Seasonal Production Research Articles

Climate effect on the seasonal gonad maturity of three commercial penaeid shrimp species in the Gulf of California

Penaeid shrimp represents one of the most economically important fisheries worldwide. In Mexico, they comprise a sequential multispecies fishery with highly variable seasonal and interannual production, presenting its maximum national yield in the Gulf of California (GC) by exploiting the species Litopenaues vannamei, L. stylirostris, and Farfantepenaues californiensis. The yield variability can be related to their reproductive climatic adaptability, measured by the Mexican Fisheries Bureau as the intra and inter-seasonal percentage of mature females (%MF). Currently, shrimp fishery management in Mexico does not explicitly consider the environmental effect within the exploitation strategies for each species, although climatic factors significantly affect this fishery. For this reason, the present study aims to determine a function to estimate the monthly %MF for each commercial penaeid species considering climatic fluctuations. For this objective, the monthly relationship of %MF for each species over 15 years (2001-2015) with the seasonal cycle of the sea surface temperature anomalies (1950-2020) were analyzed and classified by intensity scenarios (normal, warm & cold) in the southern GC, fitting a logistic function based on monthly SST differentials and SST time lags per species. As a result, the model was able to explain 40 to 60% of the %MF variation per species (p<0.001), defining the natural seasonal peaks in the summer and declining towards the winter. Under the climate scenarios, the weak-cold anomalies resulted in the maximum %MF (up to +142% in F. californiensis). Conversely, a minimum %MF (-50%) for the three species resulted from moderate to strong warming anomalies. The %MF of the species with the most tropical affinity (L. vannamei and F. californiensis) were the least vulnerable under weak-warm anomalies, while the more temperate species was the most sensible (L. stylirostris). The model significantly predicted the seasonality of %MF per species and suggests an inverse relationship with SST anomalies, which may have important implications for resource management under climate change and may support the improvement of stock assessment.

The influence of thermal discharge from power plants on the biogeochemical environment of Daya Bay during high primary productivity seasons.

Accurate assessments of the impact of thermal discharge from power plants on the marine ecosystem remains a significant challenge. This study provided high-resolution observation during two high-productivity seasons to investigated the biogeochemical impacts of thermal discharge in Dapeng Cove, Daya Bay. The surface footprint of the thermal plume was hardly discernible during summer, likely due to intense solar heating of the water surface, but rapid biogeochemical decomposition of organisms still occurs. The summer stratified water column inhibited the Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration in the surface layer (0-1m), limiting the growth of phytoplankton biomass in the surface water. In the mid-bottom layer (>5m) however, the warmer water from the plume significantly promoted phytoplankton growth. In spring, the thermal plume was well-defined with clear boundaries. The spring thermal discharge significantly suppressed phytoplankton growth likely due to high temperature and chlorination in the upper water column. This study provided a crucial theoretical foundation for accurately assessing the ecological consequences of thermal discharges in coastal water.

Microbial Level and Microbiota Change of Laver in Dried Laver Processing Line During Production Seasons

To understand better the high microbial load in dried laver (Porphyra yezoensis or nori), this study analyzed the aerobic plate count (APC), coliform count, temperature change, and microbiota of processing water, laver materials, and food contact surface (FCS) samples from three processing plants during the dried laver processing season from December 2023 to April 2024. The seawater used for the first washing had a low microbial load (APCs &lt; 1–2.85 log CFU/g; coliform &lt; 1 log CFU/g) and was dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota. The microbial load of fresh laver (4.21–4.76 log CFU/g) remained unchanged after seawater washing, but significantly increased after continuous shredding, sponge dehydration, first drying, and with the seasonal temperature rise. The microbiota of laver before drying was vulnerable between processing steps and seasons, but consistently shifted back to fresh laver microflora and was dominated by Flavobacteriaceae after drying. The FCSs (except for the curtain), which had a high microbial load (APCs 5.25–8.26 log CFU/g; coliform 1.52–4.84 log CFU/g) with similar microbiota to seawater, caused the secondary contamination of laver during processing. This study revealed the microbial proliferation of laver and seawater microflora in the continuous processing line with high nutrients and with the seasonal processing water temperature rise caused by the local weather, highlighting the need for routine cleaning and sanitizing, better washing of fresh laver, and low temperature control for future dried laver production.

