Highest Total Yield Research Articles

Practical synthesis of chenodeoxycholic acid from phocaecholic acid

In this study, we developed an effective method for the large-scale synthesis of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) from phocaecholic acid (PhCA). A high total yield of up to 72 % was obtained via five steps including methyl esterification, Ts-protection, bromination, reduction, and hydrolysis. The structures of the intermediates were confirmed by 1H NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), 13C NMR, HRMS (High Resolution Mass Spectrometry), and IR (Infrared Spectroscopy) spectroscopies. This method offers a new and practical approach to the synthesizing of CDCA.

Effects of cultivation substrate composition on biological productivity and quality parameters of Ganoderma lucidum

A substrate composition experiment was carried out to utilize the waste parts of certain plants for cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum, a medicinal mushroom. Ganoderma mycelium (millet spawn) provided by the Atatürk Horticultural Central Research Institute (Yalova, Türkiye). Nine (9) different substrate recipes were used in this study; S1: 40% sawdust + 40% chickpea stalk + 20% bran, S2: 60% sawdust + 20% chickpea stalk + 20% bran, S3: 40% sawdust + 40% pea stalk + 20% bran, S4: 60% sawdust + 20% pea stalk + 20% bran, S5: 40% sawdust + 40% poppy stalk + 20% bran, S6: 60% sawdust + 20% poppy stalk + 20% bran, S7: 40% sawdust + 40% corn cob + 20% bran, S8: 60% sawdust + 20% corncob + 20% bran and S9 (Control): 80% sawdust + 20% bran. Mushroom fruiting bodies were obtained from all substrates. Biological efficiency (BE) was varied between 7.84 and 17.92%. BE in S2, S5, S6, S7, S8 and S9 was higher than S4, S3 and S1. The highest total yield was recorded in S6 with 88.38 g 1.5 kg bag-1. The earliest mushroom was harvested from corncob (S8) and sawdust (S9) recipes within 51 days. The protein content of fruiting bodies ranged from 31.51% to 51.4%. Nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron content of fruiting bodies were increased by mixing 40% corncob to substrate and zinc was enriched by adding 20% chick pea stalk. Adding corncob to the substrate may enrich the Ganoderma fruiting body protein and mineral content without decreasing the yield and biological efficiency.

Effects of different nutrient inputs in organic parsley cultivation

ABSTRACT Parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) can play a key role in healthy nutrition for people. This study evaluated the effects of different fertilisers on parsley grown in organic greenhouse conditions in the Samsun province of Turkey. Three organic fertilisers (liquids based on compost, nettles and wood ash) were tested and compared with chemical fertiliser and a control with no fertiliser. The results showed that application of wood ash solution significantly increased EC and concentrations of P and K in the soil, compared with the no fertiliser control. The nettle extract and the compost solution had the most prominent effects on concentrations of nutrients in the parsley leaf tissue. The highest total yields were obtained in the treatments with nettle extract (8.95 kg m−2) and wood ash solution (8.71 kg m−2), which were similar to the yield in the treatment with chemical fertiliser (8.48 kg m−2). The present results suggested that nettle extract and wood ash solution provided effective fertilisers to achieve high yields and quality in organic parsley cultivation. Further studies were recommended to test combinations of nettle extract and wood ash solutions in different proportions for edible leafy species.

Parabolic trough concentrator design, characterization, and application: solar wastewater purification targeting textile industry dyes and pharmaceuticals—techno-economic study

AbstractSolar energy, along with other renewable resources, has the potential to be a major contributor to solving environmental issues in the future, as illustrated by the most recent advancements in solar photocatalytic technology. Indeed, wastewater treatment using a parabolic solar collector for industrial processes is gaining ground owing to improved system performance and economic benefits. The fabricated parabolic trough collector (PTC) incorporates reflective, parabolic panels that focus solar energy onto a transparent tube positioned along the parabolic focal line, where solar-powered photochemical reactions occur. This study investigated the design, implementation, and effectiveness of a concentrated sunlight system for removing industrial dyes and emerging large-use pharmaceutical contaminants in the presence of H2O2 at a small demonstrator scale (10 L/h). A spectrophotometric assessment revealed that subjecting Remazol Brilliant Blue (RBB, 60 ppm) and ciprofloxacin (CIP, 10 ppm) to irradiation in the presence of 0.1 M H2O2 (RBB) or 0.01 M H2O2 (CIP) for 3 h resulted in a degradation rate exceeding 60% and 80%, respectively. Furthermore, the total organic content (TOC) analysis indicates a very high total removal yield for RBB. On these bases, a techno-economic analysis is produced, and economic viability is discussed. The data reveal that the annual costs for water treatment, considering investment, electricity, and catalyst expenses over a 12-month period are significantly lower for our PTC-based prototype than for a comparable artificial UV-based equipment.

Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids from Fagopyrum tataricum Bran

In this study, eleven kinds of flavonoids were identified from F. tataricum bran (FTB) by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that four compounds, including rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and nicotiflorin, were the most significant components. Subsequently, natural deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasound-assisted extraction (NADES-UAE) was employed to extract flavonoids from FTB. Among the six kinds of NADES prepared, choline chloride–ethylene glycol (ChCl-EG) was identified as a promising candidate for extracting flavonoids due to its superior extraction performance. The extraction conditions were statistically investigated using response surface methodology conducted by Box-Behnken design (BBD). The optimal operational conditions were as follows: ultrasonic time 268 s, ultrasonic temperature 76 °C, and liquid–solid ratio 43 mL/g, which resulted in a high total flavonoid yield of 40.29 mg/g. Afterwards, the efficient extraction mechanism of NADES-UAE was comprehensively explored through FT-IR spectra, COSMO model, and microstructural analysis. In conclusion, NADES-UAE extraction is considered a green, efficient, and sustainable method for FTB flavonoids.

Universal Design and Efficient Synthesis for High Ambipolar Mobility Emissive Conjugated Polymers.

High ambipolar mobility emissive conjugated polymers (HAME-CPs) are perfect candidates for organic optoelectronic devices, such as polymer light emitting transistors. However, due to intrinsic trade-off relationship between high ambipolar mobility and strong solid-state luminescence, the development of HAME-CPs suffers from high structural and synthetic complexity. Herein, a universal design principle and simple synthetic approach for HAME-CPs are developed. A series of simple non-fused polymers composed of charge transfer units, π bridges and emissive units are synthesized via a two-step microwave assisted C-H arylation and direct arylation polymerization protocol with high total yields up to 61 %. The synthetic protocol is verified valid among 7 monomers and 8 polymers. Most importantly, all 8 conjugated polymers have strong solid-state emission with high photoluminescence quantum yields up to 24 %. Furthermore, 4 polymers exhibit high ambipolar field effect mobility up to 10-2 cm2 V-1 s-1, and can be used in multifunctional optoelectronic devices. This work opens a new avenue for developing HAME-CPs by efficient synthesis and rational design.

Universal Design and Efficient Synthesis for High Ambipolar Mobility Emissive Conjugated Polymers

AbstractHigh ambipolar mobility emissive conjugated polymers (HAME‐CPs) are perfect candidates for organic optoelectronic devices, such as polymer light emitting transistors. However, due to intrinsic trade‐off relationship between high ambipolar mobility and strong solid‐state luminescence, the development of HAME‐CPs suffers from high structural and synthetic complexity. Herein, a universal design principle and simple synthetic approach for HAME‐CPs are developed. A series of simple non‐fused polymers composed of charge transfer units, π bridges and emissive units are synthesized via a two‐step microwave assisted C−H arylation and direct arylation polymerization protocol with high total yields up to 61 %. The synthetic protocol is verified valid among 7 monomers and 8 polymers. Most importantly, all 8 conjugated polymers have strong solid‐state emission with high photoluminescence quantum yields up to 24 %. Furthermore, 4 polymers exhibit high ambipolar field effect mobility up to 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1, and can be used in multifunctional optoelectronic devices. This work opens a new avenue for developing HAME‐CPs by efficient synthesis and rational design.

Sustainable management strategies for balancing crop yield, water use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions

CONTEXTTo ensure food security in the face of climate change, it is crucial to use effective agricultural management practices that produce the triangular win-win for water, crops, and environments. OBJECTIVEThis study aimed to explore the sustainable management measures for balancing crop yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in China during 1981–2020. METHODSThe study selected the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region of China as the research area, where there were sharp contradictions among water shortage, food security and polluted environment. Four irrigation treatments and four fertilization treatments were set referring to the local cultivated experiences. The daily dynamic changes in crop yield, WUE and GHG emissions were simulated by optimized Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) model. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe irrigations had positive impacts on crop yield and WUE in BTH region. The irrigation amount's rise caused a gradual augmentation in the total yield of winter wheat and summer maize from 1981 to 2020.The highest total yield was achieved under W4 irrigation treatment (320 mm water for winter wheat and 60 mm water for summer maize), with an annual mean of 24,579.2 kg·ha−1. The annual average WUE under the W3 irrigation treatment (240 mm water for winter wheat) was the highest, with an average of 13.9 kg·ha−1·mm−1. However, extensive fertilization exacerbated soil GHG emissions. The soil GHG emissions were found to be significant increase as the input amount of fertilization. The FI fertilization measure (no fertilization) was assessed to have the least impact on the environment, with an average GHG emissions of 0.4 Mg·CO2-eq·ha−1. The optimal goals of high yield, high WUE and low GHG emissions were achieved by choosing effective combination practices of water and nitrogen management. Overall, the W3 irrigation and F3 fertilization (180 kg/ha fertilizer for winter wheat and 120 kg/ha fertilizer for summer maize.) treatments had the maximum water-fertilizer production indexes in the BTH region. SIGNIFICANCEThis study highlights the importance of agricultural management measures for guaranteeing food security and environmental sustainability at the same time under climate change.

Improving the production and quality of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) by adding biochar and ash to the casing layer

This investigation was implied to assess the effect of adding different rates of biochar and ash (0, 5, 10, 20 g L -1 casing layer) at the casing layer on production and quality indicator (total yield, biological efficiency, earliness of pinhead and fruit body appear, dry matter and protein content of fruit body) of common mushroom (Agaricus bisporus). The experiment was considered as a double factorial in a complete randomized design. Each treatment replicates three-time. There were significant variances between the four rates of biochar and ash. The highest total yield (2030.7 g 10 Kg-1 compost) was obtained using biochar 20 g L -1 casing layer that was high rate compared with the 2009.5 g 10 Kg-1 compost for the control treatment also lowest total weight in this parameter (1951.1g 10 Kg -1 compost) was obtained from biochar 5 g L -1 . The best protein values (26.871%) were observed in a biochar 20 g L-1 casing layer compared with the lowest rate 17.7115% which was the control, and the second value (25.085%) was observed in an Ash 20 g L-1 casing layer compared with the 18.920% for the control which was the lowest value. These studies will help to determine suitable casing layer conditions and the appropriate alternative casing materials for the cultivation of A. bisporus.

Desmethyl SuFEx-IT: SO2F2-Free Synthesis and Evaluation as a Fluorosulfurylating Agent.

Access to SuFExable compounds was remarkably simplified by introduction of the solid FO2S-donor SuFEx-IT. However, the published process for preparation of this reagent relies on the use of sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2), which is difficult to obtain and highly toxic. Herein, we disclose a simple protocol for SO2F2-free, hectogram-scale preparation of the analogous desmethyl SuFEx-IT from inexpensive starting materials. The reagent was prepared in a high (85%) total yield and without chromatographic purification steps. In addition, we demonstrate the utility of desmethyl SuFEx-IT by successful preparation of a series of fluorosulfates and sulfamoyl fluorides in high to excellent yields. As such, our work recognizes desmethyl SuFEx-IT as a valuable alternative to common FO2S-donors and enables cost-efficient access to substrates for SuFEx click chemistry.

Correlation and Path Analysis for Agronomic and Processing Quality Traits of Potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L.) at Holetta, Central Ethiopia

Potato is the third most important food crop in terms of consumption in the world after rice and wheat. It is a nutrient-rich vegetable with just a small amount of fat and contains 16% carbohydrates, 2% proteins, 1% minerals, and 0.6% dietary fiber. The literature on path and correlation analysis and its application as a potato breeding tool is limited in comparison to its significance for processing purpose and the knowledge it adds for upcoming breeding work. The objective of this study was to determine the relation among tuber yield and processing quality traits of potato using correlation and path coefficient analysis. This experiment was conducted at Holetta Agricultural research Centre, Ethiopia during the main crop season of 2017. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications using 24 potato genotypes. Strong positive and significant correlation were found between total tuber yield and marketable tuber yield (r=0.98) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Stronger positive correlations were found between dry matter content and starch content (r= 1) and specific gravity (r=1). Path coefficient analysis of tuber yield and its components shows that dry matter content and marketable tuber yield exerted positive highest direct influence on total tuber yield. Specific gravity of tuber had high positive direct effect on dry matter content. So, to increase the performance of these traits for tuber yield and processing quality traits path analysis can be used. As a conclusion, most of the traits had positive correlations and direct effects with total tuber yield and dry matter content at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Therefore, those traits had practical importance in selection of potato genotypes for high total tuber yield and processing purpose.

