2023

Selle valdkonna püsiv URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10492/8643

Sirvi

Nüüd näidatakse 1 - 20 114

Unveiling the factors influencing groundwater resources in a coastal environment – a review
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Nair, A.M.; Yesodharan, G.; Arun, K.; Prasad, G.
The coastal environment is a dynamic and complex system where the interaction between land and sea gives rise to many challenges and opportunities. Among the critical resources in these regions, groundwater resources in a coastal environment play a vital role in sustaining human communities, ecosystems, and diverse economic endeavors. However, these resources encounter unique challenges due to the complex interaction between freshwater and saltwater interfaces, and the sustainability of coastal groundwater resources is increasingly threatened by various factors. This review highlights the factors that influence these resources to ensure their sustainable management, which sheds light on the intricate dynamics of coastal groundwater systems and for developing effective strategies to safeguard long-term availability.
Agronomic traits determinants of superior varieties and millable cane productivity of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) on dryland, Indonesia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Karimuna, S.R.; Sulistiono, W.; Taryono; Alam, T.; Wahab, A.
Indonesia is one of the sugar-producing countries in the world, with most of the planting area shifted to dryland, sub-optimal. During the development of production, it is necessary to select varieties that are suitable for dryland. This study aimed to determine the adaptation of superior sugarcane varieties on dryland. This study used a split-plot under repeated Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Six superior sugarcane varieties used in this research were Saccharum ‘CMG Agribun ’, Saccharum ‘AAS Agribun’, Saccharum ʻASA Agribunʼ, Saccharum ʻAMS Agribunʻ, Saccharum ʻPS864ʼ and Saccharum ‘Bululawang’. The variables observed were plant height, stem diameter, number of segments, and number of tillers at the age of 13, 15, and 17 WAP (weeks after planting). The results showed that growth parameters, namely plant height at 13 and 15 WAP, number of tillers at 15 and 17 WAP, and stem diameter at 13 and 15 WAP, showed better growth, indicating superior agronomic properties of a sugarcane variety on dryland. Saccharum ‘AMS Agribun’ and Saccharum ‘Bululawang’ varieties, stem diameter, increased with spacing treatment at the early growth of 17 weeks after planting. The Saccharum ‘PS864’ was the best, having the highest average of agronomic values compared to other varieties. The Saccharum ‘PS864’ had the highest plant height and number of internodes. The highest number of tillers was obtained in the Saccharum ‘AAS Agribun’ varieties.
Study of the carbonization process for the plant waste utilisation
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Zhylina, M.; Irtiseva, K.; Ozolins, J.
In agriculture and the food industry, large amounts of vegetable waste are generated annually: straw, corn waste, nut shells, fruit kernels, etc. The problem of their disposal is extremely acute, and regularly people use the simplest methods that do not require further processing of this type of waste. An efficient way of recycling is to make sorbents out of it. In modern conditions of deficit and rising commodity prices, the search for new, cheapest methods is becoming more and more urgent. The origin of vegetable waste is an excellent annual renewable raw material base. Walnut shells and corn cobs were used as raw material samples for the production of sorbents. The carbonization was carried out at temperatures of 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 °C. Researched properties of raw materials: moisture, ash content and yield of volatile components. The dependency of the sorbent yield on the final temperature was determined, the ash content and the sorption activity by iodine were determined. Based on the results of the study, the high quality of the sorbent obtained was noted. In this way, the use of plant waste as raw material for the production of sorbents allows not only to solve the problem of waste recycling, but also to obtain a high-quality product and reduce its cost.
Bioenergy transition as a strategic mechanism to diversify energy sources in rural areas in Colombia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Villegas, S.; Rocha-Meneses, Lisandra; Luna-del Risco, M.; Arroyave, C.; Arrieta, C.; Arredondo, C.
