Significant Increase In Yield Research Articles

Recent Advances in Application of Polyoxometalates in Lignocellulose Pretreatment and Transformation.

Lignocellulose, composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, holds immense promise as a renewable resource for the production of sustainable chemicals and fuels. Unlocking the full potential of lignocellulose requires efficient pretreatment strategies. In this comprehensive review, efforts were taken to survey the latest developments in polyoxometalates (POMs)-assisted pretreatment and conversion of lignocellulosic biomass. An outstanding finding highlighted in this review is that the deformation of the cellulose structure from I to II accompanied by the removal of xylan/lignin through the synergistic effect of ionic liquids (ILs) and POMs resulted in a significant increase in glucose yield and improved cellulose digestibility. Furthermore, successful integration of POMs with deep eutectic solvents (DES) or γ-valerolactone/water (GVL/water) systems has demonstrated efficient lignin removal, opening avenues for advanced biomass utilization. This review not only presents the key findings and novel approaches in POMs-based pretreatment but also addresses the current challenges and prospects for large-scale industrial implementation. By offering a comprehensive assessment of the progress in this field, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals aiming to harness the potential of lignocellulosic biomass for sustainable chemical and fuel production.

Preparation of Nanoparticle-Loaded Extracellular Vesicles Using Direct Flow Filtration.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have shown great potential as cell-free therapeutics and biomimetic nanocarriers for drug delivery. However, the potential of EVs is limited by scalable, reproducible production and in vivo tracking after delivery. Here, we report the preparation of quercetin-iron complex nanoparticle-loaded EVs derived from a breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231br, using direct flow filtration. The morphology and size of the nanoparticle-loaded EVs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis of those EVs showed several protein bands in the range of 20-100 kDa. The analysis of EV protein markers by a semi-quantitative antibody array confirmed the presence of several typical EV markers, such as ALIX, TSG101, CD63, and CD81. Our EV yield quantification suggested a significant yield increase in direct flow filtration compared with ultracentrifugation. Subsequently, we compared the cellular uptake behaviors of nanoparticle-loaded EVs with free nanoparticles using MDA-MB-231br cell line. Iron staining studies indicated that free nanoparticles were taken up by cells via endocytosis and localized at a certain area within the cells while uniform iron staining across cells was observed for cells treated with nanoparticle-loaded EVs. Our studies demonstrate the feasibility of using direct flow filtration for the production of nanoparticle-loaded EVs from cancer cells. The cellular uptake studies suggested the possibility of deeper penetration of the nanocarriers because the cancer cells readily took up the quercetin-iron complex nanoparticles, and then released nanoparticle-loaded EVs, which can be further delivered to regional cells.

Is there a duty to routinely reinterpret genomic variant classifications?

Multiple studies show that periodic reanalysis of genomic test results held by clinical laboratories delivers significant increases in overall diagnostic yield. However, while there is a widespread consensus that implementing...

Effect of Sowing Date of Resistant and Susceptible Faba Bean, <i>Vicia faba</i> L. Cultivars on <i>Orobanche crenata</i> Forsk Seed Bank and Faba Bean Production

The broomrape<i>, Orobanche crenat</i>a Forsk (Orobanchaceae) is a serious annual parasitic weed that causes considerable losses in many major crops including faba bean (Vicia faba L.). In Egypt: losses due to <i>O. crenata</i> parasitism may reach 40 to 100%. Despite using several methods to control <i>O. crenata,</i> success has not been achieved. The impact of different control tactics on <i>O. crenata </i>is not well understood<i>.</i> However, Sowing date appears to be one of the potential solutions for controlling <i>O. crenata</i>. In this work we investigated the effect of sowing dates on both the level of infection by <i>O. crenata</i> and the pod yield of faba bean using resistant (Giza 843) and susceptible (Nubaria 1) faba bean cultivars in naturally <i>Orobanche</i> infested soil. Moreover, the <i>Orobanche</i> seeds production was determined as an indication of seed bank future adding in soil. Under <i>Orobanche</i> free conditions, Nubaria 1 cultivar produces more pod yield than the resistant cultivar. The results demonstrated that, late sowing (3 weeks after normal sowing date) reduced significantly the number of emerged <i>O. crenata</i> shoots for both the resistant and the susceptible cultivars., Late sowing similarly contributed to a significant increase in pod yield (dry weight (kg)/plot) especially for Giza 843 (5.15 ± 0.02 Kg /plot), the resistant cultivar, which produced much higher pod yield than the susceptible Nubaria 1 cultivar (2.98± 0.06 Kg /plot) during the first season (2019 - 2020). During the second season (2020 - 2021), the pod yield was (3.85 ± 0.10) and (5.49± 0.76) Kg/plot for Giza 843 and Nubaria 1 cultivars, respectively, compared with the early sowing date. Furthermore, regarding both seasons, the seeds number per spike decreased significantly with the late sowing date in both the resistant and susceptible cultivars.

