2024

Selle valdkonna püsiv URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10492/9341

Sirvi

Nüüd näidatakse 1 - 20 104

In vitro Assessment of the Food Preference and Toxicity of Five Insecticides against The Land Snail Eobania vermiculata (Gastropoda; Helicidae)
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Al-Harbi, R.K.; Ismail, A.M.; Bashandy, A.S.M.E.; Awwad, M.H.; Raddy, H.M.; Korrat, E.E.E.
The land snail Eobania vermiculata is one of the most cosmopolitan and harmful agricultural pests, causing economic devastation to many crops. For this purpose, the choice and non-choice methods was used to determine the palatability of certain plants for E. vermiculata. Moreover, the vulnerability of the snail was assessed via its exposure to five common insecticides (spirotetramat, sulfoxaflor, chlorantraniliprole, spinetoram and fipronil) using leaf-dipping technique under laboratory conditions. The median lethal dose was determined for each compound while biomarkers, such as enzymatic activity levels of AST, ALT, total protein TP, and lipid TL were used to evaluate sublethal effects. The findings of the no-choice feeding trial revealed that E. vermiculata significantly consumed a higher amount of Lactuca scariola var. sativa leaves compared to other tested plants. Cichorium cicorea leaves were found to be the least preferred by E. vermiculata, with an average of 1.71 g after 5 days. On the other hand, the results of the free choice feeding trial revealed that L. scariola var. sativa and Brassica oleracea leaves were the most frequently consumed by E. vermiculata. Conversely, E. vermiculata exhibited the lowest preference towards Brassica rapa leaves. The results of the molluscicidal activity indicated that the mortality rate is dose-dependent. After one month of exposure to a concentration of 1,000 ppm per 100 mL, chlorantraniliprole caused 46.4% mortality, followed by sulfoxaflor and fipronil, which exhibited equal mortality values of 42.9%. The latter insecticides revealed LC50 of 1,010.5, 2,501.9, and 1,444.7 ppm per 100 mL against E. vermiculata, respectively. Nevertheless, spinetoram and spirotetramat caused a lower mortality rate for E. vermiculata. The biochemical analysis results showed that the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total proteins (LP), and the lipid profile of E. vermiculata have increased by 50% in response to the insecticides. Compared to the control and other compounds, spirotetramat increased total cholesterol by 33 mg dL-1. The activity of ALT, AST, and triglycerides decreased after the application of spinetoram and fipronil treatment, with values reaching 13 u L-1, 32 u L-1, and 4 mg dL-1 of TL, respectively. However, no substantial effects of insecticides were observed on TP, Total cholesterol, LDH, or LP levels after the exposure period. The study's findings indicate that chlorantraniliprole, a novel insecticide group, could be a promising approach for controlling the land snail E. vermiculata. Unlike other, more hazardous insecticides, chlorantraniliprole has not previously been used to control snails. Furthermore, it appears to be safe for non-target organisms and mammals, making it an excellent choice for snail management.
Spatial variability of chlorophyll and NDVI obtained by different sensors in an experimental coffee field
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Silva, S.A.S.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Figueiredo, V.C.; Volpato, M.M.L.; Machado, M.L.; Silva, V.A.; Matos, C.S.M.; Conti, L.; Bambi, G.
The objective of this research was to study the spatial variability of NDVI and chlorophyll sampled by different sensors, as well as to evaluate the correlation between them in a coffee field. The study was carried out on a coffee farm located in the municipality of Três Pontas, Minas Gerais. A sampling grid containing 30 points was created for the study area. Each sampling point was represented by one plant, which was georeferenced by a GNSS RTK. For each sample plant, NDVI and chlorophyll were obtained by the optical and active sensors GreenSeeker and ClorofiLOG, respectively. In addition, it was carried out a flight with an RPA equipped with a passive and multispectral sensor. Using the data obtained by active sensors, a geostatistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the spatial variability of NDVI and chlorophyll. The geostatistical analysis verified the existence of spatial dependence for the two attributes, and thus it was possible to generate spatialization maps through kriging. The images obtained by the passive sensor resulted in five multispectral orthomosaics, making it possible to calculate the NDVI, thus generating a spatialization map of this index. It was possible to observe in the generated maps, points that presented a certain similarity and for this purpose a correlation analysis was carried out for the values of each attribute, sampled directly in the maps, and in different sampling grids (30, 60, 90 and 120 points). By analyzing the Pearson coefficient (R) it was possible to quantify the level of correlation between the data obtained by the different sensors and through the t test it was possible to find significant correlations between them.
