Higher Dry Matter Research Articles

Protein and carbohydrate profiles of a diploid and a tetraploid red clover cultivar

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is characterized by high dry matter (DM) yield and a high nutritive value. It has a higher concentration of soluble carbohydrate than lucerne and its protein is less degradable in the rumen than lucerne protein. The aim of this study was to quantify the main crude protein (CP) and carbohydrate (CHO) fractions of a tetraploid (4n, cv K-32) and a diploid (2n, cv K-39) red clover cultivar harvested at three stages of development in the spring growth. Results showed that the cultivar and stage of development had a large impact on chemical composition and the protein and carbohydrate fractions determined by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). The rapidly degradable protein fraction (PA) was significantly higher in the tetraploid (272 to 287 g kg-1 CP with advancing plant development) than in the diploid red clover cultivar (214 to 268 g kg-1 CP). Rumen degradable carbohydrate concentration was not affected by cultivar but it was significantly influenced by the stage of development. The concentration of rumen degradable protein decreased from 726 to 655 g kg-1 CP with advancing plant development in the diploid red clover cultivar. In conclusion, the tetraploid red clover cultivar was higher in CP, its protein was more rapidly degradable, and it was characterized by lower concentrations of lignin and unavailable carbohydrate fractions than the diploid cultivar.

CHARACTERIZATION OF FORAGE, SWEET AND BIOMASS SORGHUM FOR AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND ENSILABILITY

This study evaluated sorghum cultivars’ agronomic performance and ensilability with different purpose. The experiment was conducted in Sinop/MT in the 2020 growing season. Eight experimental hybrids from Embrapa (forages 15F30005 and 15F30006, sweet CMSXS 5027, 5030, 5043, and 5045, and biomass 2019B008 and CMSXS 7501), and seven commercial hybrids (forages BRS 658, BRS 659, Volumax, BRS Ponta Negra, the sweet BRS 511, and biomass BRS 716 and AGRI-002E) were planted in a randomized block design, with 15 treatments and three replicates. The highest yields in green matter belonged to the group formed by BRS 716 and CMSXS 5043, with an average of 101.9 Mg ha-1. The group with the highest dry matter productivity was formed by the cultivars AGRI-002E and BRS 716, with a 28.77 Mg ha-1 average. BRS 716, AGRI-002E, BRS 658, and 659 showed higher dry matter contents (DM), with 297.7 g kg-1 of DM. For buffering capacity, BRS 511 had the lowest value, with 16.2 g kg-1 DM. BRS 511 and CMSXS 5030 presented the highest average, 391.7 g kg-1 DM for water soluble carbohydrates. All genotypes showed potential to be ensiled and produce silages with a good fermentation pattern.

Response Mechanisms of "Hass" Avocado to Sequential 1-methylcyclopropene Applications at Different Maturity Stages during Cold Storage.

1–Methylcyclopropene (1–MCP) is used for extending the postharvest life of the avocado during storage. Evaluated the effect of 1–MCP application at different times after harvest, i.e., 0, 7, 14, and 21 d at 5 °C, to identify the threshold of the ethylene inhibition response in “Hass” avocado. Our results showed that fruits from two maturity stages at harvest: low dry matter (20–23%) and high dry matter (27%). Changes in ethylene production rates and transcript accumulation of genes involved in ethylene metabolism were measured at harvest and during storage. 1–MCP treated fruit up to 14 d of storage showed similar values of firmness and skin color as fruit treated at harvest time. In contrast, when the application was performed after 21 d, the fruit showed ripening attributes similar to those of the untreated ones. To further understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for the lack of response to 1–MCP at 21 d of storage, transcriptomic analysis was performed. Gene ontology analyses based on the DEG analysis showed enrichment of transcripts involved in the ‘response to ethylene’ for both maturity stages. All genes evaluated showed similar expression profiles induced by cold storage time, with a peak at 21 d of storage and an increased softening of the fruit and peel color. This was a two-year field study, and results were consistent across the two experimental years. Our results should help growers and markets in selecting the optimal timing of 1–MCP application in “Hass” avocados and should contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of the avocado ripening process.

