Increase In Yield Research Articles

Saga of Soggy Sauerkraut

The creation of undesirable (soggy) sauerkraut resulted in the loss of $1,000,000 worth of organic sauerkraut in 2022, which prompted a multistep investigation of the cause and potential solution. The cause of this condition has been previously reported as unique fermentation conditions and the lack of key trace nutrients essential for cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) cell wall integrity. Because the condition was limited to organic sauerkraut in 2022, this investigation initially focused on differences in fermentation conditions between organic and conventional sauerkraut. No differences in fermentation conditions accounted for the condition; therefore, attention was focused on analyzing the mineral content of cabbage grown for sauerkraut production that pinpointed a deficiency in critical micronutrients such as iron, copper, manganese, boron, and zinc. This deficiency was traced to the use of poultry manure that was contaminated with glyphosate residue from conventionally fed turkeys and chickens that consumed genetically engineered (GE) feed and used as the fertilizer for organic cabbage production. The presence of glyphosate, a potent mineral chelator and antibiotic, was identified as a significant factor that impairs the absorption and physiological function of essential minerals in the shikimate metabolic pathway whereby cell walls and lignin are produced, thus compromising the structural quality of the sauerkraut. After this discovery, the study progressed to evaluate various remediation strategies aimed at eliminating glyphosate from the soil and restoring nutrient uptake. Corn grain and silage were selected as the test crops for this phase. Among the tested remediation solutions were raw sauerkraut juice containing Lactobacillus plantarum, which is reported to degrade glyphosate in the rumen of dairy cows and two patented proprietary microbial mixtures, PB027 and PB027SK, that degrade glyphosate by all three of the known metabolic pathways. These treatments were specifically formulated to degrade residual glyphosate in the soil. The results showed that these interventions could reduce soil glyphosate levels by 80% to 90% within 6 to 7 months to significantly enhance both the yield and quality of corn grain and silage. The increase in corn grain yield from glyphosate degradation on the Shiocton silt loam soil was 907.89 kg·ha−1 (13.5 bushels/acre). The increase in yield on the irrigated Kidder sandy loam soil was quantified at 726.31 kg·ha−1 (10.8 bushels/acre) for corn grain and 6.62 t·ha−1 (2.68 t/acre) for silage, with an additional improvement in silage feed quality beneficial for milk production. The findings underscore the importance of addressing both micronutrient sufficiency and glyphosate residue in soil to ensure the optimal growth of cabbage and the quality of sauerkraut produced. By successfully identifying manure as a subtle source of nutrient immobilization and implementing effective soil remediation techniques, this research highlights a clear path forward for improving crop yield and quality to ultimately enhance the structural integrity and consumer acceptance of sauerkraut. This study has broader applications for the nutritional content and crop yields of many organic crops that use conventional poultry and animal manures that may contain glyphosate in desiccated plant tissues or GE feeding operations.

Nitrogen fertilization and sowing date as wheat climate change adaptation tools under Mediterranean conditions

In the current situation, climate change has substantially disturbed precipitation occurrence in the Mediterranean region, by increasing its variability and decreasing the total annual amount, which both negatively affect rainfed crop productivity. We hypothesize that a simple cost-effective method for enhancing crop adaptation to new climate conditions would consist of modifying the crop sowing date. Traditional nitrogen (N) fertilization rates could also be adjusted to the current situation given the interdependent water/N relation in plant nutrition. Based on this hypothesis, during a 4-year field experiment with bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L., var. Pistolo), the effects of three sowing dates (October, November, February) and three N fertilization rates (54kgN ha-1, 27kgN ha-1, 0kgN ha-1) on crop development, yield, grain quality, soil N content and N use efficiency were analyzed. The results showed that water scarcity was the predominant limiting factor, because it outweighed N deficiency with half-fertilized crops being as productive as fully fertilized treatments. Nevertheless, sowing date was the most influential factor, with up to a 30% yield increase noted for the November-sown wheat compared to that sown in October, while delaying wheat sowing to February decreased crop yields. Grain protein content remained the same between the November- and October-sown crops, but increased in the February one crops. Optical sensor measurements showed that an optimal assessment of the current water/N nutritional status of crops can be achieved with these tools.

