Protected Cultivation Research Articles

Effect of a Selected Protective Culture of Lactilactobacillus sakei on the Evolution of Volatile Compounds and on the Final Sensorial Characteristics of Traditional Dry-Cured Fermented "Salchichón".

In this work, the effect of a selected starter culture of Lactilactobacillus sakei 205 on the evolution of volatile compounds throughout the ripening process and on the final sensorial characteristics of traditional dry-cured fermented "salchichón" was evaluated. "Salchichón" sausages were prepared, inoculated with L. sakei 205, and ripened for 90 days. Volatile compounds were analyzed throughout the ripening by GC-MS. In the final product, instrumental texture and color were determined. In addition, sensorial analysis was performed by a semi-trained panel. The inoculation of L. sakei 205 does not influence the texture and color parameters of ripened "salchichón". However, an increase in volatile compounds derived from amino acid catabolism and microbial esterification and a decrease in compounds derived from lipid oxidation, mainly hexanal, were observed throughout the ripening time as a consequence of L. sakei inoculation, which could have a positive effect on the flavor development of the dry-cured fermented "salchichón". The use of selected strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) such as L. sakei 205 as a protective culture could be recommended to improve the quality of traditional "salchichón".

Radiation Protection among South African Diagnostic Radiographers-A Mixed Method Study.

Worldwide, radiographers' radiation protection practices vary. In South Africa, evidence of diagnostic radiographers' suboptimal radiation protection practices has been reported, but the reasons for these practices and suggestions to improve practices were lacking. Therefore, this study explored radiation protection among South African diagnostic radiographers. This study used an explanatory, sequential, mixed-method approach. Data were collected in three phases. Phase I, the quantitative phase, used an online questionnaire and respondents from Phase I interested in participating in Phase II, the qualitative phase, were interviewed, yielding 13 in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews. In Phase III, eight radiography managers co-constructed change strategies to optimize radiation protection in South Africa in two focus group interviews. Radiation protection was suboptimal despite diagnostic radiographers having a good attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control toward radiation protection and optimal radiation protection knowledge. Varying attitudes to radiation protection, lack of resources, and support from radiography management and healthcare teams contributed to suboptimal radiation protection practices. Radiography managers suggested increasing radiation protection awareness, ameliorating the diminished stature of the radiographer in the healthcare team, and increasing the availability of optimal quality resources. South African diagnostic radiographers' radiation protection knowledge was optimal, but the implementation of radiation protection varied and was influenced by multiple factors. A radiation protection culture supported by management is advocated to optimize radiation protection. However, ultimately radiation protection practices are incumbent on the individual radiographers' choice to practice radiation protection.

Complete Genome Sequencing Revealed the Potential Application of a Novel Weizmannia coagulans PL-W Production with Promising Bacteriocins in Food Preservative.

Weizmannia coagulans is an important potential probiotic with dual characteristics of Bacillus and Lactobacillus. This study describes a novel Weizmannia coagulans PL-W with excellent antibacterial activity isolated from Mongolian traditional cheese, in which safety and probiotic potential were evaluated by complete genome sequencing. The crude bacteriocins of W. coagulans PL-W showed antibacterial activity against various foodborne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes CMCC 54,004, Bacillus cereus ATCC 14,579, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25,923. Moreover, the crude bacteriocins have outstanding stability against pH, temperature, surfactants, and are sensitive to protease. The complete genome sequencing revealed W. coagulans PL-W consists of 3,666,052-base pair (bp) circular chromosomes with a GC content of 46.24% and 3485 protein-coding genes. It contains 84 tRNA, 10 23S rRNA, 10 16S rRNA, and 10 5S rRNA. In addition, no risk-related genes such as acquired antibiotic resistance genes, virulence, and pathogenic factors were identified, demonstrating that W. coagulans PL-W is safe to use. Furthermore, the presence of gene clusters involved in bacteriocin synthesis, adhesion-related genes, and genes contributing to acid and bile tolerance indicate that W. coagulans PL-W is a potential candidate probiotic. Thus, antimicrobial activity and genome characterization of W. coagulans PL-W demonstrate that it has extensive potential applications as a food protective culture.

