Three-year Study Research Articles

Foliar selenium biofortification of soybean: the potential for transformation of mineral selenium into organic forms

IntroductionSelenium (Se) deficiency, stemming from malnutrition in humans and animals, has the potential to disrupt many vital physiological processes, particularly those reliant on specific selenoproteins. Agronomic biofortification of crops through the application of Se-containing sprays provides an efficient method to enhance the Se content in the harvested biomass. An optimal candidate for systematic enrichment, guaranteeing a broad trophic impact, must meet several criteria: (i) efficient accumulation of Se without compromising crop yield, (ii) effective conversion of mineral Se fertilizer into usable organically bound Se forms (Seorg), (iii) acceptance of a Se-enriched crop as livestock feed, and (iv), interest from the food processing industry in utilization of Se-enriched outputs. Hence, priority should be given to high-protein leafy crops, such as soybean.MethodsA three-year study in the Czech Republic was conducted to investigate the response of field-grown soybean plants to foliar application of Na2SeO4 solutions (0, 15, 40, and 100 g/ha Se); measured outcomes included crop yield, Se distribution in aboveground biomass, and the chemical speciation of Se in seeds.Results and DiscussionSeed yield was unaffected by applied SeO42-, with Se content reaching levels as high as 16.2 mg/kg. The relationship between SeO42-dose and Se content in seeds followed a linear regression model. Notably, the soybeans demonstrated an impressive 73% average recovery of Se in seeds. Selenomethionine was identified as the predominant species of Se in enzymatic hydrolysates of soybean, constituting up to 95% of Seorg in seeds. Minor Se species, such as selenocystine, selenite, and selenate, were also detected. The timing of Se spraying influenced both plant SeO42- biotransformation and total content in seeds, emphasizing the critical importance of optimizing the biofortification protocol. Future research should explore the economic viability, long-term ecological sustainability, and the broad nutritional implications of incorporating Se-enriched soybeans into food for humans and animals.

Factors contributing to high performance of sows in free farrowing systems

BackgroundPressure to abolish farrowing crates is increasing, and producers are faced with decisions about which alternative system to adopt. For sow welfare, well designed free farrowing systems without close confinement are considered optimal but producers have concerns about increased piglet mortality, particularly crushing by the sow. Reporting accurate performance figures from commercial farms newly operating such systems could inform the transition process. This study investigated performance on three commercial farms operating four different zero-confinement systems, three of which were newly installed. A total of 3212 litters from 2920 sows were followed from farrowing to weaning over a three-year period with key performance indicators (KPIs) recorded. Mixed Models (LMMs, GLMMs) determined the influence of different factors (e.g. farrowing system, sow parity, management aspects) and litter characteristics on performance, including levels and causes of piglet mortality.ResultsPiglet mortality was significantly influenced by farm/system. Live-born mortality ranged from 10.3 to 20.6% with stillbirths ranging from 2.5 to 5.9%. A larger litter size and higher parity resulted in higher levels of mortality regardless of system. In all systems, crushing was the main cause of piglet mortality (59%), but 31% of sows did not crush any piglets, whilst 26% crushed only one piglet and the remaining sows (43%) crushed two or more piglets. System significantly influenced crushing as a percentage of all deaths, with the system with the smallest spatial footprint (m2) compared to the other systems, recording the highest levels of crushing. Time from the start of the study influenced mortality, with significant reductions in crushing mortality (by ~ 4%) over the course of the three-year study. There was a highly significant effect of length of time (days) between moving sows into the farrowing accommodation and sows farrowing on piglet mortality (P < 0.001). The less time between sows moving in and farrowing, the higher the levels of piglet mortality, with ~ 3% increase in total mortality every five days. System effects were highly significant after adjusting for parity, litter size, and days pre-farrowing.ConclusionThese results from commercial farms demonstrate that even sows that have not been specifically selected for free farrowing are able, in many cases, to perform well in these zero-confinement systems, but that a period of adaptation is to be expected for overall farm performance. There are performance differences between the farms/systems which can be attributed to individual farm/system characteristics (e.g. pen design and management, staff expertise, pig genotypes, etc.). Higher parity sows and those producing very large litters provide a greater challenge to piglet mortality in these free farrowing systems (just as they do in crate systems). Management significantly influences performance, and ensuring sows have plenty of time to acclimatise between moving in to farrowing accommodation and giving birth is a critical aspect of improving piglet survival.

