Oat Seeds Research Articles

Influence of previous crops and fungicide seed treatment in the incidence and control of damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani in cotton seedlings under greenhouse conditions

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to verify the influence of previous crops and fungicide seed treatment in the incidence and control of damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani in cotton seedlings under greenhouse conditions. This experiment was carried out during two years at Embrapa Western Agriculture, in Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. In addition to cotton (treated and untreated seeds) and fallow, the following cover crops were tested as previous crops: black oats, millet, corn, forage sorghum, soybean, common beans, crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea), brachiaria (Urochloa ruziziensis) and brachiaria (Urochloa ruziziensis) + crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea). The fungicide mixture used as treatment to cotton seeds was triadimenol + pencycuron + tolylfluanid (50 + 50 + 30 g a.i./100 kg seeds). Seeds from cotton and previous crops were sown in soil contained in plastic trays and pots; the seeds were placed in individual and equidistant 3cm-deep wells. Inoculation of R. solani was obtained by homogeneously distributing the fungal inoculum onto the substrate surface (2.5g/tray and 0.34g/pot). The fungus was grown for 35 days on autoclaved black oat seeds subsequently ground to powder using a mill (1mm). Damping-off was daily evaluated from the seventh day after sowing. There was a significant effect of the interaction previous crops x fungicide treatment (P<0.05). The fungicide seed treatment was efficient in controlling seedling damping-off caused by R. solani and its effect was potentiated when grasses were the previous crops. Use of grasses such as brachiaria (Urochloa ruziziensis), black oats, millet, corn and forage sorghum as previous crops, besides fallow, significantly contributed to a smaller R. solani population in the soil, which resulted in lower rates of cotton seedling damping-off. On the other hand, using cotton continuously, as well as the legumes soybeans, beans, crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea), and brachiaria (Urochloa ruziziensis) + crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea) as previous crops to cotton, was consistently associated with higher rates of seedling damping-off, contributing to the increase or at least the maintenance of R. solani inoculum in the soil. The highest damping-off percentages were observed in plots under continuous cotton cultivation without fungicide seed treatment. The present results reinforce the need of improving damping-off control in cotton seedlings by adopting integrated management programs in areas infested with R. solani.

Development of technology for hydrothermal processing of oat grain

The paper presents technical solutions aimed at increasing efficiency of technological process for obtaining food concentrates using oat flour made from grain that has undergone hydrothermal treatment. The technology for oat flour production with a high content of biologically active substances provides for the stage-by-stage (complex) processing of oat grain, including cleaning, hydrothermal treatment of grain, further hulling and grinding. The paper describes the author’s resource-saving technology and new developed equipment, which provide for hydrothermal treatment of grain crops with removal of stagnant zones in the working volume of the chamber due to continuous mixing of grain using a screw winding, which is repeating an oval shape in the body cross-section, and equal distribution of the steam mixture due to the steam distributing jacket of the body and steam manifolds mounted on the auger shaft. The authors carried out comparison of the developed resource-saving technology with the existing technology of grain preparation for peeling, which has found wide application at grain processing enterprises. Based on the studies carried out, the main solutions have been identified, the introduction of which increases the efficiency of using hydrothermal treatment to 100%, increases the yield of whole grain in the peeling process by 90-96%, and reduces the amount of waste in the form of crushed grain by 4-6%. The developed technology and equipment are intended to be introduced into production schemes for processing grain seeds for mini-shops on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. It was found that the use of the developed resource-saving technology and new equipment reduces the cost of hydrothermal treatment of oat seeds, in comparison with existing technologies, up to 8-10%.

Calcium amendment for improved germination, plant growth, and leaf photosynthetic electron transport in oat (Avena sativa) under NaCl stress.

