Kernel Mass Research Articles

X-ray driven peanut trait estimation: computer vision aided agri-system transformation

BackgroundIn India, raw peanuts are obtained by aggregators from smallholder farms in the form of whole pods and the price is based on a manual estimation of basic peanut pod and kernel characteristics. These methods of raw produce evaluation are slow and can result in procurement irregularities. The procurement delays combined with the lack of storage facilities lead to fungal contaminations and pose a serious threat to food safety in many regions. To address this gap, we investigated whether X-ray technology could be used for the rapid assessment of the key peanut qualities that are important for price estimation.ResultsWe generated 1752 individual peanut pod 2D X-ray projections using a computed tomography (CT) system (CTportable160.90). Out of these projections we predicted the kernel weight and shell weight, which are important indicators of the produce price. Two methods for the feature prediction were tested: (i) X-ray image transformation (XRT) and (ii) a trained convolutional neural network (CNN). The prediction power of these methods was tested against the gravimetric measurements of kernel weight and shell weight in diverse peanut pod varieties1. Both methods predicted the kernel mass with R2 > 0.93 (XRT: R2 = 0.93 and mean error estimate (MAE) = 0.17, CNN: R2 = 0.95 and MAE = 0.14). While the shell weight was predicted more accurately by CNN (R2 = 0.91, MAE = 0.09) compared to XRT (R2 = 0.78; MAE = 0.08).ConclusionOur study demonstrated that the X-ray based system is a relevant technology option for the estimation of key peanut produce indicators (Figure 1). The obtained results justify further research to adapt the existing X-ray system for the rapid, accurate and objective peanut procurement process. Fast and accurate estimates of produce value are a necessary pre-requisite to avoid post-harvest losses due to fungal contamination and, at the same time, allow the fair payment to farmers. Additionally, the same technology could also assist crop improvement programs in selecting and developing peanut cultivars with enhanced economic value in a high-throughput manner by skipping the shelling of the pods completely.This study demonstrated the technical feasibility of the approach and is a first step to realize a technology-driven peanut production system transformation of the future.

Boron Effects on Fruit Set, Yield, Quality and Paternity of Macadamia

Many tree crops experience sub-optimal yields and low fruit quality due to inadequate pollination, low fruit set, and poor crop nutrition. Boron (B) is a critical crop nutrient for fruit set because B levels affect pollen germination and pollen tube growth. However, the relationship between floral B concentration and fruit set is not well understood. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of B applications on the initial fruit set, yield, quality, and paternity of macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia). Cultivar ‘816’ trees received one of three treatments: (a) 0 g, (b) 15 g, or (c) 30 g B per tree prior to flowering. Boron application increased the B concentration of macadamia flowers. Application of 15 g B increased fruit set at 3 weeks after peak anthesis, but this higher initial fruit set was not translated into higher fruit set at 6 or 10 weeks after peak anthesis or higher yield. Boron application increased B concentrations in kernels but did not affect nut-in-shell (NIS) mass, kernel mass, kernel recovery, kernel oil concentration or incidence of whole kernels. Cultivar ‘816’ was highly outcrossing, with 97–98% cross-paternity among kernels from all treatments. Our results indicate that higher B concentration in macadamia flowers can be associated with an increased initial fruit set. However, high B levels did not affect yield, nut quality, or the proportion of self-pollinated fruit at maturity. The heavy dependence on outcrossing highlights the importance of inter-planting different cultivars and managing bee hives to sustain the productivity of macadamia orchards.