Enhancement of soil humic acid hydrophobicity by 5 consecutive years of full-amount straw shallow-mixed field return

Crop yield is directly influenced by the storage and stabilisation of soil organic carbon (SOC), which is determined by the hydrophobicity of soil humic acid (HA). Changes in soil HA hydrophobicity, humic substances, SOC and crop yield were compared after the application of different amounts of straw returns in the field, and the contribution of straw application in enhancing HA hydrophobicity was examined. The treatments included no straw application and soil stirring, no straw application with soil stirring, application of half-amount straw shallow-mixed field return, application of full-amount straw shallow-mixed field return and application of double-amount straw shallow-mixed field return. Using elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, the structural hydrophobicity of soil HA was exhaustively characterised. The results showed that the hydrogen to carbon ratio of HA increased by 11.46%, the ratio of hydrophobic to hydrophilic intensity increased by 21.02%, and the ratio of peak B to peak A fluorescence intensity decreased by 32.21% after 5 years of full amount straw shallow-mixing field return compared to no straw application and soil stirring. The observed results indicate that the augmentation in hydrophobicity stimulates the formation of HA, enhances soil humification, elevates SOC content by 9.78% and potentially contributes to the ultimate crop yield increase by 22.98%. Compared with stirring the soil, the contribution rate of applying full amount of straw to increase HA hydrophobicity was 49.57-62.05%, and the contribution rate to increase SOC and yield were 54.59% and 76.37%, respectively. While stirring the soil contributed to increasing hydrophobicity, straw application persisted as the primary factor in enhancing hydrophobicity. The findings of this study have significant implications for understanding the mechanism by which straw improves HA hydrophobicity, thereby facilitating carbon sequestration and increasing crop yield.

Effects of weed management on soil metagenomic composition in cultivated chickpea fields

Abstract Non-chemical methods, including mechanical and manual weed management are important for improving crop yields and preserving soil microbial diversity. In Tunisia, chickpea cultivation uses a combination of these methods to suppress weeds. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of weeding practices on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. cultivar REBHA) yield and soil microbial diversity. Field experiments were conducted at the Technical Center for Biological Agriculture in Essaida, Tunisia, using six plots with manual and no weeding treatments. Chickpea yield was measured, and soil samples were collected for metagenomic analysis. Floristic surveys identified 13 weed species, with Chenopodium album L., Rumex acetosa L., and Urtica dioica L. being the most dominant. Seed yield ranged from 23.2 to 26.2 qls/ha in non-weeded plots and from 25.1 to 30.1 qls/ha in weeded plots, showing an increase in yield (11.75%) with manual weeding.
Soil metagenomics revealed changes in bacterial community composition between the two treatments. The dominant phylum was Pseudomonadota, whose relative abundance increased from 24.88% in non-weeded plots to 34.76% in weeded plots. Alpha diversity indices showed lower species richness and diversity in weeded soils, with 62000 OTUs in weeded plots compared to 43202 OTUs in non-weeded plots. Betaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria exhibited higher OTU counts in weeded soils. The Simpson diversity index was lower in non-weeded soils (0.025) than in weeded soils (0.075), indicating a more irregular microbial distribution in non-weeded plots. Thus, manual weeding improved chickpea yield and altered the soil bacterial community, increasing diversity in key microbial taxa. This study highlights the complex interaction between weed management practices and soil microbial ecosystems, which may influence crop productivity.

