Maize Husk Research Articles

Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis of Maize Husk Characteristics Associated with Gibberella Ear Rot Resistance

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a vital crop susceptible to Gibberella ear rot (GER), a disease caused by Fusarium graminearum, resulting in significant yield losses and mycotoxin production. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between ear characteristics and GER resistance in 74 maize inbred lines (42 with non-stiff stalks and 32 stiff stalks) adapted to the northern Italian environment. Mycotoxin analysis was performed to assess the presence of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA). The results showed a positive correlation between the husk traits, like the husk number and husk cover, and GER resistance in both heterotic groups. A positive correlation was also found between the DON and ZEA concentrations. In addition, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) which identified novel quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the husk number, husk cover, ear attitude, and infection score. These QTLs can be utilized in marker-assisted selection for breeding new GER-resistant maize varieties. Our study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of ear traits and their relationship with GER resistance, which can contribute to an improvement in the environmental and economical sustainability of the corn growing system.

Characterization and diversity of potential mycotoxin producing endophytic fungi isolated from maize husk leaves

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important staple food due to its good nutritional profile. Unfortunately, maize can be vulnerable to contamination by fungi, which are capable of producing mycotoxins that have an impact on human and animal health, crop productivity and lead to economic losses. In addition, the ubiquitous presence of mycotoxin-producing fungi in maize poses significant challenges to food safety and economic stability. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain fungi, which, when ingested by humans or animals through contaminated maize products can lead to a variety of health issues. There is a shift of non-pathogenic microbes to pathogenic state due to unfavourable conditions arising. The aim of this study was to characterize and identify fungi that have the potential to produce mycotoxins isolated from maize husks. The study identified Fusaria sp., Aspergillus and Penicillium sp. as target species since they are often regarded as primary mycotoxin producing fungi, which often contaminates the maize plants. Ten (n=10) healthy (disease-free) and mature maize samples were obtained, and a total of 200 maize husk segments were utilized to isolate eighty-four (n=84) endophytic fungi. Preliminary identification was conducted using macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Molecular processes using the Internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1 and ITS4) were used for PCR amplification as a confirmatory test. A total of 13 isolates were identified by macroscopic and microscopic characterization based on morphological features and their identification was confirmed using molecular techniques. Fusaria sp. were found to be predominant (46%), followed by Aspergillus sp. (39%) and Penicillium sp. (15%). The findings suggest a community of mycotoxin producing fungi inhibited within the maize husks. Under unfavourable conditions, these fungi might be the source of contamination and produce mycotoxins. In the face of changing environmental conditions and evolving fungal threats, our research serves as a valuable resource for understanding and addressing the challenges posed by mycotoxin contamination in maize. Effective strategies and interventions are essential to mitigate the impact of these fungi on food security, human health, and the global maize industry. Key words: Endophytes; fungi; food safety; maize; maize husks; mycotoxin; mycotoxin-producing fungi

A combination of QTL mapping and genome-wide association study revealed the key gene for husk number in maize.

Two key genes Zm00001d021232 and Zm00001d048138 were identified by QTL mapping and GWAS. Additionally, they were verified to be significantly associated with maize husk number (HN) using gene-based association study. As a by-product of maize production, maize husk is an important industrial raw material. Husk layer number (HN) is an important trait that affects the yield of maize husk. However, the genetic mechanism underlying HN remains unclear. Herein, a total of 13 quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling HN were identified in an IBM Syn 10 DH population across different locations. Among these, three QTL were individually repeatedly detected in at least two environments. Meanwhile, 26 unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected to be significantly (p < 2.15 × 10-6) associated with HN in an association pool. Of these SNPs, three were simultaneously detected across multiple environments or environments and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP). We focused on these environment-stable and population-common genetic loci for excavating the candidate genes responsible for maize HN. Finally, 173 initial candidate genes were identified, of which 22 were involved in both multicellular organism development and single-multicellular organism process and thus confirmed as the candidate genes for HN. Gene-based association analyses revealed that the variants in four genes were significantly (p < 0.01/N) correlated with HN, of which Zm00001d021232 and Zm00001d048138 were highly expressed in husks and early developing ears among different maize tissues. Our study contributes to the understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms of maize husk yield and industrial development in the future.

