Fodder Plants Research Articles

Research into Alternative Resources to Improve Animal Feed: The Case of Azolla

In countries where the animal feed are mainly imported, the search for alternative resources is a key way of reducing these costs. We have chosen to use the Azolla filiculoide plant. It is an aquatic fodder plant that is rich in protein. Its cultivation is simple. For the assessment of its development and yield, Azolla has been grown in two different environments. The first experiment was carried out in two open-air ponds with a surface area of 02 m2 . The water depth was 3 cm and 5 cm, respectively. The second was carried out in the laboratory, using a system of small caissons arranged on shelves. Water was added to these caissons at different depths. In both experiments, nutrient solution consisting of cow dung and some NPK was added. After 20 days of growing, the outdoor experiment showed that Azolla filiculoide could tolerate depths of 3 and 5 cm and could multiply easily. Daily production reached a yield of 305 g/m2 . This corresponds to about 10 kg per month. On the other hand, the laboratory trial was a failure. The Azolla gradually deteriorated over the course of the trial until it died. The reason for this was the inefficiency of the lighting system due to the use of ordinary fluorescent lamps that are unsuitable for Azolla cultivation. We recommend the use of fluorescent lamps specially designed for this purpose. It is possible to grow Azolla in a closed environment as long as the environmental parameters are well controlled. These promising results suggest that Azolla has interesting potential as an alternative source of protein to feed livestock. However, further research will be necessary in order to improve yields and optimize growth conditions.

Taxonomic Composition of the Orobanche L. Genus in the Nakhchivan and Prospects for Using Species

The article presents information on the taxonomic composition of the genus Orobanche L. The article provides information on the distribution of the genus species in the flora of Nakhchivan. A brief overview of practical use is given. Sixteen species of this genus have been found in the flora of Nakhchivan, including Orobanche sintenisiiBeck is present in the cultivated flora. The species of the genus are used as ornamental, fodder and food plants, as well as in medicine.

Gróf Zichy Béla hitbizományi uradalmának fejlődése (1887-1914)

The study deals with the economic development of the entailed manor of Lengyeltóti owned by Count Béla Zichy. According to the current literature entailed estates were running with low efficiency. However, based on my preliminary findings it appears that there were a few innovative entailed large-scale agricultural plants in Somogy County. The main question is whether it was possible to implement modernisation within the legal framework of an entail. I have used archival sources, statistics, press sources, literature and genealogic sources. I have established that the Manor of Lengyeltóti successfully dealt with all the external economic hardships (decrease in crop prices and wine blight). It implemented many innovations and through its initiations it contributed to the national agricultural development. The manor enjoyed successes in the field of intensive livestock farming and growing animal fodder plants and industrial crops. Its significant achievements included converting water-meadows to lands, engaging in railway development and the large-scale peat extraction within the industrial system of the manor. Its initiative participation in the tourism of Lake Balaton still has its effects felt today. This obviously required an owner with broad vision and proper management. Our study shows that not the legal category of the estate (entailed of free) was the decisive factor; in the ages of capitalism an owner of an entail could became a successful agriculture entrepreneur.

Genetic Variability in Distinct Genotypes of Forage Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) for Forage Yield and Forage Yield Attributing Traits

The experiment was conducted during kharif (July–October, 2023) at Centre for Forage Research, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India to study to appraise genetic variability in pearl millet genotypes for fodder yield and associating traits. Thirty forage pearl millet genotypes were evaluated for genetic parameters in terms of days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of tiller plant-1, stem thickness (cm), number of leaf plant-1, leaf length (cm), leaf: stem ratio, dry fodder content (%), dry fodder yield plant-1 (g), crude protein content (%), green forage yield plant-1 (g). Range, mean, phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability, and genetic advance as per cent of mean were studied. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was higher than the genotypic coefficient of variation for all the traits indicating slight dominance of environment in the expression as compared to genetic contribution. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were high for green forage yield plant-1, dry fodder yield plant-1, plant height, and number of tiller plant-1. The high heritability with high genetic advance as a per cent of mean has been observed for green forage yield plant-1, crude protein content, dry fodder yield plant-1, leaf: stem ratio, leaf width, number of leaves plant-1, plant height, number of tiller plant-1, and stem thickness. This indicated that there is a lesser influence of environment in the expression of these traits and are predominantly governed by additive genes in their inheritance and selection for these traits will be effective for improvement of both forage yield and quality.

