Storage Losses Research Articles

Comparative Economics of Rabi Onion Storage Structures in Ahmednagar District of Maharashtra

The present study was undertaken with the aim of examining economics of different types of storage structures, evaluate storage losses, assessing the profitability of storing onions, and storage efficiency of onion storages structures. The investigation encompassed six villages, with three located in Akole and Sangamner tehsils of the Ahmednagar district. In the study area, farmers mainly used three different types of structures for storing onions, which were classified into the following three categories: Traditional low-cost thatched roof storage structures, bottom-ventilated single-row storage structures, and modified bottom- ventilated double-row storage structures. These structures differed in the raw materials used for construction, expected lifespan, and storage losses. According to study, the maximum net profit was (75.30 %) in modified bottom ventilated double row storage structure, followed by (45.53%) in Bottom Ventilated single row storage structure, and minimum was (26.76 %) in Traditional low-cost thatched roof storage structure. Modified bottom ventilated double row storage structure is highest net return of other structures i.e. The most profitable structure regarding other structures. As the prices of onions fluctuate regularly, farmers can increase the net profit only by reducing the total storage losses and total storage cost. Sometimes even though net profit from onion storage were negative during few months, farmers were still storing the onions.

Identifying drivers of storage dynamics of lakes and reservoirs in the arid Central Asia

Abstract Knowing the storage variations in lakes and reservoirs are essential for water resources and environmental management, especially in the regions facing water scarcity. However, the quantification of the storage changes is limited by sparse in-situ observations and spatial coverage of space(air)-borne altimetric sensors that have been used conventionally in storage retrieval. This hampers the attribution analysis of lake storage changes. Here, we combined long-term optical remote sensing and multi-source terrain elevation data to derive the monthly storage time series from 1990 to 2020 for 8544 lakes and reservoirs in Central Asia, where water scarcity has been bottle-necking local socioeconomic sustainability. The regional total storage has been decreasing with a rate of -4.78±0.88 km3 year-1 mainly owing to the desiccation of the Aral Sea. For other lakes, 26% of them show decreasing while 22% show increasing trends. At a watershed-scale, the long-term changes in small to medium-sized (<5000 km2) lakes are primarily caused by the changes in surface runoff, jointly affected by precipitation and temperature changes. We also found that 29% lakes in Central Asia experienced frequent seasonal dry out in the past decades. Such seasonal dry out is mainly caused by fast evaporation losses during the summer months. For the majority (63±8%) of these lakes, their evaporation water losses are larger than the seasonal storage drawdown. Our analysis highlights the co-regulation of surface runoff and lake evaporation in the storage losses in arid and semi-arid regions.

Experimental characterization of a reversible heat pump – Organic Rankine cycle pilot plant as a thermally integrated Carnot battery

This paper reports a first detailed experimental characterization of a reversible heat pump – Organic Rankine Cycle pilot plant, presenting its potential as a thermally integrated Carnot battery for efficient energy storage. A total of 150 stationary operating points were investigated in both heat pump and ORC modes. The study analyzes and discusses the main trends and interactions on system and component level. As expected, heat pump and ORC operation show an opposing behavior. While heat pump operation yields a maximum COP of 9.5 at a 15 K temperature lift, the peak net ORC efficiency reaches 4.4 % with a 40 K temperature gradient. If additional storage losses are neglected, this leads to a power-to-power (round-trip) efficiency of up to 41.8 % for the Carnot battery. The absence of a liquid receiver in the ORC mode leads to notable subcooling and increased condensation pressures, impacting the expander’s power generation due to excess refrigerant accumulation. Moreover, the experimental results reveal that the reversible screw machine is the critical factor influencing efficiency. The screw machine’s maximum isentropic efficiencies are 78 % and 66 % in compressor and expander operation, respectively. The reliability of the results was verified by means of an energy balance and reference operating points, underlining high reproducibility. Additionally, potential system improvements were derived from the experimental results. Altogether, this paper successfully proofs the concept of reversible heat pump – ORC systems and provides experimental results for ongoing advancements in this field.