One-pot Synthesis of Chemical Delivery Systems for Gamma-aminobutyric Acid and its Analogues

Introduction: A one-pot synthesis route was proposed for the synthesis of chemical delivery systems of bifunctional compounds containing carboxylic- and amino groups, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and its structural analogues, gabapentin and phenibut. Methods: To obtain targeted compounds, consecutive esterification, amidation, methylation, and reduction were employed in contrast to a more traditional approach that requires isolation and purification of semi-products after each reaction step. Results: A significant (nearly two-fold) increase in yields was observed when target compounds were synthesized using a one-pot approach compared to the conventional one. Conclusion: One-pot approach is a possible and beneficial way for the synthesis of chemical delivery systems for gabapentinoids and other drugs containing carboxylic and amino groups.

Effect of antigibberellins on morphogenesis, photosynthetic apparatus, productivity and their residual content in tomato fruits

The application of growth and development regulators on crops in order to optimize their production process is one of the leading tasks of modern plant physiology. Retardants – gibberellin inhibitors are widely used for this purpose. We investigated the effect of foliar treatment with EW-250, ССС-750 and 2-СEPA on morphogenesis, leaf apparatus, content of photosynthetic pigments, indices of chlorophyll fluorescence induction, CO2 gas exchange, and residual amounts of drugs in the fruits of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Bobcat hybrid. The field experiment was laid on plots with an area of 33 m2. The treatment of the plants was carried out at the budding stage. Morphometric indices were determined at the stages of flowering and fruit formation. The chlorophylls content was determined in the raw material by the spectrophotometric method. Indices of photosystem II (PSII) photochemical activity were determined according to the parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence induction after a half-hour exposure of plants in the dark using a portable single-beam fluorimeter "Floratest". The determination of the residual content of retardants in the fruits was carried out on a Shimadzu GC gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometric detector – GCMS- QP2020 EI. All gibberellin inhibitors reduced linear plant size. The number of leaves on the plants decreased under 2-CEPA treatment, and increased after the application of EW-250. Treatment with 2-CEPA decreased, EW-250 significantly increased, and CCC-750 practically did not change the leaves’ fresh and dry weight. Leaf area and leaf index decreased under 2-CEPA treatment, but practically did not change when EW-250 and ССС-750 were applied. All antigibberellin drugs increased the leaf specific leaf weight and thickened the leaf lamina due to the growth of chlorenchyma cells. At the same time, growth inhibitors increased the volume of columnar parenchyma cells and practically did not change the size of spongy parenchyma cells. Retardants increased the chlorophylls content in leaves, while the ethylene producer 2-CEPA did not change this index. The plants’ chlorophyll index after treatment with drugs increased significantly. The whole plant dry weight increased under EW-250 treatment, decreased after 2-CEPA application, and did not change under CCC-750. It was established that the photosynthetic rate increased under the EW-250 treatment, both in the flowering stage and in the stage of fruit formation, while when using 2-CEPA and CCC-750, it occurred only at the stage of fruit formation. The most significant positive changes of PSII photochemical activity indices were observed under the use of EW-250. Under the action of the drug, the maximum and actual quantum efficiency of PSII increased, the linear electron transport accelerated, and the fraction of reaction centers that did not transfer electrons from the primary acceptor QA to QB decreased, at the same time the chlorophyll fluorescence decay coefficient significantly increased, which indicates an increase in the CO2 assimilation intensity. Retardants increased the proportion of the fruit in the whole plant dry weight. All growth regulators increased net photosynthetic efficiency. A significant increase in fruit yield occurred under EW-250 treatment. When using CCC-750, the index tended to increase, while under the influence of 2-CEPA the yield decreased. The residual amounts of EW-250 and CCC-750 in the fruits did not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations.

