Significant Differences In Yield Research Articles

Effect of Different Concentrations of Tomato Leaf Extract on Aphid Control in Rape Production in Zimbabwe

Rape (Brassica napus) is an important vegetable crop grown by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe to achieve food and nutritional security. However, productivity and quality of rape are greatly dampened by aphids which reduce its palatability and quality. Chemical pesticides, while effective, pose environmental risks and can lead to pest resistance and resurgence, besides residual effects and bioaccumulation along the food chain. Tomato leaves are rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, that have shown promise as a botanical pesticide against aphids in other crops. This research aimed to establish the aphicidal components in tomato leaf extract using TLC and UV-Vis Spectroscopy; establish toxicity of the extract using laboratory bioassay, investigate the potential of different concentrations of tomato leaf extracts as a natural, environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to pest management against aphids in rape production at Kushinga Phikelela Agricultural College in Zimbabwe. A CRD with four treatments (0%, 20%, 40% and 60% of tomato leaf extract) and distilled water (negative control) replicated five times each was used. Aphid infestation (scored on a scale of 0-9), yield, leaf size, and plant height were measured fortnightly. Data was analysed for statistical significance using ANOVA while separation of significant means was done by Fisher’s Protected Least Significant Difference Test (LSD (5%). The results from combined analysis using TLC and UV- Vis Spectroscopy indicated that tomato leaf extract used in this research contained compounds (Solanine, Tomatine, Chaconine) which are known to be toxic to pests. There was a highly significant (p<0.001) difference among treatments on aphid mortality. The highest aphid mortality (95.57%) while the lowest (4%) was observed in 60% and 0% leaf extract respectively. Aphid infestation, leaf size and plant height were highly significant (P<0.001) during weeks 4, 6, 8 and 10 after transplanting. Aphid infestation in week 10 mean score was 8.8, 6.2, 3.8 and 0.8 for 0%, 20%, 40% and 60% tomato leaf extract respectively. Other parameters such as yield and leaf size were highest in the plots that received 60% tomato leaf extract sprays. Highly significant difference (P<0.001) in yield was observed in weeks 8 and 10, while significant difference (P<0.05) in yield was noted in weeks 4 and 6. However, in week two there were no significant differences among the treatments in yield and aphid infestation. Tomato leaf extracts contain secondary metabolites toxic to aphids and this can be used by resource constrained farmers. We recommend the use 60% tomato leaf extracts to control aphids in rape to sustainably achieve high yields.

Optimizing transplanting densities for lowland rice production under low-yielding environments in the Madagascar highlands

ContextRice yield is low at 2.1 t ha−1 in sub-Saharan Africa. Increased yield is a critical challenge to food security and environmental conservation in this region. However, smallholder farmers have limited access to irrigation, mineral fertilizers, and improved crop varieties. One approach that even resource-limited farmers can easily manipulate is to optimize planting densities. However, there is limited empirical evidence to provide technical recommendations under such low-yielding conditions. ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the effect of dense transplanting on lowland rice yields under low-yielding conditions, with a target range below 5 t ha−1. MethodsMulti-field trials were implemented with transplanting densities of a regular rate at 25–26.7 hills m−2, a doubled rate at 50–53.3 hills m−2, and a tripled rate at 88.9 hills m−2 in the central highlands of Madagascar, where rice yields are limited by nutrient deficiency and low temperature. Canopy coverage and cumulative intercepted radiation (CIR) were monitored from transplantation to maturity using digital imagery analysis. Field observations (n=306) and four-year household surveys (n=356) were combined to calculate the costs and benefits of changing transplanting densities. ResultsDoubling densities from 25.0–26.7 hills m−2 to 50.0–53.3 hills m−2 had a consistent yield advantage by approximately 0.4 t ha−1 across a yield range of 1.8 t ha−1–4.4 t ha−1. The yield was further increased by tripling the transplanting densities to 88.9 hills m−2 when the yield range was 1.9–2.3 t ha−1. The yield advantage of higher transplanting densities was attributed to a greater CIR at the initial growth stages and a significantly greater panicle number. Household surveys and field observations indicated that the benefit of yield gain was more than three times greater than the additional cost of doubling the seed amounts. No significant yield differences were observed by changing the transplanting densities when the yield level was higher than 5 t ha−1 or lower than 1.3 t ha−1 where substantial reductions in grain fertility occurred owing to low-temperature stress. ConclusionsA relatively high transplanting density of 50–53.3 hills m−2 or even higher is recommended to ensure initial canopy development and panicle number in low-yielding conditions where individual plant growth is stagnant, except in fields with high risks of grain set failure. ImplicationsThis study provides an easy-to-use opportunity for smallholder farmers to increase their rice yield. Further studies are required to determine whether these findings apply to warmer climatic conditions.