Nodule Associated Plant Probiotics on Seed Quality of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) under Ambient Storage Condition

Background: India is the leading producer and importer of pulses in the world. Post-harvest storage loss ranging from 5-10% which is very high in India. This situation demands the development of storage guidelines for pulses to prevent the storage losses without deterioration. The liquid-based formulations of nodule associated plant probiotics are known for increasing the plant growth and yield related parameters in field conditions. The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of seed treatment of liquid based formulation of NAPP to maintain seed viability, vigour during storage period and also to assess the shelf life of the formulation. Methods: Population of nodule associated plant probiotics spore count was assessed in stored seeds at bimonthly intervals, SEM analysis was taken to confirm the presence of probiotics initially and effect of NAPP on seed quality during storage period was assessed. Result: The results revealed that (T3) seeds coated with microbial consortia (NAPP) of Rhizobium sp VRE1 + Candida tropicalis VYW1+ Paenibacillus taichungensis TNEB6+ AMF have recorded maximum germination (71%), germination energy (7.2) and seedling vigour index (1690). Also, coated seeds recorded highest protein content, antioxidant enzymes and lowest level of EC, free amino acids compared to control seeds after 12 months of storage under ambient condition. Microbial population was maintained at 3.2 log cfu/g of coated seeds when compared to 1.0 log cfu/g of primed seeds after one year of storage.

Influence of Storage Conditions on Four Chipping Potato Cultivars Developed in North Dakota

Cold temperature storage (lower than 10 °C) has been used as a management strategy to extend marketability and reduce potato storage losses. However, cold temperatures may result in dark-colored chips through a process known as cold-induced sweetening (CIS). ‘Dakota Crisp’ and ‘Dakota Diamond’ are two North Dakota State University potato breeding program cultivar releases selected for cold-chipping ability with high tuber yield potential. Two-year storage trials were conducted to examine sugar development and tuber processing quality of four cultivars grown at three nitrogen rates under irrigated and non-irrigated field conditions. The two-way interaction between storage period and storage temperature was significant for sucrose content, glucose content, visual chip color, and Agtron values, indicating a difference in sugar development for each storage temperature profile. Among the four cultivars evaluated under both irrigated and non-irrigated production conditions, ‘Dakota Pearl’ accumulated significantly less sucrose and glucose compared to other cultivars under the same storage conditions. ‘Dakota Crisp’ produced acceptable chip color from 8.9 °C after long term storage, while ‘Dakota Diamond’ produced acceptable chip color from 8.9 °C for up to 6 months of storage. These results emphasize the importance of developing cultivar-specific management profiles including storage and the informational need for producers and processors in determining the best practices for individual cultivars.

A Review on Nanotechnological Approaches for the Management of Stored Insect-Pests: Present Scenario and Future Prospects

Approximately 10% to 30% of the stored agricultural produce is damaged out of which 26% is due to insect-pest infestation thus seriously impacting the food security. The infestation also leads to loss of quality and thereby affecting the overall profitability. In absence of enough storage space, usually farmers dispose-off their produce immediately after harvest and thus do not get remunerative prices. For those opting for storage, physical and chemical methods are in vogue to manage the storage insect-pests. Fumigation with chemical pesticides such as methyl bromide and aluminium phosphide is a common method, though it has its own health and environmental risks. Inhalation of phosphine gas released when aluminium phosphide is used could seriously affect human animal health, sometimes leading to deaths. Thus for using these fumigants, strict supervision of government recognized experts is required. Due to their wide usage, some insect-pests have developed resistance against these molecules. Nanotechnology has created numerous new opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors. Insecticide formulations based on nanotechnology could be a viable alternative to toxic chemicals like aluminium phosphide to manage storage insect-pests. In recent years, a variety of formulations including solid nanopesticides, controlled-release formulations, nano-emulsions, and nano-suspensions have been developed possessing different modes of actions and applications. Their small size is a significant advantage because it provides higher insect-body surface area coverage and thus enhanced efficacy as compared to traditional pesticides. Aside from their small size, they are reported to be safe for non-target beneficial organisms. Nano-pesticides can thus prove as effective and eco-friendly alternatives for insect pest control in storage. However, there is a need to establish their safety on the human and animal ecosystems to rule out their ecological hazards over time. In absence of such information, nanopesticides will not be widely accepted despite their other beneficial effects. In this article, an effort is made to review the current status of nano-formulations for the management of storage-insect-pests, the research and extension gaps and ways to bridge the gaps to ensure safe use of the technology for efficient management of postharvest storage losses.

