Successful Cultivation Research Articles

Onset of Rainfall and Cumulative Analysis for Sorghum Cultivation in Baringo County

Sorghum is an essential food security crop in the majority of the ASALs regions, such as Baringo County. This study investigated the critical relationship between rainfall levels and the initiation of sorghum planting, with the aim of identifying the threshold at which rainfall is considered sufficient for germination and optimal growth. This study used historical meteorological data from 1990 to 2022, field experiments, statistical analysis, and sorghum growth patterns to discern the trigger points for planting, which are essential for ensuring successful cultivation. This study uncovered alterations in rainfall onset and seasonal rainfall accumulation. The planting window in Baringo County varied significantly, with some dates falling above and below the average onset values of April 4<sup>th</sup> for the long rainfall season and September 24<sup>th</sup> for the short rainfall season. A short rainy season is not ideal for sorghum planting, as it typically receives less than 300 mm of rainfall, which is insufficient for sorghum production. The optimal planting time for sorghum is usually late March and early April. The study found that 36.4% of the long rainy season years had high production, 42.4% had normal production, and only 21% had low or no productivity. The years 2000 and 2018 experienced minimum and maximum rainfall amounts of 198.45 mm and 941.9 mm, respectively.

1094. Codonopsis clematidea (Schrenk) C.B.Clarke: Campanulaceae

SummaryCodonopsis clematidea (Schrenk) C.B.Clarke is illustrated here as Plate 1094; its taxonomic history, nomenclature, medicinal properties and notes on its successful cultivation are discussed.

1088. Lilium primulinum Baker var. burmanicum (W.W.Sm.) Stearn: Liliaceae

SummaryLilium primulinum Baker, a complex species from the eastern Himalayan region is reviewed. L. primulinum var. burmanicum from Myanmar and Yunnan is illustrated. Suggestions for its successful cultivation are given. Lectotypes are designated for the names Lilium primulinum, L. primulinum var. burmanicum and L. poilanei.

Outdoor cultivation and metabolomics exploration of Chlamydomonas engineered for bisabolene production

Demonstrating outdoor cultivation of engineered microalgae at considerable scales is essential for their prospective large-scale deployment. Hence, this study focuses on the outdoor cultivation of an engineered Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain, 3XAgBs-SQs, for bisabolene production under natural dynamic conditions of light and temperature. Our preliminary outdoor experiments showed improved growth, but frequent culture collapses in conventional Tris-acetate-phosphate medium. In contrast, modified high-salt medium (HSM) supported prolonged cell survival, outdoor. However, their subsequent outdoor scale-up from 250 mL to 5 L in HSM was effective with 10 g/L bicarbonate supplementation. Pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry and metabolomic analysis further validated their improved photosynthesis and uncompromised metabolic fluxes towards the biomass and the products (natural carotenoids and engineered bisabolene). These strains could produce 906 mg/L bisabolene and 54 mg/L carotenoids, demonstrating the first successful outdoor photoautotrophic cultivation of engineeredC. reinhardtii,establishing it as a one-cell two-wells biorefinery.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF SILYBUM MARIANUM FRUITS GROWN IN THE REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA

Introduction. Medicines of plant origin are widely used in the complex therapy of various diseases. Among the medicines of plant origin used for the treatment of chronic liver diseases, the most popular are preparations based on Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.). The aim of this work was to Silybum marianum fruits to evaluate the possibility of obtaining raw materials of pharmacopoeial quality in the dry-steppe zone of the Republic of Buryatia. Material and methods. The object of the study was Silybum marianum fruits of the varieties Debut and Start, obtained from experimental fields in Ivolginsky district of the Republic of Buryatia, as well as samples of Silybum marianum fruits received for analysis at the Testing Center of FGBNU VILAR from different regions of the Russian Federation. Results. As a result of the research it was found that climatic and geographical conditions of the dry-steppe zone of the Republic of Buryatia allow successful cultivation of Silybum marianum and obtaining raw materials (fruits) of pharmacopoeial quality. Conclusion. Silybum marianum fruits obtained from plants of the Start variety are not inferior to similar raw materials harvested in other regions of the Russian Federation in the content of the sum of flavolignans.

