Plant Feeding Research Articles

Assessment of the effect of browse plants’ feed formulation on Goat (<i>Capra aegagrus hircus</i>) rumen microbial activities and <i>in vitro</i> gas production

This study assessed the effect of browse Plants feed formulation on Goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) rumen microbial activities and in vitro gas production in Red Sokoto goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) over a period of fourteen (14) weeks. Four selected browse plants- Afzelia africana (TAa) Detarium microcarpum (TDm), Daniellia oliveri (TDo) and Khaya senegalensis (TKs) -were used to formulate diets for animal feeding. Three groups of growing Indigenous Red Sokoto goats were assigned to each of the browse plant diets (BPD), while the control group was placed on a basal diet only. Rumen fluids were collected from the goats intermittently for three (3) consecutive periods, and analyzed for pH, methylene blue-reduction time (MBRT), nitrate reduction, cellulose digestion, glucose fermentation and sedimentation activity rate. The results showed that browse plant feed formulation did not have a significant (p > 0.05) effect on the pH value of the rumen contents. Significant (p < 0.05) reductions in MBRT, nitrate reduction, and glucose fermentation were observed in all treatments except the control diets. However, the period for cellulose digestion significantly increased in all the browse plant-supplemented diet treatments. Furthermore, the volume of gas produced was significantly reduced by 64% (TAa), 62% (TDm), 71% (TDo), and 74% (TKs) in goats fed with browse plants as dietary supplements compared to 7% in the control (Tc). Overall, this study demonstrated that browse plant feed has the potential to significantly reduce the volume of methane produced and released by ruminant animals into the environment.

Use of microbiological preparations in the cultivation of promising soybean varieties in the Oryol region

We studied the effect of microbiological preparations on increasing the yield of soybeans of different varieties. The work was carried out in the conditions of the Oryol region in 2019–2023. Objects of research: soybean varieties Leader 1, Mezenka, Orleya, Osmon, Zusha, as well as Biostim Start preparations, Rizoform Soya, Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3, Biodux, used in pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar feeding of soybean plants in phases 1…3 of trifoliate leaves and budding. The highest increase in soybean yield (6.0 %) compared to the control is provided by inoculation of seeds of the Zusha variety with Rizoform Soya in combination with Biostim Start. Pre-sowing seed treatment in combination with foliar fertilizing with preparations Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3, Biodux in the presence of native races of rhizobacteria in the soil contributed to the introduction of microorganisms included in their composition into the rhizosphere community of plants with subsequent participation in the activation of nitrogen nutrition processes of the latter. On average, for varieties, the number and weight of nodules in the variant with pre-sowing treatment and 2 foliar applications increased by 57.6 and 65 %, respectively, compared to the control, nitrogenase activity – by 67.3 %. The use of a combination of the preparations Organit Р, Organit N, Pseudobacterin 3 and Biodux by pre-sowing seed treatment and one foliar feeding in the phase 1…3 of trifoliate leaves provided the greatest increase in the yield of the Leader 1 variety 0.29 t/ha, Zusha – 0.35, Mezenka – 0 .40 t/ha. The maximum increase in protein content in grain was observed in the Mezenka variety in the variant with pre-sowing seed treatment and 1 or 2 foliar fertilizers – by 1.1 and 1.0 %, respectively.

Meat productivity and meat quality of broiler chickens when input plant-based additive in compound feed

At present, the increase in poultry meat production is associated with the development of resource- saving technologies that ensure maximum productivity. However, the search for new methods to reduce the rearing period, increase live weight and reduce feed costs per 1 kg of gain continues. It should be noted that at the current stage of development, poultry farming has a high productivity potential, which is currently not fully utilized in some cases. The main reason is the inclusion of ingredients containing anti-nutritional substances in the compound feed. In compound feed for broiler chickens, the need to use biologically active additives has been proven. The inclusion of such additives in the composition of compound feed helps to increase the productive action, improve digestibility and effi ciency of using nutrients in diets. The purpose of the research was to study the meat productivity and meat quality of broiler chickens when input additive of plant-based additive in compound feed. On the base of research data, the eff ectiveness of including the plant-based feed additive Biostrong 510 in the compound feed for rearing of broiler chickens of the cross Cobb 500 in the amount of 0.010 %, 0.015 and 0.020 % of the compound feed weight was established. It made possible to increase the average daily live weight gain by 4.3–8.5 %, increase the gutted carcass weight by 4.3–4.6 %, reduce feed costs per 1 kg of broiler chicken gain by 0.07–0.13 kg, and increase the profi tability level by 0.78–1.44 abs.%. The safety of the tested additive was proven by a number of indicators. The obtained results of animal science, physiological and biochemical studies made it possible to identify the optimal dose of the plant feed additive Biostrong 510 for broiler chickens of the cross Cobb 500 in feeding technology 0.015 % of the mass of the compound feed.