Validation of molecular markers linked to bruchid resistance in green gram (<i>Vigna radiata</i>)

The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus spp., poses a threat to legumes by consuming the protein content of the grain, resulting in potential losses in storage ranging from 12 to 30%. Molecular marker technology helps to mitigate the breeding constraint in the development of bruchid resistance in green gram breeding programmes. In the present study, validation of locus-specific STSbr1 and STSbr2 markers linked with bruchid resistance was done using fifteen genotypes viz., VBN (Gg) 2 (susceptible) and Vigna radiata var. sublobata/2 (resistant), F1 hybrid, two susceptible and ten resistant RILs derived from the above parents. The marker STS br1 behaved as a dominant marker and produced an approximate allele size of 225 bp in the resistant parent, F1 hybrid and resistant RILs and absent in susceptible parent and susceptible RILs, which showed cent per cent co-segregation with bruchid resistance locus. Hence, it is concluded that STS br1 is linked with bruchid-resistant genes. The marker STS br2 behaved as a co-dominant marker and produced an approximate allele size of 470 bp in all the 15 genotypes evaluated (monomorphic) and did not differentiate the resistant and susceptible genotypes. The marker STS br1 could be used in marker-assisted selection to develop bruchid-resistant varieties and to screen the germplasm to identify bruchid-resistant donors in green gram.

Cercospora leaf spot impacts on postharvest disease and respiration of affected sugarbeet roots.

In Michigan, sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris) are stored for up to 200 days post-harvest, during which sugar loss may occur due to energy use from respiration and factors like rot. Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) has been considered a potential predisposing factor for increased storage rot. To investigate these impacts, field and postharvest studies evaluated storage rot symptom development in sugarbeets with designated 'high' or 'low' in-season CLS severity. Root slices of sugarbeets from each CLS level were inoculated with Fusarium graminearum, Botrytis cinerea, or Penicillium vulpinum and symptoms assessed after seven days. Across three CLS-susceptible commercial varieties, there were no significant differences between storage rot susceptibility to any of the tested pathogens in hand-harvested sugarbeets, regardless of CLS level, at any storage timepoint in 2020 or 2021 (P > 0.05). In studies using CLS-susceptible and -resistant germplasm and varieties, CLS effects were inconsistent and only significant in one parameter at two of six storage timepoints across years (P < 0.05). Across storage pathogens, prior CLS level also did not impact root respiration or the change in respiration rate from initial to final storage timepoint in either 2021 or 2023 (P > 0.05). Of note, B. cinerea caused more severe symptoms than other pathogens in these studies (P < 0.05). Finally, varietal responses differed significantly to storage pathogens (P < 0.05) and may be of interest to future cultivar development efforts. This research increases our understanding of factors contributing to potential storage losses, which will improve yield and profit for sugar growers.

Effects of fasting on golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus: Physiological and biochemical responses

