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Content of Potassium and Calcium in Apples on the Market of the City of Zagreb
No full textJabuka (Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.) obiluje mineralima i raznolikim spojevima koji imaju blagotvorni učinak na ljudsko zdravlje. Njezinu kvalitetu i mineralni sastav određuje, između ostalog, količina kalija i kalcija. Prilikom kupnje, potrošačima nisu dostupne informacije o mineralnom sastavu jabuka. Stoga, cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi količinu kalija i kalcija na 9 prodajnih mjesta u gradu Zagrebu (3 tržnice, 3 trgovačka lanca, 3 trgovine ekološkim proizvodima). Nakon digestije uzoraka koncentriranom HNO3 i HClO4 u mikrovalnoj peći, kalij je određen na plamenfotometru, a kalcij na atomskom apsorpcijskom spektrometru. Količina kalija u suhoj tvari ploda jabuke kretala se od 0,694 do 1,079% K ST, odnosno od 126,36 do 213,70 mg K/100 g svježe tvari. Količina kalcija u suhoj tvari ploda jabuke kretala se od 0,017 do 0,034% Ca ST, odnosno od 2,94 do 8,51 mg Ca/100 g svježe tvari. Najveća količina kalija i kalcija utvrđena je u jabukama iz trgovina ekološkim proizvodima. Ovim istraživanjem utvrđeno je da se može podmiriti 3,73 - 8,22% dnevnih potreba čovjeka za kalijem, te 0,29 -0,85% dnevnih potreba čovjeka za kalcijem.Apple (Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh.) is rich in minerals and various compounds that have beneficial effects on human health. Its quality and mineral composition are determined, among other things, by the content of potassium and calcium. When purchasing, consumers are not provided with information about the mineral composition of apples. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the content of potassium and calcium at 9 selling spots in the City of Zagreb (3 markets, 3 retail chains, 3 organic product stores). After digestion of samples with concentrated HNO3 and HClO4 in a microwave oven, potassium was determined by flame photometer and calcium by atomic absorption spectrometer. Potassium content in dry matter ranged from 0,694 to 1,079% K DM, i.e. 126,36 to 213,70 mg K/100 g in fresh matter. Calcium content in dry matter varied from 0,017 to 0,034% Ca DM, i.e. 2,94 to 8,51 mg Ca/100 g in fresh matter. The highest content of potassium and calcium was found in apples from organic product stores. This research determined that 3,73 - 8,22% of the daily human requirement for potassium and 0,29 - 0,85% of calcium can be met
Internet of Things (loT) in agriculture : connecting technology and nature for more efficient production
No full textOvaj završni rad istražuje primjenu Interneta stvari (IoT) u suvremenoj poljoprivredi te analizira
kako digitalizacija i povezivanje uređaja mogu unaprijediti proizvodne procese, optimizirati
korištenje resursa i povećati održivost poljoprivrednih gospodarstava. Kroz pregled aktualne
literature i primjere iz prakse, prikazani su najvažniji načini korištenja IoT tehnologija,
uključujući senzore za praćenje tla i atmosferskih uvjeta, pametne sustave navodnjavanja,
nadzor zdravlja stoke i upotrebu dronova. Poseban naglasak stavljen je na prednosti, ali i
izazove implementacije IoT rješenja, poput visokih početnih ulaganja, tehničke složenosti i
potrebe za dodatnom edukacijom korisnika. Zaključuje se da IoT predstavlja ključnu
tehnologiju za budućnost poljoprivrede, omogućujući veću produktivnost, otpornost na
klimatske promjene i konkurentnost na tržištu.This thesis explores the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in modern agriculture and
analyzes how digitalization and device connectivity can improve production processes,
optimize resource use, and enhance the sustainability of agricultural holdings. Through a
review of current literature and practical examples, the most important uses of IoT
technologies are presented, including soil and atmospheric sensors, smart irrigation systems,
livestock health monitoring, and the use of drones. Special attention is given to the
advantages, as well as the challenges of implementing IoT solutions, such as high initial
investments, technical complexity, and the need for additional user education. The thesis
concludes that IoT is a key technology for the future of agriculture, enabling greater
productivity, resilience to climate change, and competitiveness in the market
Morphological characterization of olive varieties
No full textU radu su opisane dvije metode morfološke karakterizacije masline. Jedna je standardna metoda prema IOOC iz Madrida. Druga je metoda metoda 3D skener s obradom podataka na softveru WinSEEDLE (plod i koštica) i WinFOLIA (list). U ovom radu je izrađena morfološka karakterizacija koštice udomaćenih sorata maslina Buža ʹBuža ženskaʹ, ʹBuža muškaʹ, ʹDrobnicaʹ, jednog nepoznatog genotipa i ʹLeccinaʹ iz kolekcije udomaćenih sorata maslina u Vodnjanu . Uzorci ovih sorata uzeti su iz kolekcije udomaćenih sorata maslina u Vodnjanu. Korištenjem metode 3D skenera na softveru WinSEEDLE (za plod i koštica) dobiveni su rezultati morfoloških karakteristika koštice ovih sorata i jednog nepoznatog genotipa.The paper describes two methods of morphological characterization of olives. One is the standard method according to the IOOC from Madrid. The other method involves using a 3D scanner with data processing in the WinSEEDLE software (for fruit and pit) and WinFOLIA (for leaves). A morphological characterization of the pit of olive varieties was conducted: 'Buža ženska', 'Buža muška', 'Drobnica', one unknown genotype, and 'Leccino' from the collection of domesticated olive varieties in Vodnjan using the 3D scanner method in WinSEEDLE software (for fruit and pit)
Phenotypic and genetic characteristic of the exterior and fertility traits of Banija spotted pig
No full textBanijska šara (BŠ) izvorna je pasmina svinja uvrštena na popis izvornih i zaštićenih
pasmina i sojeva 2018. od kada se nalazi u programu konzervacije. Navedeno, kao i
činjenica da se radi o relativno maloj populaciji, poznavanje njenih fenotipskih i genetskih
karakteristika neophodno je za provedbu programa konzervacije, kao i provođenje ciljanih
sparivanja kako bi se zadržale pasminska obilježja i genetska raznolikost unutar populacije.