Effects of Irrigation and Fertigation on Seedless Watermelon Yield in Southern Indiana

Indiana cultivates approximately 7000 acres of watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) every year, with the majority of production concentrated in southern Indiana, thus making this region a key area for watermelon production in the United States. Diverse irrigation and fertilization practices are used for watermelon production in the region, yet their effects on production outcomes remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated the impact of existing practices on watermelon yield to optimize irrigation and fertilization practices for improved production. The experiment was conducted at the Southwest Purdue Agricultural Center, Vincennes, IN, USA, during the 2022 and 2023 watermelon seasons. The following four treatments were applied: high irrigation, low irrigation, no irrigation, and fertigation. The fertigation treatment received the same water application as the high irrigation treatment, but with frequent fertilizer application with irrigation; however, fertilizers were applied before planting in the high, low, and no irrigation treatments. Although soil moisture levels at the different depths varied notably among treatments, no significant differences in yield by weight were observed. The minimal impact of irrigation on watermelon yield suggested that sufficient water is stored in the soil to prevent yield-reducing stress during dry periods. However, the high irrigation and fertilization treatments produced more fruit than the low irrigation and no irrigation treatments. The dry periods during both years coincided with the watermelon fruit-setting stages, potentially contributing to the lower fruit set in the low irrigation and no irrigation treatments. Fertigation showed a higher early yield in 2022 than that of the other treatments. An analysis of soil and tissue nitrogen levels indicated that solely applying nitrogen before planting could lead to excessive soil nitrogen during vegetative growth. This excess nitrogen might delay flowering and harvest. This project offers insights into enhancing irrigation and fertilization practices for watermelon production in southern Indiana, provides recommendations, and discusses future research directions.

Nitrogen Fertilization in Snap Bean Following a Legume in the Sandy Soils of North Florida

Despite being a legume, snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) lacks nodulation genes, restricting its ability for nitrogen (N) fixation through rhizobia, making N fertilization essential for maximizing yields. However, conventional fertilizer application may lead to N losses due to a lack of synchronization between plant uptake and N availability. A promising option could be controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs), which can be custom-formulated to synchronize nutrient release with plant growth needs, promoting efficient resource use. Field studies were conducted at the North Florida Research and Education Center-Suwannee Valley (NFREC-SV) in Live Oak, FL, during the spring of 2021 and 2022. The experiments also investigated broadcasting and banding application methods of the University of Florida’s recommended N rate (112 kg·ha−1). The experimental design comprised 10 treatments, including five N rates (0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg·ha−1 N) and two fertilizer sources (ammonium nitrate and CRF), applied to ‘Caprice’ in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Results showed a significant yield improvement with N fertilization vs. the zero-N control. However, no yield increase was observed beyond 56 kg·ha−1. This finding could be due to the residual N from a preceding peanut crop rotation in both years. No notable variation in quality metrics (pod length and width) occurred above the 56 kg·ha−1 threshold. The results also revealed that the choice between conventional or CRF did not exert any statistically significant differences in snap bean yield. In addition, fertilizer broadcast and banding treatments yielded the same results.

Effect of Magnetized Irrigation Water and Seeds on the Production of OKRA (Hibiscus esculentus)

Very recently special magnetic devices have been developed and used to magnetize irrigation water and plant seeds. Such magnetic treatments were reported to play a great role in increasing the germination rate of seeds, reducing soil salinity and consequently resulting in increasing yield. The objectives of the study to improve crop productivity by using magnetic technologies. A split plot experimental design was used for growing two varieties of okra (Hibiscus esculentus). The treatments included: non-magnetized water + non magnetized seeds (NMW+NMS), non-magnetized water + magnetized seeds (NMW+MS), magnetized water + non magnetized seeds (MW+NMS), magnetized water + magnetized seeds (MW+MS). Each treatment was replicated three times. The parameters considered included: number of leaves per plant, leaf length, plant height, plants density and yield. There was a significant difference (p <0.05) between treatments, the combination of (MW) and (MS) gave higher of leaves per plant, plant density, and plant height and leaf length. There was a significant difference (p <0.05) in yield between treatments (MW) recorded increasing in yield by 50% as compared to (NMW); (MW) + (MS) recorded increase in yield by 24% as compared to (NMW); (MS) record increasing in yield by 18% as compared to (NMS) when both were irrigated by (NMW), the combination of (MW) and (MS) gave higher yields for both okra varieties (25.5 and 35.5 Kg/ha). It was concluded that magnetizing water may lead to better crop establishment and further improvement could be achieved by magnetizing the seeds.