Response of maize hybrids under limited irrigation capacities: Yield and yield components

AbstractGrain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in the semiarid Texas High Plains (THP) is greatly reduced when irrigation cannot meet peak water requirements. Drought‐tolerant hybrids may mitigate yield losses resulting from water deficits. We examined the effect of irrigation capacity (8.47 and 4.23 mm d–1) and planting rates (74,000 and 95,000 seeds ha–1) during three growing seasons (2016–2018) on grain yield and yield components of three maize hybrids, two of which were considered drought tolerant. Crop water deficits at the low irrigation level usually extended temporally from seventh leaf collar to dough stage. Mean grain yields varied from 5.2 Mg ha–1 under the low irrigation level to 19.9 Mg ha–1 at the high irrigation level. Hybrid did not influence grain yield and aboveground biomass in all 3 yr. Although kernel number and kernel mass were significantly influenced by hybrid across all years, this did not result in grain yield differences because greater kernel mass compensated for reduced kernel number. Harvest index did not significantly differ between conventional and drought‐tolerant hybrids. In 2016, grain yield was significantly influenced by plant density only at the low irrigation level, with 44% greater yields at the low plant density. For the patterns and level of water stress observed during these three growing seasons, the three hybrids performed similarly. Besides using hybrids well adapted to the region, mitigation of yield reductions under limited irrigation capacities in the THP can be achieved by concentrating irrigation on less land area and optimizing planting rates.

Effect of amylases and storage length on losses, nutritional value, fermentation, and microbiology of silages of corn and sorghum kernels

This study evaluated the effect of two commercial amylases with known activity at low pH and storage length on fermentation profile, microbial diversity, and effective rumen degradation (ERD) of silages of rehydrated kernels of sorghum (RES) or flint corn (REC). Mature kernels were ground through a 1 mm diameter mesh screen with a stationary hammer mill and manually rehydrated to achieve a similar dry matter (DM) concentration (650 g/kg of fresh) for ensiling (4.74 ± 0.30 kg/silo). Treatments were formed using a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial combination of grain type (RES and REC), enzyme [control and amylases AMG (300 AGU/mL) and GAM (138 AGU/mL), both at 0.35 mL/kg of fresh kernels], and storage length (30 and 180 d), with six replicates. The ERD of DM was evaluated in situ with a 2-pool model (A and B fractions) and incubations for 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 48 h. The proportional change in ERD mass during silage storage (% of ensiled) was calculated. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and spore-forming aerobic bacteria (SAB) were quantified and identified. The loss of DM (6.8 vs. 5.3% of ensiled) and starch (23.9 vs. 13.6% of ensiled) were higher (P < 0.01) for REC than RES. The RES had higher (P < 0.01) DM fraction A (398 vs. 325 g/kg of DM) and ERD (593 vs. 554 g/kg of DM) and lower (P < 0.01) kd of DM fraction B (3.14 vs. 3.33%/h) than REC. Ensiling increased ERD mass of both kernels (+6.8% of ensiled). The RES showed a faster increase (P = 0.04) in ERD mass in response to ensiling than REC. Both amylases and a longer duration of storage reduced (P < 0.01) the starch content and increased (P < 0.01) DM loss. Enzymes induced a faster increase (P < 0.01) in ERD mass relative to control but reduced the gain in ERD mass in extended storage. Longer storage increased (P < 0.01) the ERD content and the pool size of fraction A of both RES and REC. Lactic acid was the primary organic acid in silage, followed by propionic acid. Long storage of sorghum increased (P < 0.01) butyrate and there was no effect of grain type and enzyme on butyrate at 30 days of storage. The RES ensiled for 180 days without enzyme had the highest (P < 0.01) butyrate. The species Levilactobacillus brevis, Lentilactobacillus buchneri, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Pediococcus acidilactici were the most frequent, but in general, amylases reduced numerically their population. The SAB had a greater diversity and lower population than LAB. We concluded that RES was more degradable in the rumen and had a lower loss during storage than REC. The highest ERD mass recovery was observed for long storage without amylase. The amylases seem to be an option only when storage length is short. The LAB population dominated sorghum and corn kernels silage fermentation. Most microorganisms identified were involved in organic acids and alcohol metabolism.

