Number Of Capsules Research Articles

EVALUATION OF SESAME (SESAMUM INDICUM L.) AS AFFECTED BY NPK FERTILIZER RATES AND COWPEA [VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.] SOWING DATES IN SESAME AND COWPEA INTERCROPPING IN SUDAN SAVANNA, NIGERIA

The study was conducted during 2021 and 2022 rainy seasons; to determine the effects of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as affected by NPK fertilizer rates and Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] sowing dates in sesame and cowpea intercropping in Sudan savanna, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of four rates of NPK fertilizer (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha) and three cowpea sowing dates (simultaneous sowing of cowpea with sesame, sowing of cowpea two weeks after sesame (CSAS) and sowing of cowpea three weeks after sowing the sesame (CSAS), laid out in a factorial arrangement, fitted into a split plot design and replicated three. The NPK fertilizer was assigned to the main plots while cowpea sowing dates were allocated to the sub-plot. Data on growth and yield parameters collected included plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant (cm2), number of capsules per plant, 1000 seeds weight (g) and seed yield per hectare (kg/ha ). The data generated from the study were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Statistix 10.0 and where there is a significant difference; the means were separated using LSD at 5% probability level. Results revealed that NPK fertilizer had significantly improved the growth and yield of sesame. Sesame yield increased with increase in NPK fertilizer rates up to 100 kg ha-1. The highest grain yield obtained for the combined was 934.76 kg/ha. As for the cowpea sowing date, it was noticed that when the cowpea was sown three weeks after sesame, the yield of the sesame increased significantly. The interaction of 100 kg NPK/ha with three weeks after cowpea sowing recorded significantly greater grain yield in both years. Based on the findings, it is concluded that application of 100 kg NPK/ha with three weeks after cowpea sowing is recommended for sesame + cowpea in the Sudan savanna of Nigeria.

Trait Interactions and Yield Enhancement in Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.): Insights from Correlation and Path Analysis

Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a self-pollinated (2n = 30) annual Rabi season crop mainly cultivated for flax fiber and oil due to its commercial use. The present investigation was carried out to study an association analysis among the yield and yield attributes using 75 linseed genotypes including 10 checks in a randomized block design with three replications at Oilseeds Research Farm, Kalyanpur, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, (India) during Rabi season of 2019-20. The correlation analysis revealed that the traits number of secondary branches per plant followed the number of primary branches per plant and number of capsules per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. The results of the path coefficient analysis revealed that traits such as the number of secondary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, and plant height exhibited a strong and positive direct effect on seed yield per plant at both the genotypic and phenotypic levels. The seed yield can be improved by selecting traits such as number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches, number of capsules per plant, and plant height. It is recommended that the breeder focus on these traits in linseed to enhance its commercial value for the farming community.

Analysis of Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance for Yield and Yield-related Traits of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Linseed is recognized as an excellent source of essential minerals, nutrients, and is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), making it highly recommended for cardiovascular health. It is cultivated mainly for both linen and oil production, which is used for the production of paints, varnishes, and linoleum paste. The objective of the present investigation was to analyze genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for yield and yield traits among 75 linseed genotypes including ten checks using Randomized Block Design with three replications at Oilseeds Research Farm, Kalyanpur, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, (India) during Rabi season 2019-20. Analysis of variance revealed significant variation across all studied traits. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) ranged from low to high, with the lowest GCV and PCV observed for days to maturity, number of seeds per capsule, and days to 50% flowering. Conversely, the highest GCV and PCV values were recorded for seed yield per plant (g), number of capsules per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, and plant height. All traits recorded the highest heritability. High heritability and genetic advance were recorded for seed yield per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, plant height, thousand seed weight, number of primary branches and oil content, indicating the presence of additive gene action for these characters. In conclusion, the genotypes studied show significant genetic variation for yield and its attributes, which should be leveraged in future breeding programs.

Effects of Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Doses on the Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.)

