Crop Technology Research Articles

ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN MALFUNCTIONS OF GRAIN HARVESTERS AND WAYS TO INCREASE THEIR EFFICIENCY IN HARVESTING GRAIN, LEGUMINOUS AND OTHER CROPS

The article indicates the main problems connected with the technology of harvesting grain and leguminous crops (wheat, barley, soybeans, peas) and other crops, as the machine operator often encounters a number of technological and constructive malfunctions that prevent proper threshing of those or other crops, directing the harvesting process to significant expenditure of time and labor, and at the same time to crop losses. An analysis of the main malfunctions of structures that occur during the harvesting of grain, leguminous and other crops, both of the combine itself and of the headers for them, was made. This is especially emphasized during harvesting with high humidity, which significantly worsens the conditions for harvesting crops, and thereby increases the likelihood of frequent emergency stops of grain harvesters. Constructive and technological solutions have been revealed that allow harvesting various crops with minimal possible losses. Based on the given analysis of structures, the possibility of effective use of grain harvesters during the implementation of agrotechnical evaluation indicators, i.e. productivity, throughput capacity of the thresher, grain losses, as well as the avoidance of regular stoppages related to malfunctions, which should be paid special attention, is considered. CLAAS LEXION combine harvesters designed for harvesting grain, legumes and other crops, including soybean and rapeseed, are the basis of the analysis. The analysis of the main malfunctions and ways to improve the performance of CLAAS LEXION combine harvesters shows that during their use in production conditions for harvesting grain, legumes and other crops, positive results, high quality and reliability of work will be obtained, and at the same time increasing productivity due to the avoidance of emergency stops.

ARD‐VO: Agricultural robot data set of vineyards and olive groves

AbstractThe availability of real‐world data in agricultural applications is of paramount importance to develop robust and effective robotic‐based solutions for farming operations. In this application context, however, very few data sets are available to the community and for some important crops, such as grapes and olives, they are almost absent. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to introduce and release ARD‐VO, a data set for agricultural robotics applications focused on vineyards and olive cultivations. Its main purpose is to provide the researchers with a real‐world extensive set of data to support the development of solutions and algorithms for precision farming technologies in the aforementioned crops. ARD‐VO has been collected with an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) equipped with different heterogeneous sensors that capture information essential for robot localization and plant monitoring tasks. It is composed of sequences gathered in 11 experimental sessions between August and October 2021, navigating the UGV for several kilometers in four cultivation fields in Umbria, a central region of Italy. In addition, to highlight the utility of ARD‐VO, two application case studies are presented. In the first one, the data set is used to compare the performance of simultaneous localization and mapping and odometry estimation methods using vision systems, light detection and ranging, and inertial measurement unit sensors. The second one shows how the multispectral images included in ARD‐VO can be used to compute Normalized Difference Vegetation Index maps, which are crucial to monitor the crops and build prescription maps.

The effect of pre-sowing treatment biological preparations of common bean seeds for their sowing qualities

Relevance. The use of biological preparations in agricultural technology of agricultural crops contributes to the preservation of agrophytocenosis, reduces environmental pollution and has a positive effect on the growth and development of the plants themselves. In this regard, the determination of the effectiveness of the use of biological products in the presowing treatment of common bean seeds is relevant and timely.Materials and methods. In our study, we studied the effect of presowing treatment of common bean seeds with biological products: Polydon Bio Profi, Polydon Amino Mix, Polydon Aminomix, Alfastim on germination energy, germination, seed sprout size, number of roots and length of the root system. Three varieties were taken as objects of study: Athlete, Omichka, Sirenevaya.Results. A different effect of preparations on the time of seed germination was revealed. The average germination time in options 1-4 was higher than the control values for all varieties, i.e. drugs slowed down germination. The seeds of the tested varieties responded positively to treatment with Alfastim (option 5): the average germination time in Fizkulturnitsa and Sirenevaya decreased by 8.5 and 9.8%, in the Omichka variety by 45%, compared with the control. Among the tested varieties, it is necessary to single out the Sirenevaya variety, which has the highest germination energy (ES) from 90% to 100% and seed germination (VS) from 98-100% in all treatment options. The most effective treatment of the Omichka variety was in option 2 (EP-90%, germination rate 90%), the values exceeded the control by 5%. For all options, the germination energy of the Fizkulturnitsa variety ranged from 72 to 90%, germination from 73 to 93%. A positive effect of drugs on the germination of seeds of this variety was established. The defeat of bean seeds by mold fungi was noted. Seed damage is mild to moderate. Seed damage by mold fungi in the variants using Polydon Bio Profi was absent, or it was weak up to 3.3% for all tested varieties. Morphobiometric indicators of seedlings and their root system in all varieties developed more effectively on variants with the use of Polydon Bio Profi and Alfastim preparations, and their mixtures