Fusarium head blight in winter wheat: development peculiarities and protective strategies
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Avagyan, G.V.; Martirosyan, H.S.
Fusarium head blight (FHB, caused by the fungal plant pathogen Fusarium graminearum Schwabe) is a widespread fungal disease in the Republic of Armenia, affecting various cereal crops, including wheat, leading to a decrease in productivity and grain quality. However, comprehensive research aimed at selecting proper fungicides and determining the optimal application timing has not been conducted before. FHB can undergo epidemic development during years characterized by favorable weather conditions. Conversely, during periods of adverse weather conditions, the severity and incidence of FHB tend to decrease notably. Abundant rainfall and mild temperatures render plants more susceptible, facilitating the spread of infection not only during the flowering of winter wheat but also at the waxy ripening stage, thereby increasing the risk of an FHB epidemic. The experiments were carried out during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons under rain-fed conditions, with the primary focus on treating winter wheat with triazole group fungicides. During years with adverse weather conditions for FHB development, a single application of Falcon (0.5 L ha-1 ) or Prosaro (1.0 L ha-1 ) at Feekes 10.5.1 proved to be an effective strategy for managing FHB, particularly when integrated with cultural practices. These treatments provided a biological efficacy of 80.6% to 83.3% at Feeks 11.2, and from 76.6% to 79.4% at harvest, respectively, increasing wheat yield by 37.62% to 42.9%. In the case of epidemic development of FHB during years with more favorable weather conditions, a double fungicide treatment (Falcon or at Feekes 10.3 and Prosaro at Feekes 10.5.1) was the most effective option, showing high biological efficacy (97.4% at Feeks 11.2 and 90.3% at harvest) against FHB of winter wheat, increasing wheat yield by 40.1%.
Importance of mosaic augmentation for agricultural image dataset
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Kodors, S.; Sondors, M.; Apeinans, I.; Zarembo, I.; Lacis, G.; Rubauskis, E.; Karklina, K.
The yield estimation using artificial intelligence is based on object detection algorithms. Firstly, the object detection algorithms identify the number of fruits on images, then tree fruit load is predicted using regression algorithms. YOLO is a popular convolution neural network architecture for object detection tasks. It is sufficiently well studied for fruit yield estimation. However, the experiments are traditionally restricted to only one specific fruit category and growing season. This is a big shortcoming for the smart solutions like agro-drones, which must automatically complete yield monitoring of the most popular fruit species in commercial orchards. Therefore, the modern studies related to yield estimation increasingly raise attention to multi-stage, multi-state and multi-specie detection tasks. The multi-stage datasets can be described as a collection of multiple sub-datasets, e.g. flowers, fruitlets and fruits. The multi-state dataset can contain classes like mature, immature or damaged fruits. Meanwhile, the multi-specie dataset contains images with representatives of multiple cultures. However, if classic object-detection tasks like urban or indoor object detection have multiple classes presented in one image, then yield estimation datasets usually have images with only one class presented on them. Therefore, an image shuffle or mosaic augmentation are the intuitive training strategies of YOLO for object detection working with a collection of multiple single class datasets. We applied the YOLOv5m model to test both strategies, which were verified on three datasets: apple fruits (MinneApple), pear fruits (Pear640) and pear fruitlets (PFruitlet640). Our experiment showed that mosaic augmentation improves mAP@0.5:0.95 better than simple image shuffle. The mean difference between both strategies is equal to 0.0438.
