Production Of Seeds Research Articles

Analisa Usaha Budidaya Ikan Koi (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) pada Sistem Vertiqua Menggunakan Filter Biofikal Atas

The background of this research is that vertiqua is considered to have high production costs and small profits. Therefore, a business analysis is needed to increase the effectiveness of the fish farming business using the vertiqua system. The purpose of this study is to analyze the aquaculture business using the vertiqua system including capital and profit obtained. This research uses qualitative methods with descriptive explanations. The results of the research that has been done show that the R / C Ratio value obtained is 1.66, meaning that every 1 cycle cost expenditure will get 1.66 revenue. Koi fish farming using the vertiqua system is said to be feasible to continue because the R / C Ratio value is 1. The JWPM value with the calculation of 8 cycles for 1 year is 1.4, meaning that it takes 2 months and 2 days for the capital to return. Based on the business analysis conducted, the production of koi fish seeds using the upper biofical filter vertiqua system can be said to be feasible and has the potential to be further developed, because it can provide good profits with a good JWPM. In addition, cultivation using the upper biofical filter vertiqua system is very efficient in providing care for koi fish cultivation.

Research of a spring soft wheat collection material based on ear’s structure and grain quality elements

In modern conditions of high intensification of agriculture, the key task at all stages of development is to increase the volume of grain produced. This requires constant improvement of the varietal composition of production fields. When creating a new variety, it is necessary to comprehensively study the collection nursery for parental forms of important elements of grain structure and quality. In these scientific studies, 32 varieties of spring soft wheat were studied at the Institute of Seed Production and Agricultural Technologies in the Ryazan region. Standard variety Agata. From the studied varieties, the following varieties were identified: by the length of the ear Arsei, Margarita, Simbirtsit, Uralosibirskaya, Darnitsa, which are 19.5–31.2% higher than the standard, by the number of grains KVS Torridon, KVS Aquilon, Margarita, Ethos, Ekada 70, Odeta, and Kinelskaya Otrada, Uralosibirskaya, Darnitsa, Hercules exceeds the standard by 5.29–36.77%, by weight of grain per ear KVS Akvilon, KVS Torridon, Odeta, Margarita, Simbirtsit, Kalispero, Mary, Hercules, Uralosibirskaya, Ethos, Darnitsa, Kinelskaya Otrada, Kazan Yubileinyaya with indicators above the standard by 1.88–20.63%, in terms of protein content in grain Zlata, Novosibirskaya 29, Uralosibirskaya, Siberian Alliance, Sable, Chelyaba 2 above the standard by 0.42–2.01%, according to the gluten content in grain Novosibirskaya 29, Sable, Chelyaba 2 is 2.5–3.2% higher than the standard; by weight of 1000 grains Odeta, Siberian Alliance, Margarita, Simbirtsit, Burlak is 2.5–3.2% higher than the standard.

HSP70 and APX1 play important roles in cotton male fertility by mediating ROS homeostasis

Male sterility is used in the production of hybrid seeds and can improve the breeding efficiency of cotton hybrids. Reactive oxygen species is closely associated with the tapetum and pollen development, but their relationship in cotton male fertility remains unclear. In this study, we comprehensively compared the cytology and proteome of the anthers from an Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) material, Shida 98 (WT), and its nearly-isogenic male sterile line Shida 98A (MS). Cytology indicated delayed PCD in the tapetum and defects in microspores in MS anthers. And further studies revealed disruption of ROS homeostasis. Proteomic analysis identified proteins with differential abundance mainly being related to redox homeostasis, protein folding, and apoptotic signaling pathways. GhAPX1 interacted with GhHSP70 and played a crucial role in the development of cotton anthers. Exogenous application of HSP70 inhibitor increased H2O2 content and decreased the activity of APX1 and pollen viability. The GhAPX1 mutants generated by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing exhibited premature degradation of the tapetum, significant decrease in pollen viability, and significant increase in H2O2 content. Altogether, our results imply HSP70 and APX1 being the key players jointly regulating male fertility by mediating ROS homeostasis. These results provide insights into the proteins associated with male fertility.