Reprogramming the Transition States to Enhance C-N Cleavage Efficiency of Rhodococcus opacusl-Amino Acid Oxidase.

l-Amino acid oxidase (LAAO) is an important biocatalyst used for synthesizing α-keto acids. LAAO from Rhodococcus opacus (RoLAAO) has a broad substrate spectrum; however, its low total turnover number limits its industrial use. To overcome this, we aimed to employ crystal structure-guided density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamic simulations to investigate the catalytic mechanism. Two key steps were identified: S → [TS1] in step 1 and Int1 → [TS2] in step 2. We reprogrammed the transition states [TS1] and [TS2] to reduce the identified energy barrier and obtain a RoLAAO variant capable of catalyzing 19 kinds of l-amino acids to the corresponding high-value α-keto acids with a high total turnover number, yield (≥95.1 g/L), conversion rate (≥95%), and space-time yields ≥142.7 g/L/d in 12-24 h, in a 5 L reactor. Our results indicated the promising potential of the developed RoLAAO variant for use in the industrial production of α-keto acids while providing a potential catalytic-mechanism-guided protein design strategy to achieve the desired physical and catalytic properties of enzymes.

Effect of Change of Agronomic Practices on Nutritive Value of Hybrid Fodder Sorghum Cultivated in Lowland Paddy Fields of the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of low fertilizer rate and irrigation along with increased plant density on nutritive value of hybrid fodder sorghum cultivated in lowland fallowed paddy fields in dry zone during May to September. Seeds were sown in Yala season and continued as a ratoon crop to inter-monsoonal (Third) season. Four agronomic management packages (AMP1, AMP2, AMP3 and AMP4), which differ in fertilizer application rates, plant spacing, and irrigation intervals were tested with two fodder sorghum varieties (SX-17 and Dairygreen) in a split-plot design. The initial and first ratoon crops were harvested at dough grain stage. High fertilizer rate in combination with short irrigation interval, resulted in high (P<0.05) crude protein content in the initial harvest. AMP2 and AMP4 produced equally high (P<0.05) total dry matter yield (DMY) for SX-17 (24.7 and 20.9 MT/ha, respectively) and Dairygreen (27.7 and 25.7 MT/ha, respectively) varieties. Total digestible organic matter, crude protein and metabolizable energy yields were higher under AMP2 and AMP4 compared to other two packages for both varieties. Nutritive value was high in SX-17 under AMP1 for ratoon crop. In conclusion, AMP4 with plant spacing of 45 x 15 cm, low fertilizer rate (338-47-28 kg/ha, urea-TSP-MOP) and extended irrigation interval, could be recommended for cultivation of hybrid fodder sorghum in lowland paddy fields in the dry zone during Yala season. However, for cultivating SX-17 targeting to produce fodder with high nutritive level, AMP1 with spacing of 45 x 30 cm, high fertilizer rate (400-62-37 kg/ha of urea-TSP-MOP) and frequent irrigation could be recommended.

Evaluation of local substrates as rice straw alternatives for oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation in resource-constrained Darchula, Nepal

Oyster mushroom cultivation, though cost-effective, faces constraints due to seasonality and substrate availability. An experimental study was conducted in the resource-constrained Darchula district of Nepal from February to May 2022. The aim was to identify and recommend economically sustainable alternatives to rice straw for oyster mushroom production using local substrates in regions with limited resources. Six treatments; rice straw (T1), banana leaves and pseudostem (T2), maize cob (T3), sawdust (T4), grass (Eulaliopsis sp.) (T5), and spent mushroom substrates (T6); were employed in a completely randomized design with four replications. Statistical analysis of growth and yield parameters revealed significant results (P values ranging from P>0.001 to P>0.05) across all parameters. The maize cob treatment exhibited a shorter spawn run period (20.50 days) and the earliest pinhead formation (25 days). The highest total yield (3.14 kg) across three flushes was obtained from paddy straw, followed by T2 and T5, yielding 2.05 kg and 1.43 kg, respectively. Sawdust, despite its larger stalk (1.23 cm) and pileus diameter (7.72 cm), had the lowest production (0.63 kg). Maximum biological efficiency was recorded for T1 (139.63%), followed by T2, T5, and T3, respectively. Economically, T1 resulted in the highest gross margin per 10 kg of substrate (NRs.1845.22) and the highest B:C ratio (2.51), followed by T5 and T2. These findings highlight the promise of locally abundant substrates such as banana leaves, pseudo stems, Eulaliopsis, and maize cobs as economically viable alternatives to rice straw in regions with limited straw availability or unsuitable climates for rice cultivation.

