Highest Total Yield Research Articles

Use of growth regulators and saprophytic fungi Trichoderma viride pers ex fr. to improve the health status of the soil in pepper field

The article presents studies on the influence of the microbiological product “Trichodermine”, bio-organic fertilizers and growth regulators based on humic acids „Nagro”, „Stimix”, „BioLife” and mineral fertilizers (NPK) on the biological activity of the soil, the degree of disease, caused by Alternaria capsici-annui Savul & Sandu and pepper yield in field production. It has been found that the differences in the "Soil Biological Activity" indicator depends on the number of micro-organisms, the composition (species diversity) and the percentage of major Micromycetes. Organic products help optimize soil health and reduce the total content of fungal colonies, and in the Micromycetes composition the fungus Trichoderma sp. is more common. When mineral fertilizers are introduced, the number of fungal pathogens and toxin producers increases. A higher total yield was obtained in variants with biological treatment. The increase in yield is between 9% and 29%.

Potential Adoption of the F2 Generation of Some TYLCV-Resistant Tomato Hybrids in Commercial Production under Natural Field Infection

The economic feasibility of using the tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) resistant F1 tomato hybrids (Solanum lycopersicum L.) may be improved with the possibility of using their F2 generation in commercial production. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the F1 and F2 generations of 15 TYLCV resistant/tolerant commercial tomato hybrids during the 2018 and 2019 fall season to identify the best hybrids and F2 populations for commercial production. Both F1 and F2 populations were evaluated separately for TYLCV resistance, yield, and fruit quality traits. Broad sense heritability (H2b) values of TYLCV-resistance were high, being > 60% in hybrids 186, Goldstone, Rabha, SV0922 and SV8320 in both seasons. F1 and F2 populations of ‘186’, ‘Dania’, ‘PS550’, ‘Rozalina’, ‘SV0922’, ‘SV8320’, and ‘Tyrmes’ had the highest total yield (TY)/plant, low TYLCV disease (TYLCVD) mean scores, acceptable fruit quality traits, and average fruit weight > 80 g. Desirable inbreeding depression (ID) values were observed for TYLCVD-mean score in F2 populations of most evaluated hybrids; for TY/plant in F2 populations of ‘SV3773’ in both seasons, and in populations of ‘186’, ‘448’, ‘Goldstone’, ‘Rabha’, ‘SV8320’ and ‘SV0922’ in the second season. Most hybrids had desirable significant ID values for fruit quality traits. Accordingly, it is concluded that the F2 populations of hybrids 186, SV0922 and SV8320 may be used in commercial tomato production under TYLCV-infection in fall season, as these populations recorded high h2b values for TYLCV-resistance trait and desirable ID for TYLCV-resistance, yield, and fruit quality traits.

A 1,2,3-triazole-based Chiral Fluorescence Sensor for the Sensitive Recognition of Ferric Ion

A chiral fluorescent sensor containing (S)-BINOL and 1, 2, 3-triazole moieties was synthesized via through a nucleophilic substitution reaction and a click reaction with high total yield. The fluorescence responses of chiral compounds W1 and ferric ion were investigated by a fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence emission intensity of W1 at λ = 390 nm (λex = 300 nm) was quenched quickly upon the coordination with a ferric ion while other metal ions had no obvious change.

Polyphenols from Nerone Gold 26/6, a new pigmented rice, via non‐conventional extractions: antioxidant properties and biological validation

