Use Of Row Research Articles

State spaces for agriculture: A meta-systematic design automation framework.

Agriculture is a designed system with the largest areal footprint of any human activity. In some cases, the designs within agriculture emerged over thousands of years, such as the use of rows for the spatial organization of crops. In other cases, designs were deliberately chosen and implemented over decades, as during the Green Revolution. Currently, much work in the agricultural sciences focuses on evaluating designs that could improve agriculture's sustainability. However, approaches to agricultural system design are diverse and fragmented, relying on individual intuition and discipline-specific methods to meet stakeholders' often semi-incompatible goals. This ad-hoc approach presents the risk that agricultural science will overlook nonobvious designs with large societal benefits. Here, we introduce a state space framework, a common approach from computer science, to address the problem of proposing and evaluating agricultural designs computationally. This approach overcomes limitations of current agricultural system design methods by enabling a general set of computational abstractions to explore and select from a very large agricultural design space, which can then be empirically tested.

Response of Maize, Cotton, and Soybean to Increased Crop Density in Heterogeneous Planting Arrangements

The reduction of row spacing and increase of crop population density are important tools for maximizing crop yield. For this strategy to be effective, the crop population should not create intraspecific crop competition that penalizes yield. Thus, planting arrangements that increase light interception throughout the canopy without increasing row spacing might be needed to maintain yield. In this study, heterogeneous planting arrangements on evenly spaced rows were analyzed for maize (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Each crop had four planting arrangements: (1) normal density in all rows, considered the control, (2) doubled density in all rows, (3) a sequential arrangement of normal and tripled densities (each in every other row; NTNT), and (4) normal-tripled-tripled-normal (NTTN). Maize and cotton did not exhibit changes in growth and architecture when comparing uniform and variable planting arrangements. Soybeans were more adaptable and increased biomass production by 44% to 45% in variable arrangements. None of the crops showed differences in yield due to planting arrangement, so the use of rows with different densities might not be needed when using high densities to maximize yield.

Порівняльний аналіз та спосіб комплексного використання строкових та стовпцевих баз даних

"At present, the volume of processed information increases extremely every year and can already reach hundreds of terabytes or several petabytes. This amount of data is always seen in the field of data analysis, modeling, testing, artificial intelligence, etc. Thus, the problem of saving and improving the performance of data processing systems becomes relevant. To solve this problem, many options for the internal organization of the database and DBMS were considered in this field. The main disadvantage of relational databases with row organization when processing large arrays is the irrational use of file system resources and RAM. One of the options for increasing the efficiency of processing large amounts of information is a columnar data organization model. This model proposes storing data in the form of several files corresponding to the data of each column, which in turn are stored in the form of a key-value. This data organization allows you to optimize the amount of information read from the database, as well as use compression, which has a positive effect on system performance. In this paper, the features of the columnar databases organization are experimentally studied, differences from the traditional row organization are considered, the main advantages and disadvantages of both organization options, their architectural features, which provide accelerated data processing, are analyzed. In the paper, a comparative analysis of the speed of information processing was carried out for various options for organizing a database using the example of a MySQL row database and a ClickHouse column database when executing queries of various types and complexity. Based on the experimental studies result, a system architecture with the integrated use of row and column databases was proposed to achieve universality and optimal performance in transactional systems such as OLTP, taking into account the growth in the volume of processed information. The advantages of the proposed complex database management system with different types of data organization is the achievement of a certain level of versatility and increased performance in transactional systems. The disadvantage of such a system may be its volume of data and the complexity of the organization, as well as problems with ensuring reliability. Consideration of reliability problems is a promising area of research. Theoretically, on the basis of the proposed complex system, it would be possible to create a separate type of database management system. It’s necessary to develop a certain external control level that organizes the operation of a complex of two different type databases, then to design a common interface and connect both databases in a modular way to test various combinations. This approach is quite possible, since some database management systems, such as ClickHouse, have several interfaces for interacting with others, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL."

