Dry Matter Percentage Research Articles

Importance of pinching and spraying with amino acid on the yield quantitative and qualitative attributes of okra varieties

The experiment was conducted in the vegetable field of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering/College of Agriculture and Forestry/University of Mosul during the spring season of 2024 to study the effect of fertilization and spraying with the amino acid Ticamin Max on three okra varieties. The experiment included three factors, the first factor is cutting with two treatments: cutting and no cutting, the second factor is the amino acid Ticamin Max with three concentrations (0, 3, 6) ml L-1, while the third factor is the varieties used in the study: Betra, Sultana, and Clemson. Okra seeds were planted on 4/7/2024. The experiment was carried out according to a split-plot design, where treatments were randomly distributed according to the design used in the experiment and Duncan's test was used to compare the averages at a probability level of 5%. Thus, the number of experimental treatments became 18 factorial treatments (2 cutting treatments * 3 concentrations of amino acid * 3 varieties) with 3 replicates. The results showed that the pinching treatments in the yield traits, the pinching treatment was superior in the trait of the percentage of setting, while the non- pinching treatment was superior in the trait of the number of days from planting to the first harvest. The pinching treatment was superior in the traits of the pod diameter and the weight of the pods, while the spray treatments with amino acid were superior in the traits of the pod length and the percentage of dry matter of the pods, while the spray treatments at a concentration of (3) ml L-1 and (6) ml L-1 were superior in the traits of the pod length, pod weight, number of pods per plant, number of days from planting to the first harvest, yield per plant, total yield, and marketable yield. The Clemson variety was superior in the traits of pod length, number of pods per plant, yield per plant, total yield, and marketable yield, while the Betra variety was superior in the early yield of the plant, while the Sultana variety was superior in the number of days from planting to the first harvest.

Growth Response of Two Broccoli Varieties to Zinc Sulfate Spray and Potassium Sulfate Soil Application

The experiment was carried out in the Mosul Forest Area field of the College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, during autumn 2024 and winter 2025, to study the response of the vegetative growth characteristics of two varieties of broccoli (Naxos, Blue Finn) to the effect of three concentrations of zinc sulfate (0, 500,750 mg.L-1) and three levels of potassium sulfate (0,200,400 ton.h-1). The experiment was carried out in the field using a factorial experiment within split plots in the design of complete random segments (RCBD) with three replicates, where the varieties were placed in the main plots and the compatibility between the fertilization treatments by zinc and potassium sulfate in the secondary plots (Sub plots) was repeated for each treatment three times. The study showed that plants of the Blue Finn variety achieved the highest leaf chlorophyll content when sprayed with 750 mg. liter-1 of zinc sulphate and add 200 ton.h-1 potassium sulfate reached 8.8467 mg. ml-1 suspension, and the highest plant height reached 78.893 cm.plant-1 when sprayed with zinc sulphate at a concentration of 750 mg.L-1 and adding potassium sulfate at the level of 200 ton.h-1 highest number of leaves with 21.997 leave.Plant-1 When not spraying zinc sulphate and adding 200 ton.h-1 Potassium sulphate The highest significant value of the foliar area reached 48179 cm2.Plant-1 when not spraying zinc sulphate and adding 400 ton. h-1 of potassium sulfate. Plants of the Naxos variety achieved the highest percentage of dry matter in the leaves when sprayed with 750 mg liter-1 of zinc sulphate and 400 ton.h-1 of potassium sulphate amounted to 14.4533%.

