Mass Of Seeds Research Articles

Diethylene glycol-zinc chloride based deep eutectic solvent for green extraction of bixin compound

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are ionic liquid alternatives that replace volatile and flammable organic solvents. DESs are formed by hydrogen bond interaction between the hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and the hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA). We prepared DES using zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as HBA and diethylene glycol (DEG) as HBD. Formed DES was applied to extract the bixin contained in annatto seeds. The homogenous liquid mixtures were analysed for their pH, viscosity, density, conductivity, thermal properties, and solubility in various solvents. Bixin extracted using DES was identified by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1HNMR). The mixtures with a mole fraction of ZnCl2 0.1 (DES1), 0.2 (DES2), and 0.3 (DES3) are liquid at room temperature. The analysis results prove that bixin has been successfully extracted using DES, where DES1 was better for bixin extraction than DES2 and DES3, with extracted bixin levels of 32.42, 28.84, and 0.46 mg g-1 by dry seeds mass, respectively. In this case, DES1, DES2, and DES3 could extract 62.17, 55.31, and 0.88 % of bixin from the entire total bixin contained in annatto seeds. The DES can be used for bixin extraction using a relatively simple method based on the results obtained.

Effect of Crop Rotation on Biological Characteristics and Economic Indicators of Winter Wheat in Different Agroecological Conditions

The article deals with observations on plants and agrotechnical measures in accordance with the recommendations on the cultivation of plants in short rotation alternating and continuous crops consisting of cereal and inter-row cultivated plants under irrigation conditions. It is known that realizing the potential productivity of wheat in favorable soil and climate conditions is possible by applying high-level agrotechnics in various agro-ecological conditions. The highest indicators of spike elements of the Gobustan variety of wheat, which is the main source of research, were obtained in the crop rotation variant. In Absheron YTT, the spike length is 9.1 cm, the number of spikes is 17.4, the number of seeds is 43, and the mass of the seed is 1.62 g. The mass of 1000 grains are 41.8 g. 9.9 cm according to the mentioned indicators in Tarter BTS; 19.9 units; 50 units; It was determined to be 1.83 g: 40.9 g, which is 0.6-0.9 cm in regions, respectively, compared to continuous cultivation; 2.3-2.8 pieces; 4-3 units; An increase of 0.11-0.16 g and 3.1-3.4 g was obtained. The number of beans per plant in Absheron AEF is 45.6, the number of seeds is 106.3, the mass of seeds is 12.5 g, and the mass of 1000 seeds is 118.4 g. In Tarter RES, one plant has 52.5 beans, 128 grains, the mass of a grain is 13.9 g, and the mass of 1000 g of grain is 110.3 g. These indicators 4.0-4.3 units according to regions compared to continuous cultivation; 9.0-12.3 units; 1.2-1.3 g and 7.4-3.2 g indicate an increase. Thus, the crop rotation in 2 different agroecological conditions after the soybean predecessor had a significant effect on the spike and economic indicators of the winter wheat crop. The highest indicators of spike elements of the winter wheat Gobustan variety were obtained in the crop rotation variant. According to the results of the research, the highest grain yield in the regions was obtained in the mentioned option. Thus, in this variant, the grain yield of winter wheat per hectare was 40.4 cwt in Absheron AEF and 48.4 cwt in Tartar RES.

Evaluation of confectionary sunflower germplasm accessions and their derived hybrids