Validation of the Strawberry Advisory System in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Anthracnose fruit rot (AFR) and Botrytis fruit rot (BFR) are primary diseases affecting strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), which typically drive fungicide applications throughout the growing season. The Strawberry Advisory System (StAS), a disease forecasting tool, was originally developed in Florida to better time the fungicide sprays by monitoring AFR and BFR infection risk based on leaf wetness and temperature input in real-time. Thirteen field trials were conducted in Maryland and Virginia between 2017 and 2019 to evaluate the StAS performance in the Mid-Atlantic region. As a result, 55, 18, and 31% fewer sprays were recorded on average in the model-based StAS treatment compared with the grower standard treatment in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. Marketable yield, as well as AFR and BFR incidence, were largely comparable between the two treatments. However, poor disease control occurred during the StAS treatment in four trials in 2017, presumably because of a missed fungicide spray during a high-risk infection event and attributable to heavy rainfall that led to impassable fields. The implementation of the StAS may be further challenged by the employment of floating row covers that are essential for growing strawberries in plasticulture systems in open fields in the Mid-Atlantic region. Preliminary results indicated that row covers can alter canopy-level microclimatic conditions, possibly increasing the risk for disease occurrence. Overall, the StAS can be a valuable tool for Mid-Atlantic growers to control AFR and BFR, but sprays may need to be promptly applied when consecutive or heavy rainfalls are predicted, especially for highly susceptible cultivars. Complications in disease forecasting and management arising from the use of row covers need to be further addressed in this region because of its highly diverse climate.

Actor-Actor Coordination in Wireless Sensor Actor Network Using Row Index Data Access Matrix Technique

The use of Row Indexed Data Access Matrix technique in actor-actor coordination for Wireless Sensor Actor Networks provides an easy technique to manage the large amounts of data and signals electric. It also provides convenience in adding or reducing the number of sensors, actuator, actors and sink node. This product research has been tested on the real plant. The plant used is a digital precision farming system that is conditioned in a greenhouse. Actor-actor coordination works using rida-M technique at actor node and sink node. Interaction between actor nodes is coordinated by sink node. The system testing has been performed on the real system and the actor-actor coordination configuration has Life time of power supply, 12 hours for sink node and 60 hours for sensor node.

Evaluating Row Cover Establishment Systems for Cantaloupe and Summer Squash

Abstract.Use of row covers offer an alternative to pesticide application for management of insect feeding and disease transmission and can be beneficial for extending the growing season. Unfortunately, labor required to establish cover is significant (particularly for single rows) and larger pieces of multi-row cover are subject to fatigue from wind and sun. Development of a mechanized single-row cover system or a durable multi-row cover system advances potential for use of covers. Field tests of a commercial semi-mechanized cover implement were conducted. Successful wire insertion ranged from 74% to 100% and depended on careful adjustment of the implement. Success was unaffected by soil type, but partially improved with wetter soil (R2 = 0.37). Keywords: Cucurbit, Disease, Horticulture, Insects, Supports, Tunnels.Costs of a single-row mechanized system using spunbond polypropylene or polyethylene mesh as row covers were compared to those of a conventional chemical application strategy without cover. Total costs of the spunbond polypropylene system were $1620 to $5290 ha-1 ($650 to $2140 acre-1) greater than the conventional system depending on operational size. Smaller production areas were more costly due to machinery costs. The polyethylene mesh system was $1500 ha-1 ($600 acre-1) more costly than using spunbond polypropylene due to material costs. In addition, a multi-row cover system using either of the two types of cover material was investigated including evaluation of support structure during mid-summer field conditions (wind and sun). Sagging cover material over time suggested limiting distance between single supports to 2 m (7 ft) or less. Tennis balls atop single supports avoided cover damage better than rebar caps. Spunbond polypropylene had more tears and damage than polyethylene mesh. Wire hoops spaced 2.3 m along the row avoided cover damage while keeping material off the crop Keywords: Cucurbit, Disease, Horticulture, Insects, Supports, Tunnels.

The impact of tillage regime and row cover use on insect pests and yield in organic cucurbit production

AbstractControl of cucurbit pests, such as striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum), spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) and squash bug (Anasa tristis), in organic systems is difficult due to a lack of effective insecticide options. This has led to the development of many integrated pest management techniques, such as use of row covers, crop rotation and cover crops. This study explored the novel use of strip tillage and row covers to reduce pest pressure in summer squash (Cucurbita pepe) and muskmelon (Cucumis melo) production systems. Results showed that although strip tillage reduced striped cucumber beetle and squash bug numbers, there was a yield reduction in both crops compared with the plasticulture system. Row cover increased marketable yield in both systems, with the highest yield being in the plasticulture system. Unmarketable fruit directly attributed to insect damage was higher in the plasticulture systems, but was not significantly different when compared with the strip tillage system. Although there are many documented positive attributes of strip tillage, results from this study indicate that a combination of plasticulture and row cover may be a superior system for organic cucurbit production.