Effect of biochar composition and paclobutrazol concentration on growth and yield of G1 Medians cultivar potato seeds in Jatinangor medium plain

Potato seed production in the medium plain is necessary to avoid environmental damage and the limited area of potato seed production in the high plain. The effort to increase the production of G1 potato seeds on the medium plain is the evaluation of the biochar composition and concentration of paclobutrazol that can increase the production G1 potato seeds cv Medians in the medium plain of Jatinangor. The research was conducted from August to December 2022 at the Ciparanje Experimental Field. Jatinangor. Faculty of Agriculture. Universitas Padjadjaran. The experiment used a Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD). The first factor was the biochar composition: m1 (100% compost), m2 (80% compost + 20% rice husk biochar), m3 (80% compost + 20% coconut shell biochar), and m4 (80% compost + 10% biochar husk rice + 10% coconut shell biochar). The second factor was the paclobutrazol concentration: p1 (without paclobutrazol), p2 (100 ppm paclobutrazol), and p3 (150 ppm paclobutrazol). The experimental results showed that there was no reaction effect of biochar compositions and paclobutrazol concentrations on the growth and yield of G1 potato seeds. The application of 80% compost + 20 % rice husk biochar gave significantly higher yields than treatment without biochar. The number of tubers was 6.29 knol per plant and the tuber weight was 66.80 g per plant. Application of 100 ppm paclobutrazol resulted in lower plant height, gave the number of tubers was 6.39 knol per plant, tuber weight per plant was 63.34 g higher than without paclobutrazol and produced more seed tubers with S class.

Towards Sustainable Onion Seed Production: An In-depth Analysis of Pest Control Practices, Knowledge Gaps, and Pollinator’s Awareness among Onion Seed Farmers in Maharashtra, India

Towards Sustainable Onion Seed Production: An In-depth Analysis of Pest Control Practices, Knowledge Gaps, and Pollinator’s Awareness among Onion Seed Farmers in Maharashtra, India

Reproductive strategies in the persistence of polymorph clover, an amphicarpic species

Amphicarpic plants produce aerial and subterranean fruits on the same plant. Trifolium polymorphum Poir. is an amphicarpic legume that also reproduces vegetatively by regrowing storage roots. Because of this, resource allocation information for different reproductive strategies is of great interest. In this study, the production of aerial and subterranean seeds and storage roots was evaluated in populations of T. polymorphum. The Pinheiro Machado and Eldorado do Sul populations produced on average the highest (165.50) and lowest (61.87) number of inflorescences per plant, respectively. Total aerial seed production did not differ between populations. Aerial flowers produced more seeds than subterranean flowers. There were positive correlations between number of inflorescences and total aerial seeds (r = 0.73), the number of subterranean legumes and total subterranean seeds (0.94) and between number and weight of storage roots (r = 0.83). Amphicarpy associated with vegetative reproduction is an important strategy for the persistence and increase frequency of T. polymorphum in the natural pastures of the Rio Grande do Sul, where intense grazing and trampling can destroy periodically the aerial part of the plants.

Effect of Root and Shoot Cutting on the Seed Production of Three Varieties of Carrot

An investigation was carried out at the United States Department of agriculture (USDA) Allium Field Mymensingh, Bangladesh Agricultural University Horticulture Farm Laboratory during the period of January 2019 to May 2019 to supervise the effect of root and shoot cutting (steckling) on the seed generation of three different carrot kinds. Four different cutting viz 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% root and shoot cutting (steckling) treatments and three varieties of carrot viz. PA (Prima Agroflora), BA (Brasilia Agroflora) and Indian AC0075 (Germplasm PI 652410). Three replications and a Randomised Complete Block Design were used to set up the experiment. The different percent of cutting and varieties had momentous effect on growth and seed generation of carrot. Among the varieties Brasilia Agroflora developed the best performance in respect of seed generation (0.82 g/plant, 20.41 g/plot and 136.11 kg/ha) copied by Prima Agroflora (0.47 g/plant, 15.00 g/plot and 100.00 kg/ha) and the lowest seed yield (0.73 g/plant, 13.88 g/plot and 92.59 kg/Ha) was filed from the variety Indian AC0075. The treatments percent root and shoot cutting (steckling) had momentous effects on most of the parameters practised. 50% root and shoot cutting treatment significantly influenced the yield and yield subscribing roles and gave the greatest yield of seed (0.73 g/plant, 19.99 g/plot and 133.33 kg/ha) whereas, 0% root and shoot cutting treatment produced the least seed yield (0.64g/plant, 14.25 g/plot and 95.06 kg/ha). Stirring the combined effect of percent root and shoot cutting (steckling) and variety with the maximum output of seeds (0.74 g/plant, 27.77 g/plot and 185.18 kg/ha) was earned from the set of treatments used with the Brasilia Agroflora variety with 50% root and shoot cutting (steckling) and the least seed yield (0.28 g/plant, 9.44 g/plot and 62.96 kg/Ha) was noted from the fusion of diversity Prima Agroflora with 0% root and shoot cutting (steckling) treatment.