Effect of Internal Insect Infestation on Single Kernel Mass and Particle Density of Corn and Wheat

HighlightsSingle kernel mass and particle density were not significantly affected by the number of rice weevils feeding within a corn kernel and lesser grain borers feeding within a wheat kernel.In both corn and wheat, single kernel mass decreased after the larval stage of internally feeding insects.Particle density increased linearly with insect age for both rice weevils in corn and lesser grain borer in wheat.The increasing particle density while the kernel mass was being eroded indicates that the kernel internal void was detected by the gas pycnometer employed for measurement of the true volume of grain kernels.Abstract. To model the dynamics of insect infestation in a grain handling system using the discrete element method (DEM), physical properties of the infested kernels compared to their sound counterparts are needed, specifically particle density and single kernel mass of infested kernels. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the particle density and single kernel mass of internally infested kernels as affected by insect age. Corn and wheat were infested with internal feeders: rice weevil (RW), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), in corn and lesser grain borer (LGB), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), in wheat. The internal feeders were allowed to grow and mature inside the kernels and properties were measured for representative samples selected using X-ray imaging approximately 14, 28, 35, and 42 days after the end of a 4-day oviposition period. The measured kernel physical properties were not affected by the number of internal insects per kernel. In both corn and wheat, single kernel mass decreased after the larval stage of internally feeding insects. Single kernel mass decreased from 374 mg in sound corn to 346 mg in corn with pre-emerged RW adults and from 31.4 mg in sound wheat to 25.9 mg in wheat with pre-emerged LGB adults. Particle density increased with insect age for both RW in corn and LGB in wheat with a linear trend. The increasing particle density while the kernel mass eroded indicates that kernel internal void was detected by the gas pycnometer employed for measurement of the true volume of grain kernels. Data obtained from this study enables effective DEM modeling of grain commingling of insect-infested and sound grain kernels in grain handling systems. Keywords: Corn, Insect age, Internal feeders, Insect infestation, Lesser grain borer, Particle density, Rice weevil, Single kernel mass, Wheat.

Evaluation of cone and seed quality of Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) for plus-tree selection

Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour) is a cone-bearing species with outstanding nutritious seeds, health-supporting properties, and nut oil. Currently, the main volume of pine nuts is harvested in natural forests, which causes damage to ecosystems. The best solution to this problem would be harvesting nuts on special pine nut plantations established on the basis of high-seeding clones. However, it is hampered by the low efficiency of the existing methods for assessing plus-tree productivity. This work focused on cone analysis in two sites used for plus-tree selection: a 42-year-old sparse forest plantation and a 186-224-year-old closed natural forest. The quality of cones and seeds was assessed for 20 traits characterizing the sequence of crop maturation, from the differentiation of the cone to seed ripening. The differences between the sites for most quality traits, except the number of developed and filled seeds, were insignificant. This means that both sites were equally promising for seed quality selection. An index of kernel weight per 1 m2 of crown area was proposed to be used for the initial selection of plus-trees that combine a narrow crown with a large mass of kernels. Such trees can produce a greater yield from a smaller plantation area. In closed stands, the cone number per tree was strongly correlated with crown size; thus, this index can only be used for sparse forests or plantations.

Pre- and Post-anthesis Deficit Irrigation of Corn in the West Central Great Plains— Working with Less Water

HighlightsConcentrating deficit irrigation during the post-anthesis period optimized grain yield and water productivity, while minimizing the seasonal irrigation amount.Corn grain yields were not greatly affected by deficit irrigation strategy, but irrigation amounts varied as much as 62%.Seeding rates ranging from 62,000 to 74,000 corn plants per hectare were acceptable under deficit irrigation.Corn hybrid effects were not consistent across years and location.Abstract. A three-year study (2018 to 2020) was conducted in west central and northwestern Kansas on silt loam soils to determine corn grain yield and yield component response, water use, and crop water productivity as affected by irrigation capacity and timing, corn hybrid, and seeding rate. A range of four irrigation treatments concentrated greater application amounts in either the pre-anthesis or post-anthesis period. The Pre-38 treatment applied 38 mm weekly pre-anthesis as needed (limited by weather-based scheduling) and only applied 38 mm every two weeks during the post-anthesis period. The Pre-25 treatment applied 25 mm weekly as needed pre-anthesis, followed by 25 mm applications every two weeks post anthesis. Post-38 and Post-25 treatments had application amounts similar to Pre-38 and Pre-25, respectively, but had the weekly applications concentrated during the post anthesis period and less frequent (every two weeks) applications pre-anthesis. Two corn hybrids (Pioneer 1197 and Pioneer 0801) were planted at seeding rates of 62 and 74 thousand seeds ha-1. Averaged across location and year, the Pre-25 irrigation treatment had approximately 5% less yield than the other three treatments but received approximately 28% less irrigation. Overall, when averaged across all irrigation, hybrid and seeding rate treatments, the yield components of kernels ear-1 and kernel mass varied approximately 2% and 3%, respectively and were responsible for nearly all of the grain yield variation. The Pre-25 and Post-25 treatment had the greatest water productivity and generally had similar yields to the other deficit irrigation treatments and thus should be considered as effective strategies to reduce irrigation in this region. Seeding corn at 74 thousand seeds ha-1 increased yield only 2% compared with 62 thousand seeds ha-1 indicating that a considerable range of seeding rates produce similar yields when using deficit irrigation strategies in this region. Hybrid effects were not consistent across years and locations. Keywords: Crop water productivity, Evapotranspiration, Irrigation scheduling, Limited irrigation, Maize.

