Increase In Dry Matter Content Research Articles

Features of using Tropicana 1 on potatoes in the forest steppe of Western Siberia

The results of experimental studies on the effectiveness of using the medicine Tropikanka 1 during the growing season of potatoes of the Vega (early) variety are presented. Arid conditions were observed during the experiments, especially in May and June. Tropikanka 1 was used during the potato growing season by spraying plants at the beginning of budding and mass flowering in concentrations of 0.005, 0.01, and 0.02% with a working fluid flow rate of 300 l/ha. Spraying with water was used as a control. The research aims to develop ways to use environmentally friendly organic fertilizer to stimulate the growth and development of potatoes and increase their yield with good quality and product safety. It was shown that on gray forest heavy loamy soil of the forest-steppe of the Ob region under conditions of acute moisture deficiency in May, June, and early July 2023, the use of Tropikanka 1 during the potato growing season accelerated the rate of progression of the phenological phases of potatoes by two days compared to the control (water). The maximum leaf area was formed during the use of the drug Tropikanka 1, especially at a concentration of 0.01% - 1.4 times higher than the control. Against the background of spraying potato plants during the growing season with Tropikanka 1, the yield of tubers increased by 1.3 times. The total yield in the variants with spraying plants with Tropikanka 1 at a concentration of 0.01%for the early variety Vega was 27.1 t/ha, 21% higher than the control. An increase in marketable yield of up to 30% was noted when using liquid fertilizer based on dilution of poultry manure treated with nitric acid. An increase in the quality of potato tubers was established with an increase in dry matter content by 0.3%, starch by 0.4%, and vitamin C by 0.6% mg/kg. The concentration of nitrates was below the MPC. It was noted that using liquid fertilizer Tropikanka 1 did not reduce the safety indicators of the early potato variety Vega tubers during long-term storage.

Effect of mineral fertilizers on sorghum crop yields in the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia

The results of studying the productivity of sorghum crops under different conditions of mineral nutrition on meadow-chernozem soil of the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia are presented. The study was conducted in 2019–2022 in the Omsk region as part of a long-term stationary field experiment. The soil of the experimental plot is meadow-chernozem moderately deep heavy loamy soil. The arable horizon is characterized by neutral reaction of the soil solution (pH 7.0–7.2). The scheme of the experiment is two-factor, includes application of nitrogen (N0, 30, 60) and phosphorus (P0, 60) mineral fertilizers before sowing sorghum crops. The dynamics of moisture content in the meter soil profile is closely related to the hydrothermal conditions of vegetation periods. In the most wetted year of 2019, the soil profile had a more stable and uniform moisture content, especially in the second half meter. In subsequent years, the atmospheric moisture deficit was clearly manifested in the content of total moisture both along the soil profile and in time. Drying out of the meter profile even in the initial growing season was observed in 2022, which can be considered as a result of low residual moisture in the preceding, also dry, season. In the control, mineral nutrition was limited by the low content of mobile phosphorus. The studies have shown that in conditions of insufficient and unstable moisture, typical for the south of Western Siberia, it is advisable to cultivate sorghum crops with high responsiveness to the use of mineral fertilizers in field fodder production. In the average of two years, the maximum yield of green mass of sugar sorghum on intensive background was 21.07 t/ha, sorghum-sudangrass hybrid – 16.62 t/ha, which is higher than the control by 47.2 and 62.7%, respectively. The most effective was the complex application of mineral fertilizers, which provided an increase in dry matter content of sugar sorghum from 3.97 to 6.08 t/ha (53.0%), sorghum-sudangrasas hybrid – from 2.81 to 4.73 t/ha (68.3%).

Model-based optimization of multistage ultrafiltration/diafiltration for recovery of canola protein

The ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) process is a crucial step in the canola protein isolation process from rapeseed meal. The process involves using a multi-stage membrane system to separate components of the mixture. As diafiltration dilutes the feed stream in the ultrafiltration system, a large amount of diafiltration water is required. Reducing the diafiltrate for sustainability reasons can be done by carefully selecting process variables or using recycle streams. However, finding the optimum process variables can be a meticulous process if performed experimentally or via trial and error. In this study, we performed an optimization using a mechanistic model integrated with a genetic algorithm to aid in finding an optimum combination of process variables. The mechanistic ultrafiltration model was derived by taking into account transport phenomena within the filtration system. Parameters were characterized experimentally in term of viscosity coefficient, membrane resistance, cake porosity, aggregate diameter equivalent, and material compressibility factors. Using the mechanistic model-based optimization in combination with actual experimental values, the performance of a four-stage UF/DF system could already be improved despite fixing the configuration, albeit at the cost of a reduction in purity. Further improvement could be achieved by using recycle streams. The optimized system achieved a diafiltrate reduction of up to 79%, an increase of purity of up to 31%, and an increase of dry matter content of up to 18%, while maintaining the product purity of the reference set-up.