Three-year follow-up study investigating changes in retinal vascular morphology and the relationship with diabetic retinopathy in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to investigate changes in retinal microvascular morphology and associated factors, and their relationship with diabetic retinopathy (DR) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Thirty-eight children enrolled in this three-year follow-up study underwent complete ophthalmic examinations including fundus photography. Retinal vascular parameters were measured automatically and compared between baseline and follow-up. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate factors affecting changes in vascular parameters. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between retinal microvascular morphology and DR. The caliber of all retinal vessels (within 1-1.5 papillary diameter [PD] from the center of the optic disc, P = 0.030; 1.5-2 PD, P = 0.003), arterioles, and venules (1.5-2 PD, P = 0.001) were narrower in nearly all regions in the follow-up group compared with the baseline group. Vascular tortuosity increased in the central part of the retina and decreased in the periphery. The density (1-1.5 PD, P = 0.030) and fractal dimension (P = 0.037) of retinal vessels were increased at the end of the follow-up compared with baseline. Retinal vascular caliber was independently correlated with DR (odds ratio 0.793 [95% confidence interval 0.633-0.993]; P = 0.044). Retinal microvascular morphology in children with T1DM varied with the disease course. Narrower retinal vessels may be an independent risk factor for DR. Results of this study emphasized the importance of regular follow-up of fundus vascular morphology for the detection of early DR in children with T1DM.

Inoculation and tracking of beneficial microbes reveal they can establish in field-grown potato roots and decrease blemish diseases

AbstractIn a three-year field study, we inoculated two potato varieties with a selection of four beneficial microbial strains (i.e. Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL41833, Trichoderma asperelloides A, Pseudomonas brassicacearum 3Re2-7 and Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN), alone or in combination. Plants were grown under rainfed or irrigated conditions, and potato yield and development of several diseases were evaluated. The microbial inoculants were traced in the root system at different stages of crop development via molecular markers. Whatever the water supply, the inoculants had no effect on yield. Conversely, some of the inoculants were able to lower the incidence and/or severity of several blemish diseases, namely common scab-associated symptoms (CSAS) and silver scurf/black dot-associated symptoms (SSAS). Microbial consortia were more efficient in decreasing symptoms compared to single strain inoculations. The best control was obtained with the combination of R. irregularis and P. brassicacearum, which reduced the incidence of CSAS by 22% and severity of SSAS by 21%. Root tracking revealed that P. brassicacearum and P. phytofirmans PsJN were able to establish in the root system of the potato, while only P. brassicacearum was detected from emergence until flowering of the plants.

Evidence and antibiotic resistance profiles of clinical Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-Acinetobacter baumannii (ACB) and non-ACB complex members in companion animals: A 2020–2022 retrospective study