A Seasonal Fresh Tea Yield Estimation Method with Machine Learning Algorithms at Field Scale Integrating UAV RGB and Sentinel-2 Imagery

Traditional methods for estimating tea yield mainly rely on manual sampling surveys and empirical estimation, which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Accurately estimating fresh tea production in different seasons has become a challenging task. It is possible to estimate the seasonal yield of tea at the field scale by using the spatial resolution of 10 m, 5-day revisit period and rich spectral information of Sentinel-2 imagery. This study integrated Sentinel-2 images and uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) RGB imagery to develop six regression models at the field scale, which were employed for the estimation of seasonal and annual fresh tea yields of the Yunlong Tea Cooperatives in Yixiang Town, Pu’er City, China. Firstly, we gathered fresh tea production data from 133 farmers in the cooperative over the past five years and obtained UAV RGB and Sentinel-2 imagery. Secondly, 23 spectral features were extracted from Sentinel-2 images. Based on the UAV images, the parcel of each farmer was positioned and three topographic features of slope, aspect, and elevation were extracted. Subsequently, these 26 features were screened using the random forest algorithm and Pearson correlation analysis. Thirdly, we applied six different regression algorithms to establish fresh tea yield models for each season and evaluated their estimation accuracy. The results showed that random forest regression models were the optimal choice for estimating spring and summer yields, with the spring model achieving an R2 value of 0.45, an RMSE of 40.38 kg/acre, and an rRMSE of 40.79%. Similarly, the summer model achieved an R2 value of 0.5, an RMSE of 78.46 kg/acre, and an rRMSE of 39.81%. For autumn and annual yield estimation, voting regression models demonstrated superior performance, with the autumn model achieving an R2 value of 0.42, an RMSE of 70.6 kg/acre, and an rRMSE of 39.77%, and the annual model attained an R2 value of 0.47, an RMSE of 168.7 kg/acre, and an rRMSE of 34.62%. This study provides a promising new method for estimating fresh tea yield in different seasons at the field scale.

Resource Utilization and Profitability of Rice Production in The Terai Region of Nepal

Rice is the most important staple food crops in Nepal; however, the national yield of rice is low which has led in insufficient supply and heavy annual import. So, this study assessed the profitability and resource utilization of main and spring season rice production. A Semi-structured interview schedule was administered in 2022 among 360 randomly selected main-season rice-producing farmers across three major rice-producing districts of the Terai region of Nepal. Similarly, it conducted four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to collect necessary data for spring season rice from two Terai districts within similar agro-ecological regions. Cobb-Douglas production function was used to assess the resource utilization in main season rice production. The result revealed that the total cost and revenue of spring season rice production per hectare was higher, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.63 compared to the main season. It was found that major resources such as the cost of seed, farm yard manure (FYM), chemical fertilizer, micronutrients, and pesticides were underused. On the other hand, the cost of labor, tillage, and harvesting were found to be overused in the main season of rice production. The proportion of the increase in rice income to the increase in costs of inputs for main season rice production was less, as indicated by the return to scale being less than unity. Hence, the study recommends to focus on addressing on prioritization to increase the cropping area under spring season rice and optimization in the use of resources supported by improved technologies to improve profitability and increase farmers’ income from rice this can eases the constraints in the domestic supply of rice and thereby contribute to lowering the annual volume of rice import. SAARC J. Agric., 22(2): 153-167 (2024)

Observed upper-ocean structure and seasonal production in the southern Kerguelen Plateau region, 1994-2021