AbstractBACKGROUNDPigmented rice is rich in coloured molecules known as anthocyanins, which exhibit a strong antioxidant activity and are used as additives to improve both the aspect and nutraceutical value of food.RESULTSIn this work, Nerone Gold 26/6 was employed as raw material for the extraction of antioxidants varying solvents and the operating conditions by evaluating three different techniques, i.e., (1) conventional solid–liquid extraction, (2) high pressure and temperature extraction, and (3) ultrasound‐assisted extraction. The quality of extracts was assayed by determining their total polyphenol yield, total flavonoid yield, total anthocyanin yield, and the antioxidant activity by spectrophotometric analyses, as well as the phenolic profile by high performance liquid chromatography. High pressure and temperature extraction presented the highest content of polyphenols (14.0 ± 1.10 mggallic acid equivalents/gdried biomass) using a green solvent as ethanol 70% (v/v), while ultrasound‐assisted extraction carried out for 20 min showed the highest anthocyanin content (7.5 ± 0.94 mgmalvidin equivalents/gdried biomass). Both of the extracts were biologically validated on human endothelial cells.CONCLUSIONAmong the non‐conventional techniques, high pressure and temperature extraction at 60 °C and ultrasound‐assisted extraction for 20 min provided high total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin yields and antioxidant activities compared to solid–liquid extraction. Both extracts were well tolerated by endothelial cells in a concentration ranging from 0.0125 to 0.0500 mggallic acid equivalents/mLextract. Finally, solid phase extraction was responsible of a further increase of the extract biocompatibility. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Continuous foam flotation harvesting with enhanced drainage: Overcoming the recovery-enrichment paradox

Microalgae are promising sources of sustainable biofuels, however high harvesting and enriching costs hamper economic competitiveness. Foam flotation––a low-cost, low-energy adsorptive bubble separation technique––may bridge this gap, yet its efficiency and adoption is compromised by a perceived trade-off (based on batch operation) between two key performance indicators: recovery percentage (R%) and concentration factor (biomass enrichment ratio; CF). Previously, we challenged this ‘recovery-enrichment paradox’ under continuous operation (R% 95, CF 173), but performance fell short of expectation. Here, we present a redesign based on the concepts of process intensification, by incorporating a drainage riser, delivering concomitantly high R% (91) and CF (722), retaining low power consumption (0.052 kWh m−3 of algae culture) with high total suspended solids yield (14.6%). This compares very favorably with other dewatering/harvesting techniques, overcoming the ‘recovery-enrichment paradox’. Our significant intensification of the foam flotation process will accelerate the advent of economically sustainable microalgae derived biofuels.

Exploring Morpho-Physiological Variation for Heat Stress Tolerance in Tomato.

Texas tomato production is vulnerable to extreme heat in the spring-summer cropping period, which is exacerbated by the lack of superior genetic materials that can perform well in such environments. There is a dire need for selecting superior varieties that can adapt to warm environments and exhibit high yield stability under heat stress conditions. This research aimed at identifying heat-tolerant varieties under heat-stress conditions in controlled and open-field environments and was carried out in three stages. For the first experiment, 43 varieties were screened based on yield responses in natural open-field environment. From those, 18 varieties were chosen and exposed to control (greenhouse: 26/20 °C) and constant heat-stress (growth-chamber: 34/24 °C) conditions for three months. Measurements were done for chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content (SPAD), plant height, stem diameter and heat injury index (HII). The last experiment was conducted in an open field with a pool of varieties selected from the first and second experiments. Leaf gas exchange, leaf temperature, chlorophyll fluorescence, SPAD value, electrolyte leakage, heat injury index and yield were assessed. From the combined studies, we concluded that heat-tolerant genotypes selected by using chlorophyll fluorescence and HII in controlled heat-stress conditions also exhibited heat-tolerance in open-field environments. Electrolyte leakage and HII best distinguished tomato varieties in open-field environments as plants with low electrolyte leakage and HII had higher total yield. ‘Heat Master,’ ‘New Girl,’ ‘HM-1823,’ ‘Rally,’ ‘Valley Girl,’ ‘Celebrity,’ and ‘Tribeca’ were identified as high heat-tolerant varieties. Through trait correlation analysis we provide a better understanding of which traits could be useful for screening and breeding other heat-tolerant tomato varieties.