Unveiling symbiotic bacterial communities in insects feeding on the latex-rich plant Ficus microcarpa.

The diversity and health of insects that feed on plants are closely related to their mutualistic symbionts and host plants. These symbiotic partners significantly influence various metabolic activities in these insects. However, the symbiotic bacterial community of toxic plant feeders still needs further characterisation. This study aims to unravel bacterial communities associated with the different species of insect representing three insect orders: Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera, along with their predicted functional role, which exclusively feeds on latex-rich plant species Ficus microcarpa. By using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing, the analysis was able to define the major alignment of the bacterial population, primarily comprising Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Acidobacteriota. Significant differences in symbiotic organisms between three insect groups were discovered by the study: hemipterans had Burkholderia and Buchnera, and lepidopterans had Acinetobacter. At the same time, Pseudomonas was detected in high abundance in both lepidopteran and thysanopteran insects. Furthermore, these symbionts exhibit consistent core functions, potentially explaining how different insects can consume the same host plant. The identified core functions of symbionts open avenues for innovative approaches in utilising these relationships to develop environment-friendly solutions for pest control, with broader implications for agriculture and environmental conservation.

Insect Meal as a Dietary Protein Source for Pheasant Quails: Performance, Carcass Traits, Amino Acid Profile and Mineral Contents in Muscles.

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of replacing soybean meal with insect meal on the body weight and the chemical composition of selected muscle groups of common pheasant females and males, including the mineral composition and the amino acid profile of the thigh and breast muscles. The study was conducted on three feeding groups, namely one control and two experimental groups. In the control group, plant feed components were used, which are commonly used to feed pheasants in confined breeding facilities. In the experimental groups, 100 g (group II) and 200 g (group III) portions of insect meal were introduced instead of the plant-protein components. The experiment used a preparation of insect larvae (Hermetia illucens) containing approximately 52% crude protein. The pheasant diet supplementation applied contributed to an increase in the proportion of muscles in the carcasses, with the highest effectiveness obtained for a 20% addition of insect meal. Lower and significant differences were noted in the feed conversion by birds from the experimental groups, as compared to the control group. The chemical composition of the birds' muscles also changed. The experimental groups exhibited higher protein and fat contents and a lower water content. No significant changes in the amino acid profile or the mineral composition of the muscles were noted. The few exceptions concerned the methionine levels in both muscle groups and the isoleucine levels in the breast muscles. In most cases, the mineral composition did not vary significantly (p < 0.05). When supplementing the diet of breeding pheasants for improving meatiness, a 20% addition of insect meal is recommended, which affects the production effect of this trait while reducing feed consumption and maintaining the fatty acid profile.

Sugar feeding in triatomines: a new perspective for controlling the transmission of Chagas disease.

Introduction: Triatomines are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Currently, there is no vaccine against this disease. Thus, control of the insect vector population is the main strategy available to reduce the number of cases. Triatomines are considered obligate hematophagous, but different alternative feeding behaviors were described, such as haemolymphagy or plant feeding. Methods: To determine the preference for sugar feeding in nymphs and adults of Rhodnius prolixus, the insects were exposed a piece of cotton containing bromophenol blue plus sucrose. In addition, we offered several sugars for different species of triatomines, and tested sugar meals as a route of delivery of insecticides in first-instar nymphs of R. prolixus. The effect of sugar feeding on the physiology of these different species of triatomines was recorded. Results: First instar nymphs ingested sucrose more strongly than other stages, and showed high mortality rates. In different species of triatomines, sucrose induced an ingestion, but engorgement varied according to the species. R. prolixus nymphs showed an indiscriminate intake of various sugars, with very different physiological effects. Furthermore, ingesting different combinations of insecticides + sugar significantly reduced insect survival. Discussion: In summary, we described for the first-time sugar feeding as a widespread behavior in several species of triatomines, and the possibility of the use of toxic sugar baits for the control of these vectors. The knowledge of feeding behavior in these insects can be fundamental for the development of new strategies to control Chagas disease.