AbstractConfectionary sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) has gained popularity due to its utilization in roasting as snacks, poultry, bird food, and bakery products. However, seed quality of confectionary sunflower differs from non-oil seed types. In the present study, 71 sunflower accessions were selected for the evaluation of seed quality traits. Significant genetic variability was observed for traits such as 100-seed mass and seed length, as indicated by high genotypic coefficients of variability. Genotypic correlation analysis revealed a positive association between 100-seed mass and seed size, protein content, and oleic acid content. Path coefficient analysis based on genotypic and phenotypic correlations suggested that accessions with high sugar content may be selected to develop superior germplasm for confectionary products. Biplot analysis was conducted to identify suitable accessions with favorable confectionary traits. Accessions ‘Hybrid 100’, ‘GOR101’, and ‘Odesskijj112’ exhibited high sugar content, while ‘Yawn’ demonstrated comparatively higher oleic acid content. Accessions ‘Vinimik 6931’ and ‘HA 305’ displayed high 100-seed mass, while seed length was greater in accessions ‘Comet’ and H. × multiflorous. Combining ability analysis were performed to assess the breeding value of accessions. ‘Comet’ exhibited the highest general combining ability (GCA) effects for seed yield per plant, head diameter and 100-achene mass; while ‘G.OR.104’ had positive GCA for achene yield per plant but negative combining ability for other traits. ‘Tenissiei’ displayed positive GCA for all traits. Among the testers, accession ‘Universal’ showed positive GCA for seed yield per plant, while ‘HA-292’ exhibited positive GCA for head diameter. The accessions with higher values for confectionary traits and positive general combining ability effects for yield related traits may be further exploited in confectionary sunflower breeding programs as parents.

Seeding improves the strength of bio-tiles grown with microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation

Bio-tiles are a biobased alternative to conventional tiles that utilise a promising technology called microbially induced calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation (MICP). This technology has low energy requirements and also sequesters carbon. Bio-tiles have been made in previous work using a submersion method, however, the process required additives such as 0.3 M magnesium chloride to achieve bio-tiles that meet international standards. The current study aimed to improve the bio-tile strength properties with CaCO3 crystal seeding and a pumping method instead of the use of magnesium that also increases ionic strength. With this technique, cementation solution containing the required calcium and urea for the MICP reaction was pumped through a sealed mould in a series of programmed treatments. The highest concentration of ureolytic Sporosarcina pasteurii with an effective urease activity of 40 mmol NH4-N/L·min was found to be most beneficial to the breaking strength of the bio-tiles, as were the shortest retention times of 1 h between treatments. Seeding with CaCO3 crystals offered significant benefit to the MICP process. Pre-seeding of the geotextiles was explored and the mass of seeds initially present on the geotextiles was found to have a direct improvement on the breaking strength of 21–82 %, increasing with seed loading.The highest CaCO3 seed loading tested of 0.072 g seeds/cm2 geotextile resulted in bio-tiles with a breaking strength of 940 ± 92 N and a modulus of rupture of 16.4 ± 1.7 N/mm2, meeting international targets for extruded tiles with 6–10 % water absorption. When a seed loading of 0.021 g/cm2 was used instead, bio-tiles meeting targets for tiles with a water absorption of >10 % were produced at 628 ± 18 N and 10.5 ± 1.1 N/mm2.

Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis of Yield and Yield Components in Faba Bean (<i>Vicia faba </i>L.) Genotypes

Through the use of path coefficient analysis and correlation, crop breeders can improve complex traits like grain yield through indirect selection. The current study set out to quantify the relationship between yield and traits related to yield as well as pinpoint critical features for indirect selection aimed at enhancing the grain yield of faba bean. The objective of the current study was to identify key characteristics for indirect selection targeted at increasing the grain yield of faba beans as well as quantify the relationship between yield and variables related to yield. The study was conducted at Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center at the Debre Tabor research site used a 7x7 simple lattice design with two replications to evaluate 49 faba bean genotypes during the rainy cropping season of 2022. The study found a significant positive correlation between grain yield, plant height, pod number, biomass yield, 100-seed mass, and harvest index. The study found that biomass yield and harvest index significantly impact grain yield, suggesting they can be used as indirect selection criteria to enhance faba bean grain yield.