The effect of year and genotype on productivity and quality of potato

The study presents results of a three-year experiment of variability of different potato varieties in Montenegro: early maturity varieties (Riviera), medium early (Almera, Aladin and Bounty) and medium late (Agria, Margarita, Kennebec and Desiree). The research was conducted during 2015, 2016 and 2017, in acid, brown soil and three different climatic locations: Nedakusi (556 m a.s.l.), Sutivan (680 m a.s.l.) and Orahovica (900 m a.s.l.). Field experiments were set up using standard methodology in random block design in three repetitions. The analysis of variance suggest that number of tubers per plant, mean tuber weight, yield of small tubers, marketable and total yields were significantly fluctuating depending on genotype (G), year (Y) and the location (L). In addition to individual influences of different factors, their interactions were also pronounced (G x Y, G x L, Y x L, G x Y x L). In the three-year period average, the highest total yield was recorded in Nedakusi (31.41 t ha-1), followed by Sutivan (21.35 t ha-1), while the lowest average yield (17.36 t ha-1) was recorded in Orahovica. As expected, on the three-year average, the highest percentage of dry matter was found in late varieties Agria - 25.46%, then Desiree - 25.33%, followed by Kennebec with 25.13%, while the lowest percentage of dry matter was found in medium early variety Almera - 20.82%. The highest average yield of tubers in the three-year period was recorded in the Aladin variety, followed by Agria and Desiree, while the lowest average yield was recorded in the variety Riviera. Obtained results show that the highest yields over observed locations were recorded in medium early varieties that formed high number of tubers per plant (Aladin) and medium late varieties (Desiree and Agria) give satisfactory and stable yields.

Study on improved protocol for the synthesis of propacetamol hydrocloride

(4-Acetamidophenyl) 2-(diethylamino) acetate hydrochloride (propacetamol) is a prodrug of pacetaminophenol (paracetamol). Propacetamol is usually administered intravenously and has a rapid analgesic effect. Moreover, propacetamol is water soluble and is used in postoperative care when the patients cannot take oral or rectal p-acetaminophenol. Studies on propacetamol synthesis on laboratory scale as well as industrial scale with safe, simple and economic procedures are crucial. Over the last few years, a number of studies have been demonstrating the advantages of replacing the traditional heating methods with microwave irradiation. The improved procedure for synthesizing (4-acetamidophenyl) 2-(diethylamino) acetate hydrochloride with N-(4- hydroxyphenyl) acetamide as the starting material is described in this study. Reaction conditions including molar ratio, solvent, catalyst and reaction time were evaluated in order to enhance the synthesis performance. The structure of products obtained after each reaction were determined by using HPLC, MS and NMR methods. The results show a simple process and short reaction time for synthesis of propacetamol from p-acetaminophenol as the starting material. Additionally, the quality and purity of final products meet pharmaceutical standards and high total reaction yield is achieved through the application of microwaves with the suitable catalysts and organic solvents.

Efficacy of new insecticides against okra shoot and fruit borer, Earias vitella (Fb.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

A field study conducted to evaluate the efficacy of new molecules against okra shoot and fruit borer, Earias vitella (Fb.) during rabi and summer season revealed that Chlorantraniliprole 8.8% + Thiamethoxam17.5% SC @ 0.7 ml/l significantly reduced the percentage of shoot and fruit damage. No shoot and fruit infestation was recorded at seven and fourteen days after treatment. It was on par with the standard check Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.3 ml/l followed by Novaluron 10 EC @ 2 ml/l and Lamdacyhalothrin 4.6% + Chlorantraniliprole 9.3% ZC. Chlorantraniliprole 8.8% + Thiamethoxam17.5% SC treated plots recorded highest total yield of 469.86 and 594.31 g/plant respectively. Maximum marketable yield was also recorded from Chlorantraniliprole 8.8% + Thiamethoxam17.5% SC treated plots respectively. Chlorantraniliprole 8.8% + Thiamethoxam17.5% SC also showed high benefit-cost ratio of 2.42 and 3.12 during rabi and summer season respectively.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates and Intra-row Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of ‘Improved Huruta‘ Shallot Variety (Allium cepa var.ascalonicum) at Haramaya, Eastern Ethiopia

