Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Bio-efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi and vegetable oils against the pink pineapple mealybug: Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell)
Full text linkDismiccoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) es una de las plagas de mayor importancia de la piña a nivel mundial, no solo por los daños directos que ocasiona, si no por ser trasmisor del virus marchitez roja de la piña. Los hongos entomopatógenos son una alternativa para el manejo de este insecto. En un experimento preliminar se evaluó la patogenicidad y virulencia de dos aislamientos de Beauveria bassiana (BbCT, BbCa) y uno de Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma), sobre la mortalidad de hembras adultas de D. brevipes. Posteriormente, los aislamientos más virulentos y una cepa comercial de Paecelomyces fumosoroceus (PAE-SIN), fueron evaluados en otro experimento en condiciones de laboratorio e invernadero, solos o en combinación con aceite de soya y aceite de neem. Todos los aislamientos evaluados presentan diferente grado de patogenicidad; sin embargo, B. bassiana resultó ser el más patogénico. El aislamiento BbCa a una concentración inicial de 1×107 conidios mL-1 fue más efectivo contra adultos de D. brevipes comparado al control, causando mortalidad del 66% ± 6% a los 8 días pos inoculación a 26 ± 1°C. BbCa presentó la mayor virulencia con una CL50, de 3.45x107 conidios mL-1 y una CL95 de 2.29x108 conidios mL-1, bajo condiciones controladas. Sin embargo, la eficacia se incrementó para BbCa, cuando se combinó con aceite de neem, al causar el 100 % de mortalidad a los 6 días pos inoculación.
Highlights:
The lethal effects ofisolatesofBeauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma) and Paecilomyces fumosoroceus against adult female of brevipes were evaluated both laboratory and greenhouse conditions.
All entomopathogenic fungi tested in this research kill adult females brevipes.
Isolates of bassina were the most virulent against adult females D. brevipes.
Combination of neem oil with entomopathogenic fungi are analternative management tool for this pest.Dismiccoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) es una de las plagas de mayor importancia de la piña a nivel mundial, no solo por los daños directos que ocasiona, si no por ser trasmisor del virus marchitez roja de la piña. Los hongos entomopatógenos son una alternativa para el manejo de este insecto. En un experimento preliminar se evaluó la patogenicidad y virulencia de dos aislamientos de Beauveria bassiana (BbCT, BbCa) y uno de Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma), sobre la mortalidad de hembras adultas de D. brevipes. Posteriormente, los aislamientos más virulentos y una cepa comercial de Paecelomyces fumosoroceus (PAE-SIN), fueron evaluados en otro experimento en condiciones de laboratorio e invernadero, solos o en combinación con aceite de soya y aceite de neem. Todos los aislamientos evaluados presentan diferente grado de patogenicidad; sin embargo, B. bassiana resultó ser el más patogénico. El aislamiento BbCa a una concentración inicial de 1×107 conidios mL-1 fue más efectivo contra adultos de D. brevipes comparado al control, causando mortalidad del 66% ± 6% a los 8 días pos inoculación a 26 ± 1°C. BbCa presentó la mayor virulencia con una CL50, de 3.45x107 conidios mL-1 y una CL95 de 2.29x108 conidios mL-1, bajo condiciones controladas. Sin embargo, la eficacia se incrementó para BbCa, cuando se combinó con aceite de neem, al causar el 100 % de mortalidad a los 6 días pos inoculación.
Highlights:
The lethal effects ofisolatesofBeauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma) and Paecilomyces fumosoroceus against adult female of brevipes were evaluated both laboratory and greenhouse conditions.
All entomopathogenic fungi tested in this research kill adult females brevipes.
Isolates of bassina were the most virulent against adult females D. brevipes.
Combination of neem oil with entomopathogenic fungi are analternative management tool for this pest.
