Plant Moisture Research Articles

Pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical profiles of Euclea divinorum (Ebenaceae)

Background: Euclea divinorum, belonging to the family Ebeneceae, has extensive traditional medicinal use in Africa. However, it lacks sufficient published data on its pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and phytochemical properties. Aims and Objectives: Thus, this study aimed at comprehensively evaluating the pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and phytochemical properties of E. divinorum using established techniques. Materials and Methods: The evaluation included assessing organoleptic properties, macroscopy, and microscopy of leaves, stems, and roots. Various physicochemical parameters, such as loss on drying and extractive values via hot and cold maceration, were determined. Phytochemical screening was also conducted on root aqueous extracts. Results and Conclusion: Results revealed specific characteristics of E. divinorum leaves, including light green coloration, distinct odor, and bitterness. Macroscopic examination highlighted opposite phyllotaxy, simple leaf types with lamina length range of 71.09 - 93.89 mm and a width range of 6.05 - 17.59 mm, obtuse leaf apexes, cuneate leaf bases, entire leaf margins, and smooth leaf surfaces. Venation displayed a reticulate pattern, with the midrib prominently visible on the lower surface. Microscopic analysis of the lower leaf epidermis showed an average of stomatal density of 3.75±0.67, epidermal density of 35.75±2.16 and stomatal index of 10.47±1.11. Microscopic examination of the leaf lamina across the midrib revealed cortical parenchymal cells containing calcium oxalate crystals, lignified xylem, and non-lignified phloem. Stem cross-sections displayed single-layered cells comprising the epidermis, secondary phloem, secondary xylem, and pith. Similar structures were observed in root cross-sections. The plant's moisture content was found to be 44.8±1.962%, with water and alcohol-soluble extractive values of 7.27±0.17 and 1.13±0.05 g/100g, respectively, through cold maceration, and 14.77±0.28 and 11.43±0.39 g/100g, respectively through hot maceration. The total ash content was measured at 3.03± 0.103%. Phytochemical screening detected various compounds, with anthraquinone glycosides, coumarine glycosides, saponin glycosides, flavonoids, proteins, and tannins being abundant. Alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, and steroids were absent. This research contributes to standardizing E. divinorum, aiding in its identification, preventing adulteration, and ensuring therapeutic efficacy.

Effect of particle size distribution on the dewatering circuit design; case study: iron ore tailing of the Gol-E-Gohar mining and industrial company

ABSTRACT Iron ore processing plants of the Gol-E-Gohar mining and industrial company have three thickeners. The thickeners’ underflow's is pumped to a tailings dam, with the solid content of about 50%. To increase water recovery, this research investigated the effect of the particle size distribution on the dewatering circuit design of tailings. Physical and chemical characteristics of the thickeners’ underflows (solid content, XRF, XRD, density, etc.) are determined and three different dewatering circuit designs considered. In the first design, only a pressure filter was considered for each stream separately, and in the second design, all streams were combined, and then particles coarser than 1 mm were removed using the screen and dewatered by a pressure filter. In addition, in the third design, all streams are combined and particles coarser than 250 microns are removed using hydrocyclone-screen. Particles smaller than 250 microns are dewatered using a pressure filter. The results showed that the required filtration area (m2) related to the dewatering circuits to reach 20% moisture of plants’ tailings are 1074, 926, and 912 m2, respectively. Finally, it is determined that because of the positive impact of coarse particles on the filtration performance and the operational problems related to the particles larger than 1 mm, all streams must be combined and dewatered using a pressure filter.

Spring-Finger Motion Law Analysis and Cam Slide Optimal Design of Spring-Finger Cylinder Peanut Pickup Mechanism

Two-stage harvesting is the main method used for the mechanized harvesting of peanuts in China, in which the pickup device is a core part of the combine harvester. In order to solve the problem of pod loss caused by “stack” and “loss picking” from peanut plants when using a traditional spring-finger cylinder pickup device, an optimal spring-finger cylinder peanut pickup mechanism was designed and its picking properties were tested. Based on the picking characteristics and picking force analysis when considering a peanut plant windrow, the ideal picking attitude and swing rule of the spring-finger were determined, and the cam slide, as the core element of the spring-finger cylinder peanut pickup device, was optimized. A mathematical model of the cam cylinder center line was established according to the swing law of the four picking stations utilizing the spring-finger. MATLAB and ADAMS were used to establish a simulation of the pickup mechanism, and kinematics and dynamics simulation analyses of the pickup mechanism were carried out. According to the design results, a prototype was constructed and a running pickup test was carried out. The peanut plant picking experiments indicated that the phenomenon of peanut plant stacking had significantly disappeared. Furthermore, through response surface analysis, the optimal working parameters of the picking device were obtained as follows: the forward speed Vm was 48.0 m/min, the rotational speed N was 50 r/min, and the ground height H was −16.8 mm. The picking rate of peanut plants was 99.21% and the pod loss rate was 1.79% under two harvesting conditions, with a peanut plant moisture content of 15% to 17%. This study provides technical support for the future design of picking devices for two-stage peanut pickup harvesters.

