Search

Organic waste utilization stands as a pivotal approach to ecological and economic sustainability. This study aimed to assess the stability, maturity, and evolution of co-composts comprising various blends of green waste (GW) and sheep manure (SM). Employing a diverse array of physico-chemical and biological parameters, we investigated the co-composting process over 120 days. Three types of garden waste (mixture of green waste (MGW), fallen leaves (FL), and grass cutting (GC)) were utilized. The results revealed significant compost transformation, evident by odor and insect absence and a shift to dark brown coloration, indicating maturation. The compost C2, derived from FL, exhibited superior soil amendment potential. Significantly, it exhibited a pH level of 6.80, an EC of 2.45 mS/cm, and an OM content of 55%, along with a C/N ratio of 16.15. Analysis of the macronutrients revealed values of 1.98% for TN, 3.22% for TP, and 0.61% for K. Crucially, the compost showed no phytotoxic effects and boasted a high GI of 94.20% and a low respiration rate of 4.02 mg/50 g, indicating its stability and appropriateness for agricultural application. Our findings underscore compost's potential as an eco-friendly soil amendment, offering valuable insights for sustainable agricultural management and supporting the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to determine the forage production and nutritional quality of six buffel grass ecotypes in vegetative and physiological maturity stages. The experiment was carried out at the Los Cañones Experimental Station in Zacatecas, Mexico. The ecotypes were as follows: E-42, E-45, E-66, E-72, E-S245, and the Titan variety as a control. The experiment design was a completely randomized block with three replications, and the evaluation years were from 2020 to 2022. The variables measured were as follows: plant height (PH), dry matter yield (DMY), leaf (Lf) and stem-inflorescence (St), crude protein (CP), neutral (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Pearson's correlation and a combined analysis of variance were performed for each growth stage. A correlation analysis showed significant relationships (p < 0.05) between variables. In the vegetative stage, ecotypes E-42, E-45, and E-S45 showed accumulations of over 12% of CP, which were higher (p < 0.05) than the ones for Titan. Low values of E-S245 (p < 0.05) for NDF (63.44%) and ADF (44.49%) stood out among all ecotypes. In the maturity stage, Titan was surpassed by E-45 and E-S245 with CP higher than 4%. The neutral and acid fibers in E-42, E-45, and E-S245 were less than in Titan (p < 0.05). Ecotypes E-42 and E-S245 are alternatives to improve feed efficiency in the dry subtropical climate of Zacatecas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic waste utilization stands as a pivotal approach to ecological and economic sustainability. This study aimed to assess the stability, maturity, and evolution of co-composts comprising various blends of green waste (GW) and sheep manure (SM). Employing a diverse array of physico-chemical and biological parameters, we investigated the co-composting process over 120 days. Three types of garden waste (mixture of green waste (MGW), fallen leaves (FL), and grass cutting (GC)) were utilized. The results revealed significant compost transformation, evident by odor and insect absence and a shift to dark brown coloration, indicating maturation. The compost C2, derived from FL, exhibited superior soil amendment potential. Significantly, it exhibited a pH level of 6.80, an EC of 2.45 mS/cm, and an OM content of 55%, along with a C/N ratio of 16.15. Analysis of the macronutrients revealed values of 1.98% for TN, 3.22% for TP, and 0.61% for K. Crucially, the compost showed no phytotoxic effects and boasted a high GI of 94.20% and a low respiration rate of 4.02 mg/50 g, indicating its stability and appropriateness for agricultural application. Our findings underscore compost’s potential as an eco-friendly soil amendment, offering valuable insights for sustainable agricultural management and supporting the circular economy.

The objective was to determine the forage production and nutritional quality of six buffel grass ecotypes in vegetative and physiological maturity stages. The experiment was carried out at the Los Cañones Experimental Station in Zacatecas, Mexico. The ecotypes were as follows: E-42, E-45, E-66, E-72, E-S245, and the Titan variety as a control. The experiment design was a completely randomized block with three replications, and the evaluation years were from 2020 to 2022. The variables measured were as follows: plant height (PH), dry matter yield (DMY), leaf (Lf) and stem-inflorescence (St), crude protein (CP), neutral (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Pearson’s correlation and a combined analysis of variance were performed for each growth stage. A correlation analysis showed significant relationships (p < 0.05) between variables. In the vegetative stage, ecotypes E-42, E-45, and E-S45 showed accumulations of over 12% of CP, which were higher (p < 0.05) than the ones for Titan. Low values of E-S245 (p < 0.05) for NDF (63.44%) and ADF (44.49%) stood out among all ecotypes. In the maturity stage, Titan was surpassed by E-45 and E-S245 with CP higher than 4%. The neutral and acid fibers in E-42, E-45, and E-S245 were less than in Titan (p < 0.05). Ecotypes E-42 and E-S245 are alternatives to improve feed efficiency in the dry subtropical climate of Zacatecas.