Screening for Export Potential Potato Varieties in Bangladesh

Aims: The main aim of this study was to find out the suitable variety having the export potentiality.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with the two replications in each location.
 Place of the Study: The study was conducted in ten different agroecological environments across the country, namely Bogura, Jashore, Munshiganj, Gazipur, Patuakhali, Faridpur, Debiganj, Madaripur, Thakurgaon and Rangpur district of Bangladesh during November 2020 to March 2021.
 Methodology: Sixty-two released potato varieties and exotic materials were used as planting materials for the experiment. Whole seed tubers of 28–40 mm were planted in the last week of November with a spacing of 60 cm between the rows and 20 cm between the plants. The crops were harvested at full maturity during March. Tuber yield was determined by adding the weights of marketable and unmarketable tubers from the net plot area and converting them to tons per hectare. After that, the tubers were graded in different grades and the dry matter of the potato was analyzed.
 Results: Considering the results, the location Rangpur, Thakurgaon, Debiganj and Bogura are the most suitable place for export variety cultivation in Bangladesh. The potato variety and genotypes 13.7, BARI Alu-12, BARI Alu-61, BARI Alu-68, BARI Alu-73 and Innovator were found promising for export for their yield, tuber size and dry matter content.
 Conclusion: The variety having good yield, bigger size and high dry matter could be selected for export from Bangladesh and the better-performed regions can be utilized for export quality potato production in Bangladesh.

Effect of water salinity stress on dates biometric and biochemical characteristics

The problem of salinity of irrigation water in palm groves has led us to conduct this study based on the comparison of the quality of dates Deglet Nour and Ghars from two farming systems in the region of El-Oued according to the EC irrigation water. Salt stress in El'Ghout causes in both varieties a regression of biometric characteristics, pH, EC, water content and dry matter, while total sugars are high. The dates of the farm are more voluminous, less acidic, with high ash content, dry matter and high electrical conductivity. According to standards Algerian of date classification reveals that the characteristics of Deglet Nour dates of El'Ghout are more damaged by the salinity of the environment. The two varieties of the farm have better characteristics than those of El'Ghout. It also appears that the salinity of water improves the sugar content of dates

Effect of Seeding Ratios of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana) Mixtures on Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Quality of the Fodder

The study was conducted at Adami Tulu on-station and Shashemene (FTC) sites for two (2019-2020) consecutive years with the objective to determine the appropriate proportions of seeding ratio that could optimize the dry matter yield and quality of Alfalfa and Rhodes grass mixture. The treatment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Different seeding ratios of Alfalfa and Rhodes grass were arranged according to the following treatments: T1; 100% Alfalfa +0 % Rhodes, T2; 0% Alfalfa +100% Rhodes, T3; 50% Alfalfa +50% Rhodes, T4; 75% Alfalfa +25% Rhodes and T5; 25% Alfalfa +75% Rhodes. The results showed that number of tillers per plant of Rhodes grass and leaf to stem ratio of alfalfa, CP% content, NDF% and ADF% were showed a significance (p<0.05) difference among the seeding ratios. The result indicated that seeding ratio has significant (p<0.05) effect on the total dry matter yield of the mixture of alfalfa and Rhodes at both sites. The highest dry matter yield (8.47 t ha-1 ) was obtained from seeding ratio of 25:75, followed by seeding ratio of 50:50 (7.84 tha-1 ). The land equivalent ratios for the mixture were more than one showing that mixture of alfalfa with Rhodes is more advantageous than pure stand of forage. The highest CP% content (21.2%) was recorded from pure stand of alfalfa followed by seeding ratio 75:25 (18.5%), 50:50 (16.8%) and 25:75 (14.6%) while pure stand of Rhodes grass produced the least (11.1%) CP% value. The highest values of NDF% (34.48%) and ADF% (21.25%) were obtained from pure stands of Rhodes grass while the least values were recorded from pure Alfalfa. Thus, it can be concluded that seeding ratio combination of 50:50 could be recommended for use in the study areas and similar agro-ecologies due to its high dry matter yield, good quality and more balanced mixture of forage.