INCREASING YIELD AND ITS QUALITY OF POTATO BY SPRAYING WITH NANOCHITOSAN LOADED WITH NPK, NETTEL AND GREEN TEA EXTRACTS

This study was aimed to effect of spraying nano chitosan loaded with NPK and nettle leaf extracts and green tea on yield and its quality of potato for the spring and autumn seasons of 2021 in Al-Suwaira district of Wasit Governorate, It was conducted as a factorial experiment (5 × 5) within randomized complete block design with three replicates. The first factor included spraying with four concentrations of Nano chitosan loaded with NPK fertilizer at concentrations 0, 10. 15 and 20% in addition to chemical fertilization treatment, the second factor was spraying nettle leaf extract 25 and 35 gL-1 and green tea extract at 2 and 4 g.L-1, in addition to the control treatment, spraying with distilled water only. The results showed a significant superiority of the interaction between spraying with Nano chitosan loaded with NPK at a concentration of 15% and spraying green tea extract at a concentration of 4 g L-1 in producing the highest value for the leaf area of the plant amounted to 9973 and 9742 m 2 plant-1 and the highest yield per plant reached 1055.7 and 967.9 g.plant-1 for both seasons respectively, and the highest percentage of dry matter in tubers (24.31 and 22.77% for both seasons, respectively. The tuber content of the amino acid Arginine increased significantly. (324.1 and 318.8 mg 100g D.W.-1) and Glutamine (94.70 and 9453 mg 100g D.W.-1) for both seasons respectively.

PRODUCTIVE EVALUATION AND FEEDING POTENTIAL OF TSIRI PUMA AND TLAOLI PUMA MAIZE INCLUDED IN THE DIETS OF GESTATING GOATS

Feeding silage to goats (Capra aegagrus hircus L.) is a strategy used in regions with scarce fodder availability; however, the maize tested for this purpose was of commercial varieties. The goal was to assess the amount of fodder produced, the silage made, and the effects on pregnant goats and their young from two maize hybrids, Tsiri Puma and Tlaoli Puma, compared to a commercial hybrid (H-50). The yields of green matter (GM), dry matter (DM), and percentage of DM were determined. The material was chopped to 2 cm, taken to a bunker-style silo, and placed in three separate spaces for each hybrid. Once this was ready, 38 multiparous goats were distributed at random in three treatments with a diet including 50 % maize silage, and it was provided from day 64 of gestation to one weeks postpartum. Intake, weight, body condition scoring (BCS), and glucose levels were measured during gestation and up to two weeks postpartum. Kids were weighed at birth and 15 days after birth, and internal and external temperatures were measured. GM and DM yield, as well as the percentage of DM, were not different among the three maize hybrids (p > 0.05). In the goats, food intake was greater in the Tlaoli Puma group, followed by Tsiri Puma (p < 0.0001). Weight was greater in the Tsiri Puma and Tlaoli Puma groups (p = 0.0001), whereas BCS and glucose concentrations were not affected by the treatments (p > 0.05). Finally, body weight and the external temperature of the kids were greater in the Tlaoli Puma group (p < 0.05). Maize hybrids Tsiri Puma and Tlaoli Puma had an adequate fodder yield that helps produce quality silage that favors the productive estimators in goats and their offspring.

A comparison between the effect of Nano and traditional calcium fertilizer on growth and anatomical traits of two tomato cultivars

