Quality Of Grain Research Articles

Real‐time equilibrium moisture content monitoring to predict grain quality of corn stored in silo and raffia bags

AbstractThe use of silo and raffia bags for the temporary grain storage has been increasing in recent years. However, the methods for monitoring a stored product are limited to visual inspections and sampling. Thus, this research aimed to real‐time equilibrium moisture content monitoring to predict grain quality of corn stored in different conditions in silo and raffia bags using wireless sensor network prototype, Internet of Things (IoT) platform, and neural network algorithms. Experiments were conducted using corn grain with two initial water contents of 13% and 18% (w.b.), three storage environments with temperatures of 30, 23, and 17°C, and two types of packaging, that is, silo and raffia bags, for a 3‐month storage evaluation. During the monitoring of stored grain, variations in equilibrium moisture hygroscopic content were observed, which inferred changes in the corn quality. Water contents of 13% under a storage condition of 17°C showed the highest quality results, whereas storage in silo bags with water contents of 13% and 18% showed no differences at 23°C; however, at a temperature of 30°C, the grain suffered a high level of deterioration. The storage time influenced the reduction of grain quality for all factors. The physicochemical quality prediction results indicated a high coefficient of determination of the trained models, presenting itself as a promising perspective, mainly in developing embedded technologies for monitoring and predicting the qualitative variables of grain stored in silo and raffia bags.Practical ApplicationsThe application of sensor technology and the Internet of Thing (IoT) to monitor the temperature and relative humidity of intergranular air in real time for the determination of equilibrium moisture content became possible to predict the physical and physicochemical quality of grains stored in bag silos and raffia bags using artificial neural networks (ANN) algorithms. The results obtained were satisfactory and can replace the punctual sampling of the grains mass stored in hermetic packages. The application of a set of technologies possible to monitor the grain quality in real time and predict the grain storage time in bag and raffia silos to reduce losses.

Clustering of Bread Wheat Genotypes Based on Quality Traits and Yield Under Late Sown Conditions at Kymore hills of Narmda Valley

High temperature stress during late planting conditions specifically at the time of grain filling adversely affects the quality of grain by reducing plant growth and ultimately the nutrient content of sink that is grain. Quality traits such as sedimentation value (mm), protein %, starch %, wet gluten, moisture content and grain yield plant-1, were studied in thirty bread wheat genotypes with three replications in randomized block design, seed breeding farm, J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur, during the year 2012 and 2013 with the target to cluster genotypes with superior quality in response to heat stress during late planting. A Dendrogram was obtained that is based on variance dividing the total genotypes in seven clusters with distinct characteristics, and grouped under two major clusters A and B. Cluster I to IV belong to group A whereas cluster B had V and VI cluster. Cluster I had maximum and cluster VII had minimum genotypes. Cluster VII and cluster IV showed maximum inter cluster distance and intra cluster distance were maximum in cluster VII. Further, Cluster VII consist of genotypes with maximum sedimentation value (35.500), cluster I had genotypes with maximum hectoliter weight, cluster VII had genotypes with highest protein %, cluster IV had maximum wet gluten, cluster V had genotypes with maximum starch content, maximum moisture level after harvesting was observed in genotypes under cluster IV, whereas genotypes with maximum grain yield fall under cluster IV, were found most tolerant to terminal heat stress. The genotypes MP-3368/MP-4669 and 31ESWYT-123 are highest yielding genotypes belonging to superior cluster IV and considered as very important for developing heat tolerant variety with good quality index and other plant breeding strategies. Keywords: Bread wheat, Dendrogram, Inter-cluster distance, Intra-cluster distance, Heat stress

MicroRNA-resistant alleles of HOMEOBOX DOMAIN-2 modify inflorescence branching and increase grain protein content of wheat.