Agronomic practices for the newly released shallot variety have not been conducted in Eastern Ethiopia. To assess the effect of nitrogen fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing, a field experiment was conducted in 2017 which consisted of seven rates of nitrogen (0, 25, 50, 75,100,125 and 150 kg N ha-1) and three intra-row spacing (7.5, 10 and 12.5 cm) in factorial combination and it was laid out in a RCBD with three replications. Results of the analysis revealed that all bulb yield and yield components of the variety were highly significantly influenced by the main effects of nitrogen fertilizer and intra-row spacing. Moreover, the interaction of nitrogen fertilizer and intra-row spacing significantly influenced days to maturity, plant height, and average bulb weight and bulb dry matter. The application of 125 kg N ha-1gave high total and marketable bulb yield advantage of 32.45% (13.89 t ha-1) and 40.8% (15.47 t ha-1), respectively over the control. Plants spaced at 7.5 cm had total and marketable bulb yield advantage of 35.94% (14.54 t ha-1) and 32.83% (12.42 t ha-1), respectively over plants spaced at 12.5 cm. Therefore, intra-row spacing of 7.5 cm with the application of 125 kg N ha-1 is used for optimum yield in the study area although further research should be needed to come up with conclusive recommendation.

Nitrogen Fertilizer Management and Cultivar Selection for Cabbage Production in the Southeastern United States

Soil nitrogen (N) is easily leached in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) production areas of southeastern United States characterized by sandy soils with low water-holding capacity. Soil N leaching in these areas is increased after rainfall events; consequently, growers increase the fertilizer N application to protect against N deficiencies and yield loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three fertilizer N rates on yield and head quality for common cabbage cultivars used by Florida and Georgia growers during four cabbage growing seasons. Field experiments were conducted in Hastings, FL, in 2016 and 2017, and in Tifton, GA, in 2018 and 2019. A randomized complete block design was used with a split-plot design of fertilizer N rate and cabbage cultivar. Fertilizer N rate treatments consisted of the application of 170, 225, and 280 lb/acre N and were assigned as the main plot. Cabbage cultivars Bravo, Bronco, Bruno, Capture, Cheers, and Ramada were assigned as the sub-plots. Weather conditions were monitored during all growing seasons, and total, marketable, and unmarketable yields, as well as cabbage head polar and equatorial diameters, and core height and width were measured. In Florida, there was a significant interaction for growing season and fertilizer N rate. The Florida 2016 cabbage season experienced 10.5 inches of rainfall, and fertilizer N rates had no effect on cabbage yields. Total and marketable yield averaged 45,391 and 38,618 lb/acre among fertilizer N rates in 2016, respectively. Rainfall accumulated 2.1 inches during the 2017 study in Florida, which was less than the crop evapotranspiration. In response, total and marketable yield were higher for the applications of 225 lb/acre N (51,865 and 49,335 lb/acre, respectively) and 280 lb/acre N (54,564 and 52,219 lb/acre, respectively) compared with the application of 170 lb/acre N (47,929 and 43,710 lb/acre, respectively). In Georgia, there were no significant interactions between production season and fertilizer N rates. In addition, there were no significant main effects of season or fertilizer N rate. Rainfall events accumulated 20.9 and 7.8 inches during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons, respectively. Total and marketable yields averaged 37,290 and 33,355 lb/acre, respectively for the two growing seasons in Georgia. Cabbage cultivar had no interaction with fertilizer N rate in any location. ‘Cheers’ (52,706 lb/acre) had the highest total yield in Florida, and ‘Ramada’ (38,462 lb/acre) and ‘Bronco’ (39,379 lb/acre) had the highest total yields in Georgia. In conclusion, the application of 225 lb/acre N was sufficient to sustain cabbage yields, but yields of the 170- and 225-lb/acre N treatments were not different when rainfall events exceeded crop evapotranspiration.