Uncertainty remains over composting time and maturity degree for compost production. The objectives of this study were to establish maturity indicators for composting based on spectral and chemical components and to provide a reference for future composting management. Several indicators of composting were assessed for three commercial composts at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days during the germination of Chinese cabbage, including (1) central temperature, (2) moisture content, (3) pH, (4) electrical conductivity, (5) C/N ratio, (6) E4/E6 ratio, (7) fluorescence humification index (HIX), and (8) germination index (GI). We evaluated the optimal composting time using these indicators, reflecting the changes in hog manure, chicken manure, and agricultural by-product composts throughout their composting process to provide a basis for maturity time. The results showed that the E4/E6 ratio, C/N ratio, humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and germination rate, which reached a stable status after 30 days of composting, could be the indicators of "early-stage" maturity. In contrast, central temperature, electrical conductivity, HIX, and GI reached stable values after 45 days of composting and thus could be more suitable indicators of full maturity. Based on our results, we recommend a minimum composting time of 30 days to achieve primary maturity, while fully matured compost may be obtained after 45 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As United States farmers adapt soybean (Glycine max) production methods from oilseed to vegetable (edamame), key management practices will need to be considered. The key objective of this study was to determine the optimal nitrogen (N) rate and N application timing for edamame in the mid-Atlantic coastal plain system. The study was conducted for three years in Painter, VA, USA on sandy loam soils. A factorial arrangement of four N rates was applied with two application timing strategies: at-planting, and split application. Leaf tissue samples were collected and analyzed at R1. At harvest, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was measured, whole pods were mechanically collected, and yield was recorded. Additionally, pod and bean physical and chemical quality were assessed. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased pod yield in two out of three years. R1 leaf N and sulfur (S) concentrations correlated to the yield, and R1 leaf and R6 whole-plant N concentrations correlated to the total N uptake. None of the tested parameters indicated that N fertilizer decreased yield or quality. In conclusion, we found that N fertilizer applied at planting may aid edamame yield and profit for sandy loam soils in the mid-Atlantic, USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of harvest aids is an important prerequisite for the mechanical harvesting of cotton that can effectively reduce the impurity content and improve the picking rate and operating efficiency of machine-picked cotton. However, determining the appropriate spraying time of harvest aids to achieve the synergistic improvement of cotton boll weight and fiber quality is still unclear. In this study, the damage of harvest aids to cotton boll weight and fiber quality as well as its quantitative relationship to cotton boll age were studied through testing different harvest aid compounds and spraying times. The spraying of harvest aids significantly shortened the boll growth period of cotton by 3.60–6.45 d, and concentrated boll opening was beneficial to cotton mechanical harvesting. The boll weight of immature cotton was significantly decreased by 0.63–1.12 g; the fiber strength was significantly decreased by 2.48–2.77 cN·tex−1, and the micronaire value deteriorated. The negative effect on the boll weight and fiber quality was aggravated by the decrease in the ratio of boll age to boll period (Rd/b) during the harvest aid spraying time. When the fiber strength damage was controlled at 1%, the spraying time Rd/b of the harvest aids was 0.77–0.82, and the boll weight loss was also controlled at 5%. Therefore, it is recommended that an Rd/b of 0.77–0.82 be used to balance the contradiction between cotton yield and fiber quality under harvest aid application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The configuration of the sensory quality of coffee begins in the tree, where chemical precursors are deposited and formed in the seeds as the fruits develop. Fruit within the range classified as mature can have a wide range of properties. This study evaluated three degrees of maturity and established their chemical and sensory characteristics using analytical techniques such as liquid and gas chromatography. The maturity states evaluated did not show differences in organic acids, free fatty acids, lipids, total chlorogenic acids, proteins, alkaloids or sucrose. Fructose and glucose showed differences with respect to the degree of maturity, with higher values associated with more developed states. The analysis of variance did not show a significant effect on sensory attributes or sensory quality. The chromatic coordinate a* of the CIEL*a*b* scale reached a maximum value of 25.16, and the evaluated states were different from each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-year (2018–2020) study was conducted in Lanigan (Thin Black soil zone) and Saskatoon (Dark Brown soil zone), SK Canada to compare low-lignin alfalfa (Medicago