Optimization of sowing dates for enhanced rice yield: insights from field experiments in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China

An efficacious strategy to adapt to climate change involves optimizing the planting season, a technique that has been extensively utilized to enhance the use of solar radiation and temperature resources in rice cultivation. Field experiments were executed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China, employing three distinct rice cultivars and seven disparate sowing periods spanning 2019 to 2021. The objective of assessing the impact of sowing date on apparent radiation use efficiency (RUEA), accumulated temperature use efficiencies (TUE), and overall rice yield. Subsequent to the delay of sowing dates, the duration of the comprehensive growth period initially exhibited a declining trajectory before subsequently escalating, with the reduction predominantly ascribed to a decrease in the number of days preceding heading. Furthermore, there was a tendency for both the mean daily and effective cumulative solar radiation to decline over the course of the growing period. The yield of the three rice varieties demonstrated an initial surge, which was then followed by a subsequent decline in reaction to the delay of sowing dates. A correlation analysis disclosed that solar radiation and effective cumulative temperature (EAT) were the predominant elements impacting grain yield. The outcomes of the path analysis indicate that EAT exerts the most substantial influence on yield, succeeded by cumulative total solar radiation (TSR), while photothermal quotient (PTQ) demonstrates the least impact on yield. There was a significant positive correlation between EAT and cumulative TSR with spikelets per panicle (0.237** and 0.218**), grain filling (0.753** and 0.576**), and grain weight (0.339** and 0.359**), respectively. The findings of this study indicate that an increase in yield is facilitated when the EAT after heading exceeds 594.9 ℃, the EAT surpasses 2016.7 ℃, the cumulative TSR before heading is above 1548.7 MJ m− 2, the cumulative TSR after heading is over 603.0 MJ m− 2, and the cumulative total radiation throughout the entire growth period is more than 2151.8 MJ m− 2. Furthermore, the most optimal sowing date, as identified by this study, is June 6. This study provides key insights into boosting rice productivity in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China by analyzing the impact of temperature and solar radiation on yield and identifying optimal growth conditions.Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Protein Scaffold-Mediated Multi-Enzyme Self-Assembly and Ordered Co-Immobilization of Flavin-Dependent Halogenase-Coenzyme Cycle System for Efficient Biosynthesis of 6-Cl-L-Trp.

Flavin-dependent halogenase (FDH) is highly prized in pharmaceutical and chemical industries for its exceptional capacity to produce halogenated aromatic compounds with precise regioselectivity. This study has devised a multi-enzyme self-assembly strategy to construct an effective and reliable in vitro coenzyme cycling system tailored for FDHs. Initially, tri-enzyme self-assembling nanoclusters (TESNCs) were developed, comprising glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), flavin reductase (FR) and FDH. The TESNCs exhibited enhanced thermal stability and conversion efficiency compared to free triple enzyme mixtures during the conversion of L-Trp to 6-Cl-L-Trp, resulting in a 2.1-fold increase in yield. Subsequently, an ordered co-immobilization of GDH, FR, and FDH was established, further amplifying the stability and catalytic efficiency of the FDH coenzyme cycle system. Compared to the free TESNCs, the immobilized TESNCs demonstrated a 4.2-fold increase in catalytic efficiency in a 5 mL reaction system. This research provides an effective strategy for developing a robust and efficient coenzyme recycling system for FDHs.

Enhancement of the Mayo Clinic Genotype Predictor Score using Cardiac MRI

Abstract Introduction Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent heritable cardiomyopathy typically transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion. There is growing importance in identifying genetic test positive patients given its prognostic value. The Mayo HCM Genotype Predictor Score has been extensively validated for assessment of patient’s pre-test probability for genotype positive HCM and helps guide clinical decision-making based on clinical and echocardiographic variables. Herein, we evaluated the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to enhance the genotype predictor score. Purpose Evaluate performance of the Mayo Clinic HCM Genotype Predictor Score using CMR variables, and develop an updated, CMR incorporated score. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on 175 unrelated HCM patients with at least 1 MRI and a HCM genetic testing seen at the Mayo Clinic between April 2004 and April 2018. Phenotyping information was obtained through review of electronic medical records. The original Mayo HCM Genotype Predictor Score was calculated using both echocardiography and clinical variables. An updated score was created incorporating CMR-specific variables. Diagnostic accuracy of the models was assessed thought Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves. Results Overall, 108 (62%) were males with a mean age at CMR of 51 ± 18 years. The yield of positive genetic test for the echocardiogram-derived Mayo HCM Genotype Predictor Score ranged from 38% for patients with -1 point to 100% for patients with 4 or 5 points. There was a significant incremental increase in diagnostic yield between score subgroups (p < 0.01) with an AUC of 0.659 (Figure 1A). Similar findings were observed using CMR variables (AUC of 0.697; Figure 1B). Univariate and multivariate analysis identified late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) as a strong predictor of a positive genetic test (OR 3.72; p=0.002), and it was added to the original score to create a new version. The Updated Mayo HCM Genotype Predictor Score predicted a positive genetic test ranging from 25% for patients with -1 point to 100% for patients with 5 or 6 points (p < 0.01). There was a significant increase in diagnostic accuracy when compared to the original score (AUC 0.724 vs 0.679; p=0.03; Figure 1C). Conclusion Using LGE, the updated CMR-based Mayo HCM Genotype Predictor score provides a simple and improved tool to aid in genetic counseling for HCM patients.