Leveraging Wheat Competition to Manage Seasonal Expansion of Feathertop Rhodes Grass (Chloris virgata)

Utilizing the potential of crops to suppress weeds is an important strategy for sustainable management. Feathertop Rhodes grass (FTR) (Chloris virgata Sw.) is a problematic warm-season weed in Australia that has recently expanded into colder seasons. This study investigated the growth and seed production of FTR at two planting times (May and July) and three wheat planting densities (0, 82, and 164 plants m−2) using a neighborhood design over two years. In both years, the plant height, tiller production, and panicle production of FTR were lower in the presence of wheat compared to when wheat was absent. Surrounding FTR with wheat delayed its pinnacle emergence, varying from 1 to 6 days in the first year and 4 to 21 days in the second year, depending on the planting date and wheat density. During both years and planting times, wheat’s presence caused approximately a 99% decrease in the dry matter and seed production of FTR compared to wheat’s absence. Additionally, the wheat height, an important competitive factor, was higher at both densities in the May planting compared to the July planting. The emergence, establishment, and continuous production of FTR seeds throughout the year indicate that inadequate management could result in the further spread of this weed. Our findings suggest that adjusting the date and density of wheat planting could be a viable strategy for sustainably managing this weed during colder seasons.

Optimization of Harvesting and Drying Techniques for Quality Seed Production in Specialty Crops: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Optimization of Harvesting and Drying Techniques for Quality Seed Production in Specialty Crops: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Growth and Fecundity of Nonnative Blue Honeysuckle Cultivars: Comparisons with Native and Invasive Congeners in a Maine Field Trial

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea) is a circumpolar species complex with representatives in Europe, Asia, and North America. Although honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) from Eurasia have a history of invasiveness in North America, farmers and homeowners are interested in growing nonnative blue honeysuckle hybrids because of their edible blue fruits. To assess whether these cultivars and closely related native blue honeysuckles (Lonicera caerulea subsp. villosa) might have similar growth and fecundity, we planted five nonnative cultivars of blue honeysuckle and five native genotypes in a common garden in Orono, ME, USA, along with invasive red-fruited honeysuckles [Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) and European fly honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum)] for comparison. Rooted cuttings were planted into a field plot in Jun 2016 and fully maintained during the first season; thereafter, maintenance consisted of weeding once annually. Seventy-three percent of native blue honeysuckle plants survived to the end of the study, whereas survival and growth of nonnative cultivars were more robust. In 2021, nonnative cultivars had an average height of 81 cm and width of 86 cm, which were 2.8 times the height and 2.9 times the width of surviving native plants. The estimated canopy volumes of nonnative blue honeysuckles were an average of 20 times those of their native counterparts. The bloom periods of native and nonnative blue honeysuckles overlapped considerably. However, only seven of the 22 living native plants produced fruits in 2021, with an average of three fruits per plant among them. In contrast, nearly all plants of the nonnative cultivars produced fruits, with an average of 616 fruits per plant. In comparison, the red-fruited invasives had an average of 9739 fruits per plant. Native blue honeysuckles produced very few seeds, whereas nonnative cultivars had an average of 13,918 seeds per plant, which was approximately one-fourth the number produced by invasive red-fruited honeysuckles. We concluded that native and nonnative genotypes of blue honeysuckle differ strikingly in survival, growth, and production of fruits and seeds. However, invasive red-fruited honeysuckles grew faster with higher fecundity than nonnative blue honeysuckles in our full-sun landscape. Because bloom times overlapped substantially between native and nonnative blue honeysuckles, the potential for gene flow to occur from planted cultivars into native populations merits consideration. Several possible explanations of differences in performance among blue honeysuckles include hybrid vigor of cultivars or shallow rooting or poor adaptability of native genotypes to the environment of the common-garden trial. Our results, which demonstrated that nonnative blue honeysuckles are likely to be distinct from their native relatives in terms of competitiveness and fecundity, suggest that caution is warranted during the introduction and cultivation of agricultural genotypes.