sativa) cv. Hi-Gest® 360 (HiGest) with alfalfa- cv. AC Grazeland (Grazeland) in monoculture and binary mixtures with hybrid bromegrass (HBG; cv. AC Success) for forage yield, nutrient profile, and establishment costs. Field plots were seeded in August 2017. Stands were harvested at three maturity stages of alfalfa (1 = 10% bloom; 2 = 40% bloom; and 3 = 100% bloom). Compared to Grazeland, HiGest alfalfa yielded 25% less in Saskatoon in monoculture, but no difference was found in Lanigan. Averaged across two sites, HiGest had 8.6% less acid detergent lignin (6.51 vs. 5.95%) and 10.3% greater in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (42.7 vs. 38.7% of neutral detergent fiber). In the binary mixtures, however, differences in yield and quality between the two alfalfas were negligible. The stand establishment costs averaged 300 Canadian dollar (CAD) ha−1, 205 CAD ha−1, 260 CAD ha−1, and 303 CAD ha−1 for HiGest, Grazeland, Grazeland-HBG, and HiGest-HBG, respectively. Hi-Gest® 360 alfalfa could provide higher digestible nutrients when it was used as a monoculture and could maintain quality better into later maturing stages. However, the higher seed price, and no actual advantage in mixtures may delay its adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pears (Pyrus (Rosaceae, Pyrinae) are among the oldest plants cultivated by humans and the second most widely grown fruit worldwide, after apples. They are commercially important fruit trees; over the last few decades, global area, production, and exports have massively increased. However, fruit cracking at an early stage or at maturity is a severe physiological disorder, causing significant economic losses to pear growers. Fruit cracking may be associated with inadequate irrigation, environmental factors, and nutritional deficiencies, particularly those involving B, Ca, Zn, and potash. Fruits can crack during growth and development due to the abrupt temperature changes between day and night, water imbalances, sun exposure, trellis systems, and the color of the fruit packaging. Cracking is more pronounced when the fruit has reached maturity, and no single factor is known to effectively prevent its occurrence. Although fruit cracking poses the risk of great economic losses, research on its cause and management in pears is limited as compared to other fruit crops. Therefore, examining the occurrence of pear fruit cracking in relation to cultivar genetics, fruit composition and quality, the water levels of the soil and water uptake by plants, and the role of micronutrients and plant growth regulators will aid in the development of strategies to reduce fruit cracking in pears. This review briefly summarizes the causes of fruit cracking in pears and possible control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fourier-transform near infrared (FT-NIR) reflection spectra of intact berries of the grape variety Thompson seedless were used to predict total soluble solids (TSS) content. From an initial dataset, 12 subsets were considered by applying variable selection to extract the reflectance values at wavenumbers most correlated to the chemometrically measured TSS content. The datasets were processed by both multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares (PLS) methods towards predicting the TSS content from the reflection values of each spectrum. Prediction accuracy was measured in terms of both the coefficient of determination R2 and the root mean squared error (RMSE). It was found that variable selection improved the prediction accuracy with both processing methods; values of R2 of up to 0.972 and 0.926 and RMSE of up to 0.306 and 0.472 were reported with MLR and PLS, respectively. The combination of variable selection and MLR displayed (a) higher accuracy when the spectra dataset variation was limited, (b) lower accuracy with datasets of large variation such as those with spectra from a variety of maturity stages, and (c) failed with more complex spectra sets such as those from different harvest years. The combination of variable selection and PLS has demonstrated reliable prediction results with various degrees of dataset complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As United States farmers adapt soybean (Glycine max) production methods from oilseed to vegetable (edamame), key management practices will need to be considered. The key objective of this study was to determine the optimal nitrogen (N) rate and N application timing for edamame in the mid-Atlantic coastal plain system. The study was conducted for three years in Painter, VA, USA on sandy loam soils. A factorial arrangement of four N rates was applied with two application timing strategies: at-planting, and split application. Leaf tissue samples were collected and analyzed at R1. At harvest, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was measured, whole pods were mechanically collected, and yield was recorded. Additionally, pod and bean physical and chemical quality were assessed. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased pod yield in two out of three years. R1 leaf N and sulfur (S) concentrations correlated to the yield, and R1 leaf and R6 whole-plant N concentrations correlated to the total N uptake. None of the tested parameters indicated that N fertilizer decreased yield or quality. In conclusion, we found that N fertilizer applied at planting may aid edamame yield and profit for sandy loam soils in the mid-Atlantic, USA.

