Avaldamisel

Selle kollektsiooni püsiv URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10492/3352

Sirvi

Nüüd näidatakse 1 - 20 41

Accumulation and yield formation in potato across controlled and field experiments: implications for nitrogen use efficiency research
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Taškova, I.; Rābante-Hāne, L.; Alsiņa, I.; Skrabule, I.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) productivity is strongly influenced by nitrogen (N), which regulates plant growth, biomass formation and tuber development. This study aimed to evaluate nitrogen accumulation and its relationship with biomass and yield, and to verify nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) assessment by comparing field trials with pot and in vitro experiments. Field experiments were conducted in Priekuļi, Latvia, under organic (OF) and integrated (IF) farming systems and in vitro experiments under controlled conditions. Pot trials were carried out in Jelgava. Three varieties (‘Monta’, ‘Prelma’, ‘Jogla’) were tested. Nitrogen was applied at 60 kg N ha⁻¹ in IF field plots; pots received 60 and 120 kg N ha⁻¹, while in vitro treatments included 7.5, 20 and 60 mmol L⁻¹ N. Nitrogen content in tubers was significantly affected by growing year and variety in both field systems (p < 0.05), with a significant year × variety interaction in OF. ‘Prelma’ consistently showed the highest nitrogen content, whereas ‘Jogla’ had the lowest across systems. Yield varied substantially among years and cultivation systems. In IF, ‘Jogla’ produced the highest yield, while in OF ‘Prelma’ performed best; ‘Monta’ had the lowest yields in both systems. In pot experiments, the highest yield was obtained at 120 kg N ha⁻¹, particularly for ‘Jogla’. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) decreased with increasing N rate. The relationship observed under field conditions that earlier-maturing varieties have lower NUE than later-maturing ones could not be confirmed in the in vitro and pot experiments. Overall, consistent varietal responses across systems indicate that controlled-environment methods can support NUE evaluation in potato research.
Analysis and synthesis of controlled object motion in fluid via flutter interactions
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Beresnevich, V.; Viba, J.; Vutukuru, S.; Irbe, M.; Kovals, E.; Eiduks, M.
This paper investigates the controlled motion of an object in a fluid (air or water) under conditions where fluid-object interaction occurs simultaneously at infinitely many points. An analytical framework is developed to derive second-order ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients describing object motion in a continuous medium. The approach is applicable to the analysis and synthesis of motion in fluids in the context of agricultural engineering, including the study of biological locomotion, the design and control of robotic systems operating in air or water, and the optimization of object trajectories under prescribed interactions and constraints relevant to agricultural environments. The method is based on the differential form of the momentum balance in classical mechanics and employs simplified representations of fluid-object interaction, including normal pressure effects on the object surface and experimentally determined characteristics of the suction region, while neglecting viscous forces. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated through representative cases involving fixed, translating, and rotating wings in stationary and moving fluids, as well as coplanar motions relevant to flying mechanisms. Example problems include gliding, vertical take-off, free fall, and controlled motion in a vertical plane. The results show that the proposed approach enables effective modelling of simplified object dynamics in air or water by reducing complex space-time interaction problems to systems of ordinary differential equations with specified initial conditions. The advantages and limitations of the method are discussed, confirming its suitability for analytical studies of controlled motion in continuous media.
Analysis of bee pollen productivity and chemical composition
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Adamovičs, A.; Poiša, L.; Yankov, E.; Teilans, A.