Adoption of Rice Crop Technology in Barabanki District: Constraints and Remedies

In Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh 250 respondents were studied on their faced constraints and suggested measures over technology adopted in rice crop by Probability proportion to size and Random sampling method between ATMA and non-ATMA farmers. Descriptive statistics was used to draw and interpret the results from the collected data. Results stated that the most serious constraints were perceived by the majority of trained farmers and non-trained farmers both. It was suggested that proper information dissemination and low-cost input use should be adopted for profitable agriculture and improving socio-economic condition of rural India.

Pearl millet, the hope of food security in marginal arid tropics: implications for diversifying limited cropping systems

Pearl millet has great potential to withstand climate-related risks in marginal areas. However, much remains unknown as to how it contributes to income and food security at the smallholder level. As a result, this study assessed the contributions of pearl millet to the farmers’ income and food security, its production constraints, and connections between stakeholders in the marginal arid tropics of Northeast Amhara. The technology was promoted for five (2015–2019) production years, and data from 223 samples were analyzed. The new pearl millet technology provided better yield (1420 kg·ha-1) and net return (42328 ETB ha-1) than sorghum, even in difficult climatic conditions. Despite the higher cost of production, its additional returns (31638) and effective gains (28838) were higher across the years. The results of the sensory evaluation revealed that “Enjera”, “Tella”, Bread, and Porridge were the farmers’ 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th food type choices of pearl millet, respectively. The trend towards acceptance of the technology made up a large number of the farmers, as 79.5% of those who participated applied the full technology package. Those who did not apply the full package did so due to labor shortages, technological complexity, and insufficient practical training. Therefore, climate-smart pearl millet crop technology is recommended for better and consistent production in marginal arid-tropical areas.

Management of Phytophthora Blight of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Hugh) Through the Use of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Plant Parts Aqueous Extracts

This study is focused on the management of phytophthora blight, a fungal disease of “pigeon pea” by the application of some aqueous extracts of neem plant parts. The aim of the study was to manage the phytophthora blight of pigeon pea using the plant parts extract of neem. The study was conducted in the year, 2021, at the Demonstration Farms (both field and laboratory) of the Department of Crop Science and Technology, School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The experiment was designed as Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. Data on pigeon pea growth parameters and disease incidence and severity, were statistically analyzed by the use of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) software as outlined by Wahua. The means were separated for difference using the Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (FLSD). Results indicated that aqueous extract of neem seed application caused the tallest Pigeon pea height (103.30 cm), the highest number of pigeon pea leaves (99.40), the lowest phytophthora blight disease incidence (11.00%) and also the lowest phytophthora blight disease severity (1.00).

