Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment (ALSE) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal on Agricultural, Horticultural and Animal Sciences, Food Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Environmental Management in the field of Applied Life Sciences, published quarterly online and in print by “Ion Ionescu de la Brad” Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS).
Latest Articles
Design of GNSS Networks for Monitoring Earth Dams Deformations
Ioana Agapie (Mereuță), Mihail Luca, Paul-Marian Gherasim, Violeta Dominte (Croitoru)
ABSTRACT. The paper presents a series of results regarding the application of GNSS technology for measuring displacements to earth dams. An appropriate horizontal and vertical deformation-tracking network must be established for the rapid monitoring of earthmoving movements. Data obtained from the monitoring network can be used in the earth dam stability analysis program. Periodic tracking of earth dams using GNSS technology provides high accuracy of spatial distortions. The results of the paper show the application of GNSS technology to monitor the deformations of the Podisu earth dam located on the Sheep Valley River in Iasi County. In the first stage of research (2019 and 2020), the local geodetic tracking network was created. To monitor the dam, four control landmarks were placed on the crest of dam and seven landmarks on the downstream slope. In the second stage of the research (year 2021) the measurements of the displacements at the earth dam were performed. The GNSS monitoring method has the advantage of positioning the target quickly, statically, and with high accuracy. The measurements used fixed stations located at two points in the local geodetic network. Four Trimble GNSS receivers were used for the measurements. The resulting data was processed using the Trimble Business Centre program. The obtained results were analysed in comparison with those existing in the design documentation and technical expertise of the dam. The results highlight the presence of displacements on the crest of a dam and slopes of the dam. The final findings highlight the performance of GNSS technology in the monitoring process, where it provides millimetre-accurate accuracy with high spatial and temporal accuracy.
Keywords: earth dam, static measurements, GNSS, geodetic network.
Assessing the Efficiency of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken
David Ofoe Gorleku, Gloria Pearl Ami Badu, John Tennyson Afele, James Seutra Kaba, Akwasi Adutwum Abunyewa
ABSTRACT. High cost of poultry feed and limited fishmeal are currently the major challenges in poultry production. To reduce cost while maximizing production, there is the need to use cheap but high nutritional feed sources like Moringa oleifera. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera on the growth performance of broiler chicken by measuring their live weight, rate of mortality, feed conversion ratio and benefit cost (b/c) ratio. Field experiment was carried out at the Animal Science Department farm, located in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana. A total of 30-day old chicks were raised for eight weeks under the required conditions, with all vaccines administered appropriately. The experiment was laid in a Complete Randomized Design with five treatments namely T1= 100% conventional feed only (as control), T2= 50% MoLM (Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal) + 50% conventional, T3= 75% MoLM + 25% conventional, T4= 25% MoLM + 75% conventional, T5= 80% MoLM and each treatment replicated six times. The result showed no significant differences between the various treatment for the feed conversion ratio and live weight at different growth periods. The benefit/cost ratio of T1 was more than one while the other treatments were less than one. T4 (25% MoLM) had a b/c ratio close to one. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf meal at different levels can be used to supplement the fishmeal component in the poultry diet of broiler chicken to produce similar results as that of the conventional feed. The study recommends that farmers can adopt Moringa oleifera based poultry feed for their bird production when they cannot afford the conventional feed (fish meal-based feed) to cut down cost economically while increasing productivity.
Keywords: Moringa oleifera, broiler chicken, growth performance, Conventional feed, Poultry feed.
Cover story
Nepeta cataria L. grows spontaneously in certain regions of Romania, and based on specialised studies since 1977, it has been introduced into the culture as a medicinal species. Studies over time have also attributed food uses (spice) or plant protection (the phenomenon of allelopathy and repellent for some insects).
The plant has the morphological features characteristic of the Lamiaceae family and is the most representative species of this genus in our country. Through the biochemical analyses performed, the authors tried to highlight the influence of the pedo-climatic conditions and the chemotype on certain components.
Electron microscopy (SEM) provides information about the size, shape and structure of cells specialised in the secretion of volatile oil, in this case glandular trichomes. It also provides information about the formations on the epidermis of the leaves and how a stress factor can influence them (see page 310).
Effect of Seed Pre-Sowing Treatments on the Germination and Early Growth of Albizia Lebbeck Seeds
Joyce Kwakye, Sydney Stanley Blankson
ABSTRACT. Albizia lebbeck is a multipurpose tree that has many benefits for the environment and the end user. The extent to which this tree species is cultivated is very low due to seed coat dormancy, which causes a longer germination period and late seedling growth. This research was done at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, located in Kumasi, Ghana, at the Department of Horticulture, to ascertain the effect of seed pretreatment on germination and early seedling growth. Germination was observed in seeds pretreated with hot water (100º) for 1 minute (T1), dry heat (90º) for 2 minutes (T2), in 6% hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes (T3), cold water at room temperature for 24 hours (T4) and untreated seed (T5) as the control. The experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained for seed germination percentage were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance in Statistix 7.0 software, and the least significant difference at 5% probability level was used to separate the means of height, collar diameter and number of leaves. A comparison between the pretreated and control seeds showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) on germination percentage, germination rate, and root and shoot dry weights of Albizia lebbeck. However, it had a positive influence (P < 0.05) on early growth characteristics. Seeds soaked in cold water (T4) had maximum early seedling growth. Hydrogen peroxide treatment (T3) yielded the highest collar diameter growth. Hot water treatment (T1) had the lowest height, collar diameter and number of leaves. Cold water at room temperature should be encouraged as a pretreatment method for the early growth of Albizia lebbeck seedlings. Keywords: Albizia lebbeck, Pre-sowing treatments, Germination, Early growth.
Results Obtained from Sweet Cherry Breeding in Iaşi, Romania
Elena Iurea, Sorina Sîrbu, Gelu Corneanu, Margareta Corneanu
ABSTRACT. From 1994 – 2016, the Research Station for Fruit Growing (RSFG) Iași approved 28 cherry cultivars, of which three were early cultivars (Cetăţuia, Cătălina and Amaris), 20 were middle maturation cultivars (Maria, Golia, Ştefan, Bucium, Iaşirom, Tereza, Lucia, Radu, Oana, Alexus, Andreiaş, Ludovan, Cociuvaş, Iosifan, Paulică, Mihailis, Muşatini, Elaiaşi, Amar Maxut, and Amar Galata), and five had late maturation (Andante, Marina, Croma, Margonia, and George). Van, as the most widespread cultivar in Romanian orchards, was used as a control. The sweet cherry cultivars were created through direct hybridisation or free pollination. Maria Cultivar is the first Romanian self-fertile cultivar. The locally approved bitter cherry biotypes are Amar Maxut with black fruit, Amar Galata with double-coloured fruit, and Amaris with dark red fruit. Regarding the tree’s vigour, cultivars Amaris, Tereza, Ştefan, and Golia recorded weak vigour, in comparison with the other cultivars, which had medium vigour. Bitter-tasting cherry cultivars have semi-firm pulp with semi-adherence to the stone, and the fruit weight was under 7 g. All 28 cultivars presented high precocity, productivity, fruit quality, and resistance to frost, drought, and diseases.
Keywords: cultivars; fruit; hybridisation; maturation stages; traits.
Determination of Critical Value of Available Soil Phosphorus for Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) in Calcareous Soils from Greece
Christos Tsadilas, Eleftherios Evangelou, Thomai Nikoli, Miltiadis Tzioyvalekas
ABSTRACT. Phosphorus is considered as a basic essential element for plant growth which cannot be substituted or manufactured and is, therefore, a scarce resource to ensure food security; its sound management is considered important. One of the factors that play a significant role in its management is the determination of the critical available phosphorous (P) level in soil, in order to decide whether to apply P fertilizers or not. Since several soil and plant factors affect the value of the critical available soil P, it is considered necessary to carry out special experiments, in order to determine the soil critical P value for an area and a specific crop. The purpose of the present study was to establish critical soil and plant P values for wheat. A greenhouse pot experiment was performed on seven representative calcareous soils from the Thessaly plain in central Greece. The soils were deficient in available P and so they were fertilized with various rates of P. At appropriate stages, the above-ground plant parts were harvested and analysed for basic nutrients, including P. At the same time, soil samples were also taken and analysed for available P. The Cate and Nelson technique was applied, to determine critical values of both soil and wheat tissue P values. It was found that the critical soil P is 11 mg P kg-1 and the critical value for wheat tissue is 0.24% P dry matter.
