Harvest Time Research Articles

Jointly Optimize Energy Harvest Time and Device Pairing for D2D Communications Underlaying Cellular Network

Jointly Optimize Energy Harvest Time and Device Pairing for D2D Communications Underlaying Cellular Network

Potassium and harvest time interaction effect on alfalfa production and profitability

Potassium and harvest time interaction effect on alfalfa production and profitability

Synchronous Supraclavicular Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer and Liposuction for Gynecological Cancer-Related Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Clinical Comparative Analysis of Three Different Procedures.

Gynecological cancer-related lower extremity lymphedema (GC-LEL), a chronic, progressive condition, lacks a standardized treatment. Currently, Supraclavicular vascularized lymph node transfer (SC-VLNT) is a favoured approach in the treatment of lymphedema, and there is a trend toward combination technology. This study conducts a comparative analysis of three techniques for treating GC-LEL with simultaneous SC-VLNT and liposuction. A cohort of 35 patients with GC-LEL was examined, comprising thirteen patients underwent single lymph nodes flap with a skin paddle (SLNF+P), twelve received single lymph nodes flap without a skin paddle (SLNF), and ten accepted dual lymph nodes flap without a skin paddle (DLNF). Patient demographics and outcomes were meticulously documented, covering intra- and post-operative variables. The median limb volume reduction were 56.4% (SLNF+P), 60.8% (SLNF), and 50.5% (DLNF) in stage II, and 54.0% (SLNF+P), 59.8% (SLNF), and 54.4% (DLNF) in stage III. DLNF group procedures entailed longer flap harvesting and transplantation times. The SLNF+P group, on average, had an 8-day postoperative hospitalization, longer than others. All patient noted subjective improvements in Lymphedema Quality of Life (LYMQOL) scores, with lymphoscintigraphy revealing enhanced lymphatic flow in 29 of the 35 cases. A notable decrease in cellulitis incidence was observed. Additionally, the occurrence of cellulitis decreased significantly, except for DLNF (Stage Ⅱ). The median follow-up time was 16 months (range, 12 to 36 months), with no reported severe postoperative complications. For advanced GC-LEL, SLNF combined with liposuction is a preferred treatment, offering fewer complications, shorter operative time, and hospitalization.

The Effect of Mannitol and Nano Urea on Terminal Heat Stress on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation was conducted during Rabi season, 2022-23 & 2023-24 at the student instructional farm (SIF) of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229 (U.P.). The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications, seven treatments and wheat variety (HD 2967). The treatment was comprised of control distilled water spray, Mannitol 25, 50, 100 ppm and Nano urea 25, 50, 100 ppm respectively, which was foliar sprayed at 30 DAS. The observations have been studied on growth, bio-chemical, yield and yield attributes of wheat. Observations were recorded at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity stages for timely sowing (15 November) and late sowing (15 December). However, yield and yield parameters were taken at the time of harvesting of the crop. Foliar spray of mannitol and nano urea were performed well at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity parameters. Foliar application of nano urea with 25 ppm was recorded superior on plant height (cm), dry weight plant-1 (g), chlorophyll content in leaves (SPAD value), Catalase activity (g-1 fresh weight min-1), Peroxidase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1), Super oxide dismutase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1) However, yield and yield attributes viz length of spike, number of tillers plant-1, number of grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1 It is concluded from the result that foliar spray of nano urea 25 ppm was found most effective to increasing all characters and yield parameters of wheat.

Exploring crop maturity times as a conservation tool for improving resilience to human-elephant conflict: elephant crop-raiding

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to alleviate negative impacts of elephant crop-raiding faced by smallholder farmers around the Okavango delta. Although many studies have identified the relationship between crop-raiding and climatic factors, little attention was paid to aligning cropping duration to high rainfall. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how crop maturity duration influences farmers’ vulnerability to elephant crop raiding and food loss. An experimental plot consisting of early and late maturing varieties of maize, sorghum and cowpea was set up and monitored in farms adjacent to corridors. Early maturing varieties yielded more (mean = 0.35 tha−1) than later maturing varieties (mean = 0.25 tha−1). The prolonged stay of crops in fields exposed them more to elephants (p < 0.001). Unlike late varieties, early varieties served as an evasion strategy by allowing earlier harvesting when there was adequate rainfall and elephants rarely frequented farms. Late maturing varieties were harvested at 16–19 weeks when elephants frequented the fields. This harvest timing significantly influences the vulnerability of crops to debilitating elephant raiding. This outcome suggests that policy reviews should incorporate more climate action into smallholder farming systems to strengthen SDG 1: no poverty and SDG 2: zero hunger, ease hostility toward elephants and improve elephant conservation.