Супресивен ефект на почвата към ризоктонийно кореново гниене, индуциран чрез имитирана монокултура на пшеница

Disease decline and induction of soil suppressiveness by continuous (5-6 years) monoculture with susceptible plant-host have been reported for various crop-pathogen systems. The present study achieves the goal of inducing suppressive effect in soil towards Rhizoctonia root rot (Rhizoctonia solani AG 4) through monoculture of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Twenty four high-quality wheat (c. Exotic) seeds were planted in plastic containers, each containing 1.1 L Alluvial-Meadow (sandy-clay) soil (Eutric Fluvisols, according to FAO classification). According to the treatment applied, the resulting plants were grown for 0-4 successive short cropping cycles, each lasting three months. Disease suppressiveness was measured in a bioassay in which the experimental units were rectangular, plastic containers (26 x 6 x 8 cm), with drainage holes in the bottom and detachable trays allowing for manual irrigation from the bottom of the container, 7 cm height of the column of tested soil in each container and a two-row crop of wheat (c. Exotic, 2 rows x 12 plants, 2 x 3 cm plant spacing). The spread of the disease was measured from a focus (point) source of inoculum of the pathogen – 20 inoculum grains from a pure culture developed on autoclaved (30 min at 121 °C) barley, introduced into the soil at the beginning of both rows after emergence of the plants. Immediately after termination of the soil suppressiveness test, the abundance of the major groups of soil microorganisms were determined in rhizosphere soil in each treatment by using the method of decimal dilutions and subsequent culturing on agar media. Separately, bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas were isolated from the rhizosphere soil on King’s medium. The antagonistic activity of 10 Pseudomonas spp. isolates from each treatment was tested against R. solani AG 4 in vitro by the double culture method. The monoculture of wheat imitated under controlled conditions resulted in a significant (P<0.05) reduction of the spread of Rhizoctonia root rot from the source of infection. Furthermore, statistically significant differences (P<0.05) were also found between the individual treatments with pre-cultivation of wheat: with the increase in the number of cultivation cycles from one to four, there was a significant reduction in disease spread – by 19.5%, 31.0%, 40.5% and 54.8%, respectively, as compared to the untreated control. Simultaneously, no substantial alterations were observed in the population densities of the monitored groups of microorganisms in the rhizosphere of the experimental plants, including ammonifying and spore-forming bacteria, microscopic fungi, Actinomycetes and bacteria, utilizing mineral N. With the increase in soil suppressiveness from the first to the fifth growing cycle of the crop, a significant increase in the average antagonistic activity of the isolated Pseudomonas spp. against R. solani AG 4 was observed. The thesis is argued that shattering rachis of the ripe ear in wild forms conditioned a continuous “natural” monoculture in which bread wheat and its predecessors grew and evolve during the prehistoric era. We speculate that this condition, along with the lack of genes for resistance to necrotrophic pathogens, have given rise to evolutionary stable defence mechanism and the latter based on mutualistic relationships between the host-plant and bacteria that naturally inhabit rhizosphere and exhibiting high antagonistic (antibiotic) activity against soil-borne plant pathogens. A manifestation of this mechanism is the increasing suppressive response of the soil and the disease decline during or after continuous wheat monoculture. The results obtained in this study are discussed in the light of the microbial eco-evolutionary dynamics in the plant rhizosphere. The progressively increasing pathogen-antagonistic activity of Pseudomonas spp. isolates is discussed as an example of “rapid microbial evolution”, accomplished by possible horizontal gene transfer within one or more successive cultivation cycles of the wheat crop.