Calcium (Ca2+) is an essential nutrient element for plants as it stabilizes the membrane system structure and controls enzyme activity. To investigate the effects of Ca2+ on plant growth and leaf photosynthetic electron transport in oat (Avena sativa) under NaCl stress, oat seeds and plants were cultivated in nutrient solutions with single NaCl treatment and NaCl treatment with CaCl2 amendment. By measuring the seed germination rate, plant growth, Na+ and Cl- accumulation in leaves, ion leakage in seedlings and leaves, prompt chlorophyll a fluorescence (PF) transient (OJIP), delayed chlorophyll a fluorescence (DF), and modulated 820 nm reflection (MR) values of the leaves at different growth phases, we observed that Ca2+ alleviated the inhibition of germination and plant growth and decreased Na+ and Cl- accumulation and ion leakage in the leaves under NaCl stress. NaCl stress changed the curves of the OJIP transient, induced PF intensity at P-step (FP) decrease and PF intensity at J-step (FJ) increase, resulted in obvious K and L bands, and altered the performance index of absorption (PIABS), the absorption of antenna chlorophyll (ABS/RC), electron movement efficiency (ETo/TRo), and potential maximum photosynthetic capacity (FV/FM) values. With the time extension of NaCl stress, I1 and I2 in the DF curve showed a decreasing trend, the lowest values of MR/MRO curve increased, and the highest points of the MR/MRO curve decreased. Compared with NaCl treatment, the extent of change induced by NaCl in the values of OJIP, DF and MR was reduced in the NaCl treatment with CaCl2 amendment. These results revealed that Ca2+ might improve the photosynthetic efficiency and the growth of salt-stressed plants by maintaining the integrity of oxygen-evolving complexes and electron transporters on the side of the PSI receptor and enhancing the relationship between the functional units of the photosynthetic electron transport chain. The findings from this study could be used for improving crop productivity in saline alkali lands.

Effect of Ascophyllum nodosum Alga Application on Microgreens, Yield, and Yield Components in Oats Avena sativa L.

This paper describes the influence of Ascophyllum nodosum algae on the seeds, microgreens, yield, and yield components of oat Avena sativa cv. Bingo. This article includes the results from three experiments. In one of the experiments, the oat seeds were soaked in a solution of demineralized water with dried comminuted and homogenized algae. For the FT–Raman spectra measurements, a spectrometer with an Nd:YAG laser, with a germanium detector, was used. The results obtained show that an excessively low as well as an excessively high alga concentration did not have an influence on the change in oat composition. Other algae concentrations that were used in these experiments caused significant chemical changes in the oat seeds. For the FT–Raman data, separation of the control from all the oat grains treated with different algae concentrations was possible. The aim of the pot experiment was to determine the effect of the application of algae (in different doses) on the A. sativa green mass of young plants (microgreens). The certified oat seeds, after being soaked in a solution with algae, were planted in the ground. For the chemometric analysis of the oat samples, a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer device was used. The data were recorded with a viewing diamond with an attenuated total reflection (ATR) crystal plate. The FTIR spectra showed that soaking in an algae suspension affected the germination, general metabolism, and chemical composition of the oats. The use of algae did not change the lipid content of the plant. The three-year field experiment was established by introducing two factors: A. nodosum application (A) and a pre-sowing stimulation with a low-frequency magnetic field (S). The influence of experimental factors on the oat yield and its structure (yield structure components and yield components) was investigated. The beneficial effect of algae on oat yield was demonstrated by improved parameters such as the number and weight of the grains; however, under field conditions, the pre-sowing magnetic field stimulation of seeds did not have a beneficial effect. Various weather conditions also had a great influence on the yield. This study also considered the role of A. nodosum as a biostimulant in plants, and this showed potential under less favorable conditions.