Honey bee pollen is a natural product with a rich mineral composition. The aim of the study is to analyze the factors affecting pollen productivity, its chemical composition and potential applications. Latvia, the quality of honey and beeswax has been studied, but the chemical composition of pollen is described using studies by scientists from other countries. Pollen yield from the hive and its chemical composition (Fe, Cr, Ca, K, Mg, Se) were determined over a three-year period in Latvia and Bulgaria. The foraging activity of honeybees from different hives varied, so the number of pollen samples differed. Honeybees collected pollen in pollen collectors from 9:00 to 20:00. Each pollen collector was thoroughly cleaned after each use to avoid cross-contamination of samples. Pollen was weighed with precision of 0.1 g, dried at 40 °C, and labelled with date, time, hive number, and study location. Bee pollen yield ranges from 0.5–2 kg per colony, depending on the location of collection, variety of blooming flowers, and weather conditions. This is reflected in the significantly higher average daily yields of two colonies (103.6 g and 108.8 g) compared to 2023 and 2025. The calcium content in the pollen dry matter of the average sample is 1,465 ± 146 mg kg-1 (in Latvia), 720 ± 2 mg kg-1 (in Bulgaria), potassium content 5,373 ± 537 mg kg-1 (in Latvia), 3,776 ± 377 mg kg-1 (in Bulgaria), magnesium content - 1,022 ± 102 mg kg-1 (in Latvia), 601 ± 60 mg kg-1 (in Bulgaria). The differences are explained by the duration of the plant's flowering, the variety of flowers and geographical location.
Analysis of the possibilities of using sawdust for bedding in poultry farms: A case study from eastern Poland
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Gaworski, M.; Puszkarski, M.
The aim of the research study was to analyze the use of sawdust for poultry maintenance, from the perspective of a sawmill planning a possible expansion of its activities to include the preparation and distribution of sawdust bedding. The aim of the study became a prerequisite for proposing a test method that accounts for a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire addressed to owners of poultry farms within the potential distribution range of the sawdust producer. As a result of the study, the scale of poultry production on farms, the current mulching methods, and the actual consumption of bedding material were learned. An attempt was made to determine whether farmers are considering introducing sawdust into poultry houses, what concerns and limitations affect their decisions, and what conditions would need to be met to switch to sawdust as bedding in poultry houses. Expectations regarding the purchase and logistics service, including the preferred form of delivery, frequency of orders, and the way of handling used bedding, which affect the profitability of sawdust distribution by the sawmill to poultry farms, were examined.
Antifungal effect of essential oils against phytopathogens: Global overview and structure of action mechanisms
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Manguana, G.D.; Araújo, M.H.C.; Martínez, M.H.P.; Manhique, L.L.; Souza, M.C.; Mainato, M.A.B.; Silva, E.C.; Silva, H.F.; Domingues, P.; Nascimento, L.C.
The increasing resistance to synthetic fungicides and the demand for sustainable agricultural practices have bolstered interest in essential oils (EOs) as antifungal alternatives. However, the lack of an integrated view regarding the evolution and conceptual foci of this field limits strategic advancement. This study maps global research on the mechanisms of action of EOs against phytopathogenic fungi, aiming to guide future investigations towards the development of safe biopesticides. A systematic and bibliometric analysis of 73 documents (2005–2025) from the Web of Science and Scopus databases was conducted. The approach integrated Lotka’s, Bradford’s, and Zipf’s laws, alongside conceptual mapping across four central dimensions: scientific growth, authorship structure, editorial organisation, and conceptual pillars. The results indicate that the field is in a phase of accelerated scientific emergence, characterised by a 14.5% annual growth rate and high citation impact per document. Authorship analysis revealed a strong concentration of specialists, indicating a high degree of specialisation; similarly, the editorial structure proved consolidated within specific journals. Although the term “antifungal activity” predominates, emerging strategic niches were identified, particularly those related to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and biophysical interactions with the cell membrane. International collaboration was observed to be the primary predictor of scientific impact. It is concluded that essential oil (EO) research is at an inflection point, requiring a transition from predominantly phenotypic approaches to in-depth molecular and mechanistic investigations. Diversifying collaboration networks and investing in emerging conceptual niches are essential to consolidating EOs as viable tools for plant protection.
Application of extruded pea hulls in plant-based burger patties: effects on nutritional, textural, and sensory properties
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Kirse-Ozolina, A.; Gramatina, I.