In practice, golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) reared in offshore cages may experience short-term fasting during extreme weather conditions, yet their physiological and biochemical responses remain poorly understood. To investigate the responses of this species to fasting, golden pompano weighing 138.0 ± 2.1 g were deprived of food for 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, followed by assessments of body mass, somatic parameters, proximate composition, muscle glycogen, intestinal digestive enzymes, muscle amino acid and fatty acid profiles, nutritional value, and muscle texture and water holding capacity. Lower condition factor, hepatosomatic index, viscerosomatic index, hepatic glycogen, and intestinal activities of amylase, lipase and trypsin were found in the fasted fish than in the non-fasted fish, while a sharp decline in these parameters occurred on the first week of fasting. Fresh mass, dry mass, whole body and muscle contents of crude protein and lipid tended to decrease with prolonged fasting, while no statistical differences were found in these parameters between fish fasted for 7 days and the non-fasted fish. Furthermore, the decline rate of whole body crude lipid was consistently higher than that of whole body crude protein throughout the different stages of the 28-day fasting period, with the exception of the second week of fasting. No statistical differences were found in the total essential amino acids (∑EAA), non-essential amino acids (∑NEAA), ratio of ∑EAA to∑NEAA, chemical score, amino acid score, and essential amino acid index in the fasted fish compared to the non-fasted fish of group 0d. Fasting altered the muscle profile of SFA, MUFA and PUFA, sometimes reducing muscle springiness (groups 7d and 14d) and hardness (group 21d). Compared to non-fasted fish, fish fasted for 7 and 14 days exhibited statistically lower or equal drip loss, water loss rate, storage losses, and frozen exudate rate, whereas higher cooked meat rate. The above results indicate that during the 28-day fasting period, the visceral fat and hepatic glycogen are initially metabolized, followed by body proteins and lipids, to maintain the normal metabolism in fasted fish. Fasting has beneficial effects on the nutritional value of amino acids and fatty acids in muscle, although it modifies the muscle SFA, MUFA and PUFA composition and sometimes has negative effects on muscle texture. Considering the balance between body weight loss and flesh quality improvement, the duration of fasting for cultured golden pompano prior to harvesting should not exceed 14 days.

Assessment of Storage Structure, Cause of Gran Loss, and Methods Used to Control Storage Losses

Post-harvest losses, leading to substantial grain loss, stem from various factors such as insect infestation, mold growth, rodent damage, adverse weather conditions, and inadequate storage practices. This study investigates the storage structures employed by farmers in Zenzelma Kebele and identifies the primary causes of grain loss. Despite the persistence of traditional storage structures like &amp;quot;Gotera&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;Gota,&amp;quot; there is a noticeable lack of adoption of improved storage methods. The research highlights insects and rodents as major contributors to grain loss, both in the field and during storage. Farmers mainly use chemical measures to combat these pests, including fumigation and pesticides like Malathion. Additionally, sun drying remains a widely used traditional method. The study&amp;apos;s findings underscore the urgent need for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and the development of cost-effective, environmentally sustainable solutions to reduce post-harvest losses. Understanding local farming practices is crucial for designing effective interventions that enhance food security and promote economic sustainability in maize production. By focusing on the specific conditions and practices in Zenzelma Kebele, this study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving grain storage and reducing losses. Tailored interventions, informed by local needs and practices, are essential to address these issues effectively. The adoption of improved storage techniques and IPM strategies can significantly reduce grain losses, thereby boosting food security and supporting the livelihoods of farmers. This research advocates for a holistic approach to pest management and storage practices, encouraging collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and farmers. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and innovative storage solutions, we can work towards a more secure and prosperous future for maize producers in Zenzelma Kebele and beyond.

Research on jujube storage and preservation system based on Internet of Things (IoT)

With the surge in Xinjiang jujube production, there has been a concurrent increase in storage losses, posing an ongoing challenge for farmers to preserve the freshness of the jujubes. To tackle this issue, a novel storage and freshness control system for jujubes, integrating Internet of Things technology, has been developed. The control system is centered around a programmable logic controller (PLC) and utilizes an HMI as the interface for human–computer interaction. It is structured with distinct layers, including equipment, transportation, and application layers. By integrating with the Internet of Things cloud platform, data transmission between the device layer and the cloud server is ensured through the use of the TCP/IP protocol over a 4G network. A mobile app enables remote control functionality for monitoring and managing the storage and preservation environment. Experimental results demonstrate the system's stable performance, enabling remote monitoring and convenient operation by management personnel during the jujube storage and preservation process. This contributes to enhancing automation levels in jujube storage, extending its storage cycle while maintaining quality standards, thus providing valuable insights into intelligent fruit and vegetable storage practices in Xinjiang.