In the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean, 80°E marks an important transition in ocean circulation between the greater Prydz Bay gyre to the west and the Australian Antarctic gyre to the east. Here, the submarine Kerguelen Plateau impedes the eastward flow of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), topographically steering the flow. Enhanced biological productivity associated with the southern plateau supports an important marine ecosystem with many foraging marine predators. We collate ship-based hydrographic data on the vertical structure of the upper water column near 80°E from eight voyages spanning 1994 to 2021, from 58°S towards the Antarctic continent. The study aims to investigate the mixed layer oceanography, the implications for nutrient supply from deep to near-surface waters, and associated biological production. Our results show that the major oceanographic fronts are constrained within the narrow Princess Elizabeth Trough, between the southern Kerguelen Plateau and the Antarctic slope. Therefore, the Southern Boundary and the Southern ACC Front (SACCF) are often co-located, albeit with some interannual variability, with the location of the SACCF ranging from roughly 63°S to 65°S. The average depth of the seasonal mixed layer ranges from 34-49 m, typically deepening from south to north, in association with longer time since sea-ice melt. Below the mixed layer, Winter Water (WW) characteristics also vary across the observed latitudinal range; typically the temperature and thickness of the WW layer are inversely related, with warmer WW layers being thinner. Subsurface nitrate concentrations range from 20-40 µM, while silicate concentrations reach 100 µM. Nutrient drawdown is calculated based on mean concentrations in the mixed layer and WW layer, with drawdown values at individual stations reaching nearly 12 µM and 60 µM for nitrate and silicate, respectively, and a positive correlation between the two. Nutrient drawdown was higher in association with longer time since sea-ice melt and with thinner WW layers, while higher nitrate-based production was associated with deeper mixed layers. Observed relationships between upper water column characteristics and biological processes are discussed in terms of likely nutrient supply mechanisms and seasonal patterns of utilization.

A new Mediterranean Lifestyle Pyramid for children and youth: a critical lifestyle tool for preventing obesity and associated cardiometabolic diseases in a sustainable context.

Cardiovascular risk factors begin in childhood and track into adulthood, increasing the possibility of impaired cardiometabolic health. Adopting healthy dietary patterns can help curb childhood obesity, a worrisome epidemic problem at present. In the era of personalized nutrition, dietary recommendations should be adapted to different stages of life, including children (older than 3 years) and adolescents. Hereby, we present an updated version of the Mediterranean Lifestyle Pyramid addressed to children and adolescents, wihich may be used as a prevention tool by health professionals, teachers, and stakeholders. This pyramid arises from a consensus position between participants in a forum on Mediterranean Food Cultures with international experts. During this meeting, after reviewing all literature published, a consensus was reached on the new Medieterranean Lifestyle Pyramid for kids including details such as labels of the pyramid, position of foods, servings, type of foods, and healthy lifestyle habits. All components of the pyramid are supported by the most recent scientifically sound research and are based upon top-level evidence in nutritional sciences. Fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, wholegrains, and EVOO continue to be at the basis of the pyramid, but the importance of an adequate intake of fish, dairy products, and meat during these particular ages, when body and brain development occurs, is also considered. The promotion of physical activity, adequate sleep and good emotional health are emphasized, as well as the consumption of seasonal and local products, and overall sustainability. Improving dietary habits in early stages of life should increase health in adulthood and reduce future incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases. The Mediterranean Diet and its graphic representation in the Lifestyle Pyramid should be a health-fostering tool not only for adults and children, but also for the entire planet because it promotes the diversity of species, respect for the earth, and the local economy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER AND WEBSITE WHERE IT WAS OBTAINED: Not applicable STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A new Mediterranean lifestyle pyramid is addressed to children and adolescents, as well as health professionals, teachers, and stakeholders. Fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, wholegrain cereals, and extra-virgin olive oil continue to be a crucial part of the pyramid, but the importance of adequate intake of fish, dairy products, and meat in these early ages, when body and brain development occurs, is also emphasized.

