Post-harvest Season Research Articles

Zearalenone Contamination of the Aquatic Environment as a Result of its Presence in Crops / Pojava Mikotoksina U Vodenom Okolišu Zbog Njihove Prisutnosti U Usjevima

AbstractThe aim of this study was to establish a relation between zearalenone contamination of crops in the Polish province of Wielkopolska and its occurrence in aquatic ecosystems close by the crop fields. Water samples were collected from water bodies such as drainage ditches, wells, or watercourses located in four agricultural areas. Moreover, control water samples were collected from the Bogdanka river, which was located outside the agricultural areas and near an urban area. Cereal samples were collected in the harvest season from each agricultural area close to tested water bodies. Zearalenone (ZEA) was found in all water and cereal samples. The highest concentrations were recorded in the postharvest season (September to October) and the lowest in the winter and spring. Mean ZEA concentrations in water ranged between 1.0 ng L-1 and 80.6 ng L-1, and in cereals from 3.72 ng g-1 to 28.97 ng g-1. Our results confirm that mycotoxins are transported to aquatic systems by rain water through soil.

Carrot cropping on organic soil is a hotspot for nitrous oxide emissions

The emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) were measured from a non nitrogen fertilized carrot (Daucus carota ssp. sativa) field on an organic soil in Sweden during one cropping and post-harvest season. The cumulative emission during the measuring period of 149 days was 41 (±2.8) kg N2O ha−1. Dividing the measuring period into a cropping and a post-harvest period revealed that the presence of carrots strongly stimulated N2O emissions, as the emission during the cropping period was one order of magnitude higher compared to the post-harvest period. The N2O emission from the carrot field were higher than fluxes reported from cereal crop and grass production, but in the same order as reported fluxes from vegetable cropping on organic soils. In conclusion, our results indicate that the cultivation of root vegetable, such as carrots, on organic soil can be a high point source for N2O emissions.

Does Non-Intentional Flooding of Rice Fields After Cultivation Contribute to Waterbird Conservation in Southern Brazil?

Use of rice fields as complementary habitats to waterbird species was investigated. Three questions were posed (1) does waterbird richness (defined as number of species), abundance and composition differ between rice fields and natural wetlands; (2) do richness, abundance and composition of waterbird species differ between flooded and drained rice fields in the post-harvest season, and (3) do richness, abundance and composition of waterbird species change in rice fields over the rice cultivation cycle? Eight collections were made in eight rice fields with different hydrological conditions after cultivation (four dry and four flooded) and four natural wetlands. Waterbirds were censused using binoculars and one telescope. A total of 76 waterbird species were observed during the study period (2005–2006): 59 species in rice fields and 70 species in natural wetlands. The richness of waterbirds was higher in natural wetlands than flooded and drained rice fields; however, there was no difference between flooded and drained rice fields. The richness of waterbirds did not change over the rice cultivation cycle. Waterbird abundance was higher in natural wetlands than in flooded and drained rice fields. Natural wetlands showed a seasonal pattern of species composition and abundance different from rice fields. Rice fields are used for an important fraction of the waterbird richness in southern Brazil, acting as habitat complementary for biodiversity, but in lower richness and abundance when compared to natural wetlands. The non-intentional flooding of rice fields did not contribute towards waterbird conservation in southern Brazil.

Field response of aboveground non-target arthropod community to transgenic Bt-Cry1Ab rice plant residues in postharvest seasons

Risk assessments of ecological effects of transgenic rice expressing lepidoptera-Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on non-target arthropods have primarily focused on rice plants during cropping season, whereas few studies have investigated the effects in postharvest periods. Harvested rice fallow fields provide a critical over-wintering habitat for arthropods in the Chinese rice ecosystems, particularly in the southern region of the country. During 2006-08, two independent field trials were conducted in Chongqing, China to investigate the effects of transgenic Cry1Ab rice residues on non-target arthropod communities. In each trial, pitfall traps were used to sample arthropods in field plots planted with one non-Bt variety and two Bt rice lines expressing the Cry1Ab protein. Aboveground arthropods in the trial plots during the postharvest season were abundant, while community densities varied significantly between the two trials. A total of 52,386 individual insects and spiders, representing 93 families, was captured in the two trials. Predominant arthropods sampled were detritivores, which accounted for 91.9% of the total captures. Other arthropods sampled included predators (4.2%), herbivores (3.2%), and parasitoids (0.7%). In general, there were no significant differences among non-Bt and Bt rice plots in all arthropod community-specific parameters for both trials, suggesting no adverse impact of the Bt rice plant residues on the aboveground non-target arthropod communities during the postharvest season. The results of this study provide additional evidence that Bt rice is safe to non-target arthropod communities in the Chinese rice ecosystems.