Biochemical changes in black oat plants in response to water deficit under different temperatures

The black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) stands out as a forage of great importance in Brazilian agriculture. However, the productivity and quality of this forage can be affected by abiotic factors, such as temperature and water availability, which affect the physiological processes and facilitate the accumulation of free radicals (reactive oxygen species - ROS). Thus, the objective of this study was to understand the biochemical changes in black oat plants subjected to water deficit at different temperatures. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse in two experimental periods, which presented an average temperature of 20 °C and 24 °C, respectively. Black oat seeds, of the variety IAPAR 61, were sown in pots and the plants were irrigated for 60 days. After which, the pots were covered with plastic bags and the irrigation was suspended. The analyses were carried out in five periods of evaluation - M1: plants before the suspension of irrigation, M2: plants at the first wilting point, M3: three days after plastic removal and irrigation return, M4: four days after M3 and before the second suspension of irrigation, and M5: the second wilting point. The levels of total protein and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activity of the enzymes catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were analyzed. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six replications, in a factorial scheme of average temperature × water management × periods of evaluation, and the means were compared by Tukey’s test at 5%. In response to water deficiency and temperature increase, black oat plants increased their levels of total soluble proteins, and there was greater lipid peroxidation due to the increase in malondialdehyde content. There was no change in the activity of the enzymes catalase and ascorbate peroxidase under water deficit, and these activities decreased with increasing temperature.

INFLUENCE OF EXOMETABOLITES OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF CULTURAL PLANTS ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF PATHOGENIC MICROMYCETES BIPOLARIS SOROKINIANA AND ALTERNARIA ALTERNATA

Objective. To establish the influence of exometabolites of winter wheat plants of Podolianka, Natalka, Skagen, Mulan varieties and oats of Skarb Ukrainy, Svitanok, Tembr varieties on the growth and development of Bipolaris sorokiniana micromycete, as well as the influence of onion of Tkachenkivska, Mavka, Veselka, Liubchyk, Variah, Harmonia varieties on the growth and development of the micromycete Alternaria alternata. Methods. Mycological, phytopathological, phytoimmunological. Results. Two hundred isolates of pathogenic micromycetes were isolated from the seeds of the studied crops of different varieties. The most common microbiota were: Bipolaris sorokiniana, Alternaria alternata, Alternaria tenuissima, Alternaria infectoria, Stemphylium vesicarium, Curvularia inaequalis. The highest incidence on wheat and oat seeds (over 80 %) was reported for B. sorokiniana, on onion seeds — for A. alternata. It was found that exometabolites of plants of different varieties can both inhibit and stimulate the rate of radial growth of mycelium of B. sorokiniana and A. alternata. It was proved that exometabolites of plants of wheat, oats, onion can significantly affect the reproductive capacity of the studied micromycetes, which reduced the number of spores per 1 cm2 of colony area almost 1.2–2.5 times compared to the control. This indicates that exometabolites of plants are characterized by fungicidal properties, which are due to a complex of biologically active substances that can inhibit the intensity of sporulation of B. sorokiniana and A. alternate. Conclusion. The antifungal property of root exometabolites of plants of the studied varieties significantly depends on the genotype of the variety. Therefore, an important timely task is to identify environmentally stable and flexible varieties that are characterized by group resistance to pathogens of fungal origin, as well as the search for mechanisms of action of fungicidal natural origin.

Physiological quality of white oat seeds at different temperatures

White oats are cereals that are grown in different regions of the globe because they have good adaptability and final destination. Thus, their cultivation has shown significant increases in order to meet demand, especially for forage production, grains, and animal and human consumption. High-quality seeds are necessary for crop cultivation and white oats are sown in winter when thermal fluctuations may occur. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological changes in oat seeds exposed to different temperatures during the germination phase. The experiment was a completely randomized design with four replications in a 6 × 4 factorial design. Six cultivars were evaluated: Aphrodite, Altiva, Artemis, Brava, Corona, and Guará at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C, and the following measurements were taken: first germination count, germination, germination speed index (IVG), and seedling length and mass. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance (F test) and the means were compared using Tukey’s test. The cultivars were physiologically affected at the minimum and maximum temperatures. At 15 °C, normal seedlings did not form, whereas the highest germination values were recorded at 20 and 25 ºC, which showed that these temperatures were the most favorable temperatures for the germination process. Vigor declined at 30 °C and there was a greater number of abnormal seedlings and dead seeds.