Gut Microbial Communities Are Seasonally Variable in Warm-Climate Lizards Hibernating in the Winter Months.

Hibernation is an energy-saving and adaptive strategy adopted by a diverse array of animals, rarely including warm-climate species, to survive in the harsh winter environment. Here, we collected large-intestinal microbial samples from two species of warm-climate lizards, one (the Reeves' butterfly lizard Leiolepis reevesii) hibernating in the winter months and one (the many-lined sun skink Eutropis multifasciata) not doing so, in summer and winter to analyze and compare their microbiota using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing technology. Gut microbiota were seasonally variable in L. reevesii but not in E. multifasciata. The decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increased relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia in hibernating butterfly lizards in a state of long-term fasting should help them live through the winter months, as bacteria of the phyla Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia can use host-derived mucin glycans in the absence of dietary substrates. Facultative plant feeding by omnivorous butterfly lizards resulted in a significant increase in the relative abundance of bacteria of the phylum Firmicutes (e.g., Lachnospiraceae) with the ability to degrade plant fibers. This study not only validates the role of gut microbiota in dietary adaptation in lizards but also shows that gut microbial communities are seasonally variable in warm-climate lizards hibernating in the winter months.

Exploring the Spatial Variation in the Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism of the Compound Stomach in Intensively Farmed Yaks

Yaks are one of the important livestock on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, providing abundant dairy and meat products for the local people. The formation of these dairy and meat products mainly relies on the microbiota in their gastrointestinal tract, which digests and metabolizes plant feed. The yak’s gastrointestinal microbiota is closely related to the health and production performance of the host, but the molecular mechanisms of diet-induced effects in intensively farmed yaks remain to be elucidated. In this study, 40 chyme samples were collected from the four stomach chambers of 10 intensively farmed yaks, and the bacterial diversity and bile acid changes in the rumen (SFRM), reticulum (SFRC), omasum (SFOM), and abomasum (SFAM) were systematically analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and bile acid metabolism. Our results showed that the gastrointestinal microbiota mainly distributes in the four-chambered stomach, with the highest microbial diversity in the reticulum. There is a highly negative correlation among the microbiota in the four chambers. The dominant bacterial phyla, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, were identified, with Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group being the dominant genus, which potentially helps maintain short-chain fatty acid levels in the stomach. In contrast, the microbiome within the four stomach chambers synergistically and selectively altered the content and diversity of bile acid metabolites in response to intensive feeding. The results of this study provide new insights into the microbiota and bile acid metabolism functions in the rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum of yaks. This can help uncover the role of gastrointestinal microbiota in yak growth and metabolic regulation, while also providing references for improving the production efficiency and health of ruminants.

The feeding behavior of Diaphorina citri monitored by using an electrical penetration graph (DC-EPG) on citrus plants treated with Bacillus cereus and Bacillus velezensis

Diaphorina citri, an important pest and insect vector that can transmit the pathogenic bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, causing Huanglongbing disease, is one of many challenges in citrus agriculture. Integrated pest management by utilizing microorganisms is a wise and efficient alternative without damaging the environment. Utilization of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), such as Bacillus cereus and B. velezensis, is a potential strategy for the biological control of plant diseases or insect vectors. By inducing systemic resistance in plants, PGPR can enhance plant defense against diseases and insect pests while activating molecular and physiological changes in plants. This research aimed to determine the effect of B. cereus and B. velezensis on the plant growth and feeding behavior of D. citri. The height and volume of the plant canopy were observed periodically for 6 months, while the feeding behavior of D. citri was monitored using the Electrical Penetration Graph (DC-EPG). The results showed increased height and volume of the citrus plant canopy treated with B. cereus, indicating that B. cereus could act as a PGPR. The application of B. cereus and B. velezensis to citrus seedlings affected the feeding behavior of D. citri. D citri showed difficulty in penetrating the phloem tissue of citrus plants.