Seasonality of the dietary dimension of household food security in urban Burkina Faso

Food insecurity is affecting an increasing number of urban poor in the developing world. Yet seasonal characteristics of food intakes have rarely been studied in West African cities. The objective of the present study was to assess the seasonality of the dietary dimension of household food security in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). In 2007, two sets of data were collected during the lean and post-harvest seasons, respectively, on a representative sample of 1056 households. At each season, two non-consecutive 24 h recalls were performed at the household level. Food prices were also recorded. Household food security was assessed by the household's mean adequacy ratio (MAR) for energy and eleven micronutrients. Changes in the MAR according to the season were analysed by mixed multivariate linear regression. Results showed that intakes of energy and of ten micronutrients were significantly lower during the lean season than during the post-harvest season, leading to a lower MAR in the lean season (49·61 v. 53·57, P < 0·0001). This was related to less frequent consumption and consumption of smaller amounts of vegetables and of foods prepared at home. Food security relied heavily on food expenses (P < 0·0001) and on the price of meat/fish (P = 0·026). Households with economically dependent adults (P = 0·021) and larger households (P < 0·0001) were the most vulnerable, whereas education (P = 0·030), social network (P = 0·054) and urban origin other than Ouagadougou (P = 0·040) played a positive role in food security. To achieve food security in Ouagadougou, access to micronutrient-dense foods needs to be ensured in all seasons.

Growth performance and iron status of rural Beninese school-age children in post-and pre-harvest season

Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies are major public health problems in developing countries. Most affected groups are children, adolescents, women of reproductive age and pregnant women. School-age children also represent an important vulnerable age category because they are still in the middle of their growthprocess which implies that their diets should supply appropriate macro- and micronutrients for an adequate growth and development. A better nutrition in schoolage children is associated with increased school performances and a better school achievement. School-age children are dependent on their parents for access to adequate foods and nutrition but, in areas characterised by a unimodal climate with only one rainy season and one dry season, seasonal variation in food availability mayalso influence their nutritional status. The present study was undertaken to analyse the growth performance and iron status of school-age children in rural Benin, not only in relation to season but also to school attendance. The study was carried out in threevillages in the Atacora province in northern Benin. Eighty children aged 6 to 8 years were randomly selected. Anthropometric parameters, haemoglobin level, serum ferritin and C-reactive protein were measured in the same children in the post-harvest season and the next pre-harvest season. Complete anthropometric data sets wereavailable for 74 children while for blood analysis 69 children completed the study. In the post-harvest season, mean Z-scores for height-for-age and for weight-for-height were -1.72 ± 0.89 and -0.89 ± 0.62, respectively. The Z-score for height-for-age of children attending school (-1.55 ± 0.87) was significantly different from that of children not attending school (-2.14 ± 0.80) (P

Triazines in the tropical lagoon system of Mundaú-Manguaba, NE-Brazil

This study addresses triazines in the tropical and eutrophic Mundau-Manguaba estuarine-lagoon system (MMELS) located in the State of Alagoas, NE-Brazil, affected by sugar-cane monoculture in its lower drainage basin. Water and sediment samples from MMELS were collected during the wet post-harvest season (August/2006) and the dry harvest season (February/2008). Trace analysis of the triazines atrazine, simazine, deethylatrazine, deisopropylatrazine and deethyldeisopropylatrazine were performed in surface sediments, suspended particulate matter and in the dissolved fraction in water. Water samples were filtered and after the analytical procedures, the resulting extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Additionally, the analytical method for suspended particulate matter was evaluated, the recovery being between 72-123 % with relative standard deviations of 4.2-22 % and limits of detection around 0.2-0.3 ng L-1. Sediments fortified at 10, 20 and 50 ng g-1 were extracted with the ASE system and recovery experiments lied between 68-133 % with relative standard deviations of 2-34 %. The limits of detection were of 0.6-1.2 ng g-1. Atrazine was the sole triazine detected and only in suspended particulate matter during the wet season at four sites, with low concentrations of 3.1, 2.7, 1.6 and 0.7 ng L-1. This suggests that triazines are either largely retained and transformed within the sugar-cane fields and/or are readily diluted in the waters and degraded due to the intense metabolism of MMELS.

