Oat Grain Research Articles

Effect of Using Germinated and Fermented Lupin and Oats as a Dietary Protein Source on Laying Hen Performance and Egg Quality

Soybean meal is the dominant protein source for poultry nutrition. However, soybean is not widely grown in Europe, necessitating importation from other countries. To reduce dependency on imported soybean meal, an alternative feed material is needed. Fermentation and/or germination of grains are known to increase the value of the protein content of a diet. This study aimed to determine if they could substitute partly soybean meal in a diet. Germinated or fermented or germinated and fermented grains of lupin and oats were used in laying hen’s diet (a mix of 6.50% lupin and 3.50% oat grains). Oats were dehulled or not dehulled. The hens’ weight loss and the downgraded eggs rate were the lowest when using fermented grains. All trial diets reduced the egg cholesterol content. Dehulling had only a slight effect on performance. Diets containing germinated grains led to a decrease in laying performance and an increase in body weight loss. Diets containing fermented grains gave the best results in terms of quantity of amino acids, hen weight maintenance, laying performance, and egg quality. In conclusion, fermented lupin and oats can be used in laying hen diets to partly substitute sources of protein such as soya, but germinated grains cannot.

A finite mixture distribution to model genetic architecture of image‐based oat grain morphology

AbstractThe multi‐floral oat (Avena sativa L.) inflorescence influences grain size and shape distributions, affecting the physical attributes of grain quality such as plumpness, size, and uniformity. While the grain size and shape distribution has been characterized as multi‐modal, very little is known about the genetic determinants of those distributions and their properties. The goal of this study was to model grain size and shape distribution using a finite mixture distribution approach and propose new distributional traits (i.e., emerging distributional traits) to characterize genotypes. We evaluated 47 oat genotypes in four highly replicated field experiments. Grains of three panicles per plot were individually threshed and scanned. Grain area, length, width, and roundness were obtained from each grain‐based image, while emerging distributional traits were evaluated using a finite mixture distribution approach. Finally, grain size distributions from hand‐threshed panicles (representing the full biological distribution) were compared with the grain size distributions of grains harvested with a combine harvester representing commercial harvest where small grains may be blown out. The heritability of all grain traits was high (0.89–0.94), and trait distributions differed among genotypes. Grain area and length show bi‐ and trimodal distributions, while grain width and roundness are uni‐ and bimodal. Although the full biological distribution of grains differed from the combine‐harvested grains, their genetic correlations were high, suggesting the combine‐harvested distributions can be used as a proxy for full biological distributions. This study proposes a straightforward methodological approach to model grain attributes that can aid in quality evaluations for genetic studies, breeding decisions, and industry characterization.

Development of oat malt production technology using plasma-chemically activated aqueous solutions

The object of the study was oat malt production. The result of the presented study is the development of a technology for gluten-free oat malt production using cold plasma-treated technological solutions. The material for the study was oat grain. The main technological task is to obtain high-quality oat malt, which, in turn, will be suitable for producing gluten-free beverages and highly nutritious foods. The expediency of using cold plasma-treated aqueous solutions as an activator of the oat malting process and an effective disinfectant of the technological process and the finished product (oat malt) was experimentally proved. It was confirmed that using cold plasma-treated aqueous solutions can accelerate the oat germination process: the germination energy increased by 6–14 %; germination capacity by 2–10 %. The moisture content of oats when moistened increases by 6–37 %. Analysis of the amylolytic enzymatic activity showed a dynamic increase of 17.6 %. The result was the breakdown of carbohydrates. Thus, the amount of starch decreased by 2.4 %, fiber did not undergo significant changes, and the content of simple sugars increased by 2.3 %. The proteolytic activity of oat malt increased by 18.1 %. An increase in the amount of amino acids in the experimental samples was noted. The total amount of amino acids is 793 mg/100 g of product higher than in the control (i.e. by 3 %). There was also an increase in the content of vitamins B (B1, B2), as well as vitamin C, the content of which increased by 5.6 %. Disinfecting properties of cold plasma-treated aqueous solutions in relation to oat malt were noted. The innovative technology of oat malt production can be implemented in the industrial production of gluten-free malts for the brewing industry and for producing gluten-free foods.

