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The study aimed to evaluate different rearing media for mass production of rice moth Corcyra cephalonica Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) an important host of several bio-control agents. The development and reproductive performance of Corcyra was evaluated to twelve (12) different combinations of food containing maize, wheat, Italian millet and scented rice-alone and fortified with 3% dextrose and yeast. Results showed that the net reproductive rate; innate capacity for increase; number of hypothetical females; daily finite rate of increase; weekly multiplication; and potential fecundity were highest and true generation time and doubling time were shortest in Italian millet (alone/fortified). The performance was better in wheat alone (second to Italian millet) than its fortification with dextrose and yeast and also superior to maize and scented rice. Hence, Italian millet alone or fortified with 3% dextrose and yeast was the most suitable rearing media for mass production of Corcyra . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standard ISO Life Cycle Assessment methodology was applied to the production of wheat and maize in an Italian farmers' cooperative, with the aim to assess the potential environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of these crops as well as to identify the hotspots in the production chains. The functional units were 1 tonne of wheat and maize, respectively and system boundaries were from cradle to cooperative's gate, including the agricultural production, the transport to the cooperative, and the cleaning as well as storage phases. Specific primary data collected both at farm and cooperative's premises, were used in the study. The results, according to ILCD impact assessment methods, show that the major hotspot for both cereals in all impact categories is the agricultural phase, due to fertilizers and pesticides use. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed, using different methods for the calculation of on-field nitrogen and pesticides emissions, in order to assess their effects on LCA results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The area used for bioenergy feedstock production is increasing because substitution of fossil fuels by bioenergy is promoted as an option to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, agriculture itself contributes to rising atmospheric nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and methane (CH 4 ) concentrations. In this study we tested whether the net exchanges of N 2 O and CH 4 between soil and atmosphere differ between annual fertilized and perennial unfertilized bioenergy crops. We measured N 2 O and CH 4 soil fluxes from poplar short rotation coppice (SRC), perennial grass-clover and annual bioenergy crops (silage maize, oilseed rape, winter wheat) in two central German regions for two years. In the second year after establishment, the N 2 O emissions were significantly lower in SRC (<0.1 kg N 2 O–N ha −1 yr −1 ) than grassland (0.8 kg N 2 O–N ha −1 yr −1 ) and the annual crop (winter wheat; 1.5 kg N 2 O–N ha −1 yr −1 ) at one regional site (Reiffenhausen). However, a different trend was observed in the first year when contents of mineral nitrogen were still higher in SRC due to former cropland use. At the other regional site (Gierstädt), N 2 O emissions were generally low (<0.5 kg N 2 O–N ha −1 yr −1 ) and no crop-type effects were detected. Net uptake of atmospheric CH 4 varied between 0.4 and 1.2 kg CH 4 –C ha −1 yr −1 with no consistent crop-type effect. The N 2 O emissions related to gross energy in the harvested biomass ranged from 0.07 to 6.22 kg CO 2 equ GJ −1 . In both regions, Gierstädt (low N 2 O emissions) and more distinct Reiffenhausen (medium N 2 O emissions), this energy yield-related N 2 O emission was the lowest for SRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important phytohormone for plant adaptation to mercury (Hg) stress. The effect of Hg on lignin synthesis, NO production in leaf, sheath and root and their relationship were investigated in two members of the grass family - wheat and maize. Hg stress decreased growth and lignin contents, significantly affected phenylpropanoid and monolignol pathways (PAL, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase; 4-coumarate: CoA ligase, 4CL; cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, CAD), with maize identified to be more sensitive to Hg stress than wheat. Among the tissue types, sheath encountered severe damage compared to leaves and roots. Hg translocation in maize was about twice that in wheat. Interestingly, total NO produced under Hg stress was significantly decreased compared to control, with maximum reduction of 43.4% and 42.9% in wheat and maize sheath, respectively. Regression analysis between lignin and NO contents or the activities of three enzymes including CAD, 4CL and PAL displayed the importance of NO contents, CAD, 4CL and PAL for lignin synthesis. Further, the gene expression profiles encoding CAD, 4CL and PAL provided support for the damaging effect of Hg on wheat sheath, and maize shoot. To validate