Pengaruh Sifat Inovasi Dan Teknologi Sistem Tanam Jajar Legowo Terhadap Keberhasilan Usahatani Padi Sawah (Suatu Kasus di Kecamatan Bojongpicung Kabupaten Cianjur)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the nature of innovation on the Jajar Legowo planting system technology, the influence of the Jajar Legowo planting system technology on the success of lowland rice farming, the influence of the nature of innovation and Jajar Legowo technology on the success of lowland rice farming. This study used a survey method with the unit of analysis being farmers implementing Integrated Crop and Resource Management Technology in Bojong Picung District, Cianjur Regency. The sampling technique was carried out by random sampling of 110 respondents. The collected data were analyzed using path analysis, the analysis was adjusted according to the results of hypothesis testing. The results showed that the factors of the nature of innovation and the technology of the Legowo rice planting system simultaneously had a significant effect on the success of farming by 92.1%. The remaining 7.9% is influenced by other factors not examined in this study.

Recent Progress in Genetic Transformation and Gene Editing Technology in Cucurbit Crops

Cucurbits (Cucurbitaceae) include major horticultural crops with high nutritional and economic value that also serve as model plants for studying plant development and crop improvement. Conventional breeding methods have made important contributions to the production of cucurbit crops but have led to a breeding bottleneck because of the narrow genetic bases and low variation rates of these crops. With the development of molecular techniques, innovations in germplasm development through transgenesis and gene editing have led to breakthroughs in horticultural crop breeding. Although the development of genetic transformation and gene editing techniques for cucurbit crops has lagged behind that for other major crops, great progress has been made in recent years. Here, we summarize recent advances in improving the genetic transformation efficiency of cucurbit crops, including the screening of germplasm and the application of physical treatments, morphogenic genes, and selection markers. In addition, we review the application of gene editing technology to cucurbit crops, including CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat)/Cas9 (CRISPR-associated nuclease 9)-mediated gene knockout and base editing. This work provides a reference for improving genetic transformation efficiency and gene editing technology for cucurbit crops.

Productivity of buckwheat in 6-field crop rotations in the conditions of the Left Bank Forest Steppe

Aim. The purpose of the study is carried out in the established structure of influence, recruitment and placement of field crops in various crop rotations on overall productivity, yield and quality of buckwheat in particular. The study was carried out in the subzone of unstable moistening of Left Bank Forest-Steppe of Ukraine on typical low-humus Panfilska chernozem research station of the NSC «IZ NAAN». Methods. Growing technology of agricultural crops in experiments is generally accepted and recommended for the research area. Chemical means of protection were used plants for the production of competitive marketable buckwheat products. Results. Studies conducted in a long-term inpatient setting field research, which was established in 2001, on the study of crop rotations on typical ones chernozems of unstable moistening of the Left Bank Forest Steppe, convincingly testify to the fact that during 2016–2020 the research is the most 6-field crop rotations are rational in this zone: soybeans – winter wheat. – sugar beets – spring barley – corn for grains – buckwheat; buckwheat – winter wheat – soybean – spring wheat – winter rye – spring barley for organic of the mineral intensification system (by-products of the precursor + N40P40K40 for buckwheat). Conclusions. Buckwheat yield, which was grown after corn for grain and spring barley as precursors and corresponding set crop rotation, was in the range of: 2.05–2.10 t/ha, while the content of raw protein was contained at the level of 14.7–15.0%. Economic efficiency growing buckwheat in the structure of 6-field crop rotation becomes: conditionally net income – 13.89–14.48 thousand hryvnias/ha for a high level profitability – 130–135%.

How Can Innovation Platforms Enhance Crop Technology Adoption and Yield: An Empirical Evidence from Wheat Sector in Sudan

How Can Innovation Platforms Enhance Crop Technology Adoption and Yield: An Empirical Evidence from Wheat Sector in Sudan

Salad Days: Pairwise Gene Edits Food to Topple Nutrition Barriers

Salad Days: Pairwise Gene Edits Food to Topple Nutrition Barriers

Orchard Net Covers Improve Resistance to Cherry Cracking Disorder.