The yield and the quality of crushed cereals from the polba wheat grain

The article presents the results of research on the yield of crushed cereals, its culinary quality depending on the index of grain peeling of different varieties of spelled wheat. Holikovska wheat grain and LP 1152 line were used as raw materials for cereal production. A significant (p≤0.05) effect on the total yield of crushed cereals of different grain peeling duration was established. A decrease in the total yield of cereals was accompanied by an increase in the yield of flour. The use of larger grains (line LP 1152) provides a significant increase in the total yield of crushed cereals. Peeling of grain helped to reduce the total yield of cereals and crushed cereals № 1 and № 2. At the same time, there was an increase in the yield of fine fraction of cereals № 3. The use of grain with a higher content of shells provides a higher yield of larger grains. The total yield of wheat spelled from line LP 1152 varied from 83.6 to 86.0 % depending on the grain husking index. When using grain, the yield of cereals № 1 was 9.3±0.3 %, cereals №2 – 54.5±0.6, cereals № 3 – 22.2±0.9 %. The use of husking of spelled wheat grain reduced the yield of cereals №1 to 6.0±0.3 %, cereals № 2 – to 50.4±0.4 %. The grain yield №3 increased to 27.2±0.7 % in the variant with the highest peeling index. The lowest amount of flour (9.0 %) was obtained using unhulled grain. Peeling causes an increase in yield to 11.5 % with the use of hulled grain (peeling index 11 %). No association has been established between mechanical losses, category I, II wastes, and the use of grain husking. The total yield of Holikovska spelled wheat groats varied from 77.5 to 76.0 % depending on the grain-husking index. The yield of cereals by numbers varied like a line of spelled wheat. The main importance in changing the duration of cooking, boiling ratio and organoleptic characteristics is the coefficient of grain peeling. Varietal features did not have a significant impact and had similar meanings. The reduction in cooking time was observed with an increase in the index of grain peeling, as well as with the use of cereals of a smaller fraction. The main factor that influenced the improvement of the overall culinary quality of cereals is the improvement of color and consistency during chewing because of increasing the peeling index. With a grain-peeling index of 3–6 %, the culinary quality was at a high level. Very high culinary quality of cereals is ensured by the use of grain husking for 120–160 s (peeling index 9–11 %). When producing crushed groats from spelled wheat grain, it is optimal to use LP 1152 grain with a peeling index of 3–6 %. This ensures a high total yield of cereals (85.0–84.6 %) and high culinary quality of porridge. Key words: spelled wheat, grain, peeling, crushed groats, culinary evaluation.

Regulated Deficit Irrigation and Onion (Allium cepa L.) Yield Response on Water Productivity