Modification of the existing maximum residue levels for dichlorprop-P in cereal grains.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Nufarm Crop Products UK Ltd. submitted a request to the competent national authority in Italy to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance dichlorprop-P in barley, oat, rye and wheat grain. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for these cereal grains. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of dichlorprop-P in the commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg and in animal matrices at the validated LOQ of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that the short-term and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of dichlorprop-P-2-ethylhexyl (dichlorprop-P 2-EHE) according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

Metabolic engineering-induced transcriptome reprogramming of lipid biosynthesis enhances oil composition in oat.

The endeavour to elevate the nutritional value of oat (Avena sativa) by altering the oil composition and content positions it as an optimal crop for fostering human health and animal feed. However, optimization of oil traits on oat through conventional breeding is challenging due to its quantitative nature and complexity of the oat genome. We introduced two constructs containing three key genes integral to lipid biosynthesis and/or regulatory pathways from Arabidopsis (AtWRI1 and AtDGAT1) and Sesame (SiOLEOSIN) into the oat cultivar 'Park' to modify the fatty acid composition. Four homozygous transgenic lines were generated with a transformation frequency of 7%. The expression of these introduced genes initiated a comprehensive transcriptional reprogramming in oat grains and leaves. Notably, endogenous DGAT, WRI1 and OLEOSIN genes experienced upregulation, while genes associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, such as KASII, SACPD and FAD2, displayed antagonistic expression patterns between oat grains and leaves. Transcriptomic analyses highlighted significant differential gene expression, particularly enriched in lipid metabolism. Comparing the transgenic oat plants with the wild type, we observed a remarkable increase of up to 34% in oleic acid content in oat grains. Furthermore, there were marked improvements in the total oil content in oat leaves, as well as primary metabolites changes in both oat grains and leaves, while maintaining homeostasis in the transgenic oat plants. These findings underscore the effectiveness of genetic engineering in manipulating oat oil composition and content, offering promising implications for human consumption and animal feeding through oat crop improvement programmes.

Ruminal degradation and intestinal digestion of developed oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties in comparison with barley grain in dairy cows

This study aimed to evaluate the ruminal degradation and intestinal digestion of nutrients of two cultivars of oat grains (CDC Nasser and CDC Seabiscuit) in comparison with a barley grain (CDC Meredith that was considered the control treatment) in dairy cows. Nasser showed higher rumen undegradable protein (RUP; P < 0.01) and intestinal digestible protein ( P < 0.01) than Seabiscuit or control. However, the total digestible protein was not different among grain varieties ( P = 0.25). The in vitro intestinal digestibility of RUP (dIBP) for Nasser was higher than control ( P = 0.02); however, the dIBP in Seabiscuit did not differ from other cultivars. The intestinal digestible rumen bypass starch and total digestible starch were lower in the oat grain varieties than in the control ( P < 0.01). The truly absorbed protein supplied to the small intestine (DVE) was highest for control, intermediate for Seabiscuit, and lowest for Nasser ( P < 0.01). Moreover, control showed a higher estimated feed milk value than oat varieties ( P < 0.01). In conclusion, Seabiscuit shared similar rumen degradation and intestinal digestibility with control suggesting that Seabiscuit oat grain could in some extension replace barley grain in diets for dairy cows.

