The International Journal of Innovative Approaches in Agricultural Research (IJIAAR) / Uluslararası Tarım Araştırmalarında Yenilikçi Yaklaşımlar Dergisi
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Effect of Plasma Activated Water on Microbiological Quality and Shelf-life of Strawberries
Get PDFThis study investigated the potential of plasma-activated water (PAW) as a non-thermal decontamination method for strawberries. PAW was produced by exposing potable water to dry air atmospheric plasma under various conditions (1 kVa, 10-40 min). Three PAW samples with different pH values (2.5, 2.75, and 3.0) were characterized by monitoring their pH, electrical conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, nitrite, and nitrate during 3 weeks of storage. The antimicrobial efficacy of PAW was evaluated against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Botrytis cinerea in suspension. PAW with pH 2.5 exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, reducing E. coli and B. cinerea populations by up to 7 log CFU mL-1 and 5 log CFU mL-1, respectively, after 30 minutes of contact in suspension. The storage study demonstrated that PAW-treated strawberries maintained significantly lower microbial counts throughout 7 days of storage at 4 °C. On strawberry surfaces, a 15-minute treatment with PAW (pH 2.5) reduced E. coli and B. cinerea populations by 3.13 and 1.99 log CFU g-1, respectively. The total aerobic psychrophilic bacteria count in PAW-treated strawberries increased by only 0.8 log CFU g-1 during storage, compared to 1.4 log CFU g-1 in control samples. Importantly, PAW treatment did not adversely affect physical and chemical quality attributes of strawberries, including pH, ascorbic acid content, total antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content, and color parameters. These findings demonstrate that PAW is an effective, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical sanitizers for reducing microbial contamination on strawberries while preserving their quality during refrigerated storage.This study investigated the potential of plasma-activated water (PAW) as a non-thermal decontamination method for strawberries. PAW was produced by exposing potable water to dry air atmospheric plasma under various conditions (1 kVa, 10-40 min). Three PAW samples with different pH values (2.5, 2.75, and 3.0) were characterized by monitoring their pH, electrical conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), and the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, nitrite, and nitrate during 3 weeks of storage. The antimicrobial efficacy of PAW was evaluated against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Botrytis cinerea in suspension. PAW with pH 2.5 exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, reducing E. coli and B. cinerea populations by up to 7 log CFU mL-1 and 5 log CFU mL-1, respectively, after 30 minutes of contact in suspension. The storage study demonstrated that PAW-treated strawberries maintained significantly lower microbial counts throughout 7 days of storage at 4 °C. On strawberry surfaces, a 15-minute treatment with PAW (pH 2.5) reduced E. coli and B. cinerea populations by 3.13 and 1.99 log CFU g-1, respectively. The total aerobic psychrophilic bacteria count in PAW-treated strawberries increased by only 0.8 log CFU g-1 during storage, compared to 1.4 log CFU g-1 in control samples. Importantly, PAW treatment did not adversely affect physical and chemical quality attributes of strawberries, including pH, ascorbic acid content, total antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content, and color parameters. These findings demonstrate that PAW is an effective, environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical sanitizers for reducing microbial contamination on strawberries while preserving their quality during refrigerated storage
Exposure of Operators to Pesticides in Pesticide Application with Backpack Sprayer
Get PDFToday, the importance of safe and sufficient food supply for human health is increasing day by day. In herbal production, it is tried to prevent the losses of plants due to harmful organisms. Incorrect and excessive use of pesticides in the chemical control method preferred by farmers causes negative risks in terms of human health, food safety and the environment. Studies have shown that the pesticides exposed by the applicators are higher in the backpack sprayers, which are preferred due to the differences in agricultural areas and geographical structure. In this study, pesticide residue values that operators are exposed to in applications with backpack sprayers were investigated. For this purpose, the classical backpack sprayer has been modified by adding a boom. In the applications made with this backpack sprayer, the pesticide values that the applicator was exposed to were determined in terms of volume median diameter (µm), droplet density (droplets%252Fcm2) and surface coverage (%25). In addition, the same evaluations were made in the target areas applied. Hollow cone nozzle N2 (8002), which is currently in use, and air induction nozzle N1 (IDK 120-02) nozzle type, which can be an alternative, were used in the experiment. The experiments were carried out in two nozzle types at two different forward (walking) speeds S1%253A 1 m%252Fs and S2%253A 1.5 m%252Fs) in field conditions. In the applications, the application rate was taken as 20 lt%252Fda, the spray pressure (3 bar) and the spray height (50 cm) were taken as constant. In the applications, sampling surfaces were placed on the operator%20s body (head, chest, arms, legs) and on the target wedges. The volume median diameter, droplet density and surface coverage on the operator and target surfaces were investigated. Water sensitive papers were used as sampling surfaces, and the image processing program UTHSCSA (Image Tool for Windows V3) was used in the analysis of the gates. Obtained results were evaluated by statistical analysis. On the operator%20s body, N2 × S2 with 52.85 µm for volume median diameter, N1 × S2 for surface coverage 0.24 %25 and N1 × S2 with 109 droplets%252Fcm2 for droplet density can be selected. On the target surface, M2 × H1 with a volume median diameter of 356.73 µm, N2 × S1 for surface coverage and N1 × S2 for droplet density can be selected. In this study, it was concluded that the modified backpack sprayer can be used by reducing the risk for the operator
Turkish Agricultural Sector Labour Force Change and Work Accident Analysis%253A 2015–2024
No full textDue to global warming, climate crises, changes in water regimes, etc., the agricultural sector has become a sector of unprecedented strategic importance. According to data from the second quarter of 2023, the agricultural sector in Türkiye accounted for a significant 4.4%25 share of Gross Domestic Product. Export data shows that the export volume, which stood at 30 billion in 2022. One of the important indicators for responding to the increasing food supply and export pressure at the sectoral level is, of course, sectoral labour force changes and accident data. The aim of this study is to analyse the labour force changes and accident data in the agricultural sector between 2015 and 2024. The study was conducted using the document analysis technique, one of the qualitative analysis methods. The annual statistical bulletins published by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security were analysed under the Agriculture Sector (Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery). In this context, work accidents, fatal work accidents, periods of incapacity for work, and changes in labour force, work accidents and periods of incapacity for work were examined. The analysis revealed that between 2015 and 2024, the number of work accidents in the agricultural sector increased by 150%25, fatal work accidents by 76%25, and incapacity periods (days) by 37%25. It was concluded that the ratio of work accidents to the labour force increased from 1.1%25 to 3.7%25, and the ratio of incapacity period to the labour force increased from 0.15 to 0.29
Genotype × Environmental Interaction Analysis of Multi-Environment Bread Wheat Trials Using AMMI and GGE Biplot
No full textThis study was conducted on fifteen genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in three ecological sites within the first environmental area (rain-fed conditions) in Syria during 2019%252F2020 season. The experiment was designed according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replicates at each site, with the aim of identifying stable high-yield genotypes, the ideal environment, and the appropriate genotype for each environment, using Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) and GGE Biplot models. AMMI demonstrated significant interactions in G, E, and E×G. The principal components PC1 and PC2 explained 100%25 of the total variance, with the contribution of PC1 being 70.1%25 and PC2 29.9%25. According to the AMMI biplot analysis, the G4, G1 and G6 genotypes were the most productive, and G3 the most stable, while the G15, G10 and G11 genotypes were the least stable. According to GGE Biplot analysis, E2 was the ideal environment compared to the rest of the tested environments, and G6 and G1 were the ideal genotypes, which indicates the importance of these two genotypes and the necessity of investing them in improving grain yield and stability. "which-won-where" analysis showed that the G4 and G8 genotypes had high yields in both E1 and E2 environment, while G1 was suitable for the E3 environment, G15 and G2 were unsuitable for any of the assessed environments
The Significance of Hobby Gardens in Urban Agriculture%253A A Bibliometric Mapping of Thematic Structures and Future Potentials