Herbicide screening for weed control and crop safety in California melon production

AbstractWeed management in cantaloupe and other melon crops is important to maximize fruit yield; however, there are few registered herbicides available in California. Several independent herbicide trials were conducted at University of California field stations in Davis (Yolo County), Five Points (Fresno County), and Holtville (Imperial County) from 2013 to 2019 to evaluate both registered and unregistered herbicides and incorporation methods (sprinklers, cultivation, or none) for crop safety and weed control in melons. Although specific treatments varied among locations depending on local practice and research objectives, ethalfluralin and halosulfuron were used in all experiments, and bensulide and S-metolachlor were evaluated in 4 of 6 site-years. Additional herbicides included clethodim, clomazone, DCPA, napropamide, pendimethalin, sethoxydim, and sulfentrazone. Among registered herbicides, halosulfuron, halosulfuron + ethalfluralin, and ethalfluralin + bensulide combinations provided consistently beneficial weed control across all site-years compared to the nontreated control. S-metolachlor performed as well as the best of the registered herbicides tested at each site-year; although moderate injury was noted at the Davis location, this did not reduce melon yield. The method used to incorporate preplant herbicides had a significant impact on weed control efficacy but varied by location. Mechanical incorporation of preplant herbicides resulted in improved weed control and yield compared to sprinklers. Early-season weed control, whether by herbicides or hand weeding, resulted in significant yield increase in most site-years.

THE COMBINED EFFECT OF THE TILLAGE DEPTH AND COMPOST APPLICATION ON CALCAREOUS SOIL AGGREGATES AND THE YIELD OF INTERCROPPED FABA BEAN WITH WHEAT

Calcareous soils crusting and low organic matter (OM) content are key problems restrict their management and productivity. The aim of this study is to assess the role of tillage at different depths along with the compost application for improving some characteristics of the calcareous soil as well as the yield, and its components of the intercropped faba bean with wheat (1:1 ratio). A field experiment was carried out at the Nubaryia Agricultural Experimental Station through the two successive winter seasons (2019/2020) and (2020/2021) in a split-plot design with three replicates. The main factor (F1) was the plough depth treatments: Chisel plough (20 cm depth) and subsoiler (40 cm depth) one time and twice. The sub-factor (F2) was the applied compost (C1= 5.95 and C2= 11.9 tons ha-1). A control without additions was involved. The wheat and fababean were sown in a 1:1 intercropping ratio mixed with the surface layers by hatchat under a surface irrigation system and the recommended agronomic practices were followed. The tillage treatments combined with increasing the rate of the applied compost have increased the total stable aggregates (TSA), the aggregation index and aggregation degree in the surface and subsurface soil layers (0 – 20 cm, 20 – 40 cm) as well as the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) for both seasons. The water stable aggregates (WSA) distribution revealed that the 8-2 cm aggregates are the abundant size especially in the surface soil layers. The 40 cm depth subsoiler twice treatment combined with the compost rate C2 resulted in the maximum OM for both seasons. The relative maximum OM increase (%) compared to the corresponding control was by 32.3 and 26.7% in the 0 – 20 cm soil layer and by 64.9 snd 60.0% in the 20 – 40 cm soil layer. For the compost rate C2, the most significant relative increase in the wheat grains yield (kg ha-1) was by 74.8% with the plowing two times at 40 cm depth, while for the faba bean seeds yield (kg ha-1) it increased by 145.5% with the 20 cm depth plowing. The studied treatments were effective for improving the calcareous soil properties and productivity.

