bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercropped red beet and radish with green bean affected microbial communities and nodulation by indigenous rhizobia
Authors: Ugrinovic Milan , Mijatovic Mirjana , Zdravkovic Jasmina , Girek Zdenka , Kuzmanovic Djordje , Rasulic Natasa , Josic Dragana
Published: July 2018

The impact of intercropping green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with red beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. rubra) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.), two non-legume plants, on the plants’ yields, as well as the effect on occurrence and enumeration of microorganisms in the rhizosphere was studied. The intercrop efficacy evaluation, using Land equivalent ratio, revealed values above 1.0 for all intercropped treatments. Diversity of rhizobia from green bean nodules under different intercropping and fertilizing conditions was observed. On the basis of morphological and biochemical characteristics, 67 out of 158 isolates from green bean roots were selected as rhizobia (42.4%), confirmed by detection of 780 bp nifH gene fragments in nifH-PCR, and then clustered in 27 phenotype patterns. Production of exopolysaccharide succinoglycan was observed in 23 rhizobial isolates, while 6 were detected to solubilize tricalcium phosphate. Screening of genetic diversity using (GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting showed presence of six different patterns on the 92% similarity level.
Seed loss and volunteer seedling establishment of rapeseed in the northernmost European conditions: potential for weed infestation and GM risks
Authors: Peltonen-Sainio Pirjo , Pahkala Katri , Mikkola Hannu , Jauhiainen Lauri
Published: July 2018

Rapeseed soil seed bank development and volunteer plant establishment represent substantial risk for crop infestation and GM contamination. This study was designed to complement such investigations with novel understanding from high latitude conditions. Four experiments were designed to characterise seed loss at harvest, persistence, viability and capacity for volunteer seedling establishment, as well as impact of management measures on soil seed bank dynamics. Oilseed rape was the primary crop investigated due to the availability of GM cultivars and because of the increasing importance. Harvest losses and soil seed bank development were significant. Volunteer seedlings emerged at reasonably high rates, especially in the first autumn after harvest, but about 10% of buried seeds maintained their viability for at least three years. Soil incorporation methods had no major effect on numbers of volunteer seedlings, but herbicide treatments controlled volunteer seedlings efficiently, though not completely, due to irregular timing of seedling emergence.
Effect of mycorrhiza and phosphorus content in nutrient solution on the yield and nutritional status of tomato plants grown on rockwool or coconut coir
Authors: Kowalska Iwona , Konieczny Anna , Gąstoł Maciej , Sady Włodzimierz , Hanus-Fajerska Ewa
Published: July 2018

Effects of P level in nutrient solution and the colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on P uptake by tomato plants, their nutritional status, yield and quality of fruits were studied. Plants were grown on rockwool or coconut coir. Inoculation by a mixture of several AMF species was performed three times during the growing period. The mycorrhizal frequency in roots inoculated with AMF amounted to 35.79 – 50.82%. The highest level of mycorrhiza was found in plants receiving nutrient solution with a lower concentration of P. Among the experimental factors, only P level influenced the fruit yield, being higher from plants receiving a nutrient solution with a higher P level. A higher concentration of P in nutrient solution imposed better nutritional status of plants. Higher contents of ascorbic acid and total soluble sugars were found in fruits collected from inoculated plants, grown on rockwool.
Phenolic acids and antioxidant properties of barley wholegrain and pearling fractions
Authors: Gamel Tamer , Abdel-Aal El-Sayed M
Published: July 2018

Demand for functional foods that offer therapeutic and disease-prevention properties is globally increasing. Barley presents an opportunity in this regard due to its high antioxidants and dietary fiber contents. Barley wholegrain and milling fractions were investigated in terms of phenolic acids composition, scavenging capacity against DPPH and ABTS radicals and inhibition of human LDL oxidation in vitro. Ferulic and p-coumaric were the primary phenolic acids in wholegrain and pearled fractions accounting for 43-97% and 2-55% of total phenolic acids, respectively. This wide range demonstrates significant differences among barley wholegrain or pearled products. Antioxidant capacities also varied significantly among barleys with the hulless cultivars tested exhibiting the greatest. The outer layers fraction showed higher scavenging capacity against ABTS and DPPH radicals and inhibitory effects toward LDL oxidation compared with the endosperm fractions. The results suggest that the outer layer and hull fractions would potentially provide promising sources of natural antioxidants.
Dynamics of dry matter and selenium accumulation in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) in response to organic and inorganic selenium treatments
Authors: Ebrahimi Nashmin , Hartikainen Helinä , Simojoki Asko , Hajiboland Roghieh , Seppänen Mervi M
Published: July 2018

The uptake by and subsequent translocation of selenium (Se) within the plant is dependent on its chemical from and soil properties that dictate this trace element’s bioavailability. Plant species differ in their tendency to accumulate Se. Se taken-up by plants is returned to soil in plant residues, but the bioavailability of organic Se in those residues is poorly known. We investigated the impact of inorganic (Na2SeO4), organic (Se-enriched stem and leaf residues) Se applications and also soil microbial respiration on the growth and Se concentrations of various plant organs of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) during its development from the rosette to the seed filling stage. Both inorganic and organic Se slightly improved plant growth and enhanced plant development. Inorganic Se was more bioavailable than the organic forms and resulted in 3-fold to 6-fold higher Se concentrations in the siliques. Inorganic Se in autoclaved soil tended to elevate the Se concentration in all plant parts and at all growth stages. The organic Se raised Se concentrations in plants much less effectively than the inorganic selenate. Therefore, the use of inorganic Se is still recommended for biofortification.
The suitability of Finnish climate for fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) epidemics on apple
Authors: Marinova-Todorova Mariela , Ranta Jukka , Hannunen Salla
Published: July 2018