Balance and coefficients of usage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from the soil and fertilizers by tomatoes and peppers in the conditions of Ararat Plain of Armenia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Matevosyan, L.G.; Harutyunyan, S.S.; Galstyan, M.H.; Osipova, R.H.; Mkrtchyan, A.T.; Sargsyan, K.Sh.; Sadoyan, R.R.
The aim of the research is to reveal the biological removal, balance and coefficient rates of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium use from soil, organo-mineral fertilizers and microbiological concentrates by tomato and sweet pepper in the conditions of Ararat Plain of Armenia. Field experiments were carried out in 2017–2019, on typical irrigated meadow brown soils in triplicate. It has been established that at tomato yields of 50–75 t ha-1, the biological removal of nitrogen ranges from 110 (without fertilizers) to 178 kg ha-1 (N150P80), P2O5: 61–89, K2O5: 166–289 kg ha-1, and at pepper yields of 23–32 t ha-1, respectively - 55–76, 38–49 and 77–106 kg ha-1. Tomato utilization rates from the soil (unfertilized version) are: N: 118, P2O5: 37, K2O: 8%, and the negative balances are respectively: 107, 67 and 109 kg ha-1, similar data for pepper were recorded at: N: 59, P2O5: 23, K2O: 4% and 52, 44, 20 kg ha-1. From fertilizers, tomato absorbs 27–45% nitrogen, 11–48% P2O5 and 48–72% K2O with negative balances (N: 15–55, P2O5: 14–76, K2O: 34–79 kg ha-1), in poultry litter the balance P2O5 = + 94.2 kg ha-1. For pepper, however, these data were respectively amounted to: N: 6–14, P2O5: 10–15, K2O: 9–20%, and the balances were positive. Microbiological concentrates (Azoto + phosphate Barvar) showed poor effectiveness as compared to organo-mineral fertilizers. It was also found that the lower the amount of a mobile element in the soil, or in the fertilizer dose, the higher its utilization rate and vice versa.
Wind power equipment for small farms and households
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Beresnevich, V.; Cerpinska, M.; Irbe, M.; Viba, J.
This article deals with the development of small-sized wind power equipment as a viable solution for decentralized renewable energy production. To improve operational specifications of conventional turbine models with rotating blades, it is proposed to use a new design of wind power plant synthesized on the base of a closed loop conveyor equipped with flatshaped blades. In this design, blades are mounted on a belt with an opportunity to move together with it in one straight line direction. Air flow interaction with flat blade that performs translation motion is studied by computer simulation using a superposition principle. In accordance with this approach, a fast-chaotic motion of air particles (Brownian motion) is separated from the slow-directed air motion, with the given average velocity. Dynamic analysis of flat blade interaction with air flow is performed for the stationary air flow with constant speed and also for non-stationary flows with wind gusts. Optimization of the system parameters is made using the generated power as a criterion. Simulation results confirm the serviceability and efficient operation of the proposed conveyor type wind power equipment. It can be mounted on the roofs of buildings or rooftops of vehicles, also device is befriended to nature and people.
Diallel and generation analysis in F2 soybean populations
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Ferreira, S.B.; Gomes, B.H.; Hamawaki, O.T.; Dias, P.A.S.; Hamawaki, C.D.L.; Hamawaki, R.L.; Nogueira, A.P.O.
The present study aimed to obtain estimates of the general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining abilities of three soybean parents by means of the half table balanced diallel and to estimate genetic parameters of agronomic traits in F2 populations. The experiment was organized in complete randomized blocks with ten replications. The plants obtained from the combinations between the parents UFU 510, UFUS 7415 and MG/BR 46 Conquista were individually evaluated for thirteen agronomic traits. The results indicated that the parent UFUS 7415 had the highest and most positive GCA values for the production components. The best cross was UFU 510 × UFUS 7415, with the highest number of total pods and grain production. The three combinations showed a high coefficient of heritability for the number of productive nodes. At the crossing UFU 510 × UFUS 7415, greater selection gains and higher averages were observed for the number of pods with one, two and three grains and the number of total pods.