Plant and inflorescence architecture determine the yield potential of crops. Breeders have harnessed natural diversity for inflorescence architecture to improve yields, and induced genetic variation could provide further gains. Wheat is a vital source of protein and calories; however, little is known about the genes that regulate the development of its inflorescence. Here, we report the identification of semidominant alleles for a class III homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor, HOMEOBOX DOMAIN-2 (HB-2), on wheat A and D subgenomes, which generate more flower-bearing spikelets and enhance grain protein content. These alleles increase HB-2 expression by disrupting a microRNA 165/166 complementary site with conserved roles in plants; higher HB-2 expression is associated with modified leaf and vascular development and increased amino acid supply to the inflorescence during grain development. These findings enhance our understanding of genes that control wheat inflorescence development and introduce an approach to improve the nutritional quality of grain.

Diallel analysis of local sweet corn varieties for grain chemical quality

Local varieties of sweet corn from the far west of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, show outstanding potential for several important agronomic traits aimed at sweet corn genetic breeding. However, there is no data in the literature on the general and specific combining ability of these varieties for the chemical quality of the grains and the interactions of the general and specific combining ability with the environment. The percentage of total soluble sugars, starch content, and the relationship between sugars and starch of the grains were evaluated in experiments designed in complete randomized blocks, with two replications, in two environments of this region. The splitting of the diallel analysis into general and specific combining ability indicated a predominance of non-additive effects for all evaluated traits and showed non-significant effects (p ≤ 0.05) of the interactions of the general and specific combining ability x environment. Varieties 2255A and 2276A presented a higher concentration of favorable alleles for increasing the chemical quality of grains. The intervarietal hybrids F1's 2255A x 319A, 2255A x 2029A, 2255A x 2276A, Cubano x 2276A, 2276A x 2029A and 2255A x 741B stood out for interpopulation improvement. The biparental compounds derived from the combinations 2255A x 319A and 2255 x 2276A, the triple compound 2255A x 2276A x 2029A, and the quadruple compounds 2255A x 741B x 2276A x 319A and 2255A x 2276A x 2029A x 319A are the most suitable for the formation of composite populations followed by a cyclic process of recurrent selection, aiming to increase the chemical quality of the grains.

Применение регулятора роста «Эдагум СМ» на посевах озимой пшеницы в РСО-Алания

Abstract. The authors present the results of the use of a growth regulator on winter wheat crops in the conditions of the steppe zone of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania. The purpose of the work is to study the influence of the growth regulator “Edagum SM” on the growth, development, productivity and quality of grain of promising winter wheat varieties, taking into account ecological and economic efficiency and improving on this basis the resource-saving technology of culture cultivation in the conditions of the steppe zone of the Russian Federation. The novelty lies in the fact that the features of the growth and development of promising winter wheat varieties have been studied depending on the doses of the growth regulator “Edagum SM” and their effect on the photosynthetic activity of plants has been shown. Optimal seeding rates of promising varieties have been established, ensuring high crop productivity and improving the quality indicators of the products obtained. The object of research were high-yielding varieties of winter wheat – Homer and Bagrat, selected by the P. P. Lukyanenko National Research Center. Methods. Records and observations were carried out according to generally accepted methods described in the educational and methodological manual for conducting research in agronomy. Results. As a result of the use of a growth regulator, for Homer and Bagrat varieties, the best option is “Edagum SM” (450 ml/ha), and the optimal seeding rate is 5 mln/ha (Gomer variety) and 4 mln/ha (Bagrat variety). The greatest increase in photosynthetic power was observed during the period of exit into the tube-earing. The net photosynthesis productivity of winter wheat increased from the tillering phase to the exit phase into the tube and the maximum indicators reached during earing-milk ripeness. The crop yield, depending on the dose of the growth regulator, increased by 0.13–0.22 t/ha (Homer variety, seeding rate 3 mln/ha). The grain nature index, depending on the studied variants, varied between 691–722 g/l (Homer variety) and 689–720 g/l (Bagrat variety). The protein content varied in the range of 10.1–13.2 % a. s. v., and gluten – 24–26 %. Profitability ranged from 22–47 %.

THE FACTORS OF PRODUCTION OF HIGH-QUALITY GRAIN PRODUCTS FROM GRAIN

Knowledge of the laws of events in the grain heap allows you to take the necessary science-based measures to ensure the quantity and quality of grain. The complexity of organizing the storage of kata batches of grain and grain products is due to their physiological and physicochemical properties. Grain is a living organism in which various life processes take place; the intensity of these processes depends on external environmental conditions. If the external environment has a positive effect on the metabolism of grain cells, it will inevitably lead to a decrease in quantity, deteriorating the quality of grain.

