Nut Production Research Articles

Pengamatan Penyakit pada Tanaman Pinang (Areca Catechu L.) di Desa Mandala Jaya Kecamatan Betara Kabupaten Tanjung Jabung Barat

Areca nut (Areca catechu L.) is one of the leading plantation commodities in Jambi Province which has high economic value and plays an important role as a source of foreign exchange for the country. Areca nut plants in Jambi Province are most widely located in Betara District, West Tanjung Jabung Regency. To increase the yield of areca nut, it is necessary to know the diseases that attack areca nut and the percentage of the disease attack. It is useful for disease control in areca nut. This study aims to find out about the main diseases that attack areca nut plants such as yellowing leaf spot, leaf blight, leaf red rust, root rot/base of stem, fruit rot, shoot rot, yellow leaves, foot rot, flower die back and fruit drop, and Bacterial leaf stripe. The research was conducted using the Simple Random Sampling method. Plant samples were taken randomly at the people's areca nut plantations in Mandala Jaya Village, Betara District. Observations were made by looking at the symptoms of the disease and calculating the percentage of plants affected by the disease. Samples of areca nut plant parts that were attacked by the disease were identified at the Unbari Basic Laboratory.The research that has been conducted in Mandala Jaya Village, Betara District, Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, it can be concluded that three main diseases were found in areca nut, namely yellowing leaf spot caused by the fungus Curvularia sp, leaf blight disease caused by the Pestalotia palmarum fungus and red rust leaf disease caused by the fungus Cephaleuros sp. The percentage of disease attacks, namely, yellow leaf spot disease (Curvularia sp.) was highest on P1 land by 40%, the highest percentage of Leaft Blight disease was found in P1 area at 35% and the highest percentage of red rust leaf disease was found in P1 area, which was 20%.

Characterization of soil suitability in the province of Catamarca using geographic information systems

Land suitability analysis using geographic information systems (GIS) is one of the most widely used method today. In this type of studies, GIS and geo-spatial statistical tools are used to evaluate land units and present the results in suitability maps. The present work aims to characterize the suitability of soils in the province of Catamarca for pecan nut production according to the variables: rockiness, salinity, risk of water-logging, depth, texture and drainage described in the Soil Map of Argentina at a scale of 1:500,000 published by the National Institute of Agricultural Technology. A classification of the suitability of the soil cartographic units was made according to crop requirements, applying the methodology proposed by FAO. The standardization of variables made by omega score and the calculation of the spatial classification score were carried out as a result of the synthesis of the spatial distribution of soil suitability. The applied methodology allowed obtaining the soil suitability map resulting in a total of 60,662 km2 suitable for pecan nut production, which accounts for 59.8% of the total area of the province.

Effect of Grafting Method and Time on Grafting Success in Anatolian Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)

Chestnut is an economically important tree because of wood and nut production, which is usually found in warm-temperate species, especially Mediterranean region. The fruit of chestnut is a good antioxidant source besides being rich in vitamin C. Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a natural chestnut species in Türkiye. This study aimed to determine the most appropriate grafting time and grafting method for two chestnut cultivars (Marigoule and Erfelek) collected from the Western Black Sea region. Two different varieties (Marigoule and Erfelek) and three different grafting methods (chip budding, tongue, and cleft) were applied in different environments (in the hoop house and open field) for six months (December, January, February, March, April, and July). Analysis of variance was used for the grafting trials which was established and applied in the factorial trial design. Results showed that grafting success in the hoop house was twice as high in the open field, and the tongue was the most successful grafting method in all months except July. However, chip budding was observed as the most successful method in July. The highest grafting success was achieved in February, followed by July. According to the obtained results, Marigoule (C. crenata x C. sativa) cultivars were more successful than Erfelek cultivars. Marigoule cultivar’s success rate was 86% for the tongue method in February at hoop house. In July, 83% grafting success was achieved.