Polymer fertilizer and the fertigation of grape tomatoes in protected cultivation

Efficient fertilization alternatives are needed in protected environments that do not cause soil salinization, as with fertigation. Thus, it is important to advance knowledge with new technologies to meet these lacks. Hence, the objective was to compare the use efficiency of polymer fertilizer to fertigation for a tomato cultivar, the Milla cultivar (grape tomato type). The experiment was conducted in a protected environment, with seedlings transplanted to areas along surface drip lines, with a randomized block experimental design consisting of two treatments with six replications. The evaluated treatments were controlled-release polymers (POL) and nutrient fertigation (FERT). Quantitative and qualitative parameters were evaluated, as well as the production of fresh and dry plant masses in each treatment. Monitoring the electrical conductivity in the soil ensured that the POL treatment maintained crop nutrition throughout the experiment by an average of 0.68 dS m − 1. In addition, Tukey's test at 5% showed any significant difference in the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the fruits between the types of fertilization. Thus, we concluded the polymer fertilizer met the nutritional demand of the grape tomato plants and can replace fertigation in a protected environment without compromising productivity.

Консолідація освітньо-наукових технологій як імператив забезпечення транспарентності розвитку підприємств

It is determined that the economic nature of such a phenomenon as recession of any economy always outlines the alternative choice: the model of institutional inertia for the sake of protecting the internal ecosystem of a national economy or changing its configuration for the purposes of transformation and strategic development. It is concluded that the need to overcome the system challenges facing the Ukrainian economy and ensure sustainable development in the current conditions proves the expediency of intensifying the formation of a public system of innovations and, too, of strengthening the strategic scientific and technological forces. By deepening the reform of scientific and technical education, it is necessary to form a system of technological innovations, which considers enterprises as subjects of the innovations, which is market-oriented and provides an in-depth integration of production organizations, universities and research institutions. It is expedient to strengthen support for small and medium-sized enterprises in their innovative activities, to stimulate the commercialization of the results of scientific and technological activities, to form an innovative culture, a culture of protection and use of intellectual property rights. It is necessary to train a large contingent of strategically valuable scientific and technical personnel of the international level, leaders of scientific and technological activities, young specialists in the field of science and technology, to create high-level innovative teams. The creation of a modernized economic system is an urgent requirement due to the need to overcome barriers and the strategic goal of development. It is necessary to put quality first, giving priority to efficiency.

Effect of plant growth regulators and their spray schedule on growth parameters and fruit yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) under protected cultivation

Effect of plant growth regulators and their spray schedule on growth parameters and fruit yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) under protected cultivation

Reckoning the implementation of paddle operated single roll farm yard manure applicator under protected cultivation

Reckoning the implementation of paddle operated single roll farm yard manure applicator under protected cultivation

Management of tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) under protected cultivation

Management of tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) under protected cultivation

Berry Thinning Affects the Fruit Quality Composition of Two Table Grape Cultivars under Linkage Greenhouse Conditions

Protected grape cultivation develops rapidly because of huge economic benefits. However, adverse environmental conditions (insufficient sunlight, high temperature, etc.) in protected cultivation led to low-quality berries. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of berry thinning on the quality attributes of two table grape cultivars (Baoguang and Cuiguang) under linkage greenhouse conditions. Three treatments (L, light berry thinning; M, moderate berry thinning; H, heavy berry thinning) were compared with the control (C, no berry thinning). Berry thinning increased berry weight, total soluble solids (TSS), fructose, glucose, the ratio of TSS to titratable acidity (TA), anthocyanin contents, berry firmness, and mineral contents (Ca, Fe, Na, Mg). Conversely, TA and organic acid profiles were decreased by berry thinning. Cultivars showed significant effects on most of the berry quality parameters. The interaction of cultivars by berry-thinning treatments affected sugar and acid components, anthocyanin contents, and mineral elements.

