Day Of Harvest Research Articles

THE IMPACT OF RICE HUSK ASH (RHA) AS SOILLESS GROWING MEDIUM ON SAWI CAIXIN GIANT (Brassica parachinensis) GROWTH PERFORMANCE

The Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which aims to end hunger, enhance nutrition, and support sustainable agriculture, places a high priority on food security. The amount of rice husk ash (RHA) produced by the process of burning rice husks has increased over time, causing environmental pollution. In modern soilless agriculture, RHA has a significant potential to be used as a fertile and nutrient-rich medium. The Zero Energy Soilless Agriculture (ZESA) System is a revolutionary concept for horticultural plants that might utilize RHA as a soilless growing medium. The effect of growing medium ratio of cocopeat and RHA on plant growth performance of sawi caixin giant (Brassica Parachinensis) using ZESA system over 35 days was investigated in this study. Three different treatments, T1 (1:0), T2 (1:1), and T3 (3:1), on the growing medium ratio of cocopeat and RHA were carried out. The treatments were set up in four replicates of two individuals each using a randomised full block design. The data of plant Growth parameters such as the number of leaves and plant height were recorded every 7 days, and the fresh weight of the plants was taken on harvesting day. FTIR analysis and an elemental analyzer were used to characterise the chemical analyses of cocopeat, RHA, and fertiliser. As shown by the results, T3 treatment increased all plant growth performance parameters compared to T1 control treatment, with a value of 12.02 cm for plant height, 10 leaves, and 33.75g of fresh weight. The plant growth performance of Brassica parachinensis was improved by using a 3:1 ratio of 25% RHA as a soilless growing medium couple with application of rich nitrogen X and Y fertilisers using the ZESA System. Finally, RHA has the potential to be used as a soilless growing medium for many horticulture plants using the ZESA System.

Nicotine in the button mushroom Agaricus bisporus, endogenous biosynthesis?

In early 2009 nicotine was unexpectedly detected in dried mushroom samples. As its origin has not yet been elucidated, this study addressed possible endogenous synthesis of nicotine. Therefore, Agaricus bisporus fruiting bodies were grown in a representative and controlled (nicotine-free) setup. Fruiting bodies (fresh versus stored, intact versus processed (sliced/cooked)) from different harvest days and flushes were analysed with a validated, sensitive dilute-and-shoot UHPLC-MS/MS methodology for nicotine and its precursors putrescine and nicotinic acid. Neither storage nor processing initiated any endogenous nicotine biosynthesis (detection limit 1.6 ng g−1 fresh weight). In contrast, putrescine and nicotinic acid were detected in all samples, with increasing amounts in the different treatments. In silico analysis of the fully sequenced genome of A. bisporus confirmed its inability to produce nicotine. The data obtained do not provide evidence for natural, endogenous presence of nicotine in mushrooms, indicating an exogenous contamination source (e.g. contamination during hand-picking, sample preparation/analysis).

Effect of INM on biochemical and postharvest parameters of guava (Psidium guajava) cv. Hisar Surkha

An experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) season of 2018–19 and 2019–20 at the research farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to study the effects of organic amendments and biofertilizers on biochemical and post-harvest parameters of guava fruits (Psidium guajava L. cv. Hisar Surkha). The experiment consisted of 19 treatments in different combinations and levels of RDF with vermicompost, farmyard manure, and biofertlizers were applied. The results revealed that almost all treatments with combined application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients significantly influenced the biochemical and post-harvest parameters of guava fruits over control of which treatments T16 (RDF 100% + Farmyard manure + Azotobacter + PSB) and T17 (RDF 100 % + Vermicompost + Azotobacter + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria) proved most effective. All treatments had a significant impact on the total soluble solids, acidity, vitamin C, pectin and sugar content of fruit over the course of two years of experimentation. Shelf-life of fruits also increased with integrated use of 100% RDF with vermicompost and biofertilizers. Physiological loss in weight was minimum (9.73 and 18.34%; 9.61 and 18.46% after 4 and 8 days of harvesting) and shelf-life increased (4.74 and 6.85 days) in harvested fruit in T17 during rainy and winter season, respectively. The overall quality of the fruit was higher throughout the winter than during the rainy season. Hence, a portion of chemical fertilizers can be reduced in fertilization of guava plants through the integrated application of different organic amendments with improvement in different quality parameters.