Insights into malaria vectors–plant interaction in a dryland ecosystem

Improved understanding of mosquito–plant feeding interactions can reveal insights into the ecological dynamics of pathogen transmission. In wild malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae s.l. and An. funestus group surveyed in selected dryland ecosystems of Kenya, we found a low level of plant feeding (2.8%) using biochemical cold anthrone test but uncovered 14-fold (41%) higher rate via DNA barcoding targeting the chloroplast rbcL gene. Plasmodium falciparum positivity was associated with either reduced or increased total sugar levels and varied by mosquito species. Gut analysis revealed the mosquitoes to frequently feed on acacia plants (~ 89%) (mainly Vachellia tortilis) in the family Fabaceae. Chemical analysis revealed 1-octen-3-ol (29.9%) as the dominant mosquito attractant, and the sugars glucose, sucrose, fructose, talose and inositol enriched in the vegetative parts, of acacia plants. Nutritional analysis of An. longipalpis C with high plant feeding rates detected fewer sugars (glucose, talose, fructose) compared to acacia plants. These results demonstrate (i) the sensitivity of DNA barcoding to detect plant feeding in malaria vectors, (ii) Plasmodium infection status affects energetic reserves of wild anopheline vectors and (iii) nutrient content and olfactory cues likely represent potent correlates of acacia preferred as a host plant by diverse malaria vectors. The results have relevance in the development of odor-bait control strategies including attractive targeted sugar-baits.

Compressor Surge Identification in Innovative Heat-Pump Systems Equipped by Vaned Diffuser Centrifugal Compressor

Abstract In the present energy scenario, heat-pumps play an important role to improve energy efficiency in reversible cooling systems. In case of industrial size plants, centrifugal compressors are preferred with respect to other solutions; nonetheless, they work in variable operation and therefore they must withstand off-design conditions. Carrier provided the University of Genoa with a small size chiller rig equipped with an innovative high speed centrifugal compressor driven by a variable speed motor to study unstable operation of refrigerant closed loop systems. To this aim, vibro-acoustic signature analysis of such closed loop rig is performed mainly focusing on compressor mechanical response. This experimental characterization is firstly conducted in system stable operation. Afterwards, surge transients are obtained by acting on plant feeding lines valves; meanwhile, experimental signals are acquired at relevant plant locations to investigate system response just before instability onset. Indeed, system dynamics is affected by interposed volumes, and therefore the effect of heat exchangers in system response may be relevant. Therefore, system dynamics is analysed both in sub-synchronous frequency range and in high frequency region to assess how its vibro-acoustic response varies when moving from stable conditions towards surge. By doing so, suitable surge precursors can be defined by relying only on vibro-acoustic signals both in low and high frequency ranges to perform early surge detection in such chiller systems. The proposed approach main advantage is to exploit non-intrusive probes, which allow to define diagnostic indicators without interacting directly with the working fluid.

A new insight on alleviating the inhibitory effect of aflatoxin B1 on muscle development in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella): the effect of 4-methylesculetin in vivo and in vitro

