Nut Harvesting Research Articles

One hundred years of piñon nuts, a largely forgotten wild food crop from the American Southwest (1850-1950)

Piñon nuts are the edible seeds of the piñon pine (Pinus edulis). Commercial piñon nut harvesting began in the United States in the mid-19th century and primarily involved Native and Mexican Americans. Despite the economic benefits, it could be dangerous work, with reports of deaths from exposure, accidents, and violence. Piñon nut production varied yearly due to the trees’ masting behavior, with 3 to 11-years between large crops, likely influenced by climate and local conditions. Although there was considerable interest in cultivation during the early 20th century, slow growth and delayed nut-bearing limited cultivation efforts. Piñon nuts were popular throughout the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, gaining great popularity in New York among immigrant communities. Piñon nuts, due to their small size, posed choking hazards to children. Fannie Spitz's piñon nut-shelling machine, patented in 1918, revolutionized nut processing by efficiently removing kernels, impacting the industry significantly. In the early to mid-20th century, piñon nuts were used in candy production. Farmers experimented with feeding hogs and chickens piñon nuts, however, this practice did not become widespread due to cheaper corn availability. Piñon wood was valued for firewood and mine props, with limited use as lumber or railroad ties, while small trees gained popularity as Christmas trees. Piñon resin was chewed and also used medicinally, in salves. By the mid-20th century, piñon nuts lost popularity to peanuts, which benefited from aggressive marketing and high production. The piñon industry struggled with crop variability, low supply, and high prices.

Operation Mechanism Analysis and Parameter Optimization of Bean Impurity-Separation Device for Tiger Nut Harvester

This study aimed to enhance the efficiency of tiger nut combine harvesters by reducing impurity and loss rates during processing. Scholars focused on analyzing the composition and suspension speed of the bean mixture, leading to the development of a wind-screen impurity-removal method. The wind-screen-type bean-separation device was designed with a cross-flow fan, louver screen, frame, and driving mechanism. Theoretical analysis was employed to discuss the motion characteristics and behavior of the sieve body and material, thereby revealing the screening dynamics of tiger nuts and impurities. Factors such as crank radius, crank speed, and fan speed were identified as crucial for optimizing separation performance. Initial single-factor tests helped narrow down the range of influencing factors. Subsequently, a three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken test was conducted with crank radius, crank speed, and fan speed as variables and impurity rate and loss rate as evaluation indexes. This led to the establishment of a multiple regression equation linking these factors to the evaluation indexes. Through response surface analysis and multi-objective optimization using the regression model, the optimal operational parameters for the device were determined: crank radius of 45 mm, crank speed of 497 r/min, and the fan speed of 1100 r/min. Theoretical calculations predicted an impurity rate of 2.42% and a loss rate of 0.51%. Verification tests confirmed these findings, showing an average impurity rate of 2.53% and a loss rate of 0.56%, which met the mechanized harvesting standards for tiger nuts. Overall, this study introduces a novel method and technical framework for effectively separating tiger nuts from impurities, thereby advancing the mechanization of tiger nut harvesting processes.

Parameter Optimization of a Conveying and Separating Device Based on a Five-Stage Screw and Vibrating Screen for Tiger Nut Harvesters

To tackle problems such as the difficult separation from sand and the high power consumption of tiger nut harvesting in the sandy areas of Xinjiang, a conveying and separating device for tiger nut harvesters was designed. The axial and radial migrations of materials under screw action and the separation process of materials under vibratory action were analyzed dynamically. A simulation analysis was carried out on the conveying and separating process based on EDEM software. The migration trajectories of tiger nuts and sand particles were extracted, the displacement variations of sand particles on the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis were analyzed in the action area of the screen-cleaning spike teeth and the screw action area, respectively, and the conveying and separation law of the tiger nut harvest mixture was clarified. With key parameters such as the screw velocity ratio, amplitude, vibration frequency, and machine operation velocity as test factors, and with the sand removal rate, crushing rate, and power consumption as test evaluation indicators, a four-factor, five-level orthogonal central composite test design was implemented. The test results were analyzed via the regression variance analysis method, and relation models between variable factors and evaluation indicators were constructed. The test results show that under the combined conditions of a screw velocity ratio of 0.88, an amplitude of 4.7 mm, a vibration frequency of 7.5 Hz, and a machine operation velocity of 0.92 km/h, the sand removal rate is 90.40%, the crushing rate is 1.66%, and the power consumption is 2.24 kW in theory. The optimized results were verified by tests. The sand removal rate was 88.92%, the crushing rate was 1.71%, the total power consumption was 2.29 kW, and the errors from the predicted values were 1.6%, 3.0%, and 2.2%, respectively, meeting the requirements for tiger nut harvesting conveyance and separation. This research can provide support for the development of technology and equipment for mechanized harvesting of tiger nuts in the sandy areas of Xinjiang.