This study was conducted in the field of vegetable crops, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Design, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq, during the spring growth season of 2024.The study aimed to investigate the effect of two factors on growth and anatomical traits of two tomato. The first factor consisted of11 treatments (Nano and conventional calcium) using different concentrations and combinations: Results of the study can be summarized as follows: Queen cultivar plants significantly outperformed GS-12 cultivar plants in plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area, percentage of dry matter in leaves. The values ​​of these traits reached 81.181 cm plant-1, 58.367 SPAD, and 28248.8 cm2 plant-1, 18.2818%, respectively, for each trait. Plants treated with (conventional calcium 200 mg L-1) and (Nano calcium 50 mg L-1 + conventional calcium 150 mg L-1) gave the highest significant value for leaf chlorophyll content, reaching 54.967 SPAD. While the treatment (Nano calcium 150 mg L-1 + conventional calcium 50 mg L-1) achieved the highest significant value in plant height, reaching 79,000 cm2 plant-1, and all fertilizer treatments were significantly superior compared to the no-spray treatment (comparison treatment) in the number of branches and stem diameter. The plants treated with (Nano calcium 400 mg L-1) gave the best significant value in leaf area, reaching 30,727 cm2 plant-1, with significant superiority over most other treatments. As for the treatment (Nano calcium 100 mg L-1 + conventional calcium 100 mg L-1), it gave the best significant value for the percentage of dry matter, reaching 18.9667%. In general, significant increases were achieved in the case of binary interaction in the vegetative growth traits, and they were as follows: In the trait of plant height, the best significant value was obtained when treated with (Nano calcium 150 mg L-1 + conventional calcium 50 mg L-1) interacted with the Queen variety, reaching 85.333 cm plant-1. In the chlorophyll content of leaves, the treatment (conventional calcium 200 mg L-1) interacted with the Queen variety gave the best significant value, reaching 65.667 SPAD. In the trait of the number of branches and leaf area, they were obtained when treated with (Nano calcium 400 mg L-1) interacted with the Queen variety, reaching 6.9000 branches plant-1 and 41685 cm2 leaves-1. In the percentage of dry matter in leaves, the treatment (conventional calcium 400 mg L-1) interacted with the Queen variety reached 19.8667%, and the treatment (Nano calcium 50 mg L-1 + conventional calcium 150 mg L-1) intercropped with the Queen variety gave the highest significant value in stem diameter, reaching 14.4667 mm stem-1. The treatment of plants with (Nano calcium 150 mg L-1 + conventional calcium 50 mg L-1) was characterized by the highest significant values ​​in each of the percentage of total acidity that can be adjusted, reaching 0.136533%. No significant differences were recorded between the GS-12 variety and the Queen variety in the stomatal density and stomatal area. The use of the two treatments (Nano calcium 200 mg L-1) and (conventional calcium 200 mg L-1) led to a significant increase in stomatal density, reaching 200.00 stomatal and significantly superior to the control treatment, while no significant differences were found in the control treatment. Significant differences in the gap area according to the fertilizer type compared to the comparison treatment.

Thinning and Subsequent Lateral Flowering of ‘Hayward’ Kiwifruit Vines

Manual fruit thinning is a common practice to enhance the quality of kiwifruit, yet information on its effects regarding subsequent lateral blooming remains limited. We investigated the impact of floral and fruit thinning on fruit size, dry matter, and carbohydrate accumulation. Effects on lateral blooming in the following season were also assessed. Thinning was conducted at full bloom, and 53 and 103 days after full bloom (DAFB), removing 50% of flowers or fruits. Thinning flowers or fruit at 53 or 103 DAFB resulted in increased fruit fresh and dry weights. The percentage of dry matter also rose with flower or fruit thinning at 53 DAFB. Fruit firmness, total soluble solids, and fruit shape at harvest were not affected significantly by thinning. Floral thinning boosted the fruit content of fructose, sucrose, starch, soluble, and total carbohydrates. All treatments led to an increase in the total carbohydrate content in the fruit, but floral thinning produced the highest values for starch and total carbohydrates. In the following season, floral thinning yielded a marked increase in inflorescences with double and triple lateral flowers, significantly enhancing the reproductive capacity of the vines. Additionally, fruit thinning at 53 DAFB also resulted in a rise in inflorescences featuring triple flowers and an increase in reproductive capacity, though to a lesser extent.

Production Performance of Red Napier Grass (Pennisetum Purpureum) Applied with Different Animal Manure as Biofertilizers

The study was conducted to test the potential of different animal manure as biofertilizers to the production of napier grass in terms germination rate, number of tillers, plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and dry matter percentage. It was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 treatments, and 4 replicates. Treatments are A – 5 tons of Chicken dung per hectare. B- 5 tons of cattle manure per hectare, and C- synthetic fertilizer. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in randomized complete block design, while significant result was subjected further to Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Results revealed that application of 5 tons per hectare of chicken dung, and cattle manure positively improved the production performance of red napier grass. On the other hand, application of 5 tons per hectare of cattle manure significantly influenced the number of tillers of red napier grass. Based on the findings of the study, the use of 5 tons per hectare of chicken dung, and cattle manure as biofertilizer are recommended as it positively improved the production of red napier.