Vitexin and isovitexin levels in sprouts of selected plants

Vitexin and isovitexin have many biological activities and they are important nutraceuticals. The aim of this study was to compare different species of sprouts used in human nutrition as to their suitability as sources of vitexin and isovitexin, and the influence of light on their content of them. Seeds of industrial hemp, proso millet, naked oat, hulled oat, fenugreek, linseed, common buckwheat, and flax were used for production of sprouts. The contents of vitexin and isovitexin were determined by HPLC. Buckwheat contained the highest, and statistically significant, amounts of both vitexin (3548 mg/kg) and isovitexin (5579 mg/kg); and thus is one of the important sources of these compounds. Daylight is crucial for the formation of both of these C-glycosylflavones.

Influence of Different Levels of Biochar in Some Soil Physical Properties and Growth Parameters of Oat (Avena sativa L.)

A pots experiment was performed in the greenhouse of the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah in clay loam soil, to study the effect of the different levels of biochar on some soil physical properties (bulk density, total porosity, moisture content, mean weight diameter and saturated hydraulic conductivity) and some indicators of oat crop growth (height and dry weight of the plant). The experiment included the use of six different levels of biochar: B0 (control), B1 (1%), B2 (1.5%), B3 (2%), B4 (2.5%) and B5 (3%) were added based on the dry weight of the soil. The pots were planted with oat seeds on 1 October 2018, and after 50 days of cultivation, the studied characteristics were measured. The experiment was designed by using a complete randomized design (CRD). The results showed the improvement of the soil physical properties and plant growth with the addition of biochar, as the level exceeded 1.5% (B2) in most of the physical properties of the soil and the studied growth characteristics as it gave the lowest bulk density of soil and the highest values for the total porosity, mean weight diameter, plant height, and dry weight of plant. They were reached 1.033 Mg m-3 and 60.71 %, 1.091 mm, 60.87 cm and 2.693 g pot-1, respectively. Whereas, the 3% (B5) level of biochar recorded the highest soil moisture content and saturated hydraulic conductivity and the lowest plant height, they were reached 32.18% and 3.953 cm hour-1 and 46.90 cm, respectively. While, the control treatment (B0) gave the highest bulk density of soil and lowest values for the other studied traits compared to all levels of added biochar.

Scientific justification for the composition and technology of a phospholipid-plant food complex

One of the promising and effective ways to make food products functional today is to use complex functional food ingredients (FFI), in particular, a phospholipid-plant food complex. Scientifically-based selection of ingredients provides balanced in terms of vitamin and mineral composition, capable of providing a corrective effect on the physiological systems of the body. FFI technology has been developed, consisting of fat-free rapeseed phospholipids, dry extracts of germinated seeds of naked oats and Melissa officinalis, succinic acid. The global trend in the food industry is the conversion of biologically active substances into a nanoform the main advantage of which is an increase in their digestibility. Amphiphilic molecules of long-chain phospholipids in an aqueous medium can spontaneously form liposomes that have prospects for use in food technologies as stabilizers of labile biologically active substances. Naked oats are well balanced in the composition of essential amino acids. The maximum number of free amino acids and short-chain peptides was found with a shorter seed germination time (up to 12 hours). The nutrient content of extracts of germinated seeds of naked oats and Melissa officinalis was determined. A range of concentration of ingredients at which antioxidant and immunomodulating properties of the complex are manifested is proposed. It is recommended to include in the daily food ration 40-60 g of a complex, both independently and as a part of foods. The purpose of the complex is to increase the body’s resistance to stress, primarily for people performing prolonged physical exertion in difficult climatic or environmental situations.