The growth in population has resulted in an increase in the consumption of goods and services, which has led to a surge in waste generation and the use of fossil fuels. To mitigate the envi-ronmental issues associated with improper waste management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, residual organic matter can be used to produce bioenergy in the form of biogas and biomethane through anaerobic digestion (AD). These biofuels can act as substitutes for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas (NG) and can be utilized for power and heat generation. In Colombia, the current production of biogas is 4 MW, and the government aims to increase its utilization by promoting the inclusion of biogas and biomethane in the energy matrix through a supportive regulatory framework. Studies suggest that the theoretical energy potential of livestock waste in Colombia is estimated to be 2,673 MW, but the current technological conditions allow for the utilization of only 198 MW, with the pork sector contributing 34%. This study examines the legal context and the present state of biogas in the Colombian energy matrix, while exploring the potential of the Colombian pig farming sector for biogas production. The social, economic, and environmental barriers and opportunities faced by this sector in becoming an energy producer during the transition period are also identified. The findings suggest that biogas presents a sustainable energy solution for rural areas of Colombia where pig farming is a prominent economic activity. Biogas can replace traditional fuels like LPG and firewood for cooking purposes or serve as a complementary source for electricity and thermal energy production in non-interconnected zones. This could mitigate environmental issues and reduce the prevalence of respiratory diseases associated with the use of firewood.
A cost-effective imaging system for monitoring poultry behaviour in small-scale kenyan poultry sheds
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Morgan, J.D.K.; Peets, S.; Mashatise, E.
The objective of this paper was to develop a low-cost prototype poultry behaviour imaging and analysis system for monitoring intensively-reared flocks suitable for small-scale Kenyan poultry sheds. An image processing and analysis programme was developed using Python programming language and the OpenCV image processing package. This was tested on overhead images of Ross 308 birds collected over a number of days using a Raspberry Pi V2 camera. A second experiment using toy-chicks was conducted with an angled camera (Wansview W3). Linear transformation (LT) and background subtraction (BS) methods were applied and compared for effectiveness at detecting yellow and brown toy-chicks on woodchip bedding. Perspective transformation (PT) was applied and evaluated for its ability to transform the angled images into two-dimensional views. In the first experiment, where white birds were detected against a dark background, LT object detection successfully detected 99.8% of birds in the sampled images. However, in the second experiment, the LT method was just 56.5% effective at detecting the yellow toy-chicks against the light-coloured background. In contrast, the BS method was more effective, detecting 91.5% of the yellow toy-chicks. The results showed that BS detection success was worse for yellow toy-chicks in the far section, detecting 83% as opposed to 100% of those in the near-section. Edge processing of the image processing algorithm was tested on a Raspberry Pi 3 series B+ computer. This prototype provides a solid foundation for further development and testing of low-cost, automated poultry monitoring systems capable of reporting on thermal comfort inferred from cluster index.
Technological properties of wheat flour with additives
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Kostetska, K.; Ulianych, O.; Shevchuk, K.
The research was carried out on the possibility of using potherbs in bakery industry. Powder of plants were used to replace 0.5%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 15% of wheat flour: Chenopōdium quīnoa L.; Cyperus esculentus L.; Physalis tomentous L.; Cosmos sulphureus Cav.; Pycnanthemum virginianum L.; Pycnanthemum trifolium L.; Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) Kuntze; Agastache urticifolia (Benth.) Kuntze, cv. Weide Kerze; Mentha spicаta L. ‘Moroccan’; Achillea setacea Waldst. Et Kit.; Isodon japonicus var. Glaucocalyx (Maxim.) H. W. Li; Satureja montana L.; Teucrium scorodonia L.; Ruta montana L.; Népeta argolica Bory et Chaub.; Népeta grandiflora L.; Népeta mussinii Spreng. Ex Henckel., cv. Posviata Meisu; Népeta nepetelia L. In order to develop an effective technology for its use, creating new types of products with properties that meet current needs of consumers in Ukraine and the world, it is necessary to clarify the relation of potherbs with other components. Baking properties determine the behavior of flour in technological process, namely, they form the quality of bread and depend on the state of carbohydrate-amylase, protein-proteinase, lipidlipolytic complexes, as well as the content of compounds that cause darkening of flour during the process of bread making. Use of herbs in bakery is promising. The data obtained allows manufacturers to recommend the use of herbs during the production of bread.