Методические подходы (гипотезы) к оценке пригодности сортов винограда к возделыванию в корнесобственной культуре

Abstract. One of the ways to reduce the cost of grapes and intensify the industry is to preserve and expand the own-root culture of phylloxera-tolerant grape varieties. Currently, there are all the prerequisites for expanding the own-root grape culture – a number of varieties have been obtained that are resistant to phylloxera and root rot with good quality of grape berries and their processed products. To extend the life of plantings and increase their profitability, it is important to identify grape varieties for cultivation in ownroot culture. However, comparative pairwise studies of varieties in own-rooted and grafted culture are lengthy and costly. The purpose of the research is to search for criteria for the accelerated assessment of Vitis vinifera L. varieties for suitability for cultivation in own-root culture using the example of genotypes of the DBESV&VG breeding. The research was carried out at the experimental base and the Ampelographic Collection of DBESV&VG in 2017-2023. The object of research is model and fruit-bearing rooted and grafted plants of different grape varieties with different resistance to phylloxera, 47 seed varieties of the Ampelographic Collection of DBESV&VG, 16 varieties and hybrid forms of DBESV&VG breeding. It has been assumed and experimentally confirmed that the higher the seed productivity of a grape variety (high proportion (mass) of seeds in a bunch, low seed index of the berry), the higher the tolerance of the variety to root phylloxera. Grape varieties, the reaction of which is expressed in an increase in seed progeny (“mass of seeds in a bunch”) with hormonal regulation of the development of rooted plants, can be cultivated in a rooted culture against the background of phylloxera. Keywords: grapes, phylloxera, root culture, phylloxera tolerance, seed productivity, phylloxera resistance criteria, hormone regulation

Distribution of productivity elements in different morphotypes of pea plants

The research was carried out in 2021–2023 in order to identify patterns in the formation of quantitative indicators of the main elements of productivity in seeded peas of various morphotypes to increase the efficiency of breeding. The experiments were carried out in the forest-steppe zone in the south–west of the Sverdlovsk region on gray forest soils according to the predecessor – wheat in a ten-field crop rotation. The material for the study was 24 varieties of baleen, leafy morphotype and «chameleons». The standard in the group of whiskered was Krasnoufimskyj 11, leafy – Marafon, chameleons – Spartak. The repetition is threefold. As a result of studying the pea collection, it was found that the studied groups of varieties had the highest productivity in whiskered forms of peas, thanks to such varieties as Ybilyar (282.2 g/ m2), Ryzhik (277.2 g/m2), KM 11 BK 22 (262.3 g/m2) and Tomas (261.3 g/m2). The largest number of beans on the plant were leafy forms of peas: Holik – 5.3 pcs.; Krasnoufimskyj 70–3.7 pcs.; 54 % of cultivars (13 pcs.) have the number of beans on the plant 2.7–3.3 pcs. According to the largest number of seeds in a bean, the leading position is occupied by cultivars of the whiskered morphotype and «chameleons» (14 varieties each – 3.4–4.3 pcs.). The leafy varieties have only 8 varieties with the maximum number of seeds in a bean (3.6–3.9 pcs.). There is a more uniform spread in this indicator among the whiskered cultivars. The weight of 1000 seeds in the studied cultivars of the whiskered morphotype and «chameleons» (220–250 g) was lower than in leafy varieties (250–300 g). Seeds of medium size (171–220 g) were found in 17 whiskered (71 %), 16 leafy (67 %) and 8 «chameleons» (33 %). The largest mass of seeds from one plant in the leafy morphotype is in the Tyumenskij kormovoj variety (3.0 g). In Chameleons, 58 % of cultivars (14 pcs.) have a plant productivity of 2.0 to 2.5 g. For effective breeding, it is necessary to use varieties of various morphotypes with the best biometric indicators in crosses and to focus on the selection of offspring for the morphotype of «mustachioed» peas with the best technological cultivation in the region.

Within and Between Population Variation in Saraca asoca Seed Mass and Shape Affects Seed Germinability

Within and Between Population Variation in Saraca asoca Seed Mass and Shape Affects Seed Germinability

Who holds the reins? Context-dependent resource allocation in the mutualism between fig trees and their fig wasp pollinators.