Foliar Functional Traits of Resource Island-Forming Nurse Tree Species from a Semi-Arid Ecosystem of La Guajira, Colombia

Semi-arid environments characterized by low rainfall are subject to soil desertification processes. These environments have heterogeneous landscapes with patches of vegetation known as resource islands that are generated by nurse species that delay the desertification process because they increase the availability of water and nutrients in the soil. The study aimed to characterize some foliar physiological, biochemical, and anatomical traits of three nurse tree species that form resource islands in the semi-arid environment of La Guajira, Colombia, i.e., Haematoxylum brasiletto, Pithecellobium dulce, and Pereskia guamacho. The results showed that H. brasiletto and P. dulce have sclerophyllous strategies, are thin (0.2 and 0.23 mm, respectively), and have a high leaf dry matter content (364.8 and 437.47 mg/g). Moreover, both species have a high photochemical performance, reaching Fv/Fm values of 0.84 and 0.82 and PIABS values of 5.84 and 4.42, respectively. These results agree with the OJIP curves and JIP parameters. Both species had a compact leaf with a similar dorsiventral mesophyll. On the other hand, P. guamacho has a typical succulent, equifacial leaf with a 97.78% relative water content and 0.81 mm thickness. This species had the lowest Fv/Fm (0.73) and PIABS (1.16) values and OJIP curve but had the highest energy dissipation value (DIo/RC).

Effects of Different Forage Pea and Rye Mixtures on Forage Yield and Quality

This study was carried out in the 2018-19 vegetation period to determine the appropriate mixture ratios of forage pea (Pisum sativum L.) and rye (Secale cereale L.) under rainfed conditions of Kırşehir province, Turkey. The layout of the experiment was randomized blocks with three replications and the treatments were pure rye, pure forage pea and four different mixtures of forage pea and mixtures (20% FP + 80% R, 40% FP + 60% P, 60% FP + 40% R, 80% FP + 20% R). The highest green forage yield (2395.1 kg da-1), dry matter yield (833.3 kg da-1) and crude protein yield (71.0 kg da-1) were obtained from pure rye sowings. The highest crude protein ratio (15.6%), the lowest ADF (31.1%) and NDF (39.3%) ratios were obtained from pure forage pea sowings. The increase in the rye ratio of the mixtures increased the yield, while the increase in the forage pea ratio caused an increase in the forage quality. The results revealed that a mixture of pure rye and 20% FP + 80% R can be recommended to obtain high dry matter yield, and 40% FP + 60% R mixture for yield and quality for under continental climate conditions as in Kirsehir province of Turkey.

Mixed ration silage containing sugarcane and babassu byproducts as a nutritional alternative for livestock

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the ensiling fermentation profile, chemical composition, and in-situ degradability of mixed ration silages combining babassu by-products as a nutritional alternative for livestock. A completely randomised design was used, with four treatments (silages) and five replications (silos), which were composed of: Sugarcane silage, SS (control); sugarcane silage with corn and soybean meal (standard diet, MRSS); sugarcane silage with corn, soybean meal, and babassu flour, MRSF; and sugarcane silage with corn, soybean meal, and babassu cake, MRSC. The highest values (p < 0.05) of dry matter recovery (DMR) were for the MRSS, MRSF, and MRSC treatments, which also had higher dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and non-fibrous carbohydrate contents (NFC), compared to SC treatment, which showed the highest levels of neutral detergent fibre corrected for ash and protein (NDFap), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin (LIG), and ethanol. The MRSS, MRSF, and MRSC treatments exhibited higher potential degradability (PD) and effective degradability (ED) of DM and CP; and higher (P < 0.05) degradability of DM and CP compared to SS treatment. The inclusion of babassu concentrate and by-products in sugarcane silages in the form of total ration acted positively in the qualitative indicators of the silages.

Yield performance, adaptability and processing qualities of pre-release potato clones under different Rwandan agro-ecologies