The effect of bioactive film on the shelf life of bread

Relevance. The development of bioactive films is currently relevant due to the need to replace synthetic polymers used in food packaging materials. However, the established positive properties of the films themselves do not always guarantee the predicted effect and do not ensure the preservation of food products during storage. In this regard, for the recommendation of biodegradable films of a specific composition for use as packaging material for a particular type of product, experimental confirmation is required.Methods. The objects of study are samples of wheat bread packaged in alginate films and in polyethylene film as a control. For bread samples after baking and cooling, as well as after 1, and 3 days of storage, sensory characteristics, color characteristics, microbiological indicators, and mass losses were determined.Results. The conducted tests of bread samples revealed the positive effect of the bioactive film based on sodium alginate with the introduction of protein hydrolysate on reducing the growth of bacteria and molds. The research results showed that in alginate films, there is an intensive loss of bread mass — up to 19.27 ± 0.51% (p ≤ 0.05) after 3 days of storage in the film without protein hydrolysate, which is more significant compared to the bread sample in polyethylene film (9.12 ± 0.32%). At the same time, microbiological indicators (total microbial count and mold count) remained more stable in bread samples in alginate films. Thus, the results of microbiological studies confirmed the known data on the antimicrobial properties of protein hydrolysates in the composition of bioactive films. However, when choosing films for bread packaging, it is necessary to consider their vapor permeability to avoid moisture losses during storage..Results. The results of the study showed the need to review the practice of using manure (manure) processing technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The chemical grain composition of wheat and barley affectsthe development of the lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.)

The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica F.) and the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) are stored grain pests that cause significant economic losses in grain storage. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the chemical composition of wheat and barley grain (e.g., protein, fatty acids and total antioxidant capacity) on the development of two species of storage pests and to determine the relationship between the analyzed variables. The study involved the evaluation of 10 wheat cultivars and 10 barley cultivars under laboratory conditions. The observations included assessing the beetles’ progeny abundance, dust mass produced after feeding, and grain mass loss. The chemical composition of the tested wheat and barley cultivars was also determined, and the influence of different chemical compositions on insect development was investigated. The results of the experiment revealed diversity of resistance among cultivars to pest feeding. Larger populations of the lesser grain borer were observed on barley grains, while rice weevil populations were higher on wheat. Cultivars with higher protein and fat content were more susceptible to pest attacks. A connection between the amount of dust, grain mass loss, and the type of pest was also identified, indicating differences in feeding mechanisms and selective food preferences of these insects. The grain chemistry of wheat cultivars, including the content of fatty acids and antioxidants, significantly influenced the progeny abundance of S. oryzae, suggesting the potential of these components as natural barriers against storage pests. This study provides valuable insights for developing breeding strategies to enhance the natural resistance of new grain cultivars to these pests, contributing to the reduction of pesticide use. Statistical analyses confirmed the significance of differences in grain composition in varied resistance to the studied pests. The conclusions drawn from this work may help establish new storage and breeding practices, promoting sustainable agriculture and protecting natural resources.

IMPACT OF MAJOR CRISES ON CONTAINER SHIPPING IN TÜRKİYE: THE CASE OF THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

The Covid-19 outbreak is a recent major crisis with a broad and lasting impact on the economy, health, and society, rather than an immediate and temporary impact. In the first months following the declaration of the pandemic, the container shipping sector in Türkiye was impacted by restrictions and quarantine measures. During this period, there were reductions in ship calls, slowdowns in ship operations, and losses in storage and warehousing services. Although container volumes in Türkiye were less impacted than the global average, the previously stable growth trend came to a halt. This study examines the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on container shipping in Türkiye as a case study. Relevant literature and statistical data were analyzed to provide a detailed examination of the specific impacts in Türkiye. In addition, the study aims to support national goals and increase resilience to future crises by providing recommendations for the stakeholders and national policy makers. These recommendations include the adoption of digitalization and blockchain technologies, regional expansion of maritime trade, considering storage strategies and developing logistics infrastructure.

Continuous Ozonation Coupled with UV-C Irradiation for a Sustainable Post-Harvest Processing of Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Fruits to Reduce Storage Losses

Ozonation and UV irradiation are promising sustainable methods for extending the shelf life of stored fruits. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the constructed system, enabling simultaneous ozonation and UV-C irradiation of cranberry fruits in extending their shelf life. The effectiveness of this solution was determined by analyzing the properties of fruits subjected to the processes. The impact of these processes on the shelf life of fruits was assessed during 42 days of storage at a temperature of 8 °C and 80% humidity. It was demonstrated that applying the ozonation process to fruits, as facilitated by the developed solution’s throughput, led to a reduction in microbiological load (fermentation bacteria count reduction by 3.4 log cfu−1), resulting in an extension of their shelf life and a reduction in storage losses (8.98% by mass). The implementation of the developed solution, by reducing water loss and limiting fruit losses (approximately 5% less compared to the control group) during storage, contributes to tangible benefits for the producers and distributors of these fruits. The proposed modification has a positive environmental effect by reducing waste and makes the cultivation of cranberries more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Severe Preharvest Drought Elevates Respiration and Storage Rot in Postharvest Sugarbeet Roots