Optimization of temperature, humidity and airflow in African Indigenous Vegetable (AIV) greenhouse

This research presents a novel approach for effectively optimizing growth rate and yield in a greenhouse. With the market demanding higher-quality standards, greenhouse cultivation is becoming increasingly sophisticated and competitive. However, the implementation of protected cultivation systems is expensive. Therefore, it is crucial for African Indigenous Vegetable (AIV) greenhouses to be optimized under stringent production conditions to remain competitive. Currently, greenhouse management decisions are categorized into various levels, ranging from real-time control to environmental optimization and seasonal market planning. The primary objective of our research is to optimize greenhouse conditions, specifically temperature, humidity, and airflow, at the Agro Industrial Park (AIP). To accomplish this, Design-Expert software, which is a computer-based tool equipped with contemporary statistical models and tools, was employed to accurately estimate the required ranges of microclimate parameters that should be maintained to achieve optimal growth rate and yield. By utilizing this approach, this study aimed to provide valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing greenhouse productivity. Ultimately, this study contributes to the development and advancement of AIV greenhouses by offering practical solutions to optimize microclimate conditions, resulting in improved growth and increased yield.

ANALYSIS OF FERTIGATION EFFLUENTS FROM MINI-TOMATO GREENHOUSES AND THE NEED FOR DETECTION OF CONTROL POINTS

Water supply quality, nutrient availability in irrigation solutions, and discharge water or effluents must be monitored for protected cultivation to achieve sustainable management of food production. This study aimed to evaluate whether effluent solution from mini-tomato-protected crops can be recycled in an irrigation system based on plant nutritional demands. The experiment was carried out on a farm with mini-tomato protected-cropping. Water supply, as well as nutrient and effluent solutions, were analyzed in the experiment. Water supply was within the Brazilian limits established by CONAMA, except for nitrite, phosphorus, and sulfide. The effluent solution showed significant concentrations of macro- and micronutrients, highlighting phosphorus (220 to 395 mg L-1). The replacement of nutrient solution in the central fertigation tank, excess of elements applied in the nutrient solution, and accumulation of effluent solution in the disposal tank kept the effluent solution enriched when compared to the nutrient solution initially applied. Water quality monitoring showed that effluent solution can be reused in the irrigation system based on its physicochemical parameters and mini-tomato tomato nutritional demands. The analyses also allowed us to detect control points to achieve food production sustainability.

Management of Root-Knot Nematode with Non-Chemical Methods for Sustainable Production of Cucumber under Protected Cultivation

The multi-faceted benefits of growing crops under protected cultivation are gradually establishing it as a promising technology for vegetable cultivation in India. However, the adoption of successive cropping patterns in soil-based closed structures is leading to the buildup of soil-borne pathogens and pests, which are becoming a major hindrance to the sustainable production of these crops, particularly in the northern plains. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are a critical threat to protected cultivation and farmers are required to contribute a significant amount of time and money for their management. To reduce the overdependence of chemicals, the present study explored the potential of plant-based by-products as amendments for the management of RKN in cucumbers grown under a plastic greenhouse. A pot trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of different plant-based amendments against nematodes in cucumber plants. The pot trial results revealed that the application of mustard cake (MC) and neem cake (NC) at 1 t ha−1 either alone or as a combined application with farmyard manure (FYM) of 2.5 t ha−1 was effective against RKN infestation, reflecting the improved plant growth parameters of cucumber. Based on the results of the pot trials, treatments with plant-based amendments and FYM i.e., T1: MC 1 t ha−1; T2: NC 1 t ha−1; T3: FYM 2.5 t ha−1; T4: MC 1 t ha−1 + NC 1 t ha−1 + FYM 2.5 t ha−1, along with the treated check carbofuran 3 G 2 kg (a.i.) ha−1 (T5) and untreated check (T6), were evaluated in multi-locational field trials. The results revealed that the combined application of MC 1 t ha−1 + NC 1 tha−1 + FYM 2.5 t ha−1 exhibited promising results in decreasing RKN infestation (56–58%) in all of the three RKN-infested polyhouses, with significantly enhanced yields at all of the three locations. Soil organic carbon also increased significantly in the amended plots, indicating improved soil health. The results of the present work hold good promise for the management of RKN in the protected cultivation of cucumber with an environment friendly approach, along with the additional incentives of improved soil health.