Five new potato clones (CIP393280.64, CIP393371.58, CIP393077.159, CIP396018.241, and CIP398190.615) and two local checks (Kinigi and Kirundo) were evaluated in fourteen sites under the National Performance Trials (NPTs) for two growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications to identify their yield performance, adaptability and processing qualities. The data related to yield (number and weight of tubers per plot, marketable and unmarketable yields, and total yields) and processing qualities (tuber shape and depth of eyes, dry matter content, frying time, crisps color, taste, crunch, waste percentage, and conversion rate) were collected and analysed using GenStat 20th edition. The analysis of variance revealed significant effects of clone, site, and clone by site interaction on fresh tuber yield. Across all sites for both seasons, the clones CIP393077.159, CIP393371.58, and CIP393280.64 revealed the yields of 31, 28. and 27 tons/ha that fall in the same range of yields as local checks Kinigi and Kirundo with 30 and 35 tons/ha, respectively. Based on yield stability index (YSI) ranking combining high yield and stability, the first four genotypes were Kirundo, CIP393077.159, CIP39601.241, and CIP393371.58 with YSI of 16.6, 11.3, 9.1, and 7.3, respectively. All the new tested potato clones revealed higher dry matter (DM) content that was above 18% of total fresh weight except CIP396018.241 which had a DM content of 17% of fresh weight. This dry matter content was comparable with the dry matter content of local check Kinigi, the most popular varieties variety used for French fries in Rwanda. Based on crisps color, the clones CIP393077.159, CIP393280.64, CIP396018.241, CIP398190.615 showed the same trend as local check Kinigi. The crisps from these clones were ranked as good or very good for taste and crunch. The results of this study highlighted that the clones CIP393371.58 and CIP393077.159 can be recommended as candidate for new varieties for high fresh tuber yields; while the clones CIP398190.615, CIP396018.241, and CIP393280.64 can be recommended as candidate for new potato varieties for crisps and French fries.

Release of ‘FL4XR16’ tetraploid annual ryegrass

Abstract‘FL4XR16’ (Reg. no. CV‐289, PI 699961) tetraploid forage‐type annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is a synthetic cultivar selected for mid‐late maturity, high dry matter (DM) yield, and resistance to gray leaf spot (GLS). In spring 2016, a nursery of ‘FL Red’ experienced a high incidence of GLS, and 50 highly disease resistant individual plants were replanted and intercrossed. Seed from this intercross was used to establish a half‐sib nursery in fall 2016. The nursery was subsequently rogued for uniform maturity, and the remaining plants were allowed to intercross to produce the base population FL4XR16 in spring 2017. The base population went through one additional cycle of selection for uniformity. Seed harvested from this final selection cycle or a later isolated increase of this population was used to establish DM yield experiments at Citra, FL, and Tifton, GA, in 2018–2019; at Hague, FL, and Tifton in 2019–2020; and at Hague in 2020–2021 for a total of five location‐years. FL4XR16 was not significantly different in DM yield from the top entry in a given test in four of these five experiments. Maturity ratings at Gainesville, FL, show that FL4XR16 was mid‐late in maturity. The locations of evaluation for this cultivar have primarily been in the Coastal Plains region of the United States, but considering its pedigree, it is expected to perform well across the southern U.S. annual ryegrass growing region. Production and marketing rights for FL4XR16 have been granted to Smith Seed Services, Halsey, OR.

Role of Corn Silage in the Sustainability of Dairy Buffalo Systems and New Perspective of Allocation Criterion

This paper aims to compare the cradle-to-farm gate sustainability of two dairy buffalo systems, according to life cycle assessment guidelines (LCA). Primary data were obtained by five intensive farms with feeding plans based on non-corn silage (NCS) and five with corn silage (CS) based rations. Both systems were characterized by the presence of two farms with wheat grain yields, sold for human consumption. All the farms were in Southern Italy and seven were included in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) area of “Mozzarella di bufala campana”. The functional unit (FU) adopted was 1 kg of normalized buffalo milk (NBM); impact categories investigated were: global warming potential (GWP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), agricultural land occupation (ALO), water depletion (WD). Two different economic allocation procedures were tested: a first step aimed to mitigate the environmental impacts sharing among wheat grain, where present, and milk. The second stage involved culled buffalo cows. Neither the allocation nor the combination of allocation and feeding system showed significant effects (p &gt; 0.05). Corn silage-based system (CS) showed lower impacts than non-corn silage (NCS) one for AP and EP (p = 0.002 and p = 0.051 respectively). High average dry matter yield per hectare of corn silage probably had a positive effect on SO2 and PO43− equivalents.