Irrigation is the only solution to improve crop production and productivity thereby contributing towards food security, self-sufficiency and export market. The efficient use of water by irrigation system is becoming increasingly important in arid and semi-arid regions with limited water resources. The Experiment was conducted in Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center with the Regulated Deficit Irrigation and Onion (Allium cepa L.) Yield Response on Water Productivity in Ethiopia during 2017/2018 cropping season. The objective of the experiment was identify the pin point of water stress threshold value of onion under deficit irrigation and investigate the effect of alternate, fixed and conventional furrow irrigation methods on crop yield and water productivity under deficit irrigation. The experimental treatments had three furrow irrigation methods, (alternate furrow irrigation (AFI), fixed furrow irrigation (FFI) and conventional furrow irrigation (CFI)) and two deficit irrigation levels of application, viz., 85 % ETc, and70 % ETc and a control irrigation of 100%ETc. The design of the experimental plot was split plot in RCBD arrangement and replicated three times. The three furrow irrigation methods were arranged as main plots and the deficit levels as sub plots a total of nine (9) treatment combinations. All collected data, were statistically analyzed using SAS 9.1 statistical software. The experimental study result showed that bulb diameter, unmarketable bulb yield and total bulb yield of onion were highly significance difference (p<0.001) both in furrow irrigation methods and irrigation levels. Likewise diameter of onion also gave highest on CFI and 100%ETc irrigation water application level which is 6.69cm and 6.94cm respectively. According to the results obtained, the highest total yield was recorded for the treatment of 100%ETc irrigation water application and AFI of the furrow irrigation method 38947kgha -1 and 35920kgha -1 respectively however, the lowest total bulb yield of 30253kg ha -1 and 29135kg ha -1 were recorded when FFI system was applied and in 70%ETc of water applied. Bulb height of onion was highly significance difference (p<0.001) only on deficit irrigation levels. On the other hand, marketable bulb yield, irrigation water use efficiency and crop water use efficiency were significance difference (P ≤ 0.05) by the interaction of furrow irrigation methods and deficit irrigation levels. The highest average marketable bulb yield of onion was obtained 42219kgha -1 on CFI with the combination of 100%ETc irrigation level in addition to this IWUE and CWUE both are recorded highest result on 70%ETc and AFI furrow irrigation method. Generally, among all irrigation treatments 70%ETc deficit irrigation level applied under AFI method was efficient in conserving significant irrigation water. Therefore, it could be concluded that, AFI can save a substantial amount of water and labor without highly reduction of onion yield and the lowest CWUE and IWUE was gave FFI followed by CFI. Keywords: Alternate furrow irrigation, Conventional furrow irrigation, Deficit irrigation, fixed furrow irrigation, Onion DOI: 10.7176/JRDM/71-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2020

Evaluation of Genotypes and Association of Traits in Watermelon Across Two Southern Texas Locations

Watermelon is the most important horticultural crop in Texas and is grown across the state under diverse environments. Our study was conducted in the southern region of Texas to understand genotype-by-environment interactions and the contribution of yield components to yield. To accomplish this, twenty genotypes were evaluated for important traits and characteristics at two locations, Uvalde and Weslaco TX, for two years, 2018 and 2019. The genotypes were evaluated for total yield, total fruit count, total soluble solids, rind thickness, fruit length, diameter and weight. Genotype-by-environment (G x E) interaction was not significant, possibly due to similarity in climatic conditions and nutrient management practices. In the grouped analysis, cultivars Crimson Diamond, Sunshade and the breeding line TAM 2 had a higher total yield. Path analysis showed a high direct effect for total fruit count and fruit diameter of 0.89 and 0.85, respectively. However, total fruit count had a high indirect effect of −0.44. Fruit weight was the only trait that showed a significant (p < 0.01) correlation towards total yield at r = 0.58. Neither of the high direct effects, total fruit count and fruit diameter, had a significant correlation. The study inferred that breeding resources could be optimized by reducing the testing location to only one representative location for measured traits in southern Texas. The indirect selection of total fruit or fruit diameter could result in better yield. The study suggested selecting for optimum total fruit and fruit diameter for higher yield.

Phytochemicals and volatile compounds of peanut red skin extract: simultaneous coloration and in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles for multifunctional viscose fibers

The development of high-performance fabrics/fibers using green chemistry is a formidable challenge. Natural plant extracts are attracting increasing interest for use in the production of sustainable textile surfaces with a wide range of functional properties and environmental benefits. Peanut red skin, as a byproduct of the peanut industry, is abundant, inexpensive, and readily available. Peanut red skin is a rich source of bioactive compounds but has a low economic value. The current study presents a new sustainable and ecofriendly approach to imparting textiles with multifunctional properties using the extract of peanut red skin. This approach included two steps. The first step was aimed to evaluate the effect of different solvents such as water, ethanol, and hexane on the phytochemical and volatile compounds extracted from peanut red skin using microwave heating to select the best solvent for extraction of bioactive compounds from peanut red skin. The second step was focused on the feasibility of dyeing viscose fibers or simultaneously dyeing and incorporating silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) onto viscose fibers using the aqueous extract of peanut red skin. HS–GC–MS analysis showed a substantial variation in the concentrations of the components depending on the extraction solvent. The aqueous extract had the highest total yield (7.9%), total phenolic content (76.4 ± 1.07 mg/100 mL), total flavonoid content (31.6 ± 1.12 mg/100 mL), and antioxidant activity (88 ± 2.15%). Analysis of the aqueous extract using high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the existence of 21 natural compounds, including 14 phenolic compounds and 7 flavonoid compounds. Subsequently, viscose fibers simultaneously dyed and incorporation with Ag NPs through an in situ green synthesis showed excellent antimicrobial activities against different microorganisms and high antioxidant activity, as well as good UV protection.

