Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research
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Vegetable peas (Pisum sativum L.) diversity: An analysis of available elite germplasm resources with relevance to crop improvement
No full textAim of study: To determine the amount of diversity in pea breeding materials with the objective to classify a set of potential parents carrying novel/economic variations that could be used in future breed pea varieties.
Area of study: ICAR–Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi.
Material and methods: A total of 45 pea accessions were analysed for phenotypic and molecular diversity using 17 agro-morphological traits and 52 SSR markers.
Main results: All traits under investigation showed considerable genetic variation. The genotypes exhibited 6.7, 2.7 and 12-fold variation for traits viz., pods/plant, 10-pod weight and yield/plant, respectively. Among 52 SSR markers, 22 were found to be polymorphic. A total of 90 allelic variants were detected, with an average of 2.7 alleles/locus. PIC and D-values for markers AA135 (0.79 and 0.81) and PSMPSAD51 (0.7 and 0.74) were the highest, while AB40 (0.19 and 0.2) had the lowest. Two principal components PC1 and PC2 explained 46.96 and 23.96% of total variation, respectively. The clustering based on agro-morphological traits differentiated 45 individuals into three mega clusters, while SSR markers-based clustering classified these accessions into four groups.
Research highlights: Based on their uniqueness, we identified a set of genotypes (VRPD-2, VRPD-3, PC-531, ‘Kashi Nandini’, ‘Kashi Udai’, ‘Kashi Mukti’, ‘Arkel’, VRPE-101, ‘Azad Pea-3’, EC865944, VRPM-901 and VRP-500) harbouring genes for various economic traits. The findings presented here will be extremely useful to breeders who are working on improvement of peas through selective introgression breeding
Heat stress induced in vitro affects cell viability and gene expression of dermal fibroblasts from bovine and buffalo
No full textAim of study: To evaluate the response of dermal fibroblasts to heat stress and different time exposures on the cell survival and gene expression.
Area of study: Belém city, Pará state. Brazil.
Material and methods: Fibroblasts were isolated from ear skin of bovine (n= 4) and buffalo (n= 4), cultured in vitro until the 3rd passage and submitted to heat stress at 42°C for 3, 6 and 12 h, except for the negative control (38.5°C for 24 h). Cell survival was measured using Trypan blue, and RNA isolation was performed using Trizol method following qRT-PCR to quantify the relative expression of the inducible heat shock protein HSPA1A, the pro-apoptotic BAX and pro-inflammatory IFN-γ genes.
Main results: Heat stress induced in vitro affected the cell viability and gene expression in a time-dependent manner. Gene expression was relatively lower in buffalo (p<0.05) than in bovine. Until 3 h of heat stress, HSPA1A showed a slight increase in both bovine and buffaloes, and BAX was 5.82-fold greater in bovine (p<0.05). After 6 h, HSPA1A was 75.81-fold (p<0.0001) and INF-γ was 20.15-fold greater (p<0.05) in bovine than buffalo. Only after 6 h the cell viability started to decrease significantly (p<0.05) in both species.
Research highlights: Dermal fibroblasts of buffaloes and bovine were sensitive to heat stress induced in vitro, which was most detrimental to cell survival after 6 h. The expression of HSPA1A, BAX and INF-γ genes in response to heat stress indicate a slight sensibility of the dermal fibroblasts of bovine compared to their buffalo counterpart
Innovations in designing microwave electro-technological units with hybrid chambers
No full textAim of study: Microwave (MW) electro-technological units based on electromagnetic radiation of ultrahigh-frequency can involve thermal MW modification of dielectrics and non-thermal MW modification of polymers.
Area of study: Russian Federation.
Material and methods: The paper considers a method for making a unit with a hybrid chamber, where thermal and non-thermal MW modifications were carried out simultaneously, and the remaining energy after non-thermal MW modification of polymers was used for heating the dielectric.
Main results: A microwave electro-technological unit with a hybrid chamber replaced two separate devices that implemented these MW modifications. It was cheaper and required one MW generator. The unit took up less space than two separate apparatuses, and upgraded the existing microwave dryer to perform thermal MW modification of a lumber pile and non-thermal MW modification of polymer materials. The existing microwave dryer was redeveloped by solving the boundary value problem in electrodynamics and heat and mass transfer.
Research highlights: The research presents a microwave electro-technological unit with a hybrid chamber, combining thermal and non-thermal MW modifications of dielectric and polymer materials. As a result of upgrading the existing microwave dryer, it was possible to carry out both thermal and non-thermal MW modifications, namely, microwave drying of timber and microwave drying of up to seven different polymer objects
Zinc and phosphorus availability to wheat as affected by humic substances in calcareous and siliceous growth media
No full textAim of study: Humic substances (HS) have an impact on the dynamics of phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) in soil and consequently can affect the availability of both nutrients to plants. This work aimed to study the effect of humic substances on the availability of P and Zn to wheat depending on the main sorbent surfaces in growth media.