Increasing the sustainability of vegetable crops production by using intercropping
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Lepse, L.; Zeipiņa, S.
Some scientific reports support the idea of using plant interactions to promote the growth and yielding of vegetable crops. The plant interactions in vegetable production under intercropping conditions were investigated in ERDF funded project ‘Elaboration of environment-friendly crop growing technologies identified by the Green Deal and their implementation in horticultural production in Latvia (GreenHort)’ implemented in Latvia Institute of Horticulture with the aim to introduce strip cropping in the vegetable production. The investigations were carried out at the Institute of Horticulture, Latvia (57°03’44.6’’N, 22°54’53.2’’E), during the growing seasons of 2021 and 2022. The vegetable crops (carrots, cabbage, onions, and pumpkins) were grown in intercropping with agroecological service plants or aromatic plants as companion plants (white clover, marigolds, tagetes, lavender, sage, coriander). The investigated variants were compared with the control, where vegetable crops were grown in monoculture as usual. Each intercrop variant consists of 7 alternating rows (each 0.6 m wide) - 4 rows of service crop and 3 rows of vegetable. There was observed significant influence of the growing system on the plants productivity. The sharpest differences between variants were observed for cabbage - marigold, sage and lavender had a positive influence on the cabbage yield formation, but white clover had an extremely negative influence on the cabbage plant growth. White clover had a negative influence also on carrot and pumpkin productivity. Sage had a yield-promoting influence on the carrot crop. There was not found any significant influence of the agroecologial crops on onion productivity.
Problems and prospects of sugar beet cultivation in Kazakhstan
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Khusnitdinova, M.; Abdrakhmanova, A.; Pozharskiy, A.; Kapytina, A.; Kerimbek, N.; Nizamdinova, G.; Taskuzhina, A.; Adilbayeva, K.; Kolchenko, M.; Gritsenko, D.
Purpose - to ensure the food security of Kazakhstan, domestic sugar industry should aim at a significant reduction in import dependence and transition to self-sufficiency. The share of domestic sugar from sugar beet in Kazakhstan is 7%. Design/methodology/approach - review indicating the main problems in the sugar beet production in Kazakhstan for the purpose of reimagining the domestic sugar beet industry to reduce dependence on sugar import. We analyzed the dynamics of sugar beet cultivation in Kazakhstan over the past 20 years and detected a sharp reduction in the sugar beet production. Findings - we have identified 10 problems in sugar beet production in Kazakhstan and determined the necessary targeted solutions. We consider the main direction to be the development of scientific methodology for sugar beet production (breeding of new highly productive disease-resistant cultivars, improvement of sugar beet protection system, efficient crop rotation). The most notable problems included in this paper are small-scale marketability of sugar beet farms, infectious diseases of sugar beet, water supply shortages, use of outdated agricultural technologies, high cost of imported sugar beet seeds. Originality/value - The present paper includes a full analysis of current problems in sugar beet production in Kazakhstan.
Change in the carbon footprint of Iranians’ food consumption from 1961 to 2019: A decomposition analysis of drivers
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Bashiri, B.; Zehtabvar, M.; Gavrilova, O.; Vilu, Raivo
The study investigates the role of three drivers: population, energy intake per capita, and dietary change on the carbon footprint of food consumption in Iran from 1961 to 2019. Iran was chosen for this analysis because the country has experienced a noteworthy population increase in the past century, and the imposed international sanctions have changed the economic welfare of the nation. Logarithmic Mean Division Index, along with data of FAOSTAT Food balance sheets and carbon footprint per item, were utilized to decompose the impacts of the drivers. The results demonstrated that the carbon footprint of food consumption in Iran increased by 1.6 during this period. We also found that population increase, and energy intake per capita were the main drivers of the carbon footprint of food consumption in Iran while diet change contributed negatively.