<b>Performance of Candidate Varieties of Basmati Rice in Uniform Yield Trials</b>

The primary focus of rice breeding research is now on developing high-yielding rice varieties with early maturing and physio-chemical features, such as improved cooking quality, aroma, and extra-long grain. This shift in focus is driven by the growing global demand for high-quality rice. Using traditional breeding methods to trait pyramid these extremely important traits while maintaining yield and quality is a challenging task. Good grain quality(aromatic), fertilizer responsiveness, and high-yielding varieties can help the farmers in Pakistan to increase their revenue despite global population growth and changing international market patterns. At the Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku (RRI KSK), new, improved, high-yielding, extra-long grain lines with the qualities of early maturity, small stature, and good cooking with aroma are being developed through traditional breeding methods. The present study aimed to assess the genetic variability of these lines in terms of paddy yield and to discover superior high-yielding cultivars suitable for widespread cultivation. There were notable variations in paddy yield among the different entries in the pooled analysis. The highest average paddy yield (5010 Kg/ha) was seen in entry 10640-10-1-1-1, followed by entry 10684-3-1-2 (4990 Kg/ha) and PK 10434-6-2-1 (4550 Kg/ha) and suggested for general cultivation based on their mean paddy yield. A strong positive correlation was seen between the grain thickness grading of over 2.2 mm and the number of panicles per plant. The overall quality of the Uniform Yield Trials of Fine rice samples can be reported as excellent for PK 10306-15-5, PK PB-8 and PK 10678-2-1-1 over check Basmati-515. There will be a simultaneous increase in grain yield with improvements in these qualities.

Georgia’s potentials for sustainable intensification, increasing food security and rural incomes.

Abstract Increasing global demand for agricultural commodities spurs conversions of natural ecosystems. Sustainable intensification in areas of high yield gaps has been proposed a pathway to achieve food security, support rural livelihoods, while also reducing the impact of commodity production by narrowing yield gaps on existing agricultural lands, while improving resource efficiency. Following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Georgia experienced one of the highest losses of agricultural productivity among all former USSR countries and is now highly dependent on food imports. Closing yield gaps in Georgia through sustainable intensification has the potential to increase food self-sufficiency, support rural livelihoods, and strengthen food security and sovereignty. We estimated its potential for sustainable intensification in current agricultural areas to achieve self-sufficiency for wheat, maize, and barley. We found that crop yields can be doubled to tripled under high-input production systems, using high-yielding varieties, optimized inputs, fertilizers, and pest control. Yet, self-sufficiency in wheat can only be reached if at least 80% of the potentially attainable yields are achieved and if land is strategically allocated between crops. To achieve such increases, farmers need access to and training for using different crop varieties, fertilizers, and pest and disease control practices and products. Intensification increases the risks to ecosystem services’ health and livelihoods, particularly raising equity concerns. Yet, intensifying very low input systems is often found to be more sustainable, with high yield increases compared to limited impacts on the environment. The high employment rate in the agricultural sector in Georgia particularly provides opportunities to reduce poverty and increase livelihoods through increasing incomes and food security.