EFFECT OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF FYM AND UREA IN CABBAGE GROWN ON CLAY LOAM SOIL, DANG, NEPAL

A field experiment was conducted at the field of CAMPUS OF LIVE SCIENCES, Dang having clay loam soil to evaluate effect of integrated management of FYM and urea in cabbage. This experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) having six treatments with three replications. Golden Ball variety of cabbage was selected for this research as a test crop. The application of FYM and urea shows significant result on the plant height, number of leaves, length of plant, head diameter and biomass yield. The maximum head diameter was observed in treatment 50%FYM +50% UREA (14.31cm).The highest total yield (9.63Mt/ha) and highest economic yield (6.16Mt/ha) was obtained from treatment 50%UREA +50 %FYM which was similar with recommend rate of fertilizer for cabbage. The highest soil pH (6.40), soil moister content (40.46%), the lowest bulk density (1.12g/cm3) was obtained from FYM application. The highest organic matter content (1.46) was also observed from FYM application. The most of the soil properties were enhanced by application of FYM and UREA. Furthermore, FYM played important role in maintaining soil physical property. In addition, this study indicates the possibility of FYM application to reduce nutrient risk by enhancing physio-chemical properties of clay loam soil. This result will helpful for the student and scientists in further research to increase the productivity and for the improvement of soil property.

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization sources on the potato crop yield (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a demanding crop regarding fertilization practices, and its productivity also depends on the variety used, environmental conditions, soil fertility, and crop management. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the interaction of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization sources on potato crop yield. A randomized block design with a 3×3 factorial arrangement, nine treatments, and four repetitions was established. INIA-303 Canchan was the variety evaluated using three nitrogen fertilization sources: ammonium nitrate (AN), ammonium sulfate (AS), and urea. Also, three phosphorus sources were used: monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), and triple superphosphate (TSP). Total yield, commercial yield, tuber number per plant, and tuber weight per plant were studied. INIA-303 Canchan variety showed positive responses to the combinations of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization according to the soil and climate conditions where the research was carried out. AN+DAP was the combination with the highest total yield, commercial yield, number, and weight of tubers per plant (P<0.01).The fertilization mixtures of AN+DAP, AS+MAP, and AN+MAP, applied on the INIA-303 Canchan potato variety, can be recommended to achieve yields between 32.45 t ha-1 and 33.98 t ha-1

KAJIAN TEKANAN PADA ISOLASI BEBERAPA SENYAWA MINYAK NILAM (Pogostemon cablin Benth) DENGAN METODE DISTILASI FRAKSINASI

In the fractional distillation process, the pressure that used is one of the important factors determining the operating conditions to obtain optimal product. This research aims to determine the effect of pressure on the fractinal distillation process of patchouli oil. The research method that used in this research was an experimental method with descriptive analysis. This research was conducted with three treatments that is different pressure treatments and repeated twice. The pressure treatments that used in the fractional distillation process are A = 5 mmHg, B = 10 mmHg, and C = 15 mmHg and arranged to produce five (5) fractions of each treatment. The parameters that measured including the yield of fractional distillation, distillation process time, specific gravity, and refractive index. The lower the pressure used in the distillation process, the greater the yield and the faster the distillation process time. The results of this research indicate that the variation of pressure that used does not have a significant effect on the characteristics of patchouli oil such as specific gravity and refractive index. The application of 5 mmHg pressure is good enough to separate the distillate yield into 5 fractions and is more efficient because it obtains the highest total yield of 93.5% with a distillation process time of 18.16 hours.