Environmental Seasonality Affects the Growth, Yield and Economic Viability of Irrigated Forage Species in Dry Regions

ABSTRACTIrrigation in semi‐arid regions overcomes edaphoclimatic limitations, guaranteeing livestock farming and reducing the seasonality of forage production. The objective is therefore to evaluate the influence of seasonal variations on the development and accumulation of forage species. The study was conducted in the semi‐arid region of Brazil over several harvests from 2020 to 2023 in a randomized block design with four replications, comprising pasture grasses (Brachiaria, buffel, Mombasa and Tanzania), silage crops (BRS Capiaçu, elephant grass, maize and sorghum) and protein sources (alfalfa, Gliricidia, Leucaena and Moringa) subjected to a fixed irrigation regime based on 100% reference evapotranspiration. Tanzania, BRS Capiaçu and Leucaena presented relatively high dry matter yields of 27.0, 111.3 and 36.2 Mg ha−1, respectively. The buffelgrass–sorghum–pigeonpea intercropping system was more efficient in terms of dry matter production (44.5 Mg ha−1). The economic viability varied greatly between cycles and seasons, with sorghum, BRS Capiaçu and Gliricidia standing out as having a positive benefit–cost ratio during all the cycles evaluated. This study reveals how environmental changes affect the development and yield of forage crops, providing insights for productive and economic sustainability in semi‐arid regions with the use of irrigation.

The Role of Internal Phosphorus Loading in the Archipelago Sea Ecological Status

In eutrophic aquatic ecosystems like the Archipelago Sea in the northern Baltic, the role of the sediment as a sink and source of nutrients is especially important. Based on previous research on the Archipelago Sea, it can be concluded that the amount of stored phosphorus that can be released with time from sediments is large, and internal phosphorus recycling processes may thus play a key role in phosphorus fluxes in the coastal zone. The release of nutrients from the sediment has been suggested as an explanation for the fact that a substantial reduction in the external nutrient load does not always result in a corresponding reduction in nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton biomass in recipient waters. However, the magnitude of the actual internal phosphorus load in the Archipelago Sea has not been successfully estimated, or the estimates have been evidently too high. In this study, calculations were performed based on the measured water quality data to estimate how much phosphorus has been transported from the bottom water layer to the surface layers during the biological production season for use in algal production. In other words, the magnitude of the effective internal phosphorus load in the Archipelago Sea was determined. The calculations resulted in a summer internal net phosphorus load in the surface layer of approximately 270 tons over 5 months. The other total phosphorus load in the Archipelago Sea, which mainly (60%) originates from the catchment area, was 575 t/a. A permanent way to mitigate internal loading has been thought to be to reduce external loading. However, a decrease in internal loading occurs with an unknown delay, making it impossible to predict the recovery rate.

Composting Urban Biowaste: A Potential Solution for Waste Management and Soil Fertility Improvement in Dolisie, Congo

Population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns are contributing to an increase in household waste production, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Composting of biowaste presents a sustainable solution by reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills while enriching the soil. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of solid household biowaste for composting in market garden crops in Dolisie (the Republic of Congo). Specifically, the study aimed to (i) assess the production and management practices of solid household waste in relation to socio-economic factors, (ii) analyze the chemical composition of solid household biowaste and its concentration of trace elements (TEs), and (iii) determine the potential phytotoxicity of solid household biowaste across different production seasons. In this study, wastes were collected from 40 households over a 60-day period, with daily sorting conducted during both the dry and wet seasons. Using a completely randomized design, various compost application rates were incorporated into the soil to conduct a germination test. The quality of the biowaste and compost was evaluated through physicochemical analyses. Results showed that approximately 90% of high-income households received regular waste collection services and practiced waste separation in contrast to middle- and low-income households. The composition of the biowaste was primarily composed of fruit and vegetable scraps, with slight contamination by chromium and cadmium. Temperature, pH, and humidity levels showed similar trends during compost formation in both the rainy and dry seasons. Germination rates were above 80% in all treatments across both seasons, indicating that the compost was mature. Overall, all physicochemical parameters of the compost met established quality standards, and trace element concentrations were below the recommended thresholds. The study concluded that biowaste, once converted into compost, can be safely applied to agricultural soils without posing any risk of phytotoxicity or contamination to crops.