Spatial disparity and environmental issues of organic agriculture
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Ušča, M.; Ieviņa, L.; Lakovskis, P.
Food systems are major drivers of such global environmental problems as a decrease in biodiversity, degradation and fragmentation of habitats, use of fertilizers and pesticides, and water pollution. To deal with the environmental issues caused by agriculture at the European level, agri-environmental measures, including organic agriculture, through Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are introduced to alleviate the detrimental impacts of agriculture. As it is still not clear whether agri-environmental measures, including organic agriculture, contribute unambiguously to the goals set by the CAP and the impact of organic agriculture on water quality is of high uncertainty, this study aims to analyse the spatial disparity of organic land and its impact on the environment by probing into the connection between the location of organic lands and water quality. The paper is based on a study of spatial analyses of organically managed land, its structure, and its relation to water bodies with a significant load of dispersed pollution from agriculture as well as the statistical analysis of the relationship between organic agriculture and water quality. The research was carried out in Latvia and done on a national level. This paper highlights the necessity for a more goal-oriented approach to the implementation of specific CAP measures as well as gives a deeper understanding of a specific CAP measure - organic agriculture. The statistical analysis of the data confirms that the management of arable land with organic farming methods has the potential to contribute to improving and preserving surface water quality.
Impact of some herbicides on the growth and the yield of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.)
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Juhasz, Cs.; Hadhazy, A.; Abido, W.A.E.; Pal, V.; Zsombik, L.
The production and use of common vetch has great potential, but the lack of approved pesticides makes the success of cultivation difficult and unpredictable. The research was carried out on sandy soil at the Nyíregyháza Research Institute of the University of Debrecen in Hungary in April 2022. Five different herbicides, pendimethalin, metolachlor, flumioxazin, bentazon in doses 5 L ha-1 , 1.4 L ha-1 , 0.06 kg ha-1 , 2 L ha-1 , respectively, and imazamox in four different doses (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 L ha-1 ) were applied with the consideration of the ranges specified in the Hungarian legislation. The results showed that the highest NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) values were obtained with flumioxazin compared to the other treatments. The maximum harvested seed yield (194.1 kg ha-1 ) was obtained with the application of flumioxazin compared to the control treatment (132.5 kg ha-1 ). Flumioxazin was also the best as it had the fewest weeds per plot and the lowest phytotoxicity score. Although pendimethalin approached the cleaned and harvested average seed yield of the control plots with 121.3 kg ha-1 , it did not feature prominently in the other indicators. With regard to plant trash after cleaning of vetch seed, the highest plant trash (179.4 kg ha-1 ) was obtained with bentazon. Pendimethalin had the highest percentage ratio between seed yield ha-1 and plant trash ha-1 (61.8%), followed by flumioxazin (60.7%). The results also showed that there was a positive correlation between NDVI values and seed yield and a positive correlation between NDVI values and plant trash, while there was a negative correlation at the 0.01 level between NDVI values and phytotoxicity.
Comparison of different chemical-free pretreatment methods for the production of sugars, ethanol and methane from lignocellulosic biomass
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Sjulander, Nikki; Rooni, Vahur; Rocha-Meneses, Lisandra; Kikas, Timo; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Forestry and Engineering. Chair of Biosystems Engineering
Most pretreatment methods for lignocellulosic biomass use strong chemicals, such as sulphuric acid and ammonia, to open up the cellular structure of plant biomass. However, those chemicals are not environmentally friendly and their use leads to safety risks. As a result, different chemical-free pretreatment methods have been developed, which focus on the usage of pressure, high or low temperatures and mild chemicals. Freezing pretreatment and explosive decompression pretreatments, using different operating gases, such as nitrogen and steam, are compared in the context of glucose, ethanol and methane yield in this review. For the methane production, the stillage from bioethanol production is used. The usage of this waste improves the overall valorisation of lignocellulosic biomass. The review also investigates, whether the nitrogen explosive decompression pretreatment is suitable for the treatment of softwoods, hardwoods and herbaceous materials. In the comparison of different chemical-free pretreatment methods, it is concluded that heat and water are the most influential parameters for opening up the lignocellulosic biomass structure. The operating gas and pressure in the pretreatment reactor are less relevant. Steam explosion, nitrogen explosive decompression pretreatment and autohydrolysis pretreatment are the most suitable chemical-free pretreatment methods for lignocellulosic biomass.