ABSTRACTSugarbeets are largely produced without irrigation, making drought stress inevitable when rainfall is insufficient. Whether drought stress impacts root storage, however, is currently unknown. Research was conducted to determine the effect of preharvest water stress on postharvest sugarbeet root respiration rate and susceptibility to storage rots as these traits are the primary determinants for sucrose loss and quality deterioration. Greenhouse‐grown plants were subjected to four levels of water deficit by discontinuing watering for 0, 7, 14 or 21 days prior to harvest. Plants receiving water‐restrictive treatments displayed physiological stress by leaf epinasty, reductions in net photosynthetic rate and leaf relative water content and increases in leaf temperature, whereas the water content of roots harvested from these plants progressively decreased with the severity of the preharvest water‐deficit treatment. Harvested roots from all watering treatments were stored at 10°C and 95% relative humidity for up to 12 weeks and evaluated for respiration rate and susceptibility to storage rot. Root respiration rate during storage was inversely related to root water content at harvest by second‐order equations, such that respiration was not significantly affected by minor reductions in root water content but increased exponentially for roots obtained from severely drought‐stressed plants with water contents at harvest of ≤75%. Similarly, roots with water contents ≤75% had elevated levels of electrolyte leakage, a measure of cellular membrane damage, and were more susceptible to dehydration and fungal infection during storage. In separate experiments, roots harvested from water‐stressed plants were inoculated with Botrytis cinerea or Penicillium vulpinum, two causal agents for storage rots. In these experiments, preharvest water stress quantitatively increased root rot and qualitatively altered symptoms of their infection. Overall, these results demonstrate that severe preharvest drought stress is likely to significantly increase sugarbeet root storage losses caused by root respiration and storage rots and that storage losses are likely to accelerate with time in storage. However, mild‐to‐moderate drought conditions prior to harvest are expected to have no or minimal effect on storage losses from root respiration or storage rots.

Investigating the influence of erratic grid on stationary battery energy storage technologies in hybrid power systems: Techno-environ-economic perspectives

Several obstacles impede renewable energy penetration into the global energy sector. Amongst the apparent challenges which require credible research attention, is the selection of appropriate energy storage technologies in the context of intermittent renewable resources and frequent grid outages. Given these, the present study investigated the technical, economic, and environmental effects of an erratic national grid on four distinct battery technologies in hybrid wind, solar, and diesel energy systems. The study was conducted at Baze University Abuja, Nigeria using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables software. The battery types considered are vanadium redox flow battery (VRB), lead-acid battery, nickel-iron battery, and lithium-ion battery (LIB). The VRB-based hybrid energy systems demonstrated superior performances in meeting the electricity demands of the university at the lowest net present cost, levelized cost of energy, and carbon dioxide emissions of $6,328,003.00, $0.0722/kWh, and 21,754 kg/year respectively. This battery technology is characterized by storage depletion, throughput, and losses of 796 kWh/year, 406,570 kWh/year, and 182,757 kWh/year respectively. The sensitivity analysis showed that the frequency and duration of main grid outages affect the optimal systems’ economics, component sizes, battery energy losses, battery energy storage depletion, and renewable energy penetration.

Presodiation Architected Robust Surface Enables Packaging Optimal Performance of Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Presodiation has shown great promise in compensating sodium storage losses. In the absence of a mechanistic understanding of how presodiation affects the surface of an electrode material, packaging optimization is restricted. Focusing on interfaces, we illustrate the working principle of presodiation in virtue of short-circuiting internal circuits. The presodiated carbon nanotubes (PS-CNTs) provide a thin, denser, and more robust solid electrolyte interfacial layer, enabling a high initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE), high power density, and cycling stability with the merits of uniformly distributed NaF. As a result, our assembled sodium-ion battery (SIB) full cell with PS-CNT has an ICE of 91.6% and an energy density of 226 Wh kg-1, which was superior to the pristine CNT control electrode (ICE of 42.9% and energy density of 163 Wh kg-1). The gained insights can be practically applied to directly promote the commercial uses of carbon-based materials in sodium-ion batteries.