Physiochemical and Microbial Quality of Melon and Bush Mango Seeds and Milled Products in Local Markets ln Rivers State,Nigeria.

Risk of food borne infection contamination of food, in Africa is increased due to environmental, agronomic and socio-economic factors. This study assesses the microbial quality of melon and bush mango displayed in the local markets, aiming to provide valuable insights into the safety and quality of these widely consumed food products. Standard procedure for microbiological and proximate analysis were employed. The heterotrophic bacteria count ranged from 8.5 x 10⁵ cfu/g to 1.35 x10⁶ cfu/g. The total staphylococcus count ranged from 1.2 x 10³ cfu/g to 4.35 x 10³ cfu/g. The coliform count ranged from 2.8 x 10⁴ to 7 x 10⁵, Total Samonella count ranged from 4 x 10² cfu/g to 1.5 x 10³ cfu/g and Fungi count 6.5 x 10² cfu/g to 2.5 x 10³ cfu/g. Morphological and Biochemical characterization of heterotrophic bacteria isolated from both melon and bush mango identified nine genera, including Staphylococcus (14.6%) Bacillus (20%), Corynebacterium (5.6%) Enterobacter (4.4%), Micrococcus ( 3.3%) Pseudomonas (12.2%), Escherichia coli (13.3%), Salmonella (11.1%) and Proteus (11.1%). Fungal species like Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., Aspergillus flavus, Candida spp., Mucor spp., Saccharomyces sp., and Aspergillus niger were isolated from both seed and milled seeds samples of melon and bush mango. The frequency of occurrence revealed variations among bacterial isolates in melon and bush mango seeds. The most frequent fungal species included Candida spp. (9.4%) Aspergillus niger (20%) Mucor (9.4%), Fusarium (11.4%), Aspergillus flavus (9.4%), Penicillium (13.2%), Rhizopus spp (3.7%) and Saccharomyces (15%). Proximate and heavy metal analysis indicated variations in the composition of Carbohydrate (7.11%), Lipid (15.03%), Ash (1.89%), Moisture (7.31%), Protein (23.86%), Crude Fiber (12.66%), Lead (0.213 mg/kg), Copper (2.11mg/kg), calcium (0.49mg/kg) and Cadmium (0.0169mg/kg) in melon and bush mango, Carbohydrate (15.03%), Lipid (58.24%), Ash (1.74%), Moisture (10.48%), Protein (11.95%), Crude Fiber (2.64%), Lead (1.7903mg/kg), Copper (2.11mg/kg), calcium (0.148mg/kg) and Cadmium (0.000385mg/kg). The presence of heterotrophic bacteria in such ranges suggests potential differences in hygiene practices during cultivation, processing, and storage. Therefore; Implement stringent quality control measures during the production, processing, and storage of both melon and bush mango seed.

Seed size and dispersal mode select mast seeding in perennial plants.

Reproduction by perennial plants varies from being relatively constant over years to the production of massive and synchronous seed crops at irregular intervals, a reproductive strategy called mast seeding. The sources of interspecific differences in the extent of interannual variation in seed production are largely unknown. We conducted a global meta-analysis of animal-dispersed species to quantify how the interannual variability in seed crops produced by plants can be explained by the seed mass, dispersal mode, phylogeny, and climate. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the interannual variations in seed production and seed mass tended to be similar in related species due to their shared evolution. The interannual variation in seed production was 1.22 times higher in synzoochorous species dispersed by scatter-hoarders compared with endozoochorous species dispersed by frugivores. Furthermore, the production of small seeds was associated with higher interannual variation in seed production, although synzoochorous species produced larger seeds than endozoochorous species. Precipitation rather than temperature had a significant positive effect on the interannual variation in seed production. The seed mass and dispersal mode contributed more to the interannual variation in seed production than phylogeny, climate, and fruit type. Our findings support a long-standing hypothesis that interspecific variation in the masting intensity is largely shaped by interactions between plants and animals.

