Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research
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A thermal forecasting model for the overwintering generation of cotton bollworm by remote sensing in the southeast of Caspian Sea
No full textAim of study: Cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is a key pest of cotton all around the world. The Degree-Day (DD) model, as a reliable forecasting approach, is based on the cumulatively effective temperature which must be received by the pests to complete their life cycle. The main objective of the current research was the feasibility of using two accessible thermal data to predict the emergence time of the first generation of H. armigera.
Area of study: Golestan province of Iran
Material and methods: The lower temperature threshold (T0) and the thermal constant (k) were calculated by separately incubating batches of 10 pupae (≥24 h) at a wide range of temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 ) in laboratory conditions. The thermal requirements of the overwintering generation were estimated via two types of thermal data sources, i.e., Land Surface Temperature (LST) of Terra® satellite and synoptic meteorological stations from January 21st, 2020 to the end of May 2020.
Main results: T0 and k of the pupal stage were found to be 9.75±1.41°C and 250.57±4.66 (DD), respectively, via the linear regression and 10.26±1.09°C and 240.85±6.71 (DD) through Ikemoto & Takai’s model. The time series of satellite thermal data (LST-day and LST-night) modified through laboratory DD parameters was validly identified to determine high-risk areas and predict the emergence times of the first generation of cotton bollworm. This was in agreement with the reports of the governmental Plant Protection Organization.
Research highlights: If there is a lack of meteorological synoptic stations in some agricultural areas, the LST data of Terra® satellite could be replaced by the meteorological data for DD forecasting models
Spatial discounting in food products from high natural value agroecosystems
No full textAim of study: To test the hypothesis that consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for traditional food products expresses their willingness to conserve the bundle of ecosystem services (ES) provided by the territories of origin and that the intensity of these preferences is subject to spatial discounting.
Area of study: We used Iberian dry-cured ham as a case study. This is a traditional and highly appreciated product characteristically produced in the Dehesa agroforestry system (southern Iberian Peninsula), an agricultural system characterized by high levels of ES provision.
Material and methods: The analysis relies on a discrete choice experiment using some recently developed spatial indexes that go beyond traditional “distance-decay” effects. This method was fed with primary data gathered from a face-to-face survey administered in Andalusian food retail establishments to 1,158 Iberian ham (acorn- or fodder-fed) consumers.
Main results: The results provide evidence of the effects of spatial discounting on the purchase of acorn- and fodder-fed Iberian hams associated with the agroecosystem in which they are produced. These effects presumably stem from consumers’ cultural identity linked to the agroecosystem of origin and their willingness to support the local economy and communities. In addition, in the case of acorn-fed Iberian ham, spatial discounting is affected by consumers’ perception of the ES provided by the agroecosystem, with consumers who significantly perceive these services showing a higher WTP, regardless of their place of residence (no spatial discounting).
Research highlights: Relevant insights can be gained from the results, especially concerning marketing strategies and the adoption of environmental and sociocultural certifications
Nutritional value, feeding behavior, physiological parameters, and performance of crossbred Boer goat kids fed butterfly pea hay and cactus pear meal
No full textAim of study: To evaluate diets with different proportions of butterfly pea hay (BH) and cactus pear meal (CM) on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, productive performance, feeding behavior and physiological parameters of crossbred Boer kids.
Area of study: Northwest of Brazil.
Material and methods: 32 crossbred Boer intact male goats were distributed in a randomized block design, with four treatments with different proportions of BH and CM in the diets, partially replacing elephant grass on a total dry matter (DM) basis: 0% BH + 0 % CM as a control, 83% BH + 17% CM, 67% BH + 33% CM, and 50% BH + 50% CM. Each treatment group included eight animals. The experiment lasted 84 days preceded by 15 days of adaptation.
Main results: Kids fed the control diet had the greatest intake of neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, water intake via food, time to feed and the lowest feed conversion (p<0.05) compared to BH+CM diets. Diet 83% BH+17% CM provided less digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, greater efficiency of DM intake and lower efficiency of DM and neutral detergent fiber rumination (p<0.05) compared to other diets. Diet 67% BH+33% CM resulted in greater digestibility of dry and organic matter, weight gains and longer (p<0.05) chewing time (seconds/cud) compared to other diets. Diet 50% BH+50% CM showed lower (p<0.05) intake of acid detergent fiber, time for rumination, efficiency of ingestion of neutral detergent fiber and rectal temperature, and longer (p<0.05) idle times compared to other diets.
Research highlights: Partial substitution of elephant grass with 67% BH and 33% CM increased digestibility and weight gain of crossbred Boer kids, without changing nutrient and water intake in the finishing
Identifying optimal monitoring strategies to predict soil hydraulic characteristics and water contents by inverse modeling
No full textAim of study: To investigate the monitoring strategies that let us to build effective models able to best estimate water contents, θ and pressure heads, h with the least amount of data.