Orchard net cover improves plant physiology, yield and fruit quality, pest and disease control, and anticipates fruit ripening. Moreover, this crop technology has been used to reduce natural cherry cracking (NCC). This is a serious physiological disorder that cracks the epidermis, the hypodermis, and the storage parenchyma layers of the fruit due to rainfall events near the harvest and it is related to low fruit osmotic potential and/or high fruit water permeability. This work aims to study the effect of orchard net cover on sweet cherry trees, cv. Early Bigi, in two harvesting years (2019 and 2021). The NCC, the induced cracking index (CI), and the cracking type incidence were determined. In addition, epicuticular and intra-cuticular wax content, biometric and physicochemical parameters were also evaluated. Net cover reduced the natural cracking index by 40%. High fruit weight values were observed in covered trees comparing to the control ones, with increases of 45% and 13%, in 2019 and 2021, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between CI and total soluble solids and a negative correlation between CI and wax content. Therefore, with forecasts of worsening heavy precipitation events near harvest, protecting cherry trees with nets will increase resistance to fruit cracking.

Soil carbon accumulation in continuous cropping systems of the rolling Pampa (Argentina): The role of crop sequence, cover cropping and agronomic technology

The design of sustainable, high-yielding continuous cropping systems requires to maintain, or even restore, critical ecosystem properties, such as soil functioning. In the rolling Pampa (Argentina), total soil organic carbon decreased by 15–40% due to continuous agriculture. Therefore, soils are far from their potential carbon saturation. The most promising strategies to increase yield and restore carbon rely on the sustainable intensification of the current cropping systems based on no-tillage practices. Such strategies also involve increasing resource use through cover crops, increasing cropping intensity, and performing accurate and flexible fertilization and crop protection schemes. This study evaluated the effects of different cropping systems on soil organic carbon stocks in the uppermost 20 cm of the soil profile. We performed a 5-year experiment combining five cropping systems with different cash crop sequence (soybean mono-cropping and two different rotations) and agronomic technology (genotypes, fertilization, and crop protection), which in turn were evaluated under both fallow and cover cropping. Five years after the beginning of the experiment, all systems had a net positive balance of soil carbon accumulation, which averaged 2.25 t C.ha-1.yr-1. On average, 41% of plant carbon inputs remained within the first 20 cm of the soil profile. Cover crops increased plant carbon inputs, with larger effects as the cash crops occupied a shorter period in the field. Therefore, compared to fallow, cover crop doubled carbon input in soybean mono-cropping, had intermediate increments in the maize-soybean sequence, and had the lowest increments in the wheat/soybean-maize-soybean sequence. Under fallow, both rotations outperformed the plant carbon inputs of soybean mono-cropping. Management intensification, only evaluated for rotations, increased plant carbon inputs and soil carbon accumulation in a synergistic interaction with cover crop. Our results indicate that increasing carbon inputs through crop rotation, cover cropping and better agronomic technology is an opportunity to revert the long trend of soil carbon deficit of these agricultural lands.

ASPECTS REGARDING THE VARIABILITY OF SOME PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE SOILS IN THE BĂNDOIU AREA, THE GREAT BRĂILA ISLAND

The current status of Great Brăila Island is the result of an extensive activity of damming/draining/land reclamation of the Brăila Swamp with the aim to be used in agriculture. The final areas obtained from this complex activity preserve the specific variability of the flood areas. In order to be used in agricultural purposes, they need crop technologies which capitalize the physical and chemical soil properties.
 In order to highlight this variability, physical and chemical analysis on soil samples have been done. The analyzes highlighted the following: the soil texture is uniform (clayey and clay-loamy); the indicators characterizing the structural soil state indicate a good structural aggregation; soil reaction is weakly alkaline on the profile for the entire area; humus content varies from low to medium; the total nitrogen content varies from low to high (the vast majority of samples having medium contents); available phosphorus content varies from high to very high; available potassium content ranges from medium to very high; the total content of soluble salts indicates non-saline soils, while the total cation exchange capacity has medium and high values. The statistical analysis of the studied indicators indicates a coefficient of variation with values between 1.99% for the soil reaction and 53.17% for the structural instability index. Detailed analysis of these coefficients indicate a higher variability for the easily exchangeable indicators (such as nutrient supply) and a lower variability for stable elements (total cation exchange capacity, soil texture and soil reaction, being dependent on parent material). The results of the study highlights a relative homogeneity of the area, the indicators varying inside the same class of values, allowing the application of homogenous agricultural technologies on the study area.