Keywords: available P; critical values; wheat; calcareous soils; P fertilization.
Influence of Foliar Fertilisers on Biochemical and Physiological Properties in Nepeta Racemosa LAM.
Constantin Lungoci, Carmen Doina Jităreanu, Carmen Simona Ghițău, Teodor Robu
ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate some elements of physiology and biochemistry in Nepeta racemosa Lam. in the pedo-climatic conditions of the Moldavian forest steppe. The parameters were quantified under conditions of differentiated fertilisation with three foliar products (KSC 1, KSC 2, and Corona K). Biochemical analysis by GC/MS revealed the highest concentration of the following components: nepetallic acid (Untreat – 54.33%, KSC 1 – 55.50%, KSC 2 – 56.90%, Corona K – 53.77), eucalyptol (Untreat . 9.87%, KSC 1 – 10.70%, KSC 2- 12.80%, Corona K – 10.78%), 3-hydroxy-(4S, 4aS, 7S, 7aS)-dihydronepetalactone (Untreat – 5.87%, KSC 1 – 5.37%, KSC 2 – 4.87, Corona K – 3.67%), and (4aS, 7S, 7aS)-trans, cis-nepetalactone (Untreat – 4.30%, KSC 1 – 5.00%, KSC 2 – 4.20%, Corona K – 5.23%). Polyphenols were present in large quantities in the Corona K variant, with 33.1 mg GA/g dw at the first harvest and 27.88 mg GA/g dw at the second harvest. The highest concentration of flavonoids was identified in the Corona K variant (26.34 mg QE/g dw – first harvest and 56.77 mg QE/g dw – second harvest). The antioxidant activity was between 14.76 and 38.54% at the first harvest, and from 12.18 to 22.95% at the second harvest. Chlorophyll pigments ranged from 13.12-17.68 μg/ml-1 for chlorophyll a, 5.43-9.66 μg/ml-1 for chlorophyll b, and 2.07-3.34 μg/ml-1 for carotenoids. The highest grass production per m2 was achieved in the version fertilised with KSC 1 for both crops, with 986.66 g/m2 for the first harvest and 861.33 g/m2 for the second. Iridoids are a class of substances that are commonly used for pesticide role. The study aims to highlight these substances and determine whether differentiated fertilization influences. The presented data confirm the results in the literature for polyphenols and flavonoids, but also present chemotypic novelties in terms of chemical composition and represent a direction to follow for future research.
Keywords: nutrients; flavonoids; nepetalic acid; polyphenols; chlorophyll; DPPH.
Analysis of Spermatozoa Quality Using Percoll Density Gradient Centrifugation Through the Administration of Phospholipid + EGTA
Rooije R.H. Rumende, Eva L. Baideng, Fredine E.S. Rares, Laya M. Rares
ABSTRACT. The Percoll density gradient centrifugation (PDGC) method is frequently used in the sexing of spermatozoa. However, this method causes damage to the spermatozoa membranes, resulting in a decreased quality of spermatozoa. We analysed the impacts of phospholipid PC (phosphatidylcholine) and EGTA (ethylene glycol bis (β-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid) Ca2+ free buffer on the quality of bovine spermatozoa after the PDGC process, using semen from Friesian Holstein (FH) bulls aged 5 – 8 years. The following variables were observed: spermatozoa motility, spermatozoa viability, spermatozoa membrane integrity, spermatozoa that have not experienced capacitation, spermatozoa that have experienced capacitation and spermatozoa that have undergone acrosomal reaction. The results showed that the administration of phospholipid PC + EGTA Ca2+ free buffer to spermatozoa, followed by the PDGC process, could maintain or further improve the values of all variables. In the PDGC process, phospholipid PC 10% + EGTA Ca2+ free buffer at 1 mM was most suitable.
Keywords: PDGC; PC phospholipids; EGTA; separation spermatozoa.
Integrating Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale) with Food Crops: Perceptions of Farmers at Amoma, in the Kintampo South District of the Bono East Region of Ghana
Louisa Adomaa Ofori, Eunice Nimo, John Tennyson Afele, Olivia Agbenyega
ABSTRACT. Income maximization from cashew products and proper utilization of resources has significantly evolved in Amoma, as a result of cashew diversification with food crops. The aim of the study was to assess the perceptions of farmers on integrating cashew with food crops. The study aimed to identify the type of food crops intercropped with cashew, as well as reasons and its associated challenges. A total of 83 respondents were purposively sampled from four communities (Asesase, Kukuroase, Tutuoase and Afapemu). The results indicated that all farmers had knowledge on food crops integration with cashew. Amongst the food crops cultivated with cashew include yam, maize, cassava and groundnut. Reasons stated for integration of food crops include weed control, subsistence use and also financial safety nets. Farmers’ major challenge was financial and also weeds control on their farm. The study concluded that yam was the commonest intercrop of cashew followed maize. Key challenges encountered by farmers were weed invasion and inadequate disposable cash for maintenance practices, such pruning and weeding. In pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger), the study recommends that farmers be trained on proper food crop integration methods at Amoma to boost yield, financial stability and enhance living conditions.
Keywords: intercropping; cashew; food crops; food security; SDG 1&2.
Biomass-Based Soil in Ecological Agriculture: Characteristics and Wheat Grains Development Trends
Ramona Elena Tătaru-Farmuș, Carmen Zaharia, Daniela Șuteu, Alexandra Cristina Blaga
ABSTRACT. The biomass-based soils are used in the ecological agriculture, being already proposed in sustainable organic production systems with reduced costs for assuring the good cropping productivity, and also high quality of the crops. For the elimination of the synthetic inorganic fertilizers’ utilization on soil, the use of certain types of residual biomass in mixture with the reference soil was proposed as they have a positive impact on the adsorption and absorption of nutrients and water for the nutrition of plants. The aim of this paper is to present four mixtures of reference soil and residual biomass, considered as biosoil used as support for development of wheat seeds. These biosoils were characterized in terms of real density, actual and potential pH, content of total organic carbon, humus, exchangeable calcium, total and available nitrogen and phosphorus, and the trends of grain seeds germination and plants growth were registered in association with the evolution of soil pH for a period greater than a month. The results encourage the use of these biosoils (mixtures of soil with residual biomass) as support for plants cropping.
Keywords: biosoil; ecological agriculture; grain seeds; mixture of soil and biomass; soil characteristics.
Agrobiological Value of Some White Grape Varieties Created at Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Vinification Odobești, Vrancea County, Romania
Ionica Bosoi, Liliana Rotaru, Cintia Colibaba, Marioara Pușcalău
ABSTRACT. Vine varieties react differently to the influence of environmental factors by decreasing or significantly intensifying the vigour of shoot growth, a biological reaction that also affects fertility and productivity. This article presents data on some agrobiological properties (vegetative growth of shoots, fertility and productivity) of some white wine varieties, created at the Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Vinification (R.D.S.V.V.) Odobești, Vrancea County, Romania) – Şarba, Băbească gri, Mioriţa and Vrancea, in the period 2020 – 2021. The data obtained were compared with the control variety Fetească regală. In Odobeşti vineyard, 2020 was much warmer than normal, characterized by a severely deficient rainfall regime resulting in atmospheric drought, followed by the gradual development of pedological drought. The vigour of shoots was negatively influenced by the climatic conditions of the vegetation period in 2020, the highest values being recorded for the varieties Șarba (159.6 cm) and Vrancea (141.5 cm), which showed significant positive differences, compared to the control variety. The fertility of the buds was lower in 2020, compared to 2021, the Vrancea variety being distinguished by higher potential fertility than the varieties Șarba, Băbească gri and Miorița, but lower potential fertility than the control variety. The absolute fertility coefficient (Cfa) had superunitary values for all varieties (1.07 – 1.50), and the relative fertility coefficient (Cfr) had subunitary values, except for the Vrancea variety (1.32). The varieties Șarba, Băbească gri and Miorița achieved an absolute productivity index (Ipa) superior to the control variety Fetească regală due to the higher average weight of the grapes, and the relative productivity index (Ipr) ranged from 199 for the Vrancea variety to 182 for the variety Șarba.