Fire blight, which is an important disease of apples and pears, has never been detected in continental Finland. In this study the suitability of the Finnish climate for apple blossom blight infections by Erwinia amylovora was evaluated with the epidemiological model MaryblytTM. This was done in fourteen locations, and for two apple cultivars differing in flowering times. Climatic conditions were predicted to be suitable for blossom infections in 18 - 51% of the years, and the annual period of suitable conditions was predicted to last up to two to five days, depending on the location and apple cultivar. The suitable period was predicted to be longer in some locations in central Finland than in those in the southernmost parts of the country. Based on these results the official surveys that are carried out to confirm the absence of fire blight in Finland cannot be targeted only to some parts of the country.
Plant uptake of phosphorus from sparingly available P- sources as affected by Trichoderma asperellum T34
Authors: Garcia-Lopez Ana Maria , Aviles Manuel , Delgado Antonio
Published: July 2018

The contribution of Trichoderma asperellum T34 to the plant uptake of phosphorus (P) from sparingly phytoavailable forms such as insoluble calcium (Ca) phosphates and phytates was studied. Two experiments with cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) on siliceous sand were performed involving two factors, namely: (i) P source, viz., KH2PO4, phytate (Ins6P), and phosphate rock (PR), and (ii) inoculation with T34. Liquid pure cultures of T34 were also used. T34 increased the total content in P of cucumber roots irrespective of the particular P form and enhanced total P uptake by plants with P supplied as Ins6P or PR. The increased phytase activity observed with T34 contributes to explain its favourable influence on the uptake of P supplied as Ins6P. Solubilization of Ca phosphates from PR was favoured by the slightly acidifying effect and the increased organic anion concentration promoted by the fungus in the plant growth media. It can be concluded that T34 can improve P nutrition in plants grown on media containing phytates or insoluble Ca phosphates as dominant P forms.
Effects of AMF- and PGPR-root inoculation and a foliar chitosan spray in single and combined treatments on powdery mildew disease in strawberry
Authors: Lowe Aiofe , Rafferty-McArdle Susan M. , Cassells Alan C.
Published: July 2018

Trials were carried out using, as a root inoculants, mixed Glomus spp. (G. mossae, G. caledonium, and G. fasiculatum) and Bacillus subtilis FZB24, and the plant activator N, O-carboxymethyl chitosan applied as a foliar spray. The treatments were applied singly and in combinations, on strawberry plants grown out of season in a greenhouse.  Both fruit yield and runner production were reduced due to disease.  Several of the treatments were found to have significant effects, increasing fruit number and yield, and runner production.  Disease symptom severity was lowest in the B. subtilis FZB24 plus chitosan treatment. The treatments giving significantly higher fruit yield/number and runner production werea inoculation with B. subtilis FZB24, and with B. subtilis FZB24 or AMF combined with chitosan spray. These treatments and a fungicide treatment, gave the same level of disease control.
Effects of two AM fungi on phytoplasma infection in the model plant Chrysanthemum carinatum
Authors: Sampò Simonetta , Massa Nadia , D’Agostino Umberto , Bosco Domenico , Marzachì Cristina , Berta Graziella
Published: July 2018

Phytoplasmas are plant pathogenic bacteria, naturally transmitted by insects and confined in the phloem of the host plant, where they take up nutrients and eventually cause plant death. Their control is mainly based on insecticide treatments. The aim of this work was to study the effect of two AM fungi in modifying plant response to chrysanthemum yellows phytoplasma (CY) infection in chrysanthemum plants. Inoculation of Glomus intraradices BB-E and G. mosseae BEG12 reduced the damage caused by this plant pathogen in the aerial part of the plant, increased plant tolerance to the infection and reduced the severity of symptom expression, probably in a systemic way. Inoculation with G. mosseae did not alter CY multiplication and viability in young leaves, whilst the morphology of CY mature leaves was typical of senescent cells. Possible mechanisms involved are discussed.
Effects of pre- and post-transplant inoculation with commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on pelargonium (Pelargonium hortorum) and its microorganism community
Authors: Csima Gergely , Hernádi Ildikó , Posta Katalin
Published: July 2018

Rooted cuttings of geranium were grown with and without a slow release fertilizer and inoculated or not with a commercial inoculum containing AM fungi. After six weeks plants were transplanted into larger containers and one-half of the plants were inoculated with AM. Inoculation increased pelargonium growth along with nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium concentrations in shoot than caused a slight decrease in shoot growth and enhanced N concentration. Colony forming units of total fungi and bacteria in the rhizosphere were not influenced by AM;  although RFLP profiles of DNA isolated from bacteria living in rhizosphere showed a more diverse community in AM-inoculated than non-inoculated plants at low nutrient supply. Our results suggest that mycorrhizal inoculation not only has an effect on plant growth and uptake of elements but it also influences directly or indirectly the bacterial community of the rhizosphere.
Competitiveness of Dairy Farms In Northern Europe: A Cross-Country analysis
Authors: Jansik Csaba , Irz Xavier
Published: July 2018