Uncertainty remains over composting time and maturity degree for compost production. The objectives of this study were to establish maturity indicators for composting based on spectral and chemical components and to provide a reference for future composting management. Several indicators of composting were assessed for three commercial composts at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days during the germination of Chinese cabbage, including (1) central temperature, (2) moisture content, (3) pH, (4) electrical conductivity, (5) C/N ratio, (6) E4/E6 ratio, (7) fluorescence humification index (HIX), and (8) germination index (GI). We evaluated the optimal composting time using these indicators, reflecting the changes in hog manure, chicken manure, and agricultural by-product composts throughout their composting process to provide a basis for maturity time. The results showed that the E4/E6 ratio, C/N ratio, humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and germination rate, which reached a stable status after 30 days of composting, could be the indicators of “early-stage” maturity. In contrast, central temperature, electrical conductivity, HIX, and GI reached stable values after 45 days of composting and thus could be more suitable indicators of full maturity. Based on our results, we recommend a minimum composting time of 30 days to achieve primary maturity, while fully matured compost may be obtained after 45 days.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are an essential food for the human diet and thus represent an important source of biologically active substances. This study aimed at investigating the content of bioactive substances (total anthocyanin and polyphenol contents and chlorogenic acid) in seven potato varieties (Belana, Cecile, Magenta Love, Mozart, Talentine, Toscana, and Violet Queen) with various flesh and skin colors. To evaluate the impact of potato maturity on the analyzed parameters, potato samples were harvested in two different periods (1st harvest—July and 2nd harvest—September). Total anthocyanin and polyphenol contents were determined spectrophotometrically, and chlorogenic acid by the HPLC-DAD method. Varieties with a colored flesh (Magenta Love and Violet Queen) showed the highest content of bioactive substances. The maturity level significantly (p < 0.05) affected the total content of anthocyanins and polyphenols in potatoes. Early to medium early varieties (Belana and Magenta Love) showed an increase in chlorogenic acid content during maturation, while in other varieties, chlorogenic acid decreased due to higher maturity. In terms of the content of bioactive substances with a possible positive effect on human health, the consumption of potatoes with colored flesh could be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermophilic aeration and electrochemical reactions are well-established methods for wastewater treatment to reduce metallic content, organic and inorganic matter, turbidity, coloration, and nutrient levels. In this study, thermophilic aerobic oxidation (TAO) and electrocoagulation (EC) were implemented together to improve the quality of liquid fertilizer by reducing the nutrient load and toxicity of swine manure. The influent in this study was prepared by mixing anaerobic digestate and liquid swine manure at a 1:9 ratio and treating it for 3 days at 50–60 °C in a field-scale TAO system. The TAO effluent was then processed in an EC reactor for 180 min with a 30 V electric supply through two sets of iron and aluminum hybrid electrodes. The combined TAO and EC processes led to a germination index of 133% using the final efflux. The high retention of important nutrients such as total nitrogen and potassium, combined with the 100% reduction in heavy metals, over 60% reduction in trace minerals, and 89% reduction in pollutants in the final product, helped to achieve a higher germination index. Overall, the combination of TAO and EC was demonstrated to be an effective technique for enhancing the quality of liquid fertilizer derived from swine manure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of harvest aids is an important prerequisite for the mechanical harvesting of cotton that can effectively reduce the impurity content and improve the picking rate and operating efficiency of machine-picked cotton. However, determining the appropriate spraying time of harvest aids to achieve the synergistic improvement of cotton boll weight and fiber quality is still unclear. In this study, the damage of harvest aids to cotton boll weight and fiber quality as well as its quantitative relationship to cotton boll age were studied through testing different harvest aid compounds and spraying times. The spraying of harvest aids significantly shortened the boll growth period of cotton by 3.60–6.45 d, and concentrated boll opening was beneficial to cotton mechanical harvesting. The boll weight of immature cotton was significantly decreased by 0.63–1.12 g; the fiber strength was significantly decreased by 2.48–2.77 cN·tex−1, and the micronaire value deteriorated. The negative effect on the boll weight and fiber quality was aggravated by the decrease in the ratio of boll age to boll period (Rd/b) during the harvest aid spraying time. When the fiber strength damage was controlled at 1%, the spraying time Rd/b of the harvest aids was 0.77–0.82, and the boll weight loss was also controlled at 5%. Therefore, it is recommended that an Rd/b of 0.77–0.82 be used to balance the contradiction between cotton yield and fiber quality under harvest aid application.