Flocculation and Cell Rupture in C. Vulgaris

Among all carotenoids, the human body can easily convert β-carotene into retinol, which is a major ingredient in dietary supplements. In the United States, beta-carotene (95% pure) is permitted as a colorant under 21 CFR 73.95 and 21 CFR 166.110. In this study, we are reporting the evaluation of the content of lipids, β-carotene and lutein in the native strain of Chlorella vulgaris CIB 46 (from CIBNOR), Mexico during growth period to define the optimal harvest days for the specific products and future industrial use. This strain has the potential to produce lutein, β-carotene, lipids that can be used for functional foods. Chlorella vulgaris CIB 46 strain showed considerably high biomass productivity reaching almost 2.4g/L biomass on day 21 and reaching 3.0g/L on Day 24 in photobioreactors. Chlorella vulgaris presented a production of carotenoids up to 3.45mg/g at day 21. The Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) showed that they contain high β-carotene and lutein in their carotenoid fraction based on the intensity of the band. Our study results showed that Chlorella vulgaris-CIB46 is a potential strain to produce main carotenes such as β-carotene and lutein, they are 0.35% of dry biomass. We obtained a notable amount of lipids that is 37% in Chlorella vulgaris CIB 46 measured by sulpho-valiline method of extraction with enzymatic pretreatment with enzyme Celluclast at 2%. Lipid content was high at 15 days of culture whereas we found β-carotene was higher at 15th and 21st day.

After-ripening effect combined with drying methods on seed quality of aubergine seed lots harvested at different maturity stages

Desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that induces or sustains a state of desiccation in its vicinity. The most common desiccant is silica and other common desiccants include activated charcoal, bentonite, calcium sulphate, calcium chloride and zeolites. Our experiment's aim was to see different drying methods (KNO3 (% 90,79 ​± ​0,83 RH), NaCl (%74,87 ​± ​0,12 RH), CaCl (≅%45 RH)) and after-ripening period affect on seed quality in five aubergine maturity stages as determined by days after anthesis (DAA) (55-60-70-80-90 DAA) in two subsequent years of 2018–2019. The results demonstrate that the harvest days and drying treatments of aubergine seeds are considered on the basis of statistically obtained output parameters; total germination, mean germination-emergence time, seedling fresh and dry weight values were found to be significant at the 1% level (p ​< ​0.01). Given the field conditions under which we conducted our research, 70–80 days after anthesis in the first year and 90 days in the second year after anthesis in the Kemer27 cultivar were found to be suitable for seed harvesting. Besides that aubergine seeds (90 day harvest) second drying+after ripening and second drying treatments gave the highest CAT level, second drying ​+ ​after ripening and control groups gave the highest APX activity and control group gave the highest SOD activity. In general, drying treatment is advantageous in aubergine species and according to the harvest periods in all species, frist drying ​+ ​after ripening groups came to the fore. All enzyme results in aubergine were statistically significant according to the harvest day∗after ripening∗drying interaction.

Effect of Harvesting Time on the Seed Quality of Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) COHM 8

Background: The present study was aimed to identify the optimum harvest time in hybrid Maize COHM 8 for better seed yield and quality. Seed ability to produce vigorous seedlings is a significant characteristic of any productive crop. The ideal harvest time is one of the factors that contribute to high seed vigor. Methods: In this proposed study hybrid maize crop was raised at Agricultural Research Station, Veppanthattai, Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu during 2021-22 and seeds were harvested at five days intervals starting from 40 days after tasseling and evaluated for its vigour through cold test, accelerated aging test, seed leachate test etc in addition to germination test. Result: The seed moisture content was optimum in the seeds harvested at 50 days after tasseling. In the cold test, seeds harvested at 50 days after tasseling performed better (germination of 90%) than other days of harvest, whereas seeds harvested at 40 days after tasseling (germination of 50%) resulted least compared to other days of harvest. The vigour test and accelerated aging test revealed that seeds harvested at 50 days after tasseling reached germination of 90%, the required minimum germination as per the Indian minimum seed certification standards (IMSCS) on the 3rd day of accelerated aging against germination of 48% with seeds harvested after 40 days. Hence it can be concluded that seeds could be harvested between 50-55 days for the maize hybrid COHM 8.