Veličina legla jedno je od najvažnijih proizvodnih svojstava u svinjogojskoj proizvodnji, a
identifikacija kandidat gena za veličinu legla doprinosi povećanju reproduktivne
učinkovitosti. Cilj je ovog istraživanja utvrditi morfometrijske karakteristike i obilježja
vanjštine, reproduktivne pokazatelje i polimorfizam ESR1 i RBP4 gena te njihov utjecaj na
svojstvo veličine legla kao i genetsku raznolikost i strukturu populacije BŠ svinje. Analizom
morfometrijskih svojstava i obilježja vanjštine 50 odraslih reproduktivno aktivnih jedinki
utvrđeno je da BŠ spada u pasmine svinja srednje velikog tjelesnog okvira s visinom do
grebena između 72 i 77 cm i tjelesnom masom oko 160 kg. Pasminu karakterizira
prekrivenost tijela s pretežito sivobijelom bojom dlake i nepravilnim crnim šarama koje
zauzimaju više od 50 % površine tijela te djelomična pigmentiranost sluznica i papaka.
Analizom ukupno 184 legla BŠ svinje utvrđena je prosječna veličina legla od 8,5
ukupnooprasene (UO), odnosno 7,5 živooprasene (ŽO) prasadi što je za 2,0 praseta više
u odnosu na crnu slavonsku svinju i 3,1 praseta više u odnosu na turopoljsku svinju. Na 25
krmača BŠ svinje provedena je genotipizacija ESR1 i RBP4 gena. Frekvencija genotipova
za oba istraživana marker gena (ESR1 i RBP4) u populaciji BŠ svinje ne pokazuju značajno
odstupanje od Hardy-Weibergove ravnoteže. Za ESR1 gen karakterističan je visoki udio
alela A (0,78), odnosno visoki udio homozigotnih jedinki AA genotipa (0,60). Kod RBP4
gena prevladava prisutnost alela B (0,60) te jedinke BB genotipa (0,44). Polimorfizam ESR1
gena nije imao značajan utjecaj na pokazatelje plodnosti kod BŠ dok je taj utjecaj prisutan
kod prvopraskinja u odnosu na RBP4 gen. Svinje BŠ pokazuju veliku genetsku raznolikost
unutar populacije mjerenu pomoću pokazatelja opažene (Ho) i očekivane (He)
heterozigotnosti (0,6349 i 0,6566), broja alela po lokusu (NA; 7,1875), sadržaja polimorfnih
informacija (PIC; 0,6123) i Fis - koeficijenta inbridinga (0,03317), te se genetski razlikuju od
sličnih i geografski bliskih populacija svinja uključujući i one s kojima dijele zajedničke pretke
(crna slavonska svinja) ili koje su imale utjecaja na njeno stvaranje (turopoljska svinja).In 2018, the Banija spotted pig breed (Banijska šara, BS) was added to the list of native and
protected pig breeds and strains. This, along with the fact that the population is small in
comparison, confirms that information about its phenotypic and genetic traits is required for
the implementation of targeted pairings and conservation programs aimed at preserving
genetic diversity and breed characteristics within the population. Identifying potential genes
for litter size increases the efficiency of reproduction, making litter size one of the most
significant production characteristics in pig production. The extended goal of this research
was to determine morphometric characteristics, external features, reproductive indicators,
and the polymorphism of the ESR1 and RBP4 genes, along with their impact on litter size,
genetic diversity, and population structure of BS pigs. Body mass and morphometric
properties (wither’s height, height at the sacrum, and root of the tail; seven measurements
on the trunk and four on the extremities) were determined on fifty adult and reproductively
active individuals (38 sows and 12 boars), aged 14 to 44 months, in various reproductive
stages. For morphometric measurements, Lydtin’s rod, a measuring tape, and a protractor
were utilised. A livestock scale (TehnoNet) was used to determine body mass. In order to
compare the reproductive indicators of the Banija spotted pig with those of two other
autochthonous breeds (Black Slavonian and Turopolje pigs), an analysis was conducted on
184 litters of Banija spotted pigs, 1174 litters of Turoplje pigs, and 18228 litters of Black
Slavonian pigs. DNA isolation was done on twenty individuals of the Turopolje, Black
Slavonian, and Landrace pig breeds, as well as on reproductively active, non-related Banija
spotted sows and boars that were included in the study (N=30). 24 MS and 16 MS markers
were selected from the ISAG-FAO recommendation list. 25 Banija spotted pigs were used
for the genotyping of the candidate genes for litter size (ESR1 and RBP4), with at least one
litter recorded and assessed using the PCR-RFLP method.