The configuration of the sensory quality of coffee begins in the tree, where chemical precursors are deposited and formed in the seeds as the fruits develop. Fruit within the range classified as mature can have a wide range of properties. This study evaluated three degrees of maturity and established their chemical and sensory characteristics using analytical techniques such as liquid and gas chromatography. The maturity states evaluated did not show differences in organic acids, free fatty acids, lipids, total chlorogenic acids, proteins, alkaloids or sucrose. Fructose and glucose showed differences with respect to the degree of maturity, with higher values associated with more developed states. The analysis of variance did not show a significant effect on sensory attributes or sensory quality. The chromatic coordinate a* of the CIEL*a*b* scale reached a maximum value of 25.16, and the evaluated states were different from each other.

Pears (Pyrus (Rosaceae, Pyrinae) are among the oldest plants cultivated by humans and the second most widely grown fruit worldwide, after apples. They are commercially important fruit trees; over the last few decades, global area, production, and exports have massively increased. However, fruit cracking at an early stage or at maturity is a severe physiological disorder, causing significant economic losses to pear growers. Fruit cracking may be associated with inadequate irrigation, environmental factors, and nutritional deficiencies, particularly those involving B, Ca, Zn, and potash. Fruits can crack during growth and development due to the abrupt temperature changes between day and night, water imbalances, sun exposure, trellis systems, and the color of the fruit packaging. Cracking is more pronounced when the fruit has reached maturity, and no single factor is known to effectively prevent its occurrence. Although fruit cracking poses the risk of great economic losses, research on its cause and management in pears is limited as compared to other fruit crops. Therefore, examining the occurrence of pear fruit cracking in relation to cultivar genetics, fruit composition and quality, the water levels of the soil and water uptake by plants, and the role of micronutrients and plant growth regulators will aid in the development of strategies to reduce fruit cracking in pears. This review briefly summarizes the causes of fruit cracking in pears and possible control strategies.

Fourier-transform near infrared (FT-NIR) reflection spectra of intact berries of the grape variety Thompson seedless were used to predict total soluble solids (TSS) content. From an initial dataset, 12 subsets were considered by applying variable selection to extract the reflectance values at wavenumbers most correlated to the chemometrically measured TSS content. The datasets were processed by both multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares (PLS) methods towards predicting the TSS content from the reflection values of each spectrum. Prediction accuracy was measured in terms of both the coefficient of determination R2 and the root mean squared error (RMSE). It was found that variable selection improved the prediction accuracy with both processing methods; values of R2 of up to 0.972 and 0.926 and RMSE of up to 0.306 and 0.472 were reported with MLR and PLS, respectively. The combination of variable selection and MLR displayed (a) higher accuracy when the spectra dataset variation was limited, (b) lower accuracy with datasets of large variation such as those with spectra from a variety of maturity stages, and (c) failed with more complex spectra sets such as those from different harvest years. The combination of variable selection and PLS has demonstrated reliable prediction results with various degrees of dataset complexity.