Tomato puree quality from field to can: Effects of water and nitrogen-saving strategies

Processing tomato is a main source of phytomicronutrients in the human diet due to its micronutrient content, and the diversity of derived products consumed worldwide. A large proportion of processing tomatoes are grown under Mediterranean climate where increasing water scarcity and heat are expected to reduce yields and to have negative impacts on fruit quality. Despite this, the effects of changes in fresh fruit quality on processing and end-product quality have been under-investigated. It therefore seems imperative to work along the food chain to improve food sustainability while maintaining quality and access to important phytonutrients. The present study adopts a holistic approach from field to processing plant, assessing the effects of reduced water and nitrogen supplies on yields, fresh fruit quality and suitability for processing, and puree quality. The 5-year trial included eight varieties, several levels of water and nitrogen supply, and two processes. It was found that water deficit induced a decrease in fresh commercial yield, partially compensated by an increase in dry matter content. The yield loss was the result of a lower number of fruits per plant, while the average fruit weight and biochemical composition showed little change. Water use efficiency decreased above 120% of water demand restoration and improved under low nitrogen supply. Puree viscosity and dry matter content increased with water deficit with beneficial effects for the industry, while the reduction of nitrogen supply did not affect puree quality. This work highlighted the possibility of monitoring quality traits in tomato puree directly from field. Nevertheless, the trade-offs between WUE, quality and yield need to be optimized. Selection of varieties rich in lycopene could be a promising avenue as they appear more tolerant to water deficit. This work also stressed the need to reassess the crop coefficient for new varieties, to improve evaluation of water needs.

Analysis of indicators of quality and safety of meat of broiler chickens under the conditions of complex use of symbiotic and biocidal drugs during the entire breeding cycle

The production of ecologically clean poultry meat with high biological value to meet the needs of public demand is the primary goal of the poultry industry. Poultry meat is a good product for a healthy human diet due to its nutritional, dietary, and sensory properties, economic availability, and quick cooking. At the same time, using the latest, effective symbiotic and biocidal drugs to increase the productivity of poultry requires more in-depth research and evaluation of their impact on the final product. Based on the analysis of the results obtained by us, it has been proven that the use of the complex of symbiotic drugs “Biomagn” and “Biozapin” and in combination with the biocidal agents “Diolaid” and “Biolaid” to broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 cross throughout the entire breeding cycle allows obtaining high-quality and safe poultry products (chicken meat), with improved quality indicators and higher biological value. An increase in the protein content in the muscles of experimental groups of birds and a decrease in moisture in them was established, which is a consequence of an increase in dry matter content in this tissue. As a result, in the muscles of broiler chickens of the II research group, an increase in energy value was recorded to a greater extent and markedly, along with an increase in the content of essential bioelements (Calcium, Ferrum, Copper, Cobalt, and Selenium (Р ≤ 0.05)) and the content of vitamins A and B1, which indicates a higher biological (nutritional) value of poultry meat compared to such indicators in poultry I of the experimental and control groups. When determining the safety indicators of the chicken meat of the research groups, it was established that there were no residual amounts of veterinary drugs, pesticides, and aflatoxin B1, and the regulated indicators of toxic elements did not exceed the PAI specified in the regulatory documents. Therefore, the proposed complex of drugs in the scheme of the growing cycle of broiler chickens does not hurt the quality and safety of the obtained products (chicken meat). On the contrary, according to sensory and organoleptic studies, higher organoleptic qualities of the muscle samples of chickens of the I and II experimental groups were proven under the conditions of the use of a complex of symbiotic and biocidal drugs: the values of the highest overall score for tasting the meat broth are higher (Р ≤ 0.05) compared with the indicator in the control group.