The use of extruded pea hulls (EPH) in vegan bean burger patty formulation could allow to utilise by-product during pea protein processing, increase dietary fibre content, product yield and locally sourced ingredient use. Samples were made from white beans, bread crumbs, chia seeds, spices and EPH. Application of EPH in patties was formulated in two replacement strategies: (i) 25%, 50% and 75% substitution of bread crumbs, and (ii) 5%, 10% and 15% substitution of total ingredient weight with different EPH-to-water ratios. Moisture content, water activity, dietary fibre content and texture profile were evaluated. Sensory ratio scale was used to define firmness, flavour balance, pea flavour and sticky mouthfeel by an expert panel (n = 5). The impact of EPH on textural and sensory attributes varied with the substitution level and inclusion type. Higher EPH levels positively influenced total dietary fibre content of patties (P < 0.05). The substitution with EPH significantly affected such force-related texture attributes as hardness and adhesiveness (P < 0.05). A clear association was not found between instrumental hardness values and sensory perceptible firmness. The results indicate that EPH can be effectively incorporated in plant-based burger patty formulation at low to moderate inclusion levels (up to 50% substitution of breadcrumbs and up to 10% substitution of total ingredient weight, EPH-to-water ratio up to 1:1.5) to obtain value-added plant-based burger patties without compromising textural and sensory quality.
Applying appreciative inquiry in a transnational community of practice: a qualitative evaluation of knowledge exchange and contextual adaptation in farm health and safety
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) van Doorn, D.; Mattila, T.E.A.; Tapiola, T.; Meredith, D.
Agriculture remains one of the most hazardous occupations in Europe, yet the effective sharing and adaptation of farm health and safety (FHS) good practices across diverse national contexts continues to be a challenge. This study examines how the Appreciative Inquiry Model (AIM) can structure Transnational Communities of Practice (TCoP) dialogue to support knowledge exchange, critical reflection, and the contextual adaptation of FHS practices, rather than presenting new substantive FHS findings. While AIM has been applied in organisational and agricultural development contexts, its use in TCoP, where practices need to be adapted to different contexts, has not been empirically examined. A TCoP workshop was conducted with 25 representatives from 11 national CoPs. Data consisted of documentation of workshop discussions, participant feedback, and reflections from groupwork facilitators and SafeHabitus ‘Super CoP’ administrators. A team‑consensus thematic approach was applied by three researchers, with validation by workshop facilitators. The findings indicate that AIM effectively structured transnational CoP dialogue and created a positive strengths‑based environment for knowledge sharing. However, the model alone did not offer sufficient opportunity for the critical reflection required for context‑sensitive adaptation. Integrating explicit contextual‑analysis tools such as ‘if–then’ transfer scenarios and strengthening facilitator training would enhance the translation of shared practices into locally adapted interventions. The development and adaptation of good practices benefit from peer networks, but deeper co‑creation requires time and skilled facilitation. While project‑based networks can initiate transnational exchange, sustainable implementation of shared practices will require more stable institutionalised CoPs that support ongoing knowledge sharing, critical reflection, and contextual adaptation.
Assessment of common bean responses to light spectral composition and microbial inoculation using non-destructive methods
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Alsina, I.; Dubova, L.; Duma, M.
Non-destructive methods are increasingly used to evaluate plant physiological status. This study assessed the applicability of spectrometry and chlorophyll fluorescence for monitoring common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) responses to light quality and microbial seed inoculation. A two-factor growth chamber experiment was conducted using LED lighting of equal intensity but different red-to-blue ratios (1:1, red-dominated, blue-dominated) and seeds that were either uninoculated or inoculated with Rhizobium phaseoli strains or Proseed-Met. Non-destructive measurements were performed on the same leaves using a spectroradiometer RS-3500 and a FluorPen FP110 fluorometer. Vegetation indices were calculated to evaluate stress, pigment content, senescence, and water status, while fluorescence parameters described photosynthetic performance. Spectrometric indices more clearly reflected light treatment effects, showing higher pigment content under red light, greater senescence under balanced light, and increased stress under red-dominated spectra. Fluorescence parameters were mainly affected by microbial inoculation and were higher in inoculated plants. Limited correlations between the two methods indicated that they capture different aspects of plant physiology. Blue-dominated light increased pod number, whereas red light reduced pod and seed mass. Microbial inoculation alone did not significantly affect yield, but the highest seed yield was observed in Rhizobium-inoculated plants under blue light. The results highlight the importance of light spectral composition for bean productivity and support the combined use of spectrometric and fluorescence methods for comprehensive physiological assessment.