Genetic variability of kernel phenolics in maize (Zea mays L.) inbreds with differing levels of resistance to gibberella ear rot

AbstractA comprehensive study was performed to investigate the kernel phenolics content and profile of a broad range of maize inbreds varying in disease resistance to gibberella ear rot. Three phenolic fractions (soluble free, soluble conjugated, and insoluble bound) at different kernel developmental stages in two growing seasons were analyzed. The phenolics content and profile revealed a genotype dependency. The highest amount and diversity of phenolics were at day 11 after self‐pollination in both growing seasons. This was confirmed by a distinctive PCA biplot clustering of phenolics at day 11 compared to other harvesting days for all fractions. A strong negative correlation was found between the conjugated and bound phenolics in both growing seasons (in 2016, r = 0.93, p &lt; 0.0001; and in 2018, r = 0.94, p &lt; 0.0001). In both growing seasons, the main phenolic compounds in the free, conjugated, and bound fractions were chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and t‐ferulic acid, respectively. Comprehensive results were presented for how the phenolics evolved over the period of kernel development and how their content changed. The PCA‐biplot analysis revealed different patterns of clustering for phenolic associations in different fractions as well as in different growing seasons, reflecting the evolution process of individual phenolics during kernel filling period. Overall, genotypes with higher disease resistance possessed higher phenolics in the bound and conjugated fractions at blister stage. This study provides a useful resource of maize inbred phenolics profiles that could be applied in future breeding efforts.

Re‐ensiling effects on inoculated sorghum: Intake, apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and animal feeding behaviour

AbstractThis study aimed to determine whether using inoculants and re‐ensiling in sorghum silages affect the intake and feeding behaviour, apparent digestibility, digestible energy, and nitrogen balance of sheep in maintenance. Half the sorghum was inoculated on the day of harvest, and the other half received the same inoculation volume but with water. Sorghum was ensiled in 100 experimental metal drum silos of 200 L covered with plastic: 50 silos with inoculants and 50 without them. After 56 days, 25 drums with inoculants and 25 without were exposed to air for 48 h. The other silos remained closed. The treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme with inoculation and re‐ensiling. The sheep received the silages after 211 days of ensiling and 155 days of re‐ensiling to determine the intake, apparent digestibility, and feeding behaviour of animals. The experimental design was a simultaneous double 4 × 4 Latin square. The re‐ensiling process increased silage pH, N‐NH3.TN−1, butyric acid, and propionic acid. The inoculant increased propionic acid in ensiled and re‐ensiled silages. Lactic acid concentration presented a statistical interaction with the inoculated and ensiled silage, 58% higher than the other treatment averages. The ADFap digestibility showed a complex interaction, in which the control ensiled and the inoculated and re‐ensiled silages were about 35% lower than the inoculated ensiled silage. The Nbal:Nint ratio (g.g−1) in the inoculated and re‐ensiled silage had lower nitrogen retention than intake compared with the other treatments. These results indicate that exposing inoculated silages to air does not compromise their use in sheep feeding.

Sunn hemp biomass accumulation, regrowth, and nutritive value in response to harvest time and cutting height

AbstractThe integrated crop‐livestock systems of the northern High Plains are lacking in annual legumes that meet the nutrient demands of beef cattle when alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is in limited supply. We investigated the biomass accumulation, regrowth biomass, and nutritive value of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) in response to initial harvest day and cutting height in irrigated and dryland studies in Wyoming. Net biomass accumulations in 105‐day growing period were 4.4 tons acre−1 under irrigation and 0.7 tons acre−1 in dryland conditions. Initial harvest day after planting (iDAP) affected initial and regrowth biomass accumulation but did not affect net biomass accumulation in irrigated or dryland studies. Regrowth and net biomass accumulations were affected by cutting height in the irrigated study only. Nutritive value concentrations were significantly affected by iDAP in both irrigated and dryland studies. Under irrigation, net nutrient accumulation was not affected by iDAP but was significantly greater with a cutting height of 4.2 inches compared to 2.5‐ and 6‐inch heights. In contrast, the dryland study, net nutrient accumulation was not affected by cutting height but was higher in 55–105 iDAP than 45 iDAP. In the irrigated study, a cutting height of 4.2 inches produced net accumulations higher in both biomass accumulation and nutritive value. In the dryland study a harvest time of 55–105 iDAP produced the highest net accumulation regardless of harvest time or cutting height. Sunn hemp can be harvested once or twice in a 105‐day growing season to produce biomass and essential nutrients for livestock feeding.

