−1 to the depth of 6 inches of soil. Cyano-fertilizer and hydrolyzed fish emulsion were applied in liquid form, while the alfalfa meal was incorporated dry into the soil before planting. Biweekly measurements of plant height were taken on three cultivars of kale: Dinosaur, Red Russian, and Winterbor. Leaf weight, leaf area, and N, iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were measured during three to four monthly harvests each year. Organized in a split-plot experimental design, there were three treatment replications with subplots of different kale cultivars. Fertilizer treatment did not significantly affect plant height, leaf weight, leaf area, or plant N, Fe, and Zn concentrations. However, there were cultivar differences in plant height, leaf area, and yield. Kale cultivar choice had a larger impact on yield and plant nutrient concentrations than fertilizer choice, because fertilizers were applied at similar N rates.

Preparation of slow release encapsulated insecticide and fertilizer based on superabsorbent polysaccharide microbeads

AbstractThe use of encapsulated fertilizers and pesticides is a key approach for slowing the release of agrochemicals, while simultaneously reducing costs and environmental problems. The use of hybrid systems for encapsulation in organic‐based agriculture, which enables the release of agrochemicals in a single application, has been a growing field. In this approach, a formulation of Bacillus‐thuringiensis as bio‐pesticide and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (fish emulsion, potassium nitrate, and potassium phosphate) were formulated using superabsorbent polymers microbeads based on sodium alginate (ALG) then evaluated for release. Different formulations were prepared using 15 wt% of Bt, fish emulsion, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The encapsulated microbeads were prepared by wet‐extrusion processing using sodium alginate as the superabsorbent polymer and calcium chloride as the gelling agent. The resulting beads were characterized in terms of size, morphology, water uptake, and biodegradability. The results showed that the prepared microbeads have narrow size distributions (1.2 to 2.1 mm) and increased water uptake (1,200–3,200%). Moreover, loaded microbeads were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy and Elementar CHNS analyzer to obtain the fertilizer grades as (6.2–0.8–1.05), (0–6.3–6.4), and (0.62–0–2.4) for the one loaded with fish emulsion, for potassium phosphate loaded beads, and for potassium nitrate loaded beads, respectively.

Quality and storage stability of fish tofu as affected by duck albumen hydrolysate-epigalocatechin gallate conjugate

The impacts of duck albumen hydrolysate-epigalocatechin gallate (DE)-conjugate at different levels (0.5–2.0 g/100g) on gel properties, sensory characteristics and storage stability of fish tofu during 21 days of refrigerated storage were evaluated. The incorporation of DE-conjugate increased breaking force, deformation, hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, and springiness of fish tofu as the levels of DE-conjugate were augmented by enhancing protein cross-linking in fish tofu gel network (P < 0.05). However, fish tofu containing DE-conjugate showed lowered whiteness and L*, while ΔE*, a*, and b* values were augmented (P < 0.05). Fish tofu containing 1.5–2.0 g/100g DE-conjugate showed higher likeness scores than the control (P < 0.05). Additionally, DE-conjugate with antioxidant activity could effectively retard lipid oxidation (LO) of fish tofu during the storage ascertained by lowered increases in peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Fish tofu incorporated with 1.5–2.0 g/100g DE conjugate had lower psychrophilic bacterial count (PBC) and total viable count (TVC) throughout the storage than those containing 0.5–1.0 g/100g DE-conjugates and the control. Thus, DE-conjugate could be considered as a potential protein cross-linker, antimicrobial agent, and antioxidant to assure quality and extend shelf-life of fish emulsion gels.