Assessment of plant nutrients losses during drying and granulation of poultry manure with amended with wheat straw and natural peat
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Adamovics, A.; Plume, I.; Plume, L.
This study evaluated nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) losses during the drying and granulation of poultry manure (PM) and assessed the effectiveness of short-term thermal pre-treatment and organic amendments in improving nutrient retention. Seven 2.0 kg samples were prepared, comprising two samples of pure poultry manure, two PM mixtures containing 2.5 and 7.5% wheat straw (WS), and three PM mixtures containing 7.5, 15.0 and 22.5% natural peat (NP). The samples were dried to approximately 25% moisture content using either low-temperature drying at 24 °C or a combined drying regime consisting of pre-drying at 70 °C for 1 h followed by drying at 24 °C. The dried materials were granulated using a pellet press equipped with a 6 mm die, after which the granules were further dried to a final moisture content of 8-10%. The nutrient contents of both the raw materials and the produced granules were determined in an accredited laboratory. The drying regime significantly influenced nutrient retention. Granules produced from untreated poultry manure dried entirely at 24 °C exhibited nitrogen and phosphorus losses of 0.73 and 0.23 percentage points, respectively. Applying a 1 h pre-drying treatment at 70 °C reduced nitrogen losses to 0.32 percentage points and phosphorus losses to 0.12 percentage points. No detectable nitrogen losses were observed in granules produced from poultry manure amended with wheat straw or natural peat, except for a slight reduction in the treatment containing 22.5% peat. Phosphorus losses were eliminated in mixtures containing 7.5% wheat straw and 7.5 or 15% peat. Potassium losses were negligible in all treatments, with only a minor decrease observed in granules containing 22.5% peat. The results demonstrate that short-term high-temperature pre-drying effectively improves nutrient retention during poultry manure granulation. Incorporating wheat straw or natural peat into poultry manure further reduces nutrient losses during drying and pellet production, thereby improving the fertiliser value of the final granulated product.
Autonomous variable-rate UAV spot spraying using CDA nozzles and dual deposition sensing
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Koppány, H.; Pinke, Gy.; Kovács, A.J.; Ambrus, B.
This study presents the laboratory evaluation of a PWM-controlled spraying system for an ABZ L10 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with controlled droplet application (CDA) nozzles, as a step toward developing an autonomous precision spot-spraying system. The consumer-grade multicopter platform, originally designed for uniform spraying, was retrofitted with a modular spraying unit incorporating CDA nozzles. A custom control architecture was developed to interface with the flight controller and synchronize spray parameters with the drone’s flight path and forward velocity. System verification and performance evaluation were central to this study. Spray deposition and spatial accuracy were assessed using two complementary measurement approaches under controlled laboratory conditions. Water-sensitive indicator papers provided qualitative and semi-quantitative information on droplet coverage and spatial distribution. In parallel, a resistance-based sensor array, conceptually analogous to rainfall sensors and developed as part of this research, delivered continuous, real-time, quantitative measurements of local spray deposition by monitoring changes in surface conductivity as droplets accumulated on the sensor surface. The combined evaluation of these measurement methods provided an objective basis for assessing nozzle performance and PWM control. From an application perspective, the primary goal of the developed system is its future integration into precision farming workflows, specifically in herbicide applications where weed presence is the primary trigger. However, for insects or diseases, additional layers of decision-making, such as economic injury thresholds, would be required to justify application. By enabling accurate identification and targeted treatment of specific zones, the system is expected to reduce unnecessary chemical usage and off-target losses, thereby lowering environmental impact while improving the efficiency and sustainability of drone-based plant protection.
Cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) susceptibility monitoring in Estonia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Kann, Liina; Mäe, Andres
The present study provides insight into the dynamics of pyrethroid susceptibility in cabbage seedpod weevil (Ceutorhynchus obstrictus) populations in commercial winter oilseed rape fields in Estonia during 2021−2023 and 2025. Bioassays followed the IRAC method No. 031 and included four pyrethroid active ingredients: lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, gamma-cyhalothrin, and tau-fluvalinate. Mortality to lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin remained 100% across all study years, indicating stable susceptibility. Gamma-cyhalothrin also provided complete mortality in nearly all populations, although one population showed reduced sensitivity. In contrast, tau-fluvalinate showed a pronounced and progressive decline in efficacy. Tau-fluvalinate LD50 values increased from 0.96 g a.i. ha-1 in 2021 to 3.84 g a.i. ha-1 in 2025, corresponding to a four-fold reduction in susceptibility. The rise in LD90 was even more pronounced, increasing from 1.73 g a.i. ha-1 in 2021 to 25.7 g a.i. ha-1 in 2025, indicating that substantially higher concentrations are required to achieve efficient pest management in the field. These results provide clear evidence of emerging resistance to tau-fluvalinate in cabbage seedpod weevil populations, while other pyrethroids remain fully effective. The results highlight the need for continued resistance monitoring and careful selection of insecticides with different modes of action to maintain effective control of cabbage seedpod weevils in the field.
Comparative effects of deep ploughing and disking on soil properties and yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Yernjatap, Armenia
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Hokhanyan, M.; Tovmasyan, G.; Markosyan, A.; Yeritsyan, L.; Yeritsyan, S.; Mamajanyan, S.
Soil tillage practices play a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility and ensuring sustainable agricultural production under rainfed conditions. This study evaluated the effects of conventional (deep ploughing, 20–22 cm) and shallow tillage (disking, 10–12 cm) on soil properties, nutrient availability, and the yield and grain quality of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), cultivar ‘Tanya’, in Yernjatap settlement, Aragatsotn region, Armenia. The experiment was conducted during 2022–2024 using a randomized design with three replications. Shallow tillage improved soil structure and fertility, increasing humus content (up to 4.19%) and water-stable aggregates (up to 55.1%), while conventional tillage resulted in a decline in humus in the upper soil layer. Nutrient availability was also enhanced under disking, with available phosphorus increasing from 2.72 to 3.94 mg 100 g⁻¹ and potassium reaching 40.64 mg 100 g⁻¹ in the 0–20 cm layer. In contrast, both nutrients decreased under deep ploughing. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, and soluble salts were not significantly affected by tillage practices. Improved soil conditions under disking led to enhanced plant growth, higher biomass accumulation, and increased survival rates, exceeding deep ploughing by up to 13.9%. Grain yield was significantly higher under disking in 2024, reaching 1.71 t ha⁻¹ compared to 1.39 t ha⁻¹ under ploughing, representing a 23.0% increase (P = 0.003). Straw yield also increased by 21.4%. The results demonstrate that shallow tillage is a more effective and sustainable practice for improving soil fertility, enhancing winter wheat productivity, and supporting stable crop production under rainfed mountainous conditions.
Composting process parameters of different types of manure in a bioreactor
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Bojarski, W.; Czekała, W.; Nowak, M.; Kupryaniuk, K.; Machaieie, L.
Composting has been practiced since ancient times, where it was used to enhance soil fertility and support crop production. It is therefore regarded as the oldest known method of biowaste treatment. Over time, the process has been systematically optimized through studies on the dynamics of aerobic biodegradation of various organic substrates, making it one of the most extensively investigated biological treatment technologies. Despite this long history, composting remains an important research topic, particularly in the context of circular economy strategies and sustainable development objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the composting dynamics of manure-based substrates differing in manure type, moisture content, and structural properties under controlled aerobic conditions. Experiments were conducted at the Ecotechnology Laboratory of the Poznań University of Life Sciences using four isothermal bioreactors (125 dm³ each) designed for controlled aerobic degradation. The tested materials included cattle manure (≈70% moisture), pig manure (> 80%), a mixture of cattle and pig manure (≈65%), and cattle manure (> 80%). During the process, O2 and CO2 concentrations, temperature, pH, bulk density, and mass loss were monitored, and dry matter, organic dry matter, organic carbon, and ash content were determined. The results showed clear differences in composting dynamics depending on manure type and moisture content. The cattle manure (70% moisture) exhibited rapid heating and a stable thermophilic phase, whereas highly moist pig manure showed slower temperature increase and lower intensity. The manure mixture demonstrated the highest microbiological activity, while excessive moisture in cattle manure (> 80%) reduced process efficiency. These findings confirm that manure type and moisture are key determinants of composting performance.