Kajian Rantai Nilai Agribisnis Mete Kabupaten Wonogiri

Increasing the value chain of a commodity in a region can be a major factor in the development of the local economy in a region. The same is true for the cashew nut agribusiness in Wonogiri because Wonogiri Regency is the leading producer of cashew (Anacardium occindintale) in Central Java Province with production approaching 90% of the total production in Central Java. Therefore, it is necessary to study the value chain of cashew nut production as the main commodity driving the economy of Wonogiri Regency along with the actors involved, critical points, and obstacles in it so that the objectives of this research can be achieved. With a qualitative descriptive approach, this research makes more use of field observations and surveys, and primary data is the main data source. The results obtained are that obstacles are still found in each value chain both at the input, production, collection, processing, and marketing stages, but efforts to overcome obstacles have been formulated since input, namely through efforts to strengthen institutional systems and farmer’s group management, product diversification and produce derivative products, as well as coaching and mentoring managerial governance, accounting and marketing techniques for cashew agribusiness actors.

The lost opportunity from insufficient pollinators for global food supplies and human health

BackgroundAnimal pollination supports agricultural production for many healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, which provide key nutrients and protect against non-communicable diseases. Today, most crops receive suboptimal pollination because of reduced abundance and diversity of pollinating insects. MethodsWe modelled the effects on current global human health from insufficient pollination by quantifying the pollinator-related crop yield gap and lost consumption of pollination-dependent foods by country and region, after accounting for global trade, economic behaviours, and food waste. We also estimated the lost economic value of crop production for the following three diverse case-study countries: Honduras, Nepal, and Nigeria. FindingsGlobally, we found that we are currently losing 3–5% of fruit, vegetable, and nut production per year because of inadequate pollination, leading to a median estimated 427 000 (95% uncertainty interval 86 000–691 000) excess deaths annually from lost healthy food consumption and associated diseases. Effects are unevenly distributed; lost food production is concentrated in low-income countries, while impacts on food consumption and mortality attributable to insufficient pollination are greater in middle-income and high-income countries with higher rates of non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, in our three case-study countries, we found that the economic value of crop production was 12–31% lower than if pollinators were abundant (because of crop production losses of 3–19%), mainly due to lost fruit and vegetable production. InterpretationInsufficient populations of pollinators are responsible for large burdens of disease through lost healthy food consumption. Furthermore, low-income countries are losing substantial income and crop yields from pollinator deficits. These results underscore the urgent need to promote pollinator-friendly practices for both human health and agricultural livelihoods. FundingGordon & Betty Moore Foundation, Weston Foods, Fifth Generation, CGIAR, United States Agency for International Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Wellcome Trust.

Molecular marker assisted confirmation of hybrids in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

Hybrid authentication is important in the selection of good quality hybrid seedlings in coconut before distribution to various stakeholders. Fourteen coconut specific SSR primer pairs were initially used to screen parental lines used in coconut hybrid nut production for polymorphism. Primers capable of differentiating parents, CncirE2 and CnCirE10 were then utilized to screen seedlings in the coconut nursery to identify true hybrids based on the complementary banding pattern of both male and female parents

The Endogenous Development Mechanism of the Baiyankeng Geocultural Village in China

This study aims to clarify a new endogenous model of geocultural villages by examining land use change, industrial transformation, and their impacts on rural society and the economy of Baiyankeng village, Zhejiang Province, China. This empirical study focuses on the actions of residents and their effects after Baiyankeng was registered as the pilot geocultural village in China. To address the dual configuration of urban/rural areas and three-dimensional rural issues, the Chinese government released a set of policies for rural vitalization in the early 2000s, which included the establishment and promotion of geocultural villages in 2013. This study found that the local leadership—the township government and the village committee—played a significant role in leveraging the unique geological resources of the village. They aggressively pitched for Baiyankeng village to be recognized as the first-ever geocultural village, and successfully established an effective model of self-governance that empowered villagers to actively and enthusiastically participate in the process. By doing so, they successfully created a booming tourism industry while boosting local production of Chinese Torreya nuts and green tea. From the perspective of the land system in China, the mechanism of geocultural villages (henceforth known as rural geoparks) in this study shows new endogeneities of rural vitalization in China.