Effect of Chop Length and Level of Molasses on Chemical Composition of Yellow Corn Stover Silage

This factorial study was carried out from 15/10/2020 to 31/6/2021 to investigate the effect of chop length (CL) and level of molasses (M) added at ensiling on chemical composition of yellow corn stover including leaves and stems. Those materials were chopped into 4 lengths, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mm and molasses was added as a source of soluble carbohydrates at 3 levels, 6, 8 and 10% of dry matter (DM). Urea was added to all samples at 2% to enhance nitrogen content. Samples of ensiled materials were packed in double plastic bags and preserved for 60 days.
 Results revealed that there was a significant (P˂0.01) increase in DM content with increasing CL and level of M, and a significant (P˂0.05) increase in crude protein (CP) content with increasing level of M. Ether extract content was significantly (P˂0.05) decreased with increasing CL but (P˂0.01) increased with increasing level of M. Regarding cell wall components, neutral and acid detergent fibers (NDF, ADF) and cellulose contents were significantly (P˂0.01) decreased in silage samples prepared at fine CL. Lower (P˂0.01) NDF and cellulose contents were associated with those prepared with addition of M at 10%. In general, it was concluded that better results were achieved when samples of yellow corn stover silages including leaves and stems were prepared at 5 mm of chop length and addition of molasses at 10%.

Early-Summer Deficit Irrigation Increases the Dry-Matter Content and Enhances the Quality of Ambrosia™ Apples At- and Post-Harvest

Ambrosia™ is an apple that naturally has limited post-harvest quality retention, which is accompanied by relatively low dry-matter content (DMC). This trial was proposed to improve the DMC of this apple by scheduling deficit irrigation (DI) conducted in a semi-arid orchard in the Similkameen Valley (British Columbia, Canada) in 2018 and 2019. Two irrigation regimes were implemented in the orchard: commercial irrigation (CI) and DI, which was defined as irrigation for 2/5 of the timespan of CI. Five irrigation treatments were conducted: 1—adequate irrigation (AI), which used CI for the whole season; 2—early-summer DI (ED), which used DI from 20 June to 20 July; 3—middle-summer DI (MD), which used DI from 20 July to 20 August; 4—late-summer DI (LD), which used DI from 20 August to 10 days before harvest; and 5—double-period DI (DD), which covered the interval of MD and LD. The DI treatments resulted in a significant decrease from AI −1.0 to −1.5 MPa in stem water potential (SWP), followed by subsequent recovery. Conversely, SWP did not recover, and instead reached a critical low of −2.5 MPa under continued deficit conditions (DD). This, in turn, correlated with significant differences in the DMC among the treatments. Specifically, ED resulted in a rapid and sustained increase in DMC throughout the summer. At the time of harvest, ED resulted in a five-fold increase in the proportion of fruit, with greater than 16% DMC and 15% DMC in 2018 and 2019, respectively, compared to AI. DD resulted in similar levels of DMC elevation compared to ED, but also caused irregular maturation and the increased incidence of soft scald disorder in the post-harvest period. MD and LD had variable effects on DMC, and also increased the incidence of soft scald disorder. Consequently, fruit collected from the ED resulted in the best blush color attributes, higher soluble solid content, and a significant improvement in the post-harvest retention of both fruit firmness and acidity. The ED irrigation model would be recommended as a practical way for Ambrosia™ growers in semi-arid regions to decrease water usage, and to ensure high fruit quality for superior marketing and sustainable production.

The effects of different drying methods on some physical and chemical properties of ‘Eksikara’ grape cultivar grown in Karaman region

In this work, four different drying methods, namely natural drying in sun, natural drying in shade, natural drying in sun using a dipping solution and natural drying in shade using dipping solution were used to drying Ekşikara grapes growing in Karaman, Turkey. While aw values of all grapes were decreased during drying, total soluble solids content increased. The values of pH and total acidity in grape samples significantly increased during the drying period due to the increase in dry matter content. The results showed that all the drying treatments significantly increased the total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity, trans-resveratrol, organic acid and sugar compounds. Trans-resveratrol amounts were slightly higher in the samples dried in the shade and in the dipping solution treatment and decreased as the drying time increases. An increase in organic acid and sugar contents was observed depending on the drying time. The change of colour was comparatively faster in dried samples with dipping solution. It was found that dipping solution treatment (7 days) reduced the drying time by half when compared to the samples without dipping solution treatment (15 days). This result is important for the grape producers of Karaman/Turkey, where the drying period under sun generally take 15 days.