Comprehensive assessment of genotype–environment interaction and trait associations in sugar beet hybrids under short-rotation cropping systems of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Kyselov, D.; Kalenska, S.; Chonka, M.; Solomukha, O.
This study aimed to evaluate genotype × environment (G×E) interaction, phenotypic stability, and multi-trait performance of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) hybrids under short-rotation cropping systems of the Western Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Eight commercial hybrids were tested across four environments (two locations over two years) using a randomized complete block design. Root yield (RY), sugar content (SC), sugar production (SP), impurity-related traits, and derived technological indices were analyzed using combined ANOVA, AMMI modeling, and BLUP-based stability metrics. Environmental effects were the dominant source of variation for RY, SC, and SP, while genotype and G×E interactions were smaller but statistically significant, confirming differential hybrid responses to contrasting environments. Stability was assessed using AMMI stability value (ASV), weighted average of absolute scores (WAASB), and the joint yield-stability index (WAASBY). BTS 9695, Strube Hubble, and KWS Ladislava consistently combined high mean productivity with low instability, indicating broad adaptation. Multi-trait evaluation using genotype by yield × trait (GYT) analysis revealed clear trade-offs between yield and technological quality. Hybrids BTS 9695 and Strube Hubble showed superior combinations for RY×SC and RY × low impurities, indicating high sugar productivity without major quality penalties. Overall, the integrated AMMI-WAASB/WAASBY–GYT framework proved effective for identifying sugar beet hybrids that combine high productivity, stability, and technological suitability under variable agroecological conditions, providing a robust basis for breeding and production recommendations.
Development and pilot testing of the ‘Lesion-Detect’ system for automated identification and scoring of gross lung lesions in pigs during slaughter
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Banhazi, T.M.; Dunn, M.; Banhazi, A.; Reixach, J.; Gol, S.; Ramon-Perez, A.; Llonch, P.; Vujacic, V.; Sudar, J.; Kajari, N.; Maselyne, J.; Van Noten, N.; Tuyttens, F.
Respiratory diseases are the most significant health and welfare challenges in pig production. Enzootic pneumonia (EP) is often subclinical at farm level, making early detection difficult, yet its economic and welfare impacts are substantial. Suboptimal housing conditions are well-established risk factors that predispose pigs to respiratory disease. These conditions negatively affect animal health and welfare and are associated with increased mortality, higher medication costs, reduced feed intake, sub-optimal average daily gain, and increased organ condemnations, representing a major constraint to sustainable pig production. At slaughter, gross lung lesions associated with respiratory disease can be assessed in all carcasses, offering a valuable opportunity for herd-level monitoring. However, current Pig Health Monitoring System (PHMS) lesion scoring methods are labour-intensive, subjective, and poorly scalable. To address these limitations, we developed and pilot-tested Lesion-Detect (LD), an automated image-analysis system for identifying and scoring gross lung lesions under commercial slaughterhouse conditions. LD prototypes were deployed in two European slaughterhouses (Spain: hanging lungs; Serbia: tray-based presentation) and benchmarked against manual PHMS scoring. The system showed strong agreement with trained human assessors, with false positive and false negative rates typically within 2–3% of lung area, comparable to inter-observer variability. By delivering objective and scalable lesion scoring, LD could enable consistent respiratory health surveillance. Beyond data collection, rapid herd-level feedback supports earlier and more targeted on-farm interventions, potentially reducing antimicrobial use and improving animal welfare. With further refinement, the system may be extended to additional carcass-level welfare indicators, strengthening its role within precision livestock farming and integrated animal welfare assessment frameworks.