Self-cultivating anammox granules for enhancing wastewater nitrogen removal in nitrification–denitrification flocculent sludge system

The feasibility of self-cultivating anammox granules for enhancing wastewater nitrogen removal was investigated in a nitrification–denitrification flocculent sludge system. Desirable nitrogen removal efficiency of 84 ± 4 % was obtained for the influent carbon to nitrogen ratio of 1–1.3 (NH4+-N: 150–200 mg N/L) via alternate anaerobic/oxic/anoxic mode. Meanwhile, some red granular sludge was formed in the system. The abundance and activity of anaerobic ammonia oxidation bacteria (AnAOB) increased from ‘not detected’ in seed sludge to 0.57 % and 29.4 ± 0.7 mg N/(g mixed liquor volatile suspended solids·h) in granules, respectively, suggesting successful cultivation of anammox granules. Furthermore, some denitrifying bacteria with capability of partial denitrification were enriched, such as Candidatus Competibacter (2.45 %) and Thauera (5.75 %), which could cooperate with AnAOB, facilitating AnAOB enrichment. Anammox was dominant in nitrogen removal with the contribution to nitrogen removed above 68.8 ± 0.3 %. The strategy of self-cultivating anammox granules could promote the application of anammox.

Monitoring and Controlling System of Smart Mini Greenhouse Based on Internet of Things (IoT) for Spinach Plant (Amaranthus sp.)

Greenhouses, often composed of plastic or glass structures, play a fundamental role in optimizing the environmental conditions essential for successful plant cultivation, ultimately resulting in higher-quality crop yields. The study aims to develop a real-time monitoring and control system for a smart mini greenhouse utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT), with a specific focus on cultivating spinach. The monitoring system is constructed around an ESP32 microcontroller, complemented by a DHT22 sensor for accurate air temperature and humidity measurements, and an RTC DS3231 timer for scheduling tasks. The DHT22 sensor's set point values trigger the fan and misting system operations. The fan activates when the air temperature reaches 32°C, while the misting system turns on when humidity levels (RH) reach 55%. The ESP32 is the central processing unit, enabling internet connectivity through Wi-Fi for real-time data monitoring via the Blynk application. Sensor calibration confirms the system's precision, with regression analyses producing impressive R2 values of 0.989 and 0.952. The shading net control system operates four hours daily, from 11:00 to 15:00 WIB (Western Indonesian Time), optimizing the greenhouse environment. This well-executed system leads to the robust growth of spinach plants, reaching a height of 23.02 cm, sprouting nine leaves, and attaining a weight of 10 grams. The findings from this study highlight the efficiency and effectiveness of the smart mini greenhouse's monitoring and control system, offering promising applications in broader greenhouse management and crop cultivation practices.

Initial seedling development of Tectona grandis L. f. under different substrates and shading level

The management of nurseries poses a delicate task within a forest seedling production system, where quality is paramount for successful cultivation. Seedlings serve as the initiation point in the production process, exerting subsequent impacts on plant performance in the field. This study aimed to evaluate the production of Tectona grandis seedlings under varying shading levels and substrates. Six shading levels (0%, 18%, 35%, 50%, 70%, and 80%) and two substrates (Vivatto Slim Plus® and 50% Vivatto Slim Plus® + 50% sand) were stipulated. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications of ten plants; each shading level was considered as one experiment. Seedling emergence, stem diameter, length of the largest root, height of aerial part, total length, fresh and dry biomass of aerial part and root systems, total dry biomass, and Dickson's quality index were evaluated. Direct exposure to sunlight negatively impacts the development of Tectona grandis seedlings, with 18% shading recommended. The commercial substrate Vivatto Slim Plus® proved suitable for the production of higher-quality seedlings.

A suitable and efficient optimization system for the culture of Chlamydia trachomatis in adult inclusion conjunctivitis.

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the genitourinary tract is increasing, with an annual rise of 9 million cases. Individuals afflicted with these infections are at a heightened risk of developing adult inclusive conjunctivitis (AIC), which is commonly recognized as the ocular manifestation of this sexually transmitted infection. Despite its significant clinical implications, the lack of distinctive symptoms and the overlap with other ocular conditions often lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of AIC associated with C. trachomatis infection. Here, we established six distinct C. trachomatis culture cell lines, specifically highlighting the MA104 N*V cell line that exhibited diminished expression of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), resulting in reduced interferons. Infected MA104 N*V cells displayed the highest count of intracytoplasmic inclusions detected through immunofluorescence staining, peaking at 48 h postinfection. Subsequently, MA104 N*V cells were employed for clinical screening in adult patients diagnosed with AIC. Among the evaluated cohort of 20 patients, quantitative PCR (qPCR) testing revealed positive results in seven individuals, indicating the presence of C. trachomatis infection. Furthermore, the MA104 N*V cell cultures derived from these infected patients demonstrated successful cultivation and replication of the pathogen, confirming its viability and infectivity. Molecular genotyping identified four distinct urogenital serovars, with serovar D being the most prevalent (4/7), followed by E (1/7), F (1/7), and Ia (1/7). This novel cellular model contributes to studies on C. trachomatis pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, and host-pathogen interactions both in vitro and in vivo. It also aids in acquiring clinically relevant strains critical for advancing diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines against C. trachomatis.