The milk sector has received much attention in Europe due to the abolition of milk quotas in 2015 and its potential effect on the geographical distribution of milk production across countries. As a way of assessing the competitive advantage of Nordic EU countries, we investigated the productivity level and productivity growth of milk farms across eight countries of the Baltic Sea region from 1995 to 2010. We found considerable discrepancy in the productivity performance of dairy farms across countries. TFP growth rates indicate that, at farm level, the competitive positions of the older EU members are stable, and that there is no catching up from the newer EU entrants. We offer explanations for this evolution based on the different patterns of structural change followed by the studied countries.
Production, carcass characteristics and valuable cuts of beef breed bulls and heifers in Finnish beef cattle population
Authors: Pesonen Maiju , Huuskonen Arto Kalevi
Published: July 2018

The objective of the present study was to determine growth and carcass traits of beef breed bulls and heifers in the Finnish beef cattle population. The data collected from Finnish slaughterhouses included observations of 6323 and 2385 Hereford (bulls and heifers, respectively), 4421 and 1794 Charolais, 4335 and 1951 Limousin, 4068 and 1692 Aberdeen Angus, 2151 and 774 Simmental, 344 and 147 Blonde d’Aquitaine animals. For estimating valuable cuttings, a separate dataset including in total 1112 bulls and 260 heifers was also collected. Significant breed differences were observed in growth performance, carcass traits and retail product yield. The later maturing, Continental beef breeds seem to reach higher carcass gains, produce less fat and have more valuable cuts than the earlier maturing British beef breeds. The later maturing beef breeds tend to have carcass traits that suit well in the Finnish beef production system.
Time budgets of finishing bulls housed in an uninsulated barn or at pasture
Authors: Tuomisto Leena , Mononen Jaakko , Martiskainen Paula , Ahola Leena , Huuskonen Arto Kalevi
Published: July 2018

This study aimed at comparing the behaviour of finishing bulls raised in an uninsulated barn (UB) and at pasture (PAS). In experiment 1, dairy bulls were housed in an uninsulated barn (two groups of five bulls, 32 m2/pen) or at pasture (groups of four and five bulls, 5000 m2/paddock). In experiment 2, Hereford bulls were housed in an uninsulated barn (three groups of four or five bulls, 32 m2/pen) or at pasture (three groups of five bulls, 5000 m2/paddock). There were no differences in drinking, social licking, butting, other social behaviour, self-licking or idling between the UB and PAS bulls. The UB bulls spent more time in lying, ruminating, oral explorative and manipulative behaviour and rubbing and less time foraging and walking than the PAS bulls. The UB bulls performed more social licking and oral manipulation of objects and less mounting than the PAS bulls. These differences resulted most probably from the different feeding regimes and different space allowances.
Medium-run projections for greenhouse gas emissions arising from agriculture: the case of milk production in Estonia
Authors: Ariva Jelena , Viira Ants Hannes , Põldaru Reet , Roots Jüri
Published: July 2018

In order to respond to increasing global food demand and provide for national economic growth, the Estonian Dairy Strategy for 2012−2020 aims to achieve a 30% growth in milk production. At the same time, there is a global attempt to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper analyses the medium-term (2015−2020) projections for milk production and associated GHG emissions from dairy cows in Estonia. The FAPRI-GOLD type market model of Estonian agriculture, which is used for projections of agricultural production, was supplemented with a module that helps project GHG emissions. The paper demonstrates the endogenisation of GHG emission factors in a relatively general agricultural market model context. The results imply that increasing milk production by 30% by 2020 would jeopardise Estonia’s commitments with regard to agricultural GHG emissions. However, the average GHG emission per tonne of produced milk will decline, thus reducing the “carbon footprint” of milk production.
Fungal species and multiple mycotoxin contamination of cultivated forage crops
Authors: Kononenko Galina , Burkin Alexey , Gavrilova Olga , Gagkaeva Tatiana
Published: July 2018

The quality of grass samples used for animal feed by combining mycotoxin measures and mycological determination of mycobiota were explored. The samples of the plant material were collected in 2014 in two stages: before the first mowing (May–June) and before the second one (July–August) from the fields of stock-farms located in northwestern part of the Russia. All samples were divided into three types: grasses, mixture of different grasses and clover, alfalfa mixed with timothy. The occurrence of aflatoxin B1, alternariol, citrinin, cyclopiazonic acid, deoxynivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, emodin, ergot alkaloids, fumonisins, mycophenolic acid, ochratoxin A, PR-toxin, roridin A, sterigmatocystin, T-2 toxin, and zearalenone were determined using ELISA. The multiple fungal and mycotoxin contaminations are already formed in plant tissues by the moment of first mowing. The complexes of mycotoxins including up to 14–16 components and the combined character of plant contamination quite correspond to the taxonomic variety of mycobiota.
Chemical, enzymatic and physical characteristic of cloudy apple juices
Authors: Teleszko Mirosława , Nowicka Paulina , Wojdyło Aneta
Published: July 2018