Impacts of Climate Variability and Change on Sorghum Crop Yield in the Babile District of Eastern Ethiopia

The impacts of various climatic conditions, such as temperature and rainfall variabilities, are very critical and sensitive to rain-fed crop production, particularly over the water stress arid and semi-arid regions of Ethiopia. This study was designed to evaluate the potential impact of climate variability and change on sorghum grain yield in the Babile district of eastern Ethiopia. The study was conducted based on observed and model-based simulated projected rainfall and temperature obtained from the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute and General Circulation Models (GCM) used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the Fifth Assessment Report CMIP5) and Agricultural Model Inter-comparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP). Three GCM models, namely GFDLESM2M, CanESM2, and HadGEM2-ES under RCP4.5, were considered to generate future climate projections for the near-term 21st century. Various univariate and multivariate statistical techniques were employed to compute and identify whether the impacts of climate variability and change on rain-fed sorghum crop performance were reasonably viable over the districts where grain yield is highly stable and productive under normal climate conditions. Our findings revealed that more stable and better rainfall performance from May to September, the season when sorghum crops are normally planted in the Babile district, was positively correlated, while the maximum and minimum temperatures of the season were negatively correlated with sorghum grain yield. A significant association has been detected between sorghum grain yield and its growing period rainfall, number of rainy days, and maximum and minimum temperature with multi-regression analysis. Thus, the variability of rainfall in August, June temperature, and the number of rainy days in September significantly impacted sorghum crop productivity. As a result, the multi-regression model adjusted R-squared indicated that 77% variance in annual sorghum yield performance was explained by rainfall and temperature conditions that prevailed during the crop growing period. During the past period, there was a significant increase in sorghum yields, which are projected to decline during the near term of the 21st century in the future. This revealed that declining and disturbed rainfall performance and increases in temperature are likely to reduce overall sorghum grain yield in the Babile district. We recommend that there is a need to enhance awareness for smallholder farmers on the adverse impact of climate variability and change on sorghum grain yield. In view of this, the farmers need to be geared toward employing climate-smart agriculture as a possible adaptation measure to reduce the negative impacts of climate variability and change on rain-fed crop production practices in the Babile district and other arid and semi-arid parts of eastern Ethiopia.

Quantity and spatial imbalance of supply and demand for water yield services in terrestrial ecosystems under different future land use scenarios in Xinjiang, China

Drylands in northwest China have limited water resources, which negatively impacts economic development, ecological security, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, few studies have examined water supply and demand under multiple future spatial patterns of land use, particularly under sustainable development scenarios. Further research is therefore needed to determine how affect water output services under various land use patterns. We used the GMOP-PLUS (Gray Multi-objective Optimization-Patch-generating Land Use Simulation) and the InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs) models to investigate future land use programs and the current and future trends in water yield services supply and demand in the typical dryland region of Xinjiang, China. The GMOP-PLUS model was used to project the spatial patterns of land use/land cover (LULC) change in Xinjiang in 2025 and 2030 under programs of business-as-usual, rapid economic development, ecological land protection and sustainable development. We then used the InVEST model to project the spatiotemporal evolution of water yield services supply and demand under the four different scenarios. Our results show that Our results show that water production in Xinjiang decreases to 911.30 × 108 m3 in 2020–2030 under the business-as-usual scenario, with an expansion in arable land and a reduction in forested land being the main causes of this decrease. The decline in water production under the ecological land protection scenario is 913.88 × 108 m3. The retention effect of vegetation slows the decline in water production, but the ecological land protection scenario is not effective in controlling the reduction in arable land. The rapid economic development scenario produces a significant increase in water yield of 915.09 × 108 m3, mainly due to an increase in the area of impervious surfaces caused by the expansion of built-up land; however, the rapid economic development scenario leads to a decreasing trend in ecological land. The sustainable development scenario produces 914.15 × 108 m3 of water. The sustainable development scenario increases water production while balancing the development of Constructed and the protection of ecological land, and the arable land also shows a slow growth trend. Between 2025 and 2030, the water security index fluctuates between –0.0225 and –0.0400, with a continued future deficit in water supply and demand in Xinjiang and a high degree of spatial heterogeneity. Programs for advancing sustainable development narrow the supply–demand gap for services that produce water.

Optimizing Insecticide Application Timing for Broad Bean Weevil Control and Minimizing Crop Damage in Broad Bean (Vicia faba Linn.).

