bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Association of APOA5 and AKT3 Genes with Milk Production Traits in Chinese Holstein Cows
Authors: Guo Zijiao , Du Aixia , Han Bo , Li Hui , Tian Rugang , Sun Wei , Zhao Gaoping , Tian Jing , Bao Xiangnan , Zhang Jixin , Xu Lingna , Sun Dongxiao
Published: June 2024

Genome selection (GS) technology is an important means to improve the genetic improvement of dairy cows, and the mining and application of functional genes and loci for important traits is one of the important bases for accelerating genetic improvement. Our previous study found that the apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) and AKT serine/threonine kinase 3 (AKT3) genes were differentially expressed in the liver tissue of Chinese Holstein cows at different lactation stages and influenced milk component synthesis and metabolism, so we considered these two genes as the candidates affecting milk production traits. In this study, we found in total six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), three in APOA5 and three in AKT3. Subsequent association analysis showed that the six SNPs were significantly associated with milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, or fat percentage (p ≤ 0.05). Three SNPs in APOA5 formed a haplotype block, which was found to be significantly associated with milk yield, fat yield, and protein yield (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, four SNPs were proposed to be functional mutations affecting the milk production phenotype, of which three, 15:g.27446527C>T and 15:g.27447741A>G in APOA5 and 16:g.33367767T>C in AKT3, might change the transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), and one is a missense mutation, 15:g.27445825T>C in APOA5, which could alter the secondary structure and stability of mRNA and protein. In summary, we demonstrated the genetic effects of APOA5 and AKT3 on milk production traits, and the valuable SNPs could be used as available genetic markers for dairy cattle’s GS.
Internal Fruit Quality Is Maintained in Eggplant under Mild Long-Term Salt Treatment
Authors: Ortega-Albero Neus , Adalid-Martínez Ana María , Castell-Zeising Vicente , Raigón María Dolores , Rodríguez-Burruezo Adrián , Fita Ana
Published: June 2024

Modern Solanum melongena varieties have been developed to improve the content of phenolics, sugars, and nutritionally relevant minerals in fruit. However, fruit composition might be altered due to abiotic stresses like salinity. Physiological and fruit quality traits were evaluated in four eggplant landraces under usual irrigation and moderately salty irrigation conditions (80 mM NaCl). Growing parameters measured included root length, leaf surface, and fresh weight, while fruit composition traits included sugars, phenolics, and mineral content determinations. Few differences were observed for agronomic traits, probably due to the mild tolerance of eggplant to salinity. Some varieties showed signs of salt tolerance like an increase in primary root length to overcome salt stress. Glucose was the metabolite more affected by the salt treatment in the fruit, while phenolic compounds and other metabolites studied were not altered. Significant differences were observed in the main minerals Na, K, Ca, P, and Mg, both between genotypes and treatments. Although salinity produced changes in some physiological and developmental traits, the composition of the fruit was not significantly modified for the accessions tested. Mineral, sugar, and phenolic contents were not particularly altered in unripe fruits, indicating tolerance of eggplant varieties to salinity in terms of fruit quality.
Estimation of Surface Soil Nutrient Content in Mountainous Citrus Orchards Based on Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Jiao Xuchao , Liu Hui , Wang Weimu , Zhu Jiaojiao , Wang Hao
Published: June 2024

Monitoring soil conditions is of great significance for guiding fruit tree production and increasing yields. Achieving a rapid determination of soil physicochemical properties can more efficiently monitor soil conditions. Traditional sampling and survey methods suffer from slow detection speeds, low accuracy, limited coverage, and require a large amount of manpower and resources. In contrast, the use of hyperspectral technology enables the precise and rapid monitoring of soil physicochemical properties, playing an important role in advancing precision agriculture. Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, was selected as the study area; soil samples were collected and analyzed for soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and available nitrogen (AN) contents. Additionally, soil spectral reflectance was obtained using a portable spectroradiometer. Hyperspectral characteristic bands for soil nutrients were selected from different spectral preprocessing methods, and different models were used to predict soil nutrient content, identifying the optimal modeling approach. For SOM prediction, the second-order differentiation-multiple stepwise regression (SD-MLSR) model performed exceptionally well, with an R2 value of 0.87 and RMSE of 6.61 g·kg−1. For TN prediction, the logarithm of the reciprocal first derivative-partial least squares regression (LRD-PLSR) model had an R2 of 0.77 and RMSE of 0.37 g·kg−1. For TP prediction, the logarithmic second-order differentiation-multiple stepwise regression (LTSD-MLSR) model had an R2 of 0.69 and RMSE of 0.04 g·kg−1. For AN prediction, the logarithm of the reciprocal second derivative-partial least squares regression (LRSD-PLSR) model had an R2 of 0.83 and RMSE of 24.12 mg·kg−1. The results demonstrate the high accuracy of these models in predicting soil nutrient content.
Research on the Control Strategy of the Power Shift System of a Cotton Picker Based on a Fuzzy Algorithm
Authors: Meng Xiangchao , Ni Xiangdong , Chen Huajun , Pan Wenlong , Zhao Yongqiang , Zhai Baoyu , Cai Wenqing
Published: June 2024