The effect of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) cold plasma treatment on the reduction of aflatoxin B1 and the physicochemical properties of oat

Cold plasma is an emerging technology that has increased in demand because of consumers’ desire for fresh, safe and minimally processed food products. Aflatoxin B1 is one of the main mycotoxins that is usually found in cereals, especially oats. This study was conducted to determine the effect of DBD cold plasma on aflatoxin B1 and the physicochemical characteristics of oats. Whole oat grains were subjected to DBD plasma treatment for 1, 3, and 6 min at powers of 32, 37, and 42 W. Untreated samples were also evaluated as controls. The results showed that DBD treatment had the greatest reduction in 6 min and power 37, which reduced AFB1 concentration by 82%. Furthermore, there was no significant difference for some qualitative parameters such as protein and pH compared with the control sample, whereas the peroxide value and β-glucan increased and alpha-tocopherol decreased. The farinograph test showed that the improvement in water absorption capacity, dough stability, dough development time, and the degree of softening decreased. In addition, the viscosity of treated sample was reduced compared with that of the control sample. This study showed that DBD plasma had an effective reduction in aflatoxin AFB1, and it also improved the technological properties.

ВЛИЯНИЕ МЕТЕОРОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ НА УРОЖАЙНОСТЬ ОВСА В СЕВООБОРОТАХ

The studies were carried out to assess the influence of predecessors in crop rotations and nutrition background on the formation of oat yields under different weather conditions. The work was carried out in a stationary two-factor experiment in 2016–2020 in the conditions of the Middle Urals on dark gray heavy loamy soil. The experimental design included the following options: crop rotation (factor A) – green manure (green manure fallow (rapeseed), wheat, oats, peas, barley), grain-grass rotation with a share of legumes of 40% (peas, wheat + clover, clover 1 g.p., barley, oats); background nutrition (factor B) – without mineral fertilizers (control); N30P30K36 (on average per 1 ha of crop rotation area - mineral background); N24P24K30 in combination with green manure and straw (organomineral background). The lowest harvest of oat grain was noted in 2016 in severely arid conditions (GTC = 0.63); it varied depending on the predecessor and nutritional background from 1.30 to 1.70 t/ha. The highest productivity of grain fodder crops was observed in 2017-2018 with a hydrothermal coefficient of 1.8...2.0. In the control variant, it varied in the range from 3.09 to 3.69 t/ha, when applying fertilizers – 4.20…5.52 t/ha. In slightly dry conditions in 2020, the productivity of oats in crop rotations in the control was lower than under favorable weather conditions by 30%, and against the background of fertilizers - by 24...33%. In general, the productivity of the grain forage crop in the control depended little on the predecessor in crop rotations. The placement of oats as a second crop after clover on mineral and organomineral nutrition backgrounds ensured a noticeable increase in grain harvest in relation to green manure crop rotation (the second crop after plowing rapeseed), with the exception of 2016. On average, over the years of research, the increase in oat grain in grain-grass crop rotation was 0. 55…0.56 t/ha. The correlation between the productivity of grain fodder crops and the amount of precipitation and the GTC value was positive (r=0.82...0.95), and with the temperature regime during the growing season - negative (r=-0.88...-0.97).

Formation of biochemical parameters of oat grain depending on the genotype and weather conditions