History of Biology in the Moldovan SSR (1947-1991): Chronological Dimension

Institutionalization of academic and university biological sciences in the Moldovan SSR had started 75 years ago. They have been evolving within the Botany Section and the Zoology Section of the Moldovan Base of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1947), as well as the Faculty of Biology of Chişinau State University (1947). Following the Base was transformation into the Moldovan Branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences, biological sciences were developing in the Institute of Biology, the Microbiology Section and the Botanical Gardens Institute. With the establishing of the Academy of Sciences of Moldovan SSR (1961), new academic institutions have been created: Institute of Zoology, Institute of Plants Physiology and Biochemistry, Section of Plant Genetics. Scientific schools were founded in the field of genetics and melioration (academician A. Kovarski), parasitology (academician A. Spassky), hydrobiology (academician M. Iaroshenko), ornithology (academician I. Ganea), mycology and phytopathology (academician I. Popushoi), fodder plants biology (academician M. Lupashcu), cytoembryology (academician A. Ciubotaru), stress physiology (academician T. Furdui), cellular and vegetal tissue biology (academic. B. Matienco), etc.

The spatiotemporal patterns of the beet webworm (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in China and possible dynamics under future climate scenarios.

The beet webworm (BWW), Loxostege sticticalis (L.), is a notorious migratory agriculture pest of crops and fodder plants, inducing sudden outbreaks and huge losses of food and forage production. Quantifying its spatiotemporal patterns and possible dynamics under future climate scenarios may have significant implications for management policies and practices against this destructive agriculture pest. In this paper, a database containing nearly 7,000 occurrence records for the spatiotemporal distribution of BWW in China was established and its possible dynamics under future climate scenarios predicted using Maxent. We found that BWW could affect a vast geographic range of Northern China, about one third of the country's land area. The beet webworm overwintered in most of its distribution regions. Maxent model found a northward movement and distribution reduction for BWW in China under future climate scenarios. The occurrence and overwintering regions will move northward about 0.3°N-0.9°N under warming climate scenarios, and about 40%-70% of the suitable habitat and overwintering habitat will disappear by 2100. Most of the northward movement and suitable area reduction likely will happen in 2 decades. Given the vast affected area, the abrupt outbreaks, the diverse host plants, the sensitivity to climate change, as well as their long-distance migration capacity, global scale research, and monitoring the population dynamics of BWW are essential for developing effective management strategies and mitigating its impact on agriculture and ecosystems.

Mycology of Fodder Plants in Different Areas of Azerbaijan the Results of Studies Devoted to the Evaluation

Both cultivated and wild fodder plants are the main group of plants necessary for the development of animal husbandry. Although it is impossible to give a specific number about the number of species of fodder plants in Azerbaijan, there is no doubt that their number of species is expressed in hundreds. Thus, the number of species of annual grasses in the CIS includes up to 1000 species. As it is known, some species mentioned above as fodder plants also carry other qualities. For example, corn, sunflower, wormwood, three-leaf clover, etc. plants are also medicinal plants and are used as diuretics, pain relievers, etc. in folk medicine. It is widely used as a tool with properties. At the same time, due to these properties, these plants have become the subject of various aspects (botanical, pharmacological, mycological, etc.) studies, and this situation is still ongoing.

Food as a factor determining the physiological state of populations of the phytopagous pests of agricultural crops

Relevance. Trophic relationships along with competition and mutualism are the most basic and significant interactions in ecosystems. To develop, survive, and multiply, insects need to consume a certain amount of nutrients at a certain ratio. Food products are complex mixes of nutrients and non-nutritive substances (sometimes toxic ones): macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and water. Some nutrients are essential; insects lack the ability to synthesize them in their bodies and must obtain them from their diet or through symbiosis with beneficial organisms. Identification mechanisms being well developed in the system “phytophagous insect – plant” allow insects to successfully spread, multiply, and feed on certain plant species. The complex of hydrolytic enzymes in the insect intestine is one of the main targets for plant defense responses because these enzymes determine the availability of structural compounds for phytophagous insects. For this reason, enzymes in the insect intestine play a key role in the adaptation of insects to the pest resistance of fodder plants. For instance, when proteinase inhibitors are synthesized in a fodder plant as the result of induced insect resistance the complex of enzymes in an insect intestine might change negating the effect of these inhibitors. The development of co-adaptations due to interactions among species in food chains depends on a complicated constellation of conflicting relationships between consumers and food objects. The mechanisms of this influence may be rooted in the allelochemical interactions in the system “phytophagous insect – plant recipient”. Allelopathic interactions are among the most complex interactions because they are constituted by direct and indirect effects. Plants when damaged by phytophagous insects activate defense responses, which incorporate several mechanisms, including an increase in the concentration of secondary metabolites, many of which are phenolic compounds.The aim of the work is to describe the mechanisms of relationships in the system “phytophage-plant”. Conclusion. Management of processes of intra-water divergence of insect-phytophages in agrobiocoenoses in order to prevent the emergence of races and populations of pests adapted to live on initially resistant to them plant forms is possible in compliance with the transition to a targeted selection of agricultural crops for resistance to a complex of pests.