ABSTRACT Proper adjustment of fertilizer dosage is necessary to achieve maximum yield. The use of too little or too much fertilizer can negatively affect plant growth. Nitrogen and phosphorus are two important nutrients in plant nutrition. Research on the combined effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on black cumin is very limited. Therefore, a field study was conducted to determine the effects of different nitrogen and phosphorus doses on the growth, yield and yield components of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) under Mediterranean conditions during two growing seasons. Five doses (0 kg ha−1or control, 30 kg ha−1, 60 kg ha−1, 90 kg ha−1 and 120 kg ha−1) of nitrogen and four phosphorus doses (0 kg ha−1 or control, 20 kg ha−1, 40 kg ha−1 and 60 kg ha−1) were used as experimental factors. All the parameters except for capsule number were significantly affected by the growing season. Nitrogen dose significantly affected all the examined features except for seed number in capsule, seed weight in capsule and harvest index, while phosphorus dose significantly affected only SY and HI. In general, in the 2021–2022 growing season, black cumin had lower growth, yield and related traits. On the other hand, even though nitrogen fertilization, particularly at 90 kg ha−1 and 120 kg ha−1, had a positive effect on the yield and yield components of black cumin, the optimal nitrogen dose was 90 kg ha−1 for fewer input costs according to the results obtained from the present study. A phosphorus dose of 60 kg ha−1 was determined to be the appropriate dose in terms of seed yield, and this dose can be suggested for maximum seed yield of black cumin.

Exploring Transgressive Segregation for Enhanced Yield in F2 Segregants of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

The experiment involved F2 generation of three superior crosses of sesame: Thilak X Ayali 1, Thilathara X Ayali 2 and Thilak X Ayali 5, grown in a Compact Family Block Design. A total of 200 plants were grown with a spacing of 30 x 25 cm, and observations were recorded on yield related characters. Significant variation was found among most traits, except for capsule length, capsule width, number of seeds per capsule and the number of primary branches. The cross Thilathara X Ayali 2 exhibited a high frequency of transgressive segregants for multiple traits, particularly for seed yield per plant, making it highly promising for further breeding efforts. Plant height had the highest mean and range, showing considerable potential for selection. CV analysis revealed high variability for traits like the number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant. In contrast, low variability and high stability was observed for traits like capsule length, number of seeds per capsule and days to maturity. Higher PCV and GCV were recorded for traits like days to first flowering, number of capsules per plant, and seed yield per plant, showing substantial genetic and environmental influences. Moderate PCV and GCV were found for plant height and days to maturity, while traits like capsule length, number of seeds per capsule, and capsule width had the lowest PCV and GCV, indicating limited genetic variation. Days to first flowering and days to maturity showed high heritability combined with high genetic advance, suggesting the preponderance of additive gene action and are ideal for simple selection. Traits like capsule length, capsule width, and number of seeds per capsule showed low heritability and genetic advance, making them less ideal for selection. The cross, Thilathara X Ayali 2 should be prioritized in future generations to recover desirable segregants, especially for economically important traits like seed yield.

Comprehensive Evaluation and Selection of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) Germplasm Using Morphological Traits.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) plays a crucial role in Guatemala's agriculture, supporting local families and covering 169,429.29 ha (making it the world's leading producer). Since its introduction to Guatemala in 1910, limited research has focused on unraveling the diversity and defining morphological traits critical for selecting excellent accessions. In this study, we examined 17 morphological traits across 288 accessions to identify key features associated with the germplasm. The comprehensive analysis employed principal component analysis, a morphological composite value (F-value), linear regression, and hierarchical clustering. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index ranged from 0.10 to 2.02, indicating the variation in diversity among traits. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering revealed six distinct germplasm groups. The comprehensive analysis facilitated the selection of 14 excellent accessions, and the regression equation incorporating criteria such as plant height, capsule color, panicle number per plant, panicle length, rhizome color, cluster number per panicle, cluster node length, and capsule number per cluster to identify cardamom germplasm. To develop a conservation strategy for the two putative foreign varieties ('Malabar' and 'Mysore'/'Vazhukka') introduced in Guatemala based on plant height, another 12 accessions were selected with a second comprehensive evaluation. This information offers insights into cardamom diversity for informed selection enhancing national utilization, productivity, and conservation.

Sesame, an Underutilized Oil Seed Crop: Breeding Achievements and Future Challenges.