Loss Assessment during Postharvest and Handling of Thai Garlic Used for Processing

Garlic is one of the most economically important crops cultivated and consumed worldwide. The rising demand for garlic in the functional food market is driven by the growing interest in using processed products and supplements for benefits in health and wellbeing. Prior to processing, freshly harvested Thai garlic undergoes six distinct curing procedures; however, the losses and initial quality evaluation of the cured garlics have never been assessed. The research aims to evaluate losses and types of biomass during post-harvest processing using lab scale waste composition and mass–flow analyses, which align with the bio-circular green economic approach. Qualitative process flow diagrams (PFD) of each curing procedure were outlined, and the volume of post-harvest loss and types of biomasses were recorded. The study found that the overall losses during garlic curing were significantly higher than those associated with curing the bulb with root attached and the bulb alone. Moisture loss (&gt;60%) was the greatest type of loss, followed by through biomass during initial and minimal processing. The aerial part accounted for &gt;40% of total biomass loss, while root and skin were variable, depending on whether the initial process was conducted before or after curing. In terms of quality, the study found that the total phenolic and flavonoid content of garlic decreased after curing, and the level of total reducing sugar significantly decreased from the day of harvest. This result can be used as the criterion for handling Thai garlic after harvest. In addition, the biomass produced by postharvest processing can be utilised as a raw material for biorefinery extraction.

Tensile properties of ramie fibre: Effect of harvesting day and extraction method

Ramie fibre is a bast fibre that has a wide range of applications. There is a dearth of information regarding the effect of harvesting day and extraction method on the tensile properties of ramie fibre based on prior research. The purpose of this study is to characterise the tensile properties of ramie fibre harvested on 50, 60, and 70 harvesting days, and extracted using three distinct methods. Water retting manual decortication, water retting automatic decortication, and automatic decortication without retting are among the extraction methods. By increasing harvesting days from 50 to 70, the specific density of ramie fibre extracted using the water retting manual decortication, water retting automatic decortication, and automatic decortication without water retting methods increased by 1.1%, 0.7%, and 1.5%, respectively. Tensile strength, modulus and strain reduced with increasing harvesting age, by 25%, 18%, and 25%, respectively. In terms of extraction methods, ramie fibre extracted via automatic decortication has the highest specific density of 1.4638 g/cm3, while ramie fibre extracted through water retting manual decortication has the highest tensile strength and modulus of 1150.06 MPa and 66.49GPa, respectively. Aside from that, when maturity increased, the specific tensile modulus, specific tensile strength, and modulus of resilience dropped. The maximum specific tensile modulus and specific tensile strength are 46194.27 Pa.m3/g and 869.09 Pa.m3/g, respectively, for ramie fibre extracted on 50 days. In conclusion, the ramie fibre harvested on 50 days and extracted via water retting manual decortication method produced the finest quality ramie fibre.

MP69-01 ESTABLISHMENT OF A NOVEL ANIMAL MODEL IN CARCINOGENESIS OF UPPER TRACT UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA AND ITS GENE PROFILE