A jumping spider that lays eggs like an insect

The South East Asian salticid, Asemonea tenuipes, lay its eggs like an insect: as individuated capsules in geometrically precise rows. The occurrence of this behaviour is described in a population from Thailand that lays eggs on the underside of mango tree (Mangifera indica) leaves. The rows were vertically arranged at a 90° angle that was parallel to, and varied in relation to the angle of the central leaf rib, indicating that the rib serves as the primary visual cue for orienting the row. Analysis of within-egg row symmetry found evidence that micro-topography – in particular, vertical ‘stepping’ produced by leaf sub-ribs – of the leaf surface plane was responsible for 97% of variability in the relative symmetry of egg placement. Three strategies were identified: (1) crossing the sub-rib and producing localized asymmetry in the egg row; (2) introducing a gap at the sub-rib to maintain symmetry; and (3) ‘compressing’ the egg row into the gap between sub-ribs. The incidence of asymmetry showed a highly significant linear relationship with egg load. It is hypothesized that the use of rows probably represents a solution to the problem of how to surveil temporally staggered clutches of eggs and newly hatched spiderlings simultaneously.

Application of Copper Fungicide and Row Covers to Control Phytophthora Seedling Blight Disease on Cocoa

Phytophthora seedling blight disease is one of the important diseases in cocoa. The disease is caused by the fungus of Phytophthora palmivora belongs to class Oomycetes. The aim of this research was to determine the effectiveness of the use of row covers and copper oxide fungicide applications to control seedling blight Phytophthora. Covering treatment was to place cocoa seedlings inside bamboo frame covered by transparent plastic in order to avoid from rainfall effect. The research was conducted in the Kaliwining Experimental Station at Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI). Experiments were carried out four treatments and repeated 6 times. Each treatment consists of 100 seedlings planted in polybags and placed in the nursery area with a protective paranet. The treatment consisted of (1) row covers, (2) spraying of copper oxide 0.2%, (3) a combination of row covers and copper oxide 0.2% and (4) control (no covers and spray). Observations made 7 days after treatment with an interval of 7 days for 10 weeks. The results showed that row covers able to prolong the incubation period of the disease for 14 days, while the application of row covers + copper oxide 0.2% was able to save cocoa seedlings by 96.2%.

Horticultural Production Systems Influence Ground Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Distribution and Diversity in Cucurbits.

Commercial cucurbit production typically involves agriculturally intensive practices, with fields prepared using conventional tillage, plasticulture, and chemically based pest management. Conservation-based management options are limited. In this study, we consider two alternative strategies, strip tillage and the use of row covers. We compare their impact on the beneficial carabid beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) community in melons and squash, following conventional or organic systems, over two years. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that soil management system (strip tillage versus plasticulture) was the primary variable influencing carabid distribution; row cover was a less important factor. The response to soil management was species dependent. Some dominant species, such as Harpalus pensylvanicus DeGeer, demonstrated no preference for a particular soil treatment. For others, including the tiger beetle, Cicindela punctulata Olivier, and a slug predator, Chlaenius tricolor Dejean, activity-density was higher in strip-tillage production systems. Our analysis suggested that strip-tillage production systems support a richer, more diverse carabid community. These results demonstrate that even within intensive annual horticultural systems, production practices can play a critical role in shaping the beneficial arthropod community, potentially encouraging or limiting ecosystem services.

Biology and development ofAcrolepiopsis assectella(Lepidoptera: Acrolepiidae) in eastern Ontario

AbstractLeek moth,Acrolepiopsis assectella, recently became established in the Ottawa Valley, where it significantly damages garlic, leek, and onion (AlliumL., Liliaceae) crops. At a threshold of 7 °C, populations in eastern Ontario require 444.6 day-degrees to develop from egg to adult. Pheromone-trap data identify spring, early-summer, and late-summer flight periods of overwintered 1st- and 2nd-generation adults, respectively. Depending on ambient temperatures, the life cycle takes 3–6 weeks in the field, with three generations possible. Management strategies such as application of reduced-risk foliar insecticides and use of row covers require precise timing to target appropriate life-cycle stages. Implementation windows can be determined by incorporating pheromone-trap data and ambient air temperature into a life-cycle development model. A proposed integrated pest management program will involve the use of pesticides, mechanical barriers, and classical biological control.