Anaerobic Digestion of Maize Husk in Co-Digestion with Goat and Cow Dung for Enhanced Biogas Production

In recent investigations, Anaerobic co-digestion has been superior to traditional anaerobic digestion (AD). The advantages of employing co-substrates for improved bioenergy generation and solids reduction have drawn researchers to investigate the co-digestion technology and understand the impact of multiple substrates on digester performance. This study aimed to generate biogas by co-digestion of maize husk with cow and goat dung as substrates, isolate the bacteria involved in the process, and assess the quantity and makeup of the biogas generated by the substrates. The substrates were fed to mini-digesters fabricated in the laboratory using 1L bottles for 49 days’ retention time. It assessed the production potential of the substrates for biogas yield in mono-digestion and co-digestion. The average biogas yield (cm3) and methane content (%) in the D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, and D6 were 9135 (58%), 8660 (71%), 9820 (69%), 6545 (65%), 5915 (48%) and 1965 (21%) respectively. The highest gas yield was observed in digesters with co-digestion of the substrates (D1 and D2) than the mono-digestion of the GD and CD by 35.2% and 24.4%, respectively, with an improvement in methane content. The process was carried out in a mesophilic condition and a pH range of 6.8-8.2. The study's findings showed that the most frequently isolated and identified bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus species, indicating that these species are essential to the microbial activities involved in biogas production. The investigation additionally showed that maize husk in co-digestion with cow dung and goat dung had great potential for generating and producing large quantities of biogas within 49 days’ retention time.

Natural polymorphisms in ZMET2 encoding a DNA methyltransferase modulate the number of husk layers in maize.

DNA methylation affects agronomic traits and the environmental adaptability of crops, but the natural polymorphisms in DNA methylation-related genes and their contributions to phenotypic variation in maize (Zea mays) remain elusive. Here, we show that a polymorphic 10-bp insertion/deletion variant in the 3'UTR of Zea methyltransferase2 (ZMET2) alters its transcript level and accounts for variation in the number of maize husk layers. ZMET2 encodes a chromomethylase and is required for maintaining genome-wide DNA methylation in the CHG sequence context. Disruption of ZMET2 increased the number of husk layers and resulted in thousands of differentially methylated regions, a proportion of which were also distinguishable in natural ZMET2 alleles. Population genetic analyses indicated that ZMET2 was a target of selection and might play a role in the spread of maize from tropical to temperate regions. Our results provide important insights into the natural variation of ZMET2 that confers both global and locus-specific effects on DNA methylation, which contribute to phenotypic diversity in maize.

Dinamika otpuštanja vlage u listovima klipa kukuruza u odnosu na gustinu setve

Maize husk mass affects the dynamics of maize kernel moisture release as well as the yield and harvest timing of maize. The aim of this study was to observe the dynamics of moisture release in maize husks depending on the sowing density technology used. At the Zemun Polje location, a trail was established with three hybrids (H1-ZP 4708, H2-ZP4242, H3-ZP4790) in three densities (G1-40,816, G2-69,689, G3-89,286). During the vegetation period, 15 days after fertilization, four samples (V1-V4) were taken to determine the fresh and dry weight of the husk. The leaves were dried in an oven at 60°C for 12 hours. The effect of the genotype was reflected in the different mass of the maize husks and the dynamics of moisture loss. It was most pronounced in hybrid ZP 4242, which had the highest moisture loss between V1 and V4 samples at 9.86 %. It is also the hybrid with the highest fresh mass of leaves, 88.71 g. The dynamics of mass reduction, i.e. moisture loss, was linear in all hybrids, except for the exceptions by ZP 4242. The effects of sowing density and genotype on the moisture release of the maize husks and thus the maize kernel lead to an optimal harvest and a reduction in the risk of yield loss.