Fermentation losses of cactus silages with elephant grass

This study proposes to evaluate fermentation losses and dry matter recovery rate in cactus silages with elephant grass. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with eight replicates. Treatments consisted of cactus silages with increasing levels of elephant grass (10, 20, 30 and 40 % on a fresh-weight basis). The material was ensiled in experimental PVC tubes and was evaluated after 200 days of fermentation. The inclusion of elephant grass in the silage did not influence its pH (4.55), effluent losses (77.78 kg/t of fresh matter) or dry matter recovery rate (69.03 %), but induced a linear increase in dry matter content (from 8.33 to 14.80 %) and a decrease in gas losses (from 30.33 to 17.20 %). The addition of up to 40 % elephant grass improves the fermentation profile of cactus silage.

Genotypic and environmental factors influence the proximate composition and quality attributes of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.)

BackgroundSweetpotato is an important staple food crop worldwide. The genotype mainly influences the nutritional quality of its storage roots, but environmental conditions could produce significant variations in chemical composition and quality. The aim of this study was to characterize sweetpotato diversity of 20 selected genotypes and identify harvest time (90, 120, and 150 days after planting-DAP) and environmental effects on quality attributes estimated by proximate analysis (dry matter, ash, crude fiber, total protein, and total soluble solids). Red (R), green (G), and blue (B) (RGB) analysis was used to characterize the genotypes phenotypically.ResultsThe results of the current study revealed that flesh color was associated with proximate composition. RGB analysis showed that low B pixel values were present in yellow–orange- and purple-fleshed genotypes, which simultaneously exhibited high total protein content (TPC), ash content (AC), and crude fiber (CF), while cream- and white-fleshed genotypes showed high B pixel values and were related to high dry matter content (DMC). In these genotypes, the high DMC was maintained or increased through harvest time, however, a reduction in the proportion of accumulated AC and TPC was observed. On the other hand, in the pigmented genotypes, DMC increased up to 120 DAP, showing major stability in terms of AC and TPC. Regardless of harvest time, more intense rain events 30 days before harvest, affected the storage of DMC in roots negatively, while AC, TPC, and CF were accumulated more efficiently, or their proportion increased. High temperatures increased total soluble solids (TSS) accumulation and reduced AC, TPC, and CF accumulation. The combined analysis, according to the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, confirmed these results.ConclusionsThese findings indicated that white-fleshed genotypes contain high DMC, although, with lower TPC, AC, and CF contents compared to yellow–orange- and purple-fleshed genotypes. Although there is an increase in DMC in extended harvests (in orange-fleshed genotypes up to 120 DAP), the presence of pre-harvest rain promotes its translocation and loss. On the contrary, TPC, AC, and CF can be kept stable or even increase, except in environments with high temperatures that induce low accumulation. The current study provides a better understanding of the nutritional response of sweetpotato diversity under several growing conditions, which can be recognized and used integrally to improve food quality.

The study of a silatrane-containing preparation on improving the consumer properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. Dubachek MC), grown hydroponically in phytotron-ISR 0.1

This paper presents the results of experimental study on the possibility of improving consumer properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa – var. Dubachuk MC) grown under the conditions of closed system in ISR-0.1 phytotron by applying foliar treatment of different concentrations of 1-ethoxysilatran - a new silicon based preparation belonging to Silatrans group. The trail demonstrated no effect of the preparation when applied in a concentration of 5.10-4 ml/l in ES1 treatment. However, the effectiveness starts upon using higher concentrations. The best yield components were obtained as a result of foliar treatments of ES3 and ES4 with concentrations of 5.10-3 and 10-2 ml/l respectively. Applying foliar treatment in vegetative phase resulted in complex effect of activation of physiological processes in plants, stimulating the photosynthetic activity and accumulation of photosynthetic pigments by recording a 22.7% increase in chlorophyll-a and 18.6% in carotenoids content in fresh leaves. Nitrate accumulation recorded 792.3 mg/100g in ES4 which is 2.7 times higher than the control. Also, an increase in dry matter content by 12.2%, pigments by 16.3%, total antioxidants capacity, a 40% increase in ascorbic acid content were recorded. While only slight increase in total phenolic content was observed in higher concentrations. These overall considerable influences in metabolic activities lead to a better productivity in case of production mass. Further studies should be concerning the effect of 1-ethoxysilatran on other leafy vegetables and prolonging the storage of them.