In this study cloudy juices from six apple cultivars: ‘Alwa’, ‘Fiesta’, ‘Gloster’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Mutsu’ and ‘Pinova’ were characterized in respect of polyphenols content by UPLC, PME (pectin methylesterase) activity, color, viscosity, and stability of turbidity. Apple cultivar affected significantly the chemical, enzymatic and physical properties of juices. Total quantitated polyphenols ranged from 686.63 mg l-1 (‘Gloster’) to 988.63 mg l-1 (‘Alwa’), and polymeric proanthocyanidins were a dominant group of these compounds. All of products contained also high content of phenolic acids, mainly chlorogenic. The thermal treatment of juices did not cause a complete inactivation of pectin methylesterase. Taking into account the % of residual enzyme activity, the pasteurization was more efficient in the case of ‘Fiesta’ and ‘Pinova’ juices (13% and 14% of the initial activity, respectively). Examined juices were characterized by low values of a stable turbidity (18.07–37.75%), despite relatively high viscosity (2.40–9.60 mPas).
The role of arbuscular mycorrhiza in zinc uptake by lettuce grown at two phosphorus levels in the substrate
Authors: Konieczny Anna , Kowalska Iwona
Published: July 2018

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in Zn uptake by plants and can partially mitigate the effects of its deficit. On the other hand, they are involved in reducing the accumulation of Zn and its toxicity to plants when it is present in excessive concentrations in the soil. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of two AMF, i.e., Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus intraradices on Zn uptake by lettuce plants grown at two P levels and elevated concentrations of Zn in a peat substrate. The experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of mycorrhization of lettuce grown in the peat substrate; however, the arbuscular mycorrhiza did not reduce the uptake of Zn by lettuce. The AMF used in the experiment differentially affected the Zn content in lettuce. Compared to uninoculatedplants, R. intraradices increased the Zn content in lettuce, whereas F. mosseae did not affect the Zn content.
Description of three new arctic bramble cultivars and proposal for cultivar identification
Authors: PIRINEN H. , DALMAN P. , KÄRENLAMPI S.
Published: July 2018

Morphological and yield differences between five arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus L.) strains and the cultivars Pima and Mespi were studied at two locations during the growing season 1994. Morphological observations and measurements were made on canes, leaves, flowers and berries, adapting the UPOV (Union pour la Protection des Obtentions Vegetales) descriptions for strawberry and raspberry. The plants were also compared with the aid of random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Apart from DNA, the most important distinctive characteristic was yield. Characteristics of the flowers, leaves and berries, such as number, size, shape and colour were used to differentiate between the arctic bramble genotypes. The yield of three new cultivars, named Marika, Muuruska and Elpee, was greater than that of Pima or Mespi. The yield of 'Marika' and 'Elpee' was 2,4-times and that of 'Muuruska' 1,9-times that of 'Pima' or 'Mespi'. Based on distinctive morphological characteristics, guidelines for the description of arctic bramble are proposed. This description may also be used for hybrids of arctic bramble with Rubus stellatus Sm., i.e. Rubus arcticus L. nothosubsp. stellarcticus G. Larsson. ;
Effect of soil wetness on air composition and nitrous oxide emission in a loam soil
Authors: JAAKKOLA A. , SIMOJOKI A.
Published: July 2018

Effects of cropping (bare fallow, grass), heavy irrigation and N fertilization (0, 100 kg ha-1) on soil air (at depths of 15 and 30 cm) and N2O emission were studied in a factorial two-year field experiment in southern Finland. The responses of soil mineral N, dry-matter yield and uptake of N were also determined. Irrigation was performed during two periods in 1993 and one period in 1994. During sampling periods, the soil moisture ranged from 11% to 45% (v/v) and soil temperature from 0°C to 21°C. Unirrigated bare fallow contained 14-21% O2, 0.1-2% CO2 and 0.2-100 µl l-1 N2O (1993 maximum 27 µl l-1) in the soil air. Cropping and irrigation lowered O2 (minimum 3-7%) and raised CO2 (maximum 9%) in soil air, but fertilization had no effect. Irrigation raised N2O in the soil air if nitrate was present abundantly. Consequently, fertilization increased N2O especially in the irrigated bare soil, which still contained plenty of nitrate in autumn 1993. Cropping decreased N2O. The variation in soil air composition was partly explained by that in soil air-space. The average daily N2O-N emission amounted to 0-40 g ha-1 (mean 7 g ha-1) and correlated positively with N2O concentration in the soil air.;
Effects of restricted methionine and energy intake on egg weight and shell quality : research note
Authors: KIISKINEN T. , HELANDER E.
Published: July 2018

An experiment involving two laying hen hybrids and four dietary treatments was conducted to study the effects of dietary methionine restriction (MR) (3,05 g/kg, MR 100MR did not significantly affect hen-day production (%) but reduced linearly (P
Use of rapeseed and pea grain protein supplements for organic milk production
Authors: KHALILI H. , KUUSELA E. , SAARISALO E.
Published: July 2018