Effects of Microbial Organic Fertilizer, Microbial Inoculant, and Quicklime on Soil Microbial Community Composition in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Continuous Cropping System

The additions of microbial organic fertilizer (MOF), a microbial inoculant (MI), and quicklime (Q) are considered to be sustainable practices to restore land that has been damaged by continuous cropping of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). However, the combined effects of these three additives on pepper yield, soil chemical properties, and soil microbial communities were unclear. The experimental design consists of 13 treatment groups: the untreated soil (control); soil amended solely with three treatments for each of MOF (1875–5625 kg ha−1), MI (150–450 mL plant−1), and Q (1500–4500 kg ha−1); and soil amended with combinations of MOF, MI, and Q at three comparable concentrations. A significant increase in pepper fruit diameter, length, yield, and soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents occurs upon exclusive and combined applications of MOF, MI, and Q. Pepper yield was greatest (29.89% more than control values) in the combined treatment with concentrations of 1875 kg ha−1 MOF, 150 mL plant−1 MI, and 1500 kg ha−1 Q. The application of Q increased soil pH and reduced soil–fungal richness. The application of MOF, MI, and Q increased the relative abundance of bacterial genera and the complexity of bacterial and fungal co-occurrence networks compared with control levels. The combined application of MOF, MI, and Q resulted in the greatest microbial network complexity. A Mantel test revealed the key role of soil available nitrogen content and bacterial diversity in the regulation of pepper growth and yield. We conclude that the combined application of MOF, MI, and Q improves soil nutrient availability and modifies soil microbial community composition, significantly promoting plant growth and pepper yield during continuous cultivation.

Assessing the Environmental Impact of Oasis Agriculture in the Yarkant River Basin: A Comprehensive Study of Water Use, Carbon Footprint, and Decoupling Index

Studying the relationship between grain planting and the environment is an important means to promote sustainable production. This study takes wheat, a typical grain crop in the Yarkant River oasis irrigation district, the fourth largest agricultural irrigation district in China, as an example to analyze the relationship and changing trends between wheat yield and water footprint (WF), and carbon footprint (CF) from 2001 to 2020. The study found that during the research period, wheat yield, WFgreen,blue,WFgrey, and CF showed a fluctuating but significantly upward trend. Decoupling analysis indicates that the overall decoupling trend between wheat yield and water footprint and carbon footprint is not obvious. This suggests that the rapid development of wheat production in the Yarkant River Oasis has also led to significant water resource consumption, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Among the three sub–irrigation districts, the Shache sub–irrigation district has the best decoupling state, reflecting that the increase in wheat yield in Shache did not lead to more water resource consumption and pollution which is may due to its abundant water resources and agriculture development. Further analysis found that the use of nitrogen fertilizers and irrigation electricity have contributed to water resource pressure and greenhouse gas emissions. This study reveals that there are significant environmental risks in the current wheat planting in the Yarkant River oasis irrigation district, but it also points out the direction for green development in the irrigation district.

Impact of Row Configuration and Biofertilizers on Yield and Quality of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) Intercropped with Cowpea in the Southern Laterites of Kerala, India

A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during December 2023 to April 2024 to assess the performance of sorghum in terms of yield and quality, when intercropped with cowpea at varying row configuration and biofertilizers. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The study comprised intercropping sorghum with cowpea, at three row ratios and four levels of biofertilizer application (r1 – 1:1 row ratio, r2 – 1:2 row ratio, r3 – 2:1 row ratio; b0 – No biofertilizer, b1 – AMF, b2 – Rhizobium and b3 – AMF + Rhizobium). The treatment r3 (2:1 row ratio) resulted in higher grain yield, grains per panicle, grain weight per panicle, and green stover yield of sorghum.19.4 per cent yield increase was observed in the treatment r3 than r2. Application of AMF and Rhizobium together (b3) resulted in more number of grains per panicle, grain weight, grain yield and green stover yield of sorghum. Sorghum grain yield was reduced in the absence of biofertilizer (b0). The treatment combination r2b1 (sorghum intercropped with cowpea in 1:2 ratio along with AMF) showed the highest crude protein content in sorghum grains. Iron and copper content were increased with the application of AMF (b1). However, application of AMF and Rhizobium (b3) together resulted in higher magnesium content in sorghum grains.