Photon budgets and the relative effects of CDOM and pigment absorptions on primary production along a coastal salinity gradient

The study highlights the critical role of CDOM in coastal light attenuation and its impact on primary production (PP). We investigated the spectral attenuation of light due to water, phytoplankton pigments, detritus and coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) along a salinity gradient in the outer Oslofjord, Norway. By examining the effects of these components across different seasons, we aimed to elucidate their relative contributions to light absorption and PP. The findings suggest that increased terrestrial CDOM inputs, driven by climate, changed atmospheric deposition and land-use changes, could significantly affect coastal ecosystems by altering light attenuation and consequently PP and potentially leading to other ecological pressures. CDOM consistently dominated light absorption across all stations and seasons, contributing 50%–80% of the total absorption of photosynthetically active radiation. The absorption by CDOM and detritus decreased with increasing salinity, while phytoplankton absorption followed a seasonal succession. PP estimates show high seasonal variability from maximums in June to minimums in November, mainly attributed to, changes in seasonal light availability and phytoplankton biomass, followed by light attenuation by CDOM and differences in quantum yields of photosystem II (PSII). Nutrient analysis showed a seasonal pattern, with the highest nitrogen concentrations in November and depletion during more productive seasons, as well as conservative mixing throughout the salinity gradient. CDOM absorption played substantial, albeit not leading, role in influencing PP estimates, derived from a bio-optical model. CDOM was the main determinant of light attenuation across most wavelegnths.

Seasonal productivity of the equatorial Atlantic shaped by distinct wind-driven processes

The eastern equatorial Atlantic hosts a productive marine ecosystem that depends on upward supply of nitrate, the primary limiting nutrient in this region. The annual productivity peak, indicated by elevated surface chlorophyll levels, occurs in the Northern Hemisphere summer, roughly coinciding with strengthened easterly winds. For enhanced productivity in the equatorial Atlantic, nitrate-rich water must rise into the turbulent layer above the Equatorial Undercurrent. Using data from two trans-Atlantic equatorial surveys, along with extended time series from equatorial moorings, we demonstrate how three independent wind-driven processes shape the seasonality of equatorial Atlantic productivity: (1) the nitracline shoals in response to intensifying easterly winds; (2) the depth of the Equatorial Undercurrent core, defined by maximum eastward velocity, is controlled by an annual oscillation of basin-scale standing equatorial waves; and (3) mixing intensity in the shear zone above the Equatorial Undercurrent core is governed by local and instantaneous winds. The interplay of these three mechanisms shapes a unique seasonal cycle of nutrient supply and productivity in the equatorial Atlantic, with a productivity minimum in April due to a shallow Equatorial Undercurrent and a productivity maximum in July resulting from a shallow nitracline coupled with enhanced mixing.

Research on Marketing Strategies for Refabricated Cuisine in the Chinese Market

This paper explores the growing segment of refabricated cuisines within the Chinese food &amp; drink industry, which is expanding rapidly due to changing consumer preferences for convenience and health. The research identifies three underlying problems that hinder the growth of refabricated cuisines, which are food safety and quality concerns, doubts about nutritional value, and a lack of variety in taste and product categories. These problems are caused by a lack of transparency in production processes, negative social media influence, and companies’ focus on cost efficiency rather than innovation. Through a detailed case description of the refabricated cuisine market and analysis of consumer behavior, the paper emphasizes the importance of solving these concerns to companies’ expansion within the market. To solve these problems, the paper suggests enhancing transparency through live-streamed production procedures and obtaining food safety certifications. It also recommends improving nutritional content, developing specific new products, and acting proactively on social media platforms to change negative consumer perceptions. Additionally, the paper suggests developing new flavors, cuisines from other regions, and seasonal products to increase the variety of product categories and maintain consumer interest. Conclusively, the paper reveals the significant potential of the refabricated cuisine market. However, companies must apply targeted strategies to build consumer trust and meet changing preferences. The paper provides valuable suggestions about how companies can take market shares and expand in the growing market by solving underlying problems, though the study is limited to the Chinese market.