Keywords: grape variety; vigour; fertility coefficients; productivity index.
The Impact of Two Anticoagulants on Erythrocytes Morphology in Different Vertebrate Species
Daniel Cocan, Vioara Mireşan, Camelia Răducu, Paul Uiuiu, Alexandru Giurgiu, Tudor Păpuc, Radu Constantinescu, Călin Laţiu
ABSTRACT. In this study, we aimed to highlight the influence of anticoagulants on erythrocyte morphometry in different vertebrate species. Anticoagulants are a category of substances that inhibit blood clotting through various mechanisms. Due to this property, they are used to collect blood samples for a wide range of laboratory tests. The literature mentions that the use of anticoagulants produces morphological changes of erythrocytes, thus influencing results. Blood samples were collected from three warm-blooded vertebrate species (horse, rabbit, and chicken) and one lower vertebrate species with nucleated erythrocytes (fish) in vacutainers with Heparin and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), in a normal concentration and a double concentration. At the time of harvesting, control smears were performed. In order to be able to compare the effects produced by anticoagulants on the morphology of erythrocytes, they were evaluated morphometrically at intervals of 3, 6, and 24 hrs. after harvest. The following features were evaluated using the Toup View software: length, width, surface and perimeter of erythrocytes for species with anucleated erythrocytes. The same characteristics were evaluated in the nucleus for species with nucleated erythrocytes. The data obtained were processed with statistical programs to highlight changes in erythrocyte morphology produced by anticoagulants.
Keywords: blood cells; length-width ratio; cell surface; shape; vacutainer.
The Profile of Fatty Acids and the Eggs Quality from Hens Fed to the Diet with Flax Seeds, Rapeseed Meal and Vitamin E Supplements
Petru Alexandru Vlaicu, Tatiana Dumitra Panaite, Raluca Paula Turcu, Gabriela Maria Cornescu, Petruța Vișinescu
ABSTRACT. This experiment investigates the effect of flaxseed meal, rapeseed meal and vitamin E supplementation, when used together, on the production parameters of fatty acid composition and eggs quality characteristics in Tetra SL laying hens (38 to 46 weeks of age). For this, 120 hens were allocated one of three treatments, with 40 hens in each group. The hens were fed either a control diet (C), a control diet including 2.5 % flaxseed meal and 2.5% rapeseed meal (E1) or 2.5% flaxseed meal and 2.5% rapeseed meal with 73 mg/ kg feed of vitamin E as an antioxidant supplement (E2) for 8 weeks. Hens consuming the E1 diet had greater egg production and egg mass than those from group C. The feed conversion ratio in both the E1 and E2 groups was lower (P < 0.05) than in the C diet group. E2 had considerably higher egg weight, albumen pH, yolk pH and Haugh unit than E1 and C (P0.05), as a response to the vitamin E antioxidant effect. The most α-linolenic fatty acid content (1.07 g FAME) was found in eggs produced by chickens fed the E2 diet, (1.07 g FAME), followed by E1 (0.91 g FAME), with both being significantly higher than C eggs (0.23g FAME). Furthermore, all n-6 studied fatty acids concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in E1 and E2, while all n-3 fatty acids concentrations were significantly greater (P > 0.05) in E1 and E2. When comparing the n-6/n-3 ratio of fatty acids from experimental treatments (6.44 and 6.74) with C treatment (18.19), a significant difference was observed (almost 65% lower).
Keywords: egg fatty acids; egg quality; flaxseed; laying hens; rapeseed.
Fertilisation Source and Dose Optimisation Boost Yield of Durum Wheat in Mediterranean Climatic Conditions
Mazlum Ayhan, Ferhat Kizilgeçi, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal
ABSTRACT. Climate change, global warming, environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural fields, stagnant wheat yields and reduced farm economic returns require optimisation of sources and doses of plant nutrients. A field study was conducted to evaluate wheat response to different forms of fertilisers and nitrogen (N) doses under Mediterranean conditions. The field trial was comprised of fertiliser sources, including chemical fertilisers, compost and leonardite, while different nitrogen levels (0, 80, 160, 240 kg ha-1) were also tested. The experimental variables included yield attributes (height of the, length of the spike, spikelets number per spike, thousand-grain weight and grain yield). In addition, nutritional quality attributes like protein and starch contents were studied along with NDVI values of wheat under different fertilisation regimes. The trial was executed using a randomised complete block (factorial) design using four replications. The results revealed that fertiliser forms and N doses remained ineffective for boosting yield attributes of wheat. For nutritional characteristics of wheat grains, a higher N dose remained instrumental in boosting protein, starch and wet gluten contents. Thus, 240 kg ha-1 of N dose might be recommended for general adoption under Mediterranean conditions; however, study findings are limited in scope and further in-depth studies are needed by testing organic manures from plant and animal origins.
Keywords: compost; leonardite; NDVI; nitrogen doses; protein content.
Plant Spacing and Its Effect on Yield, Fibre Quality and Physiological Parameters in Cotton
Rojda Altundag, Emine Karademir
ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to see how changing plant spacings affected cotton yield, yield components, fibre quality traits, and physiological parameters. In this study, six plant spacings (no thinning, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm) were investigated. Plant density caused significant differences in the number of first fruiting branches, number of bolls, ginning percentage, seed cotton yield, fibre yield, and normalised difference vegetative index (NDVI). Plant height, the number of sympodial branches, number of monopodial branches, boll weight, seed cotton weight/boll, number of 100-seed weight, seeds/boll, canopy temperature, chlorophyll content, leaf area, and fibre quality properties (micronaire, length, strength, elongation, uniformity, short fibre index, reflectance, yellowness, and spinning consistency index [SCI] were non-significant. The highest values of seed cotton yield, fibre yield, ginning percentage, number of first fruiting branches, and NDVI were obtained in the no thinning and 5 cm plant spacing applications, while the highest boll number was obtained at 20 and 25 cm plant spacings. In this study, physiological parameters, such as canopy temperature, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and fibre technological traits, were not affected by plant spacing. The highest seed cotton yield, fibre yield, ginning percentage and NDVI were obtained from no thinning and 5 cm intra-row spacing, indicating their impact on examined characteristics. Therefore, a yield estimation can be made in the flowering period with the NDVI in different plant densities in cotton.
Keywords: cotton; plant spacing; yield; physiology; fibre quality.
Comparison of Two Microwave Drying Techniques for Cereal Seeds and Determination of Their Physical Parameters
Petru Marian Cârlescu, Marius Băetu, Virginia Ciobanu, Ioan Țenu, Radu Roșca
ABSTRACT. The microwave drying of wheat and corn seeds by two technologies at different working powers is studied here. The main objective is to evaluate the effect of microwaves on variations in the moisture, colour and size of the seeds after microwave drying. The tests are performed in microwave ovens with and without inverter technology at three drying powers (260, 440 and 620 W). It has been observed that increasing drying power results in a ~50% reduction in drying time and a seed moisture level below 14%. The colour variation of the seeds is insignificant between microwave drying with and without the inverter. However, there is also an unacceptable decrease in size for both types of seeds with increasing drying power, which can lead to increased shrinkage of the seeds and the appearance of cracks, especially in the corn seeds.
Keywords: microwave, drying, cereal seeds.