Digital marketing and communication strategies of agri-food enterprises on social media platforms
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Konoplyannikova, M.; Radkevych, L.; Netreba, M.; Bilan, M.; Lorvi, I.; Nahorna, O.
This article explores the dynamic evolution of digital marketing and communication strategies within agricultural enterprises across diverse social media platforms amidst the industry's ongoing transformation. Employing a comprehensive approach, including detailed case studies and a mix of quantitative and qualitative analyses, the study investigates how these strategies enhance online presence, stakeholder engagement, and overarching marketing goals. Utilizing an advanced econometric model, the research uncovers statistical relationships, revealing the quantitative impact of digital marketing and social media on revenue generation for agricultural enterprises. The results highlight the effectiveness of a nuanced blend of content marketing, community building, and targeted advertising in boosting visibility and engagement. Beyond statistics, the study identifies key propositions for optimizing digital strategies in agriculture, emphasizing tailored content, data analytics, and the integration of emerging technologies. By scrutinizing the dynamic interplay between digital marketing and communication dynamics within the agricultural landscape, the research contributes theoretical insights and practical recommendations. Serving as a guiding compass for stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers, the study offers a roadmap for leveraging the transformative potential of digital strategies in the evolving agricultural industry. This research provides valuable guidance for stakeholders aiming to harness the synergies between digital marketing and communication strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to navigating the complexities of the digital landscape within the agricultural sector.
Use of geostatistical analyses for wheat production areas throung the variables NDVI, surface temperature and yield
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Abreu, A.L.; Ferraz, G.A.S.; Morais, R.; Bento, N.L.; Conti, L.; Bambi, G.; Ferraz, P.F.P.
Geostatistics is a crucial tool for data analysis in the field of precision agriculture, allowing the characterization of spatial variability magnitude, optimizing profitability and yield in agricultural areas. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the spatial dependence of the variables yield, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and surface temperature in winter wheat plants. This was achieved through fitting semivariograms with different statistical models and interpolating the study variables using Ordinary kriging. The experiment was conducted at Fazenda Santa Helena, located in the municipality of Lavras in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with a 12-hectare winter wheat crop of the TBIO Calibre variety. Data were collected using a grid sampling method at different stages of wheat plant growth (tillering and elongation). The analyzed variables included yield, NDVI, and surface temperature. Statistical analyses were performed using the R software. Initially, the spatial dependence of the study variables was analyzed by fitting semivariograms using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method and considering spherical, exponential, and gaussian models. The evaluation of errors was carried out through cross-validation, and subsequently, the data interpolation was performed using ordinary kriging with the best-fitted semivariogram model. The results demonstrated a proper fit of semivariograms for the study models, with the spherical model standing out for surface temperature variables (elongation and tillering), NDVI (tillering), and the exponential model for NDVI (elongation) and yield. Therefore, the use of geostatistics is emphasized as an important tool to assist in precision agriculture management in winter wheat crops.
Agro-biological evaluation of different groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) varieties on the background of phosphorous-potash fertilizers in conditions of semi-desert soil zone
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Matevosyan, L.G.; Barbaryan, A.A.; Ghazaran, R.H.; Ghukasyan, A.G.; Galstyan, M.H.; Harutyunyan, S.S.
In conditions of semi-desert soil zones of Armenia (1,130 m high above the sea level) the agro-biological properties of groundnut varieties Lia, Virginia, Mocket, TMV 3, Sevahatik (Black Seed) and Chinese have been studied with the aim of selecting their best options for further regionalization in the piedmont zones. The field experiments were conducted in 2020–2022. The calculations and laboratory analyses have indicated that the field germination capacity of the mentioned varieties is rather high fluctuating within the range of 77.5–81.0%, whereas the weight of 1,000 grains equaled to 515–545 g, the average yield - 2.77–3.33 t ha-1, the total nitrogen in the grains were 4.39–4.61%, crude proteinհում (per 5.70 factor of nitrogen) - 25.02–26.28%, total sugar contents - 14.11–16.63%, and fat content - 44.8–48.0%. The Mocket and Chinese varieties were distinguished by their yield capacity and qualitative indices of the yield and thus, the latter have been recommended for the cultivation in the farm households of the mentioned zone.