Application of green synthesized Ag and Cu nanoparticles for the control of bruchids and their impact on seed quality and yield in greengram

Storage pests, particularly bruchids, are major biotic constraints causing significant storage losses in pulses. Conventional control methods relying on insecticides and fumigants often lead to food contamination due to toxic pesticide residues and a rapid decline in seed germination. In this investigation, through green nano-technological application, a promising and sustainable alternative for pest management is developed. Silver and copper nanoparticles were synthesized through ocimum leaf extract. The characterization of silver and copper nanoparticles was carried out by UV-spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared. Both the nanoparticles were spherical and crystalline in nature. Greengram seeds were primed with standardized silver and copper nanoparticles at different concentrations (1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm) and compared with castor-treated, deltamethrin-treated, and untreated control seeds for seed quality, growth, and yield. After one month of storage, all the pulse beetles released in different treatments exhibited 100 % mortality, whereas in control, the insects multiplied. At the end of nine months, the control seeds had shown 72 % damage and 39.67 % germination. In contrast, silver nanoparticles at 1000 ppm showed no seed damage and achieved 81.67 % germination, which was on par with copper nanoparticles at 1000 ppm with 79.33 % germination. Seed priming of silver and copper nanoparticles at 1000 ppm also demonstrated superior performance in all the seed quality and biochemical parameters (alpha amylase and catalase) throughout the storage period. Whereas, in the greenhouse experiment, enhanced growth (35.96 cm, 46.48 cm, and 53.00 cm at 30, 60 DAS, and at harvest, respectively) and yield per plant (3.75 g) were significantly higher in plants that were given foliar application with silver nanoparticles at 1000 ppm. Furthermore, foliar application of these nanoparticles at all concentrations (1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm) did not exhibit any adverse effects on soil microbial organisms, as assessed by dehydrogenase enzyme activity. Hence, this research highlights the potential use of silver and copper nanoparticles at 1000 ppm as effective tools for storage pest management and contributing to improved agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Evaluation of the performance of maize storage facilities for control of storage insect pests in Ethiopia

Maize plays a vital role in Ethiopia's food security, supporting the lives of millions of people. However, postharvest grain deterioration due to insect infestation is a significant issue. To address this and improve food availability, reducing storage losses is essential. The experiments were carried out in both indoor and outdoor settings, where the indoor experiment evaluated the effectiveness of different storage facilities (jute sack, PICS bag, fertilizer bag, AgroZ® bag, and polypropylene bag) over varying durations (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 months) in three replications. In the outdoor experiment, traditional and modified gombisa constructed in an open field at the Jimma University Research Site (Eladale), along with different storage duration (initial loading, 2, 4, 6, and 8 months after storage), were evaluated in three replications. The data collected included grain damage percentage, weight loss, seed germination, and proximate analysis. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in grain damage, weight loss, and seed germination of grains stored in different storage types. Jute sacks showed the most severe damage to grains and weight loss, while PICS and AgroZ® bags had the lowest values. The PICS and AgroZ® bags exhibited the highest seed germination, while the Jute bags had the lowest. In particular, traditional gombisa storage resulted in more significant grain damage, weight loss, and reduced germination than modified gombisa. As storage duration increased, grain damage and weight loss increased significantly in Jute sacks, Polyethylene bags, and traditional gombisa. Furthermore, the proximate analysis showed that storage periods and facilities significantly affected the characteristics of the quality of the maize grain. The moisture content, the crude protein, and the crude fat decreased with longer storage durations in all storage types, while the crude fiber and the ash content increased. The results confirmed the effectiveness of PICS, AgroZ® bags, and modified gombisa in reducing the qualitative and quantitative losses caused by the infestation of storage insect pests. These storage methods can be recommended to protect maize grain for eight months.