Shifting feed delivery time: effects on feeding behavior, milk production, and blood biomarkers in late-lactating dairy cows

Improving the synchronization between the pattern of milk synthesis and nutrient availability throughout the day could enhance production efficiency. In this study, we evaluated the effects of changing feed delivery time on milk production, feeding behavior, and the daily rhythms of blood biomarkers. Eight multiparous Holstein cows housed in a tie-stall barn with controlled environmental conditions were enrolled in a crossover experimental design with three periods of 14 days and three treatments each. Cows were milked twice daily (0530 and 1730 h) and were individually fed with two equal meals of forage and eight equal meals of concentrate during the day. Forage meals were provided at 12-hour intervals either: (i) 5 h before each milking (0030 and 1230 h; BM), (ii) at the end of each milking (0530 and 1730 h; ME), (iii) or 2 h after (0730 and 1930 h; AM). Feed intake and feeding behavior were monitored, and milk production and composition were measured. Blood samples were collected every 4 days at 0700 h and, during the last day of each period, 15 times daily to determine metabolic profiles, hormones, and their daily rhythmicity by the cosinor analysis. Changing forage delivery time did not affect milk yield and dry matter intake. No difference was observed in feeding behavior when expressed relative to the first meal. There were no significant differences in milk component contents and yields. In samples collected at 0700 h, ME had reduced plasma calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) and increased sodium (Na). AM had increased inflammation, as suggested by the greater blood globulin and ceruloplasmin. The patterns of metabolic biomarkers had limited variations when expressed relative to the first forage meal. Nevertheless, the daily rhythms of these biomarkers were remarkably different. Under our conditions, feeding forage meals to cows at different times of the day did not influence productive performance but highlighted the importance of considering the sampling time when interpreting metabolic profiles.

224 Yield and nutritive values of a polycrop and annual cereal monoculture used in winter swath grazing

Abstract This 3-yr study evaluated a comparative biomass yield and nutritive values of 2 forage systems: 1) a cereal monoculture (CDC-SO1 oats) and 2) a polycrops (PC) consisting of oat, brassicas (turnip and rape) and forage pea (4010) harvested at the hard dough (HD) stage for winter swath grazing purpose. A 12-ha field was divided into six, 2-ha paddocks, where each paddock was randomly assigned to 1 of 2 replicated (n = 3) forage systems. Forages were seeded in June and sampled for biomass yield and nutritive value at the soft dough (SD) and HD stages of oats. The seeding rate of oat monoculture (OM) was 157 kg/ha, while the PC was 45 kg/ha (oat), 11 kg/ha (forage pea) and 6 kg/ha (brassica). Forage samples were collected from a 0.6 m2 area at 24 pre-selected GPS points (4 per paddock), weighed and then oven-dried to a constant weight to determine DM yield. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS and included treatment effects and treatments × stage interactions. Year was treated as a random effect due to climatic variations across years. For OM, there was a significant difference (P = 0.03) in biomass yield between SD (7,762.7 ± 1,217.9 kg/ha) and HD (8,902.8 ± 1,217.9 kg/ha) stages, while PC biomass yield did not differ (P = 0.94) between SD (5,922.4 ± 1,217.9 kg/ha) and HD (6,163.1±1,217.9 kg/ha) stages. The biomass yields between the two forage systems were different (P < 0.05) at the SD and HD stages. Crude protein (CP) concentration did not differ (P > 0.05) between the OM and PC at SD (10.4 vs 10.3%) and HD (8.9 vs 9.6%) stages. At the SD stage, significant differences (P < 0.05) between OM and the PC were observed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 50.9 vs 44.1%), calcium (0.2 vs 0.5%), phosphorus (0.2 vs 0.3%), and RFV-relative feed value (120.3 vs 142.2). Similarly, the starch (20.9 vs 16.5%), calcium (0.2 vs 0.5%), and phosphorus (0.2 vs 0.3%) values for OM and PC, respectively, also differed (P < 0.05) at the HD stage. Differences (P < 0.05) were observed between the SD and HD stages of OM for acid detergent fiber (ADF, 30.1 vs 27.0%), total digestible nutrient (TDN, 65.4 vs 67.9%), and starch (14.9 vs 20.9%) content, respectively. Study results suggest that swathing OM at the HD stage would be beneficial in terms of greater biomass yield without compromising quality, while PC can be harvested at either SD or HD stages based on the annual cereal component. Also, the lack of significant difference in the RFV, CP and TDN values between the PC and OM at the HD stage suggests that PC could be a viable alternative forage system for winter swath grazing.