The Effect of Different Sowing Times on Fresh Ear Yield and Yield Components in Sweet Corn (Zea Mays L. Saccharata Sturt.) Varieties
Sevda Kilinç, Şehmus Atakul, Şerif Kahraman, Hüsnü Aktaş, İrfan Erdemci, Özlem Avşar, İsmail Gül
ABSTRACT. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different sowing times on duration of tasselling, plant height, first ear height, ear length, ear diameter, number of ears per plant, fresh ear yield with husk, fresh ear yield unhusked, and marketable number of ears of different sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata Sturt.) varieties in Diyarbakır between the years of 2010-2012. The trial was conducted as split plots in randomised complete blocks with three replications. The main plots were sowing times, and the sub-plots were varieties. The trials were carried out at eight different sowing times (1 April, 15 April, 1 May, 15 May, 1 June, 15 June, 1 July and 15 July) with ‘Merit’, ‘Jubilee’, ‘Lumina’, ‘Vega’ and ‘Sakarya’ composite sweet corn varieties. From the variance analysis of the three-year combined average, the duration of tasselling, plant height, first ear height, ear length, ear diameter, number of ears per plant, fresh husked ear yield, fresh unhusked ear yield and marketable ear number were statistically significant for sowing times and varieties. According to the sowing time × variety interaction, except ears per plant and first ear height values, all other traits were significant. The fresh husked and unhusked ear yields varied between 8541.7-19396.8 kg ha-1 and 5065.0-13485.7 kg ha-1, respectively. The highest fresh husked and fresh unhusked ear yields were obtained from the 15 April sowing time of ‘Vega’ variety. The results state that optimal sowing dates for different varieties of sweet corn could be from 1 April to 1 May, and the most suitable variety to be planted is ‘Vega’ in Diyarbakır conditions.
Keywords: sweet corn; sowing time; variety; yield and yield components.
Assessing the Impacts of Climatic Factors on Cotton Yield And Its Economic Indicators
Assem A.A. Mohamed, Mona Maze, Mohamed M.M. Abdelaziz, Alaa A. Khalil
ABSTRACT. Cotton is one of the strategic crops in Egypt. This article investigates the impacts of climatic factors and their variations on the cotton yield and its economic benefits during the period from 1998 to 2019. We chose the Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, where cotton is one of the major planted crops, was chosen for the analysis. The climatic factors utilized were the maximum, minimum and average temperatures; relative humidity; solar radiation and wind speed. Precipitation was excluded, as Egypt depends mainly on irrigation. The climatic factors utilized influenced yield during different growth stages: wind speed showed an influence only on the germination stage, whereas temperature had a major impact before and at the maturity stages. The latter correlation was positive in July and negative in August and September. Relative humidity and solar radiation impacted on yield at different growth stages, with an almost positive correlation with solar radiation and both a positive and a negative correlation with relative humidity. For the study of the economic indicators of cotton, cotton data were taken for the whole Egyptian Governorate during the period 2005-2019. The study showed a decrease in the net return during the period from 2005 to 2015 that reached a loss (minus value) of 195 Egyptian pounds (LE) in 2015, followed by an increase during the period from 2016 to 2019 due to the increase in farm gate prices.
Keywords: cotton crops, weather parameters, vegetative stages, economic indicators, Egypt.
Nitrogen Status and Canopy Density Detection of Vegetation Using Multispectral Data
Oluwole John Pelemo, Sadioluwa O. Afolabi, Maureen O. Ogoliegbune, Monisola B. Awosusi, Mayowa J. Mephors, David O. Ayeni, Sadiat I. Adamu
ABSTRACT. The use of ground-based multispectral data for the evaluation of plant water stress and nitrogen status in Old Oyo national Park, Nigeria was conducted and classification was performed. The active area of nitrogen concentration in hectares was between 0.0 and 0.4. This active area was expressed in hectares (ha) and percentages (%) respectively. From the assessment, 53.52 ha (69%) and 24.29 ha (31%) were recorded at 0.2-0.4 and 0.0-0.2, respectively. Heat stress takes place when the regular temperature is above 30ºC, which could slow down plant growth and lead to the threat of deficiency. The heat stress reached a maximum of 40ºC in this analysis between February and May. The research concluded that the sustainability of crops and trees requires a certain quantity of 69 percent nitrogen and a certain level of wetness for their growth which is between 400 mm and 800 mm rainfall.
Keywords: heat stress, temperature, drought, land cover changes.
Polyel – Compound with Antioxidant Properties
Anastasia Ștefîrță, Ion Bulhac, Eduard Coropceanu, Lilia Brînză
ABSTRACT. A new complex compound, Polyel, which contains thiourea, macro- and microelements in the form of salts and coordination complexes, as well as vitamins, was obtained and tested. Biological tests were performed in laboratory experiments and in the vegetation complex of the Institute of Genetics, Physiology and Plant Protection. As subjects of investigations served the plants Glycine max (Merr) cultivars L. ‘Deia’, ‘Moldovița’, and ‘Enigma’ varieties, grown in the Mitcherlih vegetation pots with a volume of 40 kg soil and exposed to the drought stress at the phase “flowering – pods formation”. The beneficial effect of Polyel on antioxidant protection systems by reducing the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and intensifying the activity of antioxidant protection enzymes has been established. Polyel has been shown to be one of the new biologically active chemicals that can be used in agriculture to reduce the negative impact of oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The use of Polyel as a physiologically active substance (PAS) with antioxidant proprieties for pre-treatment of seeds and foliar apparatus is much more effective under moderate drought conditions.
Keywords: Polyel; antioxidant; malondialdehyde; antioxidant protection enzymes; drought; soybean.
Effects of Salinity on Growth and Proline Content on Bean and Alfalfa
Sabah Razi, Fatima Zohra Khadhir
ABSTRACT. Soil salinity is a major agricultural constraint in many countries. Plants’ response to salinity depends on the species and the salt concentration in the soil. The objective of this study was to test the resistance of three leguminous plants – common bean (variety ‘El-Jadida’), broad bean (variety ‘Claro de Luna’), and alfalfa (variety ‘Diamon’) – to several salinity rates and to show which one was more resistant to salt stress. This study was carried out under controlled conditions, with six NaCl concentrations (0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/kg) added to a mixture of potting soil and sand. A completely randomised design was used, where the three legumes were cultivated with different salt concentrations to determine the effect of these doses on fresh biomass, dry mass, and physiological parameters (sodium and proline content). The results showed the negative effect of salinity on fresh biomass and dry mass of shoots and roots. Claro de Luna, the broad bean variety, was more adapted to salinity than alfalfa and common bean. The amount of sodium in the shoots and roots of the three species increased with increasing salinity. Alfalfa may play a role in soil desalination; at 53.33 mM NaCl, 100 mg alfalfa dry mass absorbed 4.5 mg Na per pot, which corresponded to the uptake of about 0.6 kg Na per hectare of soil. Proline content increased with increasing salt concentrations.
Keywords: salt stress; proline content; bean; alfalfa; phytoremediation.
Cervical Oesophagotomy in a Cat for Foreign Body Removal – Case Report
Alexandra Neamțu, Liviu Burtan, Dan Gheorghe Drugociu
ABSTRACT. Oesophageal foreign bodies are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in small animals, especially in carnivores. Due to the possibility of complications such as perforation or tracheal compression, the patient may present an upper airway obstruction, which might become a medical emergency. Here, we describe a rare case of a large cervical foreign object in a cat and review the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of this condition. A 4-year-old female cat was referred to our clinic with signs of dyspnoea, dysphagia and regurgitation. The history and clinical exam suggested an oesophageal foreign body, subsequently radiographically confirmed. Because its shape and position did not allow endoscopic extraction, the foreign body was removed via ventral cervical oesophagostomy. Due to its location and large size, it was necessary to fragment the foreign body into two pieces for complete extraction without injuring the oesophageal walls. The patient had no postoperative complications and was discharged 7 days after surgery. In this condition, an early diagnosis, followed by an immediate surgical repair and a rigorous postoperative care, correlates with patient recovery and survival, being crucial in reducing the high morbidity and mortality rates that are usually associated.
Keywords: foreign body; oesophagus; cat; dyspnoea; dysphagia.