NO potential to mitigate Hg toxicity in maize and wheat, NO donor and NO synthase inhibitor were supplemented along with Hg. The resulting phenotype, histochemical analysis and lignin contents showed that NO mitigated Hg toxicity by improving growth and lignin synthesis and accumulation. In summary, Hg sensitivity was higher in maize seedlings compared to wheat, which was associated with the lower lignin contents and reduced NO contents. External supplementation of NO is proposed as a sustainable approach to mitigate Hg toxicity in maize and wheat. [Display omitted] • Hg inhibited growth and lignin synthesis of two food crops. • Maize seedlings were identified to be more sensitive to Hg stress than wheat. • The sheath of wheat, and shoot of maize encountered severe damage under Hg stress. • Hg significantly decreased the nitric oxide content in sensitive parts of wheat and maize. • Nitric oxide could mitigate Hg toxicity in maize and wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drivers of soil-dwelling microarthropods represent one of the most addressed topics in soil ecology, and diverse results have been reported in the literature. In the present study, an extremely long-term fertilised monoculture system provided a special opportunity to investigate the drivers of soil-dwelling springtail and mite assemblages. The cropping system included wheat and maize monoculture and biculture and was managed with mineral and organic fertilisers for over 50 years. Soil samples were collected two times a year for two years from four blocks. Soil-dwelling mite groups and springtail orders were identified and analysed based on soil characteristics and compared amongst different treatments to reveal the drivers. In addition, oribatid mites and springtails were identified at the species level and analysed. The most important parameters were 'crop species' and 'study year'. Most Collembola and Acari groups were more abundant in wheat plantations, and there were yearly variations within different mite and collembolan groups. Fertilisation appeared to produce no effect on microarthropod assemblages; however, soil pH and phosphate concentration differed according to fertilisation treatment. Overall, the four blocks at the study site effectively reflected the spatial patterns of oribatid species. Specifically, the dominant collembolan species exhibited similar patterns to the major collembolan orders, whereas oribatid species presented different patterns within Oribatida. The studied special agricultural system helped reveal important drivers of soil-dwelling Collembola and Acari, and these soil-dwelling microarthropod assemblages are affected more strongly by 'crop species' and 'study year' than by long-term fertilisation regime. • Driving parameters of soil-dwelling microarthropods were investigated in a crop land. • Long-term fertilised wheat and maize monocultures were studied for two years. • The most important influencing parameters were crop plant and study year. • Fertilisation had almost no effects on assemblages of springtails and mites. • Oribatid mite assemblages showed considerable spatial patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are free-living bacteria which actively colonize plant roots, exerting beneficial effects on plant development. The PGPR may (i) promote the plant growth either by using their own metabolism (solubilizing phosphates, producing hormones or fixing nitrogen) or directly affecting the plant metabolism (increasing the uptake of water and minerals), enhancing root development, increasing the enzymatic activity of the plant or “helping” other beneficial microorganisms to enhance their action on the plants; (ii) or may promote the plant growth by suppressing plant pathogens. These abilities are of great agriculture importance in terms of improving soil fertility and crop yield, thus reducing the negative impact of chemical fertilizers on the environment. The progress in the last decade in using PGPR in a variety of plants (maize, rice, wheat, soybean and bean) along with their mechanism of action are summarized and discussed here. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Here, we report on a two-years field experiment aimed at the quantification of the emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) from the dominant wheat–maize double cropping system in North China Plain. The experiment had 6 different fertilization strategies, including a control treatment, recommended fertilization, with and without straw and manure applications, and nitrification inhibitor and slow release urea. Application of N fertilizer slightly decreased CH4 uptake by soil. Direct N2O emissions derived from recommended urea application was 0.39% of the annual urea-N input. Both straw and manure had relatively low N2O emissions factors. Slow release urea had a relatively high emission factor. Addition of nitrification inhibitor reduced N2O emission by 55%. We conclude that use of nitrification inhibitors is a promising strategy for N2O mitigation for the intensive wheat–maize double cropping systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biofuels could become increasingly