The International Journal of Innovative Approaches in Agricultural Research (IJIAAR) / Uluslararası Tarım Araştırmalarında Yenilikçi Yaklaşımlar Dergisi
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Assessment of the Transition from Conventional Soil Tillage to Minimum Tillage Technology in A Maize Crop with Three Hybrids – A Three-Year Case Study in Lanurile, Constanța County
No full textThe present study aims to evaluate the impact of transitioning from conventional soil tillage to minimum tillage technology in a maize crop, cultivated over a three-year period (2022–2024) in the village of Lanurile, Constanța County, Romania. The experiment was conducted under real farm conditions and involved three late-maturing maize hybrids%253A DKC 5810, P0900, and P0216. The crop was grown on partially irrigated land. Soil preparation consisted of a single pass with a cultivator, followed by precision sowing, while all other technological inputs (fertilization, crop protection, and irrigation management) were kept constant across the hybrids and over the years. The agromorphological and biometric determinations revealed superior performance for the DKC 5810 hybrid, followed by P0900. Differences in productivity parameters, such as grain weight per ear and thousand-kernel weight (TKW), were statistically validated using one-way ANOVA tests, confirming significant distinctions between hybrids (p < 0.05). The DKC 5810 hybrid recorded the highest average kernel weight and TKW, while also achieving the greatest yield per hectare. P0900 also demonstrated high adaptability and yield potential, particularly under irrigation. In contrast, P0216, although showing vigorous vegetative development, accumulated lower grain mass and yielded less compared to the other two. Climatic analysis over the study period showed a consistent increase in mean annual temperatures and a significant decrease in rainfall, especially during critical phenological stages such as flowering and grain filling. These climatic trends emphasized the importance of water management. The irrigation applied in four key growth stages successfully offset part of the rainfall deficit and supported optimal crop development. The results demonstrate that minimum tillage, when properly implemented under the specific pedoclimatic conditions of Dobrogea and combined with efficient irrigation and hybrid selection, can ensure competitive yields. This conservation practice reduces soil disturbance, minimizes erosion and compaction, and preserves soil moisture critical factors in semi-arid regions. Therefore, minimum tillage represents a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional tillage in areas facing water scarcity and climate variability. These findings highlight the importance of hybrid selection aligned with specific tillage practices and climate adaptability. DKC 5810 is recommended for high-input, irrigated systems, while P0900 proves stable and productive in moderately intensive conditions. Further research is encouraged across other regions to validate these results and guide sustainable maize production strategies in Romania
Study of the Possibilities for Production of White Wine from the Varieties Misket Vrachanski and Misket Kaylashki, Grown Organically and Conventionally
No full textOver four consecutive harvests (2017-2020), the possibilities for organic cultivation of the Misket Vrachanski (susceptible) and Misket Kaylashki (resistant) varieties were studied in the region of Pleven, Central Northern Bulgaria. Two variants were grown in the experimental vineyards – with conventional and with organic methods of plant protection against the diseases downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and powdery mildew (Oidium, tuckeri). In both varieties, the damage to the leaves and clusters from the observed diseases was higher in the organic cultivation but that did not have a negative impact on the quantity and quality of the grape harvest. Misket Vrachanski showed greater susceptibility to downy mildew and powdery mildew in both cultivation practices. In Misket Kaylashki, the damage index was minimal. No significant difference was found in the rates of the studied indicators of the chemical composition of grapes from the organic and conventional cultivation. The differences due to the varietal specifics were more significant. The Misket Kaylashki variety exhibited higher sugar accumulation rates and titratable acidity in both variants. In the Misket Vrachanski wines, the conventional samples had higher extract and titratable acids, while the organic ones contained more total phenols. In the Misket Kaylashki wines, from both investigated variants, the amount of total extract, titratable acidity and phenolic components was similar, with the sugar-free extract being higher in the conventional samples. The organoleptic features of the experimental wines Misket Vrachanski and Misket Kaylashki, from the organic and conventional variants, were close, therefore the differences in their tasting ratings were insignificant
Common Causes of Early Death in Chicks
Get PDFChicks are susceptible in the days after hatching, as their digestive systems and immunity are underdeveloped and their ability to regulate their body temperature is inadequate. Failure to meet their needs during this period and adverse environmental conditions can easily cause them to get sick and die. Mortality in chicks is commonly highest in the first seven days. Mortality in the first week, up to 1%25, can be considered normal. The causes of deaths exceeding this rate should be investigated and necessary precautions should be taken. Although it is not possible to completely prevent early chick deaths, the number of deaths can be reduced with precautions that can be taken when the causes of death are determined. This is very important in terms of animal health and business profit. Although there are numerous reasons for early chick deaths, the most common causes are genetics, nutrition, diseases and management. Genetic disorders can cause chicks to die while incubating or after hatching. Even if chicks obtained from genetically good flocks are used in production, it will not be possible to achieve the expected productivity if there are problems with care, feeding and management. Good flock management is essential to keep the animals healthy and alive. To reduce early chick deaths, paying attention to the care and nutrition of the parents, storing eggs in suitable environments, purchasing chicks from reliable suppliers if purchased from outside, performing incubation practices per the procedure, taking the necessary precautions against diseases, using healthy and balanced rations and managing the flock well are among the precautions that can be taken
