Journal of Agriculture and Food Research最新文献

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA, Cas no. 352-97-6) is a feed additive that positively influences the energy and protein metabolism of animals, so it has the potential to improve the productivity of animals without affecting their health. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of dietary supplementation with GAA on growth performance and blood chemistry profile of growing steers for 60 d. Forty growing crossbred male steers (Bos taurus × Bos indicus; 146.0 ± 0.5 kg body weight (BW)) were randomly divided into two experimental groups (n = 20): the first, consisted of a total mixed ration (TMR) without; and the second, substituted the 0.1 % of the TMR with GAA. Dietary supplementation of GAA decreased (P < 0.0001) dry matter intake (DMI) by 12.8 % compared to the steers that were fed the TMR without GAA. Although these changes did not influence (P = 0.4180) BW and average daily gain (ADG), they improved (P < 0.0490) feed conversion efficiency (FCE) by decreasing DMI per kilogram of ADG by 10.4 %. Furthermore, the inclusion of GAA in the TMR reduced (P < 0.0050) triglycerides by 23.2 % and increased the urea nitrogen (BUN) in the steers by 22.4 % (P < 0.0002). However, sampling time influenced (P ≤ 0.0042) all blood chemistry parameters except calcium, and the interaction between GAA supplementation and time did not significantly influence (P ≥ 0.0750) any parameter. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 1 g GAA kg⁻¹ of TMR, decreased the DMI and improved FCE without negative effects on blood chemistry profiles.

The labor-intensive, time-consuming, and uneconomical nature of manually extracting banana (Musa acuminata) fibers from pseudo-stem sheaths has prompted the exploration of automation as a solution. This study focuses on automating the feeding process of banana pseudostem sheaths using a quick return mechanism, which is more effective than other approaches. A comprehensive study was conducted to assess the impact of key process parameters, namely the decorticator (480–540 rpm), roller speed (50–80 rpm), and clearance between rollers (2–4 mm), on the mechanical properties of the extracted banana fiber. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed for the experimental design and analysis of data, and the mechanical properties under investigation included the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and strain percentage of the banana fiber. The results revealed that the decorticator speed, roller speed, and clearance between rollers are significantly influenced by their mechanical properties. Herein, the optimal process parameter values are identified as follows: a decorticator speed of 510 rpm, roller speed of 65 rpm, and clearance of 3 mm between rollers. The mechanical characterization of the optimized banana fiber exhibited impressive properties, with an ultimate tensile strength of 679.48 MPa, Young's modulus of 25.47 GPa, and strain of 3 %. This study demonstrates that automation coupled with systematic parameter optimization can enhance the mechanical attributes of banana fibers. This research not only addresses the challenges of manual extraction, but also advances the understanding of how process parameters affect banana fiber quality, thereby facilitating the utilization of this natural fiber in various industrial applications.

The success of Positive Selection Technique (PST) depends on the visual selection of virus-free plants, which may not always be possible due to virus accumulation in plant parts apart from the leaves. This study determined virus accumulations in different plant parts of white yam when practicing PST. Experimental plots were established at Ejura and Fumesua, and planted with planting materials (sourced from PST-practicing farmers) of three white yam varieties viz. Kpamyo, Dente and Pona. Symptomatic and asymptomatic plants from these fields were selected and yam mosaic virus (YMV), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and yam mild mosaic virus (YMMV) detected from their leaves, vines and tubers using DAS-ELISA. Virus concentration in the various plant organs were obtained from the absorbance values using BIO-RAD microplate reader. Disease incidence and severity were assessed at three months after planting. Data were subjected to ANOVA and means separated with LSD using the R software. In the subsequent season, harvested seed yams from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants were studied in the screenhouse and viruses detected in leaves and vines using RT-PCR. Plant viruses were found in all plant parts of the three white yam varieties. Concentration of all viruses in leaves, vines and tubers were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in symptomatic plants than in asymptomatic plants. Some seed yams which were selected as apparently “clean” planting materials could harbour yam viruses in plant parts, other than the leaf which is often targeted by PST.

This current research explores the health benefits of pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) leaves linked to damage associated with diabetes in diabetic mice. An interesting increase in blood glycemia, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), peroxide (H₂O₂), and renal advanced glycated end products (AGE) in comparison with the non-diabetic mice was observed. Additionally, a decrease in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and antioxidant enzymes namely catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, as well as superoxide dismutase in mice with hyperglycemia was appreciated, as well. The treatment with Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi methanolic extract (STME) from leaves (150 and 250 mg kg⁻¹) for 21 days reduced markedly blood glucose, TC, LDL, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), H₂O₂ and AGE levels in kidneys of mice with abnormally glucose level; it elevated serum HDL degree and boosted the activity of hepatic redox-regulating enzymes in diabetic mice. These findings exhibit the capacity of the STME to mitigate diabetes-related hyperglycemia. The data proposed that the administration of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves extract can be useful in preventing alterations and dysfunction caused by glycation, oxidative stress, and hyperlipidemia in the pathology of diabetes. The overall results imply that phytochemical compounds of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves may represent a promising therapeutic opportunity in the search for new anti-diabetic treatments.