Impact of rising CO2 and temperature on grass phenology, physiology, and pollen release patterns in northern latitudes

Climate change has complex effects on vegetation, including native grasses and those used as fodder plants. Like many other plant species, grasses respond to climate change by altering their phenology and physiological behavior, leading to changes e.g. in growth, reproduction and metabolic processes. Our study is the first to explore how Phleum pratense and Alopecurus pratensis respond to rising CO2 and temperatures projected for northern latitudes for two growing seasons. We investigated growth, phenology, pollen release, and physiological parameters in plants cultivated under these conditions, simulated within environmentally controlled chambers.Treatment with elevated temperature reduced the number of generative tillers and, consequently, decreased both the number of inflorescences and the season pollen integrals. Pollen release from P. pratense started up to 17 days earlier, and the daily peak concentration of released pollen was observed 1–2 h earlier in chambers with elevated temperatures when compared to the present climate conditions. Similar effects were noted in A. pratensis. Elevated CO2 (EC) increased net photosynthesis of P. pratense, but this effect was reduced under elevated temperature (ET), suggesting an antagonistic interaction. In A. pratensis, both elevated CO2 and temperature had an additive effect on increasing net photosynthesis, with the highest rate observed under the combined ETEC treatment. The elevated temperature or CO2 did not affect the plant biomass.Our findings propose that the rising temperatures in northern latitudes decrease the flowering of studied grasses and shift the seasonal and daily start of the pollen release. Changes in tiller proportions, reduced pollen integrals, and fewer inflorescences suggest that a warmer climate may negatively impact reproductive success, ecological fitness, and allergenic burden of these grasses.

Impact of Harvest Age on Corn (Zea Mays) Fodder Productivity

Corn fodder is simply seeding corn kernels that are sown until the age of 8-13 days. The harvest age of corn fodder is one way to regulate plant productivity factors. The regulation of the harvest age will affect regrowth, so it is very important to pay attention so that corn fodder plants can provide optimal production in both quantity and quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of differences in harvest age on the productivity of corn (Zea mays) forage. This study used the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) method consisting of 4 treatments and 5 replications, namely T1 (harvest age 7 days), T2 (harvest age 14 days), T3 (harvest age 21 days) and T4 (harvest age 28 days). The parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, wet biomass and dry biomass. The results showed that the average height of corn fodder plants (Zea mays) was T1; 1.11, T2; 4.96, T3; 8.30 and T4; 10. The average number of leaves of corn fodder plants (Zea mays) at T1; 0.34, T2; 1.30, T3; 1.30 and T4; 2.3. The average wet biomass of corn fodder plants (Zea mays) at T1; 197.67, T2; 249.33, T3; 246 and T4; 241.67. The average dry biomass of corn fodder plants (Zea mays) at T1; 35, T2; 47, T3; 45 and T4; 41. The conclusion of this study is that corn fodder with different harvest age variations has a very significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, wet biomass and dry biomass.

Scientific Bases for the Use of Some Fodder Plants Disseminated in High Mountainous Areas in Nakhchivan

The presented article provides extensive information on the use of some fodder plants common in the high-mountainous flora of the Nakhchivan. As an object of research, the highlands of Sharur, Shahbuz, Julfa, Ordubad, Babek and Kengerli districts were mainly studied. The conducted research allows to define important features characteristic for fodder plants, widespread in these territories. Forage plants form the basis of direct connection between crop and livestock production. The investigated various fodder plants, besides being valuable fodders, have taken a wide place in production due to a number of positive economic and biological properties. For the purpose of research, chemical composition of fodder plants and their fodder qualities were determined. Also, the chemical composition of 38 important forage species belonging to different species distributed in the flora of Nakhchivan in the course of numerous research and studies conducted by us, in percentage ratio, as well as other uses of these species are mentioned in the article mentioned. Thus, the study of fodder plants distributed in high mountainous areas is considered as an important scientific basis for identifying the directions of utilization of these plants.