Thermophilic aeration and electrochemical reactions are well-established methods for wastewater treatment to reduce metallic content, organic and inorganic matter, turbidity, coloration, and nutrient levels. In this study, thermophilic aerobic oxidation (TAO) and electrocoagulation (EC) were implemented together to improve the quality of liquid fertilizer by reducing the nutrient load and toxicity of swine manure. The influent in this study was prepared by mixing anaerobic digestate and liquid swine manure at a 1:9 ratio and treating it for 3 days at 50–60 °C in a field-scale TAO system. The TAO effluent was then processed in an EC reactor for 180 min with a 30 V electric supply through two sets of iron and aluminum hybrid electrodes. The combined TAO and EC processes led to a germination index of 133% using the final efflux. The high retention of important nutrients such as total nitrogen and potassium, combined with the 100% reduction in heavy metals, over 60% reduction in trace minerals, and 89% reduction in pollutants in the final product, helped to achieve a higher germination index. Overall, the combination of TAO and EC was demonstrated to be an effective technique for enhancing the quality of liquid fertilizer derived from swine manure.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are an essential food for the human diet and thus represent an important source of biologically active substances. This study aimed at investigating the content of bioactive substances (total anthocyanin and polyphenol contents and chlorogenic acid) in seven potato varieties (Belana, Cecile, Magenta Love, Mozart, Talentine, Toscana, and Violet Queen) with various flesh and skin colors. To evaluate the impact of potato maturity on the analyzed parameters, potato samples were harvested in two different periods (1st harvest—July and 2nd harvest—September). Total anthocyanin and polyphenol contents were determined spectrophotometrically, and chlorogenic acid by the HPLC-DAD method. Varieties with a colored flesh (Magenta Love and Violet Queen) showed the highest content of bioactive substances. The maturity level significantly (p < 0.05) affected the total content of anthocyanins and polyphenols in potatoes. Early to medium early varieties (Belana and Magenta Love) showed an increase in chlorogenic acid content during maturation, while in other varieties, chlorogenic acid decreased due to higher maturity. In terms of the content of bioactive substances with a possible positive effect on human health, the consumption of potatoes with colored flesh could be recommended.

Soil amendments from peats, brown coals and composts produced from segregated biodegradable waste or biomass from fallow land can increase soil fertility and improve soil productivity. The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of using willow (Salix viminalis L.) biomass composts as a substrate component in horticulture. The objects of the research were composts produced from willow carried out in a pile under aerobic conditions. The addition of hay and mineral nitrogen (Nmin) was used to improve process efficiency. In order to verify the type and determine fertilizing value, basic chemical parameters were analyzed (pH, total contents of C, N and P) and a pot experiment was established to analyze the germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Changes in pH, an increase in total nitrogen content (TN), phosphorus (TP) and a decrease in TOC was observed in the investigated samples. Results of the experiment showed that the highest yield was obtained from the pots with the mixture of willow, hay and Nmin. Matured composts significantly stimulated the germination and growth of the test plants. It can be concluded that the addition of hay and Nmin significantly improved composting process and increased the fertilizing value of the investigated composts.

Capsicum chinense Jacq. obtained the designation of origin in 2010 due to the unique organoleptic properties given by the characteristics of soils in the Peninsula of Yucatán. So, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of soil composition on the profile and concentration of polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and its relationship with the degree of maturity in habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). Pepper plants were grown in three soils named according to the Maya classification as: K’ankab lu’um (red soil); Box lu’um (black soil); and Chich lu’um (brown soil). The crops were cultivated in four different dates. The peppers were analyzed for antioxidant activity, profile and content of polyphenols. The results indicated that peppers grown in black soil had the highest concentration of total polyphenols (122.78 ± 12.60 mg of gallic acid 100 g−1), catechin (61.64 ± 7.55 mg 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity by DPPH (86.51 ± 0.82%). Physicochemical characterization indicated that black soil has the highest concentration of organic matter (10.93 ± 0.23%), nitrogen (52.01 ± 7.05 mg kg−1), manganese (5.24 ± 0.45 mg kg−1) and electric conductivity (2.32 ± 0.16 d Sm−1) compared to the other soils evaluated. These results demonstrate that the physicochemical composition of soils could be related to the biosynthesis of polyphenols in the habanero pepper.