Effect of seed inoculation with bacterial inoculum and in-row application of biohumus on germination parameters, physiological and biochemical components of spring barley seedlings under laboratory conditions
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Makarchuk, B.; Gerasko, T.; Pokoptseva, L.; Nezhnova, N.; Alekseeva, Т.
A short-term vegetative experiment was conducted at the Kyiv Specialized Branch of the Ukrainian Institute of Plant Variety Examination (Ukraine) to determine the effect of small doses (100–300 kg ha-1) of biohumus applied during sowing in rows with seeds, as well as pre-sowing inoculation of seeds with the BioStim™Seed preparation on germination parameters and physiological indicators of spring barley seedlings. In row application of biohumus, BioStim™Seed, and their combination improved germination response parameters under laboratory conditions. Pre-sowing inoculation of spring barley seeds with preparation BioStim™Seed without adding biohumus increased germination percentage, but at the same time the mean germination time was increased. The combined use of pre-sowing seed inoculation with the BioStim™Seed preparation with row application of biohumus significantly increased morphological parameters of spring barley shoots, chlorophyll a content, the sum and ratio of chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids content, catalase and peroxidase activity, while significantly reducing the MDA content in the leaves of spring barley seedlings.
Effectiveness of organic fertiliser from bovine carcass residues on pasture biomass yield and nutritional value: A one-year trial comparing with inorganic fertilisers
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Teixeira, S.M.P.; Rosa, H.J.D.; Madruga, J.S.; da Silveira, M.G.; Borba, A.E.S.
The use of organic fertilisers in agricultural soil promotes sustainable agriculture and reduces the use of chemical fertilisers, which could have an economic and environmental impact. An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of inorganic vs. organic fertiliser produced from residues (dried to 97% of dry matter DM) resulting from bovine carcass cutting on pasture biomass production and nutritional value. Twenty-five plots of a biodiverse pasture were ploughed, sown with Lolium perenne L. and Trifolium repens L. and randomly assigned to 5 treatments: control (no fertiliser) and chemical or organic fertiliser (100 and 200 kg N ha per year) in a Latin square experimental design. In the following year, monthly pasture samples were taken to determine chemical and nutritional analysis. Results for annual DM production showed no significant differences in quality of fertiliser, but rather in the quantity (only for chemical 200 being 16% higher than 100; p = 0.026). Regarding results for annual protein production, chemical was 12.9% higher (p = 0.005) than organic. For digestibility, there were only significant differences between quantities and not quality (200 was 3% higher than 100 for organic and 7% for chemical; p = 0.002). These results suggest that this organic fertiliser can replace chemical fertilisers in soils of grass pastures for dairy cattle without compromising DM production and grass digestibility. By reusing animal by-products, it promotes sustainability in line with circular economy principles, especially in areas with a high level of cattle production and beef industry such as the Azores and regions alike.
Evaluation of drying techniques to preserve bioactive compounds in spruce sprouts during storage
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Karklina, K.; Ozola, L.
Spruce sprouts are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. Still, there is little information about the stability of compounds in different dried spruce sprouts during storage. This study aims to analyse the optimal drying method for spruce sprouts to ensure higher bioactive compound content for a shelf life of one year. Four types of spruce sprouts were analysed – fresh, dried at 40 °C, at 60 °C, and freeze-dried. Spruce sprouts were analysed for moisture, Vitamin C content, total tannin content, a-, and b- chlorophyll, total chlorophyll and total carotenoids, as well as volatile compounds in different spruce sprouts were characterised. To evaluate the optimal drying method for preserving bioactive compounds for over a year, the technique for order of preference by similarity to an ideal solution, TOPSIS, was used. According to TOPSIS, the most optimal results were observed in fresh samples. However, when analysing drying methods, the most optimal for spruce sprouts were freeze-drying and drying at 40 °C. Characterising volatile compounds in different processed spruce sprouts, regardless of the drying method, D-limonene was present at the highest concentration in all spruce sprout samples, imparting a characteristic citrus aroma. Overall, the results indicate that while fresh spruce sprouts initially contained higher levels of bioactive compounds, freeze-drying proved to be the most effective method for preserving these compounds during a year of storage. This method not only ensures long-term stability but also offers a promising approach for developing stable, nutrientrich spruce sprout products with extended shelf life and high functional value suitable for industrial applications.