Qualities of Soybean Grains Harvested on Crops Treated with Neem Seeds Extract in Field Conditions against Asian Rust

In soybean production, qualities of grains harvested are usually affected according to the development of diseases and control methods used in the field. This study aims to evaluate the impact of neem seeds extract (AENS) on soybean grains health after crops treatment in field conditions for the control against Asian rust. Experiment was conducted in Mimetala and Nkometou, located in the agroecological zone V of Cameroun. Three varieties of soybean (“Locale”, TGX 1835-10E and TGX1910-14E) were used in a completely randomized blocks design containing five treatments: T0 (control), T1, T2, T3 (25, 50, 100 g/L of extract respectively) and T4 (5.33 g/L of Plantineb 80wp). The disease was identified on the harvested grains; its incidence on those grains was evaluated and some biochemical parameters were assessed by extraction and determination of their contents. Many grains were attacked by Asian rust. The highest incidence was obtained in the seeds from untreated plots (35 %), compared to those from T1, T2, T3 (1.14; 1.07 and 0.95 % respectively). The different doses of AENS improved the content of all biochemical compounds tested in harvested grains compared with the T0 and T4 treatments. TGX1910-14E variety presented the highest content. In T3,grain contents in biochemical compounds were 415.17; 118.83; 118.33; 44.43; 36.53 and 10.83 mg/g of dry matter from total proteins, globulin, albumin, Glutelin, prolamin and glucide respectively. Meanwhile, in T4 treatments, grain contents were 403.49; 112.95; 112.78; 40.58; 33.90 and 9.91 mg/g of dry matter from the same compounds respectively. This study shows that the application of neem seeds extract on soybean crops for the control of Asian rust in field conditions at the maximum dose (e.g. 100 g/L) can improve the qualities of harvested grains. The neem extract as a natural substance should be used in integrated pest management of soybean and other crops.

Влияние листовой подкормки на качество зерна озимой пшеницы в типичных сероземах с орошаемыми условиями

Abstract. The problem of improving the quality of winter wheat grain is urgent and at the same time relatively unresolved. In recent years, the yield of winter wheat on irrigated lands in many farms of the country is 50 cwt/ha and more. Depending on the type and variety of wheat, the protein content of the grains is 11–20% and is used for various purposes. If the protein content of wheat grains is up to 11–13%, it is used in the preparation of animal feed, up to 14–15% — bread and 17–18% — pasta. Most of the grains of winter soft wheat grown on irrigated lands of the country with a yield of 70–80 cwt/ha and above are used in the manufacture of bread and bakery products. At the same time, the quality of grain remains low, the protein content of the grain is up to 10–12%, the amount of crude gluten in it is in the range of 19–25%. The amount of this protein in the grain of winter wheat is much lower than the established norm, and the effectiveness of mineral fertilizers with foliar fertilization increases sharply, increasing the resistance of plants to sucking pests. The technological properties of the grain are dramatically improved, i. e. the protein content increases by 1.5–2.1%, gluten by 3.1–4.9%. Vitreous, its strength and bread volume increase. Nitrogen requirements of winter wheat are high throughout the growing season. In a wheat plant, 75–80% of nitrogen accumulates in the leaves and stems of the plant until the germination period. It is from this accumulated nitrogen that the bulk of the protein in the grain is formed. When the yield is high (65–70 cwt/ha), the amount of nitrogen accumulated in the leaves and stems of the plant does not ensure a sufficient amount of protein in the grain. In particular, nitrogen deficiency is observed in the formation of yield elements in winter wheat, i. e. during the period of development, flowering, flowering and milk ripening. For example, germination causes a number of difficulties in feeding through the soil due to overgrowth of the plant during flowering, low rainfall, or lack of water. On this reason, when winter wheat is harvested, there is a lack of nitrogen in the soil, which is easily absorbed by the plant. This in turn has a negative impact on wheat grain yield and quality.