Integrating field surveys and remote sensing to optimize phosphorus resource management for rainfed rice production in the Central plateau of Burkina Faso.

Rice production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is restricted by low water availability, soil fertility, and fertilizer input, and phosphate rock (PR) application is expected to increase production. Soil water conditions and soil types affect the efficacy of phosphorus fertilization in improving productivity. However, these factors are rarely discussed together. In this study, we aimed to investigate the soil types and soil water conditions in the fields, as well as their effects on rice productivity after phosphorus fertilization, and optimize the findings using remote sensing techniques. A soil profiling survey, followed by a field experiment in seven farmer fields, was performed in the Central plateau of Burkina Faso. The following treatments were applied: nitrogen and potassium fertilization without phosphorus (NK), PR application with NK (NK+PR), and triple super phosphate (TSP) application with NK (NK+TSP). Submergence duration and cumulative water depth were recorded manually. The inundation score, estimated using a digital elevation model, explained the distribution of soil types and soil water conditions and correlated negatively with sand content and positively with silt and clay content, indicating an illuvial accumulation of fine soil particles with nutrient transportation. The field experiment showed that although grain yield was significantly restricted by phosphorus deficiency, the increase in yield after phosphorus fertilization was higher in Lixisols and Luvisols than in Cambisols because of the low Bray-2-phosphorus content of Lixisols and Luvisols. The inundation score correlated positively with grain yields after NK+PR and NK+TSP treatments. In conclusion, soils with low inundation scores (mainly Lixisols and Luvisols) showed a drastic increase in grain yield after TSP application, whereas those with high inundation scores showed comparable yields after PR and TSP application despite the low phosphorus fertilization effect. Our findings would help optimize fertilization practices to increase rice productivity in SSA.

Managing earliness and yield of cotton by modulating plant population, foliar boron feeding and mepiquat chloride application

ABSTRACT Early maturity and simultaneous increase in yield of cotton are pivotal for increasing the productivity of cropping systems involving cotton. Current two-year study was performed to simultaneously enhance the earliness and yield of cotton by modulating plant population (PP) (5.3 and 8.8 plants m−2), foliar boron (B) (0, 0.6 and 1.2 g/L B) and 0.07 g/L mepiquat chloride (MC) solution (at squaring and flowering stages) application. Internodes length was exalted at high PP (8.8 plants m-2) and B (1.2 g/L B), while declined by MC. Nevertheless, nodes above the white flower and cracked boll were decreased at high PP, and the application of B and MC indicated earlier cutout. Similarly, high PP, and application of 1.2 g/L B and MC at squaring reduced calendar and thermal time needed for flowering and boll opening. The boll maturation period was not affected by the application of B and MC but declined at high PP. Earliness index, production rate index (PRI) and seed cotton yield were increased at high PP, application of 1.2 g/L B and MC at squaring. In crux, increasing PP and B concentration, and MC application at squaring resulted in early maturity and enhanced seed cotton yield by modulating plant structure and time required for various phenophases.

Evaluation of Promising Lines of Lai Patta (Brassica juncea var rugosa L.) Suitable for Cultivation in North Eastern India