Использование очищенных сточных вод для орошения

The possibility of using purified wastewater from iron ions with an alkaline reagent based on the fruit shells of cereal crops for irrigation of agricultural crops is shown. The germination rate of oat, wheat and barley seeds when using industrial effluents purified with a traditional and alternative reagent reaches 97 % compared to the control.

Calibration and Experimental Validation of Contact Parameters for Oat Seeds for Discrete Element Method Simulations

Highlights The static friction coefficient and rolling friction coefficient of oat seeds were calibrated by the discrete element method. Two representative oat varieties were selected. The hollow cylinder method and sidewall collapse method were used together to reduce the test error. Abstract . Hulless and shelled oat are two types of oat with major differences in physical appearance. To study the contact parameters between the two different oat seed types, these parameters were delineated with the discrete element method and graphic image processing technology. Using plexiglass as the contact material, the experiments used two different angle of repose measurement methods—hollow cylinder and collapse sidewall devices, to perform bench and simulation experiments on the two different oats. Under different measurement methods, bench experiments measured the angles of repose of the two oat seed types at 33.19°, 33.82° and 22.45°, 23.57°; the static friction coefficient and rolling friction coefficient were the experimental factors, and the angle of repose was the experimental indicator in the simulation. The steepest climbing experiment determined the optimal range of the experimental factor, and the regression equation between the static friction coefficient, rolling friction coefficient and angle of repose was established by a quadratic orthogonal rotation combination experiment. Finally, the angles of repose measured by the bench experiment with the two different measurement methods were treated as target values, the coefficient of static friction and the coefficient of rolling friction were solved; the coefficient of static friction between hulless oats was 0.36, and the coefficient of rolling friction between hulless oats was 0.052; the coefficient of static friction between shelled oats was 0.24, and the coefficient of rolling friction between shelled oats was 0.036. The obtained contact parameters between seeds were input into EDEM, the simulation and bench experiment results were verified. The difference between the simulation results and the actual values was within 3%. The angle of repose of oats after calibration was close to the actual situation, and the calibration results had high reliability and provided a referencefor the measurement of contact parameters between other agricultural crop seeds. Keywords: Calibration, Contact parameters, Discrete element method, Oat.

Research of the spectral characteristics of healthy and fusarium-infected oat seeds of the variety “ZALP” with hyperspectral camera

The paper presents the research of the spectral lines of healthy and fusarium-infected oat seeds using a hyperspectral imaging system. Hyperspectral images of healthy and diseased kernels were studied using the Specim IQ hyperspectral camera and Albedo 4.0.23 program (for subsequent processing). The spectral diagrams of the horizon (800 nm - 1000 nm) have been determined. They can identify the oat seeds of the ZALP variety which infected with pathogenic microflora by fungi of the genus Fusarium. Variety harvested in the central zone of the Russian Federation.

Hypomagnesemia in beef cattle

ABSTRACT: Hypomagnesemia is a major cause of death in grazing beef cows in countries of the Southern Hemisphere such as Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Here we review the literature on hypomagnesemia in beef cattle and describe an outbreak in Uruguay. The disease occurred in late autumn, affecting 6 to 11-year-old Aberdeen Angus and Hereford x Aberdeen Angus lactating multiparous cows in good body condition, grazing on natural grasslands that had been improved by fertilization and sowing of seeds of ryegrass and oat. Approximately 40 out of 225 cows were affected and 24 (10.7%) died. A presumptive diagnosis of hypomagnesemia was established based on sudden death, acute neuromuscular clinical signs, epidemiological data, and the response to Mg administration. The diagnosis was confirmed by detecting low Mg concentrations in serum (0.47-0.57mmol/L), vitreous humor (0.47-0.80mmol/L), aqueous humor (0.66mmol/L) and cerebrospinal fluid (0.59mmol/L). The largest component of the diet corresponding to fast-growing and exuberant forages of ryegrass and oat had high concentrations of K (3.48%), N (4.38%) and P (0.94%), suggesting secondary hypomagnesemia. In addition, the K/(Ca+Mg) ratio was 2.38 in forages of ryegrass and oat (reference value: 2.2), and 0.15 in the soil (reference value: 0.09), which represent risk factors for hypomagnesemia. In conclusion, hypomagnesemia is an important cause of mortality in beef cattle grazing improved natural grasslands in Uruguay and it can be easily prevented by correct seasonal Mg supplementation.