Improving Rumen Fermentation Characteristics and Nutrient Digestibility by Increasing Rumen Degradable Protein in Ruminant Feed using Tithonia diversifolia and Leucaena leucocephala

The aim of this research was to discover the effect of increasing rumen degradable protein in ruminant diet using Tithonia diversifolia and Leucaena leucocephala on rumen fermentation characteristics, microbial protein synthesis, protozoa population, methane production, and nutrient digestibility. The in vitro method was used in this research in randomized block design with three treatments and five replications. Three diets were formulated containing 50, 55 and 60% rumen degradable proteins (RDP) and were represented as 50, 55 and RDP60. The RDP50 diet contained RDP 50% of crude protein. The 55 and RDP60 diet contained RDP 55 and 60% of crude protein, respectively. The results showed Total Volatile Fatty Acid (100mM vs 98.93mM and 95.60mM) and microbial protein synthesis (88.86mg/100mL vs 84.03mg/100mL and 81.20mg/100mL) were higher in RDP55 diet (P&lt;0.05). Decreasing protozoa population and methane production were observed with increasing RDP in diet (P&lt;0.05). NH3 production (15.30-16.15mM) and protein digestibility (62.52-66.12%) increased with the rising of RDP level (P&lt;0.05). Beside that, higher dry matter (64.56% vs 61.58% and 58.20%), organic matter (66.67% vs 63.89% and 60.69%), crude fiber (65.37% vs 62.07% and 60.78%), and nitrogen-free extract (66.45% vs 62.87% and 60.57%) digestibility were observed in RDP55 diet (P&lt;0.05). Our study revealed that diet containing RDP 55% of crude protein in ruminant feed using T. diversifolia and L. leucocephala improved rumen fermentation characteristics and nutrient digestibility. Further research is needed to discover the effect of the in vivo feeding trial on animals.

Separating the chemical and microbial factors of oat harvested at two growth stages to determine the main factor on silage fermentation.

This work evaluated the effects of epiphytic microbiota and chemical components on fermentation quality and microbial community of ensiled oat. Oat harvested at the heading stage (HS) and the milk stage (MS) was sterilized by gamma-ray irradiation and inoculated as the following: (1) HS epiphytic microbiota + sterilized HS (H-H); (2) MS epiphytic microbiota + sterilized HS (M-H); (3) MS epiphytic microbiota + sterilized MS (M-M); and (4) HS epiphytic microbiota + sterilized MS (H-M). After 60-day fermentation, silages inoculated with the epiphytic microbiota of HS had higher acetic acid content than those inoculated with MS. Silage made from sterilized MS had lower pH, ammonia nitrogen and butyric acid contents and higher dry matter, water-soluble carbohydrates and lactic acid contents than that made from sterilized HS. The microbial communities of oat silages were similar, and they were mainly Lactobacillus. The chemical component rather than the epiphytic microbiota at harvest exerted more effects on oat silages. This work reveals the different effects of chemical and microbial factors on the fermentation of silage, which is instructive for us to produce quality silage.

Comparison of Bulb Yield, Some Bioactive Compound and Elemental Profile of Taşköprü Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Grown in Greenhouse and Open Field Conditions

Taşköprü garlic, which is among the Geographical Indications of Turkey, is one of the important sources of income for the people in the Kastamonu region. It (Allium sativum L.) has become an indispensable food in the kitchen with taste, a high peculiar pungent smell, a specific colour, flavon enhancing molecules. Also, it has been used for medicinal purposes due to having antioxidant capacity, sulphur compounds, and minerals. Moreover, it can preserve its superior properties for a long time due to its high dry matter compared to other garlic genotypes. This study was conducted to reveal the yield, storage duration, and nutritional elements of Taşköprü garlic bulbs grown in an open field (OF-TD; OF-KUC) and greenhouse conditions (GH-TD; GH-KUC) as well as to determine how some bioactive components including pigment, secondary metabolites, nitrogenous compound, simple reduced sugar, pyruvic acid, lipid peroxidation (MDA-malondialdehyde) and H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), vary according to the growing environment in both cloves and fresh leaves. The results revealed that there were significant differences in the effects of habitat on all the parameters investigated (p

Morphological Characters, Yield, and Chemical Composition Potentials of Desho Grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium H.) Intercropped with Vetch Species in the Highlands of Ethiopia

This experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating the effects of intercropping vetch species and harvesting age on the morphological characteristics, forage yield, and chemical composition of sole and intercropped forages. The experiment was laid out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial arrangement consisting of two factors ((five forage varieties (four vetches &amp; one desho) ∗ two harvesting ages)) for a total of ten treatments with three replications. The experimental treatments were sole desho (Var-Kulumsa), desho+V. villosa (Var-Lalisa), desho+V. villosa (Var-Gebisa), desho+V. sativa, and desho+V. dasycarpa (Var-Lana) at 90 and 120 harvesting days. All morphological characteristics forage yield and chemical composition data were collected from two middle rows by excluding the border rows. The result showed that the interaction ( P &lt; 0.001 ) effect of harvesting age and intercropping of vetch species and varieties with desho grass was observed on the morphological characteristics, dry matter yield, and chemical composition of intercropped forage. Intercropping of vetch species/varieties with desho grass had shown significantly ( P &lt; 0.001 ) higher dry matter yield than sole desho except desho with V. sativa. The highest crude protein (CP) content was obtained from desho grass intercropped with two V. villosa (Var-Lalisa and Var-Gebisa) at 90 days of harvesting age. This CP content of intercropped desho+Vetch species/varieties was double in amount than the CP obtained from sole desho in these species at 90 days of harvesting age. Moreover, the highest CPY was recorded from two V. villosa varieties (Var-Lalisa and Var-Gebisa). Hence, for the intercropping of vetch with desho grasses, the two V. villosa varieties (Var-Lalisa and Var-Gebisa) are recommended for on-farm evaluation and demonstration in the study area and similar agro-ecologies during the establishment phase at 90 days of harvesting age. It is possible to conclude that the intercropping of desho with these selected vetch species could be better than sole desho grass in terms of forage yield and quality in the highlands of northwestern Ethiopia to maximize ruminant livestock production. Hence, for the intercropping of vetch with desho grasses, the two V. villosa varieties (Var-Lalisa and Var-Gebisa) are recommended for on-farm evaluation and demonstration in the study area and similar agro-ecologies during the establishment phase at 90 days of harvesting age.

A high-starch vs. high-fibre diet: effects on the gut environment of the different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract

BackgroundHorses are often fed high amounts of starch in their diets despite the well-established benefits of a fibre-based diet to promote gut health and animal welfare. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two different diets – one based on high amounts of starch (HS) vs. one base on high amounts of fibre (HF) – on specific parameters of the gut environment across different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract. To this end differences in the gastrointestinal environment between HS vs. HF fed horses were assessed in terms of dry matter, organic matter and ash content; the particle size distribution and volatile fatty acid composition were also investigated.ResultsNineteen Bardigiano horses of 14.3 ± 0.7 months of age and destined to slaughter were divided into two group pens – one fed with high amounts of starch (HS; n = 9; 43% hay plus 57% starch-rich pelleted feed); vs. fed with high amounts of fibre (HF; n = 10; 70% hay plus 30% fibre-rich pelleted feed). Horses fed HS diet presented a higher dry matter content in the right dorsal colon. Moreover, they showed a higher organic matter and ash content in the sternal flexure, pelvic flexure, right dorsal colon and rectum. In these latter intestinal compartments, horses fed a HS diet also showed a higher proportion of particles retained on an 8 mm sieve and a higher proportion of particles that washed through the finest sieve (< 1 mm). Moreover, the total amounts of volatile fatty acids as well as valeric acid were found to be significantly higher in horses fed the HS vs. HF diet.ConclusionsA high-starch diet causes significant changes in the horse gut environment. We observed an increase in the dry matter content in the right dorsal colon, as well as reduced particle sizes and an increase in the production of valeric acid in all the gut compartments studied. High-starch diets should be avoided in favour of fibre-based diets with the goal of safeguarding gut health in horses.

Effect of Ultrasonic Induction on the Main Physiological and Biochemical Indicators and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Content of Maize during Germination.

Research on the nutrient content of cereal grains during germination is becoming a hot topic; however, studies on germinated maize are still scarce. This study aimed to provide a technical reference and theoretical basis for the development of functional maize health foods and to expand the application of ultrasonic technology in the production of germinated grains. In this study, the germination rate of maize was used as the evaluation index, and the ultrasonic frequency, ultrasonic temperature, and induction time were selected as the influencing factors in orthogonal experiments to determine the optimal process parameters for ultrasonic induction of maize germination (ultrasonic frequency of 45 kHz, ultrasonic temperature of 30 °C, and ultrasonic induction time of 30 min). Based on this process, the effects of ultrasonic induction on the main physiological, biochemical, and γ–aminobutyric acid contents of maize during germination were investigated. The results showed that the respiration of the ultrasonic treated maize was significantly enhanced during germination, resulting in a 27% increase in sprout length, as well as a 4.03% higher dry matter consumption rate, and a 2.11% higher starch consumption rate. Furthermore, the reducing sugar content of germinated maize increased by 22.83%, soluble protein content increased by 22.52%, and γ–aminobutyric acid content increased by 30.55% after ultrasonic induction treatment. Throughout the germination process, the glutamate acid decarboxylase activity of the ultrasonically treated maize was higher than that of the control group, indicating that ultrasonication can promote maize germination, accelerate the germination process, and shorten the enrichment time of γ–aminobutyric acid in germinated maize. The results of this study can be applied to the production of γ–aminobutyric acid enrichment in germinated maize.