Latest Articles
Design of GNSS Networks for Monitoring Earth Dams Deformations
Ioana Agapie (Mereuță), Mihail Luca, Paul-Marian Gherasim, Violeta Dominte (Croitoru)
ABSTRACT. The paper presents a series of results regarding the application of GNSS technology for measuring displacements to earth dams. An appropriate horizontal and vertical deformation-tracking network must be established for the rapid monitoring of earthmoving movements. Data obtained from the monitoring network can be used in the earth dam stability analysis program. Periodic tracking of earth dams using GNSS technology provides high accuracy of spatial distortions. The results of the paper show the application of GNSS technology to monitor the deformations of the Podisu earth dam located on the Sheep Valley River in Iasi County. In the first stage of research (2019 and 2020), the local geodetic tracking network was created. To monitor the dam, four control landmarks were placed on the crest of dam and seven landmarks on the downstream slope. In the second stage of the research (year 2021) the measurements of the displacements at the earth dam were performed. The GNSS monitoring method has the advantage of positioning the target quickly, statically, and with high accuracy. The measurements used fixed stations located at two points in the local geodetic network. Four Trimble GNSS receivers were used for the measurements. The resulting data was processed using the Trimble Business Centre program. The obtained results were analysed in comparison with those existing in the design documentation and technical expertise of the dam. The results highlight the presence of displacements on the crest of a dam and slopes of the dam. The final findings highlight the performance of GNSS technology in the monitoring process, where it provides millimetre-accurate accuracy with high spatial and temporal accuracy.
Keywords: earth dam, static measurements, GNSS, geodetic network.
Assessing the Efficiency of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken
David Ofoe Gorleku, Gloria Pearl Ami Badu, John Tennyson Afele, James Seutra Kaba, Akwasi Adutwum Abunyewa
ABSTRACT. High cost of poultry feed and limited fishmeal are currently the major challenges in poultry production. To reduce cost while maximizing production, there is the need to use cheap but high nutritional feed sources like Moringa oleifera. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of Moringa oleifera on the growth performance of broiler chicken by measuring their live weight, rate of mortality, feed conversion ratio and benefit cost (b/c) ratio. Field experiment was carried out at the Animal Science Department farm, located in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi-Ghana. A total of 30-day old chicks were raised for eight weeks under the required conditions, with all vaccines administered appropriately. The experiment was laid in a Complete Randomized Design with five treatments namely T1= 100% conventional feed only (as control), T2= 50% MoLM (Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal) + 50% conventional, T3= 75% MoLM + 25% conventional, T4= 25% MoLM + 75% conventional, T5= 80% MoLM and each treatment replicated six times. The result showed no significant differences between the various treatment for the feed conversion ratio and live weight at different growth periods. The benefit/cost ratio of T1 was more than one while the other treatments were less than one. T4 (25% MoLM) had a b/c ratio close to one. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaf meal at different levels can be used to supplement the fishmeal component in the poultry diet of broiler chicken to produce similar results as that of the conventional feed. The study recommends that farmers can adopt Moringa oleifera based poultry feed for their bird production when they cannot afford the conventional feed (fish meal-based feed) to cut down cost economically while increasing productivity.
Keywords: Moringa oleifera, broiler chicken, growth performance, Conventional feed, Poultry feed.
Cover story
Nepeta cataria L. grows spontaneously in certain regions of Romania, and based on specialised studies since 1977, it has been introduced into the culture as a medicinal species. Studies over time have also attributed food uses (spice) or plant protection (the phenomenon of allelopathy and repellent for some insects).
The plant has the morphological features characteristic of the Lamiaceae family and is the most representative species of this genus in our country. Through the biochemical analyses performed, the authors tried to highlight the influence of the pedo-climatic conditions and the chemotype on certain components.
Electron microscopy (SEM) provides information about the size, shape and structure of cells specialised in the secretion of volatile oil, in this case glandular trichomes. It also provides information about the formations on the epidermis of the leaves and how a stress factor can influence them (see page 310).
Effect of Seed Pre-Sowing Treatments on the Germination and Early Growth of Albizia Lebbeck Seeds
Joyce Kwakye, Sydney Stanley Blankson
ABSTRACT. Albizia lebbeck is a multipurpose tree that has many benefits for the environment and the end user. The extent to which this tree species is cultivated is very low due to seed coat dormancy, which causes a longer germination period and late seedling growth. This research was done at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, located in Kumasi, Ghana, at the Department of Horticulture, to ascertain the effect of seed pretreatment on germination and early seedling growth. Germination was observed in seeds pretreated with hot water (100º) for 1 minute (T1), dry heat (90º) for 2 minutes (T2), in 6% hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes (T3), cold water at room temperature for 24 hours (T4) and untreated seed (T5) as the control. The experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained for seed germination percentage were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance in Statistix 7.0 software, and the least significant difference at 5% probability level was used to separate the means of height, collar diameter and number of leaves. A comparison between the pretreated and control seeds showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) on germination percentage, germination rate, and root and shoot dry weights of Albizia lebbeck. However, it had a positive influence (P < 0.05) on early growth characteristics. Seeds soaked in cold water (T4) had maximum early seedling growth. Hydrogen peroxide treatment (T3) yielded the highest collar diameter growth. Hot water treatment (T1) had the lowest height, collar diameter and number of leaves. Cold water at room temperature should be encouraged as a pretreatment method for the early growth of Albizia lebbeck seedlings. Keywords: Albizia lebbeck, Pre-sowing treatments, Germination, Early growth.
Results Obtained from Sweet Cherry Breeding in Iaşi, Romania
Elena Iurea, Sorina Sîrbu, Gelu Corneanu, Margareta Corneanu
ABSTRACT. From 1994 – 2016, the Research Station for Fruit Growing (RSFG) Iași approved 28 cherry cultivars, of which three were early cultivars (Cetăţuia, Cătălina and Amaris), 20 were middle maturation cultivars (Maria, Golia, Ştefan, Bucium, Iaşirom, Tereza, Lucia, Radu, Oana, Alexus, Andreiaş, Ludovan, Cociuvaş, Iosifan, Paulică, Mihailis, Muşatini, Elaiaşi, Amar Maxut, and Amar Galata), and five had late maturation (Andante, Marina, Croma, Margonia, and George). Van, as the most widespread cultivar in Romanian orchards, was used as a control. The sweet cherry cultivars were created through direct hybridisation or free pollination. Maria Cultivar is the first Romanian self-fertile cultivar. The locally approved bitter cherry biotypes are Amar Maxut with black fruit, Amar Galata with double-coloured fruit, and Amaris with dark red fruit. Regarding the tree’s vigour, cultivars Amaris, Tereza, Ştefan, and Golia recorded weak vigour, in comparison with the other cultivars, which had medium vigour. Bitter-tasting cherry cultivars have semi-firm pulp with semi-adherence to the stone, and the fruit weight was under 7 g. All 28 cultivars presented high precocity, productivity, fruit quality, and resistance to frost, drought, and diseases.
Keywords: cultivars; fruit; hybridisation; maturation stages; traits.
Determination of Critical Value of Available Soil Phosphorus for Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) in Calcareous Soils from Greece
Christos Tsadilas, Eleftherios Evangelou, Thomai Nikoli, Miltiadis Tzioyvalekas
ABSTRACT. Phosphorus is considered as a basic essential element for plant growth which cannot be substituted or manufactured and is, therefore, a scarce resource to ensure food security; its sound management is considered important. One of the factors that play a significant role in its management is the determination of the critical available phosphorous (P) level in soil, in order to decide whether to apply P fertilizers or not. Since several soil and plant factors affect the value of the critical available soil P, it is considered necessary to carry out special experiments, in order to determine the soil critical P value for an area and a specific crop. The purpose of the present study was to establish critical soil and plant P values for wheat. A greenhouse pot experiment was performed on seven representative calcareous soils from the Thessaly plain in central Greece. The soils were deficient in available P and so they were fertilized with various rates of P. At appropriate stages, the above-ground plant parts were harvested and analysed for basic nutrients, including P. At the same time, soil samples were also taken and analysed for available P. The Cate and Nelson technique was applied, to determine critical values of both soil and wheat tissue P values. It was found that the critical soil P is 11 mg P kg-1 and the critical value for wheat tissue is 0.24% P dry matter.