The effect of osmotic dehydration on the polyphenols content in onion.

The onion is one of the most popular vegetables in the world, often used in the food industry. The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of osmotic dehydration of onions after storage in solutions containing various amounts of sucrose and sodium chloride on the course of osmoconcentration and the level of polyphenols in the dehydrated vegetables. The results could be useful to define the dehydration conditions under which a product retains the highest content of these health-promoting substances. Onions var. Robusta were used. The vegetables were stored for six months at 0°C (air relative humidity 75–80%). They were cut into quarters just before dewatering. Samples of 20 ±1 g were dehydrated for five hours in a 40–60°Bx sucrose solution and a 5–15% NaCl solution (25°C); the weight ratio of the sample to the solution was 1:5. The contents of polyphenols and dry matter were determined. The use of a mixture of two osmotic agents (sucrose, sodium chloride) was more effective in the increase of dry matter content than using only sucrose. Nearly 49% dry matter content in onion was obtained by using a 60% solution (50% sucrose + 10% NaCl) for five hours. The greatest differences in the content of total polyphenols occurred during the first hour. After this time, retention amounted to 48–90%, depending on the concentration of sucrose (40–60%) and sodium chloride (5–15%). The retention of diglycosides of quercetin (mainly quercetin-3,4’-diglucoside) was lower than that of monoglycosides (mainly quercetin-4’- -glucoside). Following dehydration in a solution containing 60% sucrose and 10% NaCl, after three hours, there was about one third of the initial amount of the above-mentioned compounds in onion. The increase in the concentration of the hypertonic solution, being a mixture of sucrose and sodium chloride, causes a reduction in the retention of total polyphenols in osmotically dehydrated onions. The smallest losses occur after applying a 40% sucrose solution with NaCl up to 10%.

Different dry matters content used for the conservation of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) in anaerobic environment

Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is widely used for feeding ruminants, and the conservation of this material as haylage can be an alternative to farms. The aim of this work is to study the nutritional and microbiological value of annual ryegrass (L. multiflorum Lam.) pre-dried and stored with different dry matter contents (250, 350, 450, 550, 650 and 750 g kg-1) in anaerobic environment. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and four replications. The pH presented at the time of opening of the silos showed a linear increase of 0.003 pH units for each 1 g kg-1 of dry matter increase in ryegrass, as the materials with contents above 550 g kg-1 of dry matter showed a pH above the desired pH. Materials containing 650 and 750 g kg-1 dry matter showed the lowest concentrations of NH3-N. This fact indicates that haylages with higher levels of dry matter present lower protein losses after aerobic exposure. The increase in dry matter contents of the treatments provided higher crude protein contents to the materials (being 112.91 g kg-1 of dry matter) in the treatment with 750 g kg-1 of dry matter. The best results for the proliferation of LABs and efficiency in pH decrease were in the treatment with 450 g kg-1 of dry matter. Key words: Haylage, chemical composition, Lolium multiflorum, silage, microorganism.

The influence of foliar fertilizers on the quality and yield of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract Optimal feeding of field-grown plants is thought to be a key factor modifying their growth and development. Natural biostimulants, foliar fertilizers and plant growth regulators have been applied in horticultural production; however, their effect varies depending on the plant species treated, and those have been mainly cucumber, tomato, pepper, potato, and melon. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of preparations produced through nanotechnology on the yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper grown under cover. The experiment comprised plants grown in three different combinations: combination I (plants treated with 2 kg ha−1 Nano Active); combination II (plants treated with 1% Nano Active Forte + 4 kg ha−1 Nano Active Forte + 2 kg ha−1 Nano Active, a single treatment carried out at the initial stage of fruit formation); and combination III (the control, where all plants were sprayed with water). The obtained results showed that Nano Active Forte foliar treatment of sweet pepper plants significantly increased fruit yield in protected cultivation. Supplementation with foliar fertilizers modified the fruit chemical composition. Application of the Nano Active Forte preparation led to an increase in dry matter content as well as in the concentrations of total sugars, vitamin C and carotenoids. Applications of Nano Active Forte and Nano Active enhanced the potassium and phosphorus contents, while the concentrations of nitrates and calcium remained at the same level regardless of the preparations used.