Genetic Variation Among 54 Eastern Black Walnut Cultivars for Phenological and Morphological Traits

Eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra) is a large tree endemic to the eastern United States and is highly sought after for its timber products and uniquely flavored nuts. The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry in New Franklin, MO, USA, hosts an eastern black walnut cultivar repository. This collection supports an ongoing breeding program to improve economic performance for nut production (kernel weight, nut quality, precocity, and yield). In 1996, 54 cultivars were grafted and planted in a series of experimental orchards for evaluation. From 2001 until 2015, trees were evaluated for 12 phenological and eight nut quality/yield traits. Economically relevant traits including kernel weight, kernel percentage, and precocity (total nuts produced age 6 to 10 years) ranged from 1.1 to 8.6 g, 5.3% to 39.3%, and 16 to 1522 total nuts per tree, respectively. Kernel percentage was positively correlated with kernel weight (r = 0.51) and precocity (r = 0.38). Precocity was negatively correlated with the first (r = −0.39) and last (r = −0.30) female bloom. Principal component analysis and biplot analyses revealed high levels of variation among the cultivars. The first two components explain 43.4% of the total variation. Nut dimensions (nut length and nut thickness), nut and kernel weight, and kernel percentage are the largest drivers of variation in the collection. Eigenvectors for precocity and kernel percentage load together and are orthogonal to kernel weight, suggesting these three important traits can be improved simultaneously. Also, nut length loads with kernel weight, providing a candidate indirect selection parameter to increase kernel weight. These data inform strategies for crossing scheme design, expectations for multitrait genetic gain, complementary hybridization, and identifying unique recombinants.

Вирощування горіхів фундука в Україні та світі: аналіз основних тенденцій та перспективи розвитку

Abstract. Introduction. There is demand for hazelnuts among consumers in the world. Hazelnuts production in Ukraine is possible and is in accordance with the climatic conditions. So, it is relevant to consider the potential of domestic agricultural enterprises. Purpose. To study the global and Ukrainian hazelnut market over the last five years, to characterize the peculiarities of hazelnut production in Ukraine and the prospects for increasing the supply of hazelnuts by domestic producers. Results. In the article the analysis of the global hazelnut market over the last five years is conducted and as a result the increasing demand and supply in the market is identified. The lead countries among hazelnut producers are Turkey, the USA, Italy, Azerbaijan, Chile, Georgia and Iran. The analysis of the main exporters and importers in the market is conducted. The largest exporter is Turkey, the largest importers are Germany, Italy and France. Ukraine is one of the largest twenty hazelnut importers, and the dynamics of import corresponds to the dynamics of consumption. Over the 2016-2020 years, the consumption of hazelnuts in Ukraine has almost doubled and corresponded to world trends. The forecast of the global consumption of hazelnuts is built – it is expected to increase of 8.41% by 2025. Ukrainian hazelnut market is analyzed and changes in the nut production have been revealed over the last five years: area of the industrial gardens have been increased, the first industrial gardens have started to bear the nut, and the first marketable batches of hazelnuts have harvested. Conclusions. The global consumption of hazelnuts is forecast to grow. The domestic market at this stage is importdependent, Ukraine has all opportunities to manage its own production and ensure not only domestic demand, but also the export of hazelnuts to foreign markets in the future.

A REVIEW OF THE SMALLHOLDER CASHEW NUT PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN INDONESIA AND ITS SUSTAINABILITY

Cashew nut production in Indonesia is largely limited to the eastern region. The harvesting time varies according to the production region during the dry season, ranging from July to November. Most cashews are sold in the shells to traders who frequent farmers’ villages. However, the price of cashews in the shell is considerably lower than that of fresh or processed cashew nuts, which are mainly processed by smallholder farmers. Cashews are a potential export commodity because of their high economic value in the global market and as an added value for income generation in the smallholder farming system. This study is a systematic review of the economic impact of the cashew nut home industry focused on Southeast Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, and West Nusa Tenggara as the three largest provinces producing cashew kernels in Indonesia. The metadata suggest that processing cashew nuts is a key element in enhancing farmers’ welfare, particularly for those in eastern regions, which are affected by drought. Four measures were identified to improve the home cashew nut industry sustainability: (1) develop local cashew enterprise processing; (2) facilitate linkages to business and financial institutions; (3) increase income via a farmer’s-group-managed processing unit; and (4) strengthen cooperation between farmer’s groups and companies.