General characteristics of pathogenic mycobiota of fodder plants of Azerbaijan

General characteristics of pathogenic mycobiota of fodder plants of Azerbaijan

Genotoxic effects of copper nanoparticles on Vicia pannonica Crantz. root meristem cells

With the increasing use of metal nanoparticles, their access to the food chain has become the main concern for scientists. The present study sheds light on the copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), which are widely used in many industries today. For this purpose, Vicia pannonica Crantz., a common fodder plant, was used and exposed to metal-based Cu NPs. To determine the genotoxic effects on root meristem cells, total of 3 different concentrations (50 ppm, 150 ppm, and 300 ppm) of Cu NPs and the control in deionized water solutions were prepared. The determination of the accumulation and elimination of Cu NPs in Vicia pannonica used in the study was carried out using with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), SEM element mapping, and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDS) characteristic spectrum analysis. All doses of Cu NPs caused significant decreases in the Mitotic index of V. pannonica meristem cells compared to the control. Multiple analyzes carried out in the study showed that Cu NPs caused abnormalities in cell division such as C-metaphase, polar aberration, deconstructed anaphase, chromosome breakage, loss of genetic material, failure to assemble in the metaphase plate, deconstructed metaphase, asynchronous division remaining chromosome in metaphase, adhesion, deconstructed prophase, advanced chromosomes, and chromosome bridges in anaphase. Results support that Cu NPs have a genotoxic effect on V. pannonica.

Comprehensive Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Flavonoids in Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Flowers and Food Products.

Taraxacum officinale, a cosmopolitan perennial, is widely used as an edible, fodder, honey, and medicinal plant. Interestingly, detailed LC-QTOF-MS profiling of the flower extract revealed the presence of several flavonoid signals, most likely lacking literature confirmation. Targeted isolation, including extraction based on DoE planning, led to the isolation of 11 flavonoids, three of which were new (16, 18, and 33). Their structures were determined by the NMR technique. Both biflavones (16 and 18) were structured by two luteolin molecules, linked by a C-C bond through IB (C-6') and IIA (C-6″ or C-8″) rings. Novel flavonolignan (33) was composed of tricin and an unusual carboxyl function containing a lignan moiety. The content of 28 flavonoids (glycosides, aglycones, biflavones, and flavonolignans) was determined by the LC-MS/MS method in raw flowers and dandelion syrups and tincture. Multivariate analyses showed the separation of spring and autumn flowers and a high diversity of food products and helped to identify metabolites correlated with the samples.

A MODEL FOR DETERMINING PREMIUM RATES IN INDEXBASED CROP INSURANCE

The paper deals with index-based crop insurance as a tool for managing flood and drought risks in agriculture. We introduce a novel model for determining premium rates in index-based crop insurance which combines the loss cost method and the average yield method. The proposed model was applied to data related to the production of selected crops in Serbia to calculate unique premium rates for index-based insurance for cereals, industrial crops and fodder plants. The paper also outlines the prerequisites for index-based crop insurance to become technically, operationally, and financially feasible in Serbia. We propose the introduction of mandatory index-based crop insurance, along with necessary legislative amendments and subsidization of insurance premiums.

The use of plant explants to obtain embryogenic callus clams as an early stage in the selection of Napier Grass cv Taiwan

Abstract This study aimed to obtain 50-100 mussels from a population of embryogenic callus derived from cultivars of Taiwan elephant grass. The research was conducted in three phases: 1) sterilization, which was accomplished by immersing the material in 70% alcohol solution, 20% chlorox, and rinsing it with sterile distilled water so that it could be cultured in the treatment media; 2) callus induction with explants of young leaves in culture medium supplemented with growth regulator (PGR) 2,4-D at a concentration of 2 mg/l and enriched with amino acids and casein hydrolysate; 3) callus proliferation and regeneration utilizing culture-based. The results indicated that the success rate of explant sterilization ranged from 10 to 78%, and the ability of the tissue to form callus ranged from 60 to 80%, with the highest callus-forming ability obtained from culture explants with chemical and physical combination sterilization by burning, while at the proliferation stage, it was obtained on average 5 times per series. After two weeks, the average callus weight was 1.72 to 1.76 g per bottle, increasing to 1.92 to 2.07 g per bottle for a total of 150 bottles, with 78.1 to 85.3% of callus cells capable of regenerating into shoots via organogenesis or embryogenesis. It was determined that the initial selection procedure for fodder plants from explants to obtain callus has the potential to be further developed.