Mutualisms are consumer-resource interactions, in which goods and services are exchanged. Biological market theory states that exchanges should be regulated by both partners. However, most studies on mutualisms are one-sided, focusing on the control exercised by host organisms on their symbionts. In the brood-site pollination mutualism between fig trees and their symbiont wasp pollinators, galled flowers are development sites for pollinator larvae and are exchanged for pollination services. We determined if pollinator galls influenced resource allocation to fig inflorescences called syconia and considered feedbacks from the host tree. We experimentally produced syconia containing only seeds (S), only pollinator galls (G) or seeds and galls (SG) with varying number of introduced female pollinator wasps, i.e., foundress wasps. Biomass allocation to syconia was affected by foundress numbers and treatment groups; SG treatments received highest biomass allocation at low foundress numbers, and both G and SG treatments at high foundress numbers. Seeds are important determinants of allocation at low foundress numbers; galls are likely more influential at high foundress numbers. Most allocation in the G and SG treatment was to the syconium wall, likely as protection from parasitoids and temperature/humidity fluctuations. Dry mass of individual seeds and wasps (except at low foundress numbers) was unchanged between treatment groups, indicating seeds and wasps regulate resource flow into them, with lower flow into galls containing the smaller males compared to females commensurate with sexual dimorphism. We demonstrate the importance of considering the direct role of symbionts in accessing resources and controlling exchanges within mutualisms.

ВЛИЯНИЕ СЕРНОГО БЕНТОНИТА НА РОСТ И ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ ПОДСОЛНЕЧНИКА

The research was carried out in order to study the effectiveness of the use of various new sulfur-containing fertilizers on sunflower crops in the soil and climatic conditions of the Republic of Tatarstan. Field experiments were conducted in 2023 on the basis of Agrobiotechnopark LLC (Narmonka village, Laishevsky Municipal District of the Republic of Tatarstan), laboratory analyses were carried out at the Center for Agroecological Research of the Kazan State Agrarian University. According to the research results, it was found that the introduction of 150 kg/ha of sulfur bentonite in the studied hybrids provides the growth capacity of cotyledonous leaflets by 26.3 and 29.4 %, respectively, compared with the control version of the experiment. When sulfur bentonite is applied at a dose of 150 kg/ha, the plant height of the studied Anthemis and Terramis hybrids increases by 4 and 7 cm (+3 and 5.6 %) compared with the control variant, and plant safety increases by 1.4 and 0.7 %, respectively. But the maximum values in terms of height and plant safety were obtained using the ammonium sulfate application option of 100 kg / ha, which is explained by the greater need for sunflower nitrogen than sulfur. The mass of productive seeds from one basket, depending on the hybrids studied and the fertilizers applied, ranged from 69 g in the control to 98 g in the last version of the experiment, which is 43% higher compared with the option without adding sulfur bentonite.

Substantiating the rational parameters and operation modes for the hemp seed centrifugal dehuller

The object of research is technological processes, seeds of industrial hemp, and working bodies of the dehuller. A centrifugal-type device for crushing hemp seeds with a closed sector-type working body has been designed. Owing to this, the task related to seed dehulling was solved with a high level of efficiency in separating the seed coat from the kernel. The rational parameters for the dehuller have been substantiated: the diameter of the impeller is 162 mm, the gap between the impeller and the seed repelling panel is 80 mm, the frequency of rotation of the impeller is 2000 min–1. It was established that with the specified parameters and moisture content of the seeds within the limits of conditional (12.0–13.0 %), it is advisable to carry out dehulling process without preliminary separation of the seeds into fractions by width. It was established that an increase in seed size leads to a corresponding increase in the weight share of seed kernels. About 58.2 % of the main mass of seeds is the average fraction with a width of 2.5 to 3.0 mm. It was found that reducing the diameter of the impeller (from 236 mm to 162 mm) at a seed moisture content of 8.8 % improved the efficiency of dehulling. At a rotation frequency of the impeller of 2000 min–1, the highest total number of intact and destroyed kernels (23.23–29.33 %) was achieved for the two studied moistures. With an increase in seed moisture content from 8.8 % to 12.0 %, the number of dehulled kernels in the hempseed cake increased. It was noted that for seeds with a moisture content of 8.8 %, an increase in the gap led to a decrease in the dehulling efficiency for each of the three investigated seed fractions. The total number of dehulled kernels under such conditions decreased by 2.4–6.8 % and amounted to 16.4–26.9 %. For seeds with a moisture content of 12.0 %, an increase in the gap, on the contrary, increased the dehulling efficiency for each of the three investigated seed fractions. The total number of dehulled kernels for seeds of marked moisture increased within the range of 1.4–3.6 % and amounted to 27.4–31.0 %