The average body mass of the sows and boars that were measured was roughly the same
(162.6 kg vs. 162.2 kg), with the sows having slightly bigger variances between the
minimum and maximum values (209 kg) than the boars (155 kg). Sows measured 72.1 cm
at the withers, which was 5 cm less than boars’ average height. Boars had values that were,
on average, 5-7 cm higher than sows for both the height at the withers and the height to the
base of the tail. The sows’ average carcass length was 116.3 cm, which was roughly 2 cm
less than the boars’. Chest circumference (131.1 cm or +7 cm), abdominal circumference
(132.6 cm or +7.4 cm), and chest width (33.6 cm or +0.3 cm) were all greater in sows than
in boars. The average head length and head width measured in sows were 31.1 cm and
16.1 cm, respectively. The average nose length of sows was found to be shorter (-0.7 cm)
than that of boars, whereas their average nose width was slightly greater (+0.3 cm).
Comparing male categories (boars and young boars) to female categories (sows and gilts),
the measured values of tail length were greater in the former. With respect to ear position,
the majority of the individuals under analysis had flat ears, with semi-flat ears following
closely behind. Only one male (a boar) showed projecting ears. In terms of back line
appearance, 91.7% of sows and all other categories (boars, gilts, and young boars) have a
straight back line. Only 8.3% of sows had a convex dorsal line. Regarding the nasal profile
of BS pigs, 56.8% of sows and 66.7% of boars were found to have a flat nasal profile. On
the other hand, sows accounted for 43.2% and boars for 33.0% of the total number of
individuals with a sunken nasal profile. Of the sows, 55.6% had short hair and 25% had
boars; of the sows, 44.4% had long hair and 75% of the boars had short hair. Of the sows,
52.8% had black pigment on their hooves, while the boars had 8.3%. 52.8% of sows and
58.3% of boars had a flat tail, according to an analysis of the tail’s appearance in several
BS pig groups. On average, 51.9% of the body surface was covered in black patterns,
compared to 48.1% in white patterns. In 50% of boars with the right ear and 66.7% of boars
with the left, the pigment content was undetermined. For both the left and right ears, more
than one-third of the coloured ear was present in 64.9% and 62.2% of the sows,
respectively. The average litter size of 184 BS pigs, or 8.5 total born (TB) or 7.5 born alive
(FL) piglets, was found by analysis of the observed litters. A slightly greater proportion of
FL female piglets (3.9) than male piglets (3.6) was discovered after the sexes’ relationship
was analysed. There were statistically significantly lower values (P<0.05) of all observed
fertility indicators in the two other original breeds of pigs in the Republic of Croatia, the
Turopolje pig (TP) and the Black Slavonian pig (BSP), as compared to BS.
Genotype frequencies for both examined marker genes (ESR1 and RBP4) in the BS pig
population do not show significant deviation from the Hardy-Weiberg equilibrium. The ESR1
gene is characterised by a high proportion of allele A (0.78), i.e., a high proportion of
homozygous individuals of the AA genotype (0.60) and heterozygous AB (0.36), while only
one individual had the BB genotype (0.04). Allele B (0.60) is the most common and accounts
for the biggest proportion of genotypes with BB (0.44), according to the study of RBP4 gene
polymorphism. Next in frequency (0.32) are heterozygotes, with the AA of homozygous
individuals having the lowest number observed. In BS pigs, the polymorphism of the ESR1
gene did not significantly affect fertility indicators; however, in primiparous sows, this
influence is evident with respect to the RBP4 gene.
For the purposes of defining the genetic diversity of the BS pig breed and its differentiation
in relation to other native and pure pig breeds in Croatia, an analysis of genetic variability
and comparison with Turopolje pigs (TP), and Black Slavonian pigs (BSP), and pure pig
breeds bred in the Republic of Croatia, Landrace (L), Large Yorkshire (LY), Duroc (D), and
Pietrain (P) were done. According to the findings, BS had the highest average number of
alleles per locus (7.36), whereas TP had the lowest average (2.92). In Y (0.7221), the
observed heterozygosity (Ho) was highest, whereas in TP (0.342), it was lowest. The
inbreeding coefficient was the highest for TP (0.08830), slightly lower for BS (0.08691) and
the lowest for D (-0.01172). The highest FST value for the Banija spotted pig breed was
0.2868 (between BS and TP), while the lowest was 0.1052 between BS and BSP. Of the
pure breeds, the Pietrain (0.2492) is the farthest from it, and the Landrace (0.206) is the
closest. An average of 578 animals was genotyped using 16 MS markers, 127 of which
were BS. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) in the BS was 0.6349, and the expected
heterozygosity (He) was 0.6566, while the lowest values were recorded in the Turopolje
pigs (Ho 0.369; He 0.3787), and the highest in the Large Yorkshire pigs (Ho 0, 7221; He
0.7059). The lowest FST value was recorded between BS and L (0.0878), while the highest
was 0.3112 (between BS and TP). Out of all the native pig breeds, BS and BSP had the
closest fixation index value, at 0.1079. As a result, the BS pig population exhibits high
genetic diversity within itself and differs genetically from other similar and geographically
close pig populations, such as the Black Slavonian or Turopolje pigs, with whom it shares
common ancestors
Effect of zeo–bio preparation on latent peacock eye occurrence in the olive variety 'oblica' in the Zadar county