SWINDU (Smart Farming dengan Wind Turbine) = Rancang Bangun Wind Turbine Sederhana berbasis ESP32 untuk Smart Farming Deteksi Kelembapan Tanah pada Sayuran Pokcoy

This research describes the design and implementation of a wind turbine system integrated with an ESP32 microcontroller to detect soil moisture in pakcoy vegetable plants. The main objective of this research is to create a sustainable solution that combines renewable energy with smart crop monitoring technology. The system uses a wind turbine as the main energy source that can generate electricity to operate the soil moisture sensor and DHT11 temperature sensor. The data obtained from these two sensors is used to measure and monitor the environmental conditions of pakcoy plants in real-time. The goal is to support the development of renewable energy, such as wind turbines, to address climate change and safeguard natural resources. Benefits include a reduction in the negative impacts of conventional energy and support for global efforts to address climate change. The methodology involves designing a wind turbine prototype, using temperature and humidity sensors, and integrating smart farming systems. The research also includes a research schedule. The results are expected to be an efficient prototype for generating electrical energy and a MitApp application for monitoring crop and wind energy data. This proposal is relevant to environmental and climate change issues and has the potential for a positive impact on sustainability and the environment.

Эффективность производства зерна в условиях изменения климата в Зауралье

Abstract. The economic efficiency of grain production is determined by the level of return on the resources spent by the cost of the products received. Weather factors play an important role. Climate changes in the Trans-Urals are primarily associated with the warming of the spring and summer months, increased aridity of the growing season and the expansion of the boundary of this process from the southeast to the northwest. The contrast in moisture availability of different years is combined with uneven precipitation in the region throughout the year. The profitability of farms in the production of grain crops is characterized by the same heterogeneity. The purpose of the study is to establish the economic efficiency of grain production in the context of climate change using the example of the Trans-Urals. The tasks are to analyze the impact of climate change on the yield of grain crops in the region, to analyze the efficiency of resource use by agricultural enterprises; using the example of the most highly profitable farms to identify factors to increase the efficiency of grain production. The methods of monographic and statistical analysis of data from scientific literature, open statistical sources, agronomic and economic reports of agricultural enterprises were used. The scientific novelty of the research consists in studying the efficiency of grain production in the context of climate change and in relation to the volatility of grain prices and means of production. The results of the study showed that since the early 2000s, despite a significant increase in the use of fertilizers, the growth of grain yields has stopped, which is primarily due to the deterioration of plant moisture conditions. At the same time, an increase in costs, although it leads to an increase in productivity, but to a lesser extent, as a result, the cost of grain increases, and the profitability of production decreases. Enterprises have been identified that, in the conditions of climate change and high volatility of grain prices and resources, have found ways to efficiently produce grain: replace solid fertilizers with liquid fertilizers, apply effective, including agrotechnical, methods of tillage and plant protection, use highly productive varieties, obtaining the highest profitability in the region.

Genetic association analysis in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) for sucrose accumulation in humid environments in Colombia