Effects of geomorphology and distribution of water sources for livestock on the floristic composition and livestock receptivity of the Arid Chaco
Full text linkLivestock production in semi-arid areas is possible due to the presence of permanent water sources, which create a radial pattern of grazing intensity known as the piosphere. For this reason, we predicted that permanent water sources would negatively impact the ecological conditions of plant communities, leading to variations in livestock receptivity. To test this prediction, we compared grazing gradients in two geomorphological units, using distance to water sources as an indicator of accumulated livestock pressure. We assessed variations in the botanical composition of both areas by analysis of variance and principal components analysis. Additionally, we modeled the relationship between distance to water source and livestock receptivity. Our results revealed significant differences in the contribution of different species based on their distance to water sources. Notably, a non-linear regression model provided the best fit for the relationship between water source and livestock receptivity in both geomorphological units. These findings demonstrate that the distance to permanent water sources serves as a reliable indicator of accumulated livestock pressure in semi-arid regions like the study area.
Highlights:
In different geomorphological units, the distance to water sources significantly influences the floristic composition, which in turn affects the receptivity of livestock.
A long history of domestic grazing has shaped the heterogeneity of plant communities, influencing species diversity and dominance. This translates into a landscape with different ecological conditions (good, fair and bad) distributed in different proportions.
Nonlinear models provided the best fit between distance to water sources and livestock receptivity for both geomorphological units under study.Livestock production in semi-arid areas is possible due to the presence of permanent water sources, which create a radial pattern of grazing intensity known as the piosphere. For this reason, we predicted that permanent water sources would negatively impact the ecological conditions of plant communities, leading to variations in livestock receptivity. To test this prediction, we compared grazing gradients in two geomorphological units, using distance to water sources as an indicator of accumulated livestock pressure. We assessed variations in the botanical composition of both areas by analysis of variance and principal components analysis. Additionally, we modeled the relationship between distance to water source and livestock receptivity. Our results revealed significant differences in the contribution of different species based on their distance to water sources. Notably, a non-linear regression model provided the best fit for the relationship between water source and livestock receptivity in both geomorphological units. These findings demonstrate that the distance to permanent water sources serves as a reliable indicator of accumulated livestock pressure in semi-arid regions like the study area.
Highlights:
In different geomorphological units, the distance to water sources significantly influences the floristic composition, which in turn affects the receptivity of livestock.
A long history of domestic grazing has shaped the heterogeneity of plant communities, influencing species diversity and dominance. This translates into a landscape with different ecological conditions (good, fair and bad) distributed in different proportions.
Nonlinear models provided the best fit between distance to water sources and livestock receptivity for both geomorphological units under study.
Laboratory evaluation of the feeding behavior of the generalist predatory mirid bug Tupiocoris cucurbitaceus (Hemiptera: Miridae) for the biological control of Phthorimaea absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
Full text linkThe use of predatory insects has gained interest for reliable and environmentally safe pest management to control the South American tomato leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a pest of tomato crops worldwide. Based on video tracking using EthoVision® software and static feeding multiple-choice tests, we report the prey-searching behavior and feeding preference of the Neotropical mirid bug Tupiocoris cucurbitaceus Spinola (Hemiptera: Miridae), a biological control agent of P. absoluta when presented with its eggs and other two prey species. T. cucurbitaceus exhibits generalist feeding behavior; the nymphs initially showed a preference for Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) nymphs but consumed more P. absoluta and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs after 24 h. T. cucurbitaceus males preferred T. vaporariorum throughout the experiment while females showed no preference for any prey. Furthermore, they did not cause significant damage to the leaves. The findings emphasize the importance of evaluating the simultaneous offer of multiple prey types to understand the effectiveness of biocontrol agents in the field. Overall, the research contributes valuable insights into the feeding habits of T. cucurbitaceus, supporting its potential as a biological control agent for P. absoluta in tomato crops.
Highlights:
Tupiocoris cucurbitaceusnymphs and adult of both sexes showed a generalist feeding behavior, with no clear prey-searching patterns across developmental stages.
Nymphs initially preferred whiteflies but consumed more lepidopteran eggs after 24 h, males preferred whiteflies throughout the experiment while females showed no preference for any prey.
Tupiocoris cucurbitaceusdid not leave marks on the leaf after performing phytophagy.