No full textPaunovo oko (Venturia oleaginea (Castagne) Rossman & Crous, najčešća je gospodarski važna bolest masline koja izaziva velike štete i narušava kvalitetu i prinos maslinovog ulja. U današnje vrijeme klimatskih promjena veliki je pritisak paunovog oka u maslinicima, a dosad najčešće korišteno sredstva za zaštitu masline od te bolesti su sredstva na bazi bakra. Unatoč svojim pozitivnim stranama i širokom spektru djelovanja protiv patogena nužno je traženje alternativnih sredstava u suzbijanju paunovog oka zbog činjenice da se bakar dugotrajnim korištenjem nakuplja u tlu i vodi te tako onečišćuje okoliš. Potencijal u zamjeni komercijalnih sredstava na bazi bakra pokazali su zeoliti – minerali koji se pojavljuju u nemetamorfoznim sedimentnim stijenama. Ovaj rad temelji se na istraživanju provedenom u sklopu projekta 'LIFE' Microfighter“. Cilj mu je istražiti utjecaj smanjenja doze bakra na latentnu zarazu paunovim okom. U tu svrhu provedena su poljska i laboratorijska mjerenja. Istraživanje je provedeno u laboratoriju Sveučilišta u Zadru, a uzorci lista skupljeni su u mjestu Škabrnja pokraj Zadra, na postavljenom poljskom pokusu u masliniku starom 17 godina gdje se redovito provodi integrirana zaštita bilja. Poljski pokus je postavljen po shemi slučajnog bloknog rasporeda s četiri varijante u četiri ponavljanja. Sredstvo na bazi bakra, korišteno za tretiranje paunovog oka u masliniku, bilo je Nordox 75 WG, a drugo sredstvo koje je istraživano kao alternativa proizvodima na bazi bakra je prirodni i okolišno održivi „zeo–bio pripravak“. Ovaj naziv se koristi u projektu kao sinonim za proizvod koji će se pojaviti na tržištu kao tvar za ojačavanje bilja. Proizvod je sastavljen od dvije komponente, zeolitne (K-kabazita) i mikrobiološke (bakterije, (mBCA), Pseudomonas sp. soj DLS65)). Tijekom vegetacijskog razdoblja u 2023. godini provedena su dva tretmana maslina te dvije procjene pojave paunovog oka. Utvrđena je latentna zaraza paunovim okom. Rezultati broja zaraženih listova i zaražene lisne površine su uspoređeni ANOVA-om. Statističkom obradom podataka nije utvrđena značajna razlika među tretmanima pokusa međusobno niti tretmana s aktivnim tvarima u odnosu na kontrolu. Iako su rezultati istraživanja obećavajući, potrebna su daljnja ispitivanja učinkovitosti preparata na bazi zeolita kao sredstva za zaštitu bilja kako bi se proširilo njegovo korištenje te potencijalno zamijenilo dosad korištena sredstva.Peacock eye (Venturia oleaginea (Castagne) Rossman & Crous) is the most common economically important disease of the olive tree, causing significant damage and affecting the quality and yield of olive oil. In the context of climate change, there is increasing pressure from peacock eye in olive groves, and the most commonly used plant protection products against this disease are copper-based. Despite their positive aspects and broad spectrum of action against pathogens, there is a necessity to search for alternative treatments to control peacock eye due to the fact that copper accumulates in the soil and water with prolonged use, thus polluting the environment. Zeolites – minerals found in non-metamorphic sedimentary rocks – have shown potential as a substitute for copper-based products. This paper is based on research conducted within the 'LIFE' Microfighter project. Its aim is to investigate the effect of reducing copper dosage on latent infection by peacock eye. Field and laboratory measurements were carried out for this purpose. The research was conducted at the University of Zadar laboratory, and leaf samples were collected from the village of Škabrnja near Zadar, at a 17-year-old olive grove where integrated pest management is regularly practiced. The field trial was set up in a randomized block design with four variants and four replications. The copper-based product used for treating peacock eye in the olive grove was Nordox 75 WG, while the second product investigated as an alternative to copper-based products was a natural and environmentally sustainable "zeo-bio preparation." This name is used in the project as a synonym for the product that will appear on the market as a plant-strengthening substance. The product consists of two components: zeolitic (K-cabazite) and microbiological (bacteria, (mBCA), Pseudomonas sp. strain DLS65). During the 2023 growing season, two olive treatments and two assessments of peacock eye occurrence were carried out. Latent infection by peacock eye was confirmed. The results of the number of infected leaves and infected leaf surface were compared using ANOVA. They showed that zeolite as a carrier of Pseudomonas sp. bacteria has the ability to replace copper since it exhibited the same effect in controlling peacock eye, i.e., the manifestation of latent infection of the leaves. Statistical data analysis did not show any significant differences between the trial treatments or treatments with active substances compared to the control. Although the results of the research are promising, further testing of zeolite effectiveness as a plant protection agent is needed in order to expand its use and potentially replace the currently used product
Entomopathogenic potential of the microfungus Beauveria bassiana in the control of the Apple blossom beetle (Tropinota hirta)
No full textProblemi u fitomedicini uzrokovani primjenom kemijskih sredstava za zaštitu bilja doveli su do primjene entomopatogenih organizama u biološkom suzbijanju štetnih organizama. Najčešće korištena entomopatogena gljiva Beauveria bassiana ima entomopatogeno i antagonističko djelovanje, a može biti i saprofit i endofit, stoga ne čudi što se široko primjenjuje. Dlakavi ružičar kornjaš je koji na voćkama, ukrasnim vrstama i ratarskim kulturama uzrokuje značajne štete oštećivanjem cvjetova što dovodi do nemogućnosti zametanja plodova biljaka. Zbog potrebe za suzbijanjem u vrijeme cvatnje, i prisutnosti oprašivača, primjena kemijskih insekticida nije ekološki prihvatljiv izbor pa se odabire biološko suzbijanje entomopatogenom gljivom B. bassiana.