Decrease in soil inorganic nitrogen supply capacity under long‐term areca nut plantations in the tropics

AbstractUnderstanding the dynamics and availability of soil nitrogen (N) affected by the conversion of cropping patterns is critical for environmental sustainability, especially in tropical soils with low fertility and high N loss. In this study, the 15N tracing technology combined with the 15N tracer model was used to explore the dynamic change of soil N transformation in long‐estabished areca nut (Areca catechu) plantations. Areca nut plantations with different ages (2, 5, 10, 14, and 17 years) and paddy fields in the tropical region of China were studied. The results demonstrated that the gross N mineralization rate (M) of areca nut plantation soil was much lower than that of paddy soil. The NH4+ immobilization (INH4) rate was also significantly reduced in areca nut plantations. Besides, the ONH4 (autotrophic nitrification) in long‐term areca nut planted soil decreased significantly with decreasing ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) abundance. Inorganic N supply (INS) capacity of areca nut planted soil was much lower than the paddy soil, indicating declined N supply in long‐term areca nut plantations soil. The decline in soil gross N transformations rate and INS capacity of areca nut plantations soil was significantly correlated to reduced levels of TN and soil pH. Thus, agricultural practices that increase the soil pH (e.g., biochar or lime application) and the soil organic matter content (e.g., organic fertilizers) could improve soil INS capacity.

Evaluation of thermoregulation of different pine organs in early spring and estimation of heat reward for the western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis) on male cones.

The western conifer seed bug (WCSB, Leptoglossus occidentalis) is a pest of many pine species and is invasive worldwide. WCSB directly and indirectly deteriorates pine nut production by sucking seeds from cones. Currently, researchers think that WCSBs search for food by a combination of cues from visible light, infrared radiation, and chemicals such as monoterpenes. Some research revealed that WCSBs prefer larger cones, and it was thought that WCSBs suck seeds from and obtain more heat on larger cones. However, in early spring, we observed that most WCSBs gathered on male cones rather than on female cones and young cones. We hypothesized that male pine cones were warmer than female cones and needles, and WCSBs sucking male cones may receive more heat. To test these hypotheses, we measured spectral reflectance with a hyperspectral sensor and temperature of pine organs with tiny thermocouples, and the data were analyzed by a heat budget model. Our results revealed that male cones were significantly warmer and more reflective than female cones and needles, which may attract WCSBs. These results supported our hypothesis that WCSBs on male cones were warmer than those on other organs. This study will help further understanding of WCSBs and the adaptive value of pine cone colors.

CASHEW NUT-BASED PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN TOGO: AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES, CONSTRAINTS, AND IMPROVEMENT LEVERS

<p>This research aims to characterize cashew nut production systems in Togo and identify intervention axes to increase productivity. The method is based on a survey of 384 cashew producers in the main production areas. The results showed that 96.5% of the producers are men, and cashew plantations are mostly owned (79.9%) by indigenous peoples. The average age of producers is 48.15±11.60 years, and most farmers (91%) field is less than three (03) hectares. More than 79% of orchards are obtained by directly sowing and are rarely fertilized (6.34%). Intercropping is frequently practiced and lasts on average 5.1±2.2 years. Cashew nut yields are negatively affected by the long duration of intercropping, labor costs, and the long time between two harvests. Three major groups are distinguished among cashew producers, and ease of access to land is the factor that best discriminates them. Cashew nut yields remain low and average 345 kg/ha. Economic and technical constraints remain the main problems encountered in the field. Thus, the levers for improving cashew nut productivity are the strengthening of contract farming, strengthening of extension services and a better organization of the actors of the sector.</p>