The study supports the potential of cucurbitaceusas a biological control agent for absoluta in tomato crops.The use of predatory insects has gained interest for reliable and environmentally safe pest management to control the South American tomato leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a pest of tomato crops worldwide. Based on video tracking using EthoVision® software and static feeding multiple-choice tests, we report the prey-searching behavior and feeding preference of the Neotropical mirid bug Tupiocoris cucurbitaceus Spinola (Hemiptera: Miridae), a biological control agent of P. absoluta when presented with its eggs and other two prey species. T. cucurbitaceus exhibits generalist feeding behavior; the nymphs initially showed a preference for Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) nymphs but consumed more P. absoluta and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs after 24 h. T. cucurbitaceus males preferred T. vaporariorum throughout the experiment while females showed no preference for any prey. Furthermore, they did not cause significant damage to the leaves. The findings emphasize the importance of evaluating the simultaneous offer of multiple prey types to understand the effectiveness of biocontrol agents in the field. Overall, the research contributes valuable insights into the feeding habits of T. cucurbitaceus, supporting its potential as a biological control agent for P. absoluta in tomato crops.
Highlights:
Tupiocoris cucurbitaceusnymphs and adult of both sexes showed a generalist feeding behavior, with no clear prey-searching patterns across developmental stages.
Nymphs initially preferred whiteflies but consumed more lepidopteran eggs after 24 h, males preferred whiteflies throughout the experiment while females showed no preference for any prey.
Tupiocoris cucurbitaceusdid not leave marks on the leaf after performing phytophagy.
The study supports the potential of cucurbitaceusas a biological control agent for absoluta in tomato crops.
Serological relationships among strains of grapevine leafroll-associated virus 4 reflect the evolutive behavior of its coat protein gene
Full text linkThis research studied serological relationships and genetic diversity of Argentinean isolates of grapevine leafroll-associated virus-4 (GLRaV-4). Phylogenetic analysis of coat protein (CP) sequences from 19 local isolates revealed clustering with the previously described GLRaV-4 strain 5, strain 6, and strain 9 groups. Evolutionary sequence analysis of the obtained and database-available sequences showed evidence of recombination events. Additionally, both CP N- and C-terminal regions appeared to be under purifying selection, but the N-terminal region presented seven sites under positive selection, with a dN/dS ratio 5-fold greater than that of the C-terminal region. Serological reactivity against monoclonal antibodies supports a higher occurrence probability for linear epitopes in the N-terminal region, as inferred by the sequence analysis. The obtained results reflect an unusual evolutionary behavior of the CP that, together with protein serological reactivity, suggests biological significance of the observed variability.
Highlights:
The occurrence of GLRaV-4 strains -5, -6 and -9 was recorded in Argentina.
The coat protein sequence showed a highly variable N-terminal region among the strains.
An evolutionary analysis inferred the occurrence of sites under positive diversifying selection pressure.
The most variable region of the coat protein presented the highest probability of occurrence of linear epitopes.This research studied serological relationships and genetic diversity of Argentinean isolates of grapevine leafroll-associated virus-4 (GLRaV-4). Phylogenetic analysis of coat protein (CP) sequences from 19 local isolates revealed clustering with the previously described GLRaV-4 strain 5, strain 6, and strain 9 groups. Evolutionary sequence analysis of the obtained and database-available sequences showed evidence of recombination events. Additionally, both CP N- and C-terminal regions appeared to be under purifying selection, but the N-terminal region presented seven sites under positive selection, with a dN/dS ratio 5-fold greater than that of the C-terminal region. Serological reactivity against monoclonal antibodies supports a higher occurrence probability for linear epitopes in the N-terminal region, as inferred by the sequence analysis. The obtained results reflect an unusual evolutionary behavior of the CP that, together with protein serological reactivity, suggests biological significance of the observed variability.
Highlights:
The occurrence of GLRaV-4 strains -5, -6 and -9 was recorded in Argentina.
The coat protein sequence showed a highly variable N-terminal region among the strains.
An evolutionary analysis inferred the occurrence of sites under positive diversifying selection pressure.
The most variable region of the coat protein presented the highest probability of occurrence of linear epitopes
Quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage in relation to plant dry matter content
Full text linkThis study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage.
Highlights:
Haylage can be defined as stored pre-dried forage with a dry matter (DM) content of approximately 400 to 800 g/kg.
Aerobic stability was affected by the interaction between the different plant DM contents and hours of exposure of the Tanzania grass haylage to air after opening the bales.
Haylage surface temperature has a linear relationship with the length of time the materials are exposed to air.