Physical parameters kinetics during the drying process of quarters and halves cut tomatoes
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Mencarelli, A.; Marinello, F.; Marini, A.; Guerrini, L.
Tomato drying is a time-consuming industrial process. Moreover, the prolonged use of high temperatures decreases the quality of tomatoes and increases the environmental footprint of the process. In most cases, drying is performed on halved tomatoes. Alternatively, the use of quarter tomatoes could guarantee a drying times reduction without compromising the final product quality. This work aimed at modelling changes in physical characteristics of half and quarter tomatoes. The drying tests were conducted at 50 and 60 °C. The kinetics of weight loss, colour change, and volume reduction were determined. Colour change was monitored through image analysis, while volume reduction using RGB-D reconstructions. Based on the results, an increase in the drying temperature and the use of quartered tomatoes allow a significant reduction in drying times. The loss of water kinetic allowed the determination of critical moisture. Between initial and critical moisture, loss of water occurred at constant rate (zero-order kinetic), while after that the rate decreased exponentially (first-order kinetic). The colour kinetics showed an initial constant rate followed by a linear increase for brown pixels. The variation of red pixels did not have a clear trend. Increasing the temperature there was no significant reduction in colour quality while quarter tomatoes showed a greater loss of redness than halved tomatoes. Furthermore, the temperature increase does not affect the volume reduction of the tomatoes. Increasing the temperature and the use of quartered tomatoes are simple solutions to reduce drying times. However, quartered tomatoes are less visually appreciable than halved tomatoes.
Using multi-frequency electrical conductivity measurement to determine the selective salinity in a two-component salt solution
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Horváth, J.; Kátai, L.; Czinkota, I.; Szabó, I.
Digital technologies can help farmers produce safe, sustainable, high-quality food while contributing to the fight against effects of abiotic and edaphic factors. Due to digitalization, a paradigm shift occurred in agriculture, which boosted sensor technology's rapid development, especially soil sensors. Using sensors and the digital knowledge of soil properties, farmers can better understand the needs of the fields and cultivated plants on a micro-scale, thereby saving resources and putting less strain on our environment. The relative salinity of our soils is an important aspect because of the impact on production costs and yield. The future of site-specific crop production is moving towards a sensor-based on-the-go measurement approach because obtaining important soil characteristics quickly and cheaply is still one of the biggest challenges in precision agriculture today. Measuring soil electrical conductivity (EC) could offer an opportunity to overcome these limitations if the different salt components of soil could be separated by analytical methods. In our study, we present a calibration model based on conductometry with which the selective potassium and calcium content can be determined in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Solutions containing K+ and Ca2+ cations in the concentration determined in the experimental model were mixed and measured by changing the frequency of the measuring current. In this study, measurements proved that a mathematical relationship can be used to describe the relationship between the composition and concentration of the two-component solution, the measurement frequency and the conductivity. The potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) content of the solution can be separated from each other, and a regression calibration curve can be recorded, from which the proportion of potassium and calcium in the given solution can be determined as a function.