The studies were conducted to assess the dependence of the biochemical parameters of oat grains (crude protein, starch, oil and β-glucans) on the genotype and weather conditions to determine the prospects for their use in the breeding process. In the forest-steppe of the Trans-Urals in 2021–2023, 21 samples of naked and 64 samples of covered oats were studied, which are most actively used in breeding in Western Siberia. Tyumen nudibranch was taken as the standard for naked cultivars, and for covered cultivars it was Otrada. It was found that the genotype played a significant role in the content of crude protein and β-glucans in oat grain (78…80 %); weather conditions – 12…15 %, with minimal interaction of these factors – 4 and 7 % (Ffact . Ftheor.) respectively. Retention of oil and seaweed at 85…86 % exceeds the permissible values, and now to a minimum extent – 3 and 6 %, respectively (Ffact. Ftheor.). The effect of the genotype and the subsequent level on the oil content is 11 %. A close relationship between content and consumption has been established. Protein and oil in naked oats (r=0.96; p=5 %), in frequent cases it was the average (r=0.25; p=5 %). The content of β-glucans had an inverse average correlation with protein in the grain of filmy genotypes (P= –0.38), it was absent in nudibranchs. A negative correlation was established between the content of β-glucans and oil (g= –0.32; p=5 %) in covered samples. The analysis of variance and correlation showed the possibility of targeted selection in terms of protein and oil content. It is recommended to introduce the following genotypes into the breeding process to increase the content: starch (60.1…62.3 %) – Vyatsky (14960), MF 9521–281 (15096), MF9714–32 (15227), Progress (15339), Korolek (15461); β-glucans (6.1…6.3 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Argamak (14648), Neklan (14936), Konkur (15068); Ozone (15473); protein (16.1…17.5 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Percheron (15275), Pomor (15117), Taidon (15183); oils (6.1…7.4 %) – Sapsan (15444), Pegas (15114), Petrovich (15691).

Application of NIR spectroscopy to determine the basic biochemical parameters of black oat grain quality

Background. The purpose of this work was to develop calibration models for rapid assessment of the main biochemical parameters of grain quality of naked and covered black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) using near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy. The use of whole oat grains makes it possible to preserve breeding material of special value, which is very important for breeders. Materials and methods. Black oat grain from 50 accessions from the VIR collection was grown in 2014–2020 in various agro-ecological conditions of the Russian Federation. Chemical parameter values for constructing calibration models were determined in the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of VIR using traditional methods, such as Kjeldahl for protein/nitrogen, Soxhlet extraction (modified by S.V. Rushkovsky) for oil, polarimetry according to Evers for starch, and gravimetry for beta-glucans. Results. The work resulted in the construction of calibration models for the determination of protein, oil, starch and beta-glucans in whole grains of black oat by a Bruker's MATRIX-I IR analyzer (Germany). A test batch of 20 accessions was used for assessing reliability of the constructed models. The models for determining protein, starch and oil were found to be reliable, while the model for determining beta-glucans needs improvements. It was found that the difference between the values obtained by spectroscopy and by standard chemical methods averaged 0.38 % for protein, 0.57 % for starch and 0.30 % for oil, which does not exceed the maximum permissible error of parallel measurements. The relative difference between the studied indicators does not exceed 3-6 % on an average. Conclusion. The proposed physical method for the analysis of black oat grain allows an express preliminary assessment of breeding material with a high speed of analysis. The main advantages of the method include the possibility of preserving valuable starting material, economizing on reagents, increasing labor efficiency, and obtaining data simultaneously on several parameters of the scanned sample with a specified repeatability.

Development of methodological approaches to assessing the technological properties of oat grain

The range of methods for assessing the quality of grain and its technological properties in cereal crops, of oat in particular, is extremely limited. The available methods are labor-intensive and not always sufficiently informative. The variety of modern processing methods dictates the necessity in searching for more universal and informative assessment methods. Cereal crop breeding also requires high-speed and low-cost methods for assessing grain quality. The present work is a methodological study that uses a limited set oat accessions from the genetic collection of VIR, differing by geographical origin and contrasting technological properties, with an aim of developing a new grain quality assessment method and testing new methods for analyzing technological properties. The resulting criteria are compared with each other and with more traditional indicators. New systems for assessing the technological properties of grain of naked and covered oat have been proposed. A new method of sedimentation analysis for cereal crops is proposed. The diversity of the oat protein complex is exemplified in the results of sedimentation analysis, and of the carbohydrate complex – in the results of its testing by a micro-visco-amylograph. The variety of interactions between oat grain storage substances and wheat material during joint processing is shown by assessing the rheological properties of the dough mixture using a farinograph. The obtained results can be recommended for the assessment for breeding purposes, as well as for obtaining complete information about the quality of oat grain for the purpose of its further processing.