Dietary patterns of the Andean population of Puna and Quebrada of Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina

The aim of the present study was to describe dietary patterns in a representative sample from Puna and Quebrada of Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina. A cross-sectional nutritional survey was carried out in a representative sample (n 1236) of individuals from these regions. For the present study, only children aged 2-9 years (n 360), adolescents aged 10-18 years (n 223) and adults aged 18 years or over (n 465) were considered. Breast-fed children, pregnant women and lactating women were excluded. Dietary data collection methods comprised one 24 h recall and a semi-quantitative FFQ. We used principal component (PC) analyses to identify prevailing dietary patterns. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the determinants of the identified dietary patterns. Two dominant PC were identified: PC1 reflected a 'Western-like' diet with an emphasis on not-autochthon foods. This pattern tended to be present in urban areas of the Quebrada region and was associated with a younger age, a higher level of development, and a worse diet quality. PC2 reflected an 'Andean-like' diet including a variety of autochthon crops. This was preferred by individuals living in rural areas from Puna with a high level of development during the post-harvest season, and was associated with a greater diet quality. These results suggest that the nutrition transition phenomenon is a reality in certain sectors of this population and might be one of the leading causes of the observed double burden of malnutrition.

Seasonal variations in the relationship between mid-upper arm circumference and maximum voluntary contraction among ethiopian farmers

To determine the nature of the relationship between mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) in pre- and post-harvest seasons among adult Ethiopian farmers. A total of 491 healthy adult men aged 18-60 years were recruited at pre-harvest season and followed up at post-harvest season. Anthropometric measurements (weight, MUAC, biceps/triceps skinfold thickness and forearm circumference) were obtained using standard techniques and arm muscle circumference (AMC)/arm muscle area (AMA) was calculated. MVC of both arms was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. Paired t-test was used to compare means, and linear regression to investigate the relationship between MUAC and MVC. Maximum voluntary contraction showed statistically significant correlation with MUAC. Grip strength (MVC) demonstrated a linear increase from under-nourished to normal subjects across MUAC classes. Paradoxically, mean MVC of both arms declined significantly during the post-harvest season. However, the relationship between MUAC and MVC held tight in the post-harvest season as seen in the pre-harvest period. This study has highlighted that under-nourished adult men have reduced functional ability (strength) in all seasons. In addition, strength increases in a linear fashion as MUAC increases during both seasons. More work examining the relationship between functional ability and anthropometric indices in adults from different developing countries is needed to address use and cutoffs for grip strength.

Home range and reproduction of rodents in Maynugus irrigation field, Northern Ethiopia

Movement pattern, home range and reproduction of rodent pests were studied in agricultural and moorland habitats in Maynugus, Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia. Trapping was carried out during different phases of agriculture. Eighty-five percent of the resident individuals of both Mastomys erythroleucus and Arvicanthis dembeensis was recorded on grid 1, the most nutritious among the four grids studied. Non-residents were also more in this grid. M. erythroleucus had larger home range than that of A. dembeensis. Reproductive males and females of both species had larger home ranges than non-reproductive groups. On grid 1, smaller and denser home ranges were observed than on other grids. The largest home range overlap was observed on grid 1 during the reproductive phase of the crops. A bimodal peak of breeding of rodents was observed in association with the rain-fed and irrigation-fed cultivation periods. Maximum number of embryos was recorded during the end of the main rainy season and during the beginning of the dry season. M. erythroleucus accounted for the highest number of embryos and for the highest percentage of recruitment. The highest recruitment was during the post-harvest season. Based on the peak sexual status of these pests and the reproductive phase of the cultivated plants, rodent pest control measures in this area should be implemented during mid-August and early January. SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol. 29(1) 2006: 57–62