Adjusting harvesting time according to nitrogen application rate maximizes rice yield and nitrogen use efficiency

Nitrogen (N) and harvest time are important factors in determining rice production potential. Elucidating reasonable N application rates and the relationship between N rate and harvesting time is necessary to maximize rice yield and efficiency. Two field trials were conducted with four N levels (0, 82.5, 165, and 247.5 kg N ha−1) and five N levels (0, 90, 180, 270, and 360 kg N ha−1) in Shayang (SY) and Wuxue (WX) counties, Hubei Province, respectively. Each was harvested at two time points (T1 and T2), at and after maturation, to investigate grain yield and N use efficiencies of rice. The results showed that the applied N and appropriately adjusted harvesting time significantly increased the grain yield, and compared with zero-N, the N additions increased rice yield by 3.7–26.9% and 8.4–22.5% for the SY and WX sites, respectively. However, with the increase of N application rate, the N use efficiency first increased and then decreased. Effects of harvest time on grain yield and N use efficiency vary with N application rates. At higher N levels, the appropriate delay in harvest time (T2) resulted in an increase in the 1000-grains weight and the rate at which grains were filled. Consequently, this led to an overall increase in grain yield. However, with zero or low N application rates, delayed harvest (T2) resulted in grain abscission, which decreased grain yield. In summary, applying N appropriately significantly increased the rice yield, and adjusting the harvesting time according to the N application rate further increased grain yield and N use efficiency.

Effects of Nitrogen Fertilizer Management on Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield of Drip-Irrigated Sugar Beet in Arid Areas

Clarifying the optimal combination of N fertilizer application rate and application method can maximize the yield of drip-irrigated sugar beet in arid areas, which is of great significance for reducing farmland N pollution and achieving sustainable agricultural development. In this three-year field experiment in Xinjiang, China, the effects of three N application rates [75 kg ha−1 (N1), 150 kg ha−1 (N2), and 225 kg ha−1 (N3)] and three N application methods [the proportion of N applied at canopy rapid growth stage, taproot expansion stage, and sugar accumulation stage were (M1) 100%: 0%: 0%, (M2) 70%: 30%: 0%, and (M3) 50%: 30%: 20%] on the dry matter accumulation (DMA) and distribution, leaf senescence, yield, and agronomic N use efficiency (aNUE) of drip-irrigated sugar beet were explored. The results showed that N application (N1, N2, and N3 treatments) increased the shoot DMA by 27.7% (three-year average), 52.6%, and 83.1%, and the taproot DMA by 28.3%, 43.2%, and 61.6%, respectively (p &lt; 0.05), compared with CK (no N supply) treatment. The N application methods M2 and M3 increased the shoot DMA by 5.6% (three-year average) and 1.0% (p &gt; 0.05), respectively, and the taproot DMA by 7.2% and 3.6% (p &lt; 0.05), respectively, compared with M1. In addition, M2 could delay the end of shoot and taproot growth (te) and the occurrence of maximum growth rate (tm). In particular, the N3M2 treatment increased the leaf area index (LAI) by 20.4–75.9% (p &lt; 0.05) compared with other treatments by increasing the leaf area duration (LAD) and decreasing the leaf senescence rate (LSR). The taproot yield and sugar yield of N3M2 treatment reached the maximum at harvest time, but there was no significant difference in taproot yield and sugar yield between N3M2 treatment and N2M2 treatment. The aNUE in N2M2 treatment was the highest (p &lt; 0.05), which was 1.29–7.85 times higher than that of other treatments. Therefore, reducing the N application rate from 225 kg·ha−1 to 150 kg·ha−1 and applying 70% and 30% of 150 kg N ha−1 at the canopy rapid growth stage and the taproot expansion stage, respectively, could achieve the goal of increasing sugar beet yield and N use efficiency. This study will provide an important reference for the sustainable production of sugar beet under drip irrigation in Xinjiang, China.