Towards sustainable fruit production: Identifying challenges and optimization strategies

CONTEXTThe transition to sustainable fruit production is vital for global sustainability and agricultural development. However, implementing these insights into practice faces significant challenges. OBJECTIVESPomelo (Citrus maxima), a prominent citrus species in tropical and subtropical regions, has been cultivated to enhance farmer profitability but increasing yields often comes at the cost of environmental degradation. This study uses pomelo as a case study to assess key factors influencing pomelo production and establish optimal practices that meet consumption-based food while co-benefits for environmental and economic sustainability. METHODSA comprehensive study was conducted by combining 1155 farm surveys (from 2010, 2018, and 2022) with 31 field experiments. Life cycle assessment (LCA), classification and regression tree (CART) analysis, and scenario analysis were employed to develop pathways for sustainable pomelo production in Pinghe County, Fujian Province, China. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSResults show no significant differences in pomelo yield across the three years; however, pomelo production in 2022 demonstrated a 60 %–67 % lower in environmental footprints and a 64 %–76 % higher benefit-cost ratio (BCR) compared to 2010 and 2018. Tree age was identified as a critical factor influencing pomelo yield, with optimal yields observed in trees older than 12.5 years. The rate of phosphorus fertilizer application was a key determinant of the phosphorus footprint (PF), which was positively correlated with phosphorus fertilizer rates. Similarly, nitrogen fertilizer application significantly impacted both carbon and nitrogen footprints (CF and NF) as well as the BCR. CF and NF increased with higher nitrogen fertilizer rates, while BCR exhibited a negative correlation with nitrogen fertilizer application. Implementing Science and Technology Backyards (STB) followed by farmer training of slightly more than pomelo nutrient requirements practice (SNRP) or coordinate management by farmers and researchers of matching pomelo nutrients requirement practice (MNRP) had 50 %–91 % lower environmental footprints per ton of pomelo produced and 15 %–44 % higher BCR compared to current farming practices (FP) via reducing 46 %–77 % N, 49 %–92 % P2O5, and 42 %–73 % K2O per hectare. Moreover, adopting 100 % MNRP in pomelo production, along with sustainable fertilizer practices and the implementation of innovative fertilizers, could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (0.76 Tg), reactive nitrogen (Nr) emissions (8.76 Gg), phosphorus (P) losses (0.84 Gg), and augment net ecosystem economic benefits (NEEB) (0.94 billion CNY) at the county scale. SIGNIFICANCEOur study provides evidence-based strategies for achieving sustainable pomelo production through multi-stakeholder collaboration of STB, government, enterprises, and smallholders.

FP4.3 - Right sided colonic cancers – to tattoo or not to tattoo?

Abstract Aim Current evidence suggests that endoscopic tattooing for colonic cancer is associated with higher lymph node yield. However, the ACPGBI and BSG guidelines do not recommend tattooing for caecal tumours. Our aim was to identify whether tattooing in right sided colon cancers was associated with higher lymph node yield and if tattooing should be standardised for all colonic cancers. Methods Retrospective review of all patients endoscopically diagnosed with colonic cancer who underwent surgery between April 2018 to March 2021 at a single DGH. Patients with synchronous or rectal cancers, neoadjuvant therapy and emergency resections were excluded. All data were collected from Somerset database and electronic patient records. Results 224 patients with colonic cancers were identified; 110 with tattoo and 114 without. Overall, there was no statistical difference in lymph node yield with tattoo vs no tattoo (mean 21 v 20, p=0.141). There were 92 patients with right sided cancer; 30 with tattoo and 62 without. There was significant difference in lymph node yield (mean 24 v 20, p=0.018). 10 out of 42 patients with caecal cancer were tattooed with statistically greater lymph node yield (26 v 20, p=0.016). Conclusion Whilst small sample sizes make interpretation challenging, our nodal yield results for right sided and caecal cancers with tattoo suggests significant difference in lymph node yield which could promote standardised use of tattooing throughout the colon. We recommend further analysis with a larger sample size to assess whether there is true difference.