SHORT-TERM BREEDING BIRD RESPONSE TO TWO HARVEST PRACTICES IN A BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FOREST

Clearcutting is the preferred timber harvest method in bottomland hardwood forests because it is most likely to result in regeneration of preferred species. However, clearcutting generally has negative impacts on forest birds. Patch-retention harvesting may provide similar silvicultural benefits, but its effects on birds are unknown. We surveyed breeding birds in uncut control, clearcut, and patch-retention treatment areas (11–13 ha) for one season prior to harvest and two seasons postharvest in a bottomland hardwood forest in the Lower Coastal Plain of southeastern South Carolina. Bird observations recorded along line transects were analyzed using the software EstimateS to estimate species richness and program Distance to estimate densities. We found greater species richness and bird densities in the patch-retention treatment than in the clearcut in both postharvest seasons. We detected no forest-interior birds in the clearcut after the harvest, but by the second postharvest season in the patch-retention treatment, the density of forest-interior birds had returned to approximately half of its preharvest level. Thus, based on density response, patch-retention harvesting appears to be less detrimental to forest birds than clearcutting. However, additional work is needed to determine whether retained patches influence avian survival and productivity.

Seasonal and environmental effects on breast milk fatty acids in Burkina Faso and the need to improve the omega 3 PUFA content

To determine the Burkinabè breast milk lipid content and fatty acid composition and to compare these values with the recommended adequate intakes. The study comprised four cross-sectional surveys conducted in urban and rural Burkina Faso at two different times of the year: during a period of food shortage (lean season) and during a favourable food availability period (post-harvest season). The subjects were apparently healthy mothers nursing 5-mo-old infants. A total of 70 urban and 52 rural mothers and 100 urban and 98 rural mothers, respectively, during the post-harvest season and the lean season, completed the surveys. The surveys were conducted in January-February 2001 (urban) and 2002 (rural) corresponding to the post-harvest season, and in April-May 1998 (urban) and 1999 (rural), which is the lean season, and were carried out during home visits. The families were informed of the objectives of the study and gave their consent to participate. Breast milk samples were collected from each mother and analysed for lipid and fatty acid concentrations. Noticeable breast milk characteristics were: low lipid content (30-35 g/L), high C6:0-C14:0 saturated fatty acids (27%-33% total fatty acids), high linoleic acid (15%-20% total fatty acids) and unbalanced linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid (20:1 to 53:1) and long-chain omega6/long-chain omega3 (3.6:1 to 4.9:1) polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios. In all life conditions and food availability, linoleic acid was in excess of and alpha-linolenic was below the recommended adequate intakes. Over 80% of breast milk samples had linoleic/alpha-linolenic acid and long-chain omega6/omega3 polyunsaturated ratios well above the recommendations. Improvement in breast milk omeag3 PUFA seems to be recommendable in Burkina Faso, where breastfeeding is the primary infant feeding practice.

Seasonal dietary stress in Peruvian children.

This article examines the seasonal variation in energy intake among young children in a fanning community in southern Peru. Caloric intakes among young children fall to their lowest annual level during the post-harvest season even though food and cash resources are at their highest levels. Among toddlers (1-3 years) the decline is statistically significant (p = 0.006). Their energy intake meets only 65.6 per cent of their predicted requirement during the post-harvest season. In contrast to the literature, dietary stress for young children is not greatest in the pre-harvest season. Also, household food availability does not accurately indicate dietary risk among young children in this community.

日本とオランダにおけるチューリップ球根生産者の生活時間構成の比較 大規模経営における農繁期の調査事例

We compared time budget structures of tulip bulb farmers in the harvest and post-harvest seasons in Japan and the Netherlands, by interview and questionnaire survey.Our results are as follows:1) According to our interviews, in Japan there are two peaks in monthly allocation of yearly labour input, June-July (harvest and post harvest) and October (planting). In contrast, there is one peak in the Netherlands, June-July (harvest and post harvest). In Japan labour time fluctuates in month and month, while in the Netherlands it does not.2) During the harvest and post harvest season (9 days), Japanese farmers work for twelve to thirteen hours in average and sleep for less seven hours, while Dutch farmers work at most for ten and half hours and sleep for eight hours in average.3) One of the reasons for the above fact is that Japanese farmers work even on Saturday and Sunday but Dutch ones do not so.