PEMANFAATAN CACING TANAH (Lumbricus rubellus) PADA PENDEDERAN LOBSTER AIR TAWAR (Cherax quadricarinatus) DENGAN SISTEM RESIRKULASI

Recirculation systems are intensive cultivation methods that offer an attractive alternative to extensive systems for lobster farming. This study aims to evaluate the utilization of earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) in the juvenile rearing of freshwater lobsters (Cherax quadricarinatus) using a recirculation system. The research was conducted at the Wet Laboratory of the Seed and Fish Feed Production Technology Study Program, Politeknik Indonesia Venezuela, from October to November 2022. The experimental design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) non-factorial, consisting of 4 treatments and 4 replications: A (control), B (10% of biomass), C (15% of biomass), and D (20% of biomass). The results showed that treatment D (20% of biomass) produced the highest absolute weight growth, with an average of 12.0 g, while treatment A (control) had the lowest weight with an average of 1.2 g. The highest absolute length growth was also observed in treatment D, with an average of 4.5 cm, while treatment A had the lowest length growth at 0.7 cm. The highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was achieved by treatment B (10% of biomass) with an average of 2.57, whereas the lowest FCR was observed in treatment D with an average of 1.63. The highest molting frequency over 30 days was recorded in treatment D, while the lowest molting frequencies were found in treatments A and B. ANOVA test results indicated that the earthworm treatments significantly affected absolute weight growth, absolute length growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and molting frequency of the lobsters over 30 days. However, there was no significant effect on the survival rate (SR) of the lobsters.

Семенная продуктивность и качество семян Pinus sylvestris L. в лесных культурах на крымских яйлах

The seed production and quality of Pinus sylvestris seeds in forest plantations on the Crimean yaylas has been studied. The dynamics of biometric indicators of cones and seeds by year and in connection with the peculiarities of growing conditions has been characterized. Significant differences in the quality of seeds of P. sylvestris trees have been revealed in terms of the level of germination energy. It has been shown that, along with the temperature regime, a significant impact on the effectiveness of P. sylvestris reproduction processes is exerted by air humidity and the nature of precipitation, as well as the dynamics of air mass movement, since the success of pollination is determined by the quantity and quality of pollen that has reached the female reproductive structures. Based on the analysis of weather phenomena and the dynamics of seed quality, it has been found that the level of seed germination is best reflected by an integrated index that takes into account the combined effect of several factors – the dryness index. In addition, the results of the analysis allowed us to conclude that the efficiency of the pollination process of female cones of P. sylvestris under yayla conditions is most likely influenced by the number of hours of sunshine. The germination energy and seed germination differ not only within the studied plantations, but also depending on the year of study. During the observation period, the forest plantations of the Ai-Petrinskaya Yayla have produced the highest quality seeds. In 2014, in the plantations with a density of 0.5, the seed germination rate was 74.5±2.2 %. The lowest level of germination energy and seed germination has been noted in artificial plantations of P. sylvestris on the Tirke Yayla; in 2012, these indicators here amounted to 15.2±0.7 and 46.2±2.1 %, respectively. In general, the development of the generative sphere of P. sylvestris in artificial plantations on the Crimean yaylas is quite effective. Based on this, a conclusion has been made that the growing conditions on the yaylas are favourable for the implementation of the initial stages of the ontogenesis of the species.

Study results of the spring vetch varieties (<i>Vicia sativa</i> L.) in the Republic of Bashkortostan