Impact of Climate Change on the Farming Community of Bhaktapur District of Nepal

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of climate change on the farming community in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The study considered rainfall, temperature, flood/drought, harvest and sowing time, and pest and disease incidence over 20 years as primary factors to be considered. A household survey of 120 houses was conducted following the set of questionnaires prepared. As a result, significant changes were observed in climatic aspects as well as biological aspects. The obtained result demonstrated that the precipitation observed drastic change as there was an incidence of erratic and heavy rainfall on summer days while the intensity and frequency of rainfall decreased during winter. These abnormalities certainly do not favor agriculture and farming. Similarly, the temperature of the study area has increased annually over the last two decades. The data suggests that the average annual temperature is increasing at the rate of 0.038°C per year. Moreover, the survey showed that the time of harvest and time of sowing seeds have been delayed respectively to the time a few decades back while the climatic aberrations have increased the incidence of pests and diseases. In a nutshell, the changes in climatic conditions have a drastic change in the farming system and thus the agricultural produce and productivity. The study highlights the significant impact of climate change on traditional farming practices in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It underscores how changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and the incidence of extreme weather events like floods and droughts have disrupted agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting cycles. The research not only identifies challenges but also emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on farming communities. By linking research findings to policy recommendations and practical interventions, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and local stakeholders striving to build resilience in agricultural systems.

Integrated sensing and machine learning: Predicting saccharine and bioenergy feedstocks in sugarcane

Predicting saccharine and bioenergy feedstocks in sugarcane enables growers and industries to determine the precise time and location for harvesting a better-quality product in the field. On one hand, Brix, Purity, and total recoverable sugars (TRS) can provide meaningful and reliable indicators of high-quality raw materials for first-generation (1 G) bioethanol. Conversely, Cellulose, Hemicellulose, and Lignin are the primary constituents of straw, directly contributing to second-generation (2G) bioethanol. However, analyzing these materials in the laboratory is a time-consuming and non-scalable task. Therefore, we propose an approach based on a multi-sensor framework, which includes multispectral unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery, thermal, photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), and chlorophyll fluorescence (ChlF) data, along with machine learning (ML) algorithms namely random forest (RF), multiple linear regression (MLR), decision tree (DT), and support vector machine (SVM), to develop a non-invasive and predictive framework for mapping sugarcane feedstocks. We collected samples of stalks and leaves/straw during the maturity stage while simultaneously collecting remote sensing data. The ML models played a crucial role in predicting 1 G (R2 = 0.88–0.93) and 2 G (R2 = 0.56–0.82) feedstocks. Notably, remote sensing data could serve as important features for the models, mainly through the spectral bands (Blue, Green, and RedEdge), DTemp and ChlF. Hence, the best features can be further implemented within a framework to predict sugarcane feedstocks. Our study marks a significant advancement in the industrial-scale prediction of sugarcane feedstocks, providing stakeholders with invaluable prescriptive harvesting strategies for both primary products and by-products.

Qualitative Characteristics and Functional Properties of Cherry Tomato under Soilless Culture Depending on Rootstock Variety, Harvesting Time and Bunch Portion

Tomato grafting is an effective practice in increasing the profitability of fresh-market tomato cultivation, especially in greenhouses, and is also considered a strategy for enhancing fruit quality. In this study, selected quanti-qualitative traits, and the of bioactive health-promoting compound and organic acid contents of cherry tomato fruits from three different scion/rootstock combinations (Sunstream/Top Bental, Sunstream/Kaiser and Sunstream/Suzuka) grown under a greenhouse hydroponic system were evaluated in three different harvests (beginning, middle and end of the whole harvesting period) and on three different bunch portions (proximal, central and distal). Although the tomato productive performance was influenced by the rootstock, with Suzuka and Kaiser grafted plants showing the highest total marketable yield (9.8 kg plant−1, i.e., 20% more than Top Bental), the yield-related traits (bunch number, weight and length per plant, and fruit number per bunch) and the qualitative characteristics of the fruits (color, equatorial and polar diameters, dry matter and solid soluble contents, pH and titratable acidity) showed less variability, by displaying, along with the bioactive compound contents (total polyphenols, lycopene, β-carotene), DPPH free radical scavenging activity and organic acids contents (lactic and acetic), a significant effect of the harvesting time and bunch portion. Fruits from the beginning of the harvesting period showed better qualitative and functional properties, with the lycopene and β-carotene contents equal to 178.6 and 3 mg 100 g−1 fw, and fruits from proximal and central bunch portions had lycopene and β-carotene contents equal to 203.1 and 2.9 mg 100 g−1 fw.