Predictors of safe behaviour and holistic framework for promoting proactive safety culture in healthcare and nursing homes
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Sepp, Jaana
The poor safety culture in nursing homes is attributed to the lack of professional and safety competencies, management commitment, and limited empirical data. The purpose of this study is to identify potential predictors of safe behaviour among care workers and establish a holistic framework for a proactive safety culture in healthcare and nursing homes. The study was conducted in 25 care institutions between September 2014 to December 2017 using mixed-methods with quantitative (NOSACQ-50; CCQ, COPSOQ II) and qualitative (focus-group interview) components. Results revealed challenges with safety systems and management, lack of resources and time, and the importance of leadership and psychosocial well-being. The study identified subcultures of proactive safety culture, including professional competence culture and psychosocial well-being culture. These subcultures aid in identifying weaknesses and improving quality, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to safety culture in healthcare institutions, particularly in nursing homes. The author's proposition on positive safety culture, based on the theory of situated cognition, highlights the significance of subcultures such as professional competence culture and psychosocial well-being culture in influencing care workers' professional identity and safety behaviour. In conclusion, the importance of these subcultures can be emphasised due to ensuring adequate understanding and positive attitudes towards safety. Adequate care worker training and a culture that supports professional competence are crucial for patient safety and organizational outcomes. Addressing psychosocial risks and promoting a culture of psychosocial well-being can create a safer workplace culture and improve employee performance, job satisfaction, and overall organizational outcomes.
Comparative approach for assessing the soil quality in an urban conservation unit
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Berna, G.S.D.; Pereira, C.R.; De Oliveira, E.; Hüther, C.M.
This study aimed to verify the quality of the soil according to different stages of forest regeneration. Urban conservation units can be of great importance in land management and in the sustainable development process of cities. Monitoring soil quality in these spaces can help to define strategies in the forest recovery process. A management performance evaluation method and consequent soil quality was applied, using data envelopment analysis (DEA). Soil was collected in the three stages of forest regeneration observed, land with established forests, reforested land, and open land, at three different depths. In the set of 54 analyzed observations, soils with low levels of fertility were verified. However, an area with reforested land showed the best performance in maximizing the selected variables and consequently better soil quality scores. The open lands showed the lowest performance in soil conservation. In this way, the revealed performance scores accompanied the Sum of Exchangeable Bases and Organic Matter values. This quality score can help to define soil management strategies, which may be applicable to a wider audience and wider contexts in environmental management.
IoT and measurement of fermentation process of rice wine
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Vošahlík, J.
The article deals with the fermentation process of rice wine and obtaining data during fermentation with the help of IoT, developed and implemented stirrer. Stirrer was printed by 3D printer. The process of converting D-glucose into ethanol together with the oxidation of reduced coenzymes is called fermentation. Ethanol fermentation takes place anaerobically, i.e., without access to air with the help of yeast. The fermentation process is gradually being improved with the help of acquired sensor data and the gradual possibility of automation. The main objective of this paper is to develop an experimental environment for measuring rice wine fermentation processes with the help of IoT. During the fermentation of rice wine, there are measurable attributes that can be measured with the help of sensors. These attributes affecting the final product quality, positively but also negatively (pH, temperature, humidity, etc.). It is therefore necessary to select a given sensor that can monitor the attributes and then devices that can then manage and evaluate it. the correct selection and use of sensors and computing equipment, the acquisition and processing of data and the application of the resulting values to fermentation procedures, the resulting product quality increases.
Resistance of local rice progeny to ferrous iron toxicity between locations, seasons, and salt application in tidal lands
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Sinaga, P.H.; Elfiani; Yusuf, R.; Nurhayati; Yunita, R.; Utami, D.W.; Girsang, S.S.