To evaluate the frequency of Acinetobacter spp., belonging to both Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii (ACB) and non-ACB complex, and their antibiotic resistance profiles in veterinary medicine, a three-year (2020–2022) retrospective study was carried out on sick companion animals. Epidemiological data from different clinical canine, feline, and equine samples, were acquired. For each strain, MALDI-TOF MS identification and susceptibility to a panel of 11 antibiotics, by Kirby-Bauer and E-test methods, were performed. Out of 628 bacteriological examinations, 2.5% resulted positive for strains belonging to Acinetobacter genus. Frequencies of 2.3%, 1.9%, and 3% were obtained from both in-visiting and hospitalized dogs, cats, and horses, respectively. Members of ACB-complex accounted for 50% of isolates. Since all strains resulted susceptible to aminoglycosides and polymyxins, no pandrug-resistant (PDR) species were recorded. While 12.5% A. baumannii resulted extensively-drug resistant (XDR), a higher percentage of multidrug-resistant strains was recorded among non-ACB strains (35.5%) than ACB strains (25%). Susceptibility was observed in the same percentage in both groups (62.5%). All ACB strains confirmed their intrinsic resistances. Non-ACB species showed lower resistances against antipseudomonal penicillins plus beta-lactamase inhibitors (P=0.1306), III generation cephalosporins (P=0.0547), and tetracyclines (P=0.0209) than ACB species. Carbapenem-resistance was observed for XDR A. baumannii (12.5%) and, in particular for MDR non-ACB complex members (25%). To our knowledge, A. lactucae represents the first description in two sick dogs in Italy. Furthermore, our results emphasize the role of non-ACB-complex species as important zoonotic pathogens, which could be reservoirs of clinically relevant resistance profiles.

Developing value-based leadership for sustainable quality development: a meta-analysis from a study of Lean manufacturing

Purpose This paper aims to explore how leaders can develop value-based leadership for sustainable quality development in Lean manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative meta-analysis was conducted using data from a three-year study of Lean manufacturing in Sweden using the Shingo business excellence model as an analytical framework. Findings This study demonstrates that leaders can develop value-based leadership to support Lean manufacturing by defining and articulating the organization’s values and accompanying behaviors that are needed to support the strategic direction; creating forums and time for leaders to identify the why behind decisions and reflect on their experiences to be able to lead a transformative process; and using storytelling to create a coaching culture to connect values and behaviors, to the processes and systems of work. Research limitations/implications This paper contributes insights for developing value-based leadership to support a systemic approach to sustainable quality development in lean manufacturing. Findings are based on a limited case sample size of three manufacturing companies in Sweden. Originality/value The findings were derived using a unique methodological approach combining storytelling, appreciative inquiry and coaching with traditional data collection methods including surveys and interviews to identify, define and shape value-based leadership in Lean manufacturing.

Study of Patterns of Leukaemia in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Leukaemia arises from abnormal proliferation of hematopoietic or lymphoid cells, categorized as acute or chronic and originating from lymphoid, myeloid, or mixed lineages. Clinical manifestations result from leukemic cell proliferation and tissue infiltration. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the frequency and clinicopathological profile of leukaemia cases. Material and Methods: A three-year cross-sectional observational study was carried out in the Department of Pathology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. Diagnosis of Leukaemia was based on complete blood count, peripheral smear examination, bone marrow analysis and cytochemistry wherever required. Data comprising of patient details, clinical examination and haematological parameters were analysed. Results: A total of 163 leukaemia cases were identified, including 102 (63%) acute and 61(37%) cases of chronic leukaemia. Acute leukaemia consisted of 58 cases of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), 25 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), and 19 undifferentiated leukaemia (UL), while chronic cases comprised 47 Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) and 14 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL). Most patients were in the age group of 31-60 years, with a male predominance (M:F 1.7:1). Conclusions: Early diagnosis and typing are vital for prompt leukaemia treatment. Despite advanced technologies, cytomorphological examination with cytochemistry remains crucial, especially in resource-limited settings like India. Keywords: Leukaemia, acute, chronic, cytomorphology, observational study

Cognitive Predictors of Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease: A Three-year Longitudinal Study (P4-3.018)

Cognitive Predictors of Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease: A Three-year Longitudinal Study (P4-3.018)

Long-term trial of a community-scale decentralized point-of-use drinking water treatment system