The present study was carried out with ten accessions of laipatta (Brassica juncea var rugosa L.) in Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat in order to identify suitable high yielding variety(s) with desirable quality characters. The accessions viz., JorMLG-1, JorMLP-2, MLG-3, MLP-4, MLG-5, MLP-6, ShLG-7, KjLP-8, ChL-9 (Check), and KL-10(Check) were collected from different districts of Assam and North East. They were evaluated consecutively for three years in station trials in the Dept. of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat for plant yield and other quantitative and quality characters. The accessions were tested in Multilocation trials in five research stations. In these trials. among all genotypes JorMLG-1 and JorMLP-2 were found to be the best for plant yield and other component characters. The On Farm trials conducted in 12 farmers’ fields in Jorhat and Kokrajhar districts of the state exhibited average plant yield of 350.1 q/ha in JorMLG-1 and 318.2 q/ha in JorMLP-2 with 34 – 48% yield increase over the best check variety (ChL-9). JorMLG-1was a green leaf variety whereas JorMLP-2 was a greenish purple variety. The edible leaves could be harvested upto 60 days in JorMLG-1 and 55 days in JorMLP-2 after transplanting till the initiation of bolters. However, the best check variety ChL-9 showed bolting at 25 days after transplanting. Estimation of quality characters revealed 147.6 mg ascorbic acid, 186 mg calcium and 11.21 mg iron per 100g in JorMLG-1 whereas 145.2 mg ascorbic acid, 176 mg calcium and 10.61 mg iron per 100g in JorMLP-2. They have been recommended in the Zonal Research Committee Meeting and Annual Technical Committee Meeting held at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2019-20 for release in the state of Assam. In view of yield performance, consumer preference and taste, the varieties are spreading very fast and getting popularity throughout entire NE states. However, more study is required on quality traits, genetic parameters and molecular aspects.

Research on Catalytic Pyrolysis Process of Coconut Coat of Tropical Agricultural and Forestry Wastes

The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, heating rate, nitrogen flow rate, and catalyst quality on the oil yield and oxygen content in oil were investigated by using the single-factor principle. Too high and too low reaction temperature, nitrogen flow rate, heating rate, and reaction time improved the yield of bio-oil, but the oxygen content in bio-oil was higher. The reduction in catalytic dose is beneficial to the increase in oil yield but not conducive to the increase in aromatic compound content. The optimal reaction conditions were observed as a reaction temperature of 500 °C, a nitrogen flow rate of 110 mL/min, a heating rate of 20 °C/min, a reaction time of 15 min, a mass ratio of catalyst to coconut coat powder of 1, an oil yield of 4.97%, a water yield of 35.80%, and a solid yield of 30.78%. The gas yield was 28.45%, the oxygen content was 10.3%, and the aromatic compound content was 89.7%. The analysis of the catalytic cracking mechanism shows that most of the oxygen-containing compounds in bio-oil are generated into water and aromatic compounds by a catalytic cracking reaction at high temperature, thus removing oxygen.

Effect of the Introduction of ZnII and CdII Ions on EuIII and TbIII Emission in M2Ln2 Heterometallic Molecules With 2‐Furoic Acid Anions

ABSTRACTHeterometallic d‐4f coordination complexes are of paramount interest in modern coordination chemistry because of their potential applications in organic light‐emitting devices and spintronic materials. Here we report the synthesis and thorough investigation of Ln and MLn (M = Zn, Cd; Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb) molecular complexes based on 2‐furancarboxylic acid anion (Hfur): [Ln2(NO3)2(fur)4(DME)2] (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb; DME is dimethoxyethane) and [M2Ln2(NO3)2(fur)8(bpy)2] (M = Zn, Cd; Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Sm; bpy is 2,2′‐bipyridyl). The structure and isostructural nature of compounds were determined based on the single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction data. The photophysical properties of the obtained compounds were studied in detail: The energies of the triplet levels of the furoate anion and d‐blocks {M(fur)2(bpy)} (M = Zn, Cd), the relaxation times of the excited states, and the quantum yields were determined. Critical step from Ln complexes to ZnLn and CdLn (Ln = Eu, Tb) is accompanied by an increase in quantum yields, which correlates with a change in the energy of the triplet level of the aromatic part of the complexes and with the results of quantum chemical calculations indicating different schemes for the origination of triplet levels in MLn compounds.