The influence of the degree of climate continentality on the productivity of agricultural production

This article provides estimates of the influence of the degree of climate continentality on the yield of spring crops and on the quality of spring wheat grain. The analysis of variance was chosen as a research method, which makes it possible to assess the significance of the influence of one quantity on the variability of another. As a result of the study, it was found that the degree of climate continentality affects the formation of spring wheat yields ambiguously. For areas where there is an increase in the degree of climate continentality, there is a weak negative correlation between continentality and the yield of spring wheat. For grain-sowing areas, in which no increase in the degree of continentality was observed, there is a weak positive correlation between the yield of spring wheat and this characteristic. It was found that the increase in the degree of continentality reduces the yield, but improves the quality of the grain. Correlation dependencies are estimated at -0.25 and 0.62, respectively. It is shown that the degree of climate continentality determines the quality of grain. The contribution of the degree of continentality to the formation of protein content in spring wheat is estimated at 48%.

Productivity and nutritional qualities of grain of new F1 winter rye hybrids in the Southern Ural

Abstract The paper presents field experiments and laboratory analyses to study productivity and nutritional qualities of the grain of four F1 hybrids of winter rye (Aviator, Ravo, Prommo, Eterno), and the population variety Chulpan 7 in the natural conditions of the Southern Ural. The research revealed an individual difference in the nutritional qualities of grain and the content of anti-nutritional substances between different studied F1 hybrids, and compared them with the Chulpan 7 variety. Hybrids of winter rye formed higher grain productivity (from 4.65 t/ha to 6.07 t/ha) in comparison with the Chulpan 7 variety. The paper assesses the content of anti-nutritional substances (water-soluble pentosans) in grain, the kinematic viscosity of the water-extractable from grain hybrids (water-soluble pentosans 1.55 ‒ 1.74%, the viscosity of the water extract 18.3 ‒ 23.1 cSt and winter rye variety (of water-soluble pentosans 1.75%, the viscosity of the water extract was 23.4 cSt), and the dependence of these indicators on the environment during the growing season. The paper also presents the results of determining the nutritional value of the grain of hybrids and the Chulpan 7 variety by the content of crude proteins, starch, phosphorus, calcium, and potassium.

Effects of brackish water irrigation on grain quality characteristics and yield of winter wheat

Brackish water resource is widely distributed in the North China Plain, which has not been effectively utilized. Using brackish water for irrigation can alleviate water resource conflict in the well-irrigated area and solve the problem of groundwater over-exploitation of the North China Plain. A long-term experiment (since 2006) was conducted to investigate the effects of brackish water irrigation on the quality and yield of winter wheat in the North China Plain. There were five salinity degrees of irrigation water, i.e. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g·L-1, respectively. The results showed that higher salinity degree of irrigation water (4-8 g·L-1) significantly increased water absorption, development time, sedimentation, wet gluten content, and protein content, but decreased the stabilization time, flour yield, and gluten index. There was no significant difference between the treatments of 1 g·L-1 and 2 g·L-1 on grain yield and yield components, but the treatment of 2 g·L-1 significantly improved grain quality, including water absorption, development time, sedimentation, wet gluten, and protein content. Higher salinity degree of irrigation water (4-8 g·L-1) treatments significantly decreased spike number (44.0%-60.7%) and grain yield (35.6%-64.7%), compared with 1 g·L-1 treatment. Results of principal component analysis showed that 2 g·L-1 treatment had the best overall effect with no significant decrease in grain yield and quality of grain. This study could provide theoretical basis and technical support for use of brackish water in the North China Plain.