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP69-01 ESTABLISHMENT OF A NOVEL ANIMAL MODEL IN CARCINOGENESIS OF UPPER TRACT UROTHELIAL CARCINOMA AND ITS GENE PROFILE Akinaru Yamamoto, Atsunari Kawashima, Kentaro Jingushi, Yuichi Motoyama, Satoshi Nojima, Sassi Nesrine, Yohei Okuda, Toshiki Oka, Toshihiro Uemura, Gaku Yamamichi, Eisuke Tomiyama, Kosuke Nakano, Makoto Matsushita, Yu Ishizuya, Yoshiyuki Yamamoto, Taigo Kato, Koji Hatano, Tsujikawa Kazutake, and Norio Nonomura Akinaru YamamotoAkinaru Yamamoto More articles by this author , Atsunari KawashimaAtsunari Kawashima More articles by this author , Kentaro JingushiKentaro Jingushi More articles by this author , Yuichi MotoyamaYuichi Motoyama More articles by this author , Satoshi NojimaSatoshi Nojima More articles by this author , Sassi NesrineSassi Nesrine More articles by this author , Yohei OkudaYohei Okuda More articles by this author , Toshiki OkaToshiki Oka More articles by this author , Toshihiro UemuraToshihiro Uemura More articles by this author , Gaku YamamichiGaku Yamamichi More articles by this author , Eisuke TomiyamaEisuke Tomiyama More articles by this author , Kosuke NakanoKosuke Nakano More articles by this author , Makoto MatsushitaMakoto Matsushita More articles by this author , Yu IshizuyaYu Ishizuya More articles by this author , Yoshiyuki YamamotoYoshiyuki Yamamoto More articles by this author , Taigo KatoTaigo Kato More articles by this author , Koji HatanoKoji Hatano More articles by this author , Tsujikawa KazutakeTsujikawa Kazutake More articles by this author , and Norio NonomuraNorio Nonomura More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003332.01AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Upper urinary tract (UT) and bladder are known to differ from the embryology stage. There have been numerous reports of mouse models of bladder carcinogenesis, but there are few reports of mouse models of upper tract urothelial carcinogenesis. The aim of this study is to establish a novel mouse model of upper tract urothelial carcinogenesis. METHODS: We used two strains including C57/BL6 of male and female mice. We fed 0.05% N-butyl-N-(4-hydro-oxybutyl) nitorosamine (BBN) from 6 weeks old to the harvest day. The harvested organs were diagnosed by two different pathologists with histopathological evaluation using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Both sides of UT from mouse drinking BBN were subjected to whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS). In human samples, 74 upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) tissues and 73 adjacent normal (AN) tissues also subjected to WTS from 74 UTUC patients. RESULTS: Female mice of certain strain showed early weight loss compared to the others. They showed high incidence of UTUC with less incidence of bladder cancer (Figure 1), while the others rarely had UTUC. The total incidence of UTUC in this mouse strain was 83.3%, with the earliest UTUC observed at 8 weeks after the start of BBN drinking. The incidence of bilateral UTUC was 22.2%, and these individuals showed weight loss relatively early after the start of BBN drinking. The cancerous side of UT expressed a basal type of mRNA expression profile, with increased expression of Cd44, Cdh3, and Krt14, similar to previous reports of bladder carcinogenesis mouse model (Figure 2). We detected 593 differential expressed genes between cancerous side and non-cancerous side of UT in this mouse model, which could also classify human UTUC and AN samples. In pathway enrichment analysis of these genes, several pathways associated with DNA replication were commonly upregulated in cancer tissues between mouse and human samples. CONCLUSIONS: We have established the novel animal model developing UTUC with high probability. This model could reflect the human UTUC. Source of Funding: This work was supported by a KAKENHI grant (21K20968, 22K09523) © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e963 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Akinaru Yamamoto More articles by this author Atsunari Kawashima More articles by this author Kentaro Jingushi More articles by this author Yuichi Motoyama More articles by this author Satoshi Nojima More articles by this author Sassi Nesrine More articles by this author Yohei Okuda More articles by this author Toshiki Oka More articles by this author Toshihiro Uemura More articles by this author Gaku Yamamichi More articles by this author Eisuke Tomiyama More articles by this author Kosuke Nakano More articles by this author Makoto Matsushita More articles by this author Yu Ishizuya More articles by this author Yoshiyuki Yamamoto More articles by this author Taigo Kato More articles by this author Koji Hatano More articles by this author Tsujikawa Kazutake More articles by this author Norio Nonomura More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Evaluation of Growth Conditions, Antioxidant Potential, and Sensory Attributes of Six Diverse Microgreens Species

Microgreens belong to a class of functional foods with valuable nutritional elements and diverse health benefits when consumed as food supplements. Its consumption has increased sharply due to the abundance of different health-promoting components than their mature plants. The present study investigated the growth conditions and nutritional profiles of six crops (mungbean, lentil, red radish, pearl-millet, mustard, and red cabbage) as microgreens grown under the light with a 16 h light/8 h dark cycle. Firstly, the optimum temperature and the day of harvesting of each of the microgreens for their maximum yield were standardized. The optimum temperature ranged from 24 to 28 °C, and the best stage for their harvesting ranged from the 6th to 13th day for all six microgreens species. Physiological parameters such as height, yield, color, moisture content, seed weight to fresh weight (FW) ratio, and FW to dry weight (DW) were also estimated. All the microgreens were analyzed for the total phenolics content, total anthocyanin content, vitamin C, free radical scavenging activity, dietary fiber, and phytic acid contents at the harvesting stage. Total phenolics, total anthocyanin, and vitamin C contents ranged from 55 to 1240 mg/100 g, 25 to 186 mg/100 g, and 22 to 86 mg/100 g, respectively, in the studied microgreens. Red cabbage and pearl-millet microgreens accumulated higher phenolics than other studied microgreens, while total anthocyanin content was higher in red radish and pearl-millet microgreens. Vitamin C content was recorded as highest in red cabbage microgreens. DPPH-based free radical scavenging activity ranged from 62–84% and was highest in red cabbage microgreens. All the microgreens were also analyzed for their dietary fiber (DF) content which ranged from 2.5–12.5% and was recorded as maximum in pearl millet microgreens. The findings of this study offer helpful information on the growth circumstances necessary to produce microgreens with the greatest nutrient and health benefits.