Area of study: Growth chambers of the Higher Technical School of Agricultural Engineering, University of Seville, Spain
Material and methods: To this end, a pot experiment was performed involving three factors: i) HS rates, ii) Zn fertilization, and iii) type of growth medium, calcareous and noncalcareous (siliceous).
Main results: Biomass production and Zn uptake by plants decreased with increasing HS rates. Humic substances decreased Zn uptake more markedly in the siliceous medium. Negative effects of HS can be ascribed to altered crop nutrition and the high aromaticity of HS that can promote phytotoxic effects. The antagonistic effect between P and Zn was less evident in the calcareous medium than in the siliceous medium. This is probably explained by the reduced availability of Zn and the consequent decrease in uptake by plants in the calcareous medium compared to the siliceous medium. These differences observed between both media can be ascribed to different adsorption dynamics depending on the main sorbent surfaces.
Research highlights: The addition of HS, at the intermediate rates studied, had a positive effect on the microbial activity of the rhizosphere in the calcareous medium. Thus, not only crop functioning, but also soil biology, can be affected by the application of HS. This effect can be different depending on the HS rates applied and the type of growth medium
Testing local isolates of entomopathogenic nematodes against the green stink bug Nezara viridula L.
No full textAim of study: The green vegetable bug Nezara viridula L. is a polyphage that is spread all over the world, but in the last 10 years it has entered the territory of the Russian Federation. The use of biological protection against this pest is an important task in the country. We used the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae to control N. viridula.
Area of study: Federal Research Center of Biological Plant Protection (FRCBPP), Krasnodar Krai, Russia, 2019-2020.
Material and methods: A laboratory test was carried out with adults and nymphs of N. viridula. Each species of EPN (S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae) was used at doses of 50, 75 and 100 individuals infective larvae per insect. The initial material for analysis was collected on soybean crops in the crop rotation of the FRCBPP. The experimental results were assessed using ANOVA.
Main results: Laboratory tests of the EPN S. carpocapsae and S. feltiae caused the death of up to 98.0% of nymphs and up to 91.4% of adults of N. viridula. The species S. feltiae turned out to be the most effective, as allowed the pathogen to develop in shorter periods of time, and caused the death of 81.9-91.4% adults and of 92.0-98.0% nymphs.
Research highlights: This study showed that during the period of growth and development of larvae, the use of EPN is more effective in nymphs than on adults
Effect of operational parameters on the performance of a kenaf harvester
No full textAim of study: To develop a kenaf harvesting technology, that will improve kenaf production efficiency. This study evaluated the effect of some operation parameters on the performance of a tractor-mounted kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) harvester.
Area of study: The experiment was performed at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria.
Material and methods: The experiment was initiated after 10 weeks of planting kenaf on the experimental field. The experimental design was a 3 × 4 × 5 experiment evaluating the effect of kenaf maturity (average stem diameter at week after planting (WAP) 10, 12, 14 and 16), kenaf varieties (‘Cuba 108’, ‘Ifeken 400’ and ‘Ifeken Di 400’) and forward speed of the tractor (2, 3.5, 5, 6.5 and 7.7 km/h) on effective field capacity, field efficiency, and operational loses of the machine.
Main results: The effective field capacity of the machine decreased with increase in plant maturity and increased with increase in forward speed of the machine. The optimal value of the effective field capacity was 2.13 ha/day, when harvesting ‘Ifeken 400’, at crop maturity of 10 WAP, and forward speed was 5 km/h. The field efficiency of the machine was found to decrease with increase in crop maturity and forward speed of the machine. The field efficiency of the machine was 97%, with ‘Ifeken 400’ crop maturity of 10 WAP and forward speed of 2 km/h.
Research highlights: The crop maturity, kenaf variety and forward speed of tractor have effect on the effective field capacity, field efficiency and the operational loss of the tractor-mounted kenaf harveste
Leaf chlorophyll contents in some European pear cultivars grafted on different rootstocks and its relation with growth and yield
No full textAim of study: To investigate the effect of different combinations of pear rootstocks and cultivars on the contents of leaf photosynthetic pigments and their relation with some growth and yield characteristics.
Area of study: Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Türkiye, in two years, 2021 and 2022.
Material and methods: The pear cultivars ‘Santa Maria’, ‘Williams’, and ‘Deveci’ were grafted on eight rootstocks: two quince clonal rootstocks (BA29 and QA), five pear clonal rootstocks (FOX9, FOX11, OH×F333, OH×F87, FAROLD40) and Pyrus communis L. seedlings. Growth and yield attributes were calculated and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were determined by the spectrophotometric method, using 99.8% methanol solvent for chlorophyll (chl) extraction.