Optimisation framework of biomass supply chain in southwest Nigeria

The article investigates the development of a biomass supply chain model by studying the logistic, network optimisation, transportation and economic impact as it affects the southwest Nigeria, with a particular emphasis on the conversion of crop residues into bioproducts such as bioethanol and biodigestate for electricity generation. This model compares the energy produced from single and multiple feedstocks using simulation methods implemented in the MATLAB 2022b programming language solver with the linprog function to implement linear programming to investigate the maximum revenue and minimum production costs as they affect biomass supply chain in southwest Nigeria. The sensitivity analysis is performed to examine the impact of key parameters by measuring essential uncertainty features to show the profitability of the supply chain network while employing feedstock such as cassava peel, maize husk, rice straw, and sorghum bran. The study's findings provide insight into the optimal design and operation of the biomass supply chain in Southwest Nigeria, as well as the viability and potential of using various feedstocks for energy generation while taking into account the economic and logistical aspects of the supply chain. The optimisation framework provides decision-makers and stakeholders with practical tools to improve the sustainability of biomass utilisation and efficiency in the region, and research will help to develop a more robust and environmentally friendly energy system in the region, easing the transition to a renewable and sustainable future.

Bending, Tensile and Water Absoption Test of Corn Husk and Glass Fibre Reinforced Composite For Different Composition

Now a day, there is a huge trend in research and development of bio-based products which have a wide variety of replacement for naturally existing materials. The current research intends to determine the qualities of a composite laminate material consisting of maize husk and glass fibre. The composite is created by alternately overlaying glass fibre cloths on corn husk fibre layers. The required composition and thickness are achieved by calculation of number of the layer of each fibres. The epoxy resin and hardener by weight is mixed in the ratio 10:1 respectively. It is poured between the layers of the composite to generate adhesion. Hand lay-up technique is adopted in manufacturing of the material and the material is pressed for certain duration using nut and bolt template assembly allowing it for natural curing. The composite is been tested for bending, tensile and water absorption tests according to standards.

DETERMINATION OF NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS JACQ. EXFR. P.KUMN (OYSTER MUSHROOM) CULTIVATED ON SOME PLANT SUBSTRATES

Oyster mushroom plays a vital role in human nutrition as it supplies the necessary growth factors such as protein, minerals, vitamins in the body. Fresh samples of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) were collected from the agricultural research farm of Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida. University Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria located at latitude 9.0674oN, longitude 6.5698o E. The aim of this study is to determine the nutritional value of Oyster Mushroom cultivated on some plant substrates. Sawdust, Maize (Zea mays) husk Rice (Oryza sativa) straw and Banana (Musa acuminata) leaves were collected from the Botanical garden of the Department of Biological Sciences, Ibrahim Badamasi Babagida. University Lapai, Niger State. Tissue culture techniques, spawn production, preparation and pasteurization of the plant substrates, inoculation of the mushroom spawn were conducted on the mushroom, nutritional analysis of the cultivated mushroom were determined and conducted using standard methods. The results indicated that among the selected substrates used, mushroom cultivated on banana leaves was found to be high in ash and moisture contents with 7.00% and 16.00 % respectively, rice straw was found the to be high in carbohydrate content with 51.70%. Maize husk was found to be high in crude fat and protein contents with 28.60% and 7.31% respectively, crude fibre content of 7.69% was found to be high in sawdust when compared with the other selected substrates .The present work demonstrated almost all the substrates used have certain levels of nutritive values. Mushroom cultivation under different plant substrates which serve as a bio-remedy of plant waste...

Data Evaluation of the Protection Performance of Maize Husk Particulate Reinforcements on 1170 Aluminium Alloy Corrosion in Dilute Electrolytes