Two billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water services, many of these are in low/middle income countries where centralised systems are impractical. Decentralised point-of-use drinking water treatment systems offer alternative solutions in remote or resource constrained settings. The main aim of this study was to assess the long-term (3 year) operation and performance of a point-of-use drinking water treatment system (POU-DWTS). A biologically contaminated urban drainage pond was used as a water source and the quality of the produced drinking water was assessed over two independent trials. The decentralised POU-DWTS combined ultrafiltration membranes with disinfection from electrochemically generated hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The operational parameters, such as flow rate, free available chlorine and transmembrane pressure, were monitored in real-time and recorded via a remote monitoring system. Water quality from the source and treated water was assessed over two trial periods within the 3-year operational trial: an 11-week period at the start and a 22-week trial at the end. All water samples were assessed for a range of basic, chemical, microbiological and metal water quality parameters. The results demonstrate that the decentralised POU-DWTS is capable of continuously producing high quality drinking water when HOCl is continuously used to dose water prior to entering the ultrafiltration [UF] membranes. Over the 3-year operational study, the continuous dosing of HOCl pre-UF membranes resulted in stable permeability, indicating no occurrences of irreversible biofouling within the UF membranes and that good membrane ‘health’ was maintained throughout. As such, there was no need to replace the UF membranes nor undertake acid/alkaline chemical cleans at any point throughput the three-year study. The POU-DWTS continuously produced high quality drinking water, resulting in 6453 m3 of drinking water produced over the trial period, that met international water quality standards, at a community scale within the location studied.

Diagnostic value of clinical manifestations of Group A and Group B compared with rubella serology results in congenital rubella syndrome

Background Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is the triad of defects/abnormalities in the heart, eyes, and ears, resulting from rubella virus infection, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy.  Manifestations of CRS are divided into Group A including: hearing loss, congenital heart disease, cataracts or glaucoma, and pigmentary; Group consisted of purpura, splenomegaly, microcephaly, mental retardation, retinopathy and icteric radiolucent bone disoreder that appears within 24 hours after birth. CRS diagnosis is based on serologic rubella test results. Comprehensive management of CRS is needed to achieve optimal child development. However, not all referral center hospitals in Indonesia have serological rubella examination modalities. Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of group A and group B clinical manifestations compared to rubella serology results in the diagnosis of CRS. Methods This cross-sectional study used secondary data from medical records of pediatric patients with suspected CRS who meet the criteria for groups A and B aged less than 12 months who had been hospitalized at  Dr. Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital, Banda Aceh, during the three-year study period (2019-2021) which have complete data were included in the  study. The  IgM serology results  were used as diagnostic comparison that performed at the age of less than 12 months. Results A total of 126 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-five (51.6%) subjects were male, 80 (63.5%) subjects had normal birth weight, and 89 (70.6%) subjects were aged &lt;6 months. The diagnostic sensitivity for groups A, B, as well as A and B clinical manifestations were 100%, 75%, and 100%, respectively. This excellent sensitivity value suggests that the clinical manifestations of groups A and B would be suitable as screening tools because they could  “catch” many patients with suspected CRS. Conclusion The clinical manifestations of group A and group B have excellent diagnostic value  as a screening tool for CRS.

Change in a project-based organization: The mutual shaping of institutional logics and change programs

Modern organizational transformations increasingly rely on change programs led by the introduction of new information technology. Managing these information technology-based change programs within project-based organizations presents unique challenges due to the division between ongoing business processes and temporary project activities. This study uses an institutional logics perspective to understand how a project-based organizational context shaped and was shaped by an information technology-based change program. Through a three-year longitudinal case study on the interaction between a project-based organization and its information technology program, our findings reveal that institutional logics prevailing in the project-based organization significantly influenced the program's implementation. In turn, the information technology program acted as a catalyst for change, creating a competitive environment where two primarily segmented logics—a project organizing logic and an asset management logic—competed for dominance. The conflict between these logics led to new beliefs, values, and practices being dominant, marking a shift in balance between the two logics. Our findings contribute to increasing understanding of the dynamic interplay between project-based organizations and information technology-based change programs, shedding light on their mutual evolution over time and offering a deeper understanding of transformative change within project-based organizations.