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), an important fungal toxin, exists mainly in plant feed ingredients and animals consuming feed contaminated with AFB1 will have reduced growth and impaired health condition mainly due to oxidative stress and reduced immunity. Our previous study found that AFB1 caused oxidative damage and inhibited muscle development of zebrafish. 4-methylesculetin (4-ME), a coumarin derivative, is now used in biochemistry and medicine widely because of its antioxidant function. Whether 4-ME could alleviate the inhibition of muscle development in grass carp induced by AFB1 has not been reported. In this experiment, 720 healthy grass carp (11.40 ± 0.01 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates of 60 fish each, including control group, AFB1 group (60 μg/kg diet AFB1), 4-ME group (10 mg/kg diet 4-ME), and AFB1+4-ME group (60 μg/kg diet AFB1 + 10 mg/kg 4-ME diet), for a 60 d growth experiment. In vitro, we also set up 4 treatment groups in grass carp primary myoblast, including control group, AFB1 group (15 μmol/L AFB1), 4-ME group (0.5 μmol/L 4-ME) and AFB1+4-ME group (15 μmol/L AFB1+0.5 μmol/L 4-ME). The results showed that dietary AFB1 decreased growth performance of grass carp, damaged the ultrastructure and induced oxidative damage in grass carp muscle, and significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of myogenin (MyoG), myogenic differentiation (MyoD), myosin heavy chain (MYHC), as well as the protein expression levels of laminin β1, fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ (P < 0.05), significantly activated the protein expression levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and phosphorylate-38mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) both in grass carp muscle and grass carp primary myoblast (P < 0.05). Supplementation of AFB1 with 4-ME significantly improved the growth performance inhibition and alleviated the muscle fiber development inhibition and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in grass carp induced by AFB1. The present results revealed that supplementation of AFB1 contaminated feed with 4-ME reduced the inhibition of growth and muscle development by alleviating AFB1-induced ECM degradation in grass carp, which might be related to the p38 MAPK/uPA/MMP/ECM pathway. The results implied that 4-ME could be used as a valuable mycotoxin scavenger in animal feed.

Dietary supplementation of Sida rhombifolia enhances the plasma antioxidation and modulates gut microbiota in Anyi tile-like grey chickens.

Sida rhombifolia (S. rhombifolia) is a widely used herbal plant for humans because of its antioxidant and antibacterial effects, but its potential use as a feed additive for livestock has not been investigated. Twenty 350 days-old Anyi tile-like grey chickens were randomly divided into a control group (fed basal diet) and a treatment group (fed basal diet + 3% of S. rhombifolia), and these chickens were feed for 31 days. Dietary S. rhombifolia remarkably enhanced plasma antioxidants, including the significantly increased total antioxidant capability (p < 0.01), catalase (p = 0.04), and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) in the treatment group. Furthermore, dietary S. rhombifolia also modulated chicken cecal microbiota, including an increased microbial diversity (Shannon, p = 0.03; Chao1, p = 0.03) in the treatment group. Regarding taxonomic analysis, 34 microbial taxa showed significant differences between the two groups. Meanwhile, the dominant phylum Actinobacteriota (p = 0.04), and dominant genera Desulfovibrio (p = 0.04) and Olsenella (p = 0.02) were significantly increased after treatment, whereas the pathogenic genus Escherichia-Shigella (p = 0.04) was significantly decreased after feeding S. rhombifolia. The results indicating that S. rhombifolia has potential for use as a natural plant feed additive for chickens.

Analysis of differences in the rumen microbiome and metabolic function in prepartum dairy cows with different body condition scores

BackgroundThe rumen is a crucial digestive organ for dairy cows. The rumen microbiota assists in the digestion of plant feed through microbe-mediated fermentation, during which the plant feed is transformed into nutrients for the cow's use. Variations in the composition and function of the rumen microbiome affect the energy utilization efficiency of dairy cows, which is one of the reasons for the varying body condition scores (BCSs). This study focused on prepartum Holstein dairy cows to analyze differences in rumen microbiota and metabolites among cows with different BCSs. Twelve prepartum dairy cows were divided into two groups, low BCS (LBCS, BCS = 2.75, n = 6) and high BCS (HBCS, BCS = 3.5, n = 6), to explore differences in microbial composition and metabolites.ResultsIn the HBCS group, the genera within the phylum Firmicutes exhibited stronger correlations and greater abundances. Phyla such as Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, Acidobacteriota, Euryarchaeota, and Desulfobacterota, in addition to most of their constituent microbial groups, were significantly more abundant in the HBCS group than in the LBCS group. At the genus level, the abundances of Anaerovibrio, Veillonellaceae_UCG_001, Ruminococcus_gauvreauii_group, Blautia, Eubacterium, Prevotellaceae_YAB2003_group, Schwartzia, and Halomonas significantly increased in the HBCS group. The citrate cycle, involved in carbohydrate metabolism, exhibited a significant enrichment trend, with a notable increase in the abundance of its key substrate, citrate, in the HBCS group. This increase was significantly positively correlated with the differential bacterial genera.ConclusionIn this study, prepartum dairy cows with higher BCS exhibited greater abundance of Firmicutes. This study provides theoretical support for microbiological research on dairy cows with different BCSs and suggests that regulating the rumen microbiome could help maintain prepartum dairy cows within an optimal BCS range.