Yield and quality responses of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) to changing sowing time and cutting intervals

Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is valued for its excellent forage quality and ratooning capacity, especially as a winter fodder crop. This study examined the effects of sowing dates and cutting intervals on the yield and quality of Egyptian clover. The experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot layout and three replicates. Two factors were studied: sowing dates (D1 = 16 October, D2 = 31 October, D3 = 15 November) and cutting intervals (C1 = 60 days after sowing (DAS), C2 = 75 DAS, C3 = 90 DAS). Sowing dates were kept in main plots while the cutting interval were in subplots. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's analysis of variance, and significant differences were evaluated with the LSD test at 5% probability. Results indicated that the highest plant population (164), plant height (84.3 cm), green forage yield (50.03 t ha⁻1), and dry matter percentage (33.47%) were achieved in plots sown on 16th-31st October and harvested at 90 DAS (D1C3), whereas a decline in quality was observed when harvesting was done at 90 DAS. A balanced forage yield and quality was observed when harvesting was done 75 DAS. Based on these findings, sowing Egyptian clover in Mid-end October and harvesting at 75 DAS is recommended to optimize both forage yield and nutritional quality.

Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Six Economic Traits in Beijing Holstein Cows.

Chinese Holstein is a dairy cattle breed developed through crossbreeding and long-term selection. The Beijing Holstein represents a distinct population within the Chinese Holstein breed, specifically bred in the Beijing region. This study aimed to estimate the genetic parameters for six economic traits in Beijing Holstein cows. Data from 5409 Beijing Holstein cows across 13 dairy farms were analysed by MTDFREML and SAS software. The linear univariate and bivariate animal model analyses were employed to estimate heritabilities and genetic correlations, respectively. Heritabilities of milk yield in 305 days (d), fat percentage, protein percentage, somatic cell score (SCS), lactose percentage and dry matter percentage were 0.08, 0.17, 0.20, 0.10, 0.16 and 0.26, respectively. Most genetic correlations aligned in direction and magnitude with their phenotypic correlations. Notably, dry matter percentage exhibited strong positive genetic correlations with fat percentage (0.96), protein percentage (0.74) and lactose percentage (0.70). The genetic correlations were moderately significant negative between dry matter percentage and milk yield in 305 d (-0.39), between SCS and dry matter percentage (-0.26), between SCS and lactose percentage (-0.30), and between SCS and fat percentage (-0.38). On the basis of the genetic parameters and their economic significance, the milk yield in 305 d, fat percentage, protein percentage and SCS would be selected as breeding goal traits with different direction and extent of weight. A balanced breeding approach targeting these traits is essential to enhance overall production performance. This study provides foundational data for evaluating the production potential of Beijing Holstein cows and supports informed breeding decisions.

Rendimiento y calidad de forraje y ensilado de pasto Mavuno mezclado con subproductos agroindustriales

The objective was to evaluate the yield and quality of forage and silage of Mavuno grass at different cutting intervals with the use of additives. Forage yield was evaluated at intervals of 3, 6 and 9 weeks of regrowth, with two additives (orange peel and molasses). The treatments were: 1) Mavuno grass; 2) Mavuno grass + orange peel; 3) Mavuno grass + molasses and 4) Mavuno grass + orange peel + molasses. Dry matter yield (kg ha-1) and nutritional value; content (g kg-1 DM) of crude protein, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, lignin; silage quality variables: pH, brix degrees and percentage of dry matter of the forage, were determined by a randomized complete block design. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and the Tukey test was applied for comparison of means (α = 0.05). When harvesting the forage at nine-week intervals, the dry matter yield was 50 and 45% higher than that obtained in the third and sixth weeks, while the protein content at three-week intervals was 14 and 25% higher than that obtained in the sixth and ninth weeks, respectively. The increase in the cutting interval induced a higher dry matter yield, however, the protein content decreased and the fiber and lignin values increased, while the addition of additives to the ensiled forage improved quality parameters such as protein, brix degrees and dry matter percentage.