Dental Implant Placement in the Maxilla Following Ridge Augmentation with Free Iliac Bone Graft and Oral Rehabilitation with Fixed Prosthesis: a Three-Year Follow-Up Study

Dental Implant Placement in the Maxilla Following Ridge Augmentation with Free Iliac Bone Graft and Oral Rehabilitation with Fixed Prosthesis: a Three-Year Follow-Up Study

Field Testing of Gamma-Spectroscopy Method for Soil Water Content Estimation in an Agricultural Field.

Gamma-ray spectroscopy (GRS) enables continuous estimation of soil water content (SWC) at the subfield scale with a noninvasive sensor. Hydrological applications, including hyper-resolution land surface models and precision agricultural decision making, could benefit greatly from such SWC information, but a gap exists between established theory and accurate estimation of SWC from GRS in the field. In response, we conducted a robust three-year field validation study at a well-instrumented agricultural site in Nebraska, United States. The study involved 27 gravimetric water content sampling campaigns in maize and soybean and 40K specific activity (Bq kg-1) measurements from a stationary GRS sensor. Our analysis showed that the current method for biomass water content correction is appropriate for our maize and soybean field but that the ratio of soil mass attenuation to water mass attenuation used in the theoretical equation must be adjusted to satisfactorily describe the field data. We propose a calibration equation with two free parameters: the theoretical 40K intensity in dry soil and a, which creates an "effective" mass attenuation ratio. Based on statistical analyses of our data set, we recommend calibrating the GRS sensor for SWC estimation using 10 profiles within the footprint and 5 calibration sampling campaigns to achieve a cross-validation root mean square error below 0.035 g g-1.

Optimizing ‘Xinomavro’ (Vitis vinifera L.) Performance by Post-Bloom Basal Leaf Removal Applications

A three-year study was conducted to investigate the effects of two timings—at berry set and at veraison—of post-bloom leaf removal (LR) applications from the basal sections of the shoot on the growth, yield, and berry composition of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Xinomavro, the major red winegrape of North Greece. LR at berry set drastically reduced yield by affecting all its components while increasing the ratio of secondary foliage per total leaf area. LR at veraison had a milder effect on growth and yield. Both treatments increased sugar and phenolic compound levels in berries, while early LR increased the contribution of more stable forms of anthocyanins. Additionally, early LR increased the skin-to-pulp ratio, suggesting that it could be an effective viticultural technique for more concentrated red wines. Overall, both LR timings improved most of the berry attributes compared to the non-treated vines; however, the earlier application can be recommended when aiming at the production of deep-colored and richly flavored wines.

Distribution of Aspergillus species and prevalence of azole resistance in clinical and environmental samples from a Spanish hospital during a three-year study period.

Surveillance studies are crucial for updating trends in Aspergillus species and antifungal susceptibility information. Determine the Aspergillus species distribution and azole resistance prevalence during this 3-year prospective surveillance study in a Spanish hospital. Three hundred thirty-five Aspergillus spp. clinical and environmental isolates were collected during a 3-year study. All isolates were screened for azole resistance using an agar-based screening method and resistance was confirmed by EUCAST antifungal susceptibility testing. The azole resistance mechanism was confirmed by sequencing the cyp51A gene and its promoter. All Aspergillus fumigatus strains were genotyped using TRESPERG analysis. Aspergillus fumigatus was the predominant species recovered with a total of 174 strains (51.94%). The rest of Aspergillus spp. were less frequent: Aspergillus niger (14.93%), Aspergillus terreus (9.55%), Aspergillus flavus (8.36%), Aspergillus nidulans (5.37%) and Aspergillus lentulus (3.28%), among other Aspergillus species (6.57%). TRESPERG analysis showed 99 different genotypes, with 72.73% of the strains being represented as a single genotype. Some genotypes were common among clinical and environmental A. fumigatus azole-susceptible strains, even when isolated months apart. We describe the occurrence of two azole-resistant A. fumigatus strains, one clinical and another environmental, that were genotypically different and did not share genotypes with any of the azole-susceptible strains. Aspergillus fumigatus strains showed a very diverse population although several genotypes were shared among clinical and environmental strains. The isolation of azole-resistant strains from both settings suggest that an efficient analysis of clinical and environmental sources must be done to detect azole resistance in A. fumigatus.