EVOLUTION OF WINTER WHEAT CROP UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AGROTEHNICAL MEASURES AND CLIMATE CHANGES

In the context of climate change, crop technologies must be updated and adapted by identifying and implementing new technological links regarding: soil tillages, the fertilization system, the previous plant, which will contribute to significantly reducing the negative impact of climate change on production and quality for wheat crop. The relationship production - quality - technology highlighted the negative influence of excessive temperatures and deficient precipitation in important stages in the evolution of plants. Wheat yield and quality are affected by management practices, climate conditions and genetic characteristics. The research was carried out in the period 2019 – 2021, in the experimental field of NARDI Fundulea and the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of agrotechnical measures and climatic conditions on the yield and quality of wheat. The experiment involved three different soil works and four fertilized options. Yields and quality were maximized by associated factors. Soil conservation works associated with manure fertilization increase production values and final quality by 5-10%, depending on the variant.

Effect of foliar application of bio-stimulants on growth, yield and nutritional quality of broccoli.

Broccoli is one of important cole crop grown all over the world due to its unique nutritional profile consumed fresh as well as processed. It contains a wide range of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and specific anti-cancer compounds such as glucosinolates. Broccoli cultivation in Pakistan is increasing rapidly, however, till now there is no standardized cropping technology for broccoli cultivation under local climate. Considering research gap (lack of suitable varieties, poor growth, and unavailability of optimized crop technology), trial was conducted at Vegetable research area, Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad to evaluate the impact of bio-stimulants on different broccoli cultivars under local climatic conditions. The set of experimental treatments was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Pre-harvest application of Isabion and Seaweed extract significantly enhanced the plant height (11%), dry weight (4%), leaf area (7%), and yield plant-1 (5%). Moreover, Isabion and seaweed extract application led to the increase in antioxidant enzymes i.e., superoxide dismutase (18%), peroxidase (38%) and catalase (12%). In crux, the foliar application of bio-stimulants (Isabion and seaweed extract) on broccoli enhanced the growth, yield, and contents of antioxidant enzymes.

Genetic transformation and gene delivery strategies in <i>Carica papaya</i> L.

Papaya (<italic>Carica papaya</italic> L.) is a popular tropical fruit of high commercial value due to its nutritional, medicinal and industrial properties. However, conventional breeding methods for papaya have several limitations, including a scarcity of natural genetic resources in the <italic>Carica</italic> genus and sexual incompatibility among closely-related species. To overcome these challenges, particle bombardment, agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and pollen tube-mediated transformation have been developed for generating genetically modified papaya with the desired traits over the past three decades. These transformation methods have been successfully employed to improve papaya's resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, fruit quality, and even to produce edible vaccines. Notably, papaya ringspot virus-resistant transgenic papaya is the first successful commercial application of genetic engineering technology in a fruit crop. Recently, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing technology and viral vector-based gene delivery system have emerged as promising tools for papaya genetic improvement and functional genomic studies in papaya. Genome editing will open a new era of precision breeding for papaya. This review aims to highlight past and recent gene transformation methods and their applications in papaya breeding, as well as future perspectives and challenges in improving papaya via genetic engineering.