Rice is the main food in Indonesia that grows in various agroecosystems. The challenge is ferrous iron toxicity (FIT), wherein adaptive varieties with high yield potential be required to support increased production. The study objectives were to produce tolerant and widely adapted lines of FIT from local parents, to determine the stability of the lines in various environments and seasons in FIT rice fields, and to determine the response of rice lines to salt application. Two local Fe-tolerant parents that is Cekau and Karya, were used as females to produce lines that were tested for FIT. High-yielding lines and early maturity were selected to represent tolerant, quite tolerant, and moderate to FIT. The research was designed according to a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Most of the local cultivar descent were resistant to FIT and stable at various locations and seasons. There was an interaction between the lines and the environment in the multilocation test, but in the high-Fe field test, there was no interaction between the lines and the season. Sensitive lines gave higher yields in the dry season than in the rainy season, but the tolerant lines are not affected by the seasons. The long dry season followed by high rainfall caused the accumulation of Fe on the soil surface to increase followed by a decrease in yields of moderate and sensitive lines. The addition of 200 kg ha-1 of salt increased the productivity of tolerant, quite tolerant, and moderate lines by improving root quality.
Increased biogas production from lignocellulosic biomass by soaking in water
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Jankovičová, B.; Hutňan, M.; Imreová, Z.; Zakhar, R.
Due to its large production worldwide, lignocellulosic biomass represents a substrate with great potential to produce biogas. However, this type of biomass is characterized by a complex and solid structure, which is difficult to decompose by anaerobic microorganisms. Applying the correct pre-treatment method can increase its biodegradability. Lignocellulosic substrate was pre-treated by soaking in water for one day at room temperature to increase biogas production and monitoring of long-term operation of laboratory models of anaerobic reactors for anaerobic digestion of such pre-treated maize waste was employed. Monitoring results in two reactors, R1 with biogas produced from a substrate soaked in water for one day and R0 with the production of biogas from a substrate mixed with water just before dosing into the reactor, were compared showing positive effect of the pre-treatment method. This was expressed by higher values of biogas production and higher methane content in biogas from the substrate soaked in water for one day. The achieved specific biogas productions during four different phases of reactor operation in reactor R1 were in the range of 190–335 mL g-1 of VS (volatile solids) and 101–221 mL g-1 of VS in reactor R0. Methane content of biogas during reactor operation was 49.3–55.2% in reactor R1 and 42.5–45.5% in reactor R0. During long-term operation of another reactor, pre-treated maize waste was used as a co-substrate for maize silage, in the ratio of 1:1 based on VS of the substrates proving as a suitable co-substrate for maize silage, as the achieved average value of specific biogas production during reactor operation at OLR (organic loading rate) = 1.75 kg VS m-3 d-1 was 510 mL g-1 of VS and during first 67 days at OLR = 2 kg VS m-3 d-1 it was 454 mL g-1 of VS.
Germplasm diversity of sunflower volatile terpenoid profiles across vegetative and reproductive organs
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2023) Bahmani, K.; Giguere, M.; Dowell, J.A.; Mason, C.M.
Cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is the fourth most important oilseed crop globally and is known to have experienced multiple genetic bottlenecks during domestication and improvement. Homogenization of crop germplasm may limit breeding efforts to improve pest and pathogen resistance or optimize other biotic interactions like pollinator attraction. Such interactions are often strongly influenced by plant phytochemistry, especially volatile compounds like terpenoids. Here we use solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME GC-MS) to evaluate volatile phytochemistry across leaves, involucral bracts, disc florets, and ray floret petals in a collection of twelve inbred lines selected to represent a cross-section of sunflower germplasm diversity. Results indicate considerable compositional diversity of volatiles among lines, though substantial reduction in total volatile abundance relative to wild H. annuus. From leaves and bracts to disc florets and petals, we observe a strong increase in the proportion of monoterpenoids relative to sesquiterpenoids accompanying the transition to reproductive structures, with consistently over 85% monoterpenoids in disc florets and petals. This pattern is driven by substantially higher production of monoterpenoids (especially alpha-pinene and sabinene) in reproductive structures. Sesquiterpenoid production is roughly similar across organs, and in leaves varies among lines from 21–55% of volatiles, dominated by cadinene-type sesquiterpenoids. This work suggests that the compositional diversity of volatile terpenoids within cultivated germplasm may be sufficient for many breeding applications, though for breeding increased volatile production the use of wild H. annuus and other wild Helianthus germplasm may be necessary.

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