Response of Strawberry Varieties (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) Produced from Tissue Culture to Amino Acid Terra-Sorb Complex in Some Indicators of Chemical Properties of Fruits and Production under Unheated Greenhouse Conditions

Abstract This study was performed in the Agricultural Research Station, affiliated to the College of Agriculture and Marshlands, Thi-Qar University, during the growing season 2023-2024 with the aim of studying the Fragaria x ananassa Duch and the response of the varieties; Monterey, Rubygem and Albion, produced from tissue culture and the amino acid Terra-Sorb Complex in concentrations of (0, 1, 2, 3) ml.L−1 and their interactions on some chemical features of the fruits that produced under unheated plastic house conditions. The experiment was carried out in accordance with the Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D) for factorial experiments. The findings of the study explained a highly significant superiority of the Rubygem variety in the percentage of dry matter of fruits that reached 8.99%, while Albion variety was superior with a highly significant increase in the percentage of total sugars, that reached 3.80%, and the total yield of the plastic house, which reached 225.2 kg. Plastic house−1, while Monterey variety was superior with a significant increase in two characteristics of the fruit content of percentage for total acidity, and anthocyanin pigment, that reached 0.55% and 17.82 mg.100 g−1 fresh weight respectively. Findings also explained a highly significant superiority for the spraying treatment with the amino acid Terra-Sorb Complex at a concentration of 3 ml.L−1 in each of the percentage of dry matter in fruits, that reached 9.89%, and the percentage of total sugars, that recorded 3.72%, while percentage of total acidity, which reached 0.59%, and very significant increase in anthocyanin content in fruit, that reached 18.75 mg.100 g−1 fresh weight and a highly significant amount of total plant product in plastic house, which reached 263.3 kg. Plastic house−1 compared to the control treatment, that gave lower averages to all studied traits. As for interaction between varieties and amino acid Terra-Sorb Complex, interaction of the Rubygem variety with the concentration 3 ml. L−1 recorded higher interaction percentage in highly significant increase in the dry matter characteristic the fruits reaching 12.03%, while there was no significant effect of dual interaction between two study factors in the characteristics of total sugars and total plant yield. As for the total acidity percentage, a highly significant increase was recorded for the interaction, as the highest interaction was for the Monterey variety and the concentration of 3 ml. L−1, reaching 0.67%. The interaction between the two study factors in the characteristic fruit content of anthocyanin, as a significant effect was recorded for the Monterey variety and concentration of 3 ml. L−1, reaching 19.22 mg.100 g−1 fresh weight compared to the comparison treatment, which gave lower averages for all the above-mentioned characteristics.

The Effect of Spraying with Amino Acids on the Growth and Yield of Two Hybrids of Lettuce

Abstract A field experiment was carried out at the research station of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering of the College of Agriculture / Tikrit University during the 2023-2024 agricultural season. The objective was to investigate the impact of spraying with amino acids at a concentration of 50 mg L−1 on the vegetative growth characteristics of two lettuce hybrids. The findings indicated that there were notable disparities among the examined variables. The application of the amino acid arginine through spraying resulted in improved outcomes in terms of the length of the longest leaf, the leaf area per leaf, and the chlorophyll content of the leaves, which measured 32.84 cm2, 268.62 dm2, and 33.61 SPAD, respectively. Proline spraying demonstrated superiority in terms of leaf count, dry weight, and dry matter percentage, achieving 68.28 leaves per plant, 2.25 grams, and 11.88%, respectively. Regarding hybrids, the Fajr hybrid demonstrated exceptional performance in terms of the length of the longest leaf, measuring 32.55 cm, and the dry weight of the plant, which reached 19.93 g.

Impact of Microponic Concentrations and Cultivars on Physiological and Chemical Traits of Tissue-Cultured Date Palm in Thi-Qar