Linkages between phosphorus transformations and carbon decomposition in a forest soil

Phosphorus mineralization is chemically coupled with organic matter (OM) decomposition in surface horizons of a mixed-conifer forest soil from the Sierra Nevada, California, and is also affected by the disturbance caused by forest harvesting. Solution13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of NaOH extracts revealed a decrease of O-alkyl and alkyl-C fractions with increasing degree of decomposition and depth in the soil profile, while carbonyl and aromatic C increased. Solid-state13C-NMR analysis of whole soil samples showed similar trends, except that alkyl C increased with depth. Solution31P-NMR indicated that inorganic P (P1) increased with increasing depth, while organic-P (Po) fractions decreased. Close relationships between P mineralization and litter decomposition were suggested by correlations between P1 and C fractions (r = 0.82, 0.81, −0.87, and −0.76 for carbonyl, aromatic, alkyl and O-alkyl fractions, respectively). Correlations for diester-P and pyrophosphate with O-alkyl (r = 0.63 and 0.84) and inverse correlations with aromatics (r = −0.74 and −0.72) suggest that mineralization of these P fractions coincides with availability of C substrate. A correlation between monoester P and alkyl C (r = 0.63) suggests mineralization is linked to breakdown of structural components of the plant litter. NMR analyses, combined with Hedley-P fractionation, suggest that post-harvest buildup of labile P in decomposed litter increases the potential for leaching of P during the first post-harvest season, but also indicates reduced biological activity that transports P from litter to the mineral soil. Thus, P is temporarily stored in decomposed litter, preventing its fixation by mineral oxides. In the mineral horizons,31P-NMR provides evidence of decline in biologically-available P during the first post-harvest season.

Household Food Security, Food Consumption Patterns, and the Quality of Children's Diet in a Rural Northern Ghana Community

Twenty households in a rural northern Ghana community were studied to ascertain evidence of seasonality and the relationship between household food-security status and the food and nutrient intakes of preschool children. All food consumed by household members was weighed for three consecutive days, and nutrient intakes were calculated from appropriate food composition tables. Diet quality was assessed by quantitative and descriptive analysis. Mean daily intakes of selected food items reflected an over-dependence on cereals and a minimal consumption of animal products. The consumption of vegetables, especially low during the pre-harvest season, increased during the post-harvest season. Nutrient intakes, which were generally lower than recommended dietary allowances, increased during the post-harvest season, although not significantly for calories, protein, and iron (p &lt;.05), in contrast to vitamins A and C (p &lt; .001). There was a significant association between household food-security status and the intakes of calories (p &lt; .001) and protein (p &lt; .01) but not of micronutrients. Diet quality was adversely influenced by a low intake of micronutrients derived primarily from plant sources as well as by poor dietary habits. Calorie and protein intakes appear to have been more influenced by household food availability and were subject to less seasonal fluctuation, while the reverse held true for the micronutrients. In addition, household food security did not necessarily ensure the quality of children's diets in an area where food consumption patterns are monotonous.

The calcium and phosphorus intakes of rural Gambian women during pregnancy and lactation.

The Ca and P intakes of 148 pregnant and lactating women in a rural village in The Gambia, West Africa, have been estimated by direct weighing of food on a total of 4188 d. The Ca and P contents of local foods were determined by analysis of raw ingredients, snack foods and prepared dishes. Information about the contribution of mineral-rich seasonings was obtained. Efforts were made to discover unusual sources of Ca that might not be perceived as food by subject or observer. The main contributors to daily Ca intake were shown to be leaves, fish, cereals, groundnuts and local salt. Cow's milk accounted for only 5% of Ca intake. Unusual sources of Ca were discovered, namely baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit and selected earths, but these were consumed infrequently and their contributions to Ca intakes were small. Cereals and groundnuts were the main sources of P. Ca and P intakes (mg/d) were shown to average 404 (SD 110) and 887 (SD 219) respectively. Seasonal changes in the availability of leaves, cereals and groundnuts resulted in variations in Ca and P intakes. The rainy season was associated with increased Ca intakes (by 16%) but decreased P consumption (by 15%). No difference was observed in Ca intake between pregnant and lactating women but P intake in lactation was 11% higher than that in pregnancy during the post-harvest season. The implications of these low Ca intakes require investigation.