Evaluation of Rhizobial Inoculation in Comparison to Urea Fertilizer Application of Vegetable Bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris</em> L)

A field trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Rhizobium inoculation in comparison to nitrogen fertilizer (NF) application on vegetable bean in the Ankumbura area, Kandy district during the Maha 2018/19 season. Six treatments were employed comprising four NF levels (55, 110, 165, and 220 kg urea/ha), rhizobium inoculation without NF, and control with neither NF nor inoculant. The treatments were set out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Four NF levels were 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended level for vegetable bean by the Department of Agriculture (DOA). All the treatments received potassium and phosphorous according to DOA recommendations. Pod yield/m2, growth parameters, several nodule parameters, and weed biomasses were recorded. Total yield (t/ha) was calculated based on the pod harvest. A yield versus fertilizer response curve was developed using calculated yield data. The highest total yield (3.03t/ha) with the application of 220kg/ha of urea was not significantly different from the yield produced under inoculation without NF (2.93 t/ha). This implies that inoculation facilitates a possible replacement of NF. Number of root nodules (30) and number of leaves (36) were significantly higher with inoculation. Higher levels; of 75% and 100% of recommended NF reduced nodule dry weight. Pod length, diameter, and dry weight with 100% and 75% NF levels were not significantly different (p<0.05) from those with inoculation. The highest pod N-yield (0.0586 g) and shoot N-yield (0.253 g) were recorded with inoculation and 220kg/ha urea application respectively. Weed biomass was significantly reduced (70%) with inoculation compared to the highest NF treatment. The results indicate a potential avenue to decrease the need for chemical nitrogen fertilizer and use inoculation to manage weed growth in vegetable beans in the Ankumbura area.

Eco-friendly bitumen binders from heavy crude oil and a relaxation approach to predicting their resistance to rutting and cracking

Solvent deasphalting of crude oil is an environmentally unfriendly and hazardous process because of the volatility and explosiveness of the involved hydrocarbons (propane, butane, etc.), which also have low efficiency due to the proximity of their nature to the crude oil itself. A possible way to improve the efficiency of heavy compound removal is to switch from hydrocarbons to low-energy organosilicon liquids whose eco-friendliness can be enhanced by increasing the molecular weight up to the transition to polymers. This paper comparatively examines the deasphalting of heavy crude oil with hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and its polymeric form—polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) of various molecular weights—with an assessment of the rational disposal of resultant heavy byproducts as construction materials. The use of HMDSO leads to a brittle heavy product, which contains resins and other heavy oil compounds in addition to asphaltenes, with a high total yield of 38.7%. The use of oligomeric or polymeric PDMS (with a viscosity of 10, 100, or 1000 mm2/s) increases the yield of the heavy product to 50–62% by precipitation of a greater quantity of non-asphaltene compounds that make it more flexible, flowable when heated, and potentially applicable as a bitumen binder with a high heat resistance reaching 70 °C. All obtained heavy products are glass-forming liquids subject to the time–temperature superposition principle, allowing a rapid assessment of their operating properties at low and high temperatures for quick determination of the resistances to cracking and rutting, respectively. At the same time, deasphalting with siloxanes significantly reduces the viscosity of heavy oil (by 390 and 45 times with PDMS and HMDSO, respectively) at lower specific energy consumptions than those for deasphalting with traditional aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Prediction of some milk production traits using udder and teat measurements with a spotlight on their genetic background in Friesian cows