Abstract This study was conducted during the 2023 growing season at the Akkad date palm station of the General Authority for Palms - Ministry of Agriculture in Shatrah District (Al-Bidaa), which is located at longitude (46.19 degree and latitude 31.45 degree) to study the effect of spraying Microponic at four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5) ml L−1 and the two female cultivars resulting from tissue culture (Al-Barhi and Al-Hilali) and their interactions in some physiological and chemical characteristics, The results showed the following: Spraying with different concentrations of Microponic and the female cultivar has a significant and positive effect in improving the physiological and chemical characteristics of the fruits during the khalal stage. The Microponic spraying treatment at a concentration of 1.5 ml L−1 was significantly superior in giving the highest averages of (total sugars percentage, dry matter percentage, and set percentage) in the khalal stage, as it reached (55.67, 69.21, and 74.91)%, respectively. It also gave the lowest averages, with a significant difference, for both the water content percentage and the fruit drop percentage, amounting to (30.79 and 25.09)%, respectively. Reaching (57.58 and 80.08), the Barhi cultivar was far better than the Hilali cultivar in terms of percentage averages of total sugars and fruit set. With the lowest average of fruit drop percentage—that is, (19.92% )—it was also rather better. Regarding the Hilali cultivar, it was much better in terms of average water content of (32.10%) and average of dry matter percentage of (67.90%). As for the effect of the interaction treatments between the Microponic concentration and the female cultivar, the results showed the significant superiority of the interaction treatment between the Microponic concentration (1.5 ml L−1) and the Barhi cultivar in giving the highest percentage averages for both total sugars and fruit set, reaching (60.00 and 85.79)%, respectively, in addition to its superiority in giving the lowest percentage of fruit drop, which reached (14.21%). On the other hand, the interaction treatment between the concentration of 1.5 ml. L−1 Microponic and the Hilali cultivar were significantly superior in giving the highest average dry matter percentage of (71.93%) and the lowest percentage of water content of (28.07% ).

Effect of Adding Humic Acid and Potassium Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Garlic Plants

Abstract This study was aimed to demonstrate effect of adding humic acid and potassium fertilizer on the growth and yield of Garlic plants, The field experiment was carried out in Horticulture Station in Kut, affiliated with the Directorate of Agriculture of Wasit Governorate, in the fall season of 2022. The research carried out a factorial experiment (3×4) according to a randomized complete block design with three replications, The first factor includes addition of humic acid (H) and its treatments H0-without adding, H1-adding 5 kg h−1 and H2-adding 10 kg h−1, The second factor included addition of potassium fertilizer(K) and is treatments K0-without adding, K1- adding 60 kg h−1, K2- adding 120 kg h−1 and K3- adding 180 kg h−1. The result showed superiority of humic acid treatments in vegetative growth and yield characteristics represented by plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, total chlorophyll, dry weight of shoots, head diameter, head weight, total yield and percentage of dry matter compared to control treatment, Treatment H2 gave highest values for these characteristics amounted 111.8 cm, 9.365 Leaf plant−1, 98.80 dcm plant−1, 82.63 mg 100 g−1 Fw, 14.34 g plant−1, 6.600 cm head−1, 75.20 g head−1,20.04 ton ha−1, 39.75% respectively. Potassium fertilization treatment also excelled, and treatment K2 gave highest values, reached 113.9 cm, 9.406 Leaf plant−1, 102.4 dcm plant−1,85.77 mg 100 g−1Fw, 14.57 g plant−1, 6.911 cm head−1, 77.50 g head−1, 20.68 ton ha-1, 40.17% respectively. The interaction coefficients between two study factors were superior, and K2 treatment gave highest values, reaching 117.8cm, 9.807 Leaf plant−1, 111.3 dcm plant−1,89.65 mg 100 g−1Fw, 15.18 g plant−1, 7.106 cm head−1, 82.30 g head−1, 21.95 ton ha−1, 41.05 % respectively.

Effect of Two Types of Compost and Spraying with Extract of Some Plants on the Chemical and Qualitative Yield Characteristics of Two Varieties of Potato Plant (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivated in Southern Iraq

Abstract The experiment was conducted at the research station of the College of Agriculture in Basra Governorate during the first spring season 2022-2023, and the study Borin and Rivera, the factor of adding organic compost before planting (plant residue compost and corn acid compost) and the spraying agent (with barley extract 100 g liters and also bay leaf 50 g l 2) and the results showed the superiority of the Burin variety with the addition of leaf residue compost and spraying with barley extract in most of the vegetative qualities of the potato. A splinter worker experiment was carried out twice and according to the design of random sectors. Split-spilt-plot design complete where compost is the main factor and varieties are the secondary factor extracted sub secondary. The study proved the superiority of the Burin variety with leaf residue compost sprinkled with barley extract with the best percentage of dissolved solids of tubers (5.880) Percentage of protein in tubers (13.47) Percentage of starch in tubers (13.35) Percentage of dry matter of tubers (19.53) Specific density of tubers (1.14).