AAC Whitehead hard white spring wheat

AAC Whitehead, an awned hard white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar, combines high grain yield and good agronomic characteristics with excellent disease resistance. Based on 34 station-years of registration trial data from 2017 to 2019, AAC Whitehead had grain yield significantly higher than all of the check cultivars. AAC Whitehead had maturity similar to the checks, low lodging scores, and significantly shorter plant height than Snowstar and Whitehawk. AAC Whitehead had significantly lower test weight and higher kernel mass than than all the check cultivars. AAC Whitehead expressed resistance to the prevalent races of leaf, stripe and stem rust, and common bunt; and moderate resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB). It also expressed tolerance to the orange wheat blossom midge. AAC Whitehead expresses quality attributes within the range of the check cultivars and is eligible for grades of Canada Western Hard White Spring wheat.

Densitas Kamba Jagung Hibrida Pertiwi Kabupaten Sidenreng Rappang

The aim of this research was to measure or quantitatively identify the Bulk Density Of Pertiwi Hybrid Corn Sidenreng Rappang Regency. Determination of bulk density is done by calculating the mass of corn kernels per volume occupied including the empty space between the corn kernels. The results of the calculation obtained that the Bulk Density Of Pertiwi Hybrid Corn Sidenreng Rappang Regency was in the range of 705-745 Kg/m3.

Response of physiological characteristics and grain yield of winter wheat varieties to long-term heat stress at anthesis

Heat stress has become more common in recent years, limiting wheat production in Huang-Huai-Hai plain in China. To identify the effect of long-term heat stress on wheat production, two heat-resistant (JM44, JM23) and two heat-sensitive (XM26, GC8901) wheat varieties were sown in heat tents and normal conditions, and heat stress (9 to 12&#x2103; higher than control) was imposed for seven days at post-anthesis. All varieties under heat stress exhibited early senescence and reduced grain-filling rate, while the grain-filling period of heat-tolerant varieties was longer than that of the heat-sensitive. Furthermore, long-term heat stress significantly reduced kernel mass, grain number, harvest index, chlorophyll content, maximum quantum yield of PS&#x2161; photochemistry, effective quantum yield of PS&#x2161; photochemistry, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration efficiency. In addition, the distribution of dry matter to vegetative organs, catalase activity, and malondialdehyde content increased. These results indicated that the lesser yield reduction of heat-resistant varieties (11-26%) than that of heat-sensitive (16-37%) is due to relatively higher antioxidative and photosynthetic performance and higher assimilation in the grain from vegetative organs.

Historical Trends in Sweet Corn Plant Density Tolerance Using Era Hybrids (1930-2010s).