The decline of relative chlorophyll contents during fruit ripening is considered to be an important indicator of fruit physiological condition. The recent availability of low-cost portable visible spectrum (VIS) spectrometers has spurred research interest towards optical sensing of chlorophyll changes in intact fruit, with many scientists attempting to link the shifts in optical signals, attributed to chlorophyll changes, to different maturity and quality parameters. One of the widely available portable devices for non-destructive estimation of relative chlorophyll contents is the DA meter, which provides a maturity index that is calculated as a difference between absorption at 670 nm (near the chlorophyll-a absorption peak) and 720 nm (background of the spectrum), abbreviated as IAD. In the present study, the evolution of IAD and its relation to starch pattern index (SPI) and fruit flesh firmness (FFF) was monitored in fruit of two cv. ‘Gala’ clones during maturation and storage, aiming to identify a potential existence of a usable IAD range for the assessment and prediction of the optimal harvest window and storage potential. In both clones, canopy positions, fruit sides, and seasons IAD, SPI, and FFF generally changed in a linear fashion over time, but with partially very different slopes, i.e., they were changing at different rates. What all of these parameters had in common was the presence of a very high biological variability, which is typical of apple fruit. Significantly powerful estimations of SPI (r2 > 0.7, p < 0.005) and pre- and post-storage FFF (r2 > 0.6, p < 0.005) were achieved. However, the very large biological variability could not be neutralized, which means that the predictions always included large confidence intervals of up to 0.46−0.59 units for SPI and 0.82−1.1 kgF FFF, which ultimately makes them unusable for practical applications. Experiments done under real-life conditions in a commercial fruit storage facility on several different fruit batches confirmed that IAD measured at harvest cannot be used indiscriminately for predicting post-storage FFF of cv. ‘Gala’ originating from different orchards. Nevertheless, mean IAD values that were obtained at optimal maturity from samples of the same orchards remained stable over seasons (0.8−1.2), which strongly suggests that, provided that the calibrations and validations are not only cultivar, but also orchard-specific, IAD has a potential for estimating maturity and storability of apple fruit. In this case, IAD could replace standard maturity indices, otherwise it would be suited for use as a supplementary index for determining fruits physiological maturity status.

Wheat accessions from the USDA-ARS National Small Grains Collection (NSGC) are a potential genetic resource for variety improvement. This study assessed the agronomic performance and drought tolerance in 198 winter wheat accessions under irrigated and terminal drought environments in the 2012–2013 season, and repeated the test under terminal drought only during the 2013–2014 season. The 198 accessions were classified into three maturity groups, early, intermediate, and late based on heading data. In all three environments, the early accessions had the best agronomic performance, produced higher grain yield, thousand-kernel weight and grain volume weight, and had earlier heading date and shorter plant height. The intermediate accessions had similar grain yield and thousand-kernel weight as the early accessions in the irrigated environment, but had lower thousand-kernel weight in the terminal drought environments. Terminal drought had significant effects on grain yield, plant height, thousand-kernel weight, and grain volume weight. The positive correlation between GY and HD suggests that the ‘late early’ types in the early maturity were the most successful. Out of 198 accessions evaluated, twenty-three had high yield stability and drought tolerance according to the drought susceptibility index and membership function value of drought tolerance. The eight of twenty-three accessions identified (four early and four intermediate) had high grain yield in three environments. Some of these accessions have been further used in bi-parental mapping studies and by breeders for grain yield and drought tolerance improvement.

Efforts to improve water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations are common in perennial forage grass breeding. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) breeding has been very successful in developing new cultivars with high WSC and high agronomic performance. Breeding efforts are ongoing to improve the WSC of other perennial forage grasses, such as orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata). The United States Department of Agriculture Forage and Range and Deutsche Saatveredelung orchardgrass breeding programs cooperated to characterize the expression and genotype by environment interaction (GEI) of water-soluble carbohydrates in a collection of orchardgrass populations from both breeding programs. Additionally, the effort characterized the relationship between water-soluble carbohydrates and other agronomic and nutritive value traits in these populations. Overall, the Deutsche Saatveredelung populations had higher herbage mass (15%), rust resistance (59%), and later maturity. The Forage and Range Research populations had higher water-soluble carbohydrates (4%), nutritive value, and earlier maturity. However, results were highly dependent on GEI. Differences were very pronounced at the French and German field locations, but less pronounced at the two US locations. Combining the germplasm from the Forage and Range Research and Deutsche Saatveredelung programs may be a way to develop an improved base germplasm source that could then be used separately in the EU and US for water-soluble carbohydrate and other trait improvement.