Influence of petroleum products on the state of microbiocenosis of soil during short and medium terms of pollution
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Malynovska, I.; Bulgakov, V.; Olt, Jüri; Rucins, A.; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Forestry and Engineering
Bioremediation by autochthonous microbial communities is currently considered the main and most environmentally secure way how to remove petroleum products from contaminated soils. To study the possibilities to control the processes of biodegradation of aviation kerosene by indigenous communities of the soil together with plants and in the presence of a cometabolite (glucose), a model experiment was carried out with concentrations of aviation fuel from 0 to 20%. Soil without the addition of petroleum products served as reference. The state of the microbial community was studied 1 and 21 days after the addition of the petroleum products. It has been established that the soil contamination with petroleum products within one day leads to quantitative and qualitative changes in the state of the microbial cenosis, and the phytotoxicity of the soil significantly increases. At low concentrations of the petroleum products (1%) the occurrence of microbiological processes in the soil slows down, and at high concentrations (20%) they intensify. It has been shown that an increase in the number of polysaccharide-synthesising bacteria increases not only the absolute amount of degraded petroleum products from 0.240 to 1.88 g kg-1, but also their relative share from 6.33%. Growing plants and adding easily accessible substrates to the soils contaminated with petroleum products ensures more active destruction of pollutants (by 63.6 and 45.5%, respectively) compared to the soils without phytocenosis and the addition of exogenous substrates.
Physiological mechanisms in Ficus carica L. genotypes in response to moisture stress
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Del Rosario Jacobo-Salcedo, M.; David Valdez-Cepeda, R.; Sánchez-Cohen, I.; González-Espíndola, L.Á.; Arreola-Ávila, J.G.; Trejo-Calzada, R.
The genus Ficus comprises cultivated and wild species that vary in phenotypic characteristics of both the plant and the fruit. This genus is considered to originate from Mediterranean regions and arid lands of Europe and Africa, known as the Fertile Crescent. Ficus carica L. (fig) is a globally emerging fruit crop due to its increasing production trends and capacity to produce in low water availability. Understanding the fig tree's responses to water deficit is essential for adapting to sustainable production and climate change. In this study, we investigated the water deficit tolerance of native Ficus carica accession and the Black Mission commercial variety. This research aimed to define the relationship between resistance to water deficit and plant physiological and biochemical markers (physiological and biochemical). Those markers considered relative water content (RWC), photosynthesis (PN), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 (Ci), transpiration (E), proline (Pro), and soluble sugar content (SSC). The results revealed that fig genotypes exhibit various adaptive mechanisms and physiological responses to water deficit, including osmotic adjustment, stomatal regulation, and proline accumulation. The water deficit condition was confirmed by measuring the soil water potential; the maximum values were in the range of -2.1 to -3.6 MPa. The ‘Guadalupe Victoria’ accession demonstrated significant water deficit resilience by maintaining higher PN values in low water availability. Additionally, the study highlighted the role of osmotic adjustments in maintaining water balance and cellular function during stress periods. These findings will provide valuable insights for the selection process of genotypes with enhanced drought tolerance in water-limited environments.