Efficacy of UAV-Based Fungicide Applications in Managing Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat
Get PDFWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production is significantly impacted by fungal diseases, with Fusarium head blight (FHB) posing a major threat due to yield loss and contamination with harmful mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). The potential for UAVs to deliver precise, low-volume pesticide applications has generated significant interest, given their ability to enhance droplet penetration and coverage uniformity. This capability is particularly relevant as traditional methods often face limitations in ensuring consistent pesticide distribution, leading to suboptimal disease control and environmental concerns. Understanding the comparative performance of UAVs and conventional field sprayers (FS) under real agricultural conditions is critical for determining best practices and optimizing disease management strategies. This study investigated the efficacy of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) compared to conventional field sprayers (FS) for fungicide application to control Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat fields in the Trakya region of Turkey. The UAV used was a DJI Agras MG-1P equipped with an 8-rotor system and a 4-nozzle setup producing droplet sizes between 106-235 μm, operated at a height of 2 meters, with a 20 L%252Fha spray rate and 11 km%252Fh speed. The field sprayer employed was a tractor-mounted sprayer with 24 XR110003 nozzles on a 12-meter boom, spraying at a rate of 200 L%252Fha, 3 bar pressure, and a forward speed of 10 km%252Fh. The field trials were conducted on 25x12 meter plots and each plot was artificially inoculated with Fusarium culmorum S-14 spores at 1x105 spores%252Fml during the flowering stage. Fungicide applications utilized a 125 g%252FL prothioconazole plus 125 g%252FL tebuconazole mixture (Prosaro EC 250), applied 48 hours post-inoculation. Control plots included non-treated infected spikes and fungicide-treated non-infected spikes (UAVC and FSC). Disease severity and incidence were assessed 18 days post-application, and spike weight, kernel weight, and kernel numbers were measured at harvest. The data were analyzed using SPSS for statistical significance, employing ANOVA and post-hoc tests where appropriate. UAV applications yielded significantly lower disease severity (7.77%25) and incidence (36.67%25) compared to FS (16.73%25 and 46.67%25, respectively), with superior agronomic performance in spike weight (1.80 g), kernel weight (1.36 g), and kernel number (35.53). These results underscore the advantages of UAVs in achieving effective, uniform fungicide coverage and reducing environmental impact, supporting their potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional pesticide application methods in agriculture. Further research is recommended to fine-tune UAV operational parameters for broader agricultural applications
Assessment of Tuber Damage in Potato Harvesting as Affected by Variety, Harvesting Speed, and Physical Characteristics
No full textAs the global population continues to grow each year, the demand for basic foodstuffs is also increasing. Among these, potatoes are considered one of the most essential crops, and their long-term storage is critical to extending their usability. A key criterion for effective potato storage is ensuring that the tubers remain free from mechanical damage. Determining the rate of mechanical damage in potato tubers during harvesting is a critical factor affecting both yield and storage longevity. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the extent of such damage during the harvesting process. In this study, mechanical damage rates in potato tubers were evaluated using three different cultivars, Hermes (P1), Jelly (P2), and Madeleine (P3), and two harvesting speeds, 2 km%252Fh (S1) and 3 km%252Fh (S2). Additionally, the geometric mean diameter (GMD), tuber volume (TV), tuber surface area (TSA), and sphericity (SP) of the tubers were analyzed. The results indicated that the mechanical damage (MD) rate was highest in cultivars P1 and P2 (6.16%25) and lowest in cultivar P3 (4.86%25). Regarding the tractor forward speeds, the MD rate was 5.44%25 at speed S1 and increased to 6.01%25 at speed S2. Despite cultivar P3 exhibiting higher values of geometric mean diameter (GMD), tuber volume (TV), and tuber surface area (TSA), it demonstrated greater resistance to mechanical damage due to its lower MD rate. Based on the speed levels tested, it was concluded that the lower forward speed (S1) is preferable for harvesting, as it resulted in reduced mechanical damage compared to S2
Evaluation of the Chemical and Nutritional Composition of Legumes and Their Contribution to Diets
No full textLegumes constitute a food group with significant nutritional and economic value worldwide. A large portion of the world%20s population depends on them as an important and affordable source of protein. Given this importance, the objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and nutritional properties of legumes. Eight species commonly consumed in the Albanian diet were analyzed%253A beans, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, faba beans, green beans, peas, and okra. The moisture, fat, protein, selected vitamins, and polyphenol contents were determined in the collected samples. The results revealed that dried legumes exhibited higher nutritional values for most parameters compared to fresh ones (peas, okra, and green beans). The vitamin content was satisfactory, especially for vitamins B1, B2, and E. In conclusion, the findings highlight the importance of including legumes in a balanced diet as valuable nutritional sources and underscore the need to promote their consumption in the context of sustainable nutrition