Agronomic Evaluation of Common Bean and Tef (Eragrostis tef) Varieties in Double Cropping System

Double-cropping cereals with legumes is a usual practice by smallholder farmers in southern Ethiopia. However, crop compatibility and sequencing are the major problems for their soil fertility and profitability. Thus, it was useful to conduct experiments on double cropping systems that enable the farmers more profitable on small land to reduce crop failure with current climate change. Thus, an experiment was done to evaluate the effects of the common bean as double cropping on the productivity of tef and to evaluate the economic and technical compatibility of common bean-tef in a double cropping combination to improve production at Wondo Genete district during the cropping season of 2021 using RCBD design. The experiment consisting of twelve treatments including three common bean and three tef varieties was sowed as the preceding and succeeding crop respectively and three sole tef variety to see the compatibility of common bean and tef varieties. The preceding crops showed a non-significant difference in days to maturity, seed per pod, and hundred seed weight, but the biomass and grain yield of Remeda were significantly higher than Awash-2 however, it had no significant yield difference with Hawassa Dume. The variance analysis showed that all the growth and yield parameters of tef were significant such as days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, spike length, number of tillers per plant, tiller number, and grain yield (p<0.05). However, the yield parameters like dry biomass, straw yield, and toughened seed weight for tef had no significant difference.

Growth and water-needs analysis of sweet corn and peanuts in different cropping systems

Maize and peanuts are important food crops in Indonesia and are generally planted in monoculture and intercropping systems. The water required for monoculture and intercropping is believed to be different. However, comparison analysis of water requirements in monoculture and intercropping is rarely conducted. The research aimed to evaluate the growth and production of sweet corn and peanuts in monoculture and intercropping systems concerning water requirement and crop coefficient. The study was conducted at IPB Experimental Station in Leuwikopo, Bogor, Indonesia from September to December 2022. Sweet corn and peanuts were planted in different cropping systems, i.e., monoculture and intercropping. Water consumption of both cropping systems was evaluated in every growing stage. The experiment used a completely randomized block design and was repeated three times. Results showed that sweet corn growth was not significantly different among cropping systems, but yield from intercropping was lower than monoculture. Intercropped peanuts grew lower than monoculture but did not show any significant difference in yield among cropping systems. Water use efficiency in intercropping was higher than monoculture for both crops, indicating intercropping is a suitable cropping system for limiting soil water availability. The land equivalency ratio was 1.80, concluding that intercropping was more efficient than monoculture in land use by 80%. Keywords: climate change; crop coefficient; intercropping; land equivalent ratio; water use efficiency

Drought Priming Promotes Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Drought Stress During Grain Filling

ABSTRACTDrought stress significantly challenges wheat production globally, and drought priming has emerged as an effective strategy to mitigate yield loss under drought stress events. However, the effect of drought priming on plant nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the effects of drought priming at the six‐leaf stage on NUE under drought stress during grain filling in four wheat varieties with distinct responses to drought priming. Our results indicate that there is no correlation between inherent drought tolerance and the effects of drought priming among the wheat varieties studied. In priming‐sensitive varieties, drought‐primed plants exhibited significant improvements in grain yield and NUE under drought stress compared to non‐primed plants. Conversely, priming‐insensitive varieties showed no significant differences in yield or NUE between primed and non‐primed plants under similar conditions. Notably, under drought stress, primed plants exhibited higher yield and NUE than non‐primed plants in drought priming positive variety, while the opposite trend was observed in drought priming negative response variety. The enhancement of NUE through drought priming was associated with improved nitrogen uptake efficiency and its allocation to spikes, with abscisic acid accumulation playing a pivotal role. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which drought priming enhances NUE under drought stress, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices amid climate change.