Noni leaves provide several health benefits as food and traditional medicines due to their bioactive compounds. This study investigated the preliminary effects of cellulase and hemicellulase assisted extraction on bioactive compounds extraction from Noni leaves compared to maceration technique. Cellulase and hemicellulase-assisted extraction formed small holes on the extracts surface and provided rough surface, angular and fragmentation structures indicated some breakdown of Noni leaves cell wall after enzyme reaction. There was a significant difference of the extracts particle size between the samples from cellulase assisted extraction and hemicellulase assisted extraction while no significant difference was observed between the samples from maceration technique and cellulase assisted extraction. For antioxidant activity, cellulase assisted extraction provided the highest antioxidant activity (92.83 and 73.05 mg TEAC/g of sample which was determined by DPPH and FRAP method respectively). However, hemicellulase extraction exhibited the lowest antioxidant activity (36.38 and 33.33 mg TEAC/g of sample in DPPH and FRAP method respectively). Cellulase-assisted extraction provided higher asperuloside content (0.14 ± 0.01 μM/g of sample) as compared to maceration technique (0.13 ± 0.01 μM/g of sample) and hemicellulase-assisted extraction (0.05 ± 0.01 μM/g of sample). These results can lead to the use of green technology for bioactive compounds extraction from plant sources for use as a medical and functional food ingredient.

The present study describes the dependencies of key productivity and growth indicators of coriander plants on sowing rate and fertilization parameters. The aim of the research was to establish the patterns of coriander yield formation through the prism of plant structure considering modifications in nutrient conditions and sowing rates. Graphical models and correlation matrices were developed for three coriander varieties with similar morphological features (Oksanit, Nectar, Caribe). Data from field studies conducted in 2013–2015 in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine serve as the basis for model construction. Two variable technological elements were studied (sowing rate of seeds; fertilization system) to determine the dependencies of biometric indicators for each variety. 3D graphical models of dependency for structural elements showed advantages over linear models. Seed yield of coriander in the study ranged from 1.24 t/ha with the lowest sowing rate to 1.91 t/ha with a sowing rate of 2.5 million seeds/ha. Maximum essential oil yield for cv. Oksanit was 46.4 kg/ha with a seed yield of 2.16 tons/ha. Cv. Nectar forms 45.6 kg/ha of essential oil with a seed yield of 2.01 tons/ha, and cv. Caribe forms 40.6 kg/ha with a seed yield of 2.06 tons/ha. Absence of statistically significant correlation between seed yield and essential oil output points to the peculiarities of the experiment. Research factors have opposing effects on the formation of essential oil, and consequently, its yield from the seed yield. The value of the results lies in the potential application of this approach in practice and the implementation of findings in the humid zone. The development of productivity models (like 3D plots) across a range of multiple factors simultaneously, based on crop structure indicators, allows for the prediction of target crop parameters, enabling the efficient utilization of available resources.

Saline soil and water present significant agricultural challenges, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Iran. Around 15 % of Iran's land is categorized as saline. Salt stress disrupts various physiological processes in plants, leading to reduced crop yields. Considering the demand for food and the limitation of cultivated areas is rising, the cultivation of salt-resistant crops is gaining attention. This study was conducted to examine the morpho-physiological responses tolerance of a native cultivar of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. cv. White Ahvazi) under conditions of salinity stress. Understanding how this native cultivar responds to salinity stress is crucial for increasing its productivity. The okra seedlings were subjected to seven different levels of electrical conductivity (EC) (1.7 as control, 4.4, 6.2, 8.5, 10.6, 12.5, 14.4, and 15.8 mS/cm) after the appearance of their first true leaves by dissolving NaCl salt in Hoagland's nutrient solution. The results showed that morphological traits in the treated samples were not significantly different from the non-treated samples until EC reached a value of 10.6 mS/cm. The increases in EC from 1.7 to 10.6 mS/cm resulted in a significant rise in the antioxidant capacity and content of biochemical constituents. While salinity stress from EC 12.5 mS/cm onwards caused significant induction of hydrogen peroxide free radicals and peroxidation of membrane lipids. The yield was also significantly reduced at ECs of 12.5, 14.4, and 15.8 mS/cm, which were 31.1, 40.6, and 59.6 % less than control plants, respectively. Increasing salinity stress resulted in a remarkable reduction of photosynthetic pigments in plants as compared to the non-treated plants. Generally, it can be concluded that the White Ahvazi cultivar of okra commonly cultivated in Iran had a moderate tolerance to EC with a threshold of 10.6 mS/cm. Thus, this study can contribute towards enhancing food production in regions facing challenges related to salinity.