Morphobiometric Characterisation of Carob Tree Pods Cultivated in Algeria and Evaluation of Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Sensory Properties of Their Powders

Abstract Given its very important economic and environmental interests, the cultivation of carob tree in Algeria has experienced remarkable development, which is reflected in the methods of plant multiplication, the increase in the surface area of its cultivation, and in particular, the growing number of carob fruit processing industries (first and second transformation). In this context, the present study focused on the evaluation of the food quality of whole pod powders and carob pulps from three different regions of Algeria (Boumerdes, Relizane, and Tissemsilt). The experimental part presents a morphobiometric characterisation of carob pods carried out during the 2020–2021 production campaign — length, width, mass, volume, thickness, size index (length/width), the number and mass of seeds, analysis of the food quality of carob powders from whole pods and their pulps and determining their physicochemical properties (particle size, pH and dry matter), nutritional properties (ash, crude proteins, total sugars, crude fibres, fats) and sensory (colour, taste, texture, and smell). The results showed that the morphobiometric characteristics of the carob pods studied (physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of the powders) strongly depend on the biogeographical site of the carob tree and the conditions of its production. Compared to the other carob fruit powders analysed, Relizane carob pulps powder showed a better sensory appreciation; this powder was characterised by a colour (100% light brown), taste (50% sweet, 50% very sweet), texture (100% fine), and odour (100% carob with strong intensity). Indeed, the study of the food quality of the two types of powders obtained separately from whole pods (seeds and pulps) and from the pulps is very valuable and opens possible ways of food valorisation of carob tree fruit.

Artificial neural networks optimize the establishment of a Brazilian germplasm core collection of winter squash (Cucurbita moschata D.)

With widespread cultivation, Cucurbita moschata stands out for the carotenoid content of its fruits such as β and α-carotene, components with pronounced provitamin A function and antioxidant activity. C. moschata seed oil has a high monounsaturated fatty acid content and vitamin E, constituting a lipid source of high chemical–nutritional quality. The present study evaluates the agronomic and chemical–nutritional aspects of 91 accessions of C. moschata kept at the BGH-UFV and propose the establishment of a core collection based on multivariate approaches and on the implementation of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). ANNs was more efficient in identifying similarity patterns and in organizing the distance between the genotypes in the groups. The averages and variances of traits in the CC formed using a 15% sampling of accessions, were closer to those of the complete collection, particularly for accumulated degree days for flowering, the mass of seeds per fruit, and seed and oil productivity. Establishing the 15% CC, based on the broad characterization of this germplasm, will be crucial to optimize the evaluation and use of promising accessions from this collection in C. moschata breeding programs, especially for traits of high chemical–nutritional importance such as the carotenoid content and the fatty acid profile.

Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Vacuum Corn Seed Degassing System