Grass-red clover silage was fed ad libitum. In experiment 1 a duplicated 4 x 4 Latin square design was used. A mixture of oats and barley was given at 8 kg (C). Three isonitrogenous protein supplements were a commercial rapeseed meal (218 g kg-1 dry matter (DM); RSM), crushed organic field pea (Pisum sativum L.) (452 g kg-1 DM; P) and a mixture of pea (321 g kg-1 DM) and organic rapeseed (Spring turnip rape, Brassica rapa L. oleifera subv. annua) (155 g kg-1 DM; PRS). Cows on P and PRS diets produced as much milk as cows on the RSM diet. Milk yield was higher but protein content lower with PRS diet than with diet P. In experiment 2 a triplicated 3 x 3 Latin square design was used. A mixture of oats (395 g kg-1 ), barley (395 g kg-1 ) and a commercial heat-moisture treated rapeseed cake (210 g kg-1 ) was given at 8 kg (RSC). The second diet (ORSC) consisted (g kg-1) of oats (375), barley (375) and cold-pressed organic rapeseed cake (250). The third diet (RSCO) consisted (g kg-1) of oat (395), barley (395) and commercial heat-moisture treated rapeseed cake (250) and additional rapeseed oil (0.38 kg) to balance fat content between ORSC and RSCO diets. There was no dietary effect on the yield of energy corrected milk. Milk yield was higher with RSCO diet compared with other diets.;
Indicators for sustainable agriculture - a theoretical framework for classifying and assessing indicators
Authors: YLI-VIIKARI A.
Published: July 2018

Indicators can be used for identifying, simplifying and quantifying agri-environmental aspects of sustainability. They offer us a way to proceed from the theoretical definition of sustainability to more practically oriented approaches. This study examines agricultural systems with a view to identifying the points and levels at which the sustainability of these systems can be assessed. The agri-environmental indicators are presented within the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) framework. Although suitable for ecological indicators, this framework is not highly relevant for economic and social indicators, which were thus studied from a more general theoretical perspective. As the concept of sustainability includes a number of different value-laden definitions, the setting of indicators should be seen as an ongoing re-evaluation rather than a technical process of measuring certain parameters. The need to refine the assessment methods was recognised in several subthemes of agricultural sustainability. A major shortcoming was found to be the lack of tools for evaluating qualitative phenomena such as landscapes and animal welfare. Likewise, in economics and the social sciences, much needs to be done to promote understanding of the interactions between these disciplines and environmental processes. Moreover, the basic framework of the assessments requires further examination, for instance, when interpreting the indicator results, when dealing with uncertainty and when seeking to identify cause-effect chains, even though these questions are no longer purely matters of indicator methodology.;
Estimation of soil nitrate in the spring as a basis for adjustment of nitrogen fertiliser rates
Authors: SIPPOLA J.
Published: July 2018

The performance of SOILN model, which simulates soil nitrogen dynamics, was evaluated in respect to its ability to predict nitrate content in soil in spring when growing barley. The data obtained in three year nitrogen fertiliser experiments on different soil types was used. Model was parametrised using the data of the first experimental year and validation results obtained in following years are presented. The results of the simulations of the springtime nitrate in the root zone showed a reasonably small deviation from the measured values. The coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.56 was significant. The regression equation was y = 4 + 0.66x where the constant term was not significantly different from zero and the slope deviated from zero. The mean value of measured nitrate in the root zone in spring was 16 kg/ha and that from the simulation was 15 kg/ha showing that the mean values were close to each other. The mean of deviations between measured and simulated values was 4 kg/ha and the maximum deviation 9 kg/ha. It is concluded that simulation estimated springtime soil nitrate concentration with reasonable confidence that further testing of estimating soil nitrate concentration in spring for adjustment of nitrogen fertilisation using SOILN model should be continued.;
Preparation, properties and applications of wheat gluten edible films
Authors: TANADA-PALMU P. , HELÉN H. , HYVÖNEN L.
Published: July 2018

Edible films from wheat gluten were prepared with various amounts of glycerol as a plasticizer. Water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, tensile strength and percentage elongation at break at different water activities ( aw ) were measured. Films with low amounts of glycerol had lower water vapor and oxygen permeabilities, higher tensile strength and lower elongation at break. Wheat gluten coatings reduced weight loss during two weeks of storage for cherry tomatoes and sharon fruits compared to uncoated controls. A bilayer film of wheat gluten and beeswax significantly lowered weight loss from coated cheese cubes compared to single layer coating of wheat gluten.;
Use of inoculated lactic acid bacteria in fermenting sour cabbage
Authors: PETÄJÄ E. , MYLLYNIEMI P. , PETÄJÄ P.
Published: July 2018

Fermentation of sour vegetables has to date occurred through the use of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) naturally present in vegetables. The present article deals with preliminary studies on the effects of some LAB inocula (Lactobacillus alimentarius or Pediococcus pentosaceus) on fermenting sour cabbage. The effect of LAB on yeast growth, a problem in sour vegetables, was also studied through the use of dual yeast and LAB inocula. The pH of cabbage juice decreased to levels under pH 4 during the first 10 days of fermentation, which is near the final values, pediococci decreasing the pH to the lowest values. The LAB count in inoculated cabbages increased by 0.5-2.0 log cfu (colony forming unit) /g during the first 10 days of fermentation and thereafter decreased. Pediococci formed predominant part of microbial flora almost in all experimental batches. In cabbage challenged with yeasts, yeast counts rose only when the pH was < 3.5. Yeasts appeared almost regularly also in cabbages inoculated only with LAB. Pediococci fermented cabbage effectively decreasing the pH to lower levels than lactobacilli or natural LAB. However, too strong a decrease in pH may result in a decrease of LAB count which may subsequently lead to yeast growth. The yeast problem could not be solved with the LAB inocula used in our study.;
Timing of primary growth harvest affects the yield and nutritive value of timothy-red clover mixtures
Authors: RINNE M. , NYKÄNEN A.
Published: July 2018