Over the last six decades, steady improvement in plant density tolerance (PDT) has been one of the largest contributors to genetic yield gain in field corn. While recent research indicates that PDT in modern sweet corn hybrids could be exploited to improve yield, historical changes in PDT in sweet corn are unknown. The objectives of this study were to: (a) quantify the extent to which PDT has changed since introduction of hybrid sweet corn and (b) determine the extent to which changes over time in PDT are associated with plant morpho-physiological and ear traits. An era panel was assembled by recreating 15 sugary1 sweet corn hybrids that were widely used at one time in the United States, representing hybrids since the 1930s. Era hybrids were evaluated in field experiments in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement of treatments, including hybrid as the main factor and density as the split-plot factor. Plant density treatments included “Low” plant density (9,900 plants/ha) free of crowding stress or “High” plant density (79,000 plants/ha) with crowding stress. On average, per-area marketable ear mass (Mt/ha) increased at a rate of 0.8 Mt/ha/decade at High densities, whereas per-plant yield (i.e., kg/plant) remained unchanged over time regardless of the density level. Crate yield, a fresh market metric, improved for modern hybrids. However, processing sweet corn yield metrics like fresh kernel mass and recovery (amount of kernel mass contributing to the fresh ear mass) showed modest or no improvement over time, respectively. Modern sweet corn hybrids tend to have fewer tillers and lower fresh shoot biomass, potentially allowing the use of higher plant density; however, plant architecture alone does not accurately predict PDT of individual hybrids.

Pollen limitation and xenia effects in a cultivated mass-flowering tree, Macadamia integrifolia (Proteaceae).

Pollen limitation is most prevalent among bee-pollinated plants, self-incompatible plants and tropical plants. However, we have very little understanding of the extent to which pollen limitation affects fruit set in mass-flowering trees despite tree crops accounting for at least 600 million tons of the 9200 million tons of annual global food production. We determined the extent of pollen limitation in a bee-pollinated, partially self-incompatible, subtropical tree by hand cross-pollinating the majority of flowers on mass-flowering macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) trees that produce about 200 000-400 000 flowers. We measured tree yield and kernel quality and estimated final fruit set. We genotyped individual kernels by MassARRAY to determine levels of outcrossing in orchards and assess paternity effects on nut quality. Macadamia trees were pollen-limited. Supplementary cross-pollination increased nut-in-shell yield, kernel yield and fruit set by as much as 97, 109 and 92 %, respectively. The extent of pollen limitation depended upon the proximity of experimental trees to trees of another cultivar because macadamia trees were highly outcrossing. Between 84 and 100 % of fruit arose from cross-pollination, even at 200 m (25 rows) from orchard blocks of another cultivar. Large variations in nut-in-shell mass, kernel mass, kernel recovery and kernel oil concentration were related to differences in fruit paternity, including between self-pollinated and cross-pollinated fruit, thus demonstrating pollen-parent effects on fruit quality (i.e. xenia). This study is the first to demonstrate pollen limitation in a mass-flowering tree. Improved pollination led to increased kernel yield of 0.31-0.59 tons ha-1, which equates currently to higher farm-gate income of approximately $US3720-$US7080 ha-1. The heavy reliance of macadamia flowers on cross-pollination and the strong xenia effects on kernel mass demonstrate the high value that pollination services can provide to food production.

Effect of glyphosate application time on yield parameters of South African glyphosate-resistant maize cultivars