Development of innovative energy drink based on cold brewspruce sprout and its comparison to commercial energy drinks
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Karklina, K.; Ozola, L.; Ibrahim, M.N.G.; Estonian University of Life Sciences. Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. Chair of Food Science and Technology and ERA-Chair for Food (By-) Products Valorisation Technologies
Commercial energy drinks have high content of caffeine and sugar that can lead to various health problems. Spruce sprouts could have beneficial effects on human health. This research aims to prepare alternative energy drinks with less caffeine and sugar that are based on spruce sprout, cold brew, and fruit juice. In the study, three commercial energy drinks were used - RedBull original (RBo), RedBull zero sugar (RBzs), and RedBull Tropical fruits (RBt) - and three spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks were prepared. The spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks were - cold brew coffee 96.8% with spruce sprout juice 3.2% (SCB), cold brew coffee 25% with orange juice 71.8% and spruce sprout juice 3.2% (SCBo), and cold brew coffee 25% with apple-aronia juice 71.8% and spruce sprout juice 3.2% (SCBaa). All energy drinks were evaluated for their Vitamin C content, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, colour evaluation, total phenolic content, and anti-radical activity by DPPH. The results showed that Vitamin C increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 30 times in the spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks (104–244 mg 100 g-1), compared to its content in commercial drinks (4.23–6.24 mg 100 g-1). Comparing the total phenolic content in commercial energy drinks (6.67–10.69 mg GAE 100 g-1), its content increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 20 times in the spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks (128.46–253.93 mg GAE 100 g-1). In conclusion, spruce sprout - cold brew energy drinks could be considered as an alternative to commercial energy drinks.
How do rhizobacteria species influence the growth and yield of soybean in a tropical environment?
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Silva, R.K.S.; Da Silva, P.F.M.; Nascimento, L.M.; De Araújo, T.A.N.; Vendruscolo, E.P.
The application of rhizobacteria has gained space in agricultural production, given the demand for more sustainable systems. However, most of the results obtained are related to soil or seed application, leaving a gap in relation to the foliar application of these microorganisms. The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of foliar application of different types of growth-promoting rhizobacteria on morphological aspects and production components of soybean. For this, the foliar application of four rhizobacteria (Serratia sp.; Bacillus subtilis; Bacillus sp.; Pseudomonas fluorescens) was used, as well as a control without inoculation. Morphological variables of growth and production components were analyzed. The yield ratio of the treatments with rhizobacteria, concerning the control was also calculated. The foliar application with different rhizobacteria in soybean did not affect the vegetative parameters of plant height, stem diameter and dry weight of the canopy. For the number of pods per plant, number of grains per plant and grain yield the use of Bacillus sp. was superior to the other treatments, providing an average increase of 27.65%, 20.32% and 28.59%, respectively. Also, the Serratia sp., Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens application increased the grain yield by 8.49%, 10.73% and 5.71%, respectively. In conclusion, for the condition of the tropical region where this study was conducted, the foliar application with different growth-promoting rhizobacteria in soybean did not interfere in the vegetative development of soybean plants. In addition, considering the factors related to the increase of production in cultivated areas, all rhizobacteria have the potential to improve yield gains when applied as foliar treatment, especially the Bacillus sp.
Resistance of the soft winter wheat varieties to pests and their productivity in the northern forest-steppe zone
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Polishchuk, S.; Holyk, L.; Havryliuk, N.; Kuzmenko, L.; Shtakal, M.; Tkachenko, N.; Bulgakov, V.; Ivanovs, S.; Rucins, A.
There are highlighted the results of research in order to determine the field and laboratory resistance of the winter wheat varieties in a competitive variety testing at the National Scientific Centre Institute of Agriculture of NAAS (2016–2020) against pests, and the level of their productivity is assessed. Among the studied varieties of winter wheat, varieties with complex resistance were found: to cereal aphids, wheat thrips powdery mildew and brown leaf rust - variety Efektna; to cereal aphids, wheat thrips and leaf rust - varieties Polisianka, Pyriatynka, Krasunia Poliska, Vodohrai, Kesariia Poliska, Myroliubna, Romanivna, Pamiati Hirka, and standard Lisova Pisnia St. When varieties were grown without the use of fungicides, insecticides and growth regulators, their yield varied over the years from 2.99 t ha–1 to 10.71 t ha–1. The best varieties of soft winter wheat in terms of their productivity were identified in the northern Forest - Steppe zone, which are included in the State Register of the plant varieties, suitable for distribution in Ukraine - Kesariia Poliska (7.67 t ha–1), Pyriatynka (7.10 t ha–1), Myroliubna (7.08 t ha–1), Merezhka (6.77 t ha–1), Kraeivyd (6.71 t ha–1), Pamiati Hirka (6.61 t ha–1), Polisianka (6.51 t ha–1) and Efektna (6.36 t ha–1). Consequently, with proper selection of the winter wheat varieties, it is possible to significantly limit the harmfulness of pests and diseases, to reduce the amount of the used pesticides, to increase the grain productivity, and to improve its commercial and seed quality.