Evaluation of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines for tolerance to Aluminum toxicity using selection indices
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2025) Zishiri, R.M.; Mutengwa, C.S.; Tandzi, L.N.; Manyevere, A.
Selection of genotypes with better yield performance when exposed to stress (biotic or abiotic) is key objective for every plant breeding program. Aluminum toxicity is one of the significant constraints to maize production in acidic soils in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to identify desirable genotypes with Al tolerance based on selection indices at seedling stage and identify the most effective selection indices under Al stress conditions. 75 Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes were evaluated in CRD with three replicates in the laboratory using a nutrient solution screening method. Additionally, the same genotypes were also screened in the greenhouse arranged in RCBD with three replicates using soil bioassays. The genotypes were exposed to aluminum (Al) toxicity and non-toxic conditions. Data were collected and seven selection indices namely: Stress susceptibility index (SSI); stress tolerance index (STI); geometric mean productivity (GMP); Tolerance index (TOL); Stress Resistance Index (SRI); Percentage Reduction (PCRD); and Mean Productivity (MP) were calculated. Dry Matter (DM) yield under Al toxicity and non-toxic conditions had highly significant (p < 0.001) effects with GMP, STI, SRI and MP, suggesting that these indices have the potential to differentiate genotypes for Al tolerance. Significant and negative correlations were observed between DM and PCRD, TOL, and SSI. Indices that had highly significant and very strong correlations amongst themselves were PCRD with SSI (r = 1.00), and GMP with STI (r = 1.00). The most desirable selection indices that can be used to select tolerant QPM genotypes included GMP, STI, SRI, PCRD, and TOL as they had strong correlations with dry matter under Al toxicity. The tested genotypes were classified into four groups using the principal component (PCA) analysis known as QPM genotypes with high performance under both environments (Group 1), those with high performance under optimum conditions (Group 2), genotypes with high performance under Al stress conditions (Group 3) and those with low performance under both conditions (Group 4). The top five most tolerant maize inbred lines were CML 486, QSY 2, IBL 9, IBL 5 and IBL 4. These tolerant genotypes could be used as parent material for hybridization programs in developing Al tolerant cultivars.
Formation and realization of the biological productivity potential of soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
(Estonian University of Life Sciences, 2026) Radchenko, M.; Trotsenko, V.; Butenko, Ye.; Masyk, I.; Overchenko, V.; Hotvianska, A.; Lemishko, S.; Solohub, I.; Kolosok, I.; Kovalenko, M.; Yatsenko, V.
Study is aimed at an in-depth analysis of the biological and agronomically valuable traits of soft spring wheat varieties in combination with different seeding rates in order to determine their adaptability, productivity, and ability to form high-quality grain. The goal of the research was to analyze plant productivity, yield and grain quality from three soft spring wheat varieties and at three different seeding rates. This will allow us to assess the productivity of each of them. The following design was employed for the experimental evaluation of at direct effect of variety in relation to seeding rate (A = Variety; B = Seeding Rate): Variety: Shirokko, Grenny, Uliublena; Seeding Rates: 4,500,000; 5,000,000; 5,500,000 grains ha-1. The accumulation of vegetative mass during the growing season of spring wheat was determined by sampling two non-adjacent repetitions of 0.33 running meters from two adjacent rows, while yield was determined by collecting sheaf samples from each accounting plot. Protein and gluten contents were determined using a SapNIR 2750 infrared analyzer in accordance with DSTU 4117:2007 ‘Grain and its processed products’. The highest fresh vegetative mass of spring wheat plants was obtained at the milk ripeness stage in the Shirokko variety at a seeding rate of 5,500,000 seeds ha-1 – 2.90 kg m². The Shirokko spring wheat variety with a seeding rate of 5,500,000 seeds ha-1 ensured the highest grain yield of 5.63 t ha-1, with the highest gluten content in the study – 30.42%, and the highest protein content – 15.64%.

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