Rice Yield Gaps in Smallholder Systems of the Kilombero Floodplain in Tanzania

To meet the growing rice demand in Africa, gaps between actual and attainable yields have to be reduced. In Tanzania, this particularly concerns smallholder rain-fed production systems in the floodplains. After quantifying the existing yield gaps, key contributing factors need to be analyzed to improve site-specific management. Field experiments were conducted for three years and in three pedo-hydrological environments (fringe, middle, and center positions) of the Kilombero floodplain to evaluate: (1) The grain yield under farmers’ management (actual yield), (2) yield with the best-recommended management (attainable yield), and (3) the non-limited yield simulated by the APSIM model (potential yield). In the field, we additionally assessed incremental effects of (1) field bunding and soil levelling, (2 and 3) additionally applying of 60 kg N ha−1, as urea or as farmyard manure (FYM), and (4 and 5) incorporating in-situ-grown leguminous green manures. Attainable yields were determined with mineral N application at 120 kg ha−1, additional PK fertilizer and supplemental irrigation. On average across years and positions, the potential, the attainable, and farmers’ actual yields were 11.5, 8.5, and 2.8 t ha−1 indicating a high total yield gap. About 16–38%, 11–20%, and 28–42% of this gap could be attributed to non-controllable yield-reducing (i.e., pest and diseases), yield-limiting (i.e., water and nutrient deficiencies), and yield-defining factors (i.e., poor soil and crop management), respectively. Results indicate a closure of the exploitable yield gap (differences between attainable and farmers’ actual yields) by up to 6.5 t ha−1 (nearly 60% of the potential yield). This exploitable yield gap was larger in 2016 than in 2017. Also, the gap was larger in the water-limited fringe and middle than in the frequently submerged center positions. Simple field bunds combined with land levelling could close 15–35% of the exploitable yield gap, depending on field positions and year. FYM or green manures were less effective than mineral N; however, in 2017 and in the wetter middle and center positions, they reduced the yield gap by >50%. We conclude that yield gaps in rainfed rice in Kilombero floodplain are large, but that a site- and system-specific adaptation of crop management can close much of the exploitable yield gap and increase grain yields by 0.7–4.8 t ha−1. Similar benefits may be obtained in other hydrologically variable floodplain environments of the region and beyond.

Using taurine to increase mesopores in Ce‐based metal–organic framework for enhancing the production of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural and 5‐ethoxymethylfurfural from fructose

AbstractBACKGROUND5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 5‐ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF) are biomass‐based value‐added chemicals. Various catalytic systems have been studied for converting fructose into HMF and EMF. A more efficient and stable solid acid catalyst is highly desirable for the conversion process.RESULTSIn this study, a novel taurine‐involved Ce metal organic framework material (T‐CeMOF) was synthesized by coordinating Ce to 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) in the presence of taurine. T‐CeMOF was analyzed with Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscoy (TEM), and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis. Results showed that the presence of taurine makes T‐CeMOF have a much larger specific pore volume than Ce based metal‐organic framwork (CeMOF), which was synthesized by coordinating Ce with the ligand BTC in absence of taurine. It is implied that T‐CeMOF has many more swinging carboxyl groups on the surface than CeMOF. In addition, the sulfonic acid group of taurine is introduced into T‐CeMOF. All of these contribute toward making sure that T‐CeMOF is effective for the conversion of fructose to HMF and EMF in ethanol. Under the catalysis of T‐CeMOF, the total yield of HMF and EMF reached 78.4% within 1 h. T‐CeMOF could be recycled and the catalytic activity of the catalyst was maintained after five cycles.CONCLUSIONT‐CeMOF can be synthesized at room temperature and it achieved a high total yield of HMF and EMF in ethanol within 1 h. T‐CeMOF opens a new route for one‐pot conversion of abundant and cheap fructose‐based biomass into promising biochemicals. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)