Akaike criteria and selection of physiological multi-character indexes for the production of black oat seeds

Akaike criteria and selection of physiological multi-character indexes for the production of black oat seeds

In vitro Callus Induction under NaCl Salt Stress and Subsequent Plant Regeneration in Oats (Avena sativa L.)

An effort was made to identify the in vitro responsiveness for callus induction in NaCl (salt stress) and subsequent plant regeneration of oats (Avena sativa L.). Callus induction was tested in different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg/l) of NaCl salt added in MS. The experiment was laid out in CRD considering 2,4-D growth regulator and NaCl salt as factors. The best response in callus induction was observed on MS containing 3 mg/l 2,4- D and 5 mg/l NaCl where the frequency of callus induction was 68.57%, callus weight was 0.36 g and callus diameter was 7.63 mm. During regeneration, the maximum frequency of regeneration (41.67%), regenerated shoots per callus (14.80), shoot length (12.14 cm), root number (10.90) and root length (3.76 cm) was observed from the callus derived from MS containing 3 mg/l 2,4-D and 5 mg/l NaCl. Plantlets that were regenerated from callus induced in MS with 3 mg/l 2,4-D and 5 mg/l NaCl showed higher rate of ex vitro survivability. Therefore, MS with 3 mg/l 2,4-D and 5 mg/l NaCl found better for in vitro callus induction and subsequent plant regeneration from mature seeds of oat.
 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 30(2): 253-266, 2020 (December)

CARBON, NITROGEN, AND ORGANIC MATTER OF SOIL IN AN INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEM

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the integrated crop-livestock system on the contents and stocks of total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and soil organic matter. The experiment was carried out between April 2016 and February 2017, in a randomized block design in a strip-block scheme, with additional control treatment (fallow) and four repetitions. The treatments consisted of two densities of oat sowing (40 and 60 kg ha-1) in strips A and different grazing frequencies (without grazing - WG, one grazing - 1G, and two grazing - 2G) in strips B, besides fallow as a control treatment. The determinations of the contents of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), and organic matter (SOM) were carried out in the soil layers of 0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 cm. Samplings were carried out after oat management, in the winter, and after soybean harvest, in the summer. The sowing density of black oats and the grazing frequencies were not able to promote changes in the total organic carbon and in the TOC stock, regardless of the time of evaluation. The use of 40 kg ha-1 of oat seeds would be recommended, as it does not promote changes in the increase in MOS, thus generating savings in the acquisition of seeds. The use of the lowest density of oat without grazing and one grazing promoted changes on the total nitrogen in the 5-10 cm layer after the removal of oats, when compared to the fallow, and it presented content similar to the management with two grazings.

Tissue Printing and Dual Excitation Flow Cytometry for Oxidative Stress-New Tools for Reactive Oxygen Species Research in Seed Biology.

The intracellular homeostasis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and especially of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide participate in signaling cascades which dictate developmental processes and reactions to stresses. ROS are also biological molecules that play important roles in seed dormancy and germination. Because of their rapid reactivity, short half-life and low concentration, ROS are difficult to measure directly with high accuracy and precision. In presented work tissue printing method with image analysis and dual excitation flow cytometry (FCM) were developed for rapid detection and localization of O2•− and H2O2 in different part of seed. Tissue printing and FCM detection of ROS showed that germination of wild oat seeds was associated with the accumulation of O2•− and H2O2 in embryo (coleorhiza, radicle and scutellum), aleurone layer and coat. To verify if printing and FCM signals were specified, the detection of O2•− and H2O2 in seeds incubated in presence of O2•− generation inhibitor (DPI) or H2O2 scavenger (CAT) were examined. All results were a high level of agreement among the level of ROS derived from presented procedures with the ones created from spectrophotometric measured data. In view of the data obtained, tissue printing with image analysis and FCM are recommended as a simple and fast methods, which could help researchers to detection and level determination of ROS in the external and inner parts of the seeds.