Higher plant DM yields Tanzania grass haylage of high quality.
Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM for haylage production is indicated.This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) haylage with varying contents of dry matter (DM) and stored for 90 days. The quality of this grass was evaluated through the lens of a variety of physiochemical properties (e.g., chemical composition, aerobic stability, pH, microbial profile, etc.). A completely randomized design was used with four treatments (in natura, 400, 500, and 600 g kg-1 DM) and five replicates. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest DM haylage (p < 0.01) and soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.01). Treatment in natura resulted in the highest O2concentration inside the bales (p < 0.01), whereas treatments with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM resulted in the highest CO2 values. The highest acetic acid concentrations of 36.4 ± 1.6, 38.2±1.6, and 48.9 ± 1.6 g kg-1 DM (p < 0.01) were observed post the in natura, 500 g kg-1 DM, and 600 g kg-1 DM treatments, respectively. Treatment with 600 g kg-1 DM yielded the highest pH value at hour zero (p < 0.01). Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM produced the highest quality haylage.
Highlights:
Haylage can be defined as stored pre-dried forage with a dry matter (DM) content of approximately 400 to 800 g/kg.
Aerobic stability was affected by the interaction between the different plant DM contents and hours of exposure of the Tanzania grass haylage to air after opening the bales.
Haylage surface temperature has a linear relationship with the length of time the materials are exposed to air.
Higher plant DM yields Tanzania grass haylage of high quality.
Tanzania grass with 500 and 600 g kg-1 DM for haylage production is indicated
Selectivity of latifolicides associated with glyphosate applied in post-emergence on soybean cultivars
No full textThe genetic improvement of soybean cultivars over the years has focused on increasing the yield capacity and tolerance to some abiotic and biotic factors, such as drought, diseases, and pests. However, during the transfer of genes of interest, some genes responsible for a lower tolerance to herbicides can be integrated into the genome of the new cultivar. Thus, tests designed to assess the tolerance of these new soybean cultivars to herbicides are needed to avoid yield losses caused by poisoning after application. The objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity of herbicides associations applied in post-emergence of three soybean cultivars. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block, with four replications. The selected cultivars were M7110 IPRO®, Foco IPRO®, and Bônus IPRO®. The herbicides and the respective doses (g a.i. ha-1) used were: glyphosate (960), glyphosate + bentazon (960 + 600), glyphosate + fomesafen (960 + 175), glyphosate + lactofen (960 + 120), glyphosate + imazethapyr (960 + 100), glyphosate + chlorimuron (960 + 10), glyphosate + cloransulam (960 + 39.5), and a control without herbicide application. The components of growth and yield evaluated were: height, stand, the weight of one hundred grains, and yield. A visual note of intoxication was also made for each treatment. The application of post-emergence herbicides does not alter the plant stand of soybean cultivars. Also, these herbicides were not reduced the yield of M7110 IPRO® and Foco IPRO® cultivars. Both glyphosate isolated and mixed with lactofen or imazethapyr reduced yield of Bônus IPRO® cultivar.
Highlights
Herbicide associations applied post-emergence cause higher levels of injuries on soybean crop.
The visualization of injuries resulting from herbicides on soybean does not necessarily imply yield reductions.
The genetics of the soybean cultivar is decisive for the response in terms of sensitivity to herbicides.The genetic improvement of soybean cultivars over the years has focused on increasing the yield capacity and tolerance to some abiotic and biotic factors, such as drought, diseases, and pests. However, during the transfer of genes of interest, some genes responsible for a lower tolerance to herbicides can be integrated into the genome of the new cultivar. Thus, tests designed to assess the tolerance of these new soybean cultivars to herbicides are needed to avoid yield losses caused by poisoning after application. The objective of this study was to evaluate the selectivity of herbicides associations applied in post-emergence of three soybean cultivars. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block, with four replications. The selected cultivars were M7110 IPRO®, Foco IPRO®, and Bônus IPRO®. The herbicides and the respective doses (g a.i. ha-1) used were: glyphosate (960), glyphosate + bentazon (960 + 600), glyphosate + fomesafen (960 + 175), glyphosate + lactofen (960 + 120), glyphosate + imazethapyr (960 + 100), glyphosate + chlorimuron (960 + 10), glyphosate + cloransulam (960 + 39.5), and a control without herbicide application. The components of growth and yield evaluated were: height, stand, the weight of one hundred grains, and yield. A visual note of intoxication was also made for each treatment. The application of post-emergence herbicides does not alter the plant stand of soybean cultivars. Also, these herbicides were not reduced the yield of M7110 IPRO® and Foco IPRO® cultivars. Both glyphosate isolated and mixed with lactofen or imazethapyr reduced yield of Bônus IPRO® cultivar.