Keywords: available P; critical values; wheat; calcareous soils; P fertilization.
Influence of Foliar Fertilisers on Biochemical and Physiological Properties in Nepeta Racemosa LAM.
Constantin Lungoci, Carmen Doina Jităreanu, Carmen Simona Ghițău, Teodor Robu
ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate some elements of physiology and biochemistry in Nepeta racemosa Lam. in the pedo-climatic conditions of the Moldavian forest steppe. The parameters were quantified under conditions of differentiated fertilisation with three foliar products (KSC 1, KSC 2, and Corona K). Biochemical analysis by GC/MS revealed the highest concentration of the following components: nepetallic acid (Untreat – 54.33%, KSC 1 – 55.50%, KSC 2 – 56.90%, Corona K – 53.77), eucalyptol (Untreat . 9.87%, KSC 1 – 10.70%, KSC 2- 12.80%, Corona K – 10.78%), 3-hydroxy-(4S, 4aS, 7S, 7aS)-dihydronepetalactone (Untreat – 5.87%, KSC 1 – 5.37%, KSC 2 – 4.87, Corona K – 3.67%), and (4aS, 7S, 7aS)-trans, cis-nepetalactone (Untreat – 4.30%, KSC 1 – 5.00%, KSC 2 – 4.20%, Corona K – 5.23%). Polyphenols were present in large quantities in the Corona K variant, with 33.1 mg GA/g dw at the first harvest and 27.88 mg GA/g dw at the second harvest. The highest concentration of flavonoids was identified in the Corona K variant (26.34 mg QE/g dw – first harvest and 56.77 mg QE/g dw – second harvest). The antioxidant activity was between 14.76 and 38.54% at the first harvest, and from 12.18 to 22.95% at the second harvest. Chlorophyll pigments ranged from 13.12-17.68 μg/ml-1 for chlorophyll a, 5.43-9.66 μg/ml-1 for chlorophyll b, and 2.07-3.34 μg/ml-1 for carotenoids. The highest grass production per m2 was achieved in the version fertilised with KSC 1 for both crops, with 986.66 g/m2 for the first harvest and 861.33 g/m2 for the second. Iridoids are a class of substances that are commonly used for pesticide role. The study aims to highlight these substances and determine whether differentiated fertilization influences. The presented data confirm the results in the literature for polyphenols and flavonoids, but also present chemotypic novelties in terms of chemical composition and represent a direction to follow for future research.
Keywords: nutrients; flavonoids; nepetalic acid; polyphenols; chlorophyll; DPPH.
Analysis of Spermatozoa Quality Using Percoll Density Gradient Centrifugation Through the Administration of Phospholipid + EGTA
Rooije R.H. Rumende, Eva L. Baideng, Fredine E.S. Rares, Laya M. Rares
ABSTRACT. The Percoll density gradient centrifugation (PDGC) method is frequently used in the sexing of spermatozoa. However, this method causes damage to the spermatozoa membranes, resulting in a decreased quality of spermatozoa. We analysed the impacts of phospholipid PC (phosphatidylcholine) and EGTA (ethylene glycol bis (β-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid) Ca2+ free buffer on the quality of bovine spermatozoa after the PDGC process, using semen from Friesian Holstein (FH) bulls aged 5 – 8 years. The following variables were observed: spermatozoa motility, spermatozoa viability, spermatozoa membrane integrity, spermatozoa that have not experienced capacitation, spermatozoa that have experienced capacitation and spermatozoa that have undergone acrosomal reaction. The results showed that the administration of phospholipid PC + EGTA Ca2+ free buffer to spermatozoa, followed by the PDGC process, could maintain or further improve the values of all variables. In the PDGC process, phospholipid PC 10% + EGTA Ca2+ free buffer at 1 mM was most suitable.
Keywords: PDGC; PC phospholipids; EGTA; separation spermatozoa.
Integrating Cashew (Anacardium Occidentale) with Food Crops: Perceptions of Farmers at Amoma, in the Kintampo South District of the Bono East Region of Ghana
Louisa Adomaa Ofori, Eunice Nimo, John Tennyson Afele, Olivia Agbenyega
ABSTRACT. Income maximization from cashew products and proper utilization of resources has significantly evolved in Amoma, as a result of cashew diversification with food crops. The aim of the study was to assess the perceptions of farmers on integrating cashew with food crops. The study aimed to identify the type of food crops intercropped with cashew, as well as reasons and its associated challenges. A total of 83 respondents were purposively sampled from four communities (Asesase, Kukuroase, Tutuoase and Afapemu). The results indicated that all farmers had knowledge on food crops integration with cashew. Amongst the food crops cultivated with cashew include yam, maize, cassava and groundnut. Reasons stated for integration of food crops include weed control, subsistence use and also financial safety nets. Farmers’ major challenge was financial and also weeds control on their farm. The study concluded that yam was the commonest intercrop of cashew followed maize. Key challenges encountered by farmers were weed invasion and inadequate disposable cash for maintenance practices, such pruning and weeding. In pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger), the study recommends that farmers be trained on proper food crop integration methods at Amoma to boost yield, financial stability and enhance living conditions.
Keywords: intercropping; cashew; food crops; food security; SDG 1&2.
Biomass-Based Soil in Ecological Agriculture: Characteristics and Wheat Grains Development Trends
Ramona Elena Tătaru-Farmuș, Carmen Zaharia, Daniela Șuteu, Alexandra Cristina Blaga
ABSTRACT. The biomass-based soils are used in the ecological agriculture, being already proposed in sustainable organic production systems with reduced costs for assuring the good cropping productivity, and also high quality of the crops. For the elimination of the synthetic inorganic fertilizers’ utilization on soil, the use of certain types of residual biomass in mixture with the reference soil was proposed as they have a positive impact on the adsorption and absorption of nutrients and water for the nutrition of plants. The aim of this paper is to present four mixtures of reference soil and residual biomass, considered as biosoil used as support for development of wheat seeds. These biosoils were characterized in terms of real density, actual and potential pH, content of total organic carbon, humus, exchangeable calcium, total and available nitrogen and phosphorus, and the trends of grain seeds germination and plants growth were registered in association with the evolution of soil pH for a period greater than a month. The results encourage the use of these biosoils (mixtures of soil with residual biomass) as support for plants cropping.
Keywords: biosoil; ecological agriculture; grain seeds; mixture of soil and biomass; soil characteristics.
Agrobiological Value of Some White Grape Varieties Created at Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Vinification Odobești, Vrancea County, Romania
Ionica Bosoi, Liliana Rotaru, Cintia Colibaba, Marioara Pușcalău
ABSTRACT. Vine varieties react differently to the influence of environmental factors by decreasing or significantly intensifying the vigour of shoot growth, a biological reaction that also affects fertility and productivity. This article presents data on some agrobiological properties (vegetative growth of shoots, fertility and productivity) of some white wine varieties, created at the Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Vinification (R.D.S.V.V.) Odobești, Vrancea County, Romania) – Şarba, Băbească gri, Mioriţa and Vrancea, in the period 2020 – 2021. The data obtained were compared with the control variety Fetească regală. In Odobeşti vineyard, 2020 was much warmer than normal, characterized by a severely deficient rainfall regime resulting in atmospheric drought, followed by the gradual development of pedological drought. The vigour of shoots was negatively influenced by the climatic conditions of the vegetation period in 2020, the highest values being recorded for the varieties Șarba (159.6 cm) and Vrancea (141.5 cm), which showed significant positive differences, compared to the control variety. The fertility of the buds was lower in 2020, compared to 2021, the Vrancea variety being distinguished by higher potential fertility than the varieties Șarba, Băbească gri and Miorița, but lower potential fertility than the control variety. The absolute fertility coefficient (Cfa) had superunitary values for all varieties (1.07 – 1.50), and the relative fertility coefficient (Cfr) had subunitary values, except for the Vrancea variety (1.32). The varieties Șarba, Băbească gri and Miorița achieved an absolute productivity index (Ipa) superior to the control variety Fetească regală due to the higher average weight of the grapes, and the relative productivity index (Ipr) ranged from 199 for the Vrancea variety to 182 for the variety Șarba.