Biological protection of winter wheat against fungal diseases

The purpose of the research is the regulation of the phytosanitary state of winter wheat crops based on the use of biostimulants, biofungicides and chemical fungicides. The article considers the phytosanitary situation of crops, investigates fungal diseases, the degree of their spread, substantiates the use of biological fungicides and biostimulants, analyzes the biological effectiveness of their use, reveals the effect of protective measures on the productivity and quality of grain. The winter wheat variety Moskovskaya 40 was sown on dark gray forest soil. Seeds of the 1st reproduction. The predecessor is buckwheat. The analysis of the results showed that the treatment of winter wheat seeds with the fungicide Scarlet, ME (imazalil + tebuconazole) helped to protect the culture from fungal diseases until the end of June. Double treatment of crops with biofungicide Vitaplan (titer 10 + 10 CFU/g) Bacillus subtilis. Strain VKM-B-2604D + Bacillus subtilis. strain VKM-B-2605D) and the chemical fungicide Amistar Extra, SK (azoxystrobin + cyprocanazole) had a significant effect on reducing the prevalence and development of fungal diseases. The biological effectiveness of the chemical fungicide in comparison with the biological one was higher in the phase of milky-wax ripeness of grain by 23.8%. The increase in yield compared to the control when using biopreparations Nigor (buckwheat bioflavonoids) and Nigor ++ (buckwheat bioflavonoids and exometabolites Trichoderma atrobrunneum VKPM F-1434 in a ratio of components 1: 1) was 7.1%, Vitaplan - 9.5%, Amistar Extra 14.3%.

Judge the taste quality of rice by screening the thickness of rice under nitrogen conditions

The nitrogen fertilizer led to an increase in the proportion of grains with a thickness of 2.1 mm or more. Under the same thickness, nitrogen increased the brown rice percentage, milled rice percentage, head rice percentage, and chalkiness of rice. The protein content of rice gradually increased, and the amylose content decreased. Breakdown, peak viscosity, and swelling power gradually decreased. High nitrogen fertilizer reduced the taste value of rice. As the thickness of the paddy rice increased, the milling quality, taste quality, and appearance quality of the rice were improved, the protein content was gradually reduced, and the swelling power, breakdown, and peak viscosity of the starch were gradually increased and then decreased. The protein content had the most important role in affecting the taste of rice. At high nitrogen levels, rice grains with a thickness of more than 2.2 mm had the highest taste value. Novelty impact statement The relationship between rice thickness and rice chemical composition under nitrogen fertilizer treatment was discovered for the first time. Under high nitrogen conditions, the taste quality of grains with a thickness of 2.2 mm or more was better. Protein content was the most important factor affecting the rice taste quality.

Effect of the optimized regulated deficit irrigation methodology on quality, profitability and sustainability of barley in water scarce areas

A three-year experiment (2015–2017) was conducted under the semiarid conditions of the Hydrogeological Unit Eastern Mancha (HUEM) (Spain), using the optimized regulated deficit irrigation for a limited amount of irrigation water (ORDIL) methodology on barley. Five irrigation treatments were performed during the experiment: no deficit (ND), 100% (T100), 90% (T90), 80% (T80), and 70% (T70) of barley net typical irrigation requirements (2500 m3 ha-1) in the area. The aim was to determine the effect of ORDIL: 1) on the quality of grain and malt; 2) on the profitability and use of water at farm scale; and 3) on the profitability and sustainability of the HUEM. Despite using less water, ORDIL treatments showed no significant differences in grain quality with respect to ND, while T80 achieved the highest economic water productivity (average 0.17 € m-3). Thus, by using T80 instead of ND and increasing the irrigated area of barley on the farm by 14%, it is possible to save up to 31% of water with the same profitability. This amount of water could be used for more profitable crops, increasing the profitability of the farm. The use of ORDIL at basin scale, using T80 instead of ND and increasing the cultivated area by 9%, could have saved up to 55.9 hm3 over the 3 experimental years (16% of annual extractions in the HUEM). Supplying this water to more profitable crops, the profitability of the basin could have increased by up to 44.4 M€. In the case of saving this amount of groundwater, piezometric levels would have risen, decreasing the pumping costs and improving the environmental conditions in the area. Consequently, applying ORDIL in low-profit crops, such as barley, and in water scarce areas, could improve the profitability and/or the sustainability of agricultural systems, maintaining the production.