Foliar zinc sulfate application effects on biomass and forage traits of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) in zinc-deficient soils

Deficiencies of essential micronutrients in forage crops can result in reduced growth, diminished nutrient content, and reduced in forage quality. This can, in turn, affect the nutritional requirements of livestock and the overall productivity of the agricultural sector. The experiment was initiated during the 2023-24 production season and employed four zinc sulfate doses (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 % w/v) and five varieties of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. İlkadım, cv. Master, cv. Baqueno, cv. Caramba, cv. Trinova), with four replications. SPAD measurements were obtained following the foliar application of zinc sulfate, and plant height (cm), flag leaf length (cm), flag leaf width (cm), leaf number per plant, and leaf area (cm2) parameters were collected through the single mowing of annual ryegrass. After the fresh forage yield (t ha-1) measurements, ADF (%), NDF (%), crude protein ratio (%), crude protein yield (kg da-1) and relative feed value were measured and calculated. As a result of the data obtained, it was determined that foliar zinc sulfate applications can make positive changes in yield and quality, while at the same time increasing the amount of fiber. While İlkadım had the highest average value with 1.48 t da-1 in terms of hay yield, the highest value among zinc sulfate doses was obtained from 0.6 % with 1.47 t da-1. High values were obtained at 0.4 % and 0.6 % doses. Among the varieties, İlkadım and Baqueno had higher yield and quality characteristics. However, it is understood that the responses to foliar zinc sulfate applications occurred in different percentages among the others.

Bandgap Optimization of Photovoltaic Tandem Cells Based on Spectra Collected over a Full Year

Spectral data collected every minute at the test station in Grimstad, Norway, are used to investigate the impact of spectral variation on tandem cells. The results are displayed as efficiency maps which are compared to equivalent maps for the air mass 1.5 global (AM1.5G) reference spectrum. Most of the maps are calculated for ideal cells and will thus serve as benchmarks for what can possibly be achieved under real conditions, but the impact of non‐radiative recombination is also included. It is found that there is generally good agreement between the efficiency under the AM1.5G spectrum and the efficiency found using the collected spectra. The main difference is that a slight blueshift in the real spectra favors larger bandgaps. Seasonal efficiency maps and maps for different types of conditions are also presented. The largest deviation from the reference spectrum is found for the three darkest months of the year. Optimizing the bandgaps for this period may increase seasonal production by several percent, albeit with a significant accompanying reduction in annual production. For June, the sunniest month, as well as for cloudy and lowlight conditions, it is found that the optimal bandgaps are slightly larger than those found for the AM1.5G.

The Effect of the Roughage Production Project on Forage Crops Agriculture in Kırşehir

This study aimed to determine the effects of the Roughage Production Project on forage crop agriculture, which was carried out to introduce and extend forage crops to the region's producers and show how to produce cheap and high-quality roughage. In the research, a mixture of 70% Hungarian vetch and 30% triticale was grown on the lands of farmers selected from the region's producers, especially those engaged in animal production, during growing seasons between 2018 and 2024. Because forage crop agriculture is not sufficiently developed in the region, in the production carried out within the project's scope, one-on-one application was made to the producers in the field in all processes from planting to harvest. During the project, 1363 tons of quality roughage was produced on the areas of 6270 decares with 67 producers in seven production seasons. The Roughage Production Project practices have contributed not only to seed and fertilizer support for the producer but also to a change of habits through technical support provided at every stage of production, to producers' willingness to cultivate forage crops, and to the development of forage crop culture with mixtures created with species and varieties suitable for the ecology of the region. As a result, the Roughage Production Project has made a significant contribution to raising regional producers' awareness of producing their own quality roughage and establishing forage crop culture.