Spring vetch is a valuable leguminous plant that serves as a source of high-protein feed for farm animals, and due to its ability to fix nitrogen, it is a good green manure. The cultivation of this crop plays an important role in solving the problem of plant protein deficiency; however, in the Cis-Ural steppe of the Republic of Bashkortostan, productivity of vetch seeds and green mass is low and unstable over the years. In this regard, the purpose of the current study was to estimate the potential productivity of spring vetch varieties that would be promising for cultivation in the soil and climatic conditions of our region. Field trials were conducted in 2021–2023. Weather conditions during the years of study were contrasting in temperature and moisture availability. The material for the study was a set of spring vetch varieties ‘Omichka 3’, ‘Orlovskaya 91’, ‘Lugovskaya 98’, ‘Lgovskaya 22’, ‘Yubileinaya 110’, ‘Uzunovskaya 8’, ‘Valentina’, recommended for cultivation in the Ural region of the Russian Federation. The estimation, records and measurements were carried out in accordance with the Methodological recommendations for the study of the grain legumes’ collection (1975) and the Methodology for the State Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops (2019). As a result, there has been found that in the conditions of the Republic of Bashkortostan the spring vetch varieties ‘Lgovskaya 22’, ‘Omichka 3’, ‘Uzunovskaya 8’ with a vegetation period length of 74.3±11.6 – 75.7±12.1 days turned out to be the most earlymaturing. According to the indicators of the main yield structure elements, the varieties ‘Valentina’, ‘Uzunovskaya 8’, ‘Yubileinaya 110’ were the best in terms of ‘number of beans per plant’ (4.4±0.7 – 4.9±1.3 pcs.), ‘seeds per plant’ (18.1± 5.9 – 18.5±6.8 pcs.), ‘seed productivity’ (0.90±0.26 – 0.96±0.27g). According to our study, the most promising varieties for production in the Republic of Bashkortostan are ‘Uzunovskaya 8’ and ‘Valentina’, which were the best ones in terms of productivity of grain (1.25–1.29 t/ha), green mass (6.40–6.53 t/ha) and hay (1.61–1.65 t/ha) in 2021–2023.

Spread of Puumala Hantavirus to New Areas in a Large Croatian Outbreak of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, 2021.

Background: The largest documented outbreak of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome occurred in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia, in 2021, marking the first-time cases of hantavirus infection recorded outside of the known endemic region in the north of the county. Aim: To identify the factors contributing to the spread of the outbreak and to compare risk factors for acquiring hantavirus infection in the endemic and newly affected regions. Methods and Results: A total of 189 cases were confirmed by positive Puumala IgM/IgG antibodies (93.6%), and 13 probable cases were identified by clinical and epidemiological data (6.4%) using a structured questionnaire. Of the 179 cases with available clinical data, 59 (33.0%) were hospitalized. Three cases received hemodialysis, and no deaths were reported. Among 170 cases with information on exposures, 66 (38.8%) reported occupational risk. Cases in the northern part of county were more likely to have been infected in early spring (OR 27.1, 95% CI 2.93-250.7), to report seeing a rodent (OR 6.5; 95%CI 2.3-18.4), and to know someone with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) (OR 3.0; 95%CI 1.2-8.0) than cases from the southern part of the county. Data from Croatian Forests Ltd. suggested that an unusually good production of beech seeds in 2020 may have contributed to an increased rodent population in 2021. However, average temperature, rainfall, and humidity data from 2021 did not illustrate a significant difference from previous years (Kruskal-Wallis p = 0.837, p = 0.999, p = 0.108). Conclusion: The 2021 HFRS outbreak was likely fueled by an abundant rodent population and virus transmission in rodent hosts. Human activity, environmental factors, and the ensuing animal-human interactions have spread hantavirus infection from Croatia's mountainous region to a previously nonendemic coastal area with a Mediterranean climate.

Tree size partially mediates the influence of climate on fruit and seed production in Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Heckel

AbstractUnderstanding environmental drivers of fruit and seed production in wild edible fruit species is essential for their valorisation. Ricinodendron heudelotii is an oilseed plant whose kernels are particularly treasured in cosmetic and medical industries. This study assessed fruits and seeds production patterns of R. heudelotii. Data were collected for three consecutive years on 30 trees in the phytodistricts of Plateau, Pobè and South Borgou where it naturally occurs. Tree dbh, total height, crown diameter, number of fruits and seed mass were measured. Climatic data were obtained from NASA Power Database. Data were analysed using linear (seed mass) and generalised linear (number of fruits) mixed models and structural equation modelling. Fruit and seed production were significantly higher in the South‐Borgou phytodistrict (1433 ± 1144 fruits, 4.26 ± 3.39 kg of Dry matter per tree) and Plateau phytodistrict (1.66 ± 0.35 g DM/seed). Tree dbh further significantly mediated the effect of minimum temperature, and relative humidity on seed mass. Tree dbh, irradiance and dry season rainfall were identified as the best‐predictors of seed mass production (kg DM). These results improved current knowledge of the fruit and seed production of R. heudelotii and are of significant importance for the exploitation of the species.