BackgroundSucrose accumulation in sugarcane is affected by several environmental and genetic factors, with plant moisture being of critical importance for its role in the synthesis and transport of sugars within the cane stalks, affecting the sucrose concentration. In general, rainfall and high soil humidity during the ripening stage promote plant growth, increasing the fresh weight and decreasing the sucrose yield in the humid region of Colombia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify markers associated with sucrose accumulation or production in the humid environment of Colombia through a genome-wide association study (GWAS).ResultsSucrose concentration measurements were taken in 220 genotypes from the Cenicaña’s diverse panel at 10 (early maturity) and 13 (normal maturity) months after planting. For early maturity data was collected during plant cane and first ratoon, while at normal maturity it was during plant cane, first, and second ratoon. A total of 137,890 SNPs were selected after sequencing the 220 genotypes through GBS, RADSeq, and whole-genome sequencing. After GWAS analysis, a total of 77 markers were significantly associated with sucrose concentration at both ages, but only 39 were close to candidate genes previously reported for sucrose accumulation and/or production. Among the candidate genes, 18 were highlighted because they were involved in sucrose hydrolysis (SUS6, CIN3, CINV1, CINV2), sugar transport (i.e., MST1, MST2, PLT5, SUT4, ERD6 like), phosphorylation processes (TPS genes), glycolysis (PFP-ALPHA, HXK3, PHI1), and transcription factors (ERF12, ERF112). Similarly, 64 genes were associated with glycosyltransferases, glycosidases, and hormones.ConclusionsThese results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in sucrose accumulation in sugarcane and contribute with important genomic resources for future research in the humid environments of Colombia. Similarly, the markers identified will be validated for their potential application within Cenicaña’s breeding program to assist the development of breeding populations.

Effect of spent engine oil pollution and liquid organic fertilizer application on soil chemical properties and nutrient contents of Maize (Zea Mays)

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of spent engine oil (SEO), bio-treated with liquid organic fertilizer, on maize plant growth. The study utilized three concentrations of SEO (0.5 and 10% w/w) and four liquid organic fertilizers (water control, cattle dung, poultry manure and rabbit manure). These factors were arranged in a 3 × 4 factorial setup with three replications in a completely randomized design. Collected data included percentage moisture, dry weight, nutrient content and uptake, heavy metal concentration, and post-harvest soil chemical properties. Soil composite samples on physical and chemical analysis carried out show that the engine oil pollution negatively affected soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and exchangeable cations, but it increased total organic carbon before maize cultivation. The percentage moisture and dry weight of the maize plant were not significantly (p > 0.5) influenced by engine oil pollution or liquid organic fertilizer application. N, P and Mg content of maize plant were significantly reduced by the engine oil pollution but significantly boosted by organic fertilizer application. Cr and Pb content of the maize were increased with engine oil concentration but decreased with liquid organic fertilizer. Nutrient uptake was decreased with increase in engine oil content but increased with liquid organic fertilizer application. At the end of the experiment, engine oil pollution significantly depressed pH, total N, available P and exchangeable cations, but increased organic C, total hydrocarbon, exchangeable Al and heavy metal content while it was opposite for liquid organic fertilizer. Our findings suggested that soils polluted with SEO should be corrected with the application of organic fertilizers.

Use of aquaculture wastewater in the cultivation of cactus pear as an alternative for semi-arid regions

The objective was to characterize the dilutions of aquaculture wastewater in supply water and the morphometric and productive characteristics of the cactus pear. The experiment was installed at the Water Reuse Experimental Unit in Mossoró-RN, a Semi-Arid region of Brazil. The design was in randomized blocks with five treatments and five replications, being (D1—100% supply water; D2—75% supply water and 25% aquaculture wastewater; D3—50% supply water and 50% aquaculture wastewater; D4—25% supply water and 75% aquaculture wastewater; and D5—100% aquaculture wastewater). The physical–chemical characterization of the dilutions and the evaluation of the palm production and development parameters were carried out. The occupied area (Aop), the fresh volume of aerial phytomass (Vf), and the fresh weight of the aerial phytomass produced by the forage cactus (Pf) were estimated. The proportion of 75% aquaculture wastewater and 25% supply water provided the lowest average value for plant height in the analysis carried out over time and 365 days after planting. Variations in dilutions of aquaculture wastewater in supply water did not provide any difference in the plant's moisture content. Replacing supply water with aquaculture wastewater by up to 25% allowed productivity-like control.

Moisture relationships among conventional and brown‐midrib corn hybrids for silage