Highlights
Herbicide associations applied post-emergence cause higher levels of injuries on soybean crop.
The visualization of injuries resulting from herbicides on soybean does not necessarily imply yield reductions.
The genetics of the soybean cultivar is decisive for the response in terms of sensitivity to herbicides
Indicators of restoration strategies in land uses: metallic and non-metallic elements
Full text linkLand management practices can have an impact on the environmental quality of soil and contribute to identifying the source of its pollution. The objective of this study was to determine presence of metallic and non-metallic elements as indicators of land use impact (livestock management, restoration strategies and without management practices) in the Monte Caldera communal lands located in Cerro de San Pedro, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Eighteen samples were collected at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm for each land use. Total concentrations of Zr, Sr, U, Th, Pb, As, Rb, Cr, V, Ti, Zn, and Cu were determined by X-ray fluorescence. Mean concentrations ranged in the following order: Ti>Zr>Rb>V>Sr>Zn>Cr>Pb> Cu>Th>U>As, with concentrations for Ti, Cr, Th, U and As exceeding technical reference values for phytotoxic soils. Significant differences were evidenced by ANOVA between land use (Th, Pb, Rb, Cu) and soil depth (U, Pb, and As). Land use practices associated with restoration resulted in a positive environmental impact. These findings underscore the need to conduct follow-up studies in the area and further examine the relationship of such practices with other environmental factors.
Highlights:
Soil management practices can affect the environmental quality of this resource and help diagnose the source of its contamination.
It is necessary to evaluate the Impact of land use on livestock management, restoration strategies, and without management or conservation areas.
By X-ray fluorescence technique the total concentration of Zr, Sr, U, Th, Pb, As, Rb, Cr, V, Ti, Zn, and Cu was determined.
Ti, Cr, Th, U and As exceed the technical reference values for consideration as phytotoxic in soils.
Land use associated with reclamation practices is an indicator of a positive influence on improving soil quality.Land management practices can have an impact on the environmental quality of soil and contribute to identifying the source of its pollution. The objective of this study was to determine presence of metallic and non-metallic elements as indicators of land use impact (livestock management, restoration strategies and without management practices) in the Monte Caldera communal lands located in Cerro de San Pedro, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Eighteen samples were collected at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm for each land use. Total concentrations of Zr, Sr, U, Th, Pb, As, Rb, Cr, V, Ti, Zn, and Cu were determined by X-ray fluorescence. Mean concentrations ranged in the following order: Ti>Zr>Rb>V>Sr>Zn>Cr>Pb> Cu>Th>U>As, with concentrations for Ti, Cr, Th, U and As exceeding technical reference values for phytotoxic soils. Significant differences were evidenced by ANOVA between land use (Th, Pb, Rb, Cu) and soil depth (U, Pb, and As). Land use practices associated with restoration resulted in a positive environmental impact. These findings underscore the need to conduct follow-up studies in the area and further examine the relationship of such practices with other environmental factors.
Highlights:
Soil management practices can affect the environmental quality of this resource and help diagnose the source of its contamination.
It is necessary to evaluate the Impact of land use on livestock management, restoration strategies, and without management or conservation areas.
By X-ray fluorescence technique the total concentration of Zr, Sr, U, Th, Pb, As, Rb, Cr, V, Ti, Zn, and Cu was determined.
Ti, Cr, Th, U and As exceed the technical reference values for consideration as phytotoxic in soils.