Maize husk (MH) particulates at wt.% composition of 5% and 10%, and particle sizes of 150 and 300 um were added to the microstructure of 1170 aluminium alloy (Al) and analysed for their effect on the corrosion resistance of the maize husk reinforced aluminium composites Al/MH in 3.5% NaCl, 0.00625 M H2SO4 and 3.5% NaCl/0.00625 M H2SO4 solution by weight loss method. Protection performance results obtained at 264 h of exposure shows the MH particulates significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the Al/MH at 5 wt.% comp./150 um particle size (45%) and 5% wt./300 um particle size (30%) in 3.5% NaCl solution at 264 h. In 0.00625% H2SO4 solution, MH particulates significantly weakened the corrosion resistance of the Al/MH composites at all MH wt.% comp./particle sizes. Protection performance data at 264 h varied from-58.77% to 8.77 % which are significantly below the threshold 20% protection performance values. However, in 3.5% NaCl/0.00625% H2SO4, protection performance data above 20% threshold was obtained for Al/MH composites at 10% wt. comp./300 um particle size, 5% wt. comp./150 um particle size and 10% wt. comp./300 um particle sizes (22.58%, 38.71% and 29.03%). Results from ANOVA statistical method shows MH particulate wt.% comp./particle size is the important determinant factors influencing the protection performance results of Al/MH composites compared to exposure time with statistical relevance factor values of 36.53%, 77.98% and 18% from the electrolytes. The proportion of data above 20% protection performance for CB and CS particulates in 3.5% NaCl solution is 0% at margins of error of 0%. The corresponding values in 0.05 M H2SO4 solution are 15.18% and 15.32% at margins of error of 40% and 43% while the values from 3.5% NaCl/0.05 M H2SO4 solution are 14.78% and 15.5% at margins of error of 35% and 50%. The proportion of data above 20% protection performance for Al/MH composite in 3.5% NaCl solution is 30% at margins of error of 14.2%. The corresponding values in 0.00625 M H2SO4 solution are 15% at margins of error of 15.42% while the values from 3.5% NaCl/0.00625 M H2SO4 solution are 63% at margins of error of 15%.

Determination of Combustion Characteristics of Densified Biomass Fuels from Agricultural and Domestic Wastes

The combustion characteristics of two carbonized biomass briquettes fuels samples (sample A and B) from two bio-wastes have been presented. Sample A is comprised of Agro-waste (residues) mainly rice husk, groundnut shell, corn cob, bagasse, rice straw, coconut coir, branches, wheat straw, maize husk, grass from the field, cassava stem while Sample B comprised of decaying domestic wastes material from wastes disposal/collection points mainly garbage, vegetables/fruits, protein, groundnut shell, maize cob, waste papers, all sorts of discarded foods etc. Analysis of briquettes fuels samples in terms of proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and calorific values were necessary to determine suitability of such material as reliable and sustainable energy sources. These parameters analyzed are unique fundamental code that characterizes and determines the properties, quality, potential applications and environmental problems related to any fuel. The result of the analysis placed sample B above sample A in terms of heating value. The proximate analysis indicated that the sample B had a better ignition characteristic at 77% volatile matter against 44% of sample A. Also, sample B have better heating value with fixed carbon 32% against 21% of sample A. This was also confirmed by ultimate analysis where sample B recorded a higher value of percentage Carbon and percentage Oxygen at 47.04% and 41.6% respectively. The bulk densities were in the range of 499kg/m2 to 502kg/m2 which is very good in terms of handling and transportation of the fuels. Moreso, calorific value of both samples were appreciably high at 18704 KJ/Kg for sample A and 18901.3 Kj/Kg by sample B. The ratio FC:VM for sample A is 0.477 which is higher than that of sample B, indicating that sample A will have a better yield and formation of biochar. Therefore the carbonised biomass briquettes are of good quality and exhibited good combustion properties as an alternative energy feedstock for domestic and industrial applications. It is a better source of energy for cooking, replacing fuel wood (firewood) and it is eco friendly.

The RHW1-ZCN4 regulatory pathway confers natural variation of husk leaf width in maize.