The control strategy of a power shift system has a significant impact on the driving stability and comfort of cotton pickers. To prevent the cotton picker from stopping to shift and reduce the jerks while shifting, in this study, the power shift system of a four-speed cotton picker was taken as the research object, and the working principles of the power shift transmission of the cotton picker and the hydrostatic transmission were analyzed. Firstly, the intelligent fuzzy control strategy of the variable pump and dual variable motor displacement of the cotton picker power shift system was designed using a fuzzy algorithm, and two-input and three-output fuzzy controllers were constructed with the engine rotational speed and vehicle speed as the input parameters, and the variable pump displacement, front motor displacement, and rear motor displacement as the outputs. Secondly, the model of the whole vehicle travel drive system of the cotton picker was constructed using co-simulation of Amesim and Simulink. Finally, the influence of the fuzzy shift control strategy and conventional manual shift method on the speed and driving distance of the cotton picker was compared and analyzed. The analysis results show that the fuzzy algorithm-based control strategy of the power shift system of the cotton picker can ensure that the cotton picker travels stably according to the target speed, and effectively reduces the speed fluctuation and jerks while shifting. The results of the study are of great significance to realize the non-stop shifting of the cotton picker as well as improve the stability and smoothness of the shift while driving.
Efficacy of Commercial Biocontrol Products for the Management of Verticillium and Fusarium Wilt in Greenhouse Tomatoes: Impact on Disease Severity, Fruit Yield, and Quality
Authors: Tsolakidou Maria-Dimitra , Demetriou Georgia , Panagiotou Sotiria , Vassiliou Loukia , Goulas Vlasios , Pantelides Iakovos
Published: June 2024

Verticillium dahliae (Vd) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) are two major fungal pathogens that infect tomato plants, causing significant challenges in their control since both pathogens can persist in the soil for several years even in the absence of a host plant and no effective fungicides are available at present. This study investigated the efficacy of two biocontrol formulations, Clonotri (containing Trichoderma and Clonostachys microorganisms) and Strepse (comprising Streptomyces and Pseudomonas microorganisms), against Vd and Fol and their impact on tomato fruit quality and yield under greenhouse conditions. The pathogenicity experiment demonstrated that the Clonotri formulation, containing Trichoderma and Clonostachys spores, significantly reduced Fusarium wilt disease by 32% compared to the control group. However, in the Vd pathogenicity experiment, the formulations did not exhibit disease reduction, although treatment with Strepse, containing Streptomyces and Pseudomonas microorganisms, resulted in a preserved total fruit number when compared to uninfected plants. Analysis of fruit quality attributes revealed no significant differences among the various interventions. Furthermore, Fol infection in the first fruit set significantly increased fruit firmness, while Vd infection resulted in elevated levels of total soluble solids in fruits. These findings demonstrate that the evaluated biocontrol formulations provide a degree of protection against fungal wilt pathogens in tomato plants and can increase yield in greenhouse conditions while having minimal impact on overall fruit quality attributes.
Non-Herbivore-Induced Plant Organic Volatiles of Tomato Cultivars and Their Effect on Pest Biological Control
Authors: Cabello Tomas , Gamez Manuel , Gallego Juan Ramón , Lopez Inmaculada , Sanchez Carolina , Garay Jozsef
Published: June 2024

Herbivore-induced plant organic volatiles (HIPVs) have recently been studied to improve biological pest control. In contrast, the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are not induced by herbivory (non-HIPVs) have received less attention. The latter are essential in the first stages of crop colonization by entomophagous insects (predators and parasitoids) used in biological pest control programs. Furthermore, the effects on entomophagous insects of different cultivars of a cultivated botanical species have not been studied. The aim of this work was to study the different non-HIPVs found in 10 tomato cultivars used in tomato greenhouses on two entomophages: the egg parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) and the zoo-phytophagous predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera, Miridae). The results indicate that although there is considerable quantitative and qualitative variation in the emission of VOCs in the 10 tomato cultivars analysed, this variability made it difficult to determine the influence of the volatiles on the attraction of the predatory species N. tenuis, with only one cultivar (Rebelion) exhibiting a significantly higher attractiveness than the rest of the cultivars. For the parasitoid T. achaeae, these same volatiles had a significant effect (in part) on parasitoid behaviour. However, this attraction was not reflected in the discriminant analysis, at least for the volatiles analysed. The analysis showed four groups of well-differentiated cultivars, according to the non-HIPV composition, and this bore no relation to the levels of attractiveness registered in the different cultivars, with the exception again of the Rebelion cultivar, which seems not to be very attractive for the parasitoid and its parasitism activity. The implications of non-herbivore-induced (non-HPV) VOCs in the biological control of greenhouse pest species are described and discussed.
Plant Growth Regulator from the Essential Oil of Syzygium aromaticum L. for Inhibition of Secondary Growth of Garlic Cultivated under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Nasser Vinícius Guimarães , Macedo Willian Rodrigues , Pinto Frederico Garcia , da Silva Junio Henrique , Sekita Marcelo Coelho , Silva Geraldo Humberto
Published: June 2024