Sesame seeds and their edible oil are highly nutritious and rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Bioactive compounds such as sterols, tocopherols, and sesamol provide significant medicinal benefits. The high oil content (50%) and favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid balance, as well as resilience to water stress, make sesame a promising candidate crop for global agricultural expansion. However, sesame production faces challenges such as low yields, poor response to agricultural inputs, and losses due to capsule dehiscence. To enhance yield, traits like determinate growth, dwarfism, a high harvest index, non-shattering capsules, disease resistance, and photoperiod sensitivity are needed. These traits can be achieved through variation or induced mutation breeding. Crossbreeding methods often result in unwanted genetic changes. The gene editing CRISPR/Cas9 technology has the potential to suppress detrimental alleles and improve the fatty acid profile by inhibiting polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Even though sesame is an orphan crop, it has entered the genomic era, with available sequences assisting molecular breeding efforts. This progress aids in associating single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) with key economic traits, as well as identifying genes related to adaptability, oil production, fatty acid synthesis, and photosynthesis. Additionally, transcriptomic research can reveal genes involved in abiotic stress responses and adaptation to diverse climates. The mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) can identify loci linked to key traits such as capsule size, seed count per capsule, and capsule number per plant. This article reviews recent advances in sesame breeding, discusses ongoing challenges, and explores potential strategies for future improvement. Hence, integrating advanced genomic tools and breeding strategies provides promising ways to enhance sesame production to meet global demands.

Performance Evaluation of Linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i> L.) Varieties in Buno Bedele Zone, South Western Oromia

Linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i> L.) is one of the most important oil crops of Ethiopia and it is considered as the main food crop and the least expensive source of oil for the farmers in many highlands of the country. Even though numerous improved linseed varieties have been released in Ethiopia, the mean seed yield per unit area of the crop remains low due to poor access to improved varieties. To improve the crop’s production and productivity, testing the performance of improved linseed varieties in potential agro ecologies where the varieties have never been grown before is an essential activity. A study was carried out with the objective of testing the performance of improved linseed varieties and their genetic variability for seed yield and related traits in Bedele, Dabo Hana and Didesa districts of Buno Bedele zone, south western Oromia, Ethiopia. This experiment was carried out using twelve linseed varieties were used for investigation (Bekoji-14, Kassa-2, Welen, Bekoji, Kuma, Yadano, Furtu, Bakalcha, Dibane, Horesoba & Jitu) and one local check were sown in randomized complete block design with three replications during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 main cropping seasons. Six (6) quantitative morphological traits were collected and analyzed by using R-software accordingly. Combined analysis of data from the three locations revealed that there is significant difference among varieties for days to flowering, days to maturity and grain yield, but non-significant for plant height (cm), number of primary branches per plant and number of capsules per plant. Significant effect of location was observed in plant height, number of primary branch per plant, number of capsule per plant and grain yield however non-significant in days to flowering and days to maturity. The interaction of Variety X location was significant for days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height and grain yield, however non-significant for number of primary branch per plant and number of capsule per plant. The maximum seed yield was recorded in varieties Kuma (1588.9 kgha<sup>-1</sup>) followed by Beokoji-14 (1476.7 kgha<sup>-1</sup>) and the lowest yield (978.9 kg/ha-1) was obtained from local check. The combine AMMI analysis for seed yield across environments revealed significantly affected by environments that hold 26.6% of the total variation. The genotype and genotype by environmental interaction were significant and accounted for 12.40% and 19.42% respectively. Principal component 1 and 2 accounted for 10.78 % and 6.13% of the GEI respectively with a total of 16.91% variation. In general, Kuma and Bekoji-14 varieties were identified as the best varieties for yielding ability, stability and recommended in the area and with similar agro-ecologies.

Isolation limits spring pollination in a UK fragmented landscape

Animal-mediated pollination determines the reproductive success of most flowering plants; this process however can be disrupted by environmental degradation, with habitat loss and fragmentation highlighted as a top driver of pollination deficits. Despite being a pervasive stressor worldwide, we still have rather limited empirical evidence on its effects on pollination services, especially for early spring pollination syndromes. We investigate this using a potted plant phytometry experiment in which we placed English Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)—a species largely pollinated in spring—into a fragmented woodland habitat. We selected 51 woodland patches which varied in both size and distance from each other and placed 153 pots of bluebell plants in the patches for c.4 weeks to measure pollination. The woodlands were located in a matrix of grassland, the latter being of low plant species richness and overall in the patches, woodland plants showed a positive species-area relationship. We collected traits on bluebell reproduction, these included the number, size, quality of seeds, the number of seed capsules and the number of flowers that failed to set any seeds. We found that seed traits responded differently to patch area and isolation. Patch isolation negatively affected the number of seeds and capsules, whilst it did not affect the size and quality of seeds. Patch area had no effect on any traits, suggesting that patch area might not necessarily be a factor that affects pollination in this species. The number of flowers that failed to set seed was unaffected by either patch area or isolation. Our study suggests that woodland fragmentation impacts the pollination of understory spring flowering plants. Our results highlight the use of multiple traits of phytometer plants to evaluate pollination and the importance of connectivity in maintaining pollination services in small-fragmented landscapes.