Matrix Model for Integrated Pest Management as a Combined Function of Extension Education and Economic Concepts

The Farmer Field Schools (FFS) help to establish the significance of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) concept, i.e., the FFS contributed to demonstrating the importance of the IPM idea. In this paradigm, the integrated pest management specialist's decision is based on the application of agricultural extension and economic principles. This requires an analysis and understanding of the ecosystem and plant physiology, followed by monitoring the population dynamics of the pest to determine the pest’s economic injury level, and finally, determining the appropriate action to suppress it. The transition point from organically integrated pest control measures to chemical pest control is when pest density exceeds economic injury. In other words, when pest density surpasses economic damage, an organically integrated pest control approach gives way to the chemical pest control method. This study advises conducting research experiments and studies to ascertain the economic impacts of pandemic pests on the targeted crop, such as powdery mildew and aphid pests in the protected tomato plant culture. JEL CODE: Q16

Transcriptomic and physiological analysis reveals crucial biological pathways associated with low-temperature stress in Tunisian soft-seed pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

ABSTRACT Low temperature severely affects the growth of pomegranate in the early spring during the production process under protected cultivation. To understand the molecular responses to cold stress in Tunisian soft-seed pomegranate, this study investigated the transcriptome profiles and physiological changes of pomegranate leaves exposed to cold stress (6 °C) and freezing stress (0°C). Some potential cold response/resistance genes involved in plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthetic systems and carbon fixation in the C4 pathway, and sucrose and galactose metabolism were identified. In addition, an analysis of physiological indicators indicated that both stresses caused cell membrane damage; the accumulation of soluble sugar, soluble protein and proline; and the occurrence of photoinhibition owing to the damage in photosynthetic apparatus and the decrease in light energy conversion efficiency and electron transfer rate as shown by the decrease in net photosynthetic rate [Pn], potential maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII [Fv/Fm], actual photochemical efficiency of PSII [YII] and photochemical quenching coefficient [qP], and the effect was much moresevere in pomegranate under freezing stress. This study results offer useful information to understand the molecular mechanism of pomegranate response to cold stress and also lay a foundation for the selection of major candidate genes to conduct molecular breeding for cold tolerance in pomegranate.

Estimation of Post-harvest Losses and their Management Strategies Adopted by the Vegetable Cultivators

The present study estimated the post-harvest management of selected vegetables in Karnataka. The study was based on primary data collected for the year 2021-22 from 15 farmers for each crop, in both open and protected conditions and from two major vegetable producing districts of the state. The data pertaining to wholesaler and retailer were collected from 15 wholesaler and 15 retailers from each districts who were involved in marketing of vegetables. Descriptive statistics was the analytical tools adopted for the analysis of the data which includes percentages and averages. The reduction in post-harvest loss in protected cultivation was due to controlled environment in protected condition. Similarly, the post-harvest loss was higher in wholesaler against retailer because the huge quantity handling of vegetables found at wholesaler. Results depicted that the difference in post-harvest loss under open cultivation and protected cultivation are 14.13 kg/q, 6.27 kg/q, 14.64 kg/q and 14.93 kg/q of tomatoes, capsicum, cucumber and french beans, respectively. In between wholesaler and retailer, the difference in post-harvest losses are 4.43 kg/q, 2.47 kg/q, 7.40 kg/q and 2.57 kg/q for tomato, capsicum, cucumber and french beans respectively. Findings shows that the post-harvest management practices followed by farmers are harvesting at proper stage, use of crates for transportation, establishing better storage facilities and processing of mechanically damaged products. Similarly, the post-harvest management practices followed by market intermediaries are cold storage, better transportation facilities, procurement of good quality material, usage of cushioning material and other better management practices. The establishment of small sized cold storage units and employing better transportation facilities led to reduction in post-harvest losses which in turn led to additional returns to farmers and market intermediaries.