Relationship between nitrogen fertilizer and structural, pasting and rheological properties on common buckwheat starch

Nitrogen is an essential element for the yield and quality of grain. In this study, the structural and physicochemical properties of two common buckwheat varieties under four nitrogen levels (0, 90, 180, 270 kg N ha−1) at one location in two years were investigated. With increasing nitrogen level, the contents of moisture and amylose decreased but the contents of ash and crude protein increased. Excessive nitrogen application significantly increased the granule size, but reduced the light transmittance, water solubility, swelling power, absorption of water and oil. All the samples showed a typical A – type pattern, while high relative crystallinity and low order degree were observed under high nitrogen level. The samples under high nitrogen level had lower textural properties, pasting properties and rheological properties but higher pasting temperature and gelatinization enthalpy. These results indicated that nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected the structural and physicochemical properties of common buckwheat starch.

The Genetic Potential of Spring Durum Wheat Grain Quality in the North of Kazakhstan

The paper presents information about the cultivation of spring durum wheat in the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan. Methods for assessing the quality of grain and semolina in the breeding process are shown: SDS sedimentation, protein content according to Kjeldahl, content, and index of gluten using the Glutomatic 2200 system, vitreousness, hardness SKCS 4100, content of carotenoid pigments, measurements of the color of grain and semolina using a CR-colorimeter. 410, Konica Minolta, commodity and technical properties of pasta; the characteristics of durum wheat genotypes are given as well. Relationships between quality indicators based on correlation analysis are established; indicators of hardness and vitreousness are in close connection with the most significant features: Protein content, gluten, pasta color, and evaluation of pasta properties. The quality of the studied durum wheat genotypes was found to meet the requirements of importers of Kazakh grain: Protein content averaged 14.9%, bulk density averaged 80.5 kg/hL, and the b* value in the Lab color evaluation system was at the level of 26.78 on average for semolina genotypes, with the maximum values found in Damsinskaya 2017 (32.17). Among the Kazakh varieties with the highest quality characteristics, the varieties Lavina, Damsinskaya Yubileinaya, and Korona stand out: Protein content (14.86-15.22%), gluten content 33.2-36.2%, gluten index 50-65, b* value (yellowness index) 23.82-26.74, vitreousness 80-84%. All studied genotypes belonged to hard-grained forms (hard-grain index 67-75).

Design and Assessment of a Small-Scale Machine for Cleaning Wheat Grains

Abstract A small-scale wheat cleaning machine was designed to winnow and separate grains from materials-other-than-grains (MOG), such as premature grains and chaff, in order to enhance the quality of grains. It was evaluated technically with respect to assessment criteria: cleanliness, grain loss, chaff rejection, and cleaning efficiency. Experiments were carried out at three levels of sieve slopes (5, 10, and 15°), two sieve reciprocating speeds (0.48 and 0.95 m·s−1), two levels of feed rates (1 and 1.5 kg·min−1), and three air velocities (5, 6 and 7 m·s−1). The results showed that, at sieve reciprocating speed of 0.95 m·s−1, the maximum cleanliness value was – 96.25% – observed at 1.5 kg·min−1 feed rate, 5 m·s−1 air velocity and 5° sieve slope. The minimum cleanliness value – 76.82% – was observed at a feed rate of 1 kg·min−1, 15° sieve slope, 7 m·s−1 air velocity, and 0.48 m·s−1 sieve reciprocating speed. The results showed that the use of either a very low, or a very high sieve slope angle and sieve reciprocating speed while using different air velocities and feed rates is not recommended.

THE EFFECT OF THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD OF EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCIES ON THE QUALITY OF WHEAT GRAIN