Enhancing Maize Yield and Nutrient Utilization through Improved Soil Quality under Reduced Fertilizer Use: The Efficacy of Organic–Inorganic Compound Fertilizer

Objectives: The substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives presents a viable strategy for enhancing soil quality and boosting agricultural productivity. However, the question remains whether organic–inorganic compound fertilizers (COIFs) can sustain improved soil quality and crop yields while reducing chemical fertilizer use. The underlying mechanisms of COIF’s impact still warrant further exploration. Methods: In this study, a long-term fertilization trial was conducted from 2020 to 2023 at two sites with different soil textures and types in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, China. The experiment involved three fertilization treatments, each replicated three times: (1) LCF (conventional fertilizer treatment); (2) COIF1 (COIF applied at 90% of the recommended rate); and (3) COIF2 (COIF applied at 80% of the recommended rate). The objective was to assess the effects of COIF on summer maize growth, grain yield, nutrient uptake and utilization, and soil quality. Results: Compared to LCF, COIF1 in Yantai and Dezhou increased biomass by 6.4% and 8.1%, grain yield by 5.9% and 4.12%, PFP (N, P, and K) by 17.6% and 15.7%, and soil quality by 563.6% and 462.5%, respectively. No significant differences in biomass and grain yield were observed between COIF2 and LCF, yet COIF1 in Yantai and Dezhou enhanced PFP (N, P, and K) by 19.7% and 18.6%, and soil quality by 109.1% and 175.0%, respectively. In conclusion, COIF improved soil quality by enhancing soil organic matter (SOM), available nutrients, pH, and other soil indices. It promoted summer maize growth, increased grain yield, and improved nutrient utilization. COIF was a practical and effective measure to reduce chemical fertilizer use, enhance field soil quality, and ultimately increase maize yield and nutrient utilization.

Responses of dairy cows to weekly individualized feeding strategies for dairy cows regarding their metabolic status

In dairy farms, cows are commonly fed a mixture of forages and concentrates ad libitum. To improve the energetic status and productivity of dairy cows, individualized feeding strategies have been proposed. One of this strategy is providing supplemental concentrates to adjust the forage-to-concentrate ratio based on factors like individual milk yield or calculated energy balance. This strategy can affect milk production and cow health, though consistent rules for adjustment are lacking. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of an individualized feeding strategy, adjusted weekly based on the body weight gain of dairy cows, on production performance; and to determine if the metabolic status of the cows could be predicted early in lactation to take it into account into the decisions rules of the strategy. A total of 40 multiparous Holstein cows were involved in a 4-mo trial. The cows entered the experiment individually after calving and were initially fed a standard ration with a fixed 3 kg of extra concentrate per day for the first 8 d (on average). The cows were then paired based on calving date, parity (2 or 3), and body weight gain over the initial week. One cow from each pair was assigned to the Standard Feeding (SF) strategy, which continued receiving the fixed ration, while the other was assigned to the Precision Feeding (PF) strategy, which received a variable amount of extra concentrate adjusted weekly based on body weight gain. Measurements included weekly body weight, daily milk yield, and daily intakes of concentrates and forages. Blood samples were collected to measure metabolites (glucose, BHB, NEFA) for metabolic profiling. The results showed no significant differences in overall body weight gain, milk yield, or intakes (concentrates and/or forages). Two metabolic clusters were identified based on blood metabolites (glucose, BHB, NEFA), predicting cows' metabolic status with 90% accuracy. The balanced cluster had higher milk production, feed intake, and lost more body weight than the imbalanced cluster. Alternative variables like body weight gain and total feed intake can be used to predict metabolic clusters, achieving up to 70% accuracy. To conclude, cows fed this precision feeding strategy had similar performances than those fed the standard feeding strategy. Long-term effect of this strategy should be studied. Metabolic profiling predicted cows' metabolic status suggesting its potential for enhancing individualized feeding decisions.

Comparing the Diagnostic Yield of Germline Exome Versus Panel Sequencing in the Diverse Population of the Texas KidsCanSeq Pediatric Cancer Study.