Nematicidal potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria against Meloidogyne incognita infesting tomato under protected cultivation

BackgroundIn the protected cultivation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop, the severity of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, incidence is alarming nowadays. To combat this, growers usually prefer using synthetic chemical pesticides, which in turn results in harming non-target beneficial microbes present in the soil micro-flora and indirectly toxic to human health. Therefore, attempts were made to find out the nematicidal potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) against M. incognita, which could be used as an alternative solution to manage M. incognita incidence under protected cultivation.ResultsNematicidal potential of three PGPR isolates and their consortium against M. incognita under laboratory, pots, and field experiments was studied. Juvenile mortality of 91.67% was recorded at 100% consortium, followed by 73.33–81.33% by individual isolates. Similarly, hatching inhibition of 84.26% was recorded at 100% PGPR consortium followed by 78.48–83.21% in individual isolates after 96 h. of incubation. In the pots’ study, soil drenched with PGPR isolates consortium, followed by Bacillus subtilis DTBS 5, Pantoea agglomerans, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSBA 11 recorded significant reductions in the nematode incidence. Whereas in the field study, PGPR isolates applied as soil drenching also significantly reduced nematode’s incidence in consortium, followed by B. subtilis DTBS 5 and B. amyloliquefaciens DSBA 11-treated soil in both field experiments. On an average, the plant growth promotion and fruit yield were enhanced than untreated control and PGPR isolates applied as soil drenching gave a significant result than bare root dip treatment.ConclusionsPGPR isolates, B. amyloliquefaciens DSBA 11, B. subtilis DTBS 5, and P. agglomerans, were found to be effective against M. incognita. This finding can be incorporated into the nematode management strategy in tomato crop grown under protected cultivation. Further to enhance the biocontrol efficacy of these PGPR isolates, suitable formulations of either individual or consortium need to be done.

Effect of Lycium barbarum L. Root Restriction Cultivation Method on Plant Growth and Soil Bacterial Community Abundance

The root restriction of protected cultivation has been widely used to increase productivity and sustainability in modern agriculture. However, there have been few studies of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) root restriction, and it is cultivated mostly by clean tillage. In this study, we measured the growth of Lycium barbarum and the composition and diversity of the bacterial community and soil properties of L. barbarum under different cultivation methods with root restriction. The results showed that the X60 root-restriction treatment significantly increased the canopy size (east–west), leaf length, leaf width, the number and length of new branches, and the concentrations of chlorophyll and K in L. barbarum. The concentrations of N, P, and K in the root-restriction groups were all higher than those in CK. However, the ratio of N:P was greatest in the CK plants and least in X80, indicating that X80 had a relatively weak effect on the balance of N:P. In addition, root restriction improved fruit quality by increasing soil organic matter and organic carbon and also improved fertilization efficiency to promote plant growth. Moreover, high-throughput sequencing showed that the abundance of soil bacteria under root-restriction cultivation was significantly higher than that in CK. Furthermore, the total abundance of the top 10 bacterial genera was greatest in the X60 treatment. Redundancy analysis showed that total N, total P, total K, and total organic matter were the major soil factors that affected the bacterial community. A comprehensive comparison showed that root-restriction cultivation improved the growth of L. barbarum but reduced the abundance and diversity of the soil bacteria. The X60 treatment yielded the best results on plant growth. Our findings provide an empirical reference for root-restriction cultivation of L. barbarum of an appropriate width.