Autumnal Potassium Induced Modulations in Plant Osmoprotectant Substances, Nutrient Stoichiometry and Precision Sustainable Seedling Cultivation in Parashorea chinensis

Parashorea chinensis, an endemic tree species in China’s tropical rainforests, holds ecological and economic importance. Challenges like low resistance, poor quality, and low survival rates hinder its successful cultivation. This study explores the potential of autumn potassium fertilization on Parashorea seedlings from two provenances (Napo and Tianyang). The treatments included no fertilizer (CK-1), a single application of 160 mg K·plant−1 (CK-2), and various potassium levels K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, and K6 (corresponding to 0, 40, 80, 160, 320, and 640 mg·K·plant−1, respectively) combined with nitrogen (200 mg·plant−1) and phosphorus (80 mg·plant−1) fertilization. The findings indicate that autumn potassium application, in conjunction with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization, significantly enhances seedling height and biomass in both provenances, resulting in an average increase of 101% and 89% under the K4 treatment compared to CK-1 and CK-2, comparatively. Both Napo and Tianyang provenances exhibited distinct responses in photosynthetic rate (2.70 μmol·m−2·s−1 and 1.97 μmol·m−2·s−1, respectively) and stomatal conductance (0.042 mol·m−2·s−1 and 0.029 mol·m−2·s−1, respectively) to the K4 treatment, which proved most effective. The chlorophyll content was significantly higher for Napo provenance with the K3 treatment (74.31%, 58.99%), while for Tianyang, it was higher with the K4 treatment (41.48%, 17.36%), compared to CK-1 and CK-2, respectively. Antioxidant enzymes activity, osmoregulatory capacity, and malondialdehyde content all exhibited variations with potassium application levels, with the K4 treatment offering significant benefits. In Napo provenance, lignin (199.82 mg·g−1) and cellulose (252.38 mg·g−1) peaked at K4, while Tianyang exhibited variation, higher lignin (184.25 mg·g−1) at K3, and cellulose (257.73 mg·g−1) at K4. Nutrient content analysis demonstrates that the K4 treatment enhances nutrient absorption and storage, increasing total N (21.56 mg·kg−1), P (4.69 mg·kg−1), and K (13.49 mg·kg−1) content. A comprehensive analysis reveals that the K4 treatment yields the highest quality scores (1.87, 1.85) and membership values (0.82, 0.68) for both Napo and Tianyang seedlings, with Napo seedlings outperforming their Tianyang provenance. Thus, treatment K4 underscores the effectiveness of autumn potassium applications for robust seedling cultivation and adaptation, offering valuable insights for sustainable cultivation practices.

EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT PASTEURIZATION AND STERILIZATION METHODS FOR OYSTER MUSHROOM SUBSTRATES