Genome-wide association studies reveals new candidate genes associated with resistance to Striga gesneroides in Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] accessions from sub-Saharan Africa

Parasitic plant Striga gesneroides reduces cowpea productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to substantial yield losses. This weed is the major reason for land abandonment by many farmers. While various methods have been proposed for managing Striga invasion and parasitism, host-plant resistance remains the most effective and affordable option for small-scale farmers in the sub-region. This study aims to expedite the improvement of Striga resistance breeding through marker-assisted selection by identifying genomic regions and candidate genes associated with Striga resistance indicator traits using association mapping. A panel of 188 cowpea accessions assembled from five gene banks in West Africa were phenotyped for two years under Striga-infested and non-infested research conditions. These accessions were equally genotyped using the medium-density genotyping of the Diversity Arrays Technology sequencing (DArTseq) platform to obtain marker information. High broad-sense heritability estimates were observed for Striga resistance status (SRS), number of Striga per plot (NSPlot), and Pod weight (PW) while low heritability estimates were observed for fodder weight (FW) and Plant Aspect (PASP). Twenty-four SNP markers were identified across SRS, NSPlot, FW, PASP, and PW under Striga-infested conditions. Under non-infested conditions, 17 SNPs were identified across FW, PASP, and PW. Gene annotation of the significant SNPs revealed candidate genes such as ubiquitin ligase activity, cell wall reinforcement protein, and pathogenesis-related protein. These genes function in plant growth regulation, development, and defense mechanisms. This study offers valuable insights for marker selection, validation, and deployment in cowpea improvement for Striga resistance in SSA.

Effect of harvest timing and plant parts on the nutritional and chemical profile of five potential fodder plants found in eastern coast of United Arab Emirates.

Selecting highly nutritive fodder plants in arid regions can be a key to improving the livestock productivity. This work explores the variation in nutritive value of the leaves, stem, and shoots of five potential fodder plants of the Emirates of Fujairah, Erucaria hispanica, Haplophyllum tuberculatum, Convolvulus virgatus, Teucrium stocksianum, and Cleome Ibrachycarpa. influenced by two weather conditions, winter and spring. The plant samples underwent mineral composition, proximate, phytochemical, and heavy metals and two-way ANOVA. Weather data were accessed from National Center of Meteorology (NCM). Our findings reveal significant influences of collection time and species on nutritive content. Shoots collected in March exhibited higher ash (6.167%), crude protein (11.9%), crude fiber (14.89%), dry matter (45.86%), and total digestive nutrients (TDS) (48.35%), with lower tannin (5.11%) compared to January. Conversely, January-collected shoots had greater total sugar content (1.28g/100g). Plant organs played a crucial role, with leaves surpassing stems in Mg, P, Ca, K, Na, Mn, Zn, and Ni. Leaves also showed higher crude protein (23.33%), dry matter (92.26%), total ash (4.8%), and TDS (87.58%) compared to stems, while stems exhibited elevated crude fiber (17.45%) and tannin (4.53%). There is a need to assess the bioactive compounds found in these fodder species for the enhancement its effective use and maximize browsing of these species.

Essential and toxic elements determination in Ampelodesma mauritanicum plant based on gamma-ray spectrometry

Due to the scarcity of data on both basic and toxic chemical elements in medicinal and fodder plants in Algeria, this study focused on evaluating the content of these elements in the Ampelodesma mauritanicum plant grown in the Ghardaia region of Southern Algeria. This plant is commonly used by Bedouins in traditional medicine and as fodder, and has applications in construction, decontamination, and water purification. Based on gamma-ray spectrometry for neutron activation analysis, the study identified and categorized a total of 25 mineral and trace elements into essential, non-essential, and potentially toxic groups. Essential elements exhibited varying concentrations, with potassium being the most abundant, followed by sodium, calcium, iron, zinc, chromium, cobalt, and selenium. The study also assessed potentially toxic elements, all found below the estimated permissible limits established by FAO/WHO. Quality control was ensured through the analysis of certified reference materials. The findings provide valuable insights into the elemental composition of Ampelodesma mauritanicum, offering significant implications for medicinal and nutritional applications while ensuring analytical accuracy and reliability.

Characterization and production hydroponic fodder for corn (Zea mays) and sorgum (Sorghum bicolor) at different harvest times

The study aimed to determine the characterization and production of hydroponic fodder corn (Zea mays) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) at different harvest ages. The study used a randomized complete factorial design. The first factor was plant type (corn and sorghum) and the second factor was harvest age (7 days, 10 days and 13 days). Each treatment was replicated 3 times. Variables observed included number of leaves, the growth rate of fodder plants, the fresh production of fodder plants, and the dry matter production of fodder plants. The research stages included seed preparation, planting, maintenance and harvesting. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and further test using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results of the research show that corn is better used as fodder compared to sorghum, because corn fodder has a greater number of leaves, the growth speed is faster, the production of fresh and dry matter is also higher compared to sorghum fodder. A harvest time of 10 days relatively produces higher production and a shorter time compared to a harvest time of 13 days. The conclusion of this research is that the best growth and biomass production results is corn fodder crops with a harvest time of 10 days.