Maize husk leaf - the outer leafy layers covering the ear - modulates kernel yield and quality. Despite its importance, however, the genetic controls underlying husk leaf development remain elusive. Our previous genome-wide association study identified a single nucleotide polymorphism located in the gene RHW1 (Regulator of Husk leaf Width) that is significantly associated with husk leaf-width diversity in maize. Here, we further demonstrate that a polymorphic 18-bp InDel (insertion/deletion) variant in the 3' untranslated region of RHW1 alters its protein abundance and accounts for husk leaf width variation. RHW1 encodes a putative MYB-like transcriptional repressor. Disruption of RHW1 altered cell proliferation and resulted in a narrower husk leaf, whereas RHW1 overexpression yielded a wider husk leaf. RHW1 positively regulated the expression of ZCN4, a well-known TFL1-like protein involved in maize ear development. Dysfunction of ZCN4 reduced husk leaf width even in the context of RHW1 overexpression. The InDel variant in RHW1 is subject to selection and is associated with maize husk leaf adaption from tropical to temperate regions. Overall, our results identify that RHW1-ZCN4 regulates a pathway conferring husk leaf width variation at a very early stage of husk leaf development in maize.

Agricultural Residues as Potential Diluents in Natural Rubber Formulation

Agricultural residues such as Maize Husk, Groundnut Shell, Coconut Shell and Sugarcane Bagasse were collected, sorted, dried and ground to particulate fillers. The various fillers were characterized in terms of density, moisture content and pH value. Single ordinates of 150 µm particle size and 30 parts per hundred of rubber (pphr) loading were respectively adopted for all filler types. They were used alongside with conventional Sulphur vulcanization system (high Sulphur to low organo-accelerator level) in the formulations of natural rubber compounds. Tests such as tensile strength at 400% elongation, constant force compression set, abrasion resistance as a function of percentage mass retention on surface exposure to a rotating abrasive surface and thermal stability using differential scanning calorimeter were carried out. Results obtained revealed that rubber vulcanizate samples filled with coconut shell and sugarcane bagasse had hardness values of 58 and 57 on Shore A scale while unfilled vulcanizate and carbon black filled sample had respective values of 45 and 49 Shore A hardness. However, unfilled vulcanizate and carbon black filled vulcanizate showed superior values of tensile strength at 400% elongation to the ones filled with agricultural residues. Therefore, these agricultural residues can serve as diluents in the formulation of rubber vulcanizates.

Effect of Pyrolysis Temperature on Chemical and Structural Properties of Raw Agricultural Wastes

This study was carried out to assess the effect of charring on chemical and structural properties of raw agricultural wastes at two different temperatures. The agricultural wastes (feather from the poultry unit, maize cob, maize stalk, bamboo, rice straw, cocoa pods, maize husk and used paper from offices) were collected from Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Ife excluding the used paper, which was collected from the Academic areas, OAU. The collected waste materials were air-dried, pulverized, ground, and sieved with 2 mm sieve separately. Biochars were produced from raw agricultural wastes at pyrolysis temperatures 400℃ and 450℃. The raw and selected charred agricultural wastes were subjected to chemical and structural analyses. Pyrolysis of the raw materials at the two temperatures led to a significant increase in pH. A significant decrease in organic carbon of all the agricultural waste materials was observed after pyrolysis, a lower C:N was recorded; however, nitrogen content did not change significantly with pyrolysis temperature compared with the raw waste materials. The concentrations of cations like Ca and Mg were unaffected by the pyrolysis temperatures, but significant increase was observed with potassium. The results of FTIR analysis indicated the presence of many surface functional groups in both the raw and charred materials, such as OH, COOH and NH, that could be involved in adsorption and release of plant nutrients in soils, including heavy metals adsorption from soil. However, the intensities of the functional groups were lower in raw agricultural wastes compared with charred agricultural waste. The effect of temperature differences was not significant on the elemental and structural properties; thus, any could be taken as the optimum temperature for effective biochar production. It was concluded that biochar produced from agricultural wastes could be used as liming materials and soil amendments. Also, the presence of carboxylic and phenolic groups in the charred materials will increase the soil cation exchange capacity and improve the nutrient holding capacity of the soil.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and characteristics of maize polysaccharides from different sites

Antitumor, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory properties are all exhibited by maize polysaccharides. With the increasing sophistication of maize polysaccharide extraction methods, enzymatic method is no longer limited to a single enzyme to extract polysaccharides, and is more often used in combination with ultrasound or microwave, or combination with different enzymes. Ultrasound has a good cell wall-breaking effect, making it easier to dislodge lignin and hemicellulose from the cellulose surface of the maize husk. The “water extraction and alcohol precipitation” method is the simplest but most resource- and time-consuming process. However, the “ultrasound-assisted extraction” and “microwave-assisted extraction” methods not only compensate for the shortcoming, but also increase the extraction rate. Herein, the preparation, structural analysis, and activities of maize polysaccharides were analyzed and discussed.