Oyster mushrooms can be cultivated with great spatial efficiency, on nutrient-poor plant materials, without light and under diverse climatic conditions. Their production therefore has a great potential for improving food security, especially in impoverished and overpopulated areas. However, the pasteurization or sterilization of mushroom substrates uses a lot of energy and water. This study investigates the impact of different pasteurization and sterilization techniques on the growth and yield of oyster mushrooms, and evaluates their water and energy usage. The efficacy of heat-based methods, including hot water, hot air, and pressurized steam, as well as a chemical method utilizing hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) were assessed. The results show that sterilizing mushroom substrates through autoclaving can significantly increase the dry yields, up to 50% compared to pasteurization methods. However, pasteurization methods also achieved excellent results compared to untreated substrates, with good harvests and low pest occurrence. The mushroom water content was significantly higher in pasteurization methods where the substrate is submerged in water. In terms of fresh yield, hot water pasteurization was as good as autoclaving and significantly better than the other pasteurization methods. Hot air pasteurization has, on balance, a better water and energy efficiency than autoclave sterilization (about 75 % less energy) or hot water pasteurization (about 85 % less water). When performed at an air temperature of 75° C, which was found to be sufficient for successful mushroom cultivation, as little as 1068 kJ was needed to pasteurize one kg of dry substrate (e.g. maize straw). While hydrated lime pasteurization could use as little as 270 kJ per kg of dry substrate, it is very wasteful of water, as is hot water pasteurization and could lead to nutrient leaking. The success of mushroom cultivation, especially with hot air pasteurization, could also be influenced by the duration of substrate soaking before treatment. The study provides slight evidence, although inconclusive, for a positive effect of prolonged soaking periods on yield. Lastly, the study discusses the applicability of different disinfection techniques at varying production scales and for different mushroom species, focusing on African countries, where comparably small mushroom economies are growing rapidly, but often through the use of unsustainable pasteurization technology.

Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Insights into Candidate Genes and Molecular Pathways Involved in Growth of Mytilus coruscus Larvae.

Growth is a fundamental aspect of aquaculture breeding programs, pivotal for successful cultivation. Understanding the mechanisms that govern growth and development differences across various stages can significantly boost seedling production of economically valuable species, thereby enhancing aquaculture efficiency and advancing the aquaculture industry. Mytilus coruscus, a commercially vital marine bivalve, underscores this importance. To decipher the intricate molecular mechanisms dictating growth and developmental disparities in marine shellfish, we conducted transcriptome sequencing and meticulously analyzed gene expression variations and molecular pathways linked to growth traits in M. coruscus. This study delved into the molecular and gene expression variations across five larval development stages, with a specific focus on scrutinizing the differential expression patterns of growth-associated genes using RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. A substantial number of genes-36,044 differentially expressed genes (DEGs)-exhibited significant differential expression between consecutive developmental stages. These DEGs were then categorized into multiple pathways (Q value < 0.05), including crucial pathways such as the spliceosome, vascular smooth muscle contraction, DNA replication, and apoptosis, among others. In addition, we identified two pivotal signaling pathways-the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and the TGF-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway-associated with the growth and development of M. coruscus larvae. Ten key growth-related genes were pinpointed, each playing crucial roles in molecular function and the regulation of growth traits in M. coruscus. These genes and pathways associated with growth provide deep insights into the molecular basis of physiological adaptation, metabolic processes, and growth variability in marine bivalves.

Improved soil moisture, nutrients, and economic benefits using plastic mulchs in balsa-based agroforestry systems.

The manufacture of wind turbine blades generally uses balsa wood as the base materials, and it is crucial to explore new regions for cultivating balsa trees to achieve carbon neutrality in the future. Xishuangbanna may be China's only area with a tropical climate suitable for the large-scale planting of balsa trees. The present study investigated the key soil elements influencing the growth of balsa plantations and the effects of different cultivation practices on soil environments and economic benefits in Xishuangbanna, China. We found that the height of balsa stems after growing 4years reached 5.8m; the increment of diameter at breast height (DBH) reached 27.7cm and volume of balsa stems reached 196.0 m3ha-1 in Xishuangbanna of China. It is of the utmost importance to improve the contents of soil exchangeable magnesium (Mg) and available phosphorus (P) for the growth of balsa trees, and exchangeable aluminium (Al) inhibited the growth of balsa trees. The practice of plastic film mulching not only improved soil moisture in the 40‒100-cm soil layer in the dry season and in the 0-60-cm soil layer in the rainy season but also enhanced soil nitrate nitrogen when compared with no plastic-mulching practice in balsa plantations. The comprehensive economic benefits of balsa/coriander/ginger/taro plantations were significantly improved by implementing plastic film mulching, as compared to balsa plantations. We conclude that balsa tree can be cultivated in Xishuangbanna, China, and its successful cultivation provides opportunities for China's wind power development.

In Vitro Growth of Human Follicles: Current and Future Perspectives.