Main results: Chl a/b in the case of rootstocks, chl a and total carotenoids in the cultivars were found statistically significant; the ratio chl a/b ranged 1.71-2.30 in the case of rootstocks; in the case of cultivars chl a ranged from 17.77 (cv. ‘Santa Maria’) to 19.88 (cv. ‘Deveci’) μg mL-1, and carotenoids ranged 0.21-0.95 μg mL-1. Under the main impact of cultivars, rootstocks and their combinations, a significant difference was seen in the growth and yield attributes.
Research highlights: A negative correlation coefficient was observed between photosynthetic pigments and morphological characteristics; however, the correlation coefficient was positive for canopy volume and annual shoot growth. Canopy management, especially with the use of rootstocks and cultivars that result in weaker growth, is helpful for improving chlorophyll content and yield performances
Larvicidal effect of an N-isobutyl-(2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z)-dodecatetraenamides-rich extract of Salmea scandens on fall armyworm
No full textAim of study: To determine if secondary metabolites present in an ethanolic extract of Salmea scandens could be considered as a viable alternative for the control of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda larvae), as this is the most important maize pest in terms of economic losses to agriculture worldwide.
Area of study: S. scandens shrubs were collected in San Rafael Toltepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. The laboratory assays were conducted at CIIDIR Oaxaca, and preliminary field assay was carried out in Zaachila Oaxaca.
Material and methods: N-isobutyl-(2E,4E,8Z,10E/Z)-dodecatetraenamides-rich extract of S. scandens, corroborated by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), was obtained from S. scandens by 10-day maceration in ethanol. The effect of the extract on the mortality of S. frugiperda larvae was investigated in the laboratory (in vitro) by topical application, and in the field (in situ), testing both topical and spraying applications.
Main results: The 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FTIR spectra evidenced the obtention of the alkylamides-rich ethanol extract of S. scandens. Mortality of S. frugiperda in vitro increased with dose and monitoring time, reaching up to 80%. Under field conditions 63% of mortality was recorded at a dose of 0.30 mg µL-1 per larva by topical application, and 49% by spray application at a dose of 0.15 mg µL-1 per larva.
Research highlights: The ethanolic extract of S. scandens can be considered a viable alternative for controlling fall armyworm S. frugiperda
Intermittence in irrigation management and nitrogen optimize yield and water use efficiency in baby lettuce
No full textAim of the study: To evaluate the influence of irrigation management strategies and nitrogen (N) on baby lettuce growth, yield, and water use efficiency in a protected environment.
Area of study: Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
Material and methods: The experiments were conducted in two consecutive cycles, and the treatments corresponded to the combination of irrigation management strategies with N doses. Irrigation strategies comprised 3 possibilities: continuous irrigation (Cont); intermittent irrigation with three irrigation pulses at one-hour intervals (Int1); and intermittent irrigation with irrigation depth split and applied at 7:00, 11:00, and 15:00 h (Int2). Two N doses were evaluated, 100 and 130 kg/ha of N, applied in daily fertigation according to the irrigation management strategies.
Main results: Intermittent irrigation strategies (Int1 and Int2) promoted the highest vegetative growth, increased leaf water content, and increased total yield (49.55 and 55.30; 46.83 and 49.50 t/ha) and marketable yield (46.77 and 52.44; 45.11 and 47.17 t/ha) in the first and second cycles, respectively, in addition to optimizing water use efficiency. The N dose of 130 kg/ha increased the total yield (51.61 t/ha), marketable yield (48.98 t/ha), and water use efficiencies of total yield (53.60 kg/m³) and marketable yield (50.88 kg/m³) only in the first crop cycle.
Research highlights: The use of intermittence in irrigation management proved to be more efficient in obtaining high yields and maximized the efficiency of use of water as a factor of production
Performance and meat quality characteristics of male quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed diets supplemented with pomegranate seed oil
No full textAim of study: Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) is a nutritive, antioxidant-rich by-product, and it has been tested as a feed ingredient for livestock. However, studies on quails are scarce. The current study investigated that the effect of PSO on the performance and meat instrumental quality of quails.
Area of study: Türkiye.
Material and methods: A total of 60 seventy-day-old male quails were equally subjected to 3 dietary treatments consisting of 20 birds (5 replicates with 4 birds each). The quails were fed a diet supplemented with 0, 100, and 200 mg kg-1 pomegranate seed oil (PSO). After 10 weeks, two birds per subgroup were randomly selected and slaughtered.
Main results: Supplementation of PSO reduced (p<0.05) feed intake and body weight gain linearly. However, there was no significant effect of PSO on carcass traits. For color parameters, the L* and b* values of breast and thigh meat increased with the addition of PSO to the diet (p<0.05). Cooking losses were highest in the thigh of quails fed 200 mg kg-1 PSO. On the other hand, in the breast, the lowest values for this parameter were observed in the groups that had received 100 mg kg-1 of PSO.
Research highlights: Including 100 mg kg-1 of PSO can improve some meat quality characteristics without affecting performance parameters. There is a possibility that meat quality could be negatively affected by values higher than this. Nevertheless, further research is needed to determine the optimal dose of PSO to improve quail meat quality and its performance