Perspectives of Farmers on the Decline in Pinus pinea Nut Yield and the Sustainability of the Production: A Case Study in Kozak Basin in Western Turkey

In the Kozak Basin, which is the most important pine nut production and trade center in Turkey, there has been a significant decrease in production recently. In this study, the perspectives of the farmers in this area were investigated, specifically about reasons for the decrease in yields. For this purpose, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 378 pine nut farmers from the Kozak Basin. It was determined that the average age of the farmers is high, their educational achievement level is low, they generally also work in alternative sectors and almost all of them grow pine nuts in their own pine groves. The farmers’ perception of cooperatives was found to be negative. In general, the local people continue to produce pine nuts in their own pine groves, but nearly half of the participants also worked in other sectors to maintain their standard of living. Farmers attribute the low yield in the Kozak Basin to both abiotic and biotic factors. Mining activities, which are increasing, are seen as a threat to the future of production in the area. Also, there is a growing perception of biotic harm, especially from Western Conifer Seed Bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis. Climate change and air pollution are other prominent factors.

Dietary Patterns Suggest West Virginia Bobcats Are Generalist Carnivores

Abstract The proportion and diversity of prey species consumed by bobcats Lynx rufus are often correlated with prey abundances, individual skill level, environmental conditions, and habitat quality. Bobcats generally consume prey species that rely on mast—the fruits of trees—for basic life-history requirements. In West Virginia forests, many mast-producing tree species have declined over the past 40 y, yet the last known study on bobcat diet in the state was in 1977. Thus, we need current data to understand the effects of forest compositional changes on bobcat dietary patterns. We evaluated stomach contents of 300 bobcats collected over the 2014–2015 (n = 150) and 2015–2016 (n = 150) hunting and trapping seasons in West Virginia. Simpson's index of diversity indicated an 87% probability that two randomly selected prey items belong to different species, supporting the idea of bobcats as generalist carnivores. White-tailed deer (hereafter deer) Odocoileus virginianus (32%), mice and rats (families Cricetidae, Dipodidae, and Muridae; 30.7%), rabbits (family Leporidae; 21.3%), Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana (18.7%), and squirrels (family Sciuridae; 17.3%) occurred most frequently. We found 92% dietary overlap between sexes and 35% between stage classes. Deer, opossum, and raccoon Procyon lotor occurred more frequently in males, whereas rabbits occurred more frequently in females. Deer occurred more frequently in adults; raccoons in yearlings; and mice and rats in juveniles. Overall occurrence of deer (−17.1%), rodents (order Rodentia; −9.5%), opossum (+13.5%), and raccoon (+5.1%) differed significantly between the 1977 study and this study, which may allude to changes in the abundance of mast-dependent prey species over time. Similarly, hard mast (i.e., nuts) production had a significant interaction effect with study season on the overall occurrence of squirrels in bobcat diets. By improving our understanding of bobcat trophic interactions, we can better manage their populations and ecological communities by managing for the dietary requirements of their common prey species.

A versatile rhodamine B-derived fluorescent probe for selective copper(II) sensing

In the current study, a colourimetric/fluorimetric rhodamine-hydroxy benzaldehyde molded Schiff base chemosensor-RL was developed and characterized. The chemosensor-RL was screened for metal ion sensing capabilities and discovered to be detecting Cu2+ ions with great sensitivity and selectivity. The complex formation between the RL and Cu2+ was characterized by 1H NMR-based titration studies as well as Job’s method with 1:1 binding stoichiometry between the RL and Cu2+ ion. The limit of detection was found to be 1.16 µM. Moreover, real-time detection was successfully performed on samples such as water, natural soil from areca nut plantation, and leaching of copper cookware. As copper is an essential trace element for both humans and animals. Both deficiencies of copper and chronic exposure to high levels can be detrimental to the body. Therefore having a reliable method to detect the deposition of copper within the body may have vast application in the field of metal imaging. To test the hypothesis of in vivo Cu2+ imaging, we used Drosophila melanogaster that was exposed to chronic levels of copper(II) as a model organism. The preliminary results show that the RL was capable of detecting Cu2+ deposits within the tissue, thereby establishing the feasibility and practicality of the assay.