Vacuum degassing of seeds is a basic preliminary stage of the treatment process to improve the viability of seeds of various crops. In this work, the degassing process of corn seeds was experimentally and numerically analyzed by removing air or other gases from around the seeds, specifically from the seed coating, in a rough vacuum chamber. Two complementary variants were employed to understand and optimize this process to improve the quality and germination rate of the seeds. The average germination percentage on the first day was about 98%, and the germination speed of 5.0 days. Several experiments were conducted with well-established durations of 10 min and masses of 5 kg and masses of corn seeds at different temperatures to observe and record the behavior of the system, facilitating the modeling of the degasification process in the vacuum compartment. Modeling the degasification operation in the vacuum chamber allowed for determining the pressure profiles on the vacuum chamber and its lid. Numerical simulations were either conducted using a simulation program developed in the Visual Basic Applications (VBA) language for Microsoft Excel to model the degassing process in the vacuum chamber or with the assistance of specialized software (transient structural analysis and simulation program in the ANSYS Workbench environment). Statistical analysis of the correlation between experimental and estimated pressure values revealed that both the proposed mathematical model and the solution method are well-chosen, with differences expressed through the absolute error (EA) being very small, only 1.425 mbar. Structural dynamic analysis carried through the Finite Element Method (FEM) highlights that the chosen materials for manufacturing the vacuum chamber vessel (316 stainless steel—yield strength 225 MPa and tangent modulus 2091 MPa) or the chamber lid (transparent acrylic plastic—yield strength 62.35 MPa and shear modulus 1445.3 MPa) are durable and capable of withstanding the desired pressure and temperature demands in the seed treatment process. Additionally, through structural dynamic analysis, it was possible to study the deformation of system components, providing a detailed perspective on their structural distribution. Thus, the paper aims to improve the quality and survival/germination rate of corn seeds as an important step to improve corn yield through simulations and analyses (numerical and experimental) of the vacuum corn seed degassing system. The degassing process of the vacuum chamber was simulated with a simulation program developed for Microsoft Excel for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2401 Build 16.0.17231.20236) 64-bit in the VBA language and software (transient structural dynamic analysis in the ANSYS environment through FEM). Vacuum degassing of corn seeds involves the removal of air or other gases around the seeds or products, which is crucial in various fields such as the food, pharmaceutical, or space technology industries.

The LHS scheme and wood density define functional groups of woody species in the Brazilian semiarid? Capturing functional syndromes in the Caatinga.

For the Caatinga vegetation, it has not yet been definitively established which adaptive strategies best define the functional groups of woody plants and which syndromes emerge from the relationships between functional traits to achieve success in a semi-arid tropical region. To fill some of these gaps, we analyzed a specific set of characteristics that make up the LHS scheme of the plant ecological strategy (leaf-heigh-seed). The LHS scheme captures the functional niche of plants regarding the functional traits specific leaf area (SLA), plant height (HE), and seed mass (SM). We associate wood density (WD) to this scheme because this trait is a key feature for the identification of functional strategies in seasonally dry vegetation such as the Caatinga. We measured these characteristics in eight woody species and classified them according to their leaf phenology into deciduous and evergreen. The experiment was carried out between December 2017 and November 2018 in Caatinga areas located in the municipality of Barra de Santana, PB, a semiarid region of Brazil. Using cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation analyses, we found significant relations between SLA and SM, and HE and WD. The SLA was the main predictor of plant strategy in the Caatinga. According to this characteristic, we identified two functional groups: species with a low SLA and species with a high SLA. We also recognized differences between deciduous and evergreen species based on the same trait. The traits measured, which represent the axes of the plant ecological strategy scheme LHS and wood density, are efficient in the discrimination of functional groups in the Brazilian semiarid. These groups relate to leaf phenology of woody species in this vegetation.

ИСКУССТВЕННЫЕ СКРЕЩИВАНИЯ И ПРОЯВЛЕНИЕ ГЕТЕРОЗИСА У МЕЖСОРТОВЫХ ГИБРИДОВ КЛЕВЕРА КРАСНОГО

The paper presents the results of research on artificial crossing of red clover, an assessment of hybrids of the first generation of red clover according to a complex of economically valuable features for creating varieties of hay-pasture type. The basis for the study were promising plants in the selection of parent forms, which were sown in a wide range and individually in a row. During the budding period – the beginning of flowering, accounting for economically valuable signs was carried out, cutting plants at a height of 10-12 cm. In the studied clover hybrids, such indicators as leafiness, head seeding, protein content, winter hardiness and yield of green mass and hay were taken into account. Evaluation of the productivity of the studied hybrids of red clover, which was determined by the calculation method based on the mass of seeds from one plant. The assessment of collection samples of red clover according to the complex of economically valuable features for the creation of hay-pasture-type varieties is given. The best samples were selected for the yield of green mass, hay, protein content, and plant height. The initial material was obtained according to the characteristics of adaptability, yield of green mass, foliage and seed productivity. Promising clover samples were selected for high seed productivity, reaching more than 60%. Based on the hybridization of the best genotypes, first-generation hybrids were formed for further breeding work. The evaluation of F1 hybrids based on economic and biological characteristics showed that many of them surpassed the best parental forms. Especially high heterosis in hybrids was observed in terms of green mass, hay, and protein content. Depression was observed more often due to the contamination of the heads. Given the high yield of the feed mass, their winter hardiness, these hybrids should be considered promising.