Physiological Responses, Growth, and Heavy Metal Accumulation of Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus Rendle. ) in Cu-Ni Mine Tailings as Affected by Soil Amendments

This study aimed to contribute to the rehabilitation and remediation of mine tailings and heavy metal (HM) contaminated environments through phytostabilization using plants with added economic benefits such as citronella (Cymbopogon nardus Rendle.). A greenhouse pot experiment of citronella was evaluated in Cu-Ni mine tailings by monitoring its growth rate, physiological responses, and HM accumulation as affected by the application of four different soil amendments under greenhouse conditions. The treatments include T1 (control) as tailings without amendments, T2 as tailings + 10% cow manure (v/v), T3 as tailings + 10% compost (mixture of organic farm waste and manure, v/v), T4 as tailings + lime at 5 tons ha–1, T5 as tailings + lime (2x) at 10 tons ha–1, and T6 as tailings + 10% fly ash (FA) by volume. After 24 wk, soil amendments enhanced dry matter yield and increased chlorophyll content, leading to higher photosynthetic rate and rubisco activity in the leaves of citronella. These amendments reduced the availability of HM in tailings and consequently reduced its translocation to above- ground parts and the concentration in shoots. Cow manure, FA, and compost increased the total N, available P, and exchangeable K in tailings. Applications of FA, compost, lime, and cow manure significantly enhanced the survival and growth of citronella in tailings and thereby increased the potential of citronella as phytostabilization agents of Cu-Ni tailings. The high dry matter yield of citronella will produce a high volume of essential oils as an additional benefit.

Phytonutrients, Colorant Pigments, Phytochemicals, and Antioxidant Potential of Orphan Leafy Amaranthus Species.

The underutilized Amaranthus leafy vegetables are a unique basis of pigments such as β-cyanins, β-xanthins, and betalains with radical scavenging capacity (RSC). They have abundant phytonutrients and antioxidant components, such as pigments, vitamins, phenolics, and flavonoids. Eight selected genotypes (four genotypes from each species) of underutilized Amaranthus leafy vegetables were evaluated for phytonutrients, pigments, vitamins, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidants in a randomized complete block design under ambient field conditions with three replicates. The studied traits showed a wide range of variations across eight genotypes of two species of Amaranthus leafy vegetables. The highest fat, β-xanthins, K, dietary fiber, Mg, β-cyanins, Mn, chlorophyll ab, Zn, TP, TF, betalains, chlorophyll a content, and (RSC) (DPPH) and RSC (ABTS+) were obtained from A. tricolor accessions. Conversely, the highest protein, Cu, carbohydrates, Ca, and chlorophyll b content were obtained from A. lividus accessions. The highest dry matter, carotenoids, Fe, energy, and ash were obtained from A. tricolor and A. lividus. The accession AT2 confirmed the highest vit. C and RSC (DPPH) and RSC (ABTS+); AT5 had the highest TP content; and AT12 had the highest TF content. A. tricolor accessions had high phytochemicals across the two species, such as phytopigments, vitamins, phenolics, antioxidants, and flavonoids, with considerable nutrients and protein. Hence, A. tricolor accessions can be used as high-yielding cultivars comprising ample antioxidants. The correlation study revealed that vitamin C, pigments, flavonoids, β-carotene, and phenolics demonstrated a strong RSC, and showed a substantial contribution to the antioxidant potential (AP) of A. tricolor. The investigation exposed that the accessions displayed a plentiful origin of nutritional values, phytochemicals, and AP with good quenching ability of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that provide enormous prospects for nourishing the mineral-, antioxidant-, and vitamin-threatened community.