Experimental system for investigating processes of shock freezing of meat
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Mironovs, V.; Tatarinov, A.; Abayev, A.; Zemchenkovs, V.
Shock freezing affords reduction of freezing time, production of much smaller ice crystals that preserves the tissue structure and nutritional value of the product. The advantage of using ultrasonic bulk waves for monitoring the freezing process is the ability to trace the dynamics of changes in the properties of the meat tissue directly using ultrasound velocity, attenuation and the waveform shape. The purpose of the study was to create an experimental freezing system with follow up ultrasound propagation parameters in meat specimens during shock freezing. The samples were frozen by the electric pipe-freezing unit Frigo 2F-Zero of REMS with the temperature control by a calibrated thermocouple. Ultrasonic signals were recorded continuously by a custom-made ultrasonic setup in the through transmission mode using a pair of 2.5 MHz transducers mounted on a calliper-based probe. The following trends were observed during the freezing stages. Ultrasound velocity decreased in lean meat and increased in fatty meat with cooling at temperatures above zero. Rapid drop of ultrasonic signals at temperatures below zero associated with the beginning of the crystallization process and the presence of both liquid and crystal components. Ultrasonic signals increased as the samples were completely frozen and ultrasound velocity increased to values close to those in icy bodies. Differences in ultrasonic parameters on a time scale during freezing were revealed for lean and fatty meat samples demonstrating a possibility to investigate specific freezing regimes for different types of meat.
In search of the best technological solutions for creating edible protein-rich mutants: a multi-criteria analysis approach
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Berzina, I.; Raita, S.; Kalnins, M.; Spalvins, K.; Kuzmika, I.
Single-cell protein (SCP) is a promising alternative for replacing plant and animalderived dietary proteins. SCP contains essential nutrients and high levels of essential amino acids (AA). Given the versatility of microbial strains and waste substrates that can be used as feedstocks, many variations of production processes can be explored. Improving these microorganism strains by enhancing their properties and productivity is vital to increasing SCP competitiveness. One of the options to enhance microorganism strains would be by creating mutants with better AA profiles. By using mutagenesis and AA inhibitors it should be possible the create novel strains with improved AA-producing properties. The use of AA inhibitors to promote selective pressure on SCP-producing strains is a novel concept and is not a widely explored approach, therefore, the further development of this method should be explored. This paper used a multi-criteria decision analysis method to evaluate different technological factors vital for creating protein-rich mutants. These factors are microorganism strains, agro-industrial waste substrates used as process feedstocks, AA inhibitors, and mutagenesis methods. Microorganisms Candida utilis and Bacillus subtilis showed the highest potential for being used. Molasses was the ‘closest to the ideal’ substrate to be used as feedstock for SCP production. As the most promising mutagenesis method ethyl methane sulphonate was selected. Glufosinate ammonium and methionine sulfoximine for both bacteria and fungi were identified as the best inhibitors for SCP-rich mutant selection. Identified combinations of optimal solutions for microorganisms, substrates, inhibitors, and mutagenesis techniques should be further investigated and evaluated in laboratory settings. This could help to increase SCP's competitiveness as a sustainable protein source.
Assessment of environmental impacts: a life cycle analysis of wheat and rice production in Madhya Pradesh
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Khangar, N.S.; Thangavel, M.