Harvesting Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. in a western Amazon rural community: local ecological knowledge and meaning to “nut-crackers”

IntroductionThe collection of Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl. (castanha-da-Amazônia; Brazil nuts) seeds make up part of the everyday activities of the traditional populations that have inhabited all of the Amazon basin since remote times. Nonetheless, knowledge about these harvesting activities in native forest areas has not been well documented. The present study was designed to better understand the significance of this harvesting activity as well as the traditional ecological knowledge of the harvesters.MethodsUtilizamos entrevistas semiestruturadas para a coleta de dados com extrativistas de castanha, moradores de Caroebe, Roraima (n = 18) durante o período de março de 2021 a março de 2022. The data analysis was based on the frequency of responses to socio-economic questions and their knowledge about that plant species as well as why those interviewees chose that line of work. We also adopted the Spearman and Mann–Whitney non-parametric tests to correlate variables identified in the study, and selected sections of their depositions to highlight the traditional knowledge of the interviewees and their experiences as harvesters.ResultsConstatamos que as razões para a escolha do trabalho com o extrativismo para todos os entrevistados é a necessidade de renda complementar, tradição familiar (55%), the sense of well-being provided by contact with the natural environment (25%), and a favorable disposition toward that type of work (11%). Harvesting involves collective work, and many of the interviewees had engaged in those efforts to help their families since their childhood or adolescence. The older harvesters cited more animal species that consumed the Brazil nuts (ρ = 0.60; p = 0.009) and perceived more and greater changes in the environment that were prejudicial to the Brazil nut trees (U = 9.50; p = 0.022). The interviewees who reported lower incomes cited more significant cultural changes and more suggestions concerning conservation activities. According to their statements, deforestation, and the burning and illegal cutting of native trees, including Brazil nut trees, have contributed to environmental change in the region and raised significant concerns about the future of harvesting activities.ConclusionThe activities of the “nut-crackers” represent to them more than just a simple source of income, as harvesting provides them with a connection to nature that promotes their well-being and cultural heritage. The nut harvesters have gained specific knowledge concerning both environmental and cultural changes. Those changes have mainly come about through the expansion of agricultural activities and the felling of native forests—which are the main threats to the future of Brazil nut extraction. Attributing value to the folk knowledge of those harvesters would strengthen the local economy, promote forest conservation, and help to better understand the impacts of anthropic activities on the forest and the harvesting of natural products.

Harvesting of tender coconuts improves yields and profitability of coconut farming in India

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted at Kasaragod, Kerala, India for six years to study the impact of different coconut harvesting treatments on growth, yield and return. The treatments were; harvesting tender nuts from January to June and mature nuts from July to December, harvesting tender nuts from July to December and mature nuts from January to June, harvesting tender nuts throughout the year, harvesting tender nuts in alternate years, harvesting alternate bunches for tender nuts and harvesting of mature nuts throughout the year. The results showed that palms that underwent tender nut harvesting throughout the year, compared with harvesting mature nuts throughout the year, recorded high yields (175 nuts/palm), three times high net returns, and 68.7% high energy use efficiency. This study demonstrated the potential of harvesting tender nuts to improve the profitability and energy balance of coconut production.