Duplications and Losses of the Detoxification Enzyme Glycosyltransferase 1 Are Related to Insect Adaptations to Plant Feeding.

Insects have developed sophisticated detoxification systems to protect them from plant secondary metabolites while feeding on plants to obtain necessary nutrients. As an important enzyme in the system, glycosyltransferase 1 (GT1) conjugates toxic compounds to mitigate their harm to insects. However, the evolutionary link between GT1s and insect plant feeding remains elusive. In this study, we explored the evolution of GT1s across different insect orders and feeding niches using publicly available insect genomes. GT1 is widely present in insect species; however, its gene number differs among insect orders. Notably, plant-sap-feeding species have the highest GT1 gene numbers, whereas blood-feeding species display the lowest. GT1s appear to be associated with insect adaptations to different plant substrates in different orders, while the shift to non-plant feeding is related to several losses of GT1s. Most large gene numbers are likely the consequence of tandem duplications showing variations in collinearity among insect orders. These results reveal the potential relationships between the evolution of GT1s and insect adaptation to plant feeding, facilitating our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying insect-plant interactions.

Root nutrition of plants: relevance, needs, problem solving

The article theoretically analyzes the nutrient needs of plants and the balanced supply of macro- and microelements for their proper growth and development. The basis of the research methodology is the systematic approach of assessing the periodicity of foliar feeding of plants with complex preparations of various compositions. It has been established that with foliar fertilization there is a part of nutrients after they enter the plant leaf. Smaller molecules or molecules with less positive charge are more easily transported in the vascular system, from where they move to other parts of the plant, including ammonium, potassium, and urea. On the other hand, larger molecules and ions with a large positive charge tend to stay fairly close to their point of entry because they stick to the negatively charged cell walls. They hold immobile nutrients quite tightly, including calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper. The importance of the combination of biotechnological and ecological aspects in the development and application of complex compounds for foliar fertilization is indicated. The use of compounds based on EDTA is potentially dangerous for agricultural products and the environment. In the long term, this leads to increased pollution of agricultural land, soil degradation, reduced yield, and deterioration of product quality. When applying complex foliar fertilizers, elements with a strong positive charge, such as calcium, do not move very actively in the plant. Accordingly, negatively charged elements, such as phosphorus, slowly enter the leaves of plants. Both elements are relatively stationary after entry. Additional studies have shown that different plant species differ significantly in their ability to absorb nutrients through their leaves. Differences in cuticle thickness, number of pores, and resistance, as well as genetic and environmental factors, all affect a species’ ability to assimilate nutrients applied to leaves.

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria modulate induced corn defense against Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Common cutworm, Spodoptera litura is an important pest of corn causing significant crop yield loss. Synthetic insecticides have mostly been used to combat this pest, raising human and environmental health concerns. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could compensate for or augment the harmful effects of agrochemicals. Herein, we aimed to assess whether PGPR-induced defenses in corn plants impact the host-plant selection behavior of S. litura. Headspace volatile organic compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Larvae fed inoculated corn exhibited lower weights and relative growth rate than noninoculated plants. Under choice experiments, PGPR-treated plants significantly reduced percentage leaf damage area and oviposition rate compared to untreated plants. Volatile organic compound ratio emission varied significantly between control and PGPR treatments, which, in part, explains feeding and oviposition deterrence in PGPR-treated plants. The results demonstrate that PGPR inoculation can enhance corn resistance to S. litura, making it a promising candidate for crop protection strategies.