Area of study: Field data was acquired in an experimental plot at Bahía Blanca (Argentina).
Material and methods: Field data of θ(t), h(t) for six soil depth were used to optimize the SHP (θr, θs, α, n and Ks) by inverse modeling with HYDRUS 1D. Several scenarios of available data from θ(t) and h(t) were considered: (1) six monitoring depths (6-MD); (2) five monitoring depths (5-MD); (3) four monitoring depths (4-MD). Model accuracy was assessed by comparing the measured and predicted θ and h for each monitoring strategy. Additionally, field measured SHP with independent methods were compared to inversely optimized SHP.
Main results: The best fit between predicted and observed θ and h was achieved with the 6-MD strategy. Nevertheless, deterioration of statistics EF and rRMSE in the 5-MD or 4-MD schemes were lower than 10%, depending on the location of the missing data. The observation points that had less importance in parameter prediction corresponded to the intermediate vadose zone and to the deeper layers. The proposed strategies presented a better performance than field measured SHP to reproduce soil water retention curves for each layer of the soil profile.
Research highlights: By reducing the number of vertical observations in the profile without harming the final SHP estimation, the resources needed in data monitoring strategies can be greatly enhanced
The export strategy of the Spanish wine industry
No full textAim of study: This study analyses how business strategy has influenced the export performance of the Spanish wine industry. In recent decades, Spain has been among those countries that have significantly increased their wine exports.
Area of study: We used data collected from a survey comprising 339 Spanish wine-making companies
Material and methods: The empirical analysis was carried out by sending a survey and subsequent telephone call to all the independent wineries belonging to PDOs, the number of responses was 339, 14% of the sample. Using the Heckman methodology, we analysed the variables that determine the decision to export and the export intensity.
Main results: Spanish firms have successfully used different combined strategies in order to achieve an intensification of exports. This implies that the joint use of strategies that seek efficiency (through cost reduction) while increasing value for the customer (through innovation and improved communication processes and distribution) achieve an increase in the internationalisation of the company. Therefore, the results of this study add new strategic alternatives to those traditionally proposed by the literature
Research highlights: Firm strategy also has an effect on export performance in the Spanish wine industry. To grow in international markets, companies can use a combination of different strategic options
Genomic evaluation of binary traits in dairy cattle by considering genotype × environment interactions
No full textAim of study: To assess genotype by environment (G×E) interaction via single- and multi-trait animal models for binary traits in dairy cattle.
Area of study: University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
Material and methods: Phenotypic and genomic data were simulated considering a binary trait in four environments as different correlated traits. Heritabilities of 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 were considered to mimic the genetic variation of the binary trait in different environments. Eight scenarios resulted from combining the number of QTLs (60 or 300), LD level (high or low), and incidence of the binary trait (10% or 30%) were simulated to compare the accuracy of predictions. For all scenarios, 1667 markers per chromosome (depicting a 50K SNP chip) were randomly spaced over 30 chromosomes. Multi-trait animal models were applied to take account of G×E interaction and to predict the genomic breeding value in different environments. Prediction accuracies obtained from the single- and multi-trait animal models were compared.
Main results: In the models with G×E interaction, the largest accuracy of 0.401 was obtained in high LD scenario with 60 QTLs, and incidence of 30% for the fourth environment. The lowest accuracy of 0.190 was achieved in low LD scenario with 300 QTLs and incidence of 10% for the first environment.
Research highlights: Genomic selection with high prediction accuracy can be possible by considering the G×E interaction during the genetic improvement programs in dairy cattle
Short communication: Organic fertilization for the improvement of production and quality of ripe figs
No full textAim of study: The use of natural inputs in farming practices and the consumption of in natura products have been on the rise. Natural crop fertilizing sources gains force when the intent lies in crop by way of an ecologically correct agricultural system. To this end, this paper targeted assessing the use of cattle (CM) and bird manure (BM) in organic fertilization of fig culture in organic handling, and its effect on the production of ripe figs.
Area of study: Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
Material and methods: In 2011, an experimental fig orchard was established using the ‘Roxo de Valinhos’ cultivar. The experimental outline adopted was in randomized blocks, with 3 repetitions and 7 treatments comprised of: the control and 6 types of fertilization using CM and/or BM. Harvests were performed in 2016 and 2017. The characteristics evaluated were mean weight, length and diameter of individual fruits, mean weight and number of fruits per tree, total soluble solids content, total titratable acidity and pH.
Main results: Organic fertilization with 5 L of CM per fig tree promoted the best results in all biometric variables as compared to the plants that were not fertilized. Considering quality, only 5 L of CM or 1.25 L of BM provided equal total titratable acidity in comparison with control. Plants fertilized with 2.5 L of CM produced figs with higher maturation index against plants fertilized with 5 L of CM or 1.25 L of BM.