Utilizing Machine Learning Framework to Evaluate the Effect of Climate Change on Maize and Soybean Yield

In recent years, climate change patterns and extreme weather events have adversely affected agricultural production and have raised concerns about its effect on crop yields. These changes can affect the crop yield in many ways including the changes in the length of the growing season, planting and harvest time windows, precipitation amount and frequency, and the growing degree days, etc. So, it is important to analyze the effect of climate change on yield variability for a better understanding of its effect on the crops. This study aims to analyze the historical monthly county-level data for the state of Ohio to quantify maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max) yield temporal variability and to study the impact of proposed climate change scenarios on the yield. Machine learning algorithms were used to model the effect of monthly temperature and precipitation levels on yield variability, and to study the effect of climate change scenarios on yield. In addition, yield prediction models were integrated with proposed climate change scenarios for higher and lower emissions scenarios to predict the maize and soybean yield for the year 2100. To model the effect of weather parameters on temporal yield variability, the Random Forest model outperformed with RMSE of 0.61 Mt/ha and R2 of 0.73 for maize and with RMSE of 0.21 Mt/ha, R2 of 0.64 for soybean crop. Maximum temperature for July which has a negative correlation with yield was found to be the most dominant parameter for maize yield followed by the precipitation in August, July, and June which have a positive correlation with maize yield. Precipitation in August was found to be the most dominant weather parameter for soybean yield followed by maximum temperature in July. Based on the projected average increase in Ohio’s temperature and precipitation levels alone, maize yield was predicted to drop by 13.2% or 18.5% respectively due to lower emissions and higher emissions climate change scenario of Ohio. Similarly, a 6.64% and a 9.63% drop is expected in the soybean yield by the year 2100 for both lower emissions and higher emissions climate change scenarios. In economic terms based on current commodity values, this is an astounding loss of 254.7 to 369.7 million USD for maize and 535.9 – 751.1 million USD for soybean crop to the state of Ohio.

Effects of harvest height and time on hay yield and quality of some sweet sorghum and sorghum Sudangrass hybrid varieties.

This experiment was conducted in the Research and Application Field of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, during the 2020 and 2021 summer period. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of different harvesting heights on forage yields and crude ash, fat, protein, and carbon and nitrogen content of leaves and stalks of sweet sorghum (SS) and sorghum sudangrass hybrid (SSH) cultivars. Nutri Honey and Nutrima varieties of SSH and the M81-E and Topper-76 varieties of SS were used in this study. The experiment was conducted using the randomized complete block design with four replications. The main plots each included two early and late varieties of SS and SSH cultivars, while the subplots were used to test different harvesting heights (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 cm) and physiological parameters of each crop. The results of this study showed that dry forage yields increased with plant growth, with the amount of forage produced at the end of the growth cycle increasing 172.2% compared to the early growth stages. Carbon (C) content of leaves decreased by 6.5%, nitrogen (N) by 46%, crude protein (CP) by 54%, crude fat (CF) by 34%, while crude ash (CA) content increased by 6% due to the increase in plant height harvest. At the same time, in parallel with the increase in plant height at harvest, the nitrogen content of the stems of the plants decreased by 87%, crude protein by 65%, crude ash by 33% and crude fat by 41%, while the carbon content increased by 4%. As plant height at harvest increased, hay yield increased but nutrient contents of the hay decreased. However, the Nutrima, Nutri Honey and M81-E sorghum cultivars, harvested three times at heights of 90 to 120 cm, are recommended for the highest yield.

Studies on Quantitative Determination of Polyphenols in Seven Harvesting Times of Salvia deserta Schang Leaves and its Stability Evaluation

Introduction: Leaves of Salvia deserta Schang at seven harvesting times in the same year were collected as the materials. Method: The polyphenols were determined by the Folin–Ciocaileu method and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to compare the quality of samples. The stability of polyphenols was studied under different conditions (light, temperature, pH, common additives). objective: The contents of total polyphenols in samples of different growth stages were determined by Folin-Ciocaileu colorimetry. The contents of rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid in samples of different growth stages were determined by HPLC. The stability of polyphenols in Salvia deserta Schang Leaves was investigated by measuring the change of polyphenol retention rate in different media (light, temperature, pH, oxidant, sugar, preservative, salt and citric acid) Results: The results showed that the established method is fast, simple and reliable, which is fully validated in terms of outstanding validation data. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the determination of total polyphenol content can be quickly and accurately detected, reducing the error of manual determination of the content. The study of polyphenol stability was carried out using a UV spectrophotometer (UV) in order to explore the potential factors affecting polyphenol stability as much as possible and to make the study as scientific and rigorous as possible. The results of quantitative determination showed that there are obvious differences in the content of polyphenols in seven samples. The contents of total polyphenols, rosmarinic acid (RA) and caffeic acid (CA) in the samples harvested in July reached the highest level of 41.37, 26.73 and 1.05 mg/g. Conclusion: The results of the stability assay found that light could damage the stability of polyphenols in samples, especially UV light. Polyphenols are quite sensitive to high temperatures. While polyphenols are less stable when exposed to high alkali conditions and salt treatment, they are much more stable when subjected to low concentrations of redox agents, carbohydrates, and preservatives. The developed methods and stability evaluation provide valuable basis information for quality evaluation and the following use of polyphenols in S. deserta Schang leaves.