Istraživanje učinkovitosti autohtonog izolata B. bassiana (LD 01) provedeno je u polukontroliranim poljskim uvjetima nasada crnoplodne aronije (Aronia melanocarpa), provođenjem dvaju pokusa s različitim tretmanima odraslih oblika vrste Tropinota hirta (inokulacijski tretman ''dip'' metodom i metodom ''kontaminiranog cvata''). Laboratorijskom metodom inkubiranja uginulih jedinki u vlažnoj komori, stimuliran je rast i razvoj micelija gljive, a infekcija vrstom B. bassiana je potvrđena stereo i svjetlosnim mikroskopom na temelju morfoloških ključeva za determinaciju.
Nakon 14 dana, u pokusu u kojem je korištena ''dip'' metoda, zabilježen je moralitet T. hirta od 23 %, dok je mortalitet u pokusu u kojem je korištena metoda ''kontaminiranog cvata'' iznosio 13 %. Pretpostavlja se da je odgoda i/ili izostanak infekcije sporama B. bassiana posljedica inhibitornog učinka određenih uvjeta okoline (temperatura i vlaga zraka, UV itd.), izolata gljive, morfoloških obilježja i ponašanja dlakavog ružičara tijekom migracije (ukopavanje u tlo/ishrana na cvatu). Obzirom da pregled literature ne omogućuje mnogo dostupnih rezultata o entomopatogenom učinku B. bassiana na T. hirta, a usporedba rezultata s rezultatima laboratorijskih istraživanja na tu temu nije mjerodavna, potrebna su detaljnija istraživanja kako bi se potvrdile navedene pretpostavke. Zbog uočenog velikog broja varijabli koje su potencijalno mogle utjecati na smanjenje infekcije dlakavog ružičara u polukontroliranim poljskim uvjetima nasada, u budućnosti je potrebno provesti istraživanja uz korištenje referentnog izolata B. bassiana kako bi se učinak autohtonog izolata mogao u potpunosti vrednovati.Problems in phytomedicine caused using chemical plant protection products have led to the use of entomopathogenic organisms in the biological control of harmful organisms. The most used entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana has entomopathogenic and antagonistic effects, and can be both saprophytic and endophytic, so it is not surprising that it is widely used. The apple blossom beetle is a beetle that causes significant damage to fruit trees, ornamental species and field crops by damaging flowers, which leads to the inability to set fruit. Due to the need for control during flowering and the presence of pollinators, the use of chemical insecticides is not an environmentally acceptable choice, so biological control with the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana is chosen.
The investigation of the efficacy of the indigenous isolate B. bassiana (LD 01) was conducted in semi-controlled conditions of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) plantation, by conducting two experiments with different treatments of adult forms of the species Tropinota hirta (inoculation treatment using the ''dip'' method and the ''contaminated inflorescence'' method). The growth and development of the fungal mycelium was stimulated by the laboratory method of incubating dead insects in a humid chamber, and infection with the species B. bassiana was confirmed by stereo and light microscopy based on morphological keys for determination.
After 14 days, in the experiment using the ''dip'' method, the morality of T. hirta was recorded at 23 %, while the mortality in the experiment using the ''contaminated inflorescence'' method was 13 %. It is assumed that the delay and/or absence of infection by B. bassiana spores is a consequence of the inhibitory effect of certain environmental conditions (temperature and humidity, UV, etc.), fungal isolates, morphological characteristics and behavior of the apple blossom beetle during migration (burying in the soil/feeding on inflorescences). Given that the literature review does not provide many available results on the entomopathogenic effect of B. bassiana on T. hirta, and comparison of the results with the results of laboratory studies on this topic is not authoritative and the more detailed studies are needed to confirm the above assumptions. Due to the large number of variables observed that could potentially have influenced the reduction of apple blossom beetle infection in semi-controlled field conditions, it is necessary to conduct studies in the future using a reference isolate of B. bassiana to fully evaluate the effect of the autochthonous isolate
Effects of bioash on chemical characteristics of acidic soils, yield and mineral composition of agricultural crops
No full textBiopepeo je nusproizvod nastao spaljivanjem certificirane šumske biomase te ima
specifična fizikalno-kemijska i mineraloška svojstva. S obzirom na to da sadrži
visoke količine hraniva (P, K, Ca i Mg) te je izrazito alkalan (pH > 12), pretpostavka
je da će imati značajni melioracijski učinak u kiselim i hranivima siromašnim tlima te
utjecati na povećanje prinosa u biljnoj proizvodnji. Navedena pretpostavka testirana
je tijekom dvogodišnjeg poljskog istraživanja u uvjetima ekološke poljoprivredne