ВАРЕНО-КОПЧЕНАЯ КОЛБАСА ИЗ МЯСА ДИКИХ ЖИВОТНЫХ

The purpose of research is to develop a recipe, technology and evaluate the quality of boiled-smoked sausages made from the meat of wild animals (elk, wild boar). Objectives: to develop a recipe for boiled-smoked sausage from wild animal meat; to evaluate the quality characteristics of the developed sausage products; to calculate the economic efficiency of the production of boiled-smoked sausage. The object of research is three samples of boiled smoked sausage: control – compliance with the standard recipe; sample № 1 – with the addition of 60 % of the main raw material of boar meat; sample № 2 – with the addition of 60 % of the main raw material of elk meat. Research was carried out on the basis of Zavolzhsky Meat Processing Plant LLC, Tver Region and the Department of Agrobiotechnologies, Processing and Seed Production of the Tver State Agricultural Academy. As a result of comprehensive research, the feasibility of producing boiled-smoked sausages from elk and wild boar meat was determined, which is necessary to expand the range of gourmet sausage products. All developed and manufactured samples of sausage products fully complied with the requirements of GOST R 55455-2013 “Cooked-smoked sausages. Technical conditions". The best combination of organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics was found in a sausage sample made from elk meat. The protein content in it was 17.2 %. This same sample of sausage provided the highest indicators of economic efficiency, increasing profits relative to the control version, made according to the classic recipe, by 9.1 % with an increase in profitability by 1.3 %. At the next stages of research, it is planned to expand the number of types of meat and additional raw materials used in the design of sausage product recipes.

NPK fertilization for the first years of physic nut cultivated in two regions

The physic nut is an oilseed plant that has stood out as an alternative source for biodiesel. However, using it in this way requires determining the edaphoclimatic conditions and adequate fertilization to guarantee maximum productivity. This study objectived to evaluate and establish adequate rates of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) to maximize the growth and productivity of physic nut in two edaphoclimatic conditions. Two experiments were performed over two consecutive years, one under Quartzarenic Neosol in the municipality of Diamantina and the other under Red-Yellow Latosol in the municipality of Governador Valadares. The treatments comprised rates of N: 0, 25, 50, 100 kg ha−1; P: 0, 35, 70, 140 kg ha−1; and K: 0, 40, 80, 160 kg ha−1. Plant growth was evaluated every 30 days until flowering. Seed and oil productivity was also assessed, with one harvest in Diamantina and two harvests in Governador Valadares. The edaphoclimatic condition of Governador Valadares was a determining factor in providing greater growth and productivity of the physic nut when compared to that of Diamantina. The application of N rates was unnecessary for the growth and productivity of the physic nut in Diamantina. Thus, phosphate fertilization was unnecessary in Governador Valadares and potassium fertilization was unnecessary for both regions. In Diamantina, 84 kg ha−1 and 87 kg ha−1 of P is recommended for growth and maximum productivity, respectively. Whereas, in Governador Valadares, 49 kg ha−1 and 55 kg ha−1 of N is recommended for growth and maximum crop productivity, respectively.

Seed production in a dioecious subcanopy conifer tree Taxus baccata: the positive effect of neighboring males and female heterozygosity

ABSTRACT Seed production is known to reveal high individual variation in tree populations, shaping regeneration and competition patterns. In isolated populations, individual variation in seed production drives genetic drift and inbreeding, increasing the risk of local extinction. In this study, we investigated the variation in seed production within a natural remnant population of a dioecious conifer, Taxus baccata. The observed individual seed counts were highly variable and showed excessive zeros. The observed zeros were well explained by the small trunk circumference and the absence of neighboring males. Non-zero seed counts increased with female trunk circumference, neighboring male circumference, and female heterozygosity. In addition, seed production decreased with elevation, presumably reflecting water availability at the site. We did not observe an effect of canopy closure but, since trunk circumference showed a strong relationship with canopy closure, light availability may indirectly influence seed production by determining resources available for reproduction. Overall, the study shows that seed production in yew is strongly pollen-limited. However, for similarly sized and pollen-supplemented trees, seed production may be further determined by an individual genotype and micro-environmental factors. Whether the observed variation in seed production drives density-dependent effects (e.g. mortality) in recruited seedlings remains a matter for future studies.