Optimizing Greenhouse Cucumber Fertigation Through Grafting: Improving Yield, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity

Consumers prefer cucumbers (Cucumis sativus) with high antioxidant content, which is often at odds with farmers’ goals of maximizing yield. Therefore, this study aims to explore new methods for fertigation and grafting to optimize the yield and quality of cucumbers. In a greenhouse experiment, we tested fertigation with three different nutrient solutions: the standard as a control (CF) and two new formulations (NF1 and NF2). We also examined grafting in three variants: non-grafted (CG), grafting onto Cucurbita moschata × Cucurbita moschata (G1), and grafting onto Lagenaria siceraria (G2). Our results showed that the highest increase in phenolic content in the flesh of cucumber was observed in the NF2 × G1 treatment (↑ 22.4%). In contrast, grafting and the new fertigation methods generally reduced the phenolic content in the peel. Grafting with G1 significantly increased flavonoid content in the flesh (↑ 59.4% and ↑ 77.3%) but significantly decreased it in the peel. The NF2 × G1 treatment achieved the most significant increases in antioxidant activity indicators, DPPH (↑ 25.9%) and FRAP (↑ 39.4%). For farmers seeking to achieve high yields of greenhouse cucumbers, the combination of NF1 × G1 is recommended, as it resulted in the highest yield increase (↑ 45.3%). Consumers are advised to eat cucumbers with the peel, as this study found higher levels of antioxidant compounds in the peel compared to the flesh.

Use of microbiological preparations in the cultivation of promising soybean varieties in the Oryol region

We studied the effect of microbiological preparations on increasing the yield of soybeans of different varieties. The work was carried out in the conditions of the Oryol region in 2019–2023. Objects of research: soybean varieties Leader 1, Mezenka, Orleya, Osmon, Zusha, as well as Biostim Start preparations, Rizoform Soya, Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3, Biodux, used in pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding of soybean plants in phases 1…3 of trifoliate leaves and budding. The highest increase in soybean yield (6.0 %) compared to the control is provided by inoculation of seeds of the Zusha variety with Rizoform Soya in combination with Biostim Start. Pre-sowing seed treatment in combination with foliar fertilizing with preparations Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3, Biodux in the presence of native races of rhizobacteria in the soil contributed to the introduction of microorganisms included in their composition into the rhizosphere community of plants with subsequent participation in the activation of nitrogen nutrition processes of the latter. On average, for varieties, the number and weight of nodules in the variant with pre-sowing treatment and 2 foliar applications increased by 57.6 and 65 %, respectively, compared to the control, nitrogenase activity – by 67.3 %. The use of a combination of the preparations Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3 and Biodux by pre-sowing seed treatment and one foliar feeding in the phase 1…3 of trifoliate leaves provided the greatest increase in the yield of the Leader 1 variety 0.29 t/ha, Zusha – 0.35, Mezenka – 0 .40 t/ha. The maximum increase in protein content in grain was observed in the Mezenka variety in the variant with pre-sowing seed treatment and 1 or 2 foliar fertilizers – by 1.1 and 1.0 %, respectively.

The impact of cultivation technology elements on the productivity of the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) variety ‘Hoverla’ in the Prykarpattia region

Purpose. To study the formation of the productivity of the ‘Hoverla’ soybean variety using different elements of cultivation technology. Methods. Field, laboratory, statistical (calculation­comparative, mathematical­statistical). Results. The effectiveness of spring chisel ploughing for the cultivation of the soyabean variety ‘Hoverla’ in the soil and climatic conditions of the Prykarpattia region was established. The positive effect of the studied tillage methods on the phytosanitary condition of the crop was noted. In particular, the combination of autumn ploughing and spring chisel ploughing with the application of N30P30K30 mineral fertiliser and double foliar spraying of crops with a growth regulator led to an increase in the competitiveness of plants against weeds and reduced the number of weeds by 46.2% compared to the control. The implementation of the above measures also contributed to an increase in yield to 2.48 t/ha, or 57.0% on average over three years. At the same time, the yield of forage units and digestible protein increased by 1.35 and 0.3 t/ha respectively. Conclusions. Spring chisel ploughing, together with autumn ploughing and a rational combination of the predecessor’s by­products, the proposed doses of mineral fertiliser and growth regulator in the conditions of the Prykarpattia region, helped to reduce the weediness of crops by 46.2% and increase the yield of the ‘Ho­verla’ soybean variety by 57.0%.