Glyphosate is the most used herbicide in South Africa. Due to observations by some South African maize producers that the application of glyphosate to glyphosate-resistant (GR) maize cultivars resulted in reduced yield, we conducted an in-depth study under local conditions. Through field trials, over two seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019), we investigated whether the application time of glyphosate would impact maize yields negatively. Various yield parameters were measured subsequent to glyphosate application to the local GR maize cultivars DKC74-74BR, DKC78-79BR, KKS4581, KKS8408, BG5785BR, PAN6R-710BR, P1814R and P2880WBR. Four glyphosate products were included (Roundup PowerMax®; Slash Plus 540 SL; TouchdownForte® and MambaTM DMA 480 SL), resulting in 32 cultivar x glyphosate product combinations. Each product was applied at V4, V4+V6, V6 and V8 growth stages together with an untreated control. Yield parameters measured (ears per plant, rows per ear, kernels per row, thousand kernel mass and yield) were expressed as a percentage of the control. The trials were planted as randomised complete block designs with three replicates. Limited response was observed with all the parameters investigated, with a significant negative yield response, greater than the untreated control, observed in only 3.1% of the cultivar x glyphosate product combinations evaluated. No clear trends or discernible and consistent impacts on yield and yield parameters could be established based on the application time of glyphosate (within label recommendations) across seasons. The findings contribute significantly to the knowledge base and current understanding of the international community and local producers alike regarding the effective use of glyphosate and generic variations thereof in crops of diverse genetic backgrounds.Significance:&#x0D; &#x0D; Limited response in the yield parameters evaluated were obtained in response to the application time (V4, V4+V6, V6 and V8) of the four glyphosate products on eight GR maize cultivars tested (p=0.1).&#x0D; Inconsistent patterns or trends were detected in cases where significance was obtained, implying that it would not be possible to draw accurate conclusions or formulate recommendations.&#x0D; Application time of glyphosate did not result in a significant reduction in yield compared to the untreated control, in the majority of the cultivar x glyphosate product combinations investigated, confirming that glyphosate application conducted within label specifications would not reduce yield, irrespective of the glyphosate product or genetic background of maize. &#x0D;

Short-Term Effects of Spent Mushroom Substrate Mulching Thickness on the Soil Environment, Weed Suppression, Leaf Nutrients, and Nut Characteristics in a Hazelnut Orchard

Worldwide, a huge amount of solid fermented waste is produced every year during mushroom production. The rational utilization of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) is conducive to environmental protection and the sustainable development of agriculture. The aims of this work were to analyze the effects of the SMS mulching thickness on the soil environment, weed suppression, leaf nutrients, and nut traits in a hazelnut plantation and provide a theoretical basis for the scientific and reasonable utilization of SMS. An SMS mulching experiment with four mulching thickness treatments (MT1: 5 cm, MT2: 10 cm, MT3: 15 cm, and CK: 0 cm) was conducted in a semi-arid area of North China in 2019. The soil properties, weed control efficiency, leaf nutrient content, and nut yield and quality characteristics of these treatments were all measured and analyzed. The results showed that (1) the average soil temperatures of MT2 and MT3 at different soil depths were 0.73–1.78 °C and 1.18–2.50 °C lower than when no mulch was used in warm weather and 0.67–1.05 °C and 0.99–1.56 °C higher than when no mulch was used in cold weather. The average soil moisture content of MT1, MT2, and MT3 at different soil depths was 6.27–8.13%, 10.66–17.23%, and 7.26–12.81% higher than that of CK, respectively. There were no significant differences in the soil bulk density or porosity among the four treatments. The average soil nutrient contents (soil organic matter and available N, P, and K) of MT1, MT2, and MT3 were 7.05–15.23%, 14.90–38.93%, and 17.42–40.11% higher than those of CK, respectively. Soil enzymatic activities of these treatments followed the order MT3 ≈ MT2 &gt; MT1 &gt; CK. (2) MT2 and MT3 both had high levels of weed control efficiency: 55.66–92.93% and 70.43–97.90%, respectively. (3) The leaf N, P, K, and SPAD increased significantly under MT2 and MT3 by about 10% compared with the CK. (4) MT2 effectively increased the nut size, nut and kernel mass, and crude fat content of the nut (CFC). In general, the short-term field experiment clearly showed that SMS is a superior mulching material for improving the soil environment and plant growth, and 10 cm thickness is suitable for mulching practice.