AbstractMuch of the corn acreage in New York state is harvested as corn silage and moisture assessment in the field is necessary for predicting harvest timing, but moisture estimation visually is very problematic, particularly for brown‐midrib (BMR) hybrids. Our goal was to assess plant moisture relationships between BMR and conventional (CONV) corn hybrids, and to identify metadata that may assist in the prediction of whole plant moisture based on ear moisture estimations. In 2023, 202 corn fields were sampled in central New York from August 18 to September 27. A total of 41 different corn hybrids were sampled, with relative maturity (RM) ranging from 84 to 112 days, and 29% of the fields sampled were planted to BMR hybrids. Five representative plants per field were evaluated for plant height, ear length and width, and ear, stover, and whole plant moisture. Estimation of dry ear:stover ratio would be helpful in estimating whole plant moisture based on ear moisture. Ear length was not related to ear:stover ratio, while plant height and ear width were weakly but significantly correlated with ear:stover ratio. Ear moisture was highly correlated with ear:stover ratio (BMR, r = −0.95; CONV, r = −0.90), and highly correlated with whole plant moisture (BMR, r = 0.97; CONV, r = 0.98). Ear moisture averaged 1 to 2% units lower throughout the sampling season for BMR compared to CONV hybrids, while stover moisture averaged 1 to 2% units higher for BMR compared to CONV hybrids prior to optimum harvest moisture. Whole plant moisture declined about 0.6%units/day and was relatively similar across RM groups.

MORPHO-YIELD RESPONSE AND QUALITY CHARACTERIZATION OF BOTTLE GOURD (LAGENARIA SICERARIA) VARIETIES TO NITROGEN FERTILIZATION

The morpho-yield and quality traits of bottle gourd varieties were tested in response to nitrogen (N) nutrition during the year 2020 at the horticulture research area of Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. The study was performed by applying Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The two varieties Anmol and Long green were tested by applying six N rates that included (0 Kg N, (control), 50, 75 ,100, 125 and 150 Kg N ha-1). Both the varieties exhibited positive response to nitrogen fertilization. The maximum vine length, branches vine-1 were noted in plants, fertilized with increasing N rates (150 and 125 kg ha-1). In contrast shorter plants with less branches were noted when they were not fertilized with N nutrition.). The N nutrition also had a positive effect on fruit traits. The maximum fruit number with greater length and weight was recorded in plants supplied with increasing N fertilization. The N fertilization had beneficial influence on plant quality characteristics. The maximum pH, TSS, moisture and ash content in plants were observed, nourished with increasing N supply. The varietal comparison indicates that fruits of "Long green" had lower pH (5.88 vs. 6.0), higher in TSS (5.39 vs. 4.28%), moisture (67.74 vs. 55.52%), ash contents (19.96 vs. 19.01%), fruit yield (18178 vs. 17123 kg ha-1) than variety “Anmol”. In general, vines fertilized at 150 kg ha-1 N performed better than those fertilized at lower N levels for entire studied attributes, and "Long green" did better than "Anmol" among the evaluated varieties. The data clearly indicated severe soil N deficiency; and with each increment in applied N, the crop response was positive and significant (p<0.05). Hence, the farmers are suggested that “Long Green” bottle gourd variety may preferably be adapted with N at 150 kg ha-1 due to intense performance under agro-ecological conditions of Tandojam Sindh, Pakistan

Study of the Operation of a Pneumatic Hydraulic Drill for Subsoil Irrigation of Perennial Plants Using Hydrogel

The author presents the results of the study of the operation of a pneumatic hydraulic drill using a hydrogel for providing subsoil mineral nutrition to an apple tree. The influence of the hydrogel on the level of soil moisture and biometric parameters of apple plants was noted.

Reactions of Drought-Affected Oil Palm Variety Seedlings during the Nursery Phase: Bud and Root Responses

Drought has a major impact on oil palm on vegetative growth and productivity. Hence, the cultivation of drought-tolerant and efficient water use oil palm planting material becomes imperative to address this issue. FTSW method can show the soil and plant moisture condition based on the transpired water by crops. This study was structured using a Randomized Block Design, incorporating two factors - three levels of FTSW (Fraction of Transpirable Soil Water) and three different oil palm varieties. Its primary objective was to assess the plant’s reaction to drought-induced stress. The results showed that drought affected plant performance in terms of the number of leafs, root volume, and wet and dry weights of buds and roots. DxP Simalungun variety showed better performance than DxP PPKS 540 and DxP Langkat under drought stress conditions.