Multigenerational differences in harvesting and use of wild edible fruits and nuts in the South Caucasus

Societal Impact StatementEcosystem services are underpinned by biodiversity, which is rapidly eroding globally, threatening rural livelihoods and culture. Examining the uses of wild edible plants (WEPs) that are important to rural communities gives insight into the value of a biodiverse landscape to local communities. Here, the importance of considering age groups in future ethnobotanical and conservation studies is highlighted, as this can enhance our understanding on the dependence of use within a landscape, informing more inclusive conservation actions.Summary Wild edible plants (WEP) remain an important aspect of many rural communities across the world, yet the decline in the diversity and knowledge of WEP use is becoming a global concern. In the Biodiversity Hotspot of the Caucasus, there is few cross‐cultural and multigenerational comparisons of plant uses, limiting our knowledge of resource use and dependence within biodiverse landscapes. Here, we investigate the patterns of use for wild edible fruits and nuts in the South Caucasus, focusing on multigenerational differences in harvesting patterns, diversity and use through semi‐structured interviews in Armenia and Georgia. We calculated use values (UV) for each genera harvested and compared the diversity of genera used between age groups. Pearson chi‐square was used to explore the relationship between age‐groups and genera harvested. We found 53% of rural population (n = 220) actively harvest from wild populations, with older age groups harvesting the highest diversity of plants. Twenty‐four species from 16 genera are harvested, with Berberis vulgaris L. and Rosa canina L. shared between both communities. The association between age and diversity of harvested genera was significant (χ2[48, N = 506] = 114.75, p < .01), mainly driven by a strong positive association with Berberis spp. L., Crataegus spp. L. and Ribes spp. L. with the under 18s and Prunus spp. L. with under 35s. Young harvesters used WEP for income generation, while medicinal use increases across older age groups. Foraging activities within South Caucasus' communities remains active; however, the use of WEP is not uniform within and across different communities.

Description of Two Promising Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Selections with Lateral Bud Fruitfulness and Large Nuts

Walnut (Juglans regia) populations are considered a valuable genetic resource for genetic variability conservation and walnut cultivar improvement. In the current study, two walnut selections from Central Greece, “FM3” and “FM6”, were evaluated for their characteristics to determine their perspective as new cultivars. Their main phenological and pomological characteristics were assessed according to IPGR (1994) and UPOV-TG/125/6 (1999) criteria for 10 consecutive years and compared with “Chandler”. Results revealed that “FM3” presents high lateral flowering (70–80%), whereas “FM6” is 30–35%. Although the date of bud break and male blooming of both selections did not differ from “Chandler” (p > 0.05), the female blooming phase of “FM6” occurred earlier (p < 0.05) than “Chandler” and nut harvest was earlier than both “Chandler” and “FM3” (p < 0.05). Nut dimensions of both selections were higher than “Chandler” (p < 0.001). The mean in-shell nut weight and kernel weight of “FM3” were higher than “FM6” and “Chandler”, and those of “FM6” were higher than “Chandler” (p < 0.001). Other positive nut characteristics were their light kernel color, the well kernel fill, and the easy removal of the kernel halves. Thus, the current results indicate that “FM3” and “FM6” could be considered promising gene pools in crossbreeding activities.

Assessment of the Forest-Pathological Condition of Cedar Forests of Irkutsk Region

Siberian cedar is the most valuable tree species in the Siberian taiga. The condition of the cedar trees deteriorates annually under the influence of adverse biotic and abiotic factors in the forests of Irkutsk region. The authors analyzed and assessed the sanitary and forest- pathological condition of cedar plantations. The research used statistical data of forest pathology monitoring, which proved long-term negative changes in the condition of cedar forests. We investigated a set of causes of degradation and destruction of cedars in the Irkutsk region based on the results of 2021. The authors concluded that anthropogenic factors are causing the imbalance of the forest ecosystem, creating conditions for the negative manifestation of the most biotic factors. The proposed recommendations to reduce the impact of pathogenic factors include: introduction of interdiction and restrictions for nut harvesting, strengthening control over the implementation of sanitary measures, the use of scientific methods for predicting the development of pathogens. We also proposed to create semi-cultivated cedar plantations in the cedar forests to produce cedar nuts using forestry and agricultural techniques.