The aggregate udder shape (Bowl, Round, Cup), udder measurements (udder width, UW, udder front depth, UFD, udder rear depth, URD, udder levelness, ULV, udder heights, UH) and teat measurements (teat diameters, TD, front teat length, FTL, rear teat length, RTL, distance between front teats, DFT and distance between rear teats, DRT) were measured on 1300 Friesian cows located in a commercial farm under subtropical conditions (Egypt) to appraise udder and teats status and to evaluate the possible relationships with some milk production characteristics in conjunction with udder shape, age at first calving, sire and inbreeding effects on udder morphological traits and milk production ability. For such an available sample size, parity had affected (P < 0.01) UFD, TD, FTL and RTL. In addition, udder shape affected (P < 0.01) UW, UFD, URD, ULV and DFT. None of the other studied factors affected milk production traits. The bowl udder shape (P < 0.01) yielded a high total milk yield (3267.19 kg), adjusted milk yield (2443.01 kg) and lactation length (480.70 d) compared to other udder shapes. The genetic correlations of UW with total milk yield and persistency were strongly positive (0.86 and 0.93, respectively). However, strong negative genetic correlations were found between UW with peak milk yield and lactation length (− 0.92 and − 0.80, respectively), between RTL with peak milk yield (− 0.92) and DRT with persistency (− 0.79). As found from the stepwise multiple regression, UW and URD can be used as good indicators for predicting milk yield and lactation length. Additionally, this study spotlights the genetic background of udder characteristics based on reliable studies and the QTL database for cattle as a first step toward applying this knowledge side by side with phenotypic traits to improve the productivity of the Holstein breed under subtropical conditions.

Effect of Different Combinations of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under Rupandehi Condition

An experiment on effect of different combinations of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium on growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. ArkaAnamika was conducted at Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa, Rupandehi during February 2017 to June 2017. The experiment was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with seven treatments and three replications. The treatments 220:200:60 NPK Kg ha–1 (T1), 200:180:60 NPK Kg ha–1 (T2), 180:160:40 NPK Kg ha–1 (T3), 160:140:40 NPK Kg ha–1 (T4), 140:120:20 NPK Kg ha–1(T5), 120:100:20 NPK Kg ha–1 (T6) and Control (T7) were applied and the growth, yield and yield attributes of okra were studied. The result revealed that there were no significant differences (p=0.05 level by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test-DMRT) on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, fruit length, fruit diameter, average number of fruit per plant and average marketable yield to the effect of different combination of NPK levels. However, the result showed that average marketable yield and total yield was found significant over the control and also the highest total yield (43.21 Mt/ha) was obtained at 160:140:40NPK Kg ha–1.

Insights on structure and antioxidant properties of lignin extracted from Eucalyptus by deep eutectic solvent/2-methyltetrahydrofuran biphasic system treatment

A deep eutectic solvent (DES, choline chloride/lactic acid)/2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MTHF) biphasic system was proposed to deconstruct the recalcitrance of Eucalyptus under different conditions for efficient extraction of lignin (DES-phase lignin (D-L) and organic-phase lignin (O-L)). The recovered lignin had relatively high total yield (61.65–83.69 %), low molecular weight (2400–1440 g/mol), and high purity. Results showed that the D-L had relatively higher aliphatic OH contents but lower phenolic OH contents than that of corresponding O-L, and the antioxidant activity of the O-L was higher than that of the corresponding D-L. Additionally, the total phenolic OH contents of the recovered lignin (1.92–2.96 mmol/g) were much higher than that of double enzymatic lignin (DEL, 1.29 mmol/g) because of the breakage of β-O-4′ linkages of the lignin in DES phase. Overall, the lignin fractions recovered from the DES and 2-MTHF phase has obvious difference, which is beneficial to the diversified utilization of lignin.

Preparation and evaluation of a liquid fertilizer from lactic fermentation of weeds

A total of twenty mixtures of weed, B-Lac and molasses were prepared in order to evaluate an accelerated liquid fertilizer (ALF) based on these plants. A mixture of 85% weed: water (1:1), 10% molasses and 5% B-Lac showed the best characteristics and was reproduced at a pilot scale. ALF was applied to lettuce using the following treatments: one foliar application per week of 10 mL L-1 (FA1), two foliar applications per week of 10 mL L-1 (FA2), one drench application of 50 mL L-1 every week (DA1), a drench application of 50 mL L-1 every two weeks (DA2) and a control without application (CWA). The variables evaluated were total yield, commercial yield, fresh weight, height, head diameter, percentage of dry matter and the concentration of foliar nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The mixtures in the laboratory and pilot phase were evaluated in a completely randomized design. The field phase was assessed in a completely randomized block design with five treatments and four replications. No significant differences were found between the treatments, except in the percentage of dry matter and potassium content, where FA2 showed the best results (2.35% and 541 mg plant-1, respectively). The highest total yield (26.4 t ha-1) and commercial (24.11 t ha-1) were achieved with DA2; however, the nutritional content was lower than that in the other treatments. Using homolactic fermentation it was possible to recycle weeds and produce ALF, which has potential as a biofertilizer according to its chemical characterization and effects shown on lettuce cultivation.