Features of the accumulation of pollutants in plant feed and their translocation into the milk of cows

One of the sources of toxic substances entering the human body may be a valuable food product as milk. The intensity of exposure of ecotoxicants to milk of cows is determined by a number of factors, among which the main one is feed. The purpose of the research was to study the characteristics of the accumulation of heavy metals and radionuclides in plant feed, and their translocation from rations of cows into milk. The research was carried out in agricultural enterprises of the Shchuchansky district of the Kurgan region. In order to obtain the most complete information about the degree of contamination of the studied objects, the area was divided into fi ve zones taking into account the geographical location such as northern (Peschanskoye village), southern (Sukhoborskoye village), western (Beloyarskoye village), eastern (Petrovskoye village) and central (Chumlyak village) zone. The content of heavy metals in the feed and milk of cows was determined such as copper, zinc, cadmium, lead and radionuclides such as strontium-90 and cesium-137. The features of the accumulation of heavy metals and radionuclides depending on the type of feed as well as the dependence of the concentration of toxic substances in the ration on their amount in feed have been established. Regression equations have been calculated to predict changes in the concentration of heavy metals and radionuclides in the daily ration depending on their content in feed. The coeffi cients of translocation of heavy metals and radionuclides from the ration into the milk of cows during the stall and pasture periods were determined, which showed the absence of a connection between the presence of ecotoxicants in feed and milk. The maximum degree of contamination of rations was observed in the northern zone. The dependence of the concentration of toxic substances in the ration on their amount in feed has been established. No relation was found between the content of heavy metals and radionuclides in the rations and milk of cows. As the toxicity of the ration increased, the transfer coeffi cient of ecotoxicants decreased. During the pasture period, the transition coeffi cient was higher than during the stall period. The obtained research results would make it possible to regulate the intake of toxic elements into livestock products by selecting the components of the ration.

Haemolymph transfusions transfer heritable learned novel odour preferences to naive larvae of Bicyclus anynana butterflies.

The mechanisms whereby environmental experiences of parents are transmitted to their offspring to impact their behaviour and fitness are poorly understood. Previously, we showed that naive Bicyclus anynana butterfly larvae, whose parents fed on a normal plant feed but coated with a novel odour, inherited an acquired preference towards that odour, which had initially elicited avoidance in the naive parents. Here, we performed simple haemolymph transfusions from odour-fed and control-fed larvae to naive larval recipients. We found that larvae injected with haemolymph from odour-fed donors stopped avoiding the novel odour, and their naive offspring preferred the odour more, compared to the offspring of larvae injected with control haemolymph. These results indicate that factors in the haemolymph, potentially the odour molecule itself, play an important role in odour learning and preference transmission across generations. Furthermore, this mechanism of odour preference inheritance, mediated by the haemolymph, bypasses the peripheral odour-sensing mechanisms taking place in the antennae, mouthparts or legs, and may mediate food plant switching and diversification in Lepidoptera or more broadly across insects.

Direct threshing of paddy (Oryza sativa) ear-head with reduced straw and optimized grain throughput rate

Reduction of the straw intake is a new harvesting technique that reduces energy and input costs. In existing combine harvesters, the cutter bar of the standard header is set at an increased height, or the stripper header combine harvester is used to minimize the straw intake. The thresher was developed and tested in the year 2018 and 2019, at Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal to reduce the straw intake by direct ear head threshing of standing plants. It reduces energy consumption compared to some common existing harvesting methods. The specially designed plant guiding plates were accommodated before the threshing cylinder to achieve this. The set of two guiding plates passes over the plant’s row and converges the panicle portion of plants by bending them gradually. The rice (Oryza sativa L.) panicles were placed over the rotating cylinder and the stem portion remains in a standing posture. Thus, only 4.16% of total straw available on the plants was fed, and about 23 times straw intake was reduced. RSM-based response surface methodology was used to design the experiment. During the experiment, the grain throughput rate (GTR) was varied by changing the speed of plant feeding. To measure the cylinder speed, threshing torque, and plant feed speed the laboratory model thresher was equipped with rotary encoder, torque transducer and proximity sensors, respectively. The collected threshed mixture was analyzed to determine threshing performance. The optimized GTR and cylinder speed were 180 kg/h and 17.55 m/sec at which the threshing efficiency, total grain loss, and specific energy were 98.36%, 4.67%, and 1.1 kWh/t of grain, respectively.