Postharvest control of spotted-wing drosophila and blueberry maggot by low temperature conditions and fumigation with sulfur dioxide

Cold treatment and fumigation are widely applied approaches to disinfest storage pests after harvest of fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables. Cold conditions can limit the development and survival of spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, in fruit and fumigation of blueberries with SO2 may control blueberry maggot, Rhagoletis mendax Curran. In this study, we found that at least 21 d of 0.5 °C was needed for achieving 98.3% reduction in R. mendax making this unsuitable for pre-export disinfestation. The average concentration of SO2 in modified atmosphere packages with slow release SO2 pads was only 2.93 ( ± 0.37) µL L−1 held at 0.5 °C, too low for control of R. mendax. To develop a fruit treatment schedule that controls both pests, we first combined fumigation of 10,000 µL L−1 SO2 and CO2 at 6% v/v for 30 min followed by cold storage at 2 °C for 12 d or − 0.5 °C for 6 d to mimic shipping conditions. With short fumigation and long cold, R. mendax survival was reduced by no more than 4%, whereas D. suzukii was controlled effectively by cold in fumigated and non-fumigated conditions. However, fruit condition was negatively affected by SO2, so lower dosages were explored. 300 and 500 µL L−1 of SO2 with a longer exposure duration were applied at room temperature. These dosages successfully controlled R. mendax without damaging fruit quality. Survival of R. mendax to pupation was reduced by 58% and 61% after 2 d and 3 d fumigation at 22 ⁰C with 300 µL L−1 SO2, respectively. Fumigating infested blueberries at 22 °C with 500 µL L−1 of SO2 reduced pupation by 97% after 2 d and by 100% after 3 d. Fruit quality parameters were not significantly reduced by the low SO2 fumigation regimen on three different blueberry cultivars. Our data indicate that both insect pests can be controlled in harvested blueberries without loss of fruit quality by the combination of fumigation for 3 d at 22 ⁰C with 500 µL L−1 SO2, followed by cold storage. These results can inform export protocols for blueberries as part of a systems approach that combines in-field management and postharvest control programs.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ МОНИТОРИНГА УРОЖАЙНОСТИ ДУБА МОНГОЛЬСКОГО – ОСНОВЫ КОРМОВОЙ БАЗЫ КОПЫТНЫХ ЖИВОТНЫХ В ЗАПОВЕДНИКЕ «БАСТАК»

The Mongolian oak Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. along with the Korean pine, Pinus koraiensis Siebold et Zuss form the ecosystem integrity basis at the Bastak Reserve. The study of these species productivity is important and relevant. Currently, a number of articles have been published on the Korean pine nut productivity in the protected area. However, the information concerning the Mongolian oak yield is available only in the Annals of Nature. This paper presents the assessment data on the Mongolian oak acorns yield as a fodder base for a number of wild animals being the nutrition for the Amur tiger. This species productivity monitoring has been carried out at Bastak Nature Reserve since 2015. However, the first acorn harvest was obtained only in 2017. The assessment is made on permanent transects in different areas of the reserve. The research shows that monitoring of the Mongolian oak harvest in the Bastak reserve is carried out irregularly. The productive and lean years alternation trend has not been determined yet, unlike in the Lazovsky Reserve. Perhaps, because of a short monitoring period. The Mongolian oak acorns yield is significantly influenced by the weather conditions, primarily, the absence of rainy days during the flowering period. It is noted that in the absence of Mongolian oak acorns yield there is a good harvest of pine nuts partially compensating the absence of acorns as a nutrition for ungulates. However, maintaining a stable density of ungulates needs certain bio-technical measures, such as feeding grounds.

3-D network routing of Brazil nut harvesting in tropical forests

3-D network routing of Brazil nut harvesting in tropical forests

Padrões de atividade diários e sazonais de uma assembleia de felinos em um mosaico de floresta-campo no sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT The mechanisms of ecological segregation involved in the coexistence between Neotropical felids are the key to support strategies for conservation. Due to their inconspicuous and elusive behavior, camera trapping constitute a strategic, non-invasive method to study these species. The present work aimed to evaluate the daily and seasonal activity patterns of four felid species: Leopardus guttulus (Hensel, 1872), L. pardalis (Linnaeus, 1758), L. wiedii (Schinz, 1821) and Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771), in the Papagaios-de-Altitude Private Protected Area, state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Data were collected from January 2018 to December 2019, using 25 sites of camera traps among the study area. We collected 624 independent records from L. guttulus (108), L. pardalis (55), L. wiedii (77) and P. concolor (384) in a sampling effort of 12,266 camera-traps/day. All species analysed showed a non-uniform distribution of daily activity, when considering the two years. We report the peak of seasonal activity for all species between the months of June and September, coinciding with the Araucaria nut harvest in the study area, and with the increase in populations of small rodents. We also report a high overlap between the activity patterns of the four species. The daily and seasonal activity patterns of the species in this study seem to reflect the intrinsic dynamics of the Araucaria Forest, as well as possible adaptations to prey availability.