Use of fermented sprouted mung bean (Vigna radiata) containing protective starter culture LAB to produce clean‐label fortified wheat bread

SummaryPredominant antifungal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fermented sprouted mung bean (FSM) was used as protective starter culture in controlled FSM to produce a clean‐label fortified wheat bread. Sequencing results of the PCR products led to the identification of Pediococcus pentosaceus as the selected LAB isolate. The rate of surface growth of Aspergillus niger on FSM‐added bread was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the wheat bread containing mung bean, fermented mung bean and sprouted mung bean alone. The quantity of almost all of the amino acids (aspartic acid, histidine, serine, arginine, threonine, tyrosine, valine, phenylalanine and tryptophane) in the FSM‐added wheat bread was also higher than the control, according to the HPLC analysis. Furthermore, bread containing FSM had the highest mould‐free shelf‐life (4 days) and porosity (21.61%). Meanwhile, there was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in terms of crumb hardness, specific volume and overall acceptability among the produced samples.

Effect of polyoxal and Seaweed Extract on some ions in soil, leaves and the early yield of eggplant Solanum melongena L. under protected cultivation

This experiment was carried out in Al-Muthanna Governorate in one of the unheated greenhouses dimensions (9 x 54 m) affiliated to experiment station of agricultural research in Al-Bandar area on the side of the Euphrates River, affiliated to the College of Agriculture / University of Al-Muthanna for the winter agricultural season (2021-2022), to study the effect of adding polixal 20-8 at four concentrations (0, 4, 8, 12 ml L-1 ) and spraying seaweed extract (Algaren) at four concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5 ml L-1 ) on some ions in soil, leaves and the early yield of eggplant cv. Barcelona, The treatments were assigned to experimental following a randomized completely block design (R.C.B.D.). The results showed the significant superiority of adding a polixal (12 ml L -1 ) on the concentration of calcium, sodium and chloride ions in soil and plant, the calcium ion concentration in the soil was 431.8 PPM, the sodium ion concentration was 150.37 PPM, and the chlorine ion concentration was 1869 PPM, while the calcium ion concentration in the leave was 966.1 PPM, the sodium ion concentration was 443.2 PPM, and the chlorine ion concentration was 241.92 PPM, and the early yield is 1.38 kg house -1 Significant differences were also recorded for the results of spraying seaweed extract with a concentration of 4.5 ml L-1 on all studied traits, increasing the calcium concentration, and decreasing the sodium and chloride ions in the soil and plant as the calcium ion concentration in the soil was 395.3 PPM, the sodium ion concentration was 149.29 PPM and the chlorine ion concentration was PPM 2961, while the calcium ion concentration in the plant was PPM 948.4 and the calcium ion concentration in the plant was PPM 948.4. Sodium 431.9 PPM and chlorine ion concentration 241.92 PPM, and the early yield is 1.05 kg house

Assessment of the protective culture potential of the Lactococcus lactis Ganee-5 strain as a preservative against spoilage bacteria in tomato pastes

This study investigated the spoilage patterns and biopreservation of tomato paste by lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented milk products. All the isolates were screened for hydrogen peroxide, diacetyl, and lactic acid production. Isolate with the highest mean values of evaluating parameters was selected as protective culture for the biopreservation. The isolate was identified as Lactococus lactis strain Ganee-5 using molecular techniques, and the sequences were submitted to the Genbank Database to obtain the accession number (MH571417). Antimicrobial properties of the protective culture were evaluated against some selected spoilage bacteria E. coli (ATCC 25922), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 15313), Salmonella typhimurium (IFO 12529), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 12600), Varying zone of inhibitions ranged from 18-25 mm were detected. The potato paste was preserved with L. lactis culture, sodium benzoate and control samples while the control samples were left without preservatives. All the experimental set-up was left for 16 days. Physicochemical and nutritional showed that tomato paste with L. lactis was preserved closely as much as sodium benzoate (p< 0.005). Therefore, L. lactis can be adopted for the preservation of the tomato paste to replace chemical preservatives.