Genetic Variability Studies in the Interspecific Derivatives (S. indicum x S. mulayanum) of Sesame

The present study aims to assess genetic variability for agronomic characters in the interspecific population developed by hybridization between Sesamum indicum (Swetha til) x Sesamum mulayanum (IC-43144-1). Experimental materials were raised during late Kharif-2023 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad. A total of 80 F6 interspecific derivatives were evaluated along with four check varieties namely GT-10, Swetha Til, IC-43144-1 (S. mulayanum), CUMS-17 in Augmented Randomised Complete Block Design (ARCBD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed, significant variability in the interspecific derivatives for all the traits studied viz., days for emergence, days for flowering initiation, days for flower session, days for maturity, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, total number of capsules per plant, capsule length, test weight, harvest index and seed yield per plant. The magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) values were higher for the traits viz., total number of capsules per plant, harvest index, seed yield per plant, hence improvement through selection could be possible. Phenological traits such as days for emergence, plant height, number of primary branches per plant, total number of capsules per plant, harvest index and seed yield per plant exhibited a high heritability along with a high genetic advance as per cent of mean, indicating additive gene action in the expression of these traits. Simple phenotypic selection may be effective for improving these characters. So, the selection based on these traits should be prioritized in the selection process of interspecific hybrids of sesame breeding programme.

Genetic Variability and Heritability of Morpho-Agronomic Traits, Oil Yield and Fatty Acid Components in Linseed (<i>Linumusitatissimum</i> L.) Germplasm in Ethiopia

Comprehensive information on genetic variability and selection parameters is very crucial to design breeding strategies. However, very limited information is available in Ethiopian linseed germplasm. Therefore, the present study was conducted to estimate genetic variability, broad sense heritability and genetic advance; and determine selection for 19 quantitative traits using 126 genotypes (120 Ethiopian linseed accessions and six released varieties). The analysis of variance showed highly significant (P < 0.01) differences for all of the traits demonstrating the presence of high genetic diversity among the studied linseed genotypes. Higher differences between PCV and GCV estimates were observed for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, signifying the importance of environmental factors influence. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, indicating that this high heritability is due to additive gene effects and therefore, selection can be effective for the improvement of linseed for these traits. In addition, moderate heritability coupled with moderate genetic advance was recorded for oil yield per hectare, number of capsules, number of secondary branches, days to maturity, seed yield per hectare and plant height. These results indicated the existence of intermediate expression in these traits for both additive and dominance gene effect. In the present study, high heritability coupled with high GAM was observed for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant, indicating greater contribution of additive gene action for the expression of these traits; and therefore, improvement can be achieved through selection in these traits.

Optimization of encapsulation parameters for sodium alginate capsules: A study on the effect of temperature and gear pump rotation speed on capsule production and quality

AbstractThis study designed and evaluated an encapsulator unit for producing biocomponent‐containing capsules using sodium alginate. The encapsulator's principle of operation involved maintaining the gel‐forming mixture at a controlled temperature (20–50°C) and utilizing a gear pump to deliver the mixture to a nozzle for capsule formation. Increasing temperature and gear pump rotation speed reduced viscosity, affecting the capsule number, size, and stability. The optimal capsule size and quality were achieved with a sodium alginate concentration of 1%, yielding capsules with rounded shapes, uniform sizes, and soft yet resistant structures. The encapsulation process yielded varying numbers of capsules depending on the rotational speed of the gear pump and the temperature of the gel‐forming mixture. Higher temperatures and rotation speeds generally resulted in increased capsule yields. This research advances encapsulation technology for delivering sensitive biomaterials like probiotics, aiding in process optimization.Practical applicationsThe encapsulator is designed for the production of capsules using structure‐forming compounds and can be used in biotechnology, chemical, food and other industries. The encapsulator allows for the production of capsules with precise size and shell thickness, ensuring high quality.