Food security worldwide is largely dependent on the rice–wheat cropping sequence (RWCS) Hence, a field study was carried out during 2018–19 and 2019–20 at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, to determine the effect of various enriched organic sources and crop establishment methods on the root parameters, water productivity and yield of rice, its carryover effect on the succeeding wheat crop and the overall efficiency of system. A split plot design was used which involved two main plot treatments, viz., aerobic rice (AR) and conventional transplanted (CT) rice, and five subplot treatments, viz., T1: control (without fertilizer), T2: 100 % RDF (100 % fertilization by using inorganic sources), T3: 50 % phosphorus was applied by using P-enriched compost + 50 % P was applied by using DAP, T4: 50 % N was applied by using N-enriched compost + 50 % nitrogen was applied by using DAP and urea, and T5: 100 % organic fertilizer was applied (100 % fertilization by using N-enriched compost and P-enriched compost). After rice, wheat was grown in all the plots under uniform management practices. Among the nutrient sources, T4 had greater effects on root activity, system economic water productivity and system water productivity than did the other treatments. CT rice can be recommended under irrigated conditions with the integration of enriched compost and inorganic fertilizers. However, under rainfed conditions with less available water, aerobic rice can also be produced by combining enriched compost and inorganic fertilizer.

Harvested forage is the main raw feed for ruminant animals in Sweden, and is commonly cultivated in mixed stands of legume and grass species. The fraction of legume on a dry matter basis, known as botanical composition (BC) is a very important indicator of forage quality. In this study, hyperspectral imaging and near-infrared spectrometer (NIRS) based methods were used to estimate BC, to overcome the shortcomings of hand separation, which is time and resource consuming. Timothy and red clover mix samples were collected from different harvests in 2017–2019 from multiple sites in Northern Sweden and hand separated. The samples were synthetically mixed to 11 different BC levels, i.e., 0–100 % clover content. Two different instruments (Specim shortwave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging system and Foss 6500 spectrometer) were used to collect spectral data of samples milled to two levels of coarseness. Three different regression analyses: partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR) and random forest regression (RFR), were used to build BC estimation models. The effects of the milling particle sizes and the different instruments on the performances of the models were compared. The data from second harvest in 2019 were used for independent validation as evaluation, and the rest of data were randomly split for model calibration (75 %) and validation (25 %). The models were iteratively run 1000 times with different splits, to check the effect from the splitting of calibration and validation datasets. Among different regression analyses, PLSR performed best, with mean Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) for model evaluation from 0.76 to 0.87, varying for different instruments and milling sizes. Finer milling made the model accuracies slightly higher. This study developed quick and robust methods to determine the BC of timothy grass and red clover mixtures, which can provide useful information for farmers or researchers.

The increasing the efficiency of phosphate and micronutrient fertilization in tropical soils should be better studied to close crop yield gaps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a soluble P source with or without humic acids (HA) and micronutrients (M) on P-availability and maize and soybean yield in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The crops were grown under a rainfed and no-till cropping system, with maize grown in the 2016/2017 rainy summer season, wheat grown as a cover crop in the 2017 winter season, and soybean grown in the 2017/2018 crop year. The field trial was organized in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement [4 sources of P in combination with 2 forms of M supply]. The coated monoammonium phosphate (MAP) P source was supplied in three ways: 1) MAP, 2) MAP + HA, and 3) MAP + HA + M (B, Cu, Mn, and Zn), plus a control for P (no P). The micronutrient supply was 1) Mn + Zn + Cu + B (MZCB) and 2) control for MZCB (no M supply). Coating MAP with HA increased soil P availability but did not increase P content within the soybean leaves. The multivariate approach also showed that soybean yield can increase in response to coating MAP with HA. The study showed that MAP + HA increased soil P content. However, this increase was diminished when micronutrients were included in the same granule (MAP + HA + M). However, P sources raised P in soybean leaves equally compared to control for P. Soybean yield was unaffected by the P source, likely due to adequate leaf P concentrations across all treatments. However, soybean yield generally increased with micronutrient supply. For maize, yields were unaffected by supplying micronutrients with the P source. Conversely, maize yields typically decreased with micronutrient supply, except when using the MAP + HA + M combination granule.