The effects of partition of growth time between primary growth and regrowth of organically grown mixed (mainly timothy and red clover) leys were studied over two years in Juva, Finland. Primary growth was harvested at three different dates and regrowth on a single occasion from all plots. Dry matter (DM) yield of primary growth increased by 116 kg per ha per day by delaying harvest (P
Effects of blocking farm mink's feed access with open water
Authors: HANSEN C.P.B , JEPPESEN L.L
Published: July 2018

Thirty-eight farm mink were used to investigate whether open water in some instances could be a barrier to farm mink. Half of the animals grew up with free access to swimming water in a basin, the other half to an empty middle cage. Access between the cage containing the nest box and the cage containing the feed was either through the basin/middle cage or through a tunnel above it. Twenty-four hours before observations, the animals were confined without feed to the cage containing the nest box. Observations were carried out over two and a half hours after re-opening one of the access routes to the feed. When access was through the water filled basin, the animals were slower in reaching the feed and crossed between the feed and the nest box fewer times compared to both the same animals using the tunnel and the animals having a dry middle cage. In addition, animals scratched more at the blocked tunnel access when the available route was through the water than when it was through the dry middle cage. The results led to the conclusion that, under some circumstances, water can act as a barrier when farm minks are approaching feed. This indicates that water for swimming is not necessarily an environmental enrichment for, and that the lack of it would not impair the welfare of ranch mink.;
Pressure to change and resistance against it: consumer perceptions and acceptance of nutritionally modified foods
Authors: TUORILA H.
Published: July 2018

Sensory quality and pleasantness are important determinants of food choice. Nutritionally controversial foods, such as those high in fat or sodium, can be consumed excessively due to their sensory attractiveness. The present review addresses sensory and hedonic characteristics in such foods, focusing on Finnish research around the issue. Fat mainly affects the texture of foods, but also modifies flavor and aroma. The replacement of fat by other constituents remains a challenge. Achieving salty taste with substances other than sodium chloride has proven to be unsuccessful, but proper flavoring can improve the pleasantness of reduced-salt foods. The impact of nutritional information and health claims is greater when given for new foods, and to consumers who are concerned about their health. Multi-item verbal instruments have been developed and validated to characterize health and taste orientations among consumers. Identification of sensory and hedonic barriers to the acceptance of healthful' alternatives among foods is important, even crucial, for targeting product development and nutritional counseling.;
Association of antioxidative enzymes with the synergistic effect of selenium and UV irradiation in enhancing plant growth
Authors: XUE T. , HARTIKAINEN H.
Published: July 2018

Selenium (Se) is able to defend human and animal cells against UV(B) stress. Higher plants are generally considered not to require Se but to have a low tolerance to it. However, recently it has been demonstrated that Se is able to protect also plants against UV-induced oxidative stress and even to promote the growth of plants subjected to high-energy light. In the present study the effects of Se on antioxidative enzymes possibly associated with this synergistic effect were investigated. Ryegrass and lettuce were grown in soil supplemented with Se at 0, 0.1 or 1.0 mg kg-1 under normal light or subjected to UV episodes. Lipid peroxidation and the changes of antioxidative enzymes were measured at two growing stages. The positive synergistic effect of the lower Se dosage and UV was found to be at least partly associated with the antioxidative role of Se through increased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activity, whereas ascorbate peroxidase (APX) responded negatively to both factors. The contribution of the other enzymes studied seemed to be plant-specific: glutathione S-transferase (GST) increased in both ryegrass assays and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the first lettuce assay. At the higher addition level Se acted as a pro-oxidant and diminished fresh weight yields. UV irradiation alleviated the toxicity coincidently with increase of CAT in ryegrass and SOD in lettuce.;
Seed production characters and germination performance of reed canary grass in Finland
Authors: SAHRAMAA M. , HÖMMÖ L.
Published: July 2018

Production of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) seed in Finland may be of interest in the near future. Seed production characters of cultivars Palaton and Venture were studied between 1995 and 1998 at Jokioinen. Effects of harvest time on seed yield, thousand seed weight and seed germination were evaluated for 'Palaton'. Seed yield varied from 2 to 432 kg ha-1, being only 100 kg ha-1 on average. In the years of highest seed yields the optimum harvest time was 15 days after complete anthesis. At that time high seed yield was associated with a low proportion of shattered seeds and high thousand seed weight and good seed germination. In an additional experiment, the effect of storage temperature and storage time on seed germination were investigated for 'Venture'. Storage temperature had no significant influence on final germination, but warmer storage significantly speeded up germination rate as recorded after 7 days of germination. After 7 days the percentage of germinated seeds was also significantly higher for seeds stored for >10 months than with seeds stored for
Equilibrium moisture content of flax/linseed and fibre hemp straw fractions
Authors: KYMÄLÄINEN H.-R. , PASILA A.
Published: July 2018