important for agriculture; however there is growing concern regarding the possible environmental drawbacks due to the risks of increased inputs during crop cultivation. These risks need to be evaluated in order to assess the best management practices. In this study, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out: (i) to evaluate the environmental impacts of three cropping systems characterized by different external input levels (low S1, medium S2 and high S3) applied to sunflower and maize, both in rotation with wheat, in a Mediterranean region; (ii) to estimate the environmental benefits of the optimization of cropping systems for energy management. Output–input ratio, net energy balance, global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication potential (EP) and acidification potential (AP) were used as LCA impact categories. Data from cropping systems (external input and crop yields) were collected from a long-term experiment carried out in the coastal plain of Tuscany; data regarding fertilizers, machinery and pesticide production were taken from literature. The results obtained showed S1 with the highest output–input ratios and the lowest impact for the selected impact categories. The other cropping systems S2 and S3 showed limited differences between them for all the impact categories evaluated. Fertilizer use and application, irrigation and machinery use caused most of the environmental impacts and energy consumption. The allocation procedure, showing residues as co-products, had a strong influence on the overall efficiency of agricultural systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A total of 864 brown-egg laying pullets was used to study the effects of the main cereal of the diet (500g maize or wheat/kg) and particle size of the cereal (hammer milled to pass through a 6-, 8-, and 10-mm screen) on growth performance and digestive traits from 1 to 120d of age. Each of the six treatments was replicated six times (24 pullets per replicate). Type of cereal did not affect pullet performance at any age. From 1 to 45d of age, body weight (BW) gain was increased (P<0.001) and feed conversion ratio was improved (P<0.05) as the particle size of the cereal was reduced, but no effects were observed after this age. At 45d of age, pullets fed maize tended (P<0.10) to have a heavier relative weight (RW, g/kg BW) of the total digestive tract and proventriculi and a higher relative length (RL, cm/kg BW) of the small intestines (SI) than pullets fed wheat. Also at this age, the RW of the digestive tract increased (P<0.05) with increases in the particle size of the cereal. At 120d of age, dietary treatment did not affect the RW of any of the organs studied or gizzard pH but the RL of the SI was higher (P<0.05) for pullets fed wheat than for pullets fed maize. Also, the RL of the SI was reduced (P<0.05) as the particle size of the cereal increased. We conclude that 500g wheat/kg can be included in pullet feeds from 1 to 120d of age, and that particle size of the cereal affects pullet performance during the first 45d of life but not thereafter. Therefore, it is recommended to grind the cereal used in this period with a screen size of no more than 8mm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Accumulation and distribution of uranium in roots and shoots of four plants species differing in their cation exchange capacity of roots (CECR) was investigated. After exposure in hydroponics for seven days to 100μmol U L−1, distribution of uranium in roots was investigated through chemical extraction of roots. Higher U concentrations were measured in roots of dicots which showed a higher CECR than monocot species. Chemical extractions indicated that uranium is mostly located in the apoplasm of roots of monocots but that it is predominantly located in the symplasm of roots of dicots. Translocation of U to shoot was not significantly affected by the CECR or distribution of U between symplasm and apoplasm. Distribution of uranium in roots was investigated through chemical extraction of roots for all species. Additionally, longitudinal and radial distribution of U in roots of maize and Indian mustard, respectively showing the lowest and the highest translocation, was studied following X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of specific root sections. Chemical analysis and XRF analysis of roots of maize and Indian mustard clearly indicated a higher longitudinal and radial transport of uranium in roots of Indian mustard than in roots of maize, where uranium mostly accumulated in root tips. These results showed that even if CECR could partly explain U accumulation in roots, other mechanisms like radial and longitudinal transport are implied in the translocation of U to the shoot. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Virtual water is the volume of water used to produce a commodity or service. Hitherto, most virtual water ‘trade’ studies have focused on its potential contribution to saving water, especially in water short regions. Very little, however, has been said about the opportunity cost of the associated water. The present research critically evaluates the strategic importance of green water (soil water originating from rainfall) in relation to international commodity trade. Besides having a lower opportunity cost, the use of green water for the production of crops has generally less negative environmental externalities than the use of blue water (irrigation with water abstracted from ground or surface water systems). Although it is widely known that major grain exporters – the USA, Canada, France, Australia and Argentina – produce grain in highly productive rain-fed conditions, green water volumes in exports have rarely been estimated. The present study corroborates that green water is by far the largest share of virtual water in maize, soybean and wheat exports from its main exporting countries (USA, Canada, Australia and Argentina) during the period 2000–2004. Insofar virtual water is ‘traded’ towards water-scarce nations that heavily depend on their blue water resources, green virtual-water ‘trade’ related to these commodities plays a role in ensuring water and water-dependent food security and avoiding further potential damage to the water environments in both importing and exporting countries. This potential of international green virtual-water ‘trade’, however, is constrained by factors such as technology, the potential for further increases in the productivity of soil and irrigation water, the level of socio-economic development, national food policies and international trade agreements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to study the direct and residual effect of applying different organic materials on Se accumulation by crops and volatilization from seleniferous soils of northwestern India. Among organic manures, press mud and poultry manures proved 4–5 times more effective in reducing Se accumulation by different crops than farmyard manure. Efficiency of organic manures increased with increase in application rates. Application of both press mud and poultry manures reduced Se accumulation by 44–97% in wheat (Triticum aestivum) and rapeseed (Brassica napus) shoots in the greenhouse; 85–92% in wheat straw, 45–74% in wheat grains, 45–74% in rapeseed straw and 76–92% in rapeseed grains under field conditions. Both the manures remained highly effective in reducing Se accumulation by the crops following wheat and rapeseed and the extent of reduction varied from 50% to 87% in maize (Zea mays) and cowpeas (Vigna sinensis) in the greenhouse and 40–89% in maize and rice (Oryza sativa) crops under field situation. Rate of Se volatilization by wheat and rapeseed crops increased by 1.8–4.0 times; the greatest increase was observed with press mud followed by poultry manure, arhar (Cajanus cajan) leaves and farmyard manure. After 134d of incubation of 500g soil amended with 2% of plant tissues, the maximum amount of Se was volatilized with cowpea leaves (385ng) followed by wheat grains, leaves of maize, sugarcane (Saccharum officcinarum), arhar, poplar (Populus deltoides) and the control (91ng). The results of this study convincingly prove the usefulness of applying press mud and poultry manure in enhancing volatilization and retarding the transfer of Se from soil to plant in seleniferous soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Political and economic arguments underlie the focus on cellulosic ethanol production as a preferred process for meeting future renewable fuel demand. Cellulosic ethanol production requires large volumes of the biomass input, adding logistical challenges to the feasibility of the technology. The objective of this research is to evaluate the profitability of a field-to-refinery model developed to identify optimal harvest, storage, transportation, pretreatment, and refining activities for a study area in Northeastern North Dakota. Sensitivity analysis indicates profitability of the ethanol complex is marginal under current prices and anticipated technologies. However, increases in ethanol prices and reduced conversion costs to produce ethanol from herbaceous crop residues suggest future viability of the process. Finally, development of a viable livestock feeding industry using some or all of the AFEX-pretreated crop residue increases the profitability of harvesting crop residues for further use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biomass pretreatment is one of major bottlenecks to convert biomass to bioethanol at present. We found that cereal straw could be completely dissolved in a 10-fold volume excess of trifluoroacetic acid (≥99%) (TFA). Pretreatment with TFA completely disrupted the dense cellulose crystallinity of the biomass. Further research showed that the TFA dissolved, but did not degrade, the cellulose in the straw. TFA did, however, degrade 65.65% of xylan in the straw, as well as reduce 20.0–23.3% of the acid-insoluble lignin. Isopropanol could precipitate 92.7% of the material dissolved in the TFA solution. These results led us to design a procedure for pretreatment of cellulosic biomass involving a dissolving step with TFA and a precipitation step with isopropanol. Experiments show that the procedure is technically feasible. Moreover, TFA and isopropanol could be completely evaporated off the