Трематоды рода Apophallus (Trematoda: Heterophyidae) в фауне многоклеточных паразитов Perca fluviatilis (Perciformes, Actinopterygii) в дельте Волги

The living conditions of aquatic organisms in the Volga-Caspian Sea Shipping Canal are determined by a high level of complex multifactor anthropogenic load. As a link in a unified international transport system, the canal serves as an invasive corridor for the settlement of alien organisms, including parasites. The fauna of multicellular parasites Perca fluviatilis (Perciformes) in the canal area was studied. 6 taxa of parasitic organisms have been registered. The nematode Eustrongylides excisus occupies a dominant position in the fauna of macroparasites P. fluviatilis. An alien trematode, Apophallus muehlingi, was discovered associated with the invasive mollusk Lithoglyphus naticoides; the parasite has the status of a codominant species. A specific parasite widely distributed in perch fish populations in the Volga delta, Apophallus donicus, has not been registered. The high degree of invasion of perch by A. muehlingi during the three-year study period indicates the stability of the parasitic subsystem “A. muehlingi – P. fluviatilis”, previously uncharacteristic for this host species in the lower reaches of the Volga. Currently, more favorable conditions have developed for the invasion of perch A. muehlingi than A. donicus in certain areas of the Volga delta. Thus, structural changes were found in the host-parasite relationships systems of the trematodes of the genus Apophallus, which appear in the form of a partial restructuring of the species and host structure of the fauna of macroparasites P. fluviatils in the investigated area of the river. This situation is determined by factors that are largely anthropogenic in nature – changes in the living conditions of hosts and parasites, caused by a combination of fluctuations in the level of the Caspian Sea and the discharge of the Volgograd hydroelectric station, intensive shipping (large volume of cargo transportation) and high fishing pressure. The most likely significant additional factor of changes in the nature of infection of P. fluviatils by trematodes of the genus Apophallus is currently a decrease in the stocks of populations of some massive species of cyprinid fish – the second intermediate hosts of A. muehlingi, for which the parasite is defined as specific.

Positivity rates, trends and experiences of health workers on human papillomavirus screened using genexpert in Uganda: a three-year retrospective cohort study

IntroductionCervical cancer is a major public health issue in Uganda, with high incidence due to limited screening especially in rural areas. In 2019, HPV DNA testing using GeneXpert was rolled out to improve screening access. Assessing progress and challenges since its introduction is important.AimTo determine genotype distribution and explore health worker experiences with HPV screening using GeneXpert in Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study where HPV screening data from 66 GeneXpert labs from March 2021-May 2023 country wide was analyzed. We used descriptive statistics to provide percentages and proportions from the data. Seven focus group discussions and five interviews were done with health workers to understand experiences.ResultsWe extracted 24,497 HPV tests that were done, and 39.1% were HPV positive. Other high-risk HPV genotypes were the most common at 65%, followed by HPV 16 (17%) and HPV 18/45 (18%). 15% of the HPV positive cases had more than one genotype. Qualitative findings showed inconsistent health worker knowledge, high workload, and complex care seeking behaviors as main challenges. It also revealed low community awareness, care seeking from traditional healers,ConclusionHPV DNA testing has been expanding since its rollout, but the yield of HPV cases is lower than expected, signaling need to address supply-side challenges. Limited information on HPV among health workers especially community health workers, demand-side barriers like myths, medical pluralism and social norms must also be tackled through trainings of health workers and awareness campaigns engaging communities. Although access to GeneXpert services has increased, health system weaknesses pose bottlenecks to screening HPV. Targeted interventions are required to strengthen HPV diagnosis, prevent cervical cancer and save lives.