Potential of Organic Manures for Enhancing Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) Production in Pothohar Climatic Condition

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers is common for higher production of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.). Chemical fertilizers are costly andhave adverse effect on soil environment. Keeping in view avoidingthe side effects of chemical fertilizers, an experiment was carried out for evaluating the different organic manures to select potential organic manure for better groundnut production during 2018-19 at Groundnut Research Station Attock. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications, fivetreatments consisted of different organic and inorganic fertilizers i.e. T1 (FYM @7.5t/ha), T2 (PM @05t/ha), T3 (NPK @30:80:30 kg/ha), T4 (Vermicompost@ 2.5t/ha) and T5 control (zero fertilizer). Nutrients use efficiency, quality and yield components were recorded. The study revealed that organic manure can enhance the production and quality of Ground nut for replacing the chemical fertilizer. Poultry manure @ 05t/ha significantly produced higher yield (4203 kg/ha), shelling% (71%), 100 seed weight (72.66 g), plant height (31.66 cm), pods/plant(58.00), oil content (42.86%), protein(28.60%) during both the years over rest of treatments. Similarly FYM and vermicompost had better results than the NPK. Therefore it is recommended that poultry manure @05t/ha can improve groundnut yield under pothohar conditions of Pakistan.

Biomass, radial growth and regeneration capacity of Aleppo pine, and its possible use as rootstock in arid and degraded areas

This paper reviews recent findings on Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.), which is found throughout the Mediterranean region and has been introduced in several areas of the world. This species is used in reforestation efforts for timber production and protection of degraded areas. Several studies have shown that this species has high biomass productivity and high plasticity. Its radial growth is influenced by the climate and the physical environment. Aleppo pine is known for its great capacity for expansion in its natural environment and its great capacity for invasion in areas where it has been introduced worldwide. The use of P. halepensis Mill. as rootstock has yielded satisfactory resultsin the production of stone pine cones and nuts in marginalized, arid, and dry areas. This review can help forest managers developing optimal management strategies for Aleppo pine stands in arid and sub-arid Mediterranean regions.

An Optimal Production Plan for Cashew Nuts Community Enterprise Using Metaheuristic Algorithms

The proper production plan plays an important role in the cashew nuts market enterprise in order to reduce cost. This study aims to find the optimal production plan for cashew nuts using ant lion optimization (ALO), symbiotic organisms search (SOS), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC). The novel objective function is introduced in this study. Three input data set, including production cost, holding cost and inventory quantity are investigated. The experiment cases consist of the frequency of production cycle time in January, February and March, respectively. As a results, four algorithms are available to estimate not only the proper production plan of cashew nuts but also an ability in reducing the inventory and the holding costs. In summary, the ALO algorithm provides better predictive skill than others for the cashew nuts production plan with the lowest RMSE value of 0.0913.

Commercialization of Bambara Nut Production in Nigeria

The global population increases daily, which requires a considerable increase in food production. Bambara nut is an important staple food crop capable of supplying essential nutrients to the body and providing the farmers with income, yet it is underutilized. This study, therefore, assessed the commercialization of Bambara nut production in Nigeria to enhance food availability. Primary data were gathered from 240 respondents and analysed using descriptive statistics, household commercialization index (HCI), and the Tobit model. The results revealed that the mean HCI was 56%, indicating that there exists a gap of 44% for Bambara nut farmers to reach full commercialization. Access to credit, household size, age, farming experience, the quantity of fertilizer, farm output, and distance to the market were significant factors influencing the degree of Bambara nut commercialization. Inadequate access to credit/loan facilities, long-distance to market, high cost of inputs, poor road network to transport produce, and incidence of pests and diseases were the militating constraints to commercialization of Bambara nut production. This study advocates for the provision of credit and inputs, by government and financial institutions, to the farmers to improve their production and commercialization endeavours.