No full textIncreased urbanization in recent years has weakened individuals%20 connection with nature and distanced city dwellers from food production processes. Rapid urbanization, extended agricultural systems, and long supply chains have both caused environmental problems and brought additional costs. Urban agriculture stands out as an approach that offers solutions to these problems and facilitates city dwellers%20 access to food and agricultural products%253B it aims to meet the city%20s food needs within and around urban areas, using urban resources. Within the scope of the sustainability of urban agriculture, hobby gardens play an important role by increasing city dwellers%20 interest in agriculture and creating agricultural awareness. This study aims to reveal the intellectual structure, main themes, and research trajectories of the academic literature on hobby gardens using bibliometric analysis and scientific mapping methods. Analyses conducted using articles obtained from the Scopus database covering the years 1989–2025 show that the unifying element of the field of hobby gardening is based on the concepts of “gardening” and “human.” However, it was determined that the main driving force of the field is social and human dynamics such as “leisure time” and gender. This finding proves that hobby gardening research focuses on its role in human well-being, social life, and community interaction rather than a technical or agricultural focus. Nevertheless, technical topics such as “composting” and ‘peat’ were found to constitute a niche theme. Topics such as “urban planning” and “urban environment” were understood to represent a new research frontier for the field%20s future potential. This comprehensive map provides policymakers and academics with an evidence-based and strategic framework. The findings underscore the need for policies that support hobby gardens not only for their ecological benefits but also as vital centers for urban well-being and social resilience. The results of the study highlight the multidisciplinary role of hobby gardens in building sustainable cities
Application of Bioprotection in Winemaking%253A Reducing Sulfite Use with non-Saccharomyces Yeasts
No full textIn the traditional winemaking practices, the sulfur dioxide (SO2) has been used for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, in recent decades, increasing consumer demand for healthier, low-intervention, and additive-free wines has promoted researchers and producers to explore natural alternatives. Among these, non-Saccharomyces yeasts have been proposed as a sustainable substitute of SO2, addressing both%253A health and consumer concerns. This method consists of the early inoculation of must or grapes with selected yeast strains, such as Metschnikowia pulcherrima, which produces antimicrobial metabolites to protect the wine and enrich wine aromatic complexity. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a selected M. pulcherrima strain as a bio protection agent in wine production. Controlled fermentations were conducted in triplicate, comparing conventional sulfiting with bio protected must. The kinetic and microbial populations were monitored during the fermentation process, and the respective wines were analyzed for key quality parameters. The results demonstrated that M. pulcherrima effectively limited undesirable microflora and improved fermentation kinetic without compromising wine quality. These findings support the potential of Bioprotectionas a promising strategy for reducing SO2 in winemaking. This approach, previously unexplored in the Albanian wine industry, offers a pathway for producing organic, natural and sustainable wines, using native cultivars, while contributing to preservation of local biodiversity
Evaluation of Some Properties of Artvin%252FYusufeli%252FErenköy Soils and Farm Fertiliziers Used in the Region by Laboratory and Greenhouse Experiments
No full textSustainable crop production depends on proper soil management and nutrient supplementation. This study assessed the physical and chemical properties of soils in Erenköy village, Yusufeli district, Artvin province, characterized commonly used animal manures, and evaluated their effects on plant growth under controlled greenhouse conditions. Soil samples from 26 locations were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, lime content, macro- and micronutrients. Eight manure samples including fermented and unfermented cattle and goat manures were analyzed for pH, EC, organic matter, moisture, and nutrient composition. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with rye (Secale cereale L., Aslım-95) using a completely randomized design. Fermented cattle and goat manures were applied at 5%25 (w%252Fw) to 200 g soil pots in triplicate, and plant growth, dry weight, and total nitrogen content were recorded after 21 days. Soils were slightly to moderately alkaline (average pH 8.11), very slightly saline (EC 0.38 dS m⁻¹), moderately calcareous, and exhibited very high organic matter. Mg, K, total nitrogen, and inorganic N (NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻) were high, Ca and P sufficient, and Na within normal range. Micronutrients Mn, Fe, and Cu were adequate, while Zn was elevated. Soil textures were mainly sandy loam and sandy clay loam. Manures were moderately alkaline, slightly to moderately saline, high in organic matter (40–84%25), low in moisture (~4.5%25), rich in K, Ca, and Mg, deficient in P, and elevated in Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Application of fermented manures significantly increased plant nitrogen content and dry weight compared to control (