Comparison of Vegetables of Ecological and Commercial Production: Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties

This research aimed to compare some physicochemical and antioxidant properties in vegetables (chard, beet, coriander, spinach, lettuce, radish, carrot, and tomato) of ecological and commercial production. The ecological products were cultivated and obtained from three harvests in an ecology garden with standardized methodologies for implementation while the commercial samples were obtained from a local supplier. On the same purchase or harvest day, the color, texture, moisture, and ashes parameters were measured in the fresh produce without unpeeling. In the lyophilized samples, bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll a and b, β-carotenes, anthocyanins, betalains, and lycopene) were determined, and antioxidant activity was found using the 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+), 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, and chelating activity. The ecological vegetables presented better color (high luminosity and intensity) than commercial samples, and, according to the value of ΔE, this is a difference that can be perceived by the human eye. In the same way, the ecological vegetables were more turgid than the commercial samples (p &lt; 0.05). The content of bioactive compounds was found in higher concentrations in ecologically produced vegetables and this was correlated positively with antioxidant capacity. It is important to carry out more studies to determine the effect on health of these vegetables when they are integrated into the diet and thus to be able to recommend their inclusion in the diet as a sustainability strategy in the production of vegetables for self-consumption.

Microbial Load of Fresh Blueberries Harvested by Different Methods.

Currently, more and more growers are transitioning to the use of over-the-row machine harvesters for harvesting fresh market blueberries. This study assessed the microbial load of fresh blueberries harvested by different methods. Samples (n = 336) of 'Draper' and 'Liberty' northern highbush blueberries, which were harvested using a conventional over-the-row machine harvester, a modified machine harvester prototype, ungloved but sanitized hands, and hands wearing sterile gloves were collected from a blueberry farm near Lynden, WA, in the Pacific Northwest at 9 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm on four different harvest days during the 2019 harvest season. Eight replicates of each sample were collected at each sampling point and evaluated for the populations of total aerobes (TA), total yeasts and molds (YM), and total coliforms (TC), as well as for the incidence of fecal coliforms and enterococci. The harvest method was a significant factor (p < 0.05) influencing the TA and TC counts, the harvest time was a significant factor influencing the YM counts, while the blueberry cultivar was an insignificant (p > 0.05) factor for all three indicator microorganisms. These results suggest that effective harvester cleaning methods should be developed to prevent fresh blueberry contamination by microorganisms. This research will likely benefit blueberry and other fresh fruit producers.

Assessment of Natural Fruit Ripening and Fruit Quality of Three Elite Durian Cultivars for Overland Export