A review of dynamic optimization in aquaculture production economics

AbstractDynamic optimization (DO) has been applied to aquaculture industry to determine optimal management strategies of aquaculture production systems. Optimal control of feeding, optimal stocking successions, and harvesting time among other factors has been studied. This work shows a review of the application of optimal control theory (OCT) and dynamic programming in economics and management of aquaculture. The Pontriagyn's maximum principle and the Bellman's optimality are the most commonly used mechanisms to solve control problems that optimize the producer's benefit or cost. Recently, model‐based predictive control has also been applied. Such tools have been used in aspects involving the design, planning, and monitoring of variables relevant to the optimal management of the culture system. It was found that in aquaculture there is low scientific productivity in the application of DO in bioeconomic models. In this review, an example of OCT applied to the control of feeding of farmed tilapia using a bioeconomic model is shown. DO represents a useful tool for optimal decision‐making and this review discusses the implications of the use of DO in aquaculture and recommendations for its use in the future.

Effect of Fruit Harvest Time on the Nutritional and Agronomic Quality of Oleaginous Citrullus lanatus Seeds

Oilseeds of Citrullus lanatus are highly prized in African societies for their nutritional and socio-economic importance. In an attempt to improve their yield, remaining very low mainly due to lack of good nutritive and germinative quality seeds, the effect of fruit harvest time was studied. After growing plants of ʺwlêwlêʺ cultivar on Nangui Abrogoua University experimental site, fruits were harvested at six different times [15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 days after anthesis (DAA)] then fermented to produce seeds for germination test concerning agronomic aspect and biochemical analysis for nutritional quality. Agronomically, results showed that delaying harvest time (from 15 to 40 DAA) significantly (P &lt; 0.001) improved fruit weight (from 512.20 to 760.50 g) and their seed content (from 71.75 to 230.70 seeds/fruit), as well as size (from 10.69 to 11.42 mm) and weight (from 5.16 to 6.37 g) of dry seeds what lead to their optimum viability (89.50%). Nutritionally, apart from ash which didn’t vary, C. lanatus seeds reached their highest levels of flavonoids (0.03 mg/100g) and tannins (0.022 mg/100g) at 15 DAA, followed by protein (30.66%), lipids (56.60%) and vitamin C (2.25 mg/100g DM) ones at 35 days while dehydrating to reach the lowest moisture content (5.51%). Hence, this variety seeds reach their nutritional maturity earlier, already at 35 DAA, while their optimal germination quality occurs later at 40 DAA.

PSV-5 Influence of an oregano-based essential oil on growth performance and carcass traits of beef steers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the influence of an oregano-based essential oil on growth performance, health outcomes, and carcass characteristics of yearling beef steers finished in an all-natural program. Single-sourced yearling steers [n = 128; initial body weight (BW) = 335 ± 7.98 kg] were allotted to 16 pens (n = 8 pens/treatment with 8 steers/pen). Steers were blocked by initial BW grouping in a Randomized Complete Block Design (n = 8 blocks total). Groups consisted of 1) control group fed no oregano-based essential oil product (CON) and 2) group fed 4 g/steer daily of By-O-Reg+ Beef (Advanced Ag Products, Canton, SD; OEO). Steers were individually weighed on d 0 (arrival), d 38, d 66, d 108, and d 149 for growth performance measures. Steers were transitioned from a 70% concentrate diet to a diet that contained 90% concentrate over 14 d and remained on the finishing diet until harvest on d 149. The finishing diet provided 1.37 Mcal/kg of NEg. Steers were evaluated daily for indications of disease or visible digestive disorders by a trained technician blinded to the treatments. Steers were fed until visually assessed to have 1.27 cm rib fat and were shipped for harvest at a commercial processing facility. Liver scores and hot carcass weights were recorded at the time of harvest and steer identity was maintained throughout the harvest process. Following an approximately 24 h chilling period, carcass data were recorded, and USDA Yield and Quality Grade were determined. Health outcomes were not influenced by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.18). Inclusion of OEO did not influence (P ≥ 0.73) carcass-adjusted final BW, DMI, average daily gain (ADG), gain:feed, observed dietary NEm or NEg, observed-to-expected dietary NEm or NEg. In addition, no differences (P ≥ 0.30) were observed between treatment groups for hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, ribeye area, rib fat thickness, calculated yield grade, marbling score, estimated empty body fat percentage, or distribution of USDA Yield and Quality Grades. The OEO treatment tended (P = 0.11) to have a decreased percentage of normal liver scores compared with CON. Collectively, growth performance and carcass traits of yearling steers finished in an all-natural program in this experiment were not influenced by dietary inclusion of an oregano-based essential oil.