A Part of, or Apart from, Me?: Linking Dynamic Founder-Venture Identity Relationships to New Venture Strategy

Based on a three-year inductive field study of first-time founders, we reveal the dynamic identity relationships that tie founders to their ventures: what such relationships comprise, how they evolve over time, and with what strategic implications for the development of new businesses. Specifically, we found that such relationships comprise both identification and construals, which capture the degree to which founders saw their ventures as self-defining and founder-venture psychological distance. Construals, and shifts in construals over time, were critical in explaining how entrepreneurs handled venture-related challenges, as well as how they strategically (re)focused their ventures in terms of scope, whether by diversifying or specializing. By explaining these dynamics, we contribute to research on entrepreneurial identity as well as to construal level theory. In addition, as we distinguish construals from identification, we highlight the importance of construals for understanding identity relationships beyond entrepreneurship. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.15271 .

Impact of Inter-Row Cultivation on Potato Tuber Yields in Organic Farming

The paper highlights the surging interest in organic agriculture among both food producers and consumers in Russia. However, when transitioning from intensive agricultural production to organic technologies, certain problems arise. This applies to crop cultivation, especially potatoes, as the ban on traditional mineral fertilizers necessitates the search for rational and science-based alternative methods. (Research purpose) The study aims to investigate the impact of deep inter-row potato cultivation on tuber yield without using fertilizers. (Materials and methods) To adapt crop cultivation practices in the North-West region to organic production requirements, a six-field crop rotation, including potatoes, was implemented at the Institute of Agroengineering and Environmental Problems of Agricultural Production. The experimental field soil is characterized as soddy-podzolic and light loamy. For the experiment, the domestic potato variety Udacha was used. Continuous monitoring was conducted for the soil’s physical parameters. Inter-row cultivation was performed in two ways: hilling with harrowing using the row-crop cultivator KON-2.8 + BRU (control planting) and deep cultivation to 27 centimeter depth with the KNO-2.8 + BRU (test planting). (Results and discussion) Digital agromonitoring of environmental climatic parameters and soil physical characteristics, including hardness and moisture content, was conducted. The study examined the impact of inter-row-cultivation method on potato yields over three years. In three-year retrospective study, the highest yield of 20.57 tons per hectare was achieved in 2022, while adverse soil and climatic conditions in 2021 led to the lowest yields of 12.8 tons in the control planting and 14.19 tons in the experiment planting. (Conclusions) By creating favorable soil conditions for potato development through eliminating compaction in the rows, the increase in yield can reach 27 percent due to deep row cultivation, improved soil moisture, and moisture retention.

Protection of winter barley against net blotch using modern fungicides

The results of a three-year (2020–2022) study of the efficacy of the modern fungicide Ace, CSC of Russian production (pyraclostrobin - 80 g/l + prothioconazole - 40 g/l + tebuconazole - 160 g/l) against the pathogen of barley net blotch are presented. Barley is an important food, feed and fodder grain crop, ranking fourth in the world in terms of area planted and gross yields after wheat, rice and corn. Net blotch is the dominant disease in the pathocomplex of barley leaf diseases worldwide. One of the most effective ways of plant protection in the world practice is the use of highly effective fungicides. The experiment was conducted under field stationary conditions. In the control (no treatment with the drug), the development of net blotch was 64.4; 86.7 and 49.2% in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. The biological efficacy of Ace fungicide, CSC against Pyrenophora teres Drechsler at the application rate of 1.0 l/ha was 98.4% in 2020, 89.4% in 2021 and 93.9% in 2022 on high background of disease development, which is comparable to known imported benchmarks. Protection of winter barley crops of the Romance variety with Ace fungicide, SCS provided grain yield increases of 10.6; 18.5 and 17.9% in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. This fungicide is recommended for protection of winter barley against the pathogen of net blotch.