Parameter Optimization and Testing of a Conveying and Soil-Removing Device for Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) Mechanical Harvesting

Aimed at solving the large power consumption and high operating cost problems associated with the process of harvesting tiger nuts, the use of a conveying and soil-removing device which removes sandy soil while conveying tiger nuts was proposed. The device was numerically simulated with and without vibration using EDEM software. The results showed that the vibrating force was more conducive to the complete removal of sandy soil and the effective conveyance of tiger nuts. The simulation testing was carried out using spiral speed, vibration amplitude, and vibration frequency as the independent variables and conveyance efficiency, sandy soil removal rate, etc., as the dependent variables. The test results showed that the optimal parameter combination was a spiral speed of 107 r/min, a vibration amplitude of 8.5 mm, and a vibration frequency of 10.7 Hz, under which the theoretical value of conveyance efficiency was 80.39%, the sandy soil removal rate was 84.61%, and the variation coefficient of sandy soil removal velocity was 3.6%. The field test determined that the relative errors of conveyance efficiency and sandy soil removal rate with theoretical values were 2.55% and 1.41%, respectively. The tiger nut damage rate was 1.16%, and the leakage rate was 0.52%. The results showed that the conveying and soil-removing device could meet tiger nut harvest performance requirements.

Land tenure system and harvesting time’s influence on the marketing behaviour of cashew farmers in the Bono Region of Ghana

This study investigated the land tenure system, harvesting time and marketing behaviour of cashew farmers in Ghana. Primary data was compiled from 120 cashew farmers, and the multinomial probit was used to assess the determinants of cashew marketing outlets. Types of land ownership (tenure system) for cashew production in Ghana were leasehold, stool, family, state and customary lands. The sales of cashew nuts to buying companies and/or exporters is positively influenced by the land tenure system, good road network, weekly harvest, contract agreements and grading of cashew nuts. Conversely, the experience of farmers coupled with less than one week of harvesting influences the choice of brokers' outlet. The result implies that, cashew cultivation on stool land, likewise harvesting time increases the probability of selling to buying companies and exporters who offered higher margins compared with brokers. Consequently, generic land reform for the whole country to enhance agribusinesses may be important but unnecessary. It is also suggested that the customary land arrangement provided the opportunity to sell to a profitable marketing outlet, it is suggested that Government and NGOs should rather be interested in strengthening the current customary land regime and consultatively recommend for review where necessary in the study areas.

Simulation and Experiment of Sieving Process of Sieving Device for Tiger Nut Harvester

In order to realize mechanized and efficient harvesting of tiger nuts, study the efficient screening technology of beans and soil in a mechanized harvesting operation and improve the harvesting operation efficiency of crawler-type tiger nut harvesters, a theoretical analysis of the motion process of detritus particles on a sieve surface was conducted to determine the main factors affecting the motion of the particles on the sieve surface. A numerical simulation of the sieving process using the discrete element method was conducted to improve the screening efficiency of tiger nuts. The transport law of the debris particle population was analyzed from different perspectives, such as the average velocity of particle motion, particle distribution rate, screening efficiency and loss rate. The effects of factors such as screen amplitude (SA), vibration frequency (VF) and inclination angle (IA) on the sieving performance of the tiger nut threshing and screening device were investigated. The results show that sieving performance evaluation indexes, such as the average speed of particle movement, particle distribution rate, screening efficiency and loss rate, are non-linearly related to the factors of screen amplitude, vibration frequency and screen inclination angle; the effects of amplitude and frequency on the distribution particle size are consistent and show a gradual increase, with the distribution particle size reaching 3.32 mm at an amplitude of 14 mm and 3.46 mm at a frequency of 22 Hz. In the sieving process, the average velocity of the particle population decreases gradually along the direction of motion, and the influence of each factor on the average velocity of the particle population in the motion of the detritus is similar, all showing an increasing trend. This study can provide a reference for exploring the transport law of particles and the efficient screening technology of tiger nuts. Field harvesting tests showed that the screening efficiency and loss rate were 92.87% and 0.83%, respectively, at a screen amplitude of 14 mm, a vibration frequency of 10 Hz and an inclination angle of 2°, and the test results corresponded to the simulation results and met the design requirements of the tiger nut harvester. This study can provide reference for the investigation of the particle transport law and efficient screening technology for tiger nuts.