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is gaining importance as a successful method to restore fertility to girls and young women at high risk of sterility. However, there are concerns regarding the safety of transplantation after ovarian tissue cryopreservation due to the high risk of reintroducing cancer cells and causing disease recurrence. In these cases, the development of culture systems that support oocyte development from the primordial follicle stage is required. Notable achievements have been reached in human follicle in vitro growth in the past decade. Currently, systems for the in vitro culture of ovarian tissue are based on two-dimensional substrates that do not support the survival of follicles or recapitulate the mechanical heterogenicity in the mammalian ovary. Recognition of the importance of special arrangements between cells has spurred research in three-dimensional culture systems, and the provision of a precise culture system that maximizes the diffusion of nutrients and gases through the follicles has raised interest in advanced biomimetic models. The current review critically examines various culture systems employed for the in vitro development of follicles, with a particular focus on solutions utilizing Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) technology. The emphasis on OOC technology underscores its role as a promising avenue in ensuring the successful cultivation and maintenance of follicular structures during the culture period.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of fungicides against anthracnose disease on pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Successful cultivation of pomegranate in India has faced many challenges, with diseases and pests being the major constraints. Many pathogens affect pomegranate leaves and fruits, and anthracnose, which can cause significant damage to the pomegranate crop. The spraying of fungicides with varying modes of action is a successful disease management approach. Hence, the present work was aimed to characterize the pathogen and evaluate the different fungicides for the effective control of the disease under field conditions. The pathogen was identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides through morphological features and sequencing of ITS 1 and ITS 4 regions. Fifteen fungicides were then tested in vitro against C. gloeosporioides using the poison food technique at various concentrations. Out of the five contact fungicides evaluated, copper oxychloride was found to be the most effective against C. gloeosporioides. On the other hand, all three concentrations of pyraclostrobin, thiophanate methyl, tebuconazole, hexaconazole, and propiconazole showed 100 % inhibition. Among the five combination products tested, propiconazole + difenconazole, tebuconazole + trifloxystrobin, and pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole showed 100 % inhibition. After the in vitro results, the field evaluation was further studied to find the most effective fungicides. The trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole fungicide was found to have a percent disease index of 4.50, which was significantly lower than all other treatments. The plots treated with this fungicide produced the highest yield of 10.92 t/ha, followed by Pyraclostrobin + Epoxiconazole at 9.89 t/ha. The control plot had the lowest yield, producing only 3.02 t/ha. Based on field evaluations, Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin is recommended as a preventative measure against anthracnose disease in pomegranates.

First feeding of a marine ornamental fish, the White‐barred Goby Amblygobius phalaena: Investigating the optimal initial live feed organisms and optimal feeding density

AbstractObjectiveThe White‐barred Goby Amblygobius phalaena is a popular ornamental fish in the marine aquarium market. To achieve successful commercial production, efficient larval rearing techniques are crucial. Previous studies have achieved successful cultivation of White‐barred Goby larvae by using a combination of three live feed organisms—the ciliate Euplotes sp., the rotifer Brachionus rotundiformis, and the copepod Apocyclops royi nauplii—during the first feeding stage. However, the specific contributions of these live feed organisms to larval survival and growth remain unclear. Moreover, the optimal feeding density for the critical initial live feed organism has not been determined experimentally. In this study, we aimed to enhance the larviculture protocol for White‐barred Goby by introducing Portuguese oyster Crassostrea angulata trochophores and by addressing these knowledge gaps.MethodsLarvae were initially cultured through individual and combined feeding with four live feed organisms: Euplotes sp., Portuguese oyster trochophores, B. rotundiformis, and A. royi nauplii. The objective was to identify the optimal initial live feed organism during the first feeding stage by assessing the survival and growth performance of larvae. Subsequently, using this optimal live feed organism, larvae were cultured at four feeding densities (2, 5, 10, and 20 individuals/mL). Through evaluating feeding incidence, feeding intensity, survival, and growth performance, the aim was to determine the optimal feeding density for the selected live prey.ResultOur experiments revealed that White‐barred Goby larvae could consume both oyster trochophores and Euplotes sp. during the first feeding stage. However, larvae exhibited superior survival and growth performance when fed oyster trochophores. The optimal feeding density of oyster trochophores was determined to be 10 individuals/mL, while a feeding density as high as 20 individuals/mL resulted in decreased larval feeding incidence.ConclusionThese findings have significant implications for enhancing larval production programs for marine ornamental gobies and promoting their sustainable commercialization.