To evaluate the relative diagnostic yield of clinical germline genomic tests in a diverse pediatric cancer population. The KidsCanSeq study enrolled pediatric cancer patients across six sites in Texas. Germline analysis included both exome sequencing and a therapy-focused pediatric cancer gene panel. The results were categorized by participants demographics, the presence of pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants, and variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in cancer predisposition genes (CPGs). Pediatric actionable CPGs were defined as those with cancer surveillance recommendations during childhood. Cancer P/LP variants were reported by at least one platform in 103 of 578 (17.8%) participants of which 76 were dominant cancer genes (13.1%) with no significant differences by self-described race or Hispanic ethnicity. However, the proportion of participants with VUS was greater in Asian and African American participants (P = .0029). Diagnostic yield was 16.6% for exome versus 8.5% for panel (P < .0001) with 42 participants with concordant germline results. Exome-only results included P/LP variants in 30 different CPGs in 54 participants, whereas panel-only results included seven participants with a copy number or structural P/LP variants in CPGs. There was no significant difference in diagnostic yield limited to pediatric actionable CPGs (P = .6171). Approximately 18% of a diverse pediatric cancer population had germline diagnostic findings with 50% of P/LP variants reported by only one platform because of CPGs not on the targeted panel and copy number variants (CNVs)/rearrangements not reported by exome. Although diagnostic yields were similar in this diverse population, increases in VUS results were observed in Asian and African American populations. Given the clinical significance of CNVs/rearrangements in this cohort, detection is critical to optimize germline analysis of pediatric cancer populations.

Differences in humic acid structure extracted from different types of peat

ABSTRACT Peat is an organic mineral resource. Peat contains a large amount of humic acid, and extracting humic acid from peat is a way to efficiently utilize peat. This article mainly studies the effects of using woody, herbaceous, and mossy peat as raw materials on the yield, content, and especially molecular structure of humic acid extraction, including that the oxygen-containing functional groups of humic acids, aromatic carbon content, microcrystalline structure, carbon chain structure, and degree of aromatization. The results showed that the highest yield of humic acid in woody peat was 54.33%, the yield of humic acid in herbaceous peat and mossy peat are relatively low, at 44.67% and 15.00%, respectively. while the woody peat humic acid has the lowest content, that is 38.38%. The content of humic acid in herbaceous peat was 77.33%. and the content of humic acid in mossy peat is 57.85%. Through comprehensive consider, herbaceous peat is more suitable for extracting humic acid. At the same time, this article studies the molecular structures of three peat humic acids and concludes as follows. Woody peat humic acid has the highest degree of aromatization, the highest content of benzene ring, and more functional groups such as methyl, phenol, aromatic ether, carbonyl, and hydroxyl groups. The content of methoxy and methylene groups in herbaceous peat humic acid is relatively high. Through XPS characterization analysis, it was found that the main forms of oxygen element in humic acid are C = O, C-O, and -COOH, without inorganic oxygen. The humic acid extracted from different types of peat has significant differences in yield, purity, and functional group content. Compared to woody peat and mossy peat, herbaceous peat is the most suitable raw material for extracting humic acid from peat.

Combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers sustained rice yields and N accumulation and decreased soil-canopy system NH3 emission

Excessive inorganic fertilization created various environmental problems, and the combination of organic and inorganic fertilization not only maintains crop production but is also environmentally sustainable. A pot experiment was conducted in Yangzhou, China, to investigate the comprehensive effects of organic fertilization combined with inorganic fertilization on the yield and yield components, nitrogen (N) uptake of different organs, and soil-plant system ammonia (NH3) emissions of two rice cultivars, taking into account the interception of soil NH3 emissions by the rice canopy. The treatments included the conventional practice of inorganic N applied by local farmers (INO, 270 kg N ha−1), 30 % reduced INO (70 %-INO, 189 kg N ha−1), and organic fertilizer combined with 70 %-INO (ORG-INO). Compared to 70 %-INO, ORG-INO significantly increased grain yield by 38 %, mainly due to more panicles. Similarly, ORG-INO also significantly promoted N uptake in the two rice cultivars, especially in terms of grain N accumulation, relative to 70 %-INO. The increase in grain N accumulation caused by ORG-INO was mainly due to enhanced post-anthesis N uptake, rather than N remobilization of vegetative organs, which also suggested that organic fertilizer could modify the processes of N retention and release. There was no significant difference in rice yield and N accumulation between INO and ORG-INO treatments, which also indicated that ORG-INO was effective in maintaining grain yield while reducing inorganic fertilizer input. Moreover, ORG-INO significantly reduced soil-plant system NH3 emissions, while the rice canopy intercepted approximately 30 % of soil NH3 emissions throughout the entire growing season. In summary, ORG-INO treatment significantly reduced the yield-scaled NH3 emissions, and the partial substitution of organic fertilizers for inorganic fertilizers should be recommended to promote environmental sustainability while ensuring food security.