Keywords: grape variety; vigour; fertility coefficients; productivity index.
The Impact of Two Anticoagulants on Erythrocytes Morphology in Different Vertebrate Species
Daniel Cocan, Vioara Mireşan, Camelia Răducu, Paul Uiuiu, Alexandru Giurgiu, Tudor Păpuc, Radu Constantinescu, Călin Laţiu
ABSTRACT. In this study, we aimed to highlight the influence of anticoagulants on erythrocyte morphometry in different vertebrate species. Anticoagulants are a category of substances that inhibit blood clotting through various mechanisms. Due to this property, they are used to collect blood samples for a wide range of laboratory tests. The literature mentions that the use of anticoagulants produces morphological changes of erythrocytes, thus influencing results. Blood samples were collected from three warm-blooded vertebrate species (horse, rabbit, and chicken) and one lower vertebrate species with nucleated erythrocytes (fish) in vacutainers with Heparin and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), in a normal concentration and a double concentration. At the time of harvesting, control smears were performed. In order to be able to compare the effects produced by anticoagulants on the morphology of erythrocytes, they were evaluated morphometrically at intervals of 3, 6, and 24 hrs. after harvest. The following features were evaluated using the Toup View software: length, width, surface and perimeter of erythrocytes for species with anucleated erythrocytes. The same characteristics were evaluated in the nucleus for species with nucleated erythrocytes. The data obtained were processed with statistical programs to highlight changes in erythrocyte morphology produced by anticoagulants.
Keywords: blood cells; length-width ratio; cell surface; shape; vacutainer.
The Profile of Fatty Acids and the Eggs Quality from Hens Fed to the Diet with Flax Seeds, Rapeseed Meal and Vitamin E Supplements
Petru Alexandru Vlaicu, Tatiana Dumitra Panaite, Raluca Paula Turcu, Gabriela Maria Cornescu, Petruța Vișinescu
ABSTRACT. This experiment investigates the effect of flaxseed meal, rapeseed meal and vitamin E supplementation, when used together, on the production parameters of fatty acid composition and eggs quality characteristics in Tetra SL laying hens (38 to 46 weeks of age). For this, 120 hens were allocated one of three treatments, with 40 hens in each group. The hens were fed either a control diet (C), a control diet including 2.5 % flaxseed meal and 2.5% rapeseed meal (E1) or 2.5% flaxseed meal and 2.5% rapeseed meal with 73 mg/ kg feed of vitamin E as an antioxidant supplement (E2) for 8 weeks. Hens consuming the E1 diet had greater egg production and egg mass than those from group C. The feed conversion ratio in both the E1 and E2 groups was lower (P < 0.05) than in the C diet group. E2 had considerably higher egg weight, albumen pH, yolk pH and Haugh unit than E1 and C (P0.05), as a response to the vitamin E antioxidant effect. The most α-linolenic fatty acid content (1.07 g FAME) was found in eggs produced by chickens fed the E2 diet, (1.07 g FAME), followed by E1 (0.91 g FAME), with both being significantly higher than C eggs (0.23g FAME). Furthermore, all n-6 studied fatty acids concentrations were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in E1 and E2, while all n-3 fatty acids concentrations were significantly greater (P > 0.05) in E1 and E2. When comparing the n-6/n-3 ratio of fatty acids from experimental treatments (6.44 and 6.74) with C treatment (18.19), a significant difference was observed (almost 65% lower).
Keywords: egg fatty acids; egg quality; flaxseed; laying hens; rapeseed.
Fertilisation Source and Dose Optimisation Boost Yield of Durum Wheat in Mediterranean Climatic Conditions
Mazlum Ayhan, Ferhat Kizilgeçi, Muhammad Aamir Iqbal
ABSTRACT. Climate change, global warming, environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural fields, stagnant wheat yields and reduced farm economic returns require optimisation of sources and doses of plant nutrients. A field study was conducted to evaluate wheat response to different forms of fertilisers and nitrogen (N) doses under Mediterranean conditions. The field trial was comprised of fertiliser sources, including chemical fertilisers, compost and leonardite, while different nitrogen levels (0, 80, 160, 240 kg ha-1) were also tested. The experimental variables included yield attributes (height of the, length of the spike, spikelets number per spike, thousand-grain weight and grain yield). In addition, nutritional quality attributes like protein and starch contents were studied along with NDVI values of wheat under different fertilisation regimes. The trial was executed using a randomised complete block (factorial) design using four replications. The results revealed that fertiliser forms and N doses remained ineffective for boosting yield attributes of wheat. For nutritional characteristics of wheat grains, a higher N dose remained instrumental in boosting protein, starch and wet gluten contents. Thus, 240 kg ha-1 of N dose might be recommended for general adoption under Mediterranean conditions; however, study findings are limited in scope and further in-depth studies are needed by testing organic manures from plant and animal origins.
Keywords: compost; leonardite; NDVI; nitrogen doses; protein content.
Plant Spacing and Its Effect on Yield, Fibre Quality and Physiological Parameters in Cotton
Rojda Altundag, Emine Karademir
ABSTRACT. The purpose of this study was to see how changing plant spacings affected cotton yield, yield components, fibre quality traits, and physiological parameters. In this study, six plant spacings (no thinning, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm) were investigated. Plant density caused significant differences in the number of first fruiting branches, number of bolls, ginning percentage, seed cotton yield, fibre yield, and normalised difference vegetative index (NDVI). Plant height, the number of sympodial branches, number of monopodial branches, boll weight, seed cotton weight/boll, number of 100-seed weight, seeds/boll, canopy temperature, chlorophyll content, leaf area, and fibre quality properties (micronaire, length, strength, elongation, uniformity, short fibre index, reflectance, yellowness, and spinning consistency index [SCI] were non-significant. The highest values of seed cotton yield, fibre yield, ginning percentage, number of first fruiting branches, and NDVI were obtained in the no thinning and 5 cm plant spacing applications, while the highest boll number was obtained at 20 and 25 cm plant spacings. In this study, physiological parameters, such as canopy temperature, leaf area, chlorophyll content, and fibre technological traits, were not affected by plant spacing. The highest seed cotton yield, fibre yield, ginning percentage and NDVI were obtained from no thinning and 5 cm intra-row spacing, indicating their impact on examined characteristics. Therefore, a yield estimation can be made in the flowering period with the NDVI in different plant densities in cotton.
Keywords: cotton; plant spacing; yield; physiology; fibre quality.
Comparison of Two Microwave Drying Techniques for Cereal Seeds and Determination of Their Physical Parameters
Petru Marian Cârlescu, Marius Băetu, Virginia Ciobanu, Ioan Țenu, Radu Roșca
ABSTRACT. The microwave drying of wheat and corn seeds by two technologies at different working powers is studied here. The main objective is to evaluate the effect of microwaves on variations in the moisture, colour and size of the seeds after microwave drying. The tests are performed in microwave ovens with and without inverter technology at three drying powers (260, 440 and 620 W). It has been observed that increasing drying power results in a ~50% reduction in drying time and a seed moisture level below 14%. The colour variation of the seeds is insignificant between microwave drying with and without the inverter. However, there is also an unacceptable decrease in size for both types of seeds with increasing drying power, which can lead to increased shrinkage of the seeds and the appearance of cracks, especially in the corn seeds.
Keywords: microwave, drying, cereal seeds.