Níveis crescentes de fubá de milho melhoram parâmetros químico-bromatológicos e fermentativos da silagem de maniçoba

Abstract Ensiling maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) is essential to preserve the nutrients of this forage plant. However, the plant moisture content may generate undesirable fermentations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different cornmeal inclusion levels (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) on the chemical composition and fermentation parameters of maniçoba silage, in addition to identifying the variables most affected by cornmeal. The concentrations of dry matter (DM), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and propionic acid increased with cornmeal inclusion levels (P < 0.05). Crude protein (CP), lignin, and butyric acid contents, as well as pH, were reduced by the additive (P < 0.05). Principal component analysis resulted in two main groups. Group I was formed by variables positively affected by cornmeal inclusion, namely DM, hemicellulose, NFC, and TDN. Group II contained variables that were negatively affected by cornmeal, namely CP, lignin, mineral matter, and butyric acid. Regardless of the addition of cornmeal, maniçoba silage displays an adequate chemical composition and a good fermentation profile for ruminant feeding. Dry matter and total digestible nutrients are the chemical variables most influenced by cornmeal inclusion, whereas pH and butyric acid are the fermentative parameters most affected by the moisture-absorbent additive. Including moderate levels of cornmeal in maniçoba silage is recommended to achieve the best fermentation profile and the highest concentration of digestible nutrients without mischaracterizing it as a roughage feed.

Breeding and genetic studies of the resistance winter soft wheat to brown rust and different conditions of plant moisture supply

Breeding and genetic studies of the resistance winter soft wheat to brown rust and different conditions of plant moisture supply

Оценка потенциала восстановления экологического состояния природных экосистем, нарушенных при освоении георесурсов, по спутниковым данным

The factors of environmental state restoration of the natural ecosystems disturbed as the result of mining mineral deposits were investigated using the case study of the phytocenosis formed on the enclosing dam of the apatite-nepheline ore processing waste storage in the Khibiny group of deposits according to the technology developed in the Mining Institute of the Kola Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences for the restoration of disturbed lands through creation of a biologically active environment without deposition of a fertile layer. Based on the data of satellite observations of the monitoring sites during the vegetation period, the impact of relief as well as the heat and moisture availability on the state of the emerging vegetation cover was studied using gradient transects of different exposures along the height of the enclosing dam slope. The spatial resolution of the satellite images was harmonized using the enhanced pan-sharpening procedure with the minimum characteristic size of the dam slope elements and the representativeness of the data obtained when assessing the vegetation cover condition using the vegetation index and the moisture stress index was ensured. Generalization was made of the relationship between the parameters characterizing the vegetation cover state and abiotic factors of its formation using a neural network model. Two artificial neural networks were trained to predict the vegetation and the plant moisture stress indices using the data set obtained from processing of visible, infrared and thermal spectral channels of satellite images of the monitoring sites. The neural network model shows that the vegetation index of the emerging vegetation cover is antibate to the plant moisture stress index - the dominant factor in restoration of the environmental state of the investigated site, and to the surface temperature of the enclosing dam of the tailing dump. Dependence of the predicted moisture stress of the phytocenosis formed ontop the enclosing dam slope on the elevation and exposure was used to assess the potential of its restoration to the forest succession stage corresponding to the phytocenosis of the surrounding natural environment. Zoning of the tailing dump according to the potential for restoration of the environmental state was performed in order to support the decision-making process when planning environmental protection measures.

In vitro inhibition of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mycelial growth and reduction of sclerotial viability by the volatile bioactive compounds of Brassicaceae crops.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is an important pathogen of a wide range of crops, with current control mostly relying on the use of fungicides. This study assessed the effect of biofumigation on in vitro inhibition of mycelial growth and reduction of sclerotial viability of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum as an attempt to seek an alternative management strategy. The effect of different biofumigant crop types to inhibit mycelial growth of ten S. sclerotiorum isolates was investigated, with Brassica juncea 'Caliente 199' being the most effective biofumigant crop. The efficacy of 'Caliente 199' to inhibit mycelial growth and reduce sclerotial viability was influenced by different crop factors. Plant tissue of 'Caliente 199' harvested at 50% or 100% flowering and adjusted to 80% (w/w) moisture resulted in greater mycelial inhibition and reduction in the sclerotial viability compared with the vegetative tissue with the same plant moisture. Mycelial inhibition and reduction of sclerotial viability were affected by tissue quantity. Whole plant tissue and shoots only resulted in a similar inhibition of mycelial growth, but whole plant tissue resulted in a greater reduction of sclerotial viability. The S. sclerotiorum isolates differed in sensitivity to the volatile bioactive compounds released by the biofumigant plant tissue. The volatile bioactive compounds released by 'Caliente 199' resulted in effective mycelial inhibition but did not kill sclerotia completely.