proizvodnje, na dvije lokacije koje odlikuju kisela lesivirana tla na području
Đakovštine. Ciljevi istraživanja bili su utvrditi utjecaj rastućih doza biopepela na: i)
kemijske značajke (pH, EC, sadržaj makro i mikroelemenata) istraživanih tala te ii)
visinu prinosa i mineralni sastav biljnih organa testnih kultura. Istraživanje je
organizirano prema slučajnom bloknom rasporedu s pet doza biopepela (0,0 − 17,2
t/ha) u tri repeticije na ukupno 30 pokusnih parcela. Preliminarnim istraživanjem
utvrđen je kemijski sastav biopepela: pH, EC, topivost, ukupni sadržaj C, P2O5, K2O,
CaO, MgO, MnO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, Na2O, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mo i Co. Daljnjim analizama
utvrđen je sadržaj neesencijalnih toksičnih metala (Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg i As), policikličkih
aromatskih ugljikovodika (PAH) i polikloriranih bifenila (PCB) koji je bio ispod
maksimalno dozvoljenih količina za primjenu u poljoprivednom tlu. Analiza XRD-om
pokazala je ujednačen mineralni sastav biopepela u kojem su prevladavali kalcit,
kvarc, hidroksilapatit, arkanit, portlandit, piroluzit, kristobalit i fairchildit. SEM-EDS
analiza potvrdila je složenu strukturu nano- i mikročestica biopepela različitih
veličina i oblika, s visokom zastupljenošću Ca, Mg, P, K i Si, te dobro razvijenom
površinom. Analiza SIMS-a utvrdila je dominantne elemente: K, Ca, Si, Mg, Fe i Na
te njihove specifične izotope. Spektri FTIR-ATR biopepela potvrdili su prisutnost
alkalijskih oksida. Radiološke analize utvrdile su razine prirodnih radionuklida u
biopepelu (40K, 238U, 226Ra) koje su bile niže od razina detektiranih u komercijalnim
mineralnim gnojivima. Kondicioniranje luvisola s biopepelom značajno je povisilo pH
tla na obje lokacije, kao i udjele makro (P2O5 i K2O, ukupni Ca, C i H) i
mikroelemenata (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn i Mo) te neesencijalnog teškog metala (Cd) bez
ugrožavanja tla od (an)organske kontaminacije (toksični metali, PAH i PCB). Iako
se EC tla značajno povisio nakon prve vegetacijske sezone, taj trend nije uočen
nakon druge vegetacije, što ukazuje na ispiranje iona. Primjena biopepela značajno
je povećala prinos zrna i suhu tvar stabljike prosa i suncokreta, suhu tvar korijena
prosa te svježi prinos sjemenki buče. Ovi pozitivni učinci bili su praćeni značajnim
porastom udjela makroelemenata (Ca, C, N i S) i mikroelemenata (Fe, Mn i Zn), kao
i povećanom akumulacijom određenih makroelemenata (Ca, Mg, C, N, H i S),
mikroelemenata (Zn, Fe, Mn i Mo) te korisnog elementa natrija (Na) u različitim
biljnim organima. Dobiveni rezultati doprinose novim znanstvenim spoznajama o
melioracijskim učincima biopepela na kemijska svojstva kiselih tala siromašnih
makro- i mikroelementima u uvjetima ekološke proizvodnje. Također potvrđuju
njegov pozitivan utjecaj na usvajanje hraniva u biljku, uz naglašenu potrebu za
utvrđivanjem optimalnih doza primjene biopepela koje ne uzrokuju negativne učinke
na okoliš ili biljke.Bioash is a nutrient-rich and highly alkaline (pH > 12) co-product from certified
biomass-fueled plants, characterized by its complex physico-chemical and
mineralogical properties. Given its high concentrations of minerals (> 200 different
types) and essential nutrients such as P, K, Ca and Mg, it is hypothesized that
bioash could have a significant ameliorative effect on acidic and nutrient-poor soils,
ultimately enhancing crop yields.
This study hypothesized that increasing doses of bioash (0.0 – 17.2 t/ha) would i)
improve certain physico-chemical soil properties (such as pH, phytoavailable P2O5
and K2O, and electrical conductivity – EC) in acidic soils, and ii) increase the yield
and mineral composition of selected crops. The hypothesis was tested over two
years under organic open-field conditions characterized by highly acidic Luvisol at
two locations (Široko Polje and Ivandvor) in the Đakovo region. The primary
objectives were to assess the impact of increased bioash doses on i) chemical
changes in soil properties (pH, EC, macro-microelement content), and ii) increase
the vegetative and dry matter yield and mineral composition of crop tissues.
The research was conducted using a randomized block design with five bioash
application rates (0.0, 4.5, 8.0, 13.0, and 17.2 t/ha), each replicated three times
across 30 experimental plots. Each plot covered an area of 6 × 50 m². Over the
course of two consecutive years, sunflower, millet, and pumpkin were grown under
consistent agricultural practices across all treatments, adhering to organic farming
standards without irrigation. Bioash was applied using applicator for dusty materials
and immediately incorporated into the topsoil layer using a seeder. Soil and plant
samples were collected from four randomly selected subplots within each
experimental plot, resulting in composite samples representing each treatment.