The study aimed to assess the natural fruit ripening duration, fruit quality, and consumer preference of 3 elite durian cultivars-‘Monthong’, ‘Musang King’, and ‘Ocee’-after harvest. From the day of harvest at maturity stage until the second day of the fresh fruits emitted aroma; ‘Monthong’ took 9 days for full ripening measured by the natural fruit ripening duration value significantly (p &lt; 0.05) longer by 4 days than of ‘Musang King’ and ‘Ocee’. This value indicated that the longer ripening duration, the longer storage life was. The flesh weight, percentage of flesh weight, and flesh thickness most significantly influenced fruit quality. ‘Monthong’ had significantly higher flesh weight, percentage of flesh weight, and thicker flesh (p &lt; 0.05) than ‘Musang King’ and ‘Ocee’. A questionnaire and interview guide were used to compare the sensory qualities (flesh smell and flesh taste) of the durian cultivars by 50 Thai consumers through smelling (mild, moderate, strong) and eating the flesh. Consumer preference was determined by eating the flesh and smelling each cultivar by the same 50 consumers and then chose the durian cultivar they mostly prefer. Consequently, consumers mostly preferred ‘Monthong’ (54 %) over ‘Musang King’ (28 %) and ‘Ocee’ (18 %) due to its mild aroma, mildly sweet taste, crispy but soft golden-yellow flesh. In conclusion, the significantly longer natural fruit ripening duration (or long storage life) of ‘Monthong’ plus its higher flesh weight, higher percentage of flesh weight, more flesh thickness, and consumers’ high preference are good indicators of its export quality-suitable for shipping fresh overland especially to China, top importer of Thailand. ‘Musang King’ and ‘Ocee’ had short ripening duration (or short storage life); ergo, poor export quality. Shipping by land, sea, and air, including packaging technology development, should then be studied further for the benefit of export market. HIGHLIGHTS The natural fruit ripening duration of ‘Monthong’ cultivar was significantly longer than ‘Musang King’ and ‘Ocee’ The longer storage life of ‘Monthong’ cultivar, due to its higher flesh weight, percentage of flesh weight, and flesh thickness, is a good indicator of an export quality suitable for shipping fresh fruit overland By means of smelling and eating the durian flesh by 50 Thai consumers, ‘Monthong’ was recorded to be the most preferred cultivar due to its mild aroma, mildly sweet taste, crispy outer but soft inner and golden-yellow colored flesh GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

English

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of mix-cropping, Yangtsepa corn variety with legume Sesbania, and single cropping on the forage yield and quality at 60-, 90-, and 120-days harvest. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used as an experimental design. The corn and pea were line sown at 20 cm apart with a seed ratio of 50:50. The results showed higher corn forage yield (26.1 t/ha), and dry matter of 23.83% at 120-day harvest. The overall mean crude protein at 60 and 90-day harvest was significantly higher in the mixed than single cropping. The soil moisture and nitrogen corn crude fiber dry matter and stem yield increased with an increase in harvesting days. Soil N2, corn DM, and ash were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in mixed cropping compared to single cropping in which the highest corn forage yield, corn DM, and soil N2 were found at a 120-day harvest in mixed cropping. There was significantly higher overall mean CP content in mixed cropping than single cropping at 60- and 90-day harvests (p &lt; 0.05) with the highest corn CP of 9.05% at 90-day harvest. Similarly, weed biomass was significantly lower (p &lt;.05) in mixed than in the single cropping which proved that Sesbania competed with weeds for basic needs like light and nutrients for growth and yield. Thus, legumes with corn can be a comparatively better choice to reduce weeds, and improve soil nutrients, forage yield, and quality.&nbsp;&nbsp; Key words: Crude fiber, crude protein, dry matter, forage yield, mixed cropping.

Multilayer perceptron-genetic algorithm as a promising tool for modeling cultivation substrate of Auricularia cornea Native to Iran.

Auricularia cornea Ehrenb (syn. A. polytricha) is a wood-decaying fungi known as black ear mushroom. Earlike gelatinous fruiting body distinguishes them from other fungi. Industrial wastes have the potential to be used as the basic substrate to produce mushrooms. Therefore, 16 substrate formulations were prepared from different ratios of beech (BS) and hornbeam sawdust (HS) supplemented with wheat (WB) and rice brans (RB). The pH and initial moisture content of substrate mixtures were adjusted to 6.5 and 70%, respectively. The comparison of in vitro growth characteristics of the fungal mycelia under the different temperatures (25, 28, and 30°C), and culture media [yeast extract agar (YEA), potato extract agar (PEA), malt extract agar (MEA), and also HS and BS extract agar media supplemented with maltose, dextrose, and fructose revealed that the highest mycelial growth rate (MGR; 7.5 mm/day) belonged to HS and BS extract agar media supplemented with three mentioned sugar at 28°C. In A. cornea spawn study, the substrate combination of BS (70%) + WB (30%) at 28°C and moisture contents of 75% displayed the highest mean MGR (9.3 mm/day) and lowest spawn run period (9.0 days). In the bag test, "BS (70%) + WB (30%)" was the best substrate displaying the shortest spawn run period (19.7 days), and the highest fresh sporophore yield (131.7 g/bag), biological efficiency (53.1%) and number of basidiocarp (9.0/bag) of A. cornea. Also, A. cornea cultivation was processed to model yield, biological efficiency (BE), spawn run period (SRP), days for pinhead formation (DPHF), days for the first harvest (DFFH), and total cultivation period (TCP) by multilayer perceptron-genetic algorithm (MLP-GA). MLP-GA (0.81-0.99) exhibited a higher predictive ability than stepwise regression (0.06-0.58). The forecasted values of the output variables were in good accordance with their observed ones corroborating the good competency of established MLP-GA models. MLP-GA modeling exhibited a powerful tool for forecasting and thus selecting the optimal substrate for maximum A. cornea production.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Salmonella in Environmental Components and Peripheral Lymph Nodes of Fed Cattle From Weaning to Finish in Three Distinct Feeding Locations