Positive response of maize husk traits for improving heat tolerance during flowering by alleviating husk inside temperature

With the increase in high temperature intensity and occurrence frequency, heat stress has become the main threat to the production of majority of crops, including maize (Zea mays L.). Maize husks play protective and energy-providing roles in ear growth; however, the effects of the husk as well as the response of husk traits to heat stress are not fully understood. To address this gap, a series of experiments were conducted to explore the impacts of heat stress during flowering on husk inside temperature and husk functions and identify the difference in husk response between different tolerant genotypes. Husk inside temperature was lower than the air temperature, and the temperature difference between the outside and inside of the husk (Toutside – Tinside) increased with the increased air temperature and reached a maximum (2.5–3.0 °C) at 40/30 °C. The increased stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of husks could contribute to cooling the inside temperature under heat stress. Additionally, a higher husk inside temperature, larger yield losses, and decreased photosynthesis rate were found after manual removal of partial husks, which contributed to reduced husk protection and energy supply effects, especially exposure to heat stress. Under heat stress, heat-tolerant genotypes (i.e., lower yield losses) correspond to lower husk inside temperature, which could be related to the positive response of husk traits to heat stress, including increased/unchanged husk areas, length, width, weight and numbers. In contrast, heat-sensitive genotypes (i.e., higher yield losses) corresponding to higher husk inside temperature and reduction in the above husk parameters. Thus, husk traits that positively respond to heat stress can alleviate the increase in kernel temperature and further decrease yield damage. Considering appropriate husk traits and understanding the potential heat tolerance mechanism have implications for breeding and screening tolerant genotypes under future warmer climates.

Analysis of the Effect of Zea Mays Husk Particulate Reinforcement on 1170 Aluminium Corrosion in a Simulated Industrial Environment

The worldwide need for lightweight, high-quality, high-performance, and low-cost materials is prompting a change in emphasis from unreinforced materials to reinforced/composite materials. The mechanical properties of the MHP reinforced aluminum composite are compared to those of the unreinforced metal using the data on the corrosion performance of maize husk particulate reinforcement on high 1170 Aluminium alloy in 0.00625 M H2SO4, 3.5 wt.% NaCl and a mixture of both solutions was studied using weight loss technique to determine the corrosion rates of the specimens. Optical microscopic analysis was also carried out on the specimens to determine the effect of the reinforcement on the microstructural properties of the material before and after corrosion. The corrosion rates calculated from the weight loss study revealed differences in the corrosion characteristics of the specimens in the various solutions when compared to the control specimen. The presence of reinforcement in the matrix was discovered to positively impact the corrosion behavior of composite materials via the production of corrosion resistant oxides. The electrochemical properties of maize husk enhances the corrosion resistance of the composite due to its ability to form a protective oxide film and chemically resistant inclusions on the surface of the material.

Graphene Quantum Dots Incorporated UiO-66-NH 2 Based Fluorescent Nanocomposite for Highly Sensitive Detection of Quercetin

Quercetin can help with a variety of health problems. Most methods for measuring quercetin in biological fluids are characterized by low sensitivity and selectivity. The employment of metal–organic frameworks in sensor applications with carbon-based materials ushers in a new era. In this study, blue fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) embedded in a UiO-66-NH₂ metal–organic framework-based nanoprobe (GQDs@UiO-66-NH₂) were constructed for quercetin sensing. Initially, maize husk was used to produce blue fluorescent GQDs, whereas zirconium tetrachloride and 2-aminoterephthalic acid were used to synthesize extremely luminous UiO-66-NH₂. The addition of quercetin to GQDs@UiO-66-NH₂ leads to fluorescence dampening due to the adsorption potential of UiO-66-NH₂. The complexation of zirconium ions with the 3-OH and 4-C＝O functionalities of quercetin resulted in fluorescence quenching. The sensor has a linear concentration range and limit of detection for quercetin of 50–500 and 2.82 ng/mL, respectively. The nanoprobe’s usefulness for quercetin detection was then validated by a selectivity investigation in the presence of interfering chemicals. Furthermore, the percentage relative standard deviations were 4.20% and 2.90%, respectively, indicating great stability and repeatability. Fluorescence “Turn-On–Off” nanoprobes provide a simple, quick, sensitive, and selective method for monitoring quercetin.