Before bioash application, comprehensive pedological surveys were performed at
each location, including opening soil profiles, sampling soil across genetic horizons,
and collecting surface soil samples. These surveys established baseline soil
conditions, describing the initial physico-chemical properties and morphological
characteristics of the soils under study. At the end of the growing seasons, soil
samples were re-evaluated using the same methodologies to determine changes in
soil properties. Additionally, representative plant tissue samples were collected at
the technological maturity stage to assess dry matter content and mineral
composition. Preliminary analyses determined the physico-chemical composition of
the bioash (pH, EC, solubility, total C content, P2O5, K2O, CaO, MgO, MnO, Fe2O3,
Al2O3, SiO2, Na2O, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mo and Co) verifying those levels of heavy metals
(Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg and As), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; 16 congeners),
and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs; 7 indicator congeners) were below the
maximum permissible limits for agricultural use. Further analyses characterized the
bioash chemical properties, supplemented by advanced microscopic,
spectroscopic, and radiological techniques. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis
revealed a relatively uniform mineral composition of the investigated bioash,
predominantly consisting of calcite, quartz, hydroxyapatite, arcanite, portlandite,
pyrolusite, cristobalite, and fairchildite. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with
energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was used to examine surface
morphology and elemental composition, confirming a complex mixture of nano- and
micro-sized particles rich in Ca, Mg, P, K, and Si. Secondary ion mass spectrometry
(SIMS) analysis identified dominant elements such as K, Ca, Si, Mg, Fe, and Na,
along with their specific isotopes in the spectrum. Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) indicated characteristic
bands rich in alkali-activated oxides. High-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry
(HRGS) was employed to measure the activity concentrations of radionuclides of
interest (238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, 40K, and 137Cs), demonstrating lower average
activity of some radionuclides in bioash compared to commonly used mineral
fertilizers in Croatian conventional agroecosystems.
At the Široko Polje location, conditioning the Luvisol with bioash increased soil pH
by up to 3.6 units and enhanced levels of macroelements (bioavailable P2O5 and
K2O, and total Ca, C and H), micorelements (Zn, Cu, Mn and Mo) and toxic metal
(Cd) without causing (in)organic contamination (toxic metals, PAHs, PCBs).
Although soil EC initially increased significantly after the first vegetation season
(from 0.081 to 0.288 mS/cm), this effect was not observed after the second
vegetation season, suggesting salt leaching. Bioash also significantly increased
grain yield and shoot dry matter in millet and sunflower, as well as root dry matter in
millet, correlating with increased concentrations (Ca, C, Fe, Mn and Zn) and
accumulations of macroelements (Ca, Mg, C, N, H, and S) and microelements (Zn,
Fe, Na and Mo) in plant tissues.
At Ivandvor, bioash application raised soil pH by up to 3.3 units and increased
macroelements (bioavailable P2O5 and K2O, total content of Ca and C), and
microelements (Zn and Mn) and toxic metal (Cd) in soil. Although Cd concentrations
increased in the soil during the first vegetation season, they were unaffected in the
second vegetation season. The EC of the soil rise significantly after the first season
(from 0.040 to 0.201 mS/cm) across all bioash treatments compared to the Control,
but this trend was not sustained into the second vegetation season, except at the
highest bioash dose (17.2 t/ha), where EC increased notably (from 0.051 to 0.155
mS/cm). The changes induced by bioash application positively impacted the growth
and yield of sunflower and pumpkin. Sunflower showed notable increases in grain,
shoot, and root yields compared to Control, and in pumpkin significantly increased
fresh grain yield. Bioash application altered the concentration of macroelements
(Ca, N and S) and microelements (Fe, Mn and Zn) and accumulation of
macroelements (Ca, Mg, C, N, H and S), microelements (Zn, Mn and Fe), useful
element (Na) and toxic element (Cd) in specific crop tissues.
The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the ameliorative effects
of bioash on acidic, nutrient-poor soils under organic farming conditions. They
highlight its role in enhancing nutrient uptake by plants and establishing optimal
bioash doses without adverse effects. In this context, bioash offers a sustainable
approach to utilizing acidic soils for cultivating economically important crops,
enhancing soil fertility while reducing dependence on commercially expensive soil
amendments, and facilitating the efficient and environmentally friendly disposal of
biomass plant by-products
Ecological risk indices based on heavy metal content in soil under different land use
No full textTeški metali u tlu, bez obzira na izvor, u povišenim koncentracijama mogu negativno utjecati na organizme u tlu, biljke, životinje i ljude. U Istri je razvijena poljoprivredna proizvodnja (vinogradarstvo, maslinarstvo i ratarstvo), koja uz industriju, posebno prisutnost i rad termoelektrana (TE) Plomin, dodano doprinosi onečišćenju tla teškim metalima. Ciljevi ovog istraživanja bili su utvrditi sadržaj teških metala u tlima različite namjene i blizine TE Plomin, te izračunati indekse ekološkog rizika. Analizirano je 16 kompozitnih uzoraka tla prikupljenih s obradivih i prirodnih površina u radijusu od 1 do 20 km od TE Plomin u jugoistočnoj Istri. Antropogena obradiva tla odnosila su se na obradive ratarske površine i vinograde udaljene od TE Plomin, a neobradiva prirodna tla uzorkovana su na livadama i pašnjacima u blizini TE Plomin. Sadržaj teških metala (Cr, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, As, Ba, V) kvantificiran je ICP-MS metodom uz prethodnu digestiju tla sa zlatotopkom. Ekološki rizik procijenjen je izračunom faktora