Assessment of oat (Avena sativa) varieties unveiled the variation in nutritional quality

The present study was carried out during 2022 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab designed for the exploration and characterization of different oat varieties to understand their potential for physical, gravitational, functional, nutritional, and extraction of β-glucan parameters. All studied varieties showed variability in the grain and flour quality of oats. The preference of a variety based on nutritional and functional parameters contingent on this evaluation could help a satisfactory basis for future oat crop improvement plans for feed and food security. The current scientific intervention suggests that oat variety OL 1876-2 might be a suitable choice for β-glucan extraction due to its high content with promising nutritional and functional benefits. These findings may open a new avenue for further research on utilization of oats for food purpose that could cater the imminent demands of health conscious people.

A HAZOP of dust explosion testing and explosibility modelling using artificial neural networks

AbstractThis work presents artificial neural network (ANN) models to determine explosion severity parameters (e.g., maximum explosion pressure and maximum rate of pressure rise) of given dust samples. ANN‐based models for explosibility parameters are presented for carbon black, zinc, urea, and oat grain flour dust samples based on data generated in a 20‐L explosion chamber. The optimal hyper‐parameters of the models have been explored using the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno, stochastic gradient descent, and Adam solvers. A hazard and operability study has also been conducted for each of the following to diagnose issues at different stages in developing the ANN‐based dust explosibility models: dust testing, model selection, parameter learning, and evaluation. Using different guidewords, the deviation of numerous factors from their design intent, causes, consequences, and specific safeguards have been provided for enabling optimal performance. This can be helpful in understanding, evaluating, and analyzing dust explosions for safer operation of industrial activities handling combustible dusts.

Effect of cutting schedules and nitrogen management on forage and seed production of oats (Avena sativa L.)

A field research entitled “Effect of cutting schedules and nitrogen management on forage and seed production of oats (Avena sativa L.)” was conducted to find out the effect of cutting schedules (uncut, cut at 50 DAS and cut at 60 DAS) and nitrogen management (120 kg N ha-1, 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 2 ml litre-1, 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 4 ml litre-1, 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 and 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 4 ml litre-1) on productivity of oats and find out the effect of foliar application of ‘Nano Urea’. The results revealed that significantly higher plant height, number of tiller 0.5 m-1 row length and dry matter accumulation 0.5 m-1 row length were observed under uncut over cut at 50 DAS and cut at 60 DAS.The results revealed that cut at 60 DAS resulted in significantly highergreen fodder yield as compared to cut at 50 DAS. Yield parameters viz. number of effective tillers 0.5 m-1 row length, panicle length, number of grains panicle-1, 1000 grain weight, weight of grain 0.5 m-1 row length, grain, straw, biological yield and harvest index of oat was significantly higher under uncut as compared to cut at 50 DAS and 60 DAS. Grain yield increased under uncut over cut at 60 DAS by 146.8 per cent and straw yield increased under uncut over cut at 50 DAS and cut at 60 DAS by 69.1 and 182.7 per cent, respectively. Further, uncut recorded significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake in grain and straw as compared to cut at 50 DAS and 60 DAS. Further, number of tiller and dry matter accumulation increased with the application of 120 kg ha-1. Significantly higher green (35.02 t ha-1) and dry (7.35 t ha-1) fodder yield was obtained with the application of 120 kg N ha-1 as compared to application of 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 and 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 4 ml litre-1, however, it was at par with application of 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 and 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 4 ml litre-1. Yield parameters viz. number of effective tillers and 1000 grain weight increased with the application of 120 kg N ha-1. Further, grain yield increased with the application 120 kg N ha-1over 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 2 ml litre-1, 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 4 ml litre-1, 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 and 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 4 ml litre-1 by 17.4, 14.2, 35.1 and 28.2 per cent, respectively. Straw yield increased with the application of 120 kg N ha-1 over 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 by 15.3 per cent. Further application of 120 kg N ha-1 recorded higher phosphorus and potassium content over rest of the treatments.