The Nutrient Dynamics of Major and Minor Nutrients on Pelleted and Unpelleted Dry Fodders

Background: Farmers are facing the challenges to providing adequate availability of feed and fodders to livestock during dry period (lean period) which poses a major threat in livestock productivity. This study delineates, pelleting of feed and fodder helps to meet out the fodder requirement during lean period consequently improving the livestock productivity. Methods: The experiment was conducted at Forage Pelleting Unit, Department of Forage Crops in Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu from March 2020 to June 2022 to identify the best suitable dry fodder crops for quality pellets production. The laboratory experiment was conducted and laid out in completely randomized block design with 11 treatments and three replications. The treatment consists of D1: Rice straw, D2: Maize stover, D3: Maize husk, D4: Sorghum straw, D5: Ragi straw, D6: Pearl millet stover, D7: Wheat straw, D8: Groundnut haulms, D9: Groundnut shells, D10: Sugarcane tops, D11: Blackgram husk were selected and produced into individual dry fodders pellets. Then, the selected dry fodders were harvested with the help of fodder harvester cum chaffer. The chaffed material was then dried using a solar drier at 70°C for one day to attaining the ideal moisture of 12%. Then, dried materials were grinded by fodder pulverizer and then grinding material was conveyed through conditioning with passing the steam at 60 to 70°C. Then, the conditioning material was passes through a pelletizer with 6 mm die diameter. Result: The observation on macro minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium) and micro minerals (cobalt, zinc, manganese) were analyzed by using an Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Emission Spectroscopy. The unpelleted and pelleted dry fodders showed a significant variation in the major and minor nutrients. In this regards, the calcium content recorded higher in groundnut haulms (D8) with 1.027 per cent and whereas ragi straw (D5) were recorded higher magnesium and potassium contents with 0.433 per cent and 2.178 per cent respectively. The minor nutrients like cobalt, manganese and zinc contents varied significantly due to pelleting process. From this study, rice straw (D1) recorded higher cobalt content with 0.378 per cent and whereas, ragi straw (D5) recorded higher zinc content (16.45 per cent) and while, manganese contents were registered higher in pearl millet straw (D6) with 54.88 per cent.

Procena mehaničkih i termičkih karakteristika briketa od kukuruzne ljuske kao alternativnog izvora energije

This paper presents the mechanical and thermal characteristics evaluation of maize husk briquette as an alternative energy source to enhance sustainability and efficiency. The experimental test conducted for a 0.6kg weight of briquette showed the volatility and moisture content to have a mean value of 62.52 and 0.27%; while the compressive strength was revealed to be 3.06k N/m 2. The thermal evaluation showed that the mean burn temperature of the maize husk briquette rose from 70.70 o C to 83.34 o C in 8 minutes, 98.72 o C in 10 minutes and finally 100 o C in 12 minutes; when compared to fire wood which burns slowly from 46 o C in 5 minutes, to 53 o C in 9 minutes, 68 o C in 10 minutes, 82 o C in 12 minutes, 94 o C in 18 minutes and finally to 100 o C in 21 minutes. Further, the comparative analysis result revealed that the maize husk briquette has more oxygen and nitrogen at 44.64 and 4.22%, compared to charcoal. It also has more ash content of 11.47% due to its volatility to burn effectively. On the other hand, the maize husk briquette has a low carbon and sulfur contents after burning at 43.55 and 0.051%. These findings will help address the disposal challenges of accumulated maize husk at and crop residues as an alternative sustainable source to meet green environmental and technological demands.