During the growing seasons of 2018 to 2020, a field experiment in broad bean (Vicia faba L.) was conducted at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry. The objective of the study was to explore the effects of the timing of insecticide application on the abundance, damage, and control of the broad bean weevil (Bruchus rufimanus Boh.). The experiment included four spray regimes and an untreated control. Yellow water traps were utilized to monitor the broad bean weevil from germination to senescence. Results indicate that broad bean weevil infestation occurred in all study years, with the highest density of adults observed during the flowering stage. Damage to seeds ranged from 23% to 59.62%. The data suggest that B. rufimanus infestation can result in a 19.1% reduction in seed yield. However, spraying when the daily temperature exceeded the threshold for adult activity for 3 days and at the end of flowering produced a significant increase in yield of 13.3% and 6.6%, respectively. Additionally, the spray at the end of flowering reduced damaged seeds by 21.4-48%.

Integrated management of yellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in wheat

Introduction. Yellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is currently the main disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the north of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It has caused yield losses close to 20 %. Objective. To evaluate the effect of different agronomic management systems on wheat yield and incidence of yellow rust. Materials and methods. The trial was carried out in the town of Pergamino, Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. The experimental design was in subdivided plots, the largest plot was with and without cover crop, the subplot was agronomic management, and the sub-subplot the application was foliar fungicide at different phenological stages of the wheat crop. Results. With the use of foliar fungicides in stages close to stem elongation and the use of a cultivar resistant to the disease produced a reduction in the area under the disease progress curve (AUCPE) by 62.50 %, which translated into significant grain yield increases of 29.52 %. Foliar fungicide application resulted in a 16.94 % increase in wheat yield. The implementation of a sustainable integrated management system generated yield increases of 29.52 %. Conclusions. The use of a resistant cultivar and the application of a foliar fungicide at early stages and with low levels of the disease, significantly reduced the AUCPE of yellow rust and increased the wheat yield in experimental plots.

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SOYBEAN VARIETIES IN THE FOREST STEPPE OF THE PRIOBYA

In the article, the authors presented the results of comprehensive studies in 2020 - 2022. on the study of different varieties of soybeans when grown up to granules. The experiments were carried out on heavy loamy grey forest soil with a humus content of 4.1% with a slight acid reaction of the medium (pH 6.28). The nitrate nitrogen concentration was 10 mg/100 g, mobile phosphorus 13.5 mg/100 g, and exchangeable potassium 8 mg/100 g. Different varieties of soybeans, according to their ecological and geographical origin, were sown in the third decade of May with a sowing rate of 500 thousand viable seeds per 1 ha, with harvesting in the third decade of September. The authors conducted phenological observations and determined the photosynthetic potential during the experimental work. The authors also determined the leaf areas of different soybean varieties, plant height, yield indicators and crop structure. The researchers noted that the accelerated growth and development rates occurred in the West Siberian types Omskaya 4, SibNIIK-315, Gorinskaya and Krasnoobskaya. Early maturing varieties of Far Eastern selection were distinguished by a long growing season of up to 120 days, with 85 days in Siberian varieties: Omskaya 4, Far Eastern selection Alena, and Kuban selection (Barguzin, Puma, Vita, Lira, Sayana). The authors observed a significant increase in yield to the standard in the Omskaya 4 - 21% variety. On the other hand, types of the Far Eastern and Kuban selection showed grain yield indicators 2–5 times lower than the SibNIIK-315 standard. The high parameters of the crop structure in the Siberian variety Omskaya 4 were determined by the number of beans from one plant and the mass of grains from one plant.

Impact of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations on Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in Prakasam District of Andhara Pradesh, India

The Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) offer a unique approach to establish a direct interface between farmers and researchers, where the latter are involved in planning, executing, and monitoring the demonstrations. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of front line demonstrations conducted for chickpea crop in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh state. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a highly nutritious legume crop that is widely recognized as both a health food and a high-return crop. The front line demonstrations were conducted at the farmers’ fields to showcase the production potential and economic benefits of improved technologies. The findings revealed that the implementation of improved cultivation practices recommended under CFLDs, such as the use of recommended varieties, appropriate seed rate, timely sowing, and plant protection technology, resulted in a significant increase in gram crop yield compared to the check plots. The adoption of improved technologies led to higher yields, recording chickpea yields of 21.25, 21.75, and 19.50 q/ha during 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21, respectively, which were 13.35%, 24.37%, and 22.22% higher than the prevailing farmer's practice. The average seed yield under improved practice (IP) was 20.83 q/ha, which was 15.48% higher than the farmer's practice (FP). The technology gap and extension gap ranged from 3.25 to 5.50 q/ha and 1.50 to 4.25 q/ha, respectively. The technology index value varied from 13.0% to 22.0% during the study period. The benefit-cost (B: C) ratio ranged from 2.23 to 2.84 under demonstration, while it was 2.15 to 2.57 under control plots. The average B: C ratio under IP (2.53) was 39.89% higher than that under FP.

Cultivation of festulolium mixed with alfalfa foraging purposes in the forest-steppe of Western Siberia

Festulolium is a promising but little-studied fodder crop. The authors found that in the year of laying the herbage of Festulolium in mixtures, the height of plants increased by 6–11% compared with singlespecies sowing. However, the number of shoots per plant decreased from 3 to 2, and the root length decreased by 20%. The survival rate of plants was 84.9–97.4% after winter, depending on the year of sowing. Survival decreased to 46–92% for alfalfa in mixtures, and it was as low as 46–84% when sown with mixture seeds. This was affected by a decrease in reserve nutrients - sugars in the roots of plants. The sugar content decreased by 26%, from 5.14% to 3.77%. No positive effect was observed when sowing with alternating 1–3 rows of festulolium and 1 row of alfalfa. The introduction of nitrogen at a dose of 30 kg a.i. (active ingredient)/ha increased the efficiency of skip-row planting and sowing with a mixture of seeds by 21% due to the positive responsiveness of the components to fertiliser. An increase in the nitrogen dose to 60 kg/ha harmed alfalfa, reducing its share in the herbage to 7% by the third year of use. This decrease was due to the displacement of the more nitrogen-responsive festulolium. The efficiency of crops increases with a reduction in the share of the cereal component and an increase in the percentage of legumes with an alternation of rows of 1:3. The yield was 35.7–42.7 t/ha of green mass, which is higher than that of the single-species sowing of festulolium by 19–53%. The increase is due to an increase in the leaf coverage of alfalfa plants up to 46–49% (against 44% in control) due to the optimisation of layering in the herbage. The introduction of nitrogen at a dose of 30 kg/ha contributes to an increase in yield by 14% (0.43–5.0 t/ ha) due to the increased share of the cereal component in the mixture, an increase in the number of shoots on the plant by 11.1% and their mass by 12.5–17.8%. The introduction of N60 in the joint crops of festulolium and alfalfa is not advisable since it does not give a significant increase in yield and does not pay off the costs incurred.

Relay intercropping of maize with common dry beans to rationalize nitrogen fertilizer

Maize (Zea mays L.) and dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are important staple food and cash crops worldwide. Common bean in an intercrop with maize contributes to biological nitrogen fixation, which stabilize productivity of cropping systems and reduce negative environmental impacts and loss of biodiversity for sustainable agriculture. A field experiments was performed during the years of 2020 and 2021 at Sers El-Layian Station, northern Egypt. The current study aiming to study the effect of three sowing dates of maize, represent 3 co-growth duration [T1: at flowering stage (FS) of common beans (60 days co-growth duration), T2: 15 days after FS (45 days co-growth duration), and T3: 30 days after FS (30 days co-growth duration with beans)] and three N fertilizer levels (N1: 190.4, N2: 238.0, and N3: 285.6 kg N/ha of maize) on productivity, profitability and N fertilizer rationalization. The longest co-growth duration of maize intercropping with common beans (T1) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased common beans and maize yields compared with T2 and T3. Performance of common beans did not show (P ≤ 0.05) any variation under different N fertilizer levels of maize. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in maize yield and its components with raising N fertilizer level up to N3. Although there was no significant variation in maize yield when applied N2 and N3, however, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was significant (P ≤ 0.05) higher in N2 than N3 by 18.34%. Regardless of planting time and N fertilizer level of maize, combined productivity of common beans and maize increased in the intercropped system as cleared by higher total land equivalent ratios (LER) and area time equivalent ratios (ATER). Highest LER value 1.99 was observed at the shortest co-growth period T3 under N3 followed by 1.97 with N2. Positive values in the actual yield loss index (AYL) indicated intercropping advantage. Different competition indices showed a greater dominance of maize over common beans (aggressivity, Ag; competitive ratio, CR; actual yield losses, AYL). However, the intercropping systems increased the economic advantage (intercropping advantage index, IAI and monetary advantage index MAI) over monoculture. These results imply that shortening the period of co-growth maize with common beans (T3) and applying 238.0 kg N/ha in the relay intercropping system reduced mineral N fertilizer use by 16.67% compared to the advised level 285.6 kg N/ha along with increased productivity per unit area and economic advantages for small-farmer.