The Effects of Colored Plastic Mulches and Row Covers on the Growth and Yield of Okra

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus ‘Clemson Spineless’) was grown on an Orangeburg sandy loam soil in Shorter, AL. Okra was direct-seeded in single rows. Treatments consisted of five mulch colors: black, white, red, silver, and blue installed either with or without spun-bonded row cover. Soil temperatures were 4 to 7 °C lower than air temperatures in all treatments. The use of darker (black, blue, red) -colored plastic mulches increased early and total yield of okra compared with bare soil with and without row cover. Increased soil and air temperatures did not always correlate to an increase in yield. It can be concluded that the use of dark plastic mulch is advantageous to growers of okra in climates that do not have cool springs, but the added use of row covers to plastic mulch has no effect on growth and yield. The profit of marketable okra produced using a row cover was $1.37 versus $1.35 per pound without a cover in 2003 and $1.28 versus $1.29 per pound in 2004. Blue plastic mulch is ≈$0.08 per foot more expensive than black plastic. Our data do not show an economic advantage for blue over black mulch for okra, but the positive effect cited by other authors may be more pronounced with leafy vegetables.

Reducing electromagnetic pollution by shrub lines supported by lattice structures

The use of rows of trees or shrubs, supported by lattice structures, as barriers to minimise electromagnetic pollution is proposed and tested by means of measurements within an anechoic chamber. The vegetation specie used was Ficus benjamina. The attenuation provided by six different supporting structures, and combined following six geometrical organisations, has been measured at GSM and UMTS bands at both horizontal and vertical polarisations. Results appear to show that the presence of the supporting lattice structure enhances the attenuation provided by the fence. Vertically polarised waves seem to suffer stronger attenuations than horizontally polarised waves. Besides, certain dependence on the lattice material and the density of the obstruction of the structure, as well as on the configuration of the barrier, have been highlighted by the measured results.

Floating row covers and pyriproxyfen help control silverleaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Biotype B (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in zucchini

Abstract In zucchini, the use of row covers until flowering and the insect growth regulator (IGR) pyriproxyfen are effective methods of reducing the number of insects, especially silverleaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Biotype B), on plants. We compared floating row covers (FRCs) up until flowering with silverleaf whitefly (SLW) introduced (FRC + SLW), or not introduced (FRC‐only), or with introduction of SLW in open plots (SLW‐only), or with introduction of SLW in open plots with IGR (SLW + IGR). FRC increased temperature and humidity compared with the uncovered treatments. Average fruit weight was less (P < 0.01) for the FRC + SLW treatment compared with the other treatments and the percentage of marketable fruit was less for the FRC + SLW than for the other three treatments. This result indicates that the use of either row covers or IGR controls whiteflies, reduces fruit damage and increases the size, weight, and quality of fruit, and may also control other sap‐sucking insects. However, if SLW are already present on plants, the use of FRC may reduce predation and favour build up of SLW. Thus, FRC and IGR, if used judiciously, may provide an effective alternative to broad‐spectrum pesticides in small‐scale cucurbit production.

Vegetal barriers for minimising electromagnetic pollution at cellular phone bands

The use of rows of trees as barriers to minimise electromagnetic pollution in sensitive areas, such as hospitals, kindergartens or geriatric residences, is proposed and tested by means of measurements in actual scenarios. Attenuation induced by individual trees has been measured at GSM and UMTS bands over 18 samples from four different species. Results show diverse degrees of attenuation with certain dependence on the species, and even on the specimen. Then, a row of apple trees has been used to check its utility as a barrier for reducing the power levels in its shadow area, becoming an efficient and natural solution to minimise electromagnetic pollution.

Improving the power of pasture cultivar trials to discriminate cultivars on the basis of differences in herbage yield