Physicochemical properties of Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) shells and kernels growing in different locations in Kurdistan region-Iraq

Some physicochemical properties of walnut shell, kernel and oil of fifteen samples of walnut grown in different locations in Kurdistan region-Iraq were determined. Three principal dimensions such as length, width and thickness, volume and projected area of walnut and its kernels were measured using image processing technique. Based on three principal dimensions, some dimensional properties including geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter, sphericity, volume and surface area of the nuts and kernels were calculated. Also gravimetric properties of nuts and kernels such as true density of nuts and kernels were studied. Furthermore other physical properties such as weight of nut, weight of kernel, percentage yield of walnut, total oil content, ash contents, moisture contents, pH value, relative density and refractive index of the oils were also determined. The variations in physical properties such as size dimensions, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, unit mass, sphericity, surface area, true density and volume of shells and kernel of walnuts as a function of the moisture content were determined. With an increase in the moisture content, the surface area, sphericity, true density and volume of shells and kernel of walnuts increased. In addition, the oil yields from the kernels had ranged between 36.07% to 70.24%. The moisture contents of shells and kernels ranged between 6.34% to 10.11% and 3.68% to 5.62%, respectively; and the ash content of kernels were ranged between 0.94% to 2.2%. On the other hand, the refractive index of oils were determined between 1.4734 and 1.4767, pH-values of kernel oils were ranged between 6.23 and 7.02 and the relative density were determined between 0.9746 and 0.9801. Finally the present study was showed that the walnut kernels in Kurdistan region did not show any considerable significant variations with reference to their physical and chemical properties.

Dehiscence and prolonged storage of 'Kerman' Pistachios: Effects on morphometry and nutraceutical value.

'Kerman' pistachios (KP; Pistacia vera L.) are an important crop for several countries but their commercial value is diminished by their shell dehiscence status and prolonged storage in popular marketplaces. The aim was to evaluate the independent/synergistic effect of prolonged storage (1-4year) and dehiscence status (split/unsplit) on KP's morphometry and chemical composition. Whole nut's and kernel's length, width, thickness, surface area, and volume were more affected by dehiscence (split > unsplit; p ≤ 0.01) than storage time; Kernel's mass, macronutrient composition and tocopherols (T)/tocotrienols (T3) were not much affected by dehiscence but time-trend correlations were observed with macronutrient composition (split/unsplit; ρ = - 0.57-0.42) and T + T3 (unsplit; ρ = 0.81). Specific/total fatty acids were affected by a complex dehiscence × storage time interaction, and they linearly correlated with certain morphometric characteristics (r ≥ 0.6). Shell dehiscence status more than prolonged storage substantially modifies KP's quality.

Planting and preemergence irrigation procedures to enhance germination of subsurface drip irrigated corn

Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is one of the most efficient types of water-saving irrigation technology. However, in regions prone to drought during the planting period, crop germination may be a problem under SDI. A 2-year field experiment was conducted in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, China, to assess the impacts of two planting methods (PMs), flat planting (FP) and alternate row/bed planting (AP), and four pre-emergence irrigation (PI) levels, 15, 25, 45, and 60 mm on corn germination, grain yield and crop water productivity (WPc) under SDI. The AP method utilized a small lister furrow that was 10 cm deep and the corn seeds were planted 5 cm beneath the lister furrow. The results indicated that the soil water at the depth of 5 cm vertically below the seeds (SM5) was on average 27% higher under AP than under FP 24 hours after PI. The emergence rate under AP initially increased at the lower PI values and then decreased at the highest PI amount (60 mm). The maximum emergence rate (98% on average for two years) was obtained at 45 mm PI under AP. The emergence rate under FP increased with the PI level, but the average two-year emergence rates were all lower than 80%. The two-year average grain yield and the WPc reached maximum values of 15.3 Mg ha-1 and 35.1 kg ha-1 mm-1 at 45 mm and 25 mm PI under AP, respectively. The average emergence rate, yield, and WPc under AP increased by 21%, 24%, and 21%, respectively, compared with those under FP. No significant differences in kernels/ear or kernel mass under AP or FP were caused by different PI levels. An emergence rate of approximately 90% to 95% for corn was obtained when the SM5 was approximately 82% to 90% of field capacity 24 h after PI. In conclusion, AP with suitable PI can increase the corn emergence rate and improve the grain yield and WPc under SDI in areas prone to drought conditions at planting.

ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF THREE VARIETIES OF DATE FRUITS DURING THREE DIFFERENT RIPENING STAGES

The aim of this research work was to determine the physical and elastic properties of date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera) cv (Talees, Khudari and Taghit) during three ripening stages (Khalaal, Rutab and Tamr) to develop a technique that can predict the packing height to protect fruits from mechanical damage.The physical properties include date mass, volume, dimensions, moisture content, bulk density, flesh thickness, and kernel mass. The elastic properties of date fruit include Young's modulus of elasticity (E), firmness coefficient (FC), bioyield stress (σb), bioyield strain (eb), rupture stress (σr), rupture strain (er) and rupture energy (RE). For different varieties, the results showed that ripening stages have a significant effect on physical and elasticity properties. The values of E, FC,σb, σr and RE were decreased from Khalaal to Rutab stage, while they increased from Rutab to Tamr stage. Accordingly, the maximum heights of packing box were 141, 106, and 121 mm for Talees, Khudari and Taghit respectively.

Increased planting speed did not affect silage and grain yield of maize, while saving seed and energy

Optimal planting speed of vacuum maize planters is usually suggested by planter’s manufacturers, while increased planting speed may influence plant spacing and finally yield. Our hypothesis was that by increasing planting speed over the suggested level plant spacing variability will also increase which will result in decrease of silage and grain yield and saving of seed and energy. The field trial consisted of three planting speeds of 7, 9 and 11 km/h in the form of random blocks. The following measurements were taken as follows: plant spacing, silage and grain yield, fuel and energy use at planting. Results in this study show that planting speed did not have significant influence on silage and grain yield of maize, while up to 10% less seed was needed per hectare and fuel and energy use was lower for 15%. By the increase of planting speed the distance between the plants in a row, and in most cases also the plant spacing variability increased. It was noticed that by increasing planting speed plant density decreased. This research established that at higher planting speeds significant increase of the silage yield per individual plant and of the grain yield per individual plant was achieved. The ear parameters also show that the kernel mass per individual ear, the ear mass, and the cob mass, as well as the individual kernel mass, are larger at the planting speed of 11 km/h than at the planting speed of 7 km/h. At the latter planting speed, significantly higher fuel consumption per hectare and higher energy use was achieved than at the other two planting speeds. Overall the main benefits of planting speed of 11 km/h is saving seed and energy at planting while maintaning the same level of silage and grain yield compared to lower planting speeds used in the trial.&#x0D; Highlights - Planting speed of vacuum planter did not influence the silage and grain yield of maize. - At a higher planting speed up to 10% less seed was needed per hectare and fuel and energy use was reduced up to 15%. - Silage and grain yield per individual plant increased by increasing planting speed. - Increasing of planting speed plant density decreased. - Plant spacing parameters were significantly affected by planting speed.

Prediction of size and mass of pistachio kernels using random Forest machine learning

AbstractThe size and mass of the pistachio kernels are important parameters in pistachio industry worldwide, which are generally associated with pistachio classification and consumer's approval. In this study, we proposed a technique that accurately measures the size and mass of raw pistachio kernels simultaneously using image processing and machine‐learning ensemble. An image‐processing algorithm applying recursive method was used to detect a pistachio kernel from an image and estimate its size based on the pixels occupied. The number of pixels representing a pistachio kernel was used as its digital impression to estimate its size and mass. We employed Random Forest (RF) model to predict the mass of the individual pistachio kernels based on the patterns derived from the pistachio pixels in the image. The mean measured length (18.002 mm) of 100 pistachio kernels were close to the RF predicted length (18.608 mm). Similar close correlation for individual measured pistachio kernel mass and predicted mass was noticed having a bootstrapped residual of 0.036 ± 0.004 g with a class interval of 0.0358–0.0362 at 95% confidence level. Compared to the regression model, bootstrapping and uncertainty quantification showed a good prediction accuracy and robustness of the RF model.Practical ApplicationsThe size of pistachio kernels is a crucial factor in defining pistachio grades commercially. Current pistachio grading in industry is still performed manually, which is tedious, time consuming, labor intensive and subject to human error and inconsistency. The developed machine learning algorithm based on Random Forest combined with image processing in this study can be a very useful tool in pistachio industry for rapid classification of pistachio worldwide.