Land use associated with reclamation practices is an indicator of a positive influence on improving soil quality
Efficacy of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus on nutrition and health of broiler chickens
Full text linkThis investigation examined the effects of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation on the gastrointestinal microbiota of broiler chickens, analysing zootechnical, allometric, microbiological parameters and small intestine morphology. A total of 300 broiler chickens with an average initial weight of 47 g were distributed in four treatments in a completely randomised design. Treatments consisted of different zinc lactate and probiotic amounts added to the base diet. Chickens receiving the basal diet with organic zinc and L. bulgaricus showed a healthy response, remaining free of infectious agents for the 42-day study period. Treatment T1, with 30 mg of zinc lactate and 10 mg of probiotics per kg, showed improvements in weight gain, feed conversion, allometry, and intestinal health, as well as a healthy presence of gastrointestinal microbiota. Thus, the incorporation of zinc lactate (organic Zn) and probiotics based on L. bulgaricus into the basal diet of broiler chickens is an effective strategy to improve sanitary conditions and organic production of these species.
Highlights:
From: Efficacy of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus on nutrition and health of broiler chickens.
Innovative Supplementation Strategy: This study presents an innovative approach by combining zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus in broiler chickens' diet, showcasing a novel method to enhance poultry health and organic production.
Comprehensive Analysis of Gut Microbiota: The research provides a detailed analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiota, demonstrating how zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation positively alters the gut environment in broiler chickens.
Significant Improvements in Zootechnical Parameters: The study highlights notable improvements in zootechnical parameters, including weight gain and feed conversion ratios, underlining the efficacy of the supplementation strategy.
Enhanced Intestinal Morphology: Examination of the small intestine morphology revealed significant health benefits, attributing these improvements to the synergistic effect of organic zinc and probiotic supplementation.
Pathogen-Free Development over 42 Days: A key finding is the maintenance of a healthy, pathogen-free state in chickens throughout the 42-day study period, emphasizing the potential of this supplementation in promoting disease resistance in poultry farming.This investigation examined the effects of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation on the gastrointestinal microbiota of broiler chickens, analysing zootechnical, allometric, microbiological parameters and small intestine morphology. A total of 300 broiler chickens with an average initial weight of 47 g were distributed in four treatments in a completely randomised design. Treatments consisted of different zinc lactate and probiotic amounts added to the base diet. Chickens receiving the basal diet with organic zinc and L. bulgaricus showed a healthy response, remaining free of infectious agents for the 42-day study period. Treatment T1, with 30 mg of zinc lactate and 10 mg of probiotics per kg, showed improvements in weight gain, feed conversion, allometry, and intestinal health, as well as a healthy presence of gastrointestinal microbiota. Thus, the incorporation of zinc lactate (organic Zn) and probiotics based on L. bulgaricus into the basal diet of broiler chickens is an effective strategy to improve sanitary conditions and organic production of these species.
Highlights:
From: Efficacy of zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus on nutrition and health of broiler chickens.
Innovative Supplementation Strategy: This study presents an innovative approach by combining zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus in broiler chickens' diet, showcasing a novel method to enhance poultry health and organic production.
Comprehensive Analysis of Gut Microbiota: The research provides a detailed analysis of the gastrointestinal microbiota, demonstrating how zinc lactate and Lactobacillus bulgaricus supplementation positively alters the gut environment in broiler chickens.
Significant Improvements in Zootechnical Parameters: The study highlights notable improvements in zootechnical parameters, including weight gain and feed conversion ratios, underlining the efficacy of the supplementation strategy.
Enhanced Intestinal Morphology: Examination of the small intestine morphology revealed significant health benefits, attributing these improvements to the synergistic effect of organic zinc and probiotic supplementation.
Pathogen-Free Development over 42 Days: A key finding is the maintenance of a healthy, pathogen-free state in chickens throughout the 42-day study period, emphasizing the potential of this supplementation in promoting disease resistance in poultry farming
About identification of features that affect the estimation of citrus harvest
Full text linkAccurate models for early harvest estimation in citrus production generally involve expensive variables. The goal of this research work was to develop a model to provide early and accurate estimations of harvest using low-cost features. Given the original data may derive from tree measurements, meteorological stations, or satellites, they have varied costs. The studied orchards included tangerines (Citrus reticulata x C. sinensis) and sweet oranges (C. sinensis) located in northeastern Argentina. Machine learning methods combined with different datasets were tested to obtain the most accurate harvest estimation. The final model is based on support vector machines with low-cost variables like species, age, irrigation, red and near-infrared reflectance in February and December, NDVI in December, rain during ripening, and humidity during fruit growth.