Body composition of rural Beninese women in different seasons assessed by skinfold thickness and bioelectrical-impedance measurements and by a deuterium oxide dilution technique

Body composition of 24 rural Beninese women was assessed in a pre- and a postharvest season by using skinfold-thickness measurements, bioelectrical-impedance analysis (BIA), and deuterium oxide (D2O) dilution. Fat mass assessed by D2O dilution was 12.3 +/- 3.3 kg; by skinfold-thickness measurements, 13.8 +/- 3.3 kg; and by BIA, 14.1 +/- 2.9 kg. Fat mass assessed by D2O was significantly lower (P less than 0.05) than fat mass assessed by the other two methods. Body weight in the postharvest season was 0.8 +/- 1.6 kg higher (P less than 0.05) than during the preharvest season. All three methods demonstrated that there were no significant changes in fat mass but that fat-free mass increased significantly (P less than 0.05) from pre- to postharvest season.

Physiological and Growth Responses of Mature Peach Trees to Postharvest Water Stress

Abstract Peach trees (Prunus persica L. Batsch cv. Regina) were subjected to three levels of postharvest irrigation between 15 June and 15 Oct. 1983. Wet-treatment (control) trees were irrigated at 3-week intervals, medium-treatment trees received one, and dry-treatment trees received no postharvest irrigations. Significant differences in seasonal patterns of stomatal conductance were found among all treatments, with conductance varying in proportion to irrigation level. Wet-treatment pre-dawn water potential (ψw) remained nearly constant at −0.3 MPa throughout the postharvest season, whereas the dry-treatment readings became more negative as the season progressed. Differences in mid-day ψw were less distinct, but generally reflected pre-dawn water status. The seasonal increase in trunk radius of the dry-treatment trees was reduced by 33% relative to either wet or medium treatments. The amount of daily trunk radial shrinkage was inversely proportional to irrigation level. Dormant pruning weights were 13% less in dry treatments than wet treatments. Return bloom of dry-treatment trees in Spring 1984 was 30% and 40% greater than medium- and wet-treatment return bloom, respectively. Dry-treatment fruit set was 70% greater than medium- or wet-treatment fruit set. Following fruit thinning, there were no significant differences among treatments for fruit yield or fruit size, but fruit maturity was slightly delayed in the dry treatment.

Lactation Performance of Akamba Mothers, Kenya. Breast Feeding Behaviour, Breast Milk Yield and Composition

During a lean season and a postharvest season of the food staple maize of rural Kenya studies measuring breast milk yield were made. Yield was measured by the test weighing technique. Milk samples were collected as well and chemical composition was determined. 5 locally recruited female field workers stayed with the study households for the 4-day study period. A nutritionist supervised the field worker and information on duration of breast feeding and food habits during lactation was collected by interview. A total of 85 mothers at different stages of lactation were studied. Breast feeding was practiced until 18-24 months. Average yeild per 24 hours for the seasons combined was 778 ml at 0-1 month and 301 ml at 18-23. Yields during the harvest season approximated those reported in the U. S. and Europe and were lower in the lean season. During the period of demand feeding (first 4 months) day and night volumes were compared and found comparable; thereafter infants suckled more frequently at night. In terms of milk composition protein content was comparable to that found in developed countries but fat calcium retinol and riboflavin were lower; whereas levels of beta carotene thiamine and vitamin C were higher. Fatty acid composition studies showed high levels of lauric and myristic acid. It is concluded that lactation capacity of Akamba mothers is all and all comparable to well-nourished Western women. No explanation for the lower yield of breast milk during lean season was attempted.