Qualitative and organoleptic evaluation of immature cashew kernels under storage

Cashew cultivars, based on flowering behaviour, are categorized into three types, viz., early season, mid-season and late season. In late season type, the harvesting of cashew nuts coincides with the rainy season during which the quality of matured nuts are affected by increased pest and disease attack. This loss can be reduced if the nuts are harvested before it reaches its complete maturity. In this context, present study was conducted in immature cashew kernel to find out suitable storage treatments to enhance the shelf life. Immature cashew kernels were stored in different concentrations of brine solution (5%, 10% and 15%), sugar syrup (50°B, 60°B and 70°B) and by drying in hot air oven until the moisture content of kernel reaches 2-3 per cent. Storage period was for four months and the observations like tannin content, microbial content and organoleptic qualities of kernels stored in each treatment were analysed at the beginning and at the end of the storage. The treatment with 10% brine and 70°B sugar syrup for four months were found as best for storing immature cashew kernels.

Parameters Optimization and Test of Caterpillar Self-Propelled Tiger Nut Harvester Hoisting Device

Aiming at the problem of a poor separation of tiger nut, soil and grass during harvest, a hoisting device consisting of a combined-type hoisting sieve, vibrating wheels and soil roller was designed in combination with the requirements of the planting and harvesting of tiger nut. Through a theoretical analysis of the movement of the mixture of tiger nut, sand and grass in the process of hoisting, the basic law that affects the soil filter rate was determined, and the parameters affecting the soil-sieving rate were determined, and the hoisting angle, linear hoist speed and range of related parameters of vibrating wheels were obtained. Based on the DEM-MBD method, a simulation model of an excavating and hoisting device was built. With the hoisting angle, linear hoist speed, vibrating frequency and vibrating amplitudes of vibrating wheels as test factors, and the soil-sieving rate as test index, an orthogonal rotating-center combination test with four factors and three levels was carried out. The results showed that the influence of various factors on soil-sieving rate was as follows: vibrating frequency of vibrating wheels > linear hoist velocity > vibrating amplitudes of vibrating wheels > hoisting angle. When the vibrating frequency of the vibrating wheels was 9 Hz, the linear hoist speed was 0.66 m/s, vibrating amplitude of vibrating wheels was 25 mm and hoisting angle was 26°; the maximum value of the soil-sieving rate was 42.5%. The optimized parameters were applied to field test for verification, and the soil-sieving rate of the field test was 44.7%, which was better than the simulation test. The research results can provide a theoretical reference for design optimization and simulation analysis of tiger nut harvesters.

Chemical Composition and Bioactive Antioxidants Obtained by Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Cyperus esculentus L. By-products: A Valorization Approach.

Tiger nut is highly appreciated in the Mediterranean basin by the large number of nutritional advantages offered by a beverage, called “horchata,” which is directly obtained from the tuber of Cyperus esculentus L. However, the current tiger nut harvesting and processing practices generate a large number of residues, mainly a solid by-product after processing and the plant that remains spread out in the fields. In this work the plant residues have been fully characterized to get a clear picture of the possibilities for its valorization to generate products with high added value. Several analytical techniques have been applied to obtain data to assess the real possibilities of these residues in advanced applications in the food, packaging and nutrition sectors. Results on the compositional and elemental analysis, monosaccharide composition, phenolic concentration, and antioxidant capacity were obtained from the dry powder (DP). The high content of α-cellulose (47.2 ± 1.8%) in DP could open new possibilities for these residues as raw material in the production of cellulose nanoentities. Many essential minerals with nutritional interest (Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn) and free sugars (xylose, arabinose, glucose, and galacturonic acid) were identified in the DP making it an interesting source of valuable nutrients. The total carbohydrate content was 171 ± 31 mg gdm–1. In addition, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was used to obtain extracts rich in polyphenolic compounds. A Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used, and the optimal extraction conditions predicted by the model were 80°C, 18 min, ethanol concentration 40% (v/v), and solvent volume 77 mL, showing an extraction yield of 2.27 ± 0.09%, TPC value was 136 ± 3 mgGAE 100 gdm–1 and antioxidant capacity by the ABTS method was 8.41 ± 0.09 μmoltrolox gdm–1. Other assays (FRAP and DPPH) were also tested, confirming the high antioxidant capacity of DP extracts. Some polyphenols were identified and quantified: p-coumaric (7.67 ± 0.16 mg 100 gdm–1), ferulic (4.07 ± 0.01 mg 100 gdm–1), sinapinic (0.50 ± 0.01 mg 100 gdm–1) and cinnamic acids (1.10 ± 0.03 mg 100 gdm–1), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1.28 ± 0.06 mg 100 gdm–1), luteolin (1.03 ± 0.01 mg 100 gdm–1), and naringenin (0.60 ± 0.01 mg 100 gdm–1). It can be concluded that C. esculentus L. residues obtained from the tiger nut harvesting and horchata processing could be an important source of high value compounds with potential uses in different industrial sectors, while limiting the environmental hazards associated with the current agricultural practices.