The production of cereals is one of the primary activities that is responsible for most of the environmental degradation that is caused by agricultural activities. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the ecosystem & resource emissions along with emissions affecting human health, causing due to agricultural activities. LCA is used to conduct an analysis of 17 types of emissions caused by rice and wheat production per hectare in Madhya Pradesh. Based on LCIA and Monte Carlo simulation, the study provides valuable insights into the regional environmental emissions associated with direct seeded rice (DSR), irrigated wheat (IW) and rainfed wheat (RW). Study shows that except for Marine eutrophication (MEUT) and Agricultural land use (ALU), rice production has relatively higher impact than wheat production. Irrigated wheat production found with higher potential of causing non-cancerous diseases caused by air pollution, whereas rice production has the potential to contribute to cancer disease. The production of rice and wheat in Madhya Pradesh state cumulatively contributes 0.008 Gt CO2 eq. (0.10% of global total) to the global agrifood system GHG emission within farmgate. Since majority of the emissions are caused by soil & crop nutrients and fuel consumption, here it became important to adopt sustainable agricultural practices & biofuel to lessen the environmental impact of wheat & rice production and make sustainable agro-food system of Madhya Pradesh. Based on study results emission mitigation policies have been suggested taking the existing policies into consideration.
Testing outcomes of IoT based continuous crop weight and PAR sensors at industrial greenhouse
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Avotins, A.; Potapovs, A.; Gruduls, J.; Ceirs, R.
Industrial greenhouses have automated control systems for climate, lighting, irrigation, ventilation, and heating regulation using different types of feedback sensors. Nowadays it is a trend to increase the data precision and measurement data amount, thus various additional IoT sensors are installed, and the regulation becomes more precise, due to available data, which enables new analytical features to create new control rules or strategies. The general aim is to raise the level of process automation, quality, energy efficiency, and other important parameters. Still, further, we go into data resolution and amount, and the problem of data reliability and interpretation starts to become a challenging problem. In this article, authors focus on earlier developed PAR sensor modules and continuous tomato crop weight sensor modules (TWS) testing and received data analysis from an industrial greenhouse. Both sensors were tested in detail at the tomato greenhouse of ‘Latgales Darzenu Logistika’ in Mezvidi parish, with a total growing area of 5,062.4 m2 from 1.05.2022 to 30.06.2022., and gathered data is analysed for this period. Received sensor data can be used as the main feedback signal to create a lighting control strategy, same time increasing energy efficiency and reducing also costs. As artificial lighting energy consumption costs make 20–40% of total greenhouse costs, it is worth having a more precise lighting control system algorithm, integrating the crop growth increase and accumulated light energy during the day from the sun, and then adding only the missing amount (also period) of light provided by artificial lighting. Experimental studies of both sensor data, show that plants reaction can be monitored, as by decreasing the lighting period and temperature setpoint by 6% each, the plants daily weight gain decreases by 14%, and it can be measured already in first day after the new settings were set in place.
Evaluation of phenolic compound composition of Sambucus nigra berries grown in Latvia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2024) Avena, A.; Ozola, L.; Keke, A.
Phenolic compounds in agricultural raw materials can vary within a species and can be affected by a combination of such factors as growing region, weather conditions and fruit ripeness. Climatic differences between the southern, central and northern parts of Europe can cause differences in the phenolic compounds present in the plant. The research was aimed to investigate the phenolic compounds of berries of Sambucus nigra varieties grown for commercial production in Latvia. During the study four elderberry varieties were analysed - ‘Haidegg 17’, ‘Korsör’, ‘Haschberg’ and ‘Emma’. All samples were analysed for total phenolic compound content (TPC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity and individual phenolic compounds. In addition, sample pH and total soluble solids (TSS) were measured. Results showed that ‘Emma’ berry samples had the highest value of TSS content - 10.5% (°Bx) and the lowest pH value - 3.65. The variety ‘Korsör’ showed the lowest TSS content - 8.1% (°Bx) as well as the lowest TPC and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, the variety ‘Haschberg’ showed the highest pH value. The variety ‘Haidegg 17’ stood out with a high TPC. In total six phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in the analysed samples - gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, sinapic acid and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. According to the obtained results, it was evident that the indicators for some parameters differ from the information available in the literature about the composition of berries of crops grown in other regions. This suggests that it is worth further researching elder tree varieties grown in northern climate.

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