Multi-Year Assessment of Quality Parameters in Bread Wheat Cultivars under Karacabey Ecological Conditions
No full textWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a strategic cereal crop whose technological quality is strongly influenced by both genetic background and environmental factors. This study aimed to evaluate the quality performance of five bread wheat cultivars grown under the ecological conditions of Karacabey, Bursa, during the 2023 and 2024 production seasons. Field trials were conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications, and standard agronomic practices were applied. Grain quality traits including protein content, wet and dry gluten, Gluten Index, Zeleny and delayed sedimentation, SDS-sedimentation, Falling Number, hectoliter, and moisture content were determined according to international standard methods (ICC, AACC). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant (
Effect of Two Different Blueberry (Vaccinium Corymbosum L.) Juice Processing Methods on Polyphenolic and Anthocyanin Contents
No full textBlueberry juice has become a popular beverage due to its nutritional value, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This study examined the effects of pressing, mashing, enzymatic treatment, and pasteurization on the anthocyanin content, color, and polyphenolic composition of blueberry juice (BJ). Enzymatic treatment caused a significant reduction (30%25) in anthocyanin (ACN) content in Direct Juice Extraction (DJE), whereas Mash Treatment Processing (MTP) led to a significant increase. Overall, ACN levels were higher in treated samples after each processing step in MTP, while polyphenolic levels showed a slight increase in both DJE and MTP. However, both ACNs and polyphenolics decreased after pasteurization. BJ is effective for processing fresh juice. Additionally, throughout the processing stages, ACN, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were higher, and juice yield was greater in comparison to both methods
Effects of Phson Plant Metabolism and Development
No full textProtein hydrolysates (PHs) are gaining increasing attention as sustainable biostimulants in agriculture due to their ability to improve plant performance under both optimal and stressful conditions. These compounds, derived from plant or animal proteins, contain a mixture of amino acids and peptides that influence numerous physiological and biochemical processes. Recent studies have shown that PHs play a regulatory role in primary metabolism by modulating enzyme activity and gene expression involved in nitrogen and carbon pathways. They also impact secondary metabolism, enhancing the biosynthesis of phenolics, flavonoids, and other compounds that contribute to stress tolerance and crop quality. In addition, PHs applied as seed treatments or foliar sprays have been reported to stimulate germination, improve seedling establishment, and promote nutrient uptake. Their beneficial effects extend to yield and quality traits, including increases in biomass, fruit set, phytochemical content, and reductions in nitrate accumulation in leafy vegetables. Overall, PHs represent promising biostimulant tools for sustainable crop production, combining growth promotion, improved nutrient use efficiency, and enhanced resilience to abiotic stresses
Functional Vinegar-Based Beverages and Their Effects on Health
Get PDFThe production of functional foods has become one of the focal points of advancements in the food industry. The functional beverage market is expected to reach $208.13 billion by 2024, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.5%25 from 2022 to 2027. Consumers increasingly recognize the importance of the relationship between diet and health in maintaining overall well-being. Additionally, factors such as fast-paced lifestyles, high consumption of convenience foods, inadequate exercise, and the rising trend of self-medication are considered critical drivers for the growing popularity of functional foods. Research generally supports the idea that certain food components, when consumed as part of a healthy diet, have protective potential against the development of many age-related diseases. These observations have prompted increased research into identifying specific bioactive components in foods, such as antioxidants, that may be responsible for improving and maintaining human health. Vinegar, widely used around the world, can be produced using various methods and raw materials, including grains, wheat, and fruits. Vinegar has been reported to have various health-promoting effects, including immune modulation, suppression of cardiovascular diseases, prevention of appetite increase, and reductions in serum cholesterol levels, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure. With these effects, functional vinegar-based beverages are among the functional drinks of interest due to their potential health benefits, attributed to their rich bioactive components such as acetic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, and organic acids. Consumption of vinegar-based beverages has been associated with positive effects on metabolic health, such as increasing insulin sensitivity and improving lipid profiles. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties of vinegar can enhance immunity and lower infection risk. However, more research is required to assess the long-term effects and potential risks of regular vinegar consumption. Overall, functional vinegar-based beverages offer a valuable contribution to a healthy diet, with the potential to support metabolic health, enhance immunity, and combat oxidative stress. This review discusses the multifaceted health effects of these beverages, focusing particularly on their antioxidant properties, which play a crucial role in mitigating diseases associated with oxidative stress