Evaluation of Performance and Estimation of Combining Ability in Flax Crop by Using Factorial Mating Design

A field experiment was carried out at agricultural field in al-Alam the coordinates of (N 43.835672 - E 34.777260) district/Salahuddin Governorate during (2021 - 2022) A.D season to study, with the aim of evaluating the genotypes and positions in a crop using factorial mating and in these eight flax genotypes were used in this study it is (Sakha 1, Sakha 2, Sakha 3, Sakha 5, Sakha 6, Giza 8, Syrian local and Thorshansity72). and the first parents (males) and the remaining three (females) were chosen to obtain (15) hybrids If the selection was made on the basis of the genetic base of the genotypes, planted randomly and at different dates in the field, and the experiment was applied using a RCBD and with three replications, results and statistical analysis showed the superior genotype (Sakha1) for the traits of the number of capsules per plant (65.66) and the number of seeds in the capsule (9.79) seed capsulesˉ¹ and the yield of the individual plant (2.69) gm plantˉ¹ and the total yield (539.37) kg h-1 and superior hybrid (Sakha1×Syrian local), which significantly outperformed the traits of the number of capsules per plant (67.03) plant capsuleˉ¹, the number of seeds in the capsule (9.77) seed capsuleˉ¹ and the individual plant yield (2.64) g plantˉ¹ and the total yield (529.12) kg h-1. The best parents in the effects of general ability is Genotype (Sakha1) for the traits of the number of vegetative branches, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, and the superiority of the hybrid (Sakha1 × Syrian local) in the number of capsules per plant, number of seeds in the capsule, number of seeds per capsule, single plant yield and total and hybrid. Thus, it can be recommended to plant the varieties (Sakha1) (Sakha2) and (Sakha5) because their performance is distinguished in most of the traits under study.

Cost analysis study of price variation among the various brands of proton pump inhibitors available in Benghazi-Libya

Background: A large proportion of patients in developing countries have to pay out of pocket for their medications. The prices of different brands of the same medications vary considerably and may vary from one community pharmacy to another. This study was undertaken to evaluate the variation in costs of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) and histamine H2-receptor antagonists available in Libya. Methods: Prices of various brands of PPI and various formulations were collected from four community pharmacies in the city of Benghazi. Both cost ratio and percentage variation were calculated and compared for various brands of the same strength and number of tablets, capsules, injections, or syrups. Results: The highest cost ratio and percentage price variation were found with omeprazole 20 mg, followed by omeprazole 40 mg. Other significant cost variations (>100%) were seen with pantoprazole 40 mg, Downoprazol (omeprazole + sodium bicarbonate) 40 mg, and esomeprazole 40 mg. Ampoules of omeprazole, cimetidine, and ranitidine had cost ratios of 1:1.7, 1:1.7, and 1:1.8, and cost variation ratios of 71.4, 66.7, and 75, respectively. Variations in prices of PPI and histamine H2 antagonists from the same manufacturer between different community pharmacies were common. The highest percentage cost variation (100) was seen with omeprazole 20 mg. Conclusions: Due to political instability, the prices of all drugs are controlled by importing private companies and the owners of community pharmacies instead of governmental authorities, that leads to cost variations. Therefore, the health authorities exert strict control on pricing of medications.

Evaluation of white seeded sesame (Sesamum indicium L.) genotypes on growth and yield performance in Menit Goldya Woreda of West Omo Zone, SWE