Effect of Adding Curcuma Longa L. Powder on the Colostrum, Milk Production and its Composition and Growth of Newborns in Awassi ewes

In this study, 18 pregnant Awassi ewes were used to study the effect of different levels of turmeric in productive performance, ewes were divided into three equal groups. The three groups were fed six weeks before birth until weaning on a basal diet with a protein content of 14.46 and energy of 2583 kcal/kg. First group fed without additive (control), while turmeric powder was added to feed intake of the second and third groups by 5 and 10 g / day / ewe respectively. The results indicated that the use of turmeric powder 5g/day /ewe led to a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the colostrum yield at the first day after lambing, actual milk production, percentage of protein and solids non-fat; and the body weights of lambs in weeks (8, 10 and 12). No significant differences were observed in the components of colostrum, and the ewes body weights.

Large-scale IPM validation in whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)-prone cotton (Gossypium spp.) fields adjoining kinnow orchards

Whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gen)] is a serious sucking pest of cotton in the north zone of India. Cotton (Gossypiumspp.) fields adjoining kinnow orchards used to have a quite higher incidence of whiteflies compared to the fieldsaway from orchards. Therefore, the study was carried out at ICAR-National Centre for Integrated Pest Management,New Delhi during 2017–19 to implement integrated pest management (IPM) validation trial in cotton fields locatedadjoining the kinnow orchards in the village Nihalkhera of district Fazilka, Punjab in farmers’ participatory (FP). TheIPM strategy consists of weed removal from orchards, timely sowing of recommended cotton hybrid, 4 foliar spraysof 2% potassium nitrate, use of azadirachtin 1500 ppm @5 ml/litre, conservation of natural enemies by avoidance ofinsecticides that are harmful (IOBC Class-4) to natural enemies and judicious use of safer pesticides (IOBC class1and 2). The IPM adoption resulted in the successful management of whitefly and other sucking pests along with atwo to three-fold increase in predator population compared to FP. IPM recorded a substantial reduction in the use of pesticide active ingredients (86%) and the number of sprays (58%) along with high parasitization (35.32–45.98%) of whitefly nymphs by Encarsia sp. IPM provided a significant increase in yield (23%), net return (57.5%) along witha high benefit cost (B:C) ratio of 2.65.

Comparative Evaluation of Neem Seed Extract as Bio-insecticide for the Control of Three Field Insect Pests of Cowpea in Maiduguri, Borno State, Arid Zone of Nigeria

Cowpea Vigna unguiculata is an important source of nutritious food for man for healthy living and provides fodder to the animal for optimum production and grows in the ecological part of Nigeria. However, despite its importance to man and national development, its main cultivation challenge is insect pests which sometimes account for as high as 40 % loss in production. The continuous use of conventional insecticides to control pests is resulting in unbearable health hazards, hence the need for alternative control measures such as the use of botanicals. This study evaluated the efficacy of neem seed extract biopesticide compared to cypermethrin synthetic insecticide for the management of Thrips, Maruca vitrata and Clavigralla tomentosicollis on cowpea varieties in Maiduguri, Borno State of Nigeria. The neem seed extract was extracted following standard procedures and used as a treatment alongside cypermethrin against the three pests at weekly intervals on four cowpea varieties. Pest population buildup was monitored for five weeks on treated and untreated (control) crops beginning from 24 hours after each treatment on weekly bases. The result revealed a significant reduction (P&gt;0.05) in the population buildup of the three pests on both neem seed oil and cypermethrin-treated crops compared to the control. No significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in population reduction was observed between crops treated with neem seed extract and Cypermethrin. Consequently, there was a significant increase in the grain yield of cowpea on treated plots compared to untreated plots. The neem seed extract has demonstrated a high potential substitute for synthetic insecticide to control the three insect pests.