EFFECT OF FoCT TRAINING ON ADOPTION OF COCONUT TREE CLIMBING DEVICE FOR HARVESTING COCONUTS

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important and versatile tree crop with diverse uses, supporting the livelihood of many farm families in the primary sector, grown in many states of India. Coconuts are known for their great versatility as evidenced by many traditional uses ranging from food to cosmetics. Assamese people prepare different types of edible items from coconut fruit in many festivals. Now, the majority of the coconut growers in Assam were facing the problems of shortage of skilled labour for nut harvesting. The traditional method of harvesting the nuts is quite risky and accident-prone. To overcome this problem, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Barpeta, Assam conducted training for unemployed rural youths in collaboration with Coconut Development Board, Guwahati. The objectives of the FoCT training were to impart training to a group of unemployed youths in developing their technical skills for harvesting of coconuts, to mitigate the problem of non-availability of coconut tree climbers for coconut harvesting. The present study was conducted at KVK, Barpeta (Assam) with an attempt to know the effect of friends of coconut tree (FoCT) training on the adoption of coconut tree climbing devices. For the present study, 40 trainees were selected purposively. The majority 45% of the trainees use the coconut climbing device only for plucking of their own coconut tree followed by 35% who use the coconut climbing device as a source of income generation and 20% of trainees do not at all use the device. Among the two methods of climbing, the advanced method of coconut tree climber takes less time (3-5 minutes) to climb than the traditional method (7-10 minutes). On the other hand, among the two methods of climbing, the advanced method of coconut tree climber harvested a greater number of nuts and many numbers of harvesting trees over the traditional method.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Biofuel Briquettes Made from Pecan (Carya illinoensis) Pericarp Wastes of Different Particle Sizes.

Pecan nut (Carya illinoensis) pericarp is usually considered as a waste, with no or low value applications. Its potential as a densified solid biofuel has been evaluated, searching for alternatives to generating quality renewable energy and reducing polluting emissions in the atmosphere, based on particle size, that is an important feedstock property. Therefore, agro-industrial residues from the pecan nut harvest were collected, milled and sieved to four different granulometry: 1.6 mm (N° 12), 0.84 mm (N° 20), 0.42 mm (N° 40), and 0.25 mm (N° 60), used as raw material for biofuel briquette production. The carbon and oxygen functional groups in the base material were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proximate analyses were performed following international standards, for determining the moisture content, volatile materials, fixed carbon, ash content, and calorific value. For the biofuel briquettes made from base material of different particle sizes, the physical characteristics (density, hardness, swelling, and impact resistance index) and energy potential (calorific value) were determined to define their quality as a biofuel. The physical transformation of the pecan pericarp wastes into briquettes improved its quality as a solid biofuel, with calorific values from around 17.00 MJ/kg for the base material to around 18.00 MJ/kg for briquettes, regardless of particle size. Briquettes from sieve number 40 had the highest density (1.25 g/cm3). Briquettes from sieve number 60 (finest particles) presented the greater hardness (99.85). The greatest susceptibility to swelling (0.31) was registered for briquettes with the largest particle size (sieve number 20). The IRI was 200 for all treatments.