Boosting Synergistic Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties Blending Cereal-Based Nutraceuticals Produced Using Sprouting and Hydrolysis Tools.

Nutraceuticals obtained from sprouted wheat and oat grains and processing by-products (bran and hull, respectively) naturally containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds were evaluated. The objective of this study was the development of a cereal-based nutraceutical formula combining extracts from sprouts and by-products and the exploration for potential synergetic effects in their bioactive properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, glycemic index, phytic acid, and β-glucan of individual wheat bran hydrolysate (EH-WB), sprouted wheat (SW), oat hull hydrolysate (EH-OH), sprouted oat (SO), and combined ingredients (CI 1, CI 2, and CI3) were used to tailor an optimal nutraceutical formula. The three blend ingredients (CI 1, CI2, and CI3) were formulated at different ratios (EH-WB:SW:EH-OH:SO; 1:1:1:1, 2:1:2:1, and 1:2:1:2, w:w:w:w, respectively). The resulting mixtures showed total phenol (TPs) content ranging from 412.93 to 2556.66 µmol GAE 100 g-1 and antioxidant capacity values from 808.14 to 22,152.54 µmol TE 100 g-1 (ORAC) and 1914.05 to 7261.32 µmol TE 100 g-1 (ABTS•+), with Fe3+ reducing ability from 734. 02 to 8674.51 mmol reduced Fe 100 g-1 (FRAP) for the individual ingredients produced from EH-WB and EH-OH, where high antioxidant activity was observed. However, the anti-inflammatory results exhibited an interesting behavior, with a potentially synergistic effect of the individual ingredients. This effect was observed in CI2 and CI3, resulting in a higher ability to inhibit IL-6 and TNF-α than expected based on the anti-inflammatory values of their individual ingredients. Similar to the antioxidant properties, oat-based ingredients significantly contributed more to the anti-inflammatory properties of the overall mixture. This contribution is likely associated with the β-glucans and avenanthramides present in oats. To ensure the bioaccessibility of these ingredients, further studies including simulated digestion protocols would be necessary. The ingredient formulated with a 2:1 hydrolysate-to-sprout ratio was the most effective combination, reaching higher biological characteristics.

Impact of ultrasound on nutrition recovery and physicochemical properties of oat beverage

Oat beverage has become increasingly popular, yet its processing removes valuable nutritional components and results in waste stream. This study evaluated the use of ultrasound as a pre-treatment technology to improve nutrient recovery in oat beverage preparation. Various ultrasound power levels (60, 240, and 960 W) and treatment times (1, 5, and 9 min) were investigated for their effects on physical and chemical changes during oat beverage preparation. Ultrasound effectively reduced the size of larger oat grain fibrous particles while largely leaving smaller size compounds unaffected. Partial disintegration of cell wall structures was also observed under confocal laser scanning microscopy. This resulted in a significant increase (up to 39%) in β-glucan recovery with minor alteration to its molecular weight in oat beverage, preserving its inherent health benefits. Protein recovery was not improved, but ultrasound led to partial unfolding of tertiary structure, improving protein solubility and foaming properties of oat beverage, which could be beneficial in developing coffee-based beverages and desserts. The shear-thinning behavior of oat beverage was maintained after ultrasound treatment, benefiting processing efficiency and mouthfeel. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of ultrasound as a sustainable pre-treatment technology to enhance the nutritional quality and physicochemical properties of oat beverage.