Salmonella prevalence in bovine lymph nodes (LNs) varies due to seasonality, geographic location, and feedyard environment. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish prevalence rates of Salmonella in environmental components (trough water, pen soil, individual feed ingredients, prepared rations, and fecal samples) and LNs from weaning to finish in three feeding locations, and (2) characterize recovered salmonellae. Calves (n = 120) were raised at the Texas A&M University McGregor Research Center; in lieu of beginning the backgrounding/stocker phase, thirty weanling calves were harvested. Of the remaining ninety calves, thirty were retained at McGregor and sixty were transported to commercial feeding operations (Location A or B; thirty calves each). Locations A and B have historically produced cattle with relatively “low” and “high” rates of Salmonella-positive LNs, respectively. Ten calves per location were harvested at the conclusion of (1) the backgrounding/stocker phase, (2) 60 d on feed, and (3) 165 d on feed. On each harvest day, peripheral LNs were excised. Environmental samples were obtained from each location before and after each phase, and every 30 d during the feeding period. In line with previous work, no Salmonella-positive LNs were recovered from cattle managed at Location A. Salmonella-positive LNs (30%) and environmental components (41%) were most commonly recovered from Location B. Of 7 and 36 total serovars recovered from Salmonella-positive LN and environmental samples, respectively, Anatum was identified most frequently. Data from this study provide insight into Salmonella prevalence differences among feeding locations and the possible influence of environmental and/or management practices at each. Such information can be used to shape industry best practices to reduce Salmonella prevalence in cattle feeding operations, resulting in a decreased prevalence of Salmonella in LNs, and thus, minimizing risks to human health.

Effects of Iron Valence on the Growth, Photosynthesis, and Fatty Acid Composition of Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Iron is a limiting factor that controls the phytoplankton biomass of the ocean and plays an important role in the lipid production of microalgae. Elucidating the effects of different iron valences on microalgae is helpful for their commercial production. We investigated the growth, photosynthesis, and fatty acid profile of the model diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultured with depleted Fe, Fe2+, Fe2+/Fe3+, and Fe3+. Samples were taken every 24 h for 8 days, and their cell density, photosynthetic pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence, total fatty acid content, and fatty acid composition were analyzed. The cell densities of the Fe2+ and Fe2+/Fe3+ groups were significantly higher than those of the control and Fe3+ groups (p &lt; 0.05). They were 1.26 times and 1.23 times higher than those in the Fe-depleted group. The contents of chlorophyll a and c in the Fe2+ group were significantly higher than those in the Fe-depleted group (p &lt; 0.05). The chlorophyll fluorescence results show that Fe2+ enhanced the photosynthesis of P. tricornutum to a greater extent than Fe3+. On the eighth day of harvest, Fv/Fm and Y(II) in the Fe2+ group were 0.672 and 0.476, respectively, being 1.10 and 1.19 times greater than those in the Fe3+ group and 1.15 and 1.33 times greater than those in the Fe-depleted group, respectively. Compared with the control group, the levels of saturated fatty acids of the Fe2+/Fe3+ and Fe3+ groups were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) at 21.36 ± 1.24% and 21.20 ± 0.13%, respectively. The levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids of the Fe2+/Fe3+ group were significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) at 29.82 ± 2.75%. Our results show that P. tricornutum exhibited physiological plasticity, including changes in photosynthetic activities and shifts in fatty acid composition, in response to different iron valences and that Fe2+ was more beneficial to the biomass production of this species than Fe3+. These findings are applicable to the production of biomass and polyunsaturated fatty acids.