Highlights:
Red and near-infrared reflectance in February and December are helpful values to predict orange harvest.
SVM is an efficient method to predict harvest.
A ranking method to A ranking-based method has been developed to identify the variables that best predict orange production.
Accurate models for early harvest estimation in citrus production generally involve expensive variables. The goal of this research work was to develop a model to provide early and accurate estimations of harvest using low-cost features. Given the original data may derive from tree measurements, meteorological stations, or satellites, they have varied costs. The studied orchards included tangerines (Citrus reticulata x C. sinensis) and sweet oranges (C. sinensis) located in northeastern Argentina. Machine learning methods combined with different datasets were tested to obtain the most accurate harvest estimation. The final model is based on support vector machines with low-cost variables like species, age, irrigation, red and near-infrared reflectance in February and December, NDVI in December, rain during ripening, and humidity during fruit growth.
Highlights:
Red and near-infrared reflectance in February and December are helpful values to predict orange harvest.
SVM is an efficient method to predict harvest.
A ranking method to A ranking-based method has been developed to identify the variables that best predict orange production
Seed treatments with salicylic acid and Azospirillum brasilense enhance growth and yield of maize plants (Zea mays L.) under field conditions
Full text linkSalicylic acid and Azospirillum brasilense stimulate plant growth and productivity. In some environments, plant physiology similarly responds to both bioactive products. Considering this, a field experiment was conducted to study the physiological effect of Salicilic acid and A. brasilense on growth and grain yield of maize plants. The experiment involved three treatments consisting of imbibed seeds in an aqueous solution of SA (0.01 mM), inoculated seeds with A. brasilense and a control treatment. Seed imbibition in SA and inoculation with A. brasilense improved vegetative growth in the early stages of crop ontogeny, increasing leaf growth, plant height, stem diameter and biomass accumulation. Spikelet length and weight were greater in plants first inoculated with A. brasilense and then treated with SA. Results indicated that SA stimulated biomass partitioning towards leaves, root and stem, while A. brasilense mainly affected leaf growth, plant height, ear dimensions and grain yield. Such results turn crucial for biological fertilization strategies aimed at reducing pollutant loads that accompany chemical fertilizers. Both products can be part of maize management practices given competitive economic advantages and sustainability.
Highlights:
Seed imbibition in SA and inoculation with brasilense improved vegetative growth in the early stages of crop ontogeny, increasing leaf growth, plant height, stem diameter and biomass accumulation.
Salicylic Acid stimulated biomass partitioning towards leaves, root and stem in maize plants.
Azospirillum brasilense stimulates leaf growth, plant height, as well as ear dimensions and grain yield in corn plants.Salicylic acid and Azospirillum brasilense stimulate plant growth and productivity. In some environments, plant physiology similarly responds to both bioactive products. Considering this, a field experiment was conducted to study the physiological effect of Salicilic acid and A. brasilense on growth and grain yield of maize plants. The experiment involved three treatments consisting of imbibed seeds in an aqueous solution of SA (0.01 mM), inoculated seeds with A. brasilense and a control treatment. Seed imbibition in SA and inoculation with A. brasilense improved vegetative growth in the early stages of crop ontogeny, increasing leaf growth, plant height, stem diameter and biomass accumulation. Spikelet length and weight were greater in plants first inoculated with A. brasilense and then treated with SA. Results indicated that SA stimulated biomass partitioning towards leaves, root and stem, while A. brasilense mainly affected leaf growth, plant height, ear dimensions and grain yield. Such results turn crucial for biological fertilization strategies aimed at reducing pollutant loads that accompany chemical fertilizers. Both products can be part of maize management practices given competitive economic advantages and sustainability.
Highlights:
Seed imbibition in SA and inoculation with brasilense improved vegetative growth in the early stages of crop ontogeny, increasing leaf growth, plant height, stem diameter and biomass accumulation.
Salicylic Acid stimulated biomass partitioning towards leaves, root and stem in maize plants.
Azospirillum brasilense stimulates leaf growth, plant height, as well as ear dimensions and grain yield in corn plants.