This preliminary study of the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of bast fibre plants (Linum usitatissimum L. and Cannabis sativa L.) examines three fractions, fibre, fine shive and coarse shive. The plants were harvested at two times, the first in autumn and the second in spring. The autumn harvest yielded unretted, green material, while the frost-retted material harvested in spring may be classified as overretted. Interesting differences in EMC were found in the dampest air between the two harvest times irrespective of plant species: green fractions were faster to mould at the beginning and lost more weight in the 2-week test period than did the frost-retted samples. The green samples also attained higher EMCs before beginning to mould.
Soils in a young landscape on the coast of southern Finland
Authors: MOKMA D.L. , YLI-HALLA M. , HARTIKAINEN H.
Published: July 2018

Soils in an agricultural landscape on the southern coast of Finland (60° 13'N 25° 02'E) were characterized and classified according to Soil Taxonomy, the FAO-Unesco system (FAO), and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources system (WRB). The impact of human activity (
Responses of soil respiration and barley growth to modified supply of oxygen in the soil
Authors: SIMOJOKI A.
Published: July 2018

Roots of dry-land plants are supplied with oxygen mainly by molecular diffusion from soil air. Roots may suffer from hypoxia if soil aeration is reduced by compaction and wetting. Although the mechanisms involved are well known, more research is needed to relate soil aeration status to plant growth. The effects of reduced oxygen supply on soil respiration and the growth of barley seedlings were studied in pot experiments with fine sand soil, where the soil air composition was varied by flushing the soil with gas streams containing 0%, 2%, 6%, 10% or 20% O2 independently of compactness (bulk density 1.4, 1.6 Mg m-3) and wetness (air space 0-5%, >5%). Plant growth decreased only at 0-2% O2 in the loose moist soil but as early as 20% O2 in the wet soil. Soil compaction impaired plant growth regardless of wetting and aeration. In the loose moist soil cropped with barley, the respiration rate (emission of CO2) did not decrease at 6% O2 but decreased clearly at 0-2% O2. The results compared fairly well with the critical oxygen concentrations calculated by a simple multicylindrical model, in which the water-film thickness around the roots was estimated using soil water retention data.
Morphological responses of barley roots to soil compaction and modified supply of oxygen
Authors: SIMOJOKI A.
Published: July 2018

The morphological changes in barley roots in response to soil compaction and hypoxia were quantified by image analysis. Based on the assumption that these soil stresses increase endogenous ethylene production in plants, changes indicating higher construction costs for roots, such as decreased specific root length, were expected. The hypothesis was found to be only partly correct. Most morphological changes of barley roots were probably a reaction to increased soil mechanical impedance. Examples of this are root width, which was increased by compaction apart from in wet soil, as well as increased width and specific volume, and a decreased specific length of roots in the deepest layer of well-aerated loose soil. However, in loose moist soil hypoxia prevented root growth, but did not change root morphology. The results suggest that severe hypoxia lessens the possibilities of roots to adapt to the hypoxic soil by reducing root growth and by preventing the formation of aerenchyma. ;
Influence of nitrogen deficiency on photosynthesis and chloroplast ultrastructure of pepper plants (Research Note)
Authors: DONCHEVA S. , VASSILEVA V. , IGNATOV G.
Published: July 2018

Pepper plants (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Zlaten Medal) were grown on nutrient solution without nitrogen, and photosynthetic response of plants was examined by determination of leaf CO2 fixation and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. The absence of nitrogen in the medium resulted in a decrease of the leaf area and of plant biomass accumulation, and in an increase of the root-shoot dry weight ratio. The photosynthetic activity and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased significantly under nitrogen deprivation. Examination of nitrogen deficient leaves by transmission electron microscopy showed dramatic changes in chloroplast ultrastructure. The proportion of starch granules and plastoglobules in the stroma matrix was increased and internal membrane system was greatly reduced. It seems that nitrogen plays an important role in the formation of chloroplast structure and hence to the photosynthetic intensity and productivity of pepper plants.
Temperament and reproductive performance in farmed sable
Authors: KORHOHEN H. , NIEMELÄ P. , SIIRILÄ P.
Published: July 2018

The present study sought to evaluate the relationship between temperament and reproductive success in farmed sable (Martes zibellina). Experimental material comprised altogether 58 males and 236 females. Temperament was measured by using a stick test. About 85% of matings occurred in July. Most whelpings were in April. Over 80% of young and old males were classified as curious. Number of fearful and aggressive males was small. Among females, the amount of curious animals was much lower compared to males. Every third female was fearful. Temperament did not affect length of the gestation period which averaged 268 ± 14 days. Gestation period was longer for early breeding females (r = -0.629
Effect of Bacillus subtilis on phosphorus uptake by cucumber as affected by iron oxides and the solubility of the phosphorus source
Authors: Garcia-Lopez Ana Maria , Delgado Antonio
Published: July 2018