Sesame is the second export crop next to coffee in annual export, indicating the highest 14% of the total world export of the crop. In Africa, Sudan is the major sesame producer, followed by Nigeria, Somalia, Uganda and Ethiopia. But lack of well-adapted varieties are one of the bottleneck production problems that account for low yield and small areas cropped to the nation. Thus it is essential to evaluate such genotypes, which have high yield potential and are suitable to local environmental conditions. Therefore, field experiments were conducted at west Omo zone during 2019/20 main cropping seasons at one location of West- the Omo zone, southwest Ethiopia. The location was Menit Goldiya districts of West Omo Zone, through evaluation and selection of high-yielding sesame varieties. The study comprised of five improved and one local sesame varieties laid out in RCBD with three replications at each location. The growth and yield data were collected and analyzed by using SAS Version 9.3 statistical software. The result of the study revealed that all of the parameters considered were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by varieties on both years. Accordingly, at Menit Goldiya for, all parameters in both years and the combined analysis over the years indicated that maximum plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, thousand seed weights in grams and seed yield were observed for the Humera-1 variety. Likewise, the shortest days to flowering, early maturing, the highest length of capsule bearing zone, the maximum number of capsules per plant, the highest number of seeds per capsule and the maximum seed yield (8.13 Qu/ha) were observed for the Humera-1 variety in 2019/2020 growing seasons. Based on the mean total seed yield of locations and different yield evaluation methods, a high-yielding variety was identified. Accordingly, the Humera-1 variety performed best on both years. Therefore, this variety can play a vital role in food self-sufficiency and food security of the south-western region and it should be widely distributed to farmers of the testing locations and similar areas of the region.

Multizone Modeling for Hybrid Thermal Energy Storage

This study presents a one-dimensional mathematical model developed to simulate multi-zone thermal storage systems using phase change materials (PCMs). The model enables precise analysis of temperature distribution in the layered storage based on several PCM configurations and properties. It is distinguished by its adaptability to various tank geometries and the number of PCM capsules, enabling its application under diverse operating conditions. By simplifying the implementation of heat transfer processes that depend on the shape of the capsule and the thermal properties of the PCM, the computation time can be reduced to a level that makes simulations over longer periods feasible. Experimental validation confirmed the accuracy of the model, with deviations below 6%, underscoring its practical applicability. The study demonstrates that individual layering in the storage tank can be achieved by filling it with PCMs of different melting points without compromising the maximum storage capacity. It is shown that including a PCM layer can maintain the outlet temperature 20% longer while storing 14% more energy. The results point out the model’s potential to improve the performance of thermal storage systems through targeted PCM layer configurations. The model serves as the basis for the planning and optimization of these systems.

Effects of Seed Priming on Germination of Nigella sativa L. and Comparison of Germination Performance with Yield Parameters in Field Conditions

The utilization of Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black cumin, in traditional and medicinal practices is well-documented, attributing to its wide-ranging biological activities. Given its significance, this study explores the efficacy of various seed priming treatments (control, distilled water, potassium humate, and gibberellic acid) under laboratory and field conditions to enhance the early growth stages of Nigella sativa L. Priming treatments aimed to improve germination rates, plant height, and other growth parameters, potentially translating into increased agricultural productivity. According to results plant height ranged from 52.38 to 58.91 cm, number of branches between 3.76 and 3.98 (branch plant-1). The number of capsules varied from 4.93 to 6.81 (capsule plant-1), capsule seed weight was between 0.19 and 0.22 (gram capsule-1 ), and the thousand-seed weight ranged from 2.26 to 2.39 grams. The germination rate ranged from 78% to 93%, germination index 4.22-5.83 and mean germination time was observed from 4.27 to 4.82 days. Our findings reveal significant effects of priming on germination parameters and plant height, this offering insights into the potential of these treatments to optimize crop growth. However, the transition of these benefits to field conditions, particularly yield-related parameters, appeared limited, suggesting the complex nature of growth enhancement strategies and their implications for agricultural practices.