Productivity and Quality Characteristics of Tomato Fruits (Solanum lycopersicum) Are Improved by the Application of a Green Seaweed (Ulva ohnoi)

In the last decade, interest in the use of seaweed and seaweed-derived products in horticulture has grown due to their great potential as biostimulants for increasing yields and improving food quality in multiple crops. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of the application of the green seaweed Ulva ohnoi (either as a seaweed suspension [SWS] or seaweed extract [SWE]) on the yield, size, shape, and nutritional quality (i.e., proximate composition and dietary antioxidant content) of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Rio Fuego). A total of 36 tomato plants were potted individually and organized into three experimental groups: SWS (plants drenched with 250 mL of seaweed suspension [2.0%]), SWE (plants drenched with 250 mL of seaweed extract [0.2%]), and control (plants irrigated with water). Each treatment included three replications. The fruits harvested (66%) from SWS-treated plants were produced during the earliest harvest stages. In contrast, the fruits harvested from SWE-treated plants (82%) and control plants (77%) were produced during the late and very late harvest stages. Notably, SWS application significantly enhanced the number of fruits harvested per plant, average fruit weight, yield (kg/plant), number of seeds per fruit, and fruit size. Furthermore, tomato fruits from plants treated with either SWS or SWE exhibited higher percentages of protein, fat, crude fiber, dry matter, and total soluble solids, as well as lower acidity and reduced total carbohydrate content, compared to the control. The antioxidant metabolites in tomatoes, including lycopene, β-carotene, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, increased following the application of SWS and SWE, while anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents increased only in SWS-treated plants. These results demonstrate that both forms of U. ohnoi application have biostimulating effects on tomato. In particular, the use of SWS shows great potential as a strategy to enhance tomato fruit productivity and quality in sustainable horticultural systems.

Influence of Growth Temperature on Development and Yield in a Medium Late and a Late Scandinavian Cultivar of Potato

Abstract Warmer temperatures due to global warming and use of climate-enhancing fibre covers makes it important to gain specific knowledge of the temperature response in potato cultivars grown under Midnight Sun in northern Scandinavia. The temperature response was therefore studied in climate-controlled growth chambers under constant temperatures from 9 to 21 °C under a natural 24-h photoperiod in a greenhouse in Tromsø (69.7°N, 18.9°E), Norway, for the potato cultivars Gullauge (medium late) and Mandel (late). There was a strong response in both cultivars to temperature, with reduced developmental time from emergence and leaf formation to visible flower buds at increasing temperature intervals. Emergence was earlier for Gullauge than for Mandel, followed by no difference in development time between cultivars for subsequent developmental stages. Shoot dry matter weight per plant was highest at 12 °C and 15 °C for both cultivars, although with higher shoot biomass at harvest in Mandel than in Gullauge. Tuber yields and tuber dry-matter percentages were higher for Gullauge than for Mandel. Fresh weight yields and dry matter percentage for both cultivars were highest at 15 °C. Optimum temperature for above-ground vegetative development-rate was estimated to be 24.0 °C and 22.6 °C, for Gullauge and Mandel, respectively. In contrast, the respective temperature optima for developing tuber dry matter content were 16.6 °C and 15.6 °C. Lower temperature optima for below-ground development make potato a suitable crop for temperate and boreal climates with cooler autumn temperatures. Different temperature response for above- and below-ground development may be used for decision about when to remove climate-enhancing covers in response to the temperature during the season. This difference may also be important for developing temperature-based growth models for potato cultivars from emergence to tuber yields.

Effect of spraying with thiourea and boron on growth parameters of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.)