supernatant and precipitate, and recycled back into the process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent research on crop-water relations has increasingly been directed towards the application of locally acquired knowledge to answering the questions raised on larger scales. However, the application of the local results to larger scales is often questionable. This paper presents a GIS-based tool, or a GEPIC model, to estimate crop water productivity (CWP) on the land surface with spatial resolution of 30arc-min. The GEPIC model can estimate CWP on a large-scale by considering the local variations in climate, soil and management conditions. The results show a non-linear relationship between virtual water content (or the inverse of CWP) and crop yield. The simulated CWP values are generally more sensitive to three parameters, i.e. potential harvest index for a crop under ideal growing conditions (HI), biomass-energy ratio indicating the energy conversion to biomass (WA), and potential heat unit accumulation from emergence to maturity (PHU), than other parameters. The GEPIC model is a useful tool to study crop-water relations on large scales with high spatial resolution; hence, it can be used to support large-scale decision making in water management and crop production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fusarium species are among the most studied plant-pathogenic fungi, with several species causing diseases on maize, wheat, barley, and other food and feed grains. Decreased yield, as well as diminished quality and value of the grain, results in significant worldwide economic losses. Additionally, Fusarium species produce a chemically diverse array of mycotoxins such as diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, T-2 toxin, zearalenone, fumonisins, fusarin C, beauvericin, moniliformin, and fusaproliferin. The dominant Fusarium species associated with feed grain that produce these mycotoxins are reviewed with emphasis on their current taxonomy, phylogenetic relationships, and general biology. Ecological and environmental factors associated with plant–fungal interactions and potential mycotoxin contamination of feed also are discussed with primary emphasis on two main diseases: head blight of small grains and ear rot of maize. The past quarter-century has provided much detail on the morphology, physiology, genetics and genomics of Fusarium species. Such data are critical for understanding these fungi and for managing their impact on the safety, value, and yield of quality grain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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Abstract: A greenhouse experiment was set up with maize, ryegrass, Indian mustard, wheat and pea to evaluate to what extent differences in uranium (U) transfer factors can be explained by root-mediated changes in selected soil properties. The experiment involved an acid and an alkaline soil contaminated with 238U. U soil-to-shoot transfer factors (TFs) ranged between 0.0005 and 0.021 on the acid soil and between 0.007 and 0.179 on the alkaline soil. Indian mustard showed the highest U uptake in shoots and maize the lowest. The root TFs, only available for the acid soil, ranged from 0.58 for maize and Indian mustard to 1.38 for ryegrass. The difference in U uptake between the two soils and the five plants was only partially explained by the different initial U concentrations in soil solution or differences in soil properties in the two soils. However, we obtained a significant relation for differences in shoot TFs observed between the two soils when relating shoot TFs with concentration of UO2 2+ and uranyl carbonate complexes in soil solution (R 2 =0.88). The physiological mechanisms by which root-to-shoot U transfer is inhibited or promoted seemed at least as important as the plant-induced changes in soil characteristics in determining soil-to-shoot TFs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Starch is organized in concentric alternating semi-crystalline and amorphous layers in granules of various sizes within the endosperm. The amount of amylose in starch normally varies between 200 and 300g/kg, but waxy cereals may contain negligible amounts and starch from high-amylose varieties may contain up to 700g amylose/kg. High amylose content is associated with reduced digestibility. Fat and protein are found on the surface of starch granules, and these components may act as physical barriers to digestion. Heat treatment with sufficient water present will cause gelatinisation that will increase susceptibility for starch degradation in the digestive tract, although a linear relationship between extent of gelatinisation due to processing and digestibility has not been found. The low water content during feed processing limits the extent of gelatinisation, but gelatinisation temperature and extent of gelatinisation will be affected by properties of the starch, which in turn may affect digestibility. The effect of starch properties and feed processing on digestion in non-ruminant animals and ruminants are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Wheat-based diets generated greater