Research highlights: Considering the fig tree productivity and quality of ripe figs, organic fertilization with CM and BM promoted good characteristics
Evaluation of the anti-coccidial effect of aqueous Sacoglottis gabonensis (Magnoliophyta, Humiriaceae) stem bark extract in broilers experimentally infected with mixed Eimeria species
No full textAim of the study: The aqueous Sacoglottis gabonensis stem bark extract (SGSBE) was evaluated for its anti-coccidial effects and toxicity in broiler chickens
Area of the study: Nsukka, Nigeria
Materials and methods: A hundred and nineteen, four-week old, broiler birds were used for this study. The toxicity of SGSBE was evaluated by administering graded doses of the extract once and for 21 days. The anticoccidial effect of SGSBE was determined using 25 birds arbitrarily divided into five groups (A-E) of five birds each. Groups A-D were orally infected with 200,000 sporulated mixed Eimeria oocysts while group E served as the uninfected control. Groups A and B birds were treated orally with SGSBE (200 mg/kg) once and daily for five consecutive days respectively while group C birds were treated with amprolium daily for five days. Birds in group D remained infected-untreated. The birds were observed for clinical signs, body weight changes, oocyst output, and some haemato-biochemical parameters.
Main results: Mild signs of toxicity were detected with mortality only in the group that received the highest dose of SGSBE following toxicity tests. Clinical signs of coccidiosis were observed following infection of the birds. Oocyst output, clinical signs and lesions were significantly reduced (p<0.05) while body weight, survivability and haemato-biochemical indices of the birds were significantly improved (p<0.05) in SGSBE treated groups. Moreover, five days consecutive treatment with SGSBE yielded better results.
Research highlights: The aqueous S. gabonensis stem bark extract is relatively safe and possesses anti-coccidial efficacy against mixed Eimeria infections in broiler chickens
Short communication: Veterinary health management in Azorean bovine dairy farms
No full textAim of study: To describe veterinary services and farm management practices in cattle dairy farms in São Miguel Island in the Azores and to identify weak points for improvement.
Area of study: São Miguel Island, Azores (Portugal).
Material and methods: A questionnaire survey was sent to all veterinarians who work in São Miguel Island. It asked about veterinary activity and perceptions of veterinarians working on dairy farms. The van der Waerden test was used to compare the degree of implementation of measures in farms between cooperative veterinarians and private veterinarians.
Main results: The overall questionnaire response rate was 67% (20/30). The percentage of veterinarians dedicated to bovine medicine as the main service was 55.6%. Overall, between 40% and 60% of veterinarians implemented a variety of Veterinary Herd Health Medicine (VHHM) programs such as mastitis control, breeding assessment and postpartum management, and the average implementation score of these VHHM, on a 1 to 5 scale, was 2.8 (95% confidence interval: 2.0-3.5). However, other VHHM programs such as biosecurity or hygiene procedures were implemented at a lower rate, ranging between 20% and 30%, and this needs to be improved.
Research highlights: Veterinary practicioners in São Miguel Island, Azores still focus their activity more on individual bovine medicine than in VHHM programs; besides, there is room for improvement in the implementation of some of these programs, such as reproduction, hoof health, nutrition, hygiene and biosecurity. This may be a similar situation to that of other regions in the world with a similar production structure
Metarhizium anisopliae and Isaria fumosorosea challenge the survival and immunity of the palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier
No full textAim of study: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier is an invasive pest of palm worldwide. The use of insecticides by farmers for its management has been found insignificant. This study evaluated the potential use of entomopathogenic fungi for R. ferrugineus management with a particular focus on the fungal infection on the activities of different detoxification enzymes.
Area of study: Grubs and adults of R. ferrugineus were collected from various infested date palm fields in the four provinces of Pakistan.
Material and methods: Fungi Isaria fumosorosea (If-02) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma-M2) were evaluated against R. ferrugineus, and its immune responses were biochemically characterized.
Main results: The highest mortality rate was recorded at concentration 3×108 spores mL-1 on the 7th day post infection in the populations treated with M. anisopliae from Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Sindh and Baluchistan (93.75, 90.0, 90.0 and 81.25% respectively). M. anisopliae with lowest LC50 (1.1×106 spores mL-1) from Sindh also proved to be the most lethal fungus against R. ferrugineus. Maximum acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activities were observed in Baluchistan (26.28 and 24.0 μmol min-1 mg-1 protein, respectively) and maximum esterases (EST) activity (35.4 μmol min-1 mg-1 protein) was observed in the KPK population on the 3rd-day post I. fumosorosea infection.
Research highlights: Fungal infection by I. fumosorosea caused a significant increase in AChE, GST and EST activities which may hinder R. ferrugineus development. However, M. anisopliae, to some extent, also inhibited enzyme activities and yielded a sudden increase in mortality. Future bio-pesticides could be developed for integrated pest management (IPM) of palm weevil