Field Performance of Allelopathic Bacteria for Biological Weed Control in Wheat: Innovative, Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approach for Enhanced Crop Production

Application of allelopathic bacteria (AB) for weed suppression may be helpful to solve various environmental challenges posed by conventional weed control techniques. In our earlier studies, around 400 strains of rhizobacteria of five weeds and wheat were isolated, screened for production of phytotoxic substances, and tested for phytotoxic activity on wild oat and little seed canary grass, and possible effects on wheat under laboratory conditions. We obtained 13 strains inhibitory to wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and 11 to little seed canary grass (Phalaris minor Retz.). Five of these (13 and 11) strains also suppressed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) while others either stimulated or remained ineffective on wheat in separate bioassays. The success of any weed biocontrol technique, however, depends on its response under field conditions. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate biological weed control of the five most efficient strains of AB under natural conditions in pot and field trials. Wheat was artificially invaded with wild oat in the pot trial through seeding. Wheat of the field trial was artificially invaded with wild oat and little seed canary through seeding. The selected strains belonged to pseudomonads (Pseudomonas putida, P. fluorescence, P. aeruginosa, and P. alcaligenes) and their inocula were prepared using sterilized peat. The inoculated seeds of wild oat and wheat were sown together in a pot trial. The inoculated seeds of wild oat, little seed canary grass, and wheat were sown together in the field experiment. The field was selected based on chronic infestation of these weeds. However, weed invasion was ensured by adding seeds of weeds (inoculated with the respective strains of AB, according to treatment plan). A severe invasion of wild oat was observed in the pot trial, which reduced the grain yield of infested wheat up to 60.8%. The effectiveness of applied strains controlled 22.0–76.3% loss of grain yield of infested wheat. Weed invasion in the field trial reduced the grain yield of the crop up to 56.3% and effectiveness of the applied strains controlled 29.0–60.7% loss of grain yield of infested wheat. The study of other agronomic, physiological, and chemical parameters of the crop and weeds supported these findings. Harnessing the potential of these strains exhibited in our studies may be helpful to introduce an innovative, sustainable, and eco-friendly weed control technique for production of wheat.

The Optoelectronic Installation for Counting the Seeds of Agricultural Crops

Modern laboratory devices for counting the seeds are widely used in grain-cleaning enterprises and in research and agricultural centers, but they have disadvantages. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in design an innovative compact automatic optical-electronic plant for counting the seeds, which will have a minimum size and function according to a pre-set algorithm. (Materials and methods) The article describes the determined parameters of an optoelectronic device for counting the number of grains, taking into account the requirements for laboratory devices for counting the seeds of various agricultural crops. Authors have studied the operation of a device for counting the seeds of various agricultural crops using a designed algorithm. The installation has been modernized. The feeding mechanism has been changed and modern optoelectronic elements have been added to the recognition system, which make it possible to perform high-quality seed counting. (Results and discussion) It was found that the optocouplers added to the design after an experimental study of 10.000 seeds of wheat, corn, sunflower, rice, and oats showed deviations in time depending on the culture of 5-10 percent. (Conclusions) It was found that the design of an automatic optoelectronic plant for counting the number of seeds provides an effective process of working according to a predetermined algorithm with high accuracy of estimating the number of seeds (an error of about 1.8 percent). The device has a minimum overall size (3-5 kilograms). It was found that using a DC motor allows to create vibration on the plane for feeding seeds to the analysis zone. The developed installation has a minimum number of elements, which makes it possible to increase the reliability of its operation and durability to several decades.