Impact of Thinning on the Yield and Quality of Eucalyptus grandis Wood at Harvest Time in Uruguay

Impact of Thinning on the Yield and Quality of Eucalyptus grandis Wood at Harvest Time in Uruguay

Food losses from farm to retail operations: agricultural produces supply chain of Baja Peninsula, México

Objective: To evaluate food losses (FL) volumes generated by farms in Baja California Peninsula, México, of five agricultural commodities. Design/methodology/approach: Baja California Sur (BCS) state was the study area. Information was gathered from a total of 380 sampled chain actors in asparagus, mango, strawberry, orange and tomato by survey and personal interviews. Tobit technique was applied to identify factors that influence FL percentage. Results: Data shows about 11.8% of asparagus is lost during harvesting and distribution, as well as 8.5% of strawberry, 26% of mango, 17.8% of oranges and 3.5% of tomatoes, representing 29.9% loss rate of marketed yield. Limitations on study/implications: This study did not classify commodities in the last steps of the supply chain. The five commodities used in the current study correspond to the more important agricultural produces in BCS, but given changing market, harvesting time and produce availability did not consider the waste of the supply chain. Findings/conclusions: Commodity, type of transportation and distribution, education, and human resources has been identified as influence factors in the volume of FL. This exploratory study fills the void in information in terms of its geographic scope and food group number, and farm owners willing to manage food losses for the purpose of obtaining bioactive compound. Keywords: Food loss, agrifood, desert agriculture, food security, retail

Chromatographic Methods for the Determination of Glyphosate in Cereals together with a Discussion of its Occurrence, Accumulation, Fate, Degradation, and Regulatory Status

The European Union’s recent decision to renew the authorization for the use of glyphosate until 15 December 2033 has stimulated scientific discussion all around the world regarding its toxicity or otherwise for humans. Glyphosate is a chemical of which millions of tons have been used in the last 50 years worldwide to dry out weeds in cultivated fields and greenhouses and on roadsides. Concern has been raised in many areas about its possible presence in the food chain and its consequent adverse effects on health. Both aspects that argue in favor of toxicity and those that instead may indicate limited toxicity of glyphosate are discussed here. The widespread debate that has been generated requires further investigations and field measurements to understand glyphosate’s fate once dispersed in the environment and its concentration in the food chain. Hence, there is a need for validated analytical methods that are available to analysts in the field. In the present review, methods for the analytical determination of glyphosate and its main metabolite, AMPA, are discussed, with a specific focus on chromatographic techniques applied to cereal products. The experimental procedures are explained in detail, including the cleanup, derivatization, and instrumental conditions, to give the laboratories involved enough information to proceed with the implementation of this line of analysis. The prevalent chromatographic methods used are LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/SIM, and GC-MS/MS, but sufficient indications are also given to those laboratories that wish to use the better performing high-resolution MS or the simpler HPLC-FLD, HPLC-UV, GC-NPD, and GC-FPD techniques for screening purposes. The concentrations of glyphosate from the literature measured in wheat, corn, barley, rye, oats, soybean, and cereal-based foods are reported, together with its regulatory status in various parts of the world and its accumulation mechanism. As for its accumulation in cereals, the available data show that glyphosate tends to accumulate more in wholemeal flours than in refined ones, that its concentration in the product strictly depends on the treatment period (the closer it is to the time of harvesting, the higher the concentration), and that in cold climates, the herbicide tends to persist in the soil for a long time.

Productivity and Economics of Hydroponic Fodders as Influenced by Harvesting Time

Productivity and Economics of Hydroponic Fodders as Influenced by Harvesting Time