New variety of white lupine Monica (Lupinus albus L.)

Characterization of promising white lupine hybrid lines (LN5 and LN1-1) and their parental forms (Lucky801 and PI533704) was done. Biometric analysis of each variety and line was performed according to main quantitative traits and phenological stages and periods. A new variety of white lupine Monica (from line LN5) was created with a direction of use for seeds. It was obtained through repeated individual selection from the cross Lucky801 ? PI533704. The variety belongs to the medium-ripening group with a duration of the vegetation period of 129 days. It has genetically completed growth. The height of the plant was 87 cm. The variety has high lodging resistance and good adaptability to abiotic conditions. The first pods were formed at 40 cm. The pods of the plant are formed on the main stem and on shortened lateral branches of the first and second order. About 28 uncrackable pods formed on one plant. The inflorescence is medium-sized, blue-white, the seeds are white, medium-sized. The number of seeds in one plant is on average 114. The protein content of the grain is 33%. The variety is distinguished by high potential seed productivity (the mass of seeds per plant 37 g). The mass of 1000 seeds is 339 g. The average yield of grain (3150 kg/ha) in the competition variety trials exceeds the average yield of the parental forms (2940 kg/ha). By decision of the Expert Commission at the Executive Agency for Variety Testing, Field Inspection and Seed Control, Bulgaria (appointed by order RD-10-1/14.01.2022) and by order No. RD-12-1 of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Bulgaria dated 02.03.2022, the Monica variety was recognized as a new and original.

Bee Visits Improves Production Parameters of Maize in Northern Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

Maize (Zea mays) is one of cereal rich in nutrients and antioxidants essential for human health. Many studies showed that this speculation is pollinated indirectly by wind. However, we observed a strong presence of bees on the male flowers of maize as soon as they open. The high activity of bees on these flowers, causes an intense release of pollen, which couldimpact positively the fruit set. This study was carried out in the botanical garden of the university Peleforo Gon Coulibaly of Korhogo located in northern Cote d'Ivoire. Two varieties of maize (EV8728-SR and LG501) were used for this study. For each variety, 15 plants were protected from insect visits and 15 other plants were still unprotected. Ear mass,seed mass and seed number resulting from each treatment were analyzed. The findings showed that the average number of seeds per ear resulting from unprotected plants (V1: 445.8 ± 17.92 and V2: 442.27 ± 6.8) was significantly higher compared to the protected plants (V1: 242.13 ± 4.39 and V2: 208.6 ± 9.52) for each variety. The average mass of seeds resulting from unprotected plants (V1: 205.31 ± 2.23g and V2: 169.45 ± 5.15g) was also higher compared to the protected plants (V1: 101.79 ± 1.93g and V2: 77.49 ± 1.70g). Whatever the maize variety, the germination rate of seeds resulting from unprotected plants (V1: Tg = 96.67% and V2: Tg = 100%) was higher compared to the protected plants (V1: Tg = 66.67% and V2: Tg = 56.67%). This study are very relevant for farmers and scientists because, it showed clearly bee contribution in the maize production improvement.