APPLICATION EFFICIENCY OF THE ADDITIVE "MEGABUST RUMEN" IN MILK PRODUCTION

В статье приведены материалы исследований по использованию на высокопродуктивных голштинизированных коровах чёрно-пёстрой породы кормовой добавки «МегаБуст Румен». Целью исследований явилось определение эффективности влияния активатора рубцового пищеварения «МегаБуст Румен» на молочную продуктивность коров. Данный препарат российского производства, содержит ферментативный экстракт, комплекс живых дрожжей, пектин и витамины группы В. Под действием добавки происходит изменение состава микрофлоры рубца жвачных животных. В опыте на коровах с удоем 9–10 тыс. кг за лактацию были изучены, применительно к транзитному периоду, две дозировки препарата активатора рубцового пищеварения «МегаБуст Румен» – 50 и 100 г/гол./сут., а с 22 по 150 день лактации – одна – 100 г/гол./сут. Во время позднего сухостоя животные контрольной группы из 29 кг поедали смеси на 84,5%, потребление коровами 1 и 2 опытных групп составило в среднем за сутки 89,7 и 93,1% от задаваемого количества. Анализ фактических рационов дойных коров также показал, что в опытных группах поедаемость кормовой смеси была выше, что и предопределило их более высокие удои. В среднем за 5 месяцев лактации суточные удои коров 1 и 2 опытных групп достигли 35,5 и 36,5 кг против 32,9 кг у коров контрольной группы. Достоверное повышение удоев на 7,9 и 10,9% получено от коров, в кормлении которых применялась изучаемая добавка. Установлено, что введение активатора рубцового пищеварения «МегаБуст Румен» оказало положительное действие на поедаемость кормов животными, их продуктивность и рентабельность производства молока. Наиболее эффективна доза скармливания добавки в количестве 100 г/гол./сут. с позднего сухостоя до середины лактации, когда суточные удои увеличиваются на 10,9% (с 32,9 до 36,5 кг) и рентабельность производства молока – на 2,5% (с 23,0 до 25,5%). The article presents research materials on the use of the feed additive "MegaBust Rumen" on highly productive Holsteinized cows of the Black-and-White breed. The goal of the research was to determine the effeciency of the influence of the ruminal digestion activator "MegaBust Rumen" on the milk productivity of cows. This Russian-made preparation contains an enzymatic extract, a complex of live yeast, pectin and vitamins of group B. Under the action of the additive the composition of the ruminant rumen microflora changes. In an experiment on the cows with a yield of 9–10 thousand kg per lactation two preparation doses of the ruminal digestion activator "MegaBust Rumen" were studied in relation to the transition period – 50 and 100 g/head/day, and from 22 to 150 days lactation – one – 100 g/head/day. During the late dry period the animals of the control group of 29 kg ate mixtures by 84.5%, the consumption by cows of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups averaged 89.7 and 93.1% of the set amount per day. An analysis of the actual diets of milk cowbanes also showed that in the experimental groups the feed mixture intake was higher, which predetermined their higher milk yields. On average, for 5 months of lactation the daily yield of cows of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups reached 35.5 and 36.5 kg compared to 32.9 kg in the cows of the control group. A significant increase in yield by 7.9 and 10.9% was obtained from cows in the feeding of which the studied additive was used. It has been established that the introduction of the ruminal digestion activator "MegaBust Rumen" had a positive effect on the feed intake by animals, their productivity and the profitability of milk production. The most effective dose of feeding the additive is in the amount of 100 g/head/day from the late dry period to the middle of lactation, when daily milk yields are increased by 10.9% (from 32.9 to 36.5 kg) and the profitability of milk production – by 2.5% (from 23.0 to 25.5%).