Technology Transfer Needs Assessment for Turmeric Farmers in Paphayom District, Phatthalung Province

These research findings indicated that most farmers in the study were female, with an average age of 55.88 years and an average of 10.80 years of experience in cultivating turmeric. Often, turmeric is grown in conjunction with rubber cultivation. Farmers typically cultivated turmeric on 1.38 rai, preferring sandy loam soil conditions. Their preferred turmeric variety was Trang 84-2. The planting method involves digging holes 10 centimeters deep, with a spacing of 25 cm x 25 cm. Turmeric cultivation usually commences in June and concludes with its harvest in April. During planting, farmers apply a combination of chemical and biological fertilizers, along with organic manures. Weed control is primarily achieved by manual removal, while chemical treatments are employed to manage diseases and insect pests. During the 2021/2022 production season, farmers achieved an average turmeric yield of 1,675.81 kg. Farmers encounter various problems in turmeric production, particularly in maintenance, disease, and insect management. These issues adversely affect the planting area, often reducing production yields. The most pressing need for farmers is to acquire turmeric production technology, particularly in pest mitigation and elimination. Farmers want to receive knowledge transfer, such as with individualized guidance through farm visits. The media that farmers require include brochures and the assistance of extension officers. Additionally, the level of experience in turmeric production significantly influenced the farmers' technology transfer needs at a 0.01 significance level.

Light Use Efficiency Model Based on Chlorophyll Content Better Captures Seasonal Gross Primary Production Dynamics of Deciduous Broadleaf Forests

Light Use Efficiency Model Based on Chlorophyll Content Better Captures Seasonal Gross Primary Production Dynamics of Deciduous Broadleaf Forests

Zooplankton biodiversity and life histories of common copepods in an Antarctic nearshore habitat

Abstract Coastal Antarctic ecosystems feature long periods of sea ice cover, strong seasonality in primary production, and low biodiversity relative to marginal ice zone regions. There are few records of annual cycles of biodiversity and abundance of neritic Antarctic zooplankton, limiting the ability to predict how communities will respond to environmental change. Using a historical data set, we assess the annual cycle of primary production and zooplankton abundance in relation to the growth cycle of fast ice near Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica. Zooplankton abundance and biodiversity were high during the productive summer months, generally showing a lag behind peaks in chlorophyll a concentration. A total of 27 taxa were recorded from the water column, while only three species were recorded from the sea ice, apart from incidental occurrences. Copepods dominated the system throughout the year, especially in the non-productive season, with a small number of species contributing to overall abundance, including Paralabidocera antarctica, Oithona similis, and Oncaea curvata. The abundance of fauna living within the brine channel system was very high, although biodiversity was low relative to the water column. To survive the winter, the copepods employed a combination of life history strategies, including strong association with the fast ice habitat, synchronicity with the spring phytoplankton bloom, and dietary switching in winter. Complementary strategies, such as lipid storage and advection to and from deeper offshore waters, were also observed.

Scaling climate-adapted malt barley varieties in North Shewa, Ethiopia

Due to the development of new breweries and the expansion of existing malt factories, malt barley has become a highly demanded-commercial crop in Ethiopia. However, present efforts to increase malt barley productivity and supply have not been able to meet the domestic market’s needs. As a result, the scaling of climate-adapted malt barley varieties with its production package was done at North Shewa Amhara Ethiopia during the 2018 and 2019 main production seasons. In the first phase, HB1963, HB1964, Fanaka, and Ibon 174/03 were planted on seven farmers’ farms and evaluated by randomly selected 84 farmers using their selection criteria. The analysis of variance result showed that the highest yield was obtained from HB1963 (3.138 t/ha), followed by Ibon 174/03 (3.059 t/ha), HB1964 (2.324 t/ha) and Fanaka (2.123 t/ha). The cost–benefit analysis also revealed that the highest net benefit to total cost ratios was obtained from HB1963, followed by Ibon-174/03, HB1964, and Fanaka. In the second phase, the chosen varieties were scaled up in a clustered base on 12.3 hectares of land by participating 31 smallholder farmers during the main production season. Continuous field monitoring and evaluation were done by concerned experts and local farmers. The scale-up varieties, HB1963 and HB1964 gave 19.56% and 28.61% yield advantages over the local check respectively. The study's policy recommendations included expanding the use of high-yielding and well-adapted malt barley varieties, supporting both the formal and informal seed systems, and encouraging the malt barley producers and the domestic market to substitute imports.