A pot experiment was carried out in the Horticulture and Landscape Department, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala during the spring season of 2024. The study aimed to investigate the impact of thiourea spraying at concentrations of 0, 500, 750, and 1000 mg L-1 (T0, T1, T2, T3 respectively) and boron spraying at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg L-1 (B0, B1, B2, B3 respectively) on the vegetative growth characteristics of sweet marjoram. The study was conducted according to a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed the differential effect of adding the study factors individually, as the concentration (1000 mg L-1) thiourea had a significant superiority in all traits except for the leaf area trait, while for spraying boron, the significant superiority was for the concentration (100 mg L-1) in all traits. The interaction between thiourea and boron was significant, as treatment T1 B3 was superior in plant length and gave (29.45 cm), while treatment T3 B2 was superior in stem diameter and number of branches and gave (2080 mm) and (18.68 branches plant-1) respectively. As for leaf area, the highest average was at the interaction equation T2 B3 and reached (1.134 cm2), and the interaction treatment T3 B3 gave the highest average of dry matter percentage of (24.97%) and the highest total chlorophyll content of (57.91 mg 100 g fresh weight). The important conclusion of this study is the significant effect of the study factors on the growth of this herb of medical importance.

Impact of Zinc Hydroxychloride and Oxide Nanoparticles on Broiler Chicken Growth, Gut Microbiota, Immunity and Serum Biochemistry

ABSTRACTBackgroundUse of more efficient sources of zinc (Zn) in corn–soybean basal diet improves the productivity in the absence of growth promoters.ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effects of different forms of Zn (hydroxychloride: OHCl, oxide nanoparticles: ONPs) on performance and physiological parameters in broiler chickens.MethodsTreatments included control (without use of ZnOHCl and ZnONPs) and three levels of zinc (40, 80 and 110 mg/kg of diets) as either ZnOHCl or ZnONPs.ResultsThe body weight gain and feed conversion ratio for broilers fed with all levels of ZnOHCl, respectively, were greater and smaller than those of ZnONPs and control groups in the entire experiment (p < 0.05). Broilers fed with 110 mg ZnOHCl/kg benefited from the highest anti‐Newcastle antibody titre and the lowest breast drip loss, whereas the heaviest relative weight of lymphatic organs and the smallest number of breast muscle pH were relevant to chickens fed with 110 mg ZnONPs/kg (p < 0.05). All levels of either ZnOHCl or ZnONPs caused better humoral immunity and the villus height:crypt depth than the control group (p < 0.05). However, all treatments had a similar effect on the relative weights of internal organs, the heterophil:lymphocyte, anti‐influenza antibody titre, percentages of fat, dry matter and crude protein of breast meat, intestinal microbiota and serum biochemistry of broilers (p > 0.05).ConclusionTo sum up, supplementation of ZnOHCl in broilers’ diets up to 110 mg was more efficient than ZnONPs in most responses relevant to immunology, growth performance and meat quality.

Combined bio fortification of spinach plant through foliar spraying with iodine and selenium elements

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of combined biofortification of spinach with iodine (I) and selenium (Se). For this purpose, the spinach plant was cultivated in an open field (Dehdasht, Iran), biofortified with potassium iodide (KI) and sodium selenate (Na₂SeO₄) at different concentrations (Se 1 mg/L-I 1 mg/l; Se1-I1, Se2.5-I1, Se5-I1, Se1-I5, Se2.5-I5, and Se5-I5) through spraying the leaves twice during the growth season. Results indicated that while iodine did not have any effect on plant yield, selenium fortification at 2.5 mg/L significantly increased production (60.05 t/ha). However, both elements were successfully accumulated in the leaves of the plant. Therefore, the highest accumulation for both elements was noted by Se5-I5 sample. Meanwhile, the joint biofortification of spinach improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes, macro/microelements content, photosynthetic pigments, nitrate reductase activity, ascorbic acid, total phenol content, carotenoid compounds, total soluble solids, and dry matter percentage, while decreasing the nitrate and malondialdehyde contents in the leaves, resulting in a plant with improved dietary properties and yield production. In this regard, treatment Se2.5-I5 was the best treatment in relation to various tests conducted.