Soil amendments from peats, brown coals and composts produced from segregated biodegradable waste or biomass from fallow land can increase soil fertility and improve soil productivity. The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of using willow (Salix viminalis L.) biomass composts as a substrate component in horticulture. The objects of the research were composts produced from willow carried out in a pile under aerobic conditions. The addition of hay and mineral nitrogen (Nmin) was used to improve process efficiency. In order to verify the type and determine fertilizing value, basic chemical parameters were analyzed (pH, total contents of C, N and P) and a pot experiment was established to analyze the germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Changes in pH, an increase in total nitrogen content (TN), phosphorus (TP) and a decrease in TOC was observed in the investigated samples. Results of the experiment showed that the highest yield was obtained from the pots with the mixture of willow, hay and Nmin. Matured composts significantly stimulated the germination and growth of the test plants. It can be concluded that the addition of hay and Nmin significantly improved composting process and increased the fertilizing value of the investigated composts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsicum chinense Jacq. obtained the designation of origin in 2010 due to the unique organoleptic properties given by the characteristics of soils in the Peninsula of Yucatán. So, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of soil composition on the profile and concentration of polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and its relationship with the degree of maturity in habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). Pepper plants were grown in three soils named according to the Maya classification as: K'ankab lu'um (red soil); Box lu'um (black soil); and Chich lu'um (brown soil). The crops were cultivated in four different dates. The peppers were analyzed for antioxidant activity, profile and content of polyphenols. The results indicated that peppers grown in black soil had the highest concentration of total polyphenols (122.78 ± 12.60 mg of gallic acid 100 g−1), catechin (61.64 ± 7.55 mg 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity by DPPH (86.51 ± 0.82%). Physicochemical characterization indicated that black soil has the highest concentration of organic matter (10.93 ± 0.23%), nitrogen (52.01 ± 7.05 mg kg−1), manganese (5.24 ± 0.45 mg kg−1) and electric conductivity (2.32 ± 0.16 d Sm−1) compared to the other soils evaluated. These results demonstrate that the physicochemical composition of soils could be related to the biosynthesis of polyphenols in the habanero pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline of relative chlorophyll contents during fruit ripening is considered to be an important indicator of fruit physiological condition. The recent availability of low-cost portable visible spectrum (VIS) spectrometers has spurred research interest towards optical sensing of chlorophyll changes in intact fruit, with many scientists attempting to link the shifts in optical signals, attributed to chlorophyll changes, to different maturity and quality parameters. One of the widely available portable devices for non-destructive estimation of relative chlorophyll contents is the DA meter, which provides a maturity index that is calculated as a difference between absorption at 670 nm (near the chlorophyll-a absorption peak) and 720 nm (background of the spectrum), abbreviated as IAD. In the present study, the evolution of IAD and its relation to starch pattern index (SPI) and fruit flesh firmness (FFF) was monitored in fruit of two cv. 'Gala' clones during maturation and storage, aiming to identify a potential existence of a usable IAD range for the assessment and prediction of the optimal harvest window and storage potential. In both clones, canopy positions, fruit sides, and seasons IAD, SPI, and FFF generally changed in a linear fashion over time, but with partially very different slopes, i.e., they were changing at different rates. What all of these parameters had in common was the presence of a very high biological variability, which is typical of apple fruit. Significantly powerful estimations of SPI (r2 > 0.7, p < 0.005) and pre- and post-storage FFF (r2 > 0.6, p < 0.005) were achieved. However, the very large biological variability could not be neutralized, which means that the predictions always included large confidence intervals of up to 0.46–0.59 units for SPI and 0.82–1.1 kgF FFF, which ultimately makes them unusable for practical applications. Experiments done under real-life conditions in a commercial fruit storage facility on several different fruit batches confirmed that IAD measured at harvest cannot be used indiscriminately for predicting post-storage FFF of cv. 'Gala' originating from different orchards. Nevertheless, mean IAD values that were obtained at optimal maturity from samples of the same orchards remained stable over seasons (0.8–1.2), which strongly suggests that, provided that the calibrations and validations are not only cultivar, but also orchard-specific, IAD has a potential for estimating maturity and storability of apple fruit. In this case, IAD could replace standard maturity indices, otherwise it would be suited for use as a supplementary index for determining fruits physiological maturity status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]