Preliminary Evaluation of Four Legume and Grass Species to Compose Roadside Revegetation in Piauí, Brazil

A trial was conducted to investigate the growth and production characteristics of four plant species, marking the initiation of research on roadside revegetation processes in the southern region of Piauí state, Brazil. The trial was conducted in greenhouse conditions to evaluate the response of the species—two native legumes (Arachis pintoi and Stylosanthes macrocephala) and two grasses (Brachiaria humidicula—non-native and Paspalum notatum—native)—under different fertilization and irrigation treatments. Data were collected in two harvest operations, measuring the following variables: total plant height, population density per pot, number of live leaves, plant moisture content, total forage biomass, and root biomass. The results suggested that fertilization and irrigation caused no significant effect on the major species development characteristics that allay with the highway agency interests. Arachis pintoi showed the best results with the lowest height (24.1 cm in Experiment 1 and 19.2 cm in Experiment 2) and the greatest total forage biomass yield (6.4 g plant−1 in Experiment 1 and 4.1 g plant−1 in Experiment 2). Thus, we recommend that the results found in this study should be extended to field experiments and long-term research. Because our study did not explore mixed-species designs, adopting such evaluation could offer advantages in achieving more comprehensive and resilient revegetation outcomes and help decision-making regarding target species to compose the roadside revegetation operations.

Sistem Kendali Dan Monitoring Penyiram Tanaman Cabai Menggunakan Metode Fuzzy Dengan Aplikasi Telegram

The need for the staple food chili is quite high, while agricultural land in big cities is being converted into residential areas. Meanwhile, chili plants can grow and develop in a limited environment by controlling humidity, temperature and light intensity. This research aims to analyze a greenhouse monitoring control system for chili plants based on DHT 22 temperature sensor input and YL-69 humidity sensor. The method used is fuzzy mamdani to control humidity according to what the plants need. The system test results can maintain the soil moisture of chili plants at 60% - 80%. The DHT 22 sensor test worked quite well with a error temperature sensor of 0.00% - 1.12%. Overall, the temperature and humidity control system in the greenhouse can maintain stable humidity for chili plants at the desired set point.

Automatic Watering of Red Ginger Plants Based on Telegram Using ESP8266 Nodemcu

The design of an automatic watering tool for telegram-based red ginger plants has been realized using nodemcu esp8266. This study aims to create an automatic plant watering system using the YL-69 sensor and monitor the water supply in the reservoir using an ultrasonic sensor that can be monitored using Telegram application. This tool is assembled with various components such as nodemcu ESP8266 as a microcontroller, YL-69 sensor to detect soil moisture, ultrasonic sensor functions as a water level detector, water pump, and 16×2 LCD. The system works when the sensor reads soil moisture in red ginger plants> 60% then the pump turns off and if <60% then the pump turns on. Based on the results of the study, the tool can run well as indicated by the average accuracy of the YL-69 sensor of 98.61% and the water pump can turn on and off according to soil moisture conditions. In addition, the Telegram application can control and monitor watering either manually with the command /Humidity to check soil moisture, /Distance to monitor the water level in the reservoir, /PumpON to turn on the pump, /PumpOFF to turn off the pump or automatically

Harvest aids did not advance maturity of non‐shatter pennycress

AbstractReliance on summer annual crops in the Upper Midwest results in fallow land from late fall through early spring, providing opportunities to integrate winter crops, such as pennycress (Thlapsi arvense L.), onto the landscape. Pennycress agronomics have primarily been studied using unimproved wild‐type lines prone to seed shatter, resulting in significant yield loss if not harvested early. However, high plant and seed moisture complicates harvest and seed storage. A new breeding line with a reduced‐shatter mutation made it possible to use harvest aids to reduce plant moisture without the risk of seed loss. The objectives of this study were to quantify the reduction in pennycress seed and biomass moisture after applying a harvest aid and to assess the seed yield, oil content, and crude protein of the reduced‐shatter line. This study was conducted over the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons with ‘“IO217” pennycress in Rosemount, MN. Seed moisture decreased to a similar level by harvest maturity regardless of treatment while swathing was the most effective method of reducing biomass moisture. Natural senescence decreased pennycress moisture content to a harvestable level at the same rate as treated plants, indicating that a harvest aid is not required at this time. Seed yield was two to six times higher than in studies using unimproved pennycress lines. Challenges associated with wild‐type pennycress lines, such as uneven germination and late maturation, were prevalent in this study and further genetic improvement will be necessary to ensure successful pennycress production in the Upper Midwest.