starch digestibility than sorghum and maize. • Red sorghum outperformed white sorghum in terms of AME and starch digestibility. • Birds offered maize-based diets achieved the best growth performance. • Birds offered maize-based diets had the highest energy utilisation. • Birds offered sorghum-based diets had the lowest growth and energy utilisation. A study was conducted to compare maize, wheat and sorghum as the main feed grain in standard phytase and xylanase supplemented diets for broiler chickens. Six diets with different grain varieties (two wheat, two sorghum and two maize) were formulated in accordance with Ross 308 recommendations for starter, grower and finisher diets and were offered from 1 to 10, 11–26 and 27–35 days post-hatch, respectively. The six treatments were offered to 672 male Ross 308 chicks, with eight replicate cages per treatment and 14 birds per cage from 1 to 10 days post-hatch and 6 birds per cage from 11 to 35 days post-hatch. Over the 1–35 day experimental period, birds offered diets based on maize B generated the most efficient feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.380), whereas birds offered red sorghum-based diets generated the poorest FCR (1.478). Likewise, in the finisher phase, birds offered both maize and wheat generated significantly greater apparent metabolisable energy (AME, MJ/kg DM), AME to gross energy ratio (AME:GE, MJ/MJ) and nitrogen corrected AME (AMEn, MJ/kg DM) than birds offered sorghum-based diets. Birds offered diets containing wheat A generated the greatest starch digestibility coefficient in the jejunum and ileum in both starter and finisher diets and red sorghum outperformed white sorghum in terms of AME and starch digestibility. In the ileum, broiler chickens offered finisher diets based on wheat B had the highest protein digestibility. In conclusion, birds offered maize-based diets achieved the best growth performance and energy utilisation followed by birds offered wheat- and sorghum-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of chemical pesticides to preserve food commodities is a global issue of concern due to their negative effect on the environment and public health. In recent years, the European Union is trying to reduce their use, favoring alternative or complementary approaches based on natural products. In this scenario, plant-borne essential oils (EOs) represent valid options for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. In the present study, the insecticidal effect of eight EOs obtained from plants from different parts of the world, namely Mentha longifolia, Dysphania ambrosioides, Carlina acaulis, Trachyspermum ammi, Pimpinella anisum, Origanum syriacum, Cannabis sativa and Hazomalania voyronii , were evaluated against two stored-product insect species of economic importance, Prostephanus truncatus and Trogoderma granarium. Simulating a small-scale stored-product conservation environment, an AG-4 airbrush was used to spray maize and wheat with 500 and 1000 ppm of EOs, then T. granarium and P. truncatus were exposed to the stored products and mortality was evaluated over selected time intervals (4, 8, and 16 h, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days). The EO of C. acaulis exhibited high efficacy against P. truncatus adults at both tested concentrations by killing > 97% of the individuals exposed to treated maize within 3 days at 500 ppm. The EO of D. ambrosioides eliminated all T. granarium adults exposed to 1000 ppm-treated wheat 2 days post-exposure. At this exposure interval, 91.1% of the exposed T. granarium adults died on wheat treated with 1000 ppm of C. acaulis EO. The EO of M. longifolia at both tested concentrations was the most effective against T. granarium larvae, leading to 97.8% mortality at 500 ppm after 3 days of exposure, and 100% mortality at 1000 pm 2 days post-exposure. At 1000 ppm, the EOs of D. ambrosioides and P. anisum led to 95.6 and 90% mortality, respectively, to larvae exposed to treated wheat for 7 days. Overall, our research shed light on the potential of selected EOs, with special reference to M. longifolia , D. ambrosioides , C. acaulis and P. anisum, which could be considered further to develop effective and alternative grain protectants to manage P. truncatus and T. granarium infestations. Image 1 • C. acaulis EO (500 ppm) killed > 97% of P. truncatus adults within 3 days on maize. • M. longifolia EO (500 ppm) killed all T. granarium adults within 2 days on wheat. • D. ambrosioides EO (500 ppm) killed > 95% of T. granarium adults within 4 days on wheat. • M. longifolia and D. ambrosioides EOs (1000 ppm) killed > 93% of T. granarium larvae on wheat after 16 h. • These EOs may be considered for developing green grain protectants against stored-product pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) are mainly emitted from vegetation. However there is still little information on BVOC exchanges with crops. In this study we measured fluxes of BVOC from wheat, maize and rapeseed crops near Paris at the plant level during a full-week period for each species. We used dynamic automated chambers coupled to a Proton Transfer Reaction, Quadrupole ion