Agroecological and economic assessment of organic crop rotation in Polissia zone

For the organic production of plant products on sod-podzolic soil, a biologized short-rotational grain rotation was put to study: sorghum–oats–oats– vicot–oats–barley. In conditions of shortage of manure, the optimization of the nutrition system is carried out due to the by-products of grain and leguminous crops, oil radish siderate, the use of foliar treatment of crops with preparations of biological origin (microfertilizer Avatar, biopreparation BiocomplexBTU and liquid biofertilizer Volynski humaty), including, in the background mineral fertilizers allowed in organic production (P40K60 — phosphorite flour and potassium sulfate). The goal of the task was to investigate the influence of the biological fertilization system on crop rotation productivity, grain quality, soil fertility, and the economic efficiency of crop cultivation. It was established that, on average, during the 2021–2023 research, the maximum grain yield indicators were obtained for all factors of influence: pea-oats — 2.25 t/ha, oats — 1.88, vetch-oats — 1.66 and barley — 1.61 t/ha, the total crop rotation productivity under these conditions was 2.28 t grain units. It was determined that the protein content of oat grains was 9.1–9.8%, barley — 10.8–11.7%, the protein content of flax seeds was at the level of 18.2–19.0%, vetch — 22.9–23.8%, the lowest indicators were noted in the control. It has been established that in biological crop rotation due to 50% saturation with leguminous crops against the background of straw and siderate, a deficit-free balance of humus and nutrients is achieved. Due to the by-products of crops, 175 kg of humus accumulates in the soil annually, which ensures a simple reproduction of its fertility, and the additional application of fertilizers of biological origin helps to increase the humus to 350 kg, which ensures an extended reproduction of the fertility of sod-podzolic soil. Nitrogen comes at the expense of oil radish siderate, with by-products of leguminous crops and is biologically fixed from the atmosphere. Removal of phosphorus and potassium by crops is compensated by the supply of these elements with straw and siderate. Due to the disparity of prices, the cultivation of grain crops was unprofitable under all factors of influence, the profitability of legumes was 19.6–64.4%. The level of profitability of the general crop rotation for the treatment of crops with drugs was 6.5–14.8%, and the costs incurred for the purchase and application of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers did not pay off with the growth of crop yields.

Exploring the genetic variability in yield, nutritional and digestibility traits in oat grains through ruminant nutrition

Oat is a dual-purpose crop used for both food and feed for animals. The objective of this work is to characterize oat varieties for their genetic diversity in yield, physical traits, and nutritional composition, aiming to identify potential parent varieties for breeding programs to develop new oat varieties for improved livestock feed and diverse industrial applications. To conduct, chemical analysis for protein and carbohydare fractions, energy and digestible nutrient estimated, stastical analyses performed to assess genetic variations for traits among vaieties. Significant genetic variation (p < 0.05) for grain yield, grain density, sieving percentage, crude protein, ether extract, neutral and acid detergent fiber, cellulose, lignin, neutral and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen were observed in grains of eight oat varieties. All protein fractions exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05). Total carbohydrate content ranged significantly (p < 0.05) from 73 % to 79 %. The grains contained higher levels of intermediately degradable starch and pectin (54.12–60.16 %) compared to the slowly degradable cell wall (26–33 %), lignin bounded cell wall (6–10 %), and rapidly degradable sugars (2–8%). Significant variation (p < 0.05) was observed in terms of gross energy, digestible energy, metabolizable energy, net energy for maintenance and lactation about (2 Mcal/kg dry matter), gain (1.6–1.8 Mcal/kg dry matter), total digestible nutrients, digestible dry matter, rumen degradable protein, and total digestible nutrients related to crude protein, fatty acid, neutral detergent fiber, and non-fiber carbohydrate. Organic matter and ether extract were positively associated (p < 0.01) with total digestible nutrients, digestible and metabolizable energy, dry matter digestible and truly digestible non fibrous cabohydrates, while neutral and acid detergent fiber and cellulose showed negative correlation. The research shows that oat varieties vary widely in their yield, physical features, and nutritional content, offering potential for breeding better varieties for both animal feed and industrial uses.