The Effect of Different Sowing Times on Fresh Ear Yield and Yield Components in Sweet Corn (Zea Mays L. Saccharata Sturt.) Varieties
Sevda Kilinç, Şehmus Atakul, Şerif Kahraman, Hüsnü Aktaş, İrfan Erdemci, Özlem Avşar, İsmail Gül
ABSTRACT. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of different sowing times on duration of tasselling, plant height, first ear height, ear length, ear diameter, number of ears per plant, fresh ear yield with husk, fresh ear yield unhusked, and marketable number of ears of different sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata Sturt.) varieties in Diyarbakır between the years of 2010-2012. The trial was conducted as split plots in randomised complete blocks with three replications. The main plots were sowing times, and the sub-plots were varieties. The trials were carried out at eight different sowing times (1 April, 15 April, 1 May, 15 May, 1 June, 15 June, 1 July and 15 July) with ‘Merit’, ‘Jubilee’, ‘Lumina’, ‘Vega’ and ‘Sakarya’ composite sweet corn varieties. From the variance analysis of the three-year combined average, the duration of tasselling, plant height, first ear height, ear length, ear diameter, number of ears per plant, fresh husked ear yield, fresh unhusked ear yield and marketable ear number were statistically significant for sowing times and varieties. According to the sowing time × variety interaction, except ears per plant and first ear height values, all other traits were significant. The fresh husked and unhusked ear yields varied between 8541.7-19396.8 kg ha-1 and 5065.0-13485.7 kg ha-1, respectively. The highest fresh husked and fresh unhusked ear yields were obtained from the 15 April sowing time of ‘Vega’ variety. The results state that optimal sowing dates for different varieties of sweet corn could be from 1 April to 1 May, and the most suitable variety to be planted is ‘Vega’ in Diyarbakır conditions.
Keywords: sweet corn; sowing time; variety; yield and yield components.
Assessing the Impacts of Climatic Factors on Cotton Yield And Its Economic Indicators
Assem A.A. Mohamed, Mona Maze, Mohamed M.M. Abdelaziz, Alaa A. Khalil
ABSTRACT. Cotton is one of the strategic crops in Egypt. This article investigates the impacts of climatic factors and their variations on the cotton yield and its economic benefits during the period from 1998 to 2019. We chose the Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, where cotton is one of the major planted crops, was chosen for the analysis. The climatic factors utilized were the maximum, minimum and average temperatures; relative humidity; solar radiation and wind speed. Precipitation was excluded, as Egypt depends mainly on irrigation. The climatic factors utilized influenced yield during different growth stages: wind speed showed an influence only on the germination stage, whereas temperature had a major impact before and at the maturity stages. The latter correlation was positive in July and negative in August and September. Relative humidity and solar radiation impacted on yield at different growth stages, with an almost positive correlation with solar radiation and both a positive and a negative correlation with relative humidity. For the study of the economic indicators of cotton, cotton data were taken for the whole Egyptian Governorate during the period 2005-2019. The study showed a decrease in the net return during the period from 2005 to 2015 that reached a loss (minus value) of 195 Egyptian pounds (LE) in 2015, followed by an increase during the period from 2016 to 2019 due to the increase in farm gate prices.
Keywords: cotton crops, weather parameters, vegetative stages, economic indicators, Egypt.
Nitrogen Status and Canopy Density Detection of Vegetation Using Multispectral Data
Oluwole John Pelemo, Sadioluwa O. Afolabi, Maureen O. Ogoliegbune, Monisola B. Awosusi, Mayowa J. Mephors, David O. Ayeni, Sadiat I. Adamu
ABSTRACT. The use of ground-based multispectral data for the evaluation of plant water stress and nitrogen status in Old Oyo national Park, Nigeria was conducted and classification was performed. The active area of nitrogen concentration in hectares was between 0.0 and 0.4. This active area was expressed in hectares (ha) and percentages (%) respectively. From the assessment, 53.52 ha (69%) and 24.29 ha (31%) were recorded at 0.2-0.4 and 0.0-0.2, respectively. Heat stress takes place when the regular temperature is above 30ºC, which could slow down plant growth and lead to the threat of deficiency. The heat stress reached a maximum of 40ºC in this analysis between February and May. The research concluded that the sustainability of crops and trees requires a certain quantity of 69 percent nitrogen and a certain level of wetness for their growth which is between 400 mm and 800 mm rainfall.
Keywords: heat stress, temperature, drought, land cover changes.
Polyel – Compound with Antioxidant Properties
Anastasia Ștefîrță, Ion Bulhac, Eduard Coropceanu, Lilia Brînză
ABSTRACT. A new complex compound, Polyel, which contains thiourea, macro- and microelements in the form of salts and coordination complexes, as well as vitamins, was obtained and tested. Biological tests were performed in laboratory experiments and in the vegetation complex of the Institute of Genetics, Physiology and Plant Protection. As subjects of investigations served the plants Glycine max (Merr) cultivars L. ‘Deia’, ‘Moldovița’, and ‘Enigma’ varieties, grown in the Mitcherlih vegetation pots with a volume of 40 kg soil and exposed to the drought stress at the phase “flowering – pods formation”. The beneficial effect of Polyel on antioxidant protection systems by reducing the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and intensifying the activity of antioxidant protection enzymes has been established. Polyel has been shown to be one of the new biologically active chemicals that can be used in agriculture to reduce the negative impact of oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The use of Polyel as a physiologically active substance (PAS) with antioxidant proprieties for pre-treatment of seeds and foliar apparatus is much more effective under moderate drought conditions.
Keywords: Polyel; antioxidant; malondialdehyde; antioxidant protection enzymes; drought; soybean.
Effects of Salinity on Growth and Proline Content on Bean and Alfalfa
Sabah Razi, Fatima Zohra Khadhir
ABSTRACT. Soil salinity is a major agricultural constraint in many countries. Plants’ response to salinity depends on the species and the salt concentration in the soil. The objective of this study was to test the resistance of three leguminous plants – common bean (variety ‘El-Jadida’), broad bean (variety ‘Claro de Luna’), and alfalfa (variety ‘Diamon’) – to several salinity rates and to show which one was more resistant to salt stress. This study was carried out under controlled conditions, with six NaCl concentrations (0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 g/kg) added to a mixture of potting soil and sand. A completely randomised design was used, where the three legumes were cultivated with different salt concentrations to determine the effect of these doses on fresh biomass, dry mass, and physiological parameters (sodium and proline content). The results showed the negative effect of salinity on fresh biomass and dry mass of shoots and roots. Claro de Luna, the broad bean variety, was more adapted to salinity than alfalfa and common bean. The amount of sodium in the shoots and roots of the three species increased with increasing salinity. Alfalfa may play a role in soil desalination; at 53.33 mM NaCl, 100 mg alfalfa dry mass absorbed 4.5 mg Na per pot, which corresponded to the uptake of about 0.6 kg Na per hectare of soil. Proline content increased with increasing salt concentrations.
Keywords: salt stress; proline content; bean; alfalfa; phytoremediation.
Cervical Oesophagotomy in a Cat for Foreign Body Removal – Case Report
Alexandra Neamțu, Liviu Burtan, Dan Gheorghe Drugociu
ABSTRACT. Oesophageal foreign bodies are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in small animals, especially in carnivores. Due to the possibility of complications such as perforation or tracheal compression, the patient may present an upper airway obstruction, which might become a medical emergency. Here, we describe a rare case of a large cervical foreign object in a cat and review the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of this condition. A 4-year-old female cat was referred to our clinic with signs of dyspnoea, dysphagia and regurgitation. The history and clinical exam suggested an oesophageal foreign body, subsequently radiographically confirmed. Because its shape and position did not allow endoscopic extraction, the foreign body was removed via ventral cervical oesophagostomy. Due to its location and large size, it was necessary to fragment the foreign body into two pieces for complete extraction without injuring the oesophageal walls. The patient had no postoperative complications and was discharged 7 days after surgery. In this condition, an early diagnosis, followed by an immediate surgical repair and a rigorous postoperative care, correlates with patient recovery and survival, being crucial in reducing the high morbidity and mortality rates that are usually associated.
Keywords: foreign body; oesophagus; cat; dyspnoea; dysphagia.