guide, Time of Flight mass spectrometer (PTR-Qi-Tof-MS) instrument for online measurements of BVOC. Our results confirm the hypothesis that many unexplored compounds contribute to BVOC exchanges between crops and the atmosphere, although for all plant species methanol was dominating the emissions (55–85% of the sum of the BVOC exchanges fluxes on a mass basis) followed by acetone and acetaldehyde. The 10 most exchanged compounds, excluding methanol, contributed more than 50% of the summed fluxes and the 100 most exchanged contributed to more than 90%. The summed BVOC emission and deposition presented large interspecies variations, but limited intra-species variability, with a summed net flux of 0.11 ± 0.02 μgBVOC g DW −1 h−1 for maize, 1.5 ± 0.7 μgBVOC g DW −1 h−1 for wheat, and 9.1 ± 2.4 μgBVOC g DW −1 h−1 for rapeseed. The 10 most emitted compounds were mostly emitted during the day and were correlated with both photosynthetically active radiation and temperature and anti-correlated with relative humidity. This study provides the first evaluation so far of the biosphere-atmosphere fluxes for several BVOC. In particular we provide a first evaluation of standard emission factor for isoprene and monoterpene for wheat and rapeseed at their respective growth stages. This study is however limited to a week period at a given stage for each species and at the plant level. Image 1 • VOC fluxes from wheat, maize and rapeseed plants were measured during a week period. • Dynamic automated chambers coupled to a PTR-Qi-Tof-MS were used. • Methanol was the main emitted compound, followed by acetone and acetaldehyde. • The 10 most exchanged compounds, excluding methanol, contributed more than 50% of the summed fluxes. • The 100 most exchanged contributed to more than 90% of the summed fluxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important resources within agriculture is nitrogen (N), and depletion of N resources is an important element in the evaluation of sustainability in agriculture. Therefore, identifying crops with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is important for the sustainability of the system. In an energy crop context, sustainability in crop production could aim at enhanced energy output with maintained or reduced depletion of N resources. Crops with different photosynthetic pathways (C 3 vs. C 4 ) and life histories (perennials vs. annuals) are expected to differ in NUE and also energy harvest per unit N lost from the system. The aim is to characterize the growth, NUE and energy output per unit N lost for three common crops frequently used for energy; maize, winter wheat and perennial grassland (ley). These crops differ in photosynthetic and life history strategies. Above ground biomass of wheat, grassland ley and maize was sampled within a long-term experiment in Central Sweden. The experiment has a split-plot design with four replicates. Four aboveground harvests were conducted during the growth period and plant N contents were determined. Biomass growth, yield (above ground biomass in ley and maize, grain biomass in wheat) and some functional traits were assessed, and the NUE components N uptake efficiency, yield-specific N efficiency and yield N concentration were calculated according to Weih, et al. (2011). Energy output per N lost with the harvested product was calculated assuming crop-specific higher heating values for biofuel use. The N uptake efficiency and yield-specific N efficiency were higher in maize than wheat and ley. The yield N concentration was higher in the perennial ley than the annual crops, and lowest in maize. Energy output per N lost in the harvested product was greater in maize compared to wheat and ley. The results are discussed in a agricultural sustainability perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of method of grinding of the cereal of the diet on production and egg quality was studied in 420 Hy-line brown egg-laying hens. The design was completely randomized with six treatments arranged as a 3 x 2 factorial with three cereals (barley, dented maize and soft wheat) and two grinding procedures (hammer mill vs. roller mill). Each treatment was replicated seven times and the experimental unit was an enriched cage with ten hens. Production was recorded every four weeks from 24 to 59 weeks of age and egg quality was measured at 40 and 56 weeks of age. For the entire experiment, feed intake was higher in hens fed wheat or maize than in hens fed barley (110.8 and 110.7 vs. 109.7g/d; P=0.014) but most of the differences were observed when the cereal was roller milled (P=0.009 for the interaction). Also, egg production was similar for the three diets when the cereal was hammer milled but tended to be lower for the barley than for the wheat or maize diets when the cereal was roller milled (P=0.09 for the interaction). None of the other productive or egg quality traits was affected by dietary treatment. We conclude that roller mills are useful to grind low fiber cereals, such as maize or wheat. However, the use of the roller mill might not be adequate when barley is the main cereal in diets for egg-laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]