Comparison of Yield and Yield Characteristics in Different Rice Hybrids and Investigation of Their Inheritance
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to determine the heterosis and heterobeltiosis values of yield components and some important traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and to estimate the narrow-sense heritability of these traits. For this purpose, in 2020, the F1 hybrid combinations of Halilbey x Aga, Halilbey x Gemici, and Halilbey x Vasco, obtained from the parental lines (Halilbey, Aga, Gemici, Vasco) used in hybridization, were cultivated in the Gönen district of Balıkesir. The transplanting method was used for planting. In the transplanting, one seedling was planted per each hill at a planting density of 25x25 cm. In this study, observations and measurements were made for the following characteristics%253A the flowering days, maturity days, plant height, panicle length, the number of panicles per plant, the number of grains per panicle, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield per plant. In the heterosis and heterobeltiosis evaluations, the highest heterosis and heterobeltiosis values were determined for panicle number per plant and rice yield per plant. High levels of narrow-sense heritability were estimated for the number of panicle, rice yield per plant, and maturity days, while moderate levels were determined for the plant height and thousand-grain weight, and low levels for flowering days, panicle length, and number of grains per panicle. The high levels of heterosis and heterobeltiosis observed in rice yield are attributed to the high levels of heterosis and heterobeltiosis in the number of panicle per plant. Additionally, this trait exhibits a high degree of narrow-sense heritability. Utilizing this trait in hybrid rice breeding could lead to increased yield.Therefor, this trait may be used as a selection criteria in heterosis breeding in rice. At the same time, flowering day and panicle length should be taken into accord in the selection
Effect of Vermicompost Fertilizer Application on Soil Properties%253A A Review
No full textThis review explores the multifaceted impact of Vermicompost application on soil health and fertility within the context of sustainable agriculture. Vermicompost which is a biologically processed organic fertilizer derived from earthworms, is rich in macro- and micronutrients, humic substances, and beneficial microorganisms. Its application has been shown to improve the physical (e.g., aggregate stability, water retention), chemical (e.g., nutrient availability, pH balance), and biological (e.g., microbial activity, enzymatic functions) properties of soil. Enhanced plant growth, yield, and stress resistance have also been linked to Vermicompost use, attributed to its natural phytohormone content and improved nutrient cycling. Various application methods and rates are discussed, with emphasis on field- and greenhouse-level practices. Case studies from Türkiye and worldwide reinforce Vermicompost’s effectiveness across different crops and soil types. The study concludes that Vermicompost is a promising, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, supporting both soil sustainability and agricultural productivity
The Dynamic of Equine Farming in the Arid Mediterranean Area in Tunisia%253A Tradition Meets Modernity
Get PDFThis study aimed to characterize equine farming systems in the desertic Médenine region (Tunisia) based on a survey of 70 breeders. Equine farming is significant, with herds reaching up to 25 mares. Typically, farms have 1 to 3 horses, mainly for leisure and some commercial purposes. The survey found that all farmers are men, aged 22 to 42, with 67%25 having secondary education and agricultural training. Farms average 13.2 hectares, with 4.3 hectares dedicated to agricultural use and 0.295 hectares for horses, reflecting a system adapted to the region%20s climate. The primary farming system is mixed, combining agriculture, livestock, and sometimes tourism. In addition to horses, goats, and cattle are raised for milk and meat. The main breeds are purebred Arabian and Arabian-Barb horses, selected for traits suited to both leisure and commercial needs. The study identifies three equine farming typologies%253A (i) leisure, tourism, and popular games farming%253B (ii) foal commerce farming%253B and (iii) competition and racing farming. These typologies reflect different breeding goals, from cultural traditions to tourism and competitive markets. Despite limited land and resources, farmers use strategies such as external feed and advanced breeding techniques to maintain horse health and productivity. Overall, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the equine farming systems in the Médenine region, including farmers%20 demographics, farming structures, breeds, and typologies