In this work, we examined the effects of Bacillus subtilis strain QST713 by assessing plant P uptake from variably P compound .The experiment performed involved three factors: (i) P source [KH2PO4 at 100 mg kg–1, and phosphate rock (PR) at 100 or 200 mg kg–1]; (ii) plant inoculation with QST713 (inoculated and non-inoculated); and (iii) Fe oxide (ferrihydrite) in the growth medium (0 or 300 mg kg–1 concentration of citrate–ascorbate-extractable Fe). Ferrihydrite decreased dry matter yield in plants by more than 50 %. Inoculation with QST713 increased plant growth, and total accumulation of P and P uptake in plants. Overall, QST713 increased P uptake by 40 %, the effect being independent of the presence of ferrihydrite and P source. The increased P uptake observed can be ascribed to increased solubilization of P and to increased root growth. Therefore, QST713 improves P nutrition in plants grown on media with a high P adsorption capacity irrespective of the solubility of the P compound.
Morphological, nutraceutical and sensorial properties of cultivated Fragaria vesca L. berries: influence of genotype, plant age, fertilization treatment on the overall fruit quality
Authors: Del Bubba Massimo , Giordani Edgardo , Ancillotti Claudia , Petrucci William Antonio , Ciofi Lorenzo , Morelli Daniele , Marinelli Cristian , Checchini Leonardo , Furlanetto Sandra
Published: July 2018

Sucrose, glucose, fructose, citric, malic, ascorbic (AA) and dehydroascorbic (DHAA) acids, total polyphenols (TP), radical scavenging activity (RSA), physicochemical and sensorial properties were determined on F. vesca Alpine (ALP) and Regina delle Valli (RDV) berries in relation to plant age and fertilisation treatment (Effective Microorganism Technology, EMT vs. traditional fertilization, TFT). ALP berries had a sum of AA and DHAA about 20% lower and TPs about 30% higher than RDV. Plant age affected most physicochemical parameters, sugars and organic acids, as well as sensorial appreciation, being them generally higher in berries produced in the second year. TPs were not affected by plant age. EMT produced an increase of 50%, 70% and 20% for TP, organic acids and RSA, respectively. Although changes in berry quality are expected with plant age, EMT cultivation of ALP should be preferred to the growth of RDV under TFT, to obtain fruits more valuable from the nutraceutical viewpoint.
Whole sales market for fresh potatoes in Finland
Authors: JALONOJA K. , PIETOLA K.
Published: July 2018

The study estimates a conditional mean and conditional variance model for producer prices of fresh potatoes. The results suggest that potato price movements are volatile exhibiting a symmetric and non-stationary process. Prices respond symmetrically to exogenous shocks and the shocks are, thereafter, predicted to prevail in prices to the end of the marketing year. The persistency of the price shocks makes potato price movements unpredictable and, therefore, increases price risks of holding potato inventories. The estimates indicate elastic price response with respect to annual potato yield shocks. A ten percent yield increase is predicted to decrease prices by 20%. The information on inventory levels is included in prices and this information is not increased by surveying the inventory levels. Because of the elastic price response, the largest risk for a farmer is an exceptionally large total yield of potatoes. Information on the aggregate potato yield, which arrives during the growing season, will be quickly incorporated in prices. Therefore, pre-harvest hedging strategies are more efficient than after-harvest hedging strategies in managing potato price risks.
Weed flora in organically grown spring cereals in Finland
Authors: SALONEN J. , HYVÖNEN T. , JALLI H.
Published: July 2018

The weed flora in organically grown spring cereals was investigated in southern and central Finland in 1997-1999 with the primary purpose of determining the species composition and the level of weed infestation. Altogether 165 fields were surveyed in the middle of the growing season. A total of 126 weed species were found, of which 42 exceeded the frequency level of 10%. The most frequent weed species were Chenopodium album, Stellaria media, Galeopsis spp. and Viola arvensis. Elymus repens was the most frequent grass species. The average density of weeds was 469 plants m-2 (median 395), and the air-dry biomass was 678 kg ha-1 (median 567) which accounted for 17% of the total biomass of the crop stand. Infestation by Chenopodium album and the perennial species Elymus repens, Cirsium arvense and Sonchus arvensis is of major concern. Weed control strategies should include direct control measures to overcome weed problems related to the conversion period from conventional to organic growing.
Seed loss as a result of pod shatter in spring rape and spring turnip rape in Finland
Authors: PAHKALA K. , SANKARI H.
Published: July 2018

The aims of this study were to evaluate seed shedding in spring turnip rape (Brassica rapa L.) and spring rape (B. napus L.) and to assess the effect of delayed harvesting on seed yield loss. Experiments on spring turnip rape (cv. Emma) were conducted in 1988-1990 and on spring rape (cv. Topas) in 1989-1990 in Jokioinen (60o49'N, 23o28'E). Rimmed tin boxes were used to collect seed from shattered pods. They were placed between the continuous rows before pods started to shatter. The shed seeds were collected two to three times a week. Susceptibility and timing of pod shattering varies between spring turnip rape and rape. However, before optimal harvest date spring rape does not shatter significantly more than spring turnip rape. Spring rape starts to shatter more compared with spring turnip rape after its optimal harvest date. It is also more sensitive to weather conditions than spring turnip rape. Furthermore, pod shattering after optimal harvest time differs among years. Weather conditions are discussed as one possible cause of pod shattering