Extent of adoption of ANGRAU technologies in Bengal gram crop in YSR district of Andhra Pradesh, India

Bengalgram is the major pulse crop of YSR District grown exclusively during Rabi season covering 1,05,462 hectares. ANGRAU was established during 1964 and developed different agricultural technologies in various crops. But the adoption of those technologies was not documented officially. The present study was conducted during 2019-20 in YSR Kadapa district with 60 number of respondents selected from 12 number of villages and 6 number of mandals from YSR Kadapa district to study the extent of adoption of ANGRAU technologies and the reasons for non adoption of the recommended technologies in Bengalgram crop. The major findings of the study indicate that majority of the farmers (96.67 %) adopted Inter cultivation twice at 20 and 30 DAS, followed by 90.00% adopted Sowing Time-October-November, followed by Fertilisers-20 Kg N, 50Kg P2 O5 , 40 Kg sulphur and 50Kg/ha, Zn as basal dose (86.67%), followed by Curative spray either Monocrotophos @ 1.6 ml or Acephate @ 1.0 g or Quinalphos @ 2.0 ml or Thio dicarb @ 1 g/l (80%). The reasons expressed by the farmers (80.00%) for non adoption of spacing 30x10 cm was due to high seed rate, followed by 75.00 per cent of farmers expressed the reason for non adoption of Neem Seed Kernel Extract 5 % (NSKE 5%) as it is laborious.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE CULTIVATION OF FRUIT AND BERRY PRODUCTS ON PEBBLE IANDS

The problem of involvement in the economic turnover of pebble lands is considered, taking into account the fact that agricultural technology of agricultural crops on such lands has its own characteristics. A number of elements of crop cultivation and care technology differ from elements of agricultural technology on conventional soils. The main factor determining the need for the use of special technology in these conditions is the high skeletality of soils. The different thickness of the colmatation horizon, its absence in places, as well as the different degree of enrichment of pebble deposits with a fine-grained fraction along the profile create different conditions for plant growth and, above all, with regard to the provision of the latter with soil moisture and nutrient reserves. To bring environmental conditions in line with the needs of agricultural crops grown on soils with different content of fine-grained soil in them, the use of differentiated agricultural machinery and new technical solutions is required. (Research purpose) The research purpose is developing technological and technical solutions for the cultivation of fruit and berry products on pebble lands. (Materials and methods) Used the results of the functioning of technical means in conditions of intensive gardening. Conducted theoretical research using methods of physical and mathematical modeling, process optimization and mathematical statistics. (Results and discussion) A device has been developed, the use of which, according to the results of production tests, will allow: to involve pebble lands, inconveniences, waste areas, disturbed lands, land plots with complex geomorphological conditions in agricultural production. (Conclusions) It was shown that when implementing the proposed device in intensive gardening (up to 10 thousand columnar fruit trees per hectare), 50-160 tons per hectare of environmentally friendly products can be obtained from one hectare of an apple orchard, in berry growing, 40 to 60 strawberry bushes can be grown on one module and a harvest of 120-180 tons per hectare can be obtained, which is 1.8-2.7 times more than the yield obtained using traditional technology.

Role of small RNAs in plant stress response and their potential to improve crops

Increasing plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses may help to address global food insecurity. We review small RNA (sRNA) research and consider the potential of sRNA-based technologies as strategies to enhance plant resistance to environmental stresses. sRNAs are essential non-coding signalling molecules 21–24 nucleotides in length that are involved in various reproduction, defence and plant development processes. sRNAs guide regulatory processes during development and environmental adaptation at the DNA or RNA level in various eukaryotic organisms. They control gene expression in eukaryotes via a process commonly termed RNA silencing. sRNAs are responsible for suppressing some pathogenic genes in eukaryotes and pests. This suppression offers the potential to protect plant growth and development through a new generation of eco-friendly RNA-based fungicides or insecticides that are specific in their target and can easily control multiple diseases simultaneously. This review focuses on sRNA production in crop species, the role of sRNAs in plant responses to a range of stresses, and their prospective applications, highlighting sRNA-based technology and applications in crops under stress. This review could serve as a reference for future researchers working on small RNAs and the roles they play in plant response to environmental stresses.