A review of 7 recently published perennial ryegrass cultivar trials (from 6 contrasting environments) with data expressed as an aggregate of seasonal harvests (autumn, winter, spring, and summer) revealed that the l.s.d. (P = 0.05) varied between 4 and 255% of the mean herbage yield of the trial in a given season, with 56 of 72 data points having an l.s.d. (P = 0.05) >10% of the trial mean. Power analysis of a perennial ryegrass trial that was conducted at Heywood (Vic.) from 1997 to 1998, with a 16% apparent difference in the total yield of a new synthetic and commercial cultivars, demonstrated that this difference would have only been detected 45% of the time. However, if the number of replications in the trial was increased from 4 to 8, then it was predicted that this difference would have been detected 70% of the time. In response to the data from this experiment, a trial was sown in 1999 that compared 4, 6, and 8 replicates to detect differences in the herbage yield of perennial ryegrass cultivars. In this trial, differences that were detected (P < 0.05) with 8 replicates would have routinely gone undetected when 4 or 6 replicate combinations were used. The use of a row–column design on the 8 replicates of the trial reduced the error variance of the trial by 5–12%, depending on the harvest. It was concluded that current pasture cultivar trials are routinely failing to detect differences between cultivars at an adequate level, given the rates of genetic gain in pasture species. In order to increase this precision, the number of replicates in a trial should be optimised on the basis of past data and the likely difference between control and test cultivars. Once the number of replications in a trial has been optimised then the use of row–column, or nearest neighbour designs, and analysis, will further increase precision for little extra cost.

INFLUENCE OF `CRIMSON SWEET' WATERMELON WITH VISPORE ROW COVER IN COMBINATION WITH WAVELENGTH SELECTIVE MULCHES

Several plastic mulches [clear, black, IRT-76 (green), and ALOR (brown)] were used in combination with four row covers [(clear and white slitted), spunbonded polyester and VisPore]. The total numbers and marketable numbers per 1000/ha were highest with the clear and IRT-76 mulches without the use of row covers, respectively. There was a significant orthagonal comparison interaction with the clear & IRT-76 mulches vs. black & ALOR mulches. A significant orthogonal comparison interaction was observed with total yield with row covers vs. no row cover, mulch vs. control, clear and IRT-76 vs. black & ALOR, clear vs. IRT-76, and black vs. ALOR. Marketable yield showed a significant interaction with orthogonal comparison with row covers vs. no row cover and clear & IRT-76 vs. black & ALOR.

Evaluation of Spunbonded Polyethylene Row Covers as a Method of Excluding Insects and Viruses Affecting Fall-Grown Squash in Florida

A lightweight floating row cover, used alone and in combination with a white-on-black polyethylene mulch, was evaluated under the hot, humid conditions of the fall growing season in Florida as a method of controlling aphid-borne mosaic viruses, whitefly-induced leaf silvering, and insects directly damaging zucchini squash. Yields increased dramatically with the use of covers, especially if covers were left in place for at least 1wk after plants began to bloom. Covers excluded pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll); melonworm, Diaphania hyalinata (L.); sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), and several colonizing aphid species. Except for B. tabaci, insects colonized newly uncovered plants slowly, remaining at low densities for up to 2 wk after removal of covers. Few winged aphids landed in water pan traps placed over covers, which may explain why aphids and aphid-vectored viruses remained at low levels even when covers were torn. Incidence of potyviruses and silverleaf was greatly reduced by use of row covers, but symptoms of viral infection developed 1-2 wk after removal. If used over an entire planting, high levels of inoculum presumably would not develop, and viral infection might be delayed even longer.

INFLUENCE OF WINTER PROTECTION ON EARLINESS OF STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION

A 3-year study was carried out on the use of row covers as a substitute to straw for winter protection of five strawberry cultivars. Seven cover treatments were tested: “Agronet” removed on May 2, 12 and 19; “Kimberlay farms” removed May 19; perforated polyethylene removed May 16; conventionnal straw mulch removed in mid-April, and no row cover protection. Row covers advanced first harvest for all cultivars. There was a 10-day gain in earliness with perforated polyethylene followed in decreasing order by “Kimberley farms”, “Agronet”, straw mulch, and no protection. Treatments favoring early yields tended to shorten the period of production and to reduce total yield. Of the “Agronet” treatments, the May 12 removal increased the yield for the first 4 harvests compared to the May 2 and May 19 removals.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ROW COVERS AS A BARRIER TO INSECT PESTS ON ROMAINE LETTUCE (PARRIS ISLAND COS)

This project examined a floating row cover as an alternative to chemical use for pest control. Insect and vertebrate pest control was excellent on the covered versus the uncovered crop plants. Average weight, length, and quality were enhanced through the use of covers. The interval of transplant-to-harvest was also decreased. While the cost of row cover use is quite high on a per-acre basis, additional gains in quality, yields, earlier plantings, and earlier harvests may justify the use of row covers as an alternative to chemical control. Although acceptance and use of row covers may ultimately rely on the consumer, demand for organically grown vegetables will warrant further evaluation of row cover materials.