Dynamics of productivity in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in subtropical Australia

AbstractPigeonpea productivity can be enhanced by optimally matching the physiology of genotypes to environmental conditions. Information on crop responses to the environment has been lacking for the short‐duration pigeonpea genotypes, which are being trialed to develop the Australian pigeonpea industry. The objective of this study was to examine the dynamics of productivity in relation to radiation use efficiency (RUE) and its influence on yield partitioning. Seven field trials, employing three pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.). Millsp.] genotypes, were established at the Gatton Campus, the University of Queensland, Australia, in 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 summer seasons. The study reveals that leaf area development, influenced by growing environment, genotypes, and their interactions, were the key factors for the differences in leaf area duration and RUE. Pigeonpea planted in December had higher seasonal (1.11 g MJ−1) as well as reproductive (0.71 g MJ−1) RUE, resulting in significant differences in total dry matter (TDM) and grain yield (GY). GY was positively associated with seasonal RUE (R2 = 0.62), and the relationship was stronger (R2 = 0.83) for the reproductive phase (RUE(R)). The positive association between GY and RUE(R) suggested that maintaining optimum leaf area during the grain filling period is crucial to achieve higher productivity. Variations in GY were related to amount and rate of TDM accumulation before flowering (R2 = 0.51 and R2 = 0.53, respectively). Hence, achieving greater TDM before flowering was determinant for achieving higher productivity. The present study provided updated information on dynamics of productivity that will enable more comprehensive modelling of pigeonpea adaptation under subtropical conditions.

The Selection of Lettuce Seedlings for Transplanting in a Plant Factory by a Non-Destructive Estimation of Leaf Area and Fresh Weight

Selecting uniform and healthy seedlings is important to ensure that a certain level of production can be reliably achieved in a plant factory. The objectives of this study were to investigate the potential of non-destructive image analysis for predicting the leaf area and shoot fresh weight of lettuce and to determine the feasibility of using a simple image analysis to select robust seedlings that can produce a uniform and dependable yield of lettuce in a plant factory. To vary the range of the leaf area and shoot fresh weight of lettuce seedlings, we applied two- and three-day irrigation intervals during the period of seedling production and calculated the projected canopy size (PCS) from the top-view images of the lettuce seedlings, although there were no significant growth differences between the irrigation regimes. A high correlation was identified between the PCS and shoot fresh weight for the lettuce seedlings during the period of seedling production, with a coefficient of determination exceeding 0.8. Therefore, the lettuce seedlings were classified into four grades (A–D) based on their PCS values calculated at transplanting. In the early stages of cultivation after transplanting, there were differences in the lettuce growth among the four grades; however, at the harvest (28 days after transplanting), there was no significant difference in the lettuce yield between grades A–C, with the exception of grade D. The lettuce seedlings in grades A–C exhibited the anticipated yield (150 g/plant) at the harvest time. In the correlation between the PCS and leaf area or the shoot fresh weight of lettuce during the cultivation period after transplanting and the entire cultivation period, the R2 values were higher than 0.9, confirming that PCS can be used to predict lettuce growth with greater accuracy. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the PCS calculation from the top-view images, a straightforward image analysis technique, can be employed to non-destructively and accurately predict lettuce leaf area and shoot fresh weight, and the seedlings with the potential to yield above a certain level after transplanting can be objectively and accurately selected based on PCS.

The Effect of an Exercise Paddock on Dairy Cow Behavior, Health, and Nutrient Digestion during the Transition from Pregnancy to Lactation.

Providing an exercise paddock may improve the behavior and health of cows in their dry period. We compared a control group of cows in a shed with no exercise paddock and an experimental group in the same shed but with access to an exercise paddock. Both groups had ad libitum total mixed ration (TMR) indoors combined with access to a paddock (Group EX). The other group was just offered TMR indoors (Group IN). Total lying time was longer for cows without the exercise paddock (859 min/d) than for those with the paddock (733 min/d) (p = 0.012). Lying bouts were shorter, there were more allogrooming bouts, and drinking time was longer if an exercise paddock was provided. Cows with the paddock spent on average 76 min/d in paddock activity. Non-esterified fatty acids in the blood were increased by providing the exercise paddock. No significant differences in postpartum milk yield and calf weight of dry cows with or without access to exercise paddock were observed. However, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were increased by providing the exercise paddock. The results suggest that providing an exercise paddock for cows in their dry period increased activity, including allogrooming, reduced lying, and improved digestibility of some major nutrients in the feed.