Агроэкологическая оценка применения нетрадиционных удобрений в посевах овса

The article examines the effect of non-traditional fertilizers on the yield and quality of oat grain, as well as the content of heavy metals in the grain. It is proved that with the combined use of sewage sludge and organic mineral fertilizer HUMITON, the content of heavy metals in oat grain is below the detection limit, and the highest yield of the studied crop is also noted. The maximum content of protein and ash elements in oat grain was revealed when using HUMITON. With the combined use of non-traditional fertilizers, grain quality indicators remain at the level of the control variant. Keywords: NON-TRADITIONAL FERTILIZERS, SEWAGE SLUDGE, HUMITON, HEAVY METALS, OATS, YIELD

First report of Phytophthora niederhauserii causing root rot of carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) in Spain.

Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a crop native to the Mediterranean Basin mainly being used as livestock feed, in pharmaceutical industry, and also a valuable source of human food due to the high dietary fibre and sugar contents. In January 2023, one-year-old 'Duraio' carob trees grafted on 'Rojal' rootstock on pots showing dark brown to necrotic lesions on the secondary roots, decline symptoms and leading to the death of some plants, were detected in a nursery located at the Valencian Community region in Spain. Disease severity was 40 to 50% of root area and disease incidence was approximately 50% on approximately 1000 plants. Six representative plants were randomly collected. Roots were washed under running tap water to rinse the soil away, and small symptomatic pieces were cut, disinfected with 70% ethanol, and then dried on absorbent paper. Two-mm-long segments were plated on CMA-PARBPH, a Phytophthora-selective medium, and incubated at 25ºC. After 2-3 days, growing colonies were transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. A Phytophthora-like organism was consistently isolated (50% of root segments, n= 120). Colonies were whitish with irregular margins, had coenocityc mycelium, irregularly branched hyphal swellings, and chlamydospores were absent. Sporangia were non-papillate, persistent, ellipsoid and measuring 25 to 40 × 50 to 90 μm (average: 35.5 × 74.7 μm, n = 50). They proliferated internally with both nested and extended proliferation. These morphological features were similar to those of Phytophthora niederhauserii (Abad et al., 2014). Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cytochrome c oxidase I (COX1) regions of a representative isolate CF3 were sequenced to confirm the identity. Both sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers OR763816 for ITS and OR783697 for COX1. OR763816 showed 99.87% sequence identity to P. niederhauserii strain Ex-type MG865552 and OR783697 showed 99.85% sequence identity to P. niederhauserii strain Ex-type MH136944 (Abad et al., 2023). Pathogenicity test was performed on one-year-old carob tree seedlings (Duraio/Rojal) grown in 13 cm-diameter pots to fulfill Koch's postulates. The inoculum was prepared in 1 L glass flasks with a mixture of 200 ml vermiculite, 20 ml oat grains, and 175 ml of V8 broth (20% V8 juice and 0.2% of CaCO3 in demineralized water) (Jung et al., 1996). Glass flasks with vermiculite/oat/V8 mixture were autoclaved three times for 20 min at 120 ºC. These mixtures were inoculated with the isolate CF3 which was previously grown on V8 agar medium and incubated for six weeks in the dark at room temperature (Pérez-Sierra et al., 2013). For inoculation, twenty-gram inoculum were mixed with 200 g autoclaved potting mix (peat, vermiculite and sand; 1:1:1, v/v/v), and added to the pots to plant the seedlings. Seven plants were inoculated and non-infested vermiculite/oat/V8 mixture was used to prepare seven control plants. Two months after inoculation one of the inoculated plants died. Six months after inoculation, only the inoculated plants showed decline symptoms with dry leaves and root necrosis. Isolates resembling P. niederhauserii were recovered by plating the roots from all inoculated plants on CMA-PARBPH, and the identity of the isolates was confirmed as P. niederhauserii based on ITS and COX1 sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. niederhauserii causing root rot on carob tree. The detection of this pathogen in nurseries is relevant because its dissemination to orchards could have a negative impact in carob crop production.