PRODUTIVIDADE E QUALIDADE DE RAÍZES DA MANDIOQUINHA-SALSA EM DIFERENTES NÍVEIS DE ADUBAÇÃO NPK

The storage roots of arracacha have high nutritional value, being rich in carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins A and C, and starch of high digestibility. However, in this crop one of the decisive factors for the production of roots with higher nutritional value is the balanced fertilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and nutritional quality of storage roots of arracacha, grown at increasing levels of NPK fertilization. The experiment was conducted in the randomized blocks design, with eight replications. The treatments consisted of three NPK levels (AD0 = unfertilized cultivation, AD1 = cultivation with 50% of recommended fertilization, and AD2 = cultivation with 100% ofrecommended fertilization). It was observedthat higher levels of NPK fertilization increase the number, size and marketable yield of storage roots of arracachacrop. NPK fertilization also increases the size and contentsof K, Mg, and Mn of storage roots, without interfering with the pulp pH and contentsof protein, Ca, Cu, and Fe. However, when the increase in root size is not accompanied by an increase in dry matter content, the starch, P, and Zn contents of the roots reduce with increasing levels of NPK fertilization.

Peculiarities of forming quality parameters of commercial products of cutting lettuce (<i>Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.</i>) depending on the method of cultivation

Purpose. To investigate features of commercial head quality formation in varieties of cutting lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. capitata L.) for different growing methods. To study the influence of growing methods for cutting lettuce plants on the weight of commercial heads, indices of yield and quality of freshly harvested products.Methods. Field study, laboratory testing and statistical evaluation.Results. The results of studying peculiarities of head formation in such cutting lettuce varieties as ‘Godar’ (control), ‘Smuhlianka’, ‘Olzhych’ and ‘Dyvohrai’ were shown. Based on the results of phenological observations, the duration of interstage periods of growth and development of cutting lettuce plants was determined for the different growing methods. The model of cutting lettuce of capitata variety for different growing methods was presented in terms of biochemical parameters (content of dry matter, vitamin C, nitrates, amount of sugars). The influence of growing methods for cutting lettuce plants on the commercial head weight, indices of yield and quality of freshly harvested products was studied. Obtained results confirmed that in early ripening varie­ti­es the heads were smaller (150 g) and not dense, in late ripening varieties they were large and dense, weight was 150–500 g. Freshly harvested commercial products of head lettuce in case of seedling cultivation was characterized by a slight increase in dry matter content by 0.15–0.29%. The corresponding pattern was observed for the total sugar content. Its amount was slightly higher: 1.3–1.9% in case of direct sowing and 1.6–1.9% – for seedlings cultivation. The content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C, mg/100 g) was the highest in the ‘Dyvohrai’ variety despite of the method of growing. The largest quantity of nitrates in lettuce heads was in the inner stem (480 mg/kg), while in the middle of the head it was reduced to 110 mg/kg.Conclusions. Freshly harvested heads of cutting lettuce were analyzed for the content of such basic biochemical indices as dry matter, vitamin C, protein, nitrates, amount of sugars. Biochemical characteristics of freshly harvested products of heading lettuce in case of direct sowing and non-seedling methods of growing were within the error being almost identical with minor deviations. According to the study results, a typical model of capitate lettuce variety was designed which will have practical application in qualification examination of plant varieties.

Bio-inducing effect on the productivity of tomato plants and rhizosphere microbiota formation

Processing seeds with bio-fertilizers reduces passage of the basic stages of organogenesis tomato plants in the seedling period accelerates the rate of formation of true leaves and flowers of the amount pledged. Using of such bio-fertilizers as Agro Buck Plus, Rost Kontsentrat (Velez-BIO, Ltd. LNG) and Ekstrasol (LLC Bisolbi-Inter) leads to an increase in dry matter content, total sugar, vitamin C, reduction of nitrate content and increase the nutritional quality of tomato fruits. Bio-fertilizers based on nitrogen-fixing bacteria Bacillus subtilis and humate potassium exhibit a stimulating effect on the number of microorganisms of the rhizosphere of agronomically important groups of tomato variety Klondayk

Matéria seca em frutos, folhas e ramos plagiotrópicos de cafeeiros cultivados na Amazônia Ocidental