kontaminacije (CF), indeksa ekološkog rizika (Er, RI) i indeksa opterećenja onečišćenjem (PLI). Razlike srednjih vrijednosti sadržaja metala u tlu u ovisnosti o načinima njegova korištenja (prirodna i antropogena) provjerene su analizom varijance. Rezultati ukazuju da neovisno o načinu korištenja tla i blizini TE Plomin pojedinačne kvantificirane vrijednosti teških metala na svih 16 lokacija istraživanja varirale su u sljedećem rasponu: 0,20 – 1,10 mg Cd/kg, 5,44 – 127 mg Cr/kg, 25,2 – 266,6 mg Cu/kg, 55,3 – 125,8 mg Ni/kg, 12,4 – 38,5 mg Pb/kg, 62,5 – 169,2 mg Zn/kg, 0,70 – 27,1 mg As/kg, 13,7 – 28,1 mg Co/kg, 106,3 – 235,0 mg Ba/kg i 1,46 – 185 mg V/kg. Rezultati otkrivaju i značajnu varijabilnost sadržaja Cd, Pb i Zn ovisno o načinu korištenja tla, pri čemu su njihove vrijednosti bile više u prirodnim tlima blizu TE Plomin u odnosu na antropogena tla vinograda i oranica udaljena od TE Plomin. Dok su sadržaji As, Cr, Cu, Pb i Zn u prirodnim i antropogenim tlima, neovisno o blizini TE Plomin, pokazali nizak ekološki rizik (Er 1), dok u većini udaljenijih poljoprivrednih tla onečišćenje nije prisutno (PLI 1), whereas most distant agricultural soils were not polluted (PLI < 1)
Production of second generation ethanol from corn, wheat and barley biomass
No full textEtanol je zamjensko gorivo za cestovni transport jer se proizvodi iz obnovljivih sirovina i ekološki je prihvatljiv. Proizvodnja etanola uglavnom se temelji na sirovinama na bazi šećera ili škroba. Budući da se te sirovine koriste u prehrani ljudi i ishrani životinja, Europska unija je u svojoj regulativi ograničila ovu proizvodnju i postavila ciljeve za proizvodnju etanola druge generacije iz lignocelulozne biomase poput poljoprivrednih ostataka. U ovom radu istražena je mogućnost proizvodnje etanola druge generacije iz stabljike kukuruza, pšenice i ječma. Standardnim metodama određen je sadržaj vode, pepela, strukturalni sastav (celuloza, hemiceluloza i lignin) te sadržaj reducirajućih šećera. Najviši prinosi ostvareni su kod kukuruza, s najvišim sadržajem etanola kod hibrida Rudolf sa rezultatom od 58,15 g L-1, dok se najlošijom pokazala pšenica s najvišim udjelom etanola kod sorte Kraljica i prinosom od 35,50 g L-1.The increase in greenhouse gas emissions, the instability of energy supply and energy dependence are the result of the accelerated consumption of fossil fuels due to industrialization and the accelerated growth of the world population. Ethanol is an attractive alternative fuel for road transport because it is produced from renewable raw materials and is environmentally friendly. So far, ethanol production has been based on raw materials like sugar or starch. However, since these raw materials are widely used in human and animal nutrition, the European Union has limited its use in energy production. Further regulation are set for the production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass, such as agricultural residues. In this paper, the possibility of producing second-generation ethanol from corn, wheat and barley stalks was investigated. Also, the content of water, ash, structural composition (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and the content of reducing sugars were determined using standard methods. The highest yields were achieved in corn, with the highest ethanol content in the Rudolf hybrid with a result of 58.15 g L¯¹, while the worst performance was achieved in wheat with the highest ethanol content in the Kraljica variety with a yield of 35.50 g L¯¹
Potential of rhizobacteria for inhibiting the growth of weeds Echinochloa crus-galli and Abutilon theophrasti
No full textBiološko suzbijanje predstavlja alternativu tradicionalnim kemijskim metodama suzbijanja korova. Rizobakterije s inhibitornim svojstvima (DRB - deleterious rhizobacteria) pokazuju značajan potencijal kao bioagensi u suzbijanju korova. U ovom radu istraživan je inhibitorni učinak devet sojeva rizobakterija iz rodova Bacillus i Pseudomonas na rast korovnih vrsta Echinochloa crus-galli i Abutilon theophrasti. Učinci pojedinačnih sojeva rizobakterija, različitih koncentracija i njihovih kombinacija analizirani su u in vitro uvjetima na hranjivim podlogama te u tlu.
Statističkom obradom podataka utvrđeno je da svi sojevi istraživanih rizobakterija imaju inhibitorni učinak, dok je ovisnost o koncentraciji zabilježena samo u in vitro uvjetima. Najveći učinak na smanjenje duljine korijena i biomase korova zabilježen je kod sojeva Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Pseudomonas sp. i Bacillus megaterium. Razlike između rezultata dobivenih in vitro i u tlu pripisuju se varijabilnosti okolišnih uvjeta koji utječu na aktivnost bakterijskih sojeva u tlu.
Za buduću primjenu ovih sojeva u biološkom suzbijanju korova nužna su dodatna istraživanja, s naglaskom na učinkovitost prema različitim vrstama korova, određivanje optimalnih koncentracija te prilagodbu uvjetima u okolišu.Biological control represents an alternative to traditional chemical methods of weed control. Rhizobacteria with inhibitory properties (DRB – deleterious rhizobacteria) show significant potential as bioagents in weed suppression. In this study, the inhibitory effect of nine strains of rhizobacteria from the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas on the growth of weeds Echinochloa crus-galli and Abutilon theophrasti was investigated. The effects of individual rhizobacterial strains, different concentrations, and their combinations were analyzed under in vitro conditions on nutrient media as well as in soil.
Statistical analysis of the data showed that all investigated rhizobacterial strains have an inhibitory effect, while concentration dependence was observed only under in vitro conditions. The greatest effect on reducing root length and weed biomass was recorded with the strains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus megaterium. Differences between the results obtained in vitro and in soil are attributed to the variability of environmental conditions that influence the activity of bacterial strains in the soil.
For future application of these strains in biological weed control, further research is necessary, with an emphasis on effectiveness against different weeds, determination of optimal concentrations, and adaptation to environmental conditions