The paper presents the results of studies of how the electromagnetic field (EMF) of extremely low frequencies (ELF), magnetic induction of the EMF, and the duration of processing and storage affect the quality characteristics of wheat grain of the cultivar Shestopalivka harvested in the Odesa Region in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Treatment of grain with the EMF of the frequencies 20 and 30 Hz and with magnetic induction of 5 and 10 mT for 2–20 min reduces the germination capacity of wheat, as compared with the control, by 1–12%. As an exception, in several experiments, the germination capacity increased. The biggest increase (by 14%) was observed when the duration of treatment was 12 minutes, the frequency 30 Hz, and the magnetic induction 5 mT. Treatment of grain for 6 min with the EMF at the frequencies 10–28 Hz and with magnetic induction showed that at 10, 18–24 Hz, the germination capacity increased by 1–5%, but after 15 days, at the frequency 12–26 Hz, the germination power increased by 1–9%. A month later, with the frequency 18, 20, and 28 Hz, the germination power exceeded the control by only 2–7%, and after 10 months of storage, only the experiment with the frequency of treatment 24 Hz was at the control level. With all other frequencies, there was a significant decrease in grain germination. It has been established that treating grain 15 days prior to sowing at 14–22 Hz increases the germination capacity by 7–9%, and it reaches the values 92–94%. In the grain treated with the EMF at 10–30 Hz and stored for 14 months at the controlled air temperature 9–23°C and the relative humidity 33–82.5%, the protein content on a dry basis did not change compared with the control (16.5%). Storage of grain treated for 6 minutes with an EMF at 10–30 Hz, the magnetic induction being 10 mT, allows increasing the gluten content by 1.07–1.21 times, as compared with the control. The biggest increase in the amount of gluten is achieved at the frequency 16 Hz. Even under unfavourable conditions, at the temperature 23°C and relative air humidity 82.5%, the gluten quality goes up by 27.65 conditional units of the device VDK (1.49 times) and becomes as high as the gluten quality of grain that was preserved under far better conditions, at 9°C and the humidity 33 %. When grain is EMF-treated for 6 min at 10–30 Hz, with the magnetic induction being 10 mT, under different storage conditions, this most often affects the content of stearic and gondoic acids. The biggest changes in them were noted during storage at 9°C and the relative air humidity 82%: gondoic acid increased by 12.5–18.7%, and stearic acid decreased by 15.5–25.0%. Under any other conditions of EMF treatment and storage of wheat grain, changes in fatty acids are within the allowable error.

Nitrogen and Nickel Foliar Application on Grain yield, Yield Components, and Quality of Soybean

ABSTRACT Foliar fertilization with nitrogen (N) and nickel (Ni) at the end of the vegetative stage can decrease the abortion of flowers and pods of the plants and increase the productivity and protein content of soybean. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of N and Ni foliar application on the yield components and oil and protein content in soybean. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with six treatments (control [only inoculation], urea, ammonium sulfate [AS], nickel chloride [NiCl2], NiCl2+ AS, and NiCl2+ urea) and five replicates. Foliar application with urea increased the soybean grain yield (GY) by 46%, whereas the NiCl2 foliar application or NiCl2+ urea and NiCl2+ AS applications decreased the GY, shoot dry weight (SDW), weight of pods per pot, root volume, and grain size. N (AS and urea) and NiCl2 foliar applications had no effect on the oil and protein content in the grains, and application of 60 g ha−1 of Ni (132.4 g of NiCl2) caused a toxic effect on the plants and negatively influenced the GY and quality of grains.

Developing a statistical model for the active ventilation of a grain layer with high moisture content

The most important stage in the technological operations for grain production is its post-harvest processing. At this stage, the quality of the grain masses is lost because the temperature condition inside bulk grain is almost never checked during temporary storage. In order to increase the technological efficiency of primary grain processing and storage, an installation has been designed that could preserve the quality of grain at low-capacity enterprises or during temporary storage. As the self-heating of grain during storage is a serious issue, the installation would also help solve the problem related to the temporary lack of storage facilities. Thus, using active grain ventilation makes it possible to improve the resistance of grain masses to storage. The available body of research into energy-saving drying processes, active ventilation, and purification of grain from light impurities mainly resolve highly specialized technological tasks. Of interest are those studies that aim to design and implement the rational equipment structure for the active ventilation and cleaning of grain from light impurities, which make it possible to practically execute non-stationary modes. This paper considers the efficiency of active ventilation and the reduction of energy costs depending on the installation's structural parameters; specifically, the height of the chamber and the speed of supply of warm air are selected. The height of the working chamber of 1 m and the air velocity of 1.1–1.4 m/s have been experimentally proven and theoretically substantiated.