Diversos fatores podem influenciar no acúmulo de matéria seca no cafeeiro, como o manejo nutricional e a fase fenológica da planta. Objetivou-se avaliar o número de frutos e o teor de matéria seca em frutos, folhas e ramos plagiotrópicos de Coffea canephora, adubado e não adubado nas condições da Amazônia Ocidental. O experimento foi conduzido em lavoura clonal, com delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. As parcelas principais foram constituídas por dois manejos de adubação e as subparcelas acomodaram as épocas de avaliação. Foram feitas coletas de ramos produtivos desde o estádio fenológico do fruto chumbinho até a maturação. Avaliou-se o número de frutos por ramo, matéria seca total de frutos por ramo, matéria seca por fruto, matéria seca de folhas e a matéria seca de ramo plagiotrópico. Para as condições avaliadas a adubação mineral não diferiu o número de frutos e teor de matéria seca dos órgãos. A curva de acúmulo de matéria seca no fruto ajustou-se ao modelo sigmoidal e houve acréscimo evidente a partir do 56º dia da floração, posterior à fase de queda significativa de frutos chumbinho. Nos ramos plagiotrópicos também ocorreu aumento linear no teor de matéria seca durante a fase reprodutiva, ao contrário das folhas, que se averiguou decréscimo de matéria seca.

Silagem do bagaço de laranja aditivada com polpa cítrica peletizada

This study evaluated the fermentation profile of orange bagasse ensiled with three levels of dry matter (DM) using citrus pulp pellets as a moisture-absorbing additive. Thirty experimental silos (3 treatments, 5 storage times, 2 replicates) were prepared using 25-liter plastic buckets containing orange bagasse and three levels of pelleted citrus pulp (0, 6% and 20%) as additive. A completely randomized design with repeated measures over time was used. The periods of anaerobic storage were 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. Natural orange bagasse contained 13.9% DM, which increased to 19.1% and 25.5% with the inclusion of 6% and 20% citrus pulp pellets, respectively. The apparent density was inversely correlated with DM content and a higher level of compaction (982 kg/m 3 ) was observed in the mass ensiled with the lowest DM level (13.9%). Additionally, lower compaction (910 kg/m 3 ) was found in the mass ensiled with the additive. The chemical composition of the mass ensiled with or without citrus pulp pellets did not differ significantly in terms of protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, lignin or in vitro DM digestibility (P≥0.05), as expected. Thus, it was possible to analyze only the effect of the inclusion of citrus pulp pellets on the increase in DM content. The inclusion of 20% of the additive reduced (P<0.01) losses due to effluent (98% less) and gas production (81% less) compared to the control treatment at the end of the anaerobic storage period. In this treatment, a higher (P≤0.05) log number of lactic acid bacteria (4.61 log CFU/g) was also observed compared to the other treatments, indicating that the increase in DM favored the growth of these bacteria. In addition, the low yeast count (about 1 log CFU/g sample) and the pH below 4.0, which were probably due to the production of lactic and acetic acids, show that the orange bagasse is rich in fermentable soluble carbohydrates and is indicated for ensiling. In conclusion, orange bagasse can be efficiently conserved as silage if the initial DM content is at least 25%. The inclusion of 20% (in relation to orange bagasse weight) citrus pulp pellets as moisture-absorbing additive is recommended to guarantee adequate fermentation and to reduce losses inherent to the ensiling process.

Effect of storage on quality traits of the semimembranosus muscle of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) bucks and does.

A total of 12 farmed fallow deer bucks and 12 does aged 31-32months were included in a study on the effect of storage in vacuum packaging on the functionality of venison of the Semimembranosus muscle. All the analyzed meat quality traits were not affected by sex. The storage of meat in vacuum led to: an increase of pH (by 0.13units; P=0.001), L* (by 1.85units; P=0.002), a* (by 1.15units; P=0.013) and chroma (by 1.16units; P=0.016), a decrease of free water (by 6.62 percentage points (p.p.); P=0.001) and water-holding capacity (cm2 ) (by 29.61%; P=0.001), and the increase of dry matter content (by 0.67 p.p.; P=0.001). The results indicate that the chilled storage of venison caused the stabilization of pH and color, improvement of water-holding capacity, with no negative effect on the proximate chemical composition. The quality of deer meat obtained from does and bucks was similar.