#279 The impact of synbiotics on the uremic toxins, inflammation, and gut microbiome of CKD patients—randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Background and Aims The microbiome represents a complex system of microorganisms coexisting within the human body. The intestinal tract is the most densely populated region and is essential in preserving health and developing diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). The relationship between the gut microbiome and the kidney is complex. CKD can significantly affect the composition of the gut microbiome, which, through the fermentation process, participates in the production of over 90 different uremic toxins with the potential to aggravate systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and decrease renal function. Indoxyl-sulfate (IS), p-cresyl-sulfate (PCS), and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) are the most closely studied. Supplementation with pre-, pro-, or synbiotics could reduce the production and improve the intestinal clearance of uremic toxins. Assessing the efficacy and safety of this potential strategy has been the aim of our randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Method A total of 84 patients, aged over 18 years, with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 15 and 45 ml/min, were randomized into two groups, the one treated with synbiotic—64 billion colonies of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis with 6.4 g of inulin in the form of capsules, and a control group treated with an identical number and appearance of capsules but with a total of 6.8 g of bioinert maltodextrin, over a period of 12 weeks. Strict control of the diet and the use of antibiotics and other probiotics was carried out. The study examined the effect of therapy on the serum level of the uremic toxins IS, PCS, and TMAO, the composition of the stool microbiome, the serum level of interleukin 6 (IL6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), eGFR, albuminuria, degree of liver steatosis according to ultrasound elastomeric measurement, occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms and gut transition time. The level of uremic toxins was determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography. To determine the composition of the intestinal microbiome, we used 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable region. Results The synbiotic treatment significantly reduced the levels of IS (−11% vs. 1%, p = 0.033) and PCS (−6% vs. 0%, p = 0.011) in the intervention arm. We also observed that treatment with the synbiotic significantly reduced hsCRP levels (ΔhsCRP 0 vs −29%, p = 0.03). Synbiotic treatment greatly enriched the intestinal microbiome with the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibacterium by 81%, 55%, and 40%, respectively, with a reduction in the genera Ruminococcus and Enterobacterium by 35% and 40%. The use of synbiotics led to a significant reduction of liver steatosis according to the dynamics of the attenuation coefficient—ATT (ΔATT% −0.6 vs −2.3%, p = 0.33), with a decrease in the serum alanine aminotransferase—ALT (ΔALT −19% vs −28%, p = 0.035). A statistically significant shortening of the gut transition time—GTT was observed in the intervention arm (ΔGTT −5 h vs −10 h, p = 0.031), paralleled by a reduction in the intensity and prevalence of constipation symptoms. No side effects were observed. Conclusion Synbiotics could be an effective, safe, and affordable therapy that could be used to modify the intestinal microbiome of CKD patients and contribute to the reduction of the level of uremic toxins, inflammation, degree of fatty liver, shorten gut transit time and reduce the symptoms of constipation.

Potential use of crop water stress index (CWSI) and spectral vegetation indices for black cumin under deficit irrigation

This study was carried out in 2022 to examine the yield, yield components and changes in crop water stress index (CWSI) and vegetation index in black cumin with deficit irrigation. Five different irrigation water levels (I0, I25, I50, I75, I100) were used. The amount of irrigation water applied changed between 20 and 276 mm. Plant water consumption (ET) values varied between 182 and 425 mm. The highest seed yields were obtained from I100 treatments (692 t ha−1) and the lowest from I0 treatments (25 t ha−1). Biological yield, plant height, stem diameter, first capsule height, number of capsules per plant, number of branches per plant, number of seeds per capsule and 1000-seed weight of black cumin were affected by deficit irrigation. CWSI lower limit equation to be used in irrigation scheduling was identified Tc−Ta = − 1.7524 × VPD + 0.7698 (R2 = 0.54) and the upper limit 10.9 ℃. For black cumin plants, irrigation is recommended when the CWSI value is between 0.08 and 0.12. 9 different spectral vegetation indices were evaluated in this study. It has been determined that there are significant correlations between yield, yield components and CWSI and spectral vegetation indices.

CORRELATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS RELATIONSHIPS IN SAFFLOWER (CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L.)

An experiment was conducted on 40 genotypes of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) at the Experimental Farm of College of Agriculture, Latur, to examine genetic diversity and connections among characteristics. In Rabi 2020–2021, the experimental design was a complete randomized block design with two replications. The presence of considerable genetic diversity in the experimental materials was confirmed by analysis of variance results for 10 quantitative characters, which showed significant differences for all traits. The phenotypic and genotypic correlation among the traits and their path analysis were calculated. Plant height, number of branches per plant, number of effective capitulum per plant, number of seed per capitulum, and test weight were found to have a strong positive significant relationship with seed yield. This character had a strong and positive relationship toward seed yield. As a result, these characteristics could be considered important for improving safflower seed yield. The character number of branches per plant, plant height, number of effective capsules per plant, number of seed per capitulum, and test weight showed higher direct positive effects and indirect effects through other components traits. Number of seeds per capitulum had the greatest direct positive effect on seed yield per plant, followed by number of branches per plant and number of capsules per plant. As a result, these characteristics must be considered because they are directly relevant to seed yield. Characters like as days to maturity and oil content showed negative direct effects.