Влияние свиного навоза жидкой фракции на формирование элементов продуктивности в агрофитоценозе озимого рапса

The purpose of the research is to study the effect of introduction the liquid fraction of pig manure on the productivity of winter rapeseed in the conditions of the Kaliningrad region. The article discusses the results of research conducted in 2018–2022 in the conditions of Pravdinsky municipal district, Kaliningrad region, on the effect of applying pig manure of liquid fraction on the quality of overwintering of winter rapeseed plants, productivity elements (number of productive stems, weight of seeds per plant) and seed yield. Mercedes and Visby hybrids, zoned for North-West region of Russia, were taken as research objects. During the research period, we observed the overwintering of winter rapeseed plants and counted the number of plants per 1 m2 before the onset of the winter period and in early spring, after the plants began to grow, and calculated the percentage of overwintered plants. In variants with the application of organic fertilizers, in most cases, the percentage of overwintered plants was on average 1–5% higher compared to the control. An evaluation of the research results also showed an increase in the number of productive stems of winter rapeseed plants by 1–3 pcs. in variants with the introduction of the liquid fraction of pig manure compared to the control on both hybrids. The mass of seeds collected from one plant was significantly greater in the variants with the introduction of the liquid fraction of pig manure throughout the entire study period. The analysis of yield showed that in the control options the values were lower compared to the options where the liquid fraction of pig manure was used as fertilizer. The increase in yield for Mercedes hybrid ranged from 36 to 79% over the years of research, for Visby hybrid – from 43 to 84%. Accordingly, the introduction of the liquid fraction of pig manure will increase the yield by 1.5–2.0 times.

Morphophysiological features of the generative offspring of Aesculus hippocastanum L. from various ecologically unfavorable areas of an industrial city

The results of the influence of various ecological conditions of an industrial city (environmentally favorable zone, zones of motor vehicle emissions and metallurgical production, damage by the chestnut miner Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimič) on the functional state of the generative offspring of Aesculus hippocastanum L. were given. The average degree of the mass variability of the horse chestnut seeds was revealed, the level of which depended on the type of pollution. Higher values of the variation coefficient were established in seeds from monitoring sites ecologically unfavorable for plant growth. A decrease in the mass of ripe seeds of horse chestnut exposed to the effects of vehicle emissions, metallurgical production, and the severe attack of the chestnut moth C. ohridella was shown compared to samples from an ecologically favorable zone. It was found that the moisture loss in seeds from the ecologically favorable zone was on average 25.0 %, while from the main road zone – 15.2 %. A decrease in the content of storage proteins by an average of 14.5 % in the zones of anthropogenic pollution was observed. The largest values of this characteristics were shown by most trees from the ecologically favorable zone. In the seeds of A. hippocastanum plants, an increase in the activity of both benzidine peroxidase and catalase was established mainly under the effects of aerotechnogenic pollution. The level of enzyme activity depended on the type of phytotoxic emissions. A decrease in the activity of benzidine peroxidase was registered due to the effects of motor vehicle emissions, and an increase due to the effects of metallurgical production. A significant increase in catalase activity was found in the seeds of A. hippocastanum trees from two monitoring sites and, especially, under the influence of vehicle emissions, which can be explained by a compensatory reaction in response to reduced peroxidase activity. An individual reaction of the studied protein system (storage proteins, antioxidant enzymes) of the seeds of some trees was observed, regardless of the stress level of technogenic load and the type of pollutants. At each monitoring site, trees whose seeds had both increased and significantly decreased enzyme activity were identified. In the Botanical Garden and in the park near the metallurgical enterprise, the seeds of only one of three trees showed high activity of both peroxidase and catalase. Considering the physiological functions of the studied enzymes in the seeds and the reaction of the plant organism to biotic and abiotic stresses, the increase in the activation of catalase and peroxidase indicated their participation in antioxidant protection against active forms of oxygen to ensure a reduction in the intensity of damage processes in the generative offspring of A. hippocastanum L. The variability of the level of enzyme activity in horse chestnut seeds means adaptation to environmental conditions and, in general, reveals the adaptive ability of generative offspring to germinate due to the high antioxidant potential to counteract the development of oxidative stress under the influence of adverse environmental factors. It was concluded that the chronic influence of adverse factors of the urban environment causes the formation of individual seeds with increased antioxidant protection characteristics, which can be used as planting material when creating sustainable plantations in an industrial city.