Cucumber Leaf Disease Detection using GLCM Features with Random Forest Algorithm

Agriculture plays a vital role in India's economy, and the health of crops is critical for maximizing yield. In particular, cucumber, a key salad ingredient known for its health benefits, is susceptible to various diseases such as water mold, bacterial wilt, angular leaf spot, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. These diseases not only affect the quality of cucumbers but also significantly reduce their yield. Early detection of these diseases is crucial for successful cultivation, but traditional manual methods of disease identification by farmers or diagnosticians are time-consuming and prone to misidentification. To address these challenges, we explore advanced artificial intelligence techniques. We implement and compare various machine learning algorithms, including ResNet, AlexNet, and VGG-16, for disease classification in cucumbers. However, these methods often struggle with issues such as noise, irrelevant features, and the generation of pertinent characteristics. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel approach using a GLCM (Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix) feature extraction method combined with a Random Forest classifier. This new algorithm aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of disease detection. Our dataset comprises four distinct categories: Healthy, Anthracnose, Aphids, and CYSDV. It is sourced from diverse platforms, including online repositories like kaggle and direct collection from cucumber farms. The initial phase of our methodology involves noise reduction by converting images into the LAB color space and isolating specific regions using the k-means clustering algorithm. Subsequently, we extract texture features from the diseased leaf images using the GLCM algorithm, and classification is performed using the Random Forest model. Comparative analysis shows that our proposed Random Forest algorithm outperforms previous models like LGBM (Light Gradient Boosting Machine) and QSVM (Quantum-Support Vector Machine) in predicting disease presence in cucumber plants with higher accuracy rate of 98.62%, Precision 98.77%, Recall 98.48% and also F1 Score 98.62%.

Effect of Bacteria Inoculation on Colonization of Roots by Tuber melanosporum and Growth of Quercus ilex Seedlings.

Tuber melanosporum is an ascomycete that forms ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbioses with a wide range of host plants, producing edible fruiting bodies with high economic value. The quality of seedlings in the early symbiotic stage is important for successful truffle cultivation. Numerous bacterial species have been reported to take part in the truffle biological cycle and influence the establishment of roots symbiosis in plant hosts and the development of the carpophore. In this work, three different bacteria formulations were co-inoculated in Quercus ilex L. seedlings two months after T. melanosporum inoculation. At four months of bacterial application, the T. melanosporum ECM root tip rate of colonization and bacterial presence were assessed using both morphological and molecular techniques. A 2.5-fold increase in ECM colonization rate was found in the presence of Pseudomonas sp. compared to the seedlings inoculated only with T. melanosporum. The same treatment caused reduced plant growth either for the aerial and root part. Meanwhile, the ECM colonization combined with Bradyrhizobium sp. and Pseudomonas sp. + Bradyrhizobium sp. reduced the relative density of fibrous roots (nutrient absorption). Our work suggests that the role of bacteria in the early symbiotic stages of ECM colonization involves both the mycorrhizal symbiosis rate and plant root development processes, both essential for improve the quality of truffle-inoculated seedlings produced in commercial nurseries.

Using modern technologies to improve the vegetable cultivator

This paper explores the selection of high-yielding potato varieties suitable for various soil and climatic conditions, the use of modern scientific technologies in their cultivation, the current state and significance of potato cultivation in the soil and climatic conditions of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the importance of employing specific techniques such as a motoblock for potato cultivation in homesteads or small farms. The paper also presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies conducted on the study of the grinding angle of the cultivator softener paw. The research findings suggest that the optimal grinding angle for the vegetable cultivator softener claw should be within the range of 25º-30º, ensuring the necessary soil quality and minimal resistance of the working body. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate potato varieties and utilizing modern scientific technologies for successful potato cultivation in Uzbekistan.