Garlic cultivation in tropical regions, such as the Brazilian Cerrado, faces the problem of secondary growth in the field induced by climatic conditions, which affects bulb quality and value. Clove essential oil (CEO) contains high levels of eugenol, which has the potential as an eco-friendly plant growth retardant (PGR) capable of reducing or inhibiting the secondary growth of bulbs in garlic cultivation. In this study, field experiments were carried out in two consecutive years (winter 2021 and 2022), spraying garlic plants with different concentrations of emulsion of CEO (0.0, 0.2, and 0.4%) in the differentiation phase; for comparison, the effects of water deficit, a prevalent agricultural technique in the region, were also evaluated. At a dose of 0.4%, the CEO reduced the prevalence of secondary growth and split bulbs without affecting yield. The mode of action of PGR was investigated by analyzing photosynthetic, enzymatic, and metabolomic parameters. The plants reduced amylolytic activity, and the photosynthetic parameters, after 7 days, were restored in both treatments. The analysis of the metabolomic profile of garlic leaves revealed changes in the pathways associated with the biosynthesis of fatty acids, wax, cutin, and suberin in plants treated with CEO, indicating possible damage to the surface coating of the leaf.
Cost Comparison for Emerging Technologies to Haul Round Bales for the Biorefinery Industry
Authors: Cundiff John S. , Grisso Robert D. , Webb Erin G.
Published: June 2024

Between 20 and 30% of the feedstock delivered cost is the highway hauling. In order to achieve maximum truck productivity, and thus minimize hauling cost, the hauling technology needs to provide for rapid loading and unloading. Three prototype technologies have been proposed to address the hauling issue. The first was developed by Stinger to secure a load of large rectangular bales, and it is identified as the Advanced Load Securing System (ALSS). For this study, the ALSS technology is applied on two trailers hooked in tandem (ALSS-2) loaded with 20 bales each. The second technology (Cable), is a cable system for securing a load of bales (round or rectangular) on a standard flatbed trailer. With the third technology (Rack), bales are loaded into a 20-bale rack at an SSL, and this rack is unloaded as a unit at the biorefinery. Bales remain in the rack until processed, thus avoiding single-bale handling at the receiving facility. A cost comparison, which begins with bales in single-layer ambient storage in SSLs and ends with bales in single file on a conveyor into the biorefinery, was done for the three hauling technologies paired with three load-out technologies. Cost for the nine options ranged from 48.56 USD/Mg (11 load-outs, Cable hauling) to 34.90 USD/Mg (8 loads-outs, ALSS-2 hauling). The most significant cost issue was the reduction in truck cost; 25.54 USD/Mg (20 trucks, Cable) and 15.15 USD/Mg (10 trucks, Rack).
Classification of Soybean Genotypes as to Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur Content Using Machine Learning Models and UAV–Multispectral Sensor
Authors: Santana Dthenifer Cordeiro , de Oliveira Izabela Cristina , Cavalheiro Sâmela Beutinger , das Chagas Paulo Henrique Menezes , Teixeira Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto , Della-Silva João Lucas , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro , Campos Cid Naudi Silva , Baio Fábio Henrique Rojo , da Silva Junior Carlos Antonio , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo
Published: June 2024

Making plant breeding programs less expensive, fast, practical, and accurate, especially for soybeans, promotes the selection of new soybean genotypes and contributes to the emergence of new varieties that are more efficient in absorbing and metabolizing nutrients. Using spectral information from soybean genotypes combined with nutritional information on secondary macronutrients can help genetic improvement programs select populations that are efficient in absorbing and metabolizing these nutrients. In addition, using machine learning algorithms to process this information makes the acquisition of superior genotypes more accurate. Therefore, the objective of the work was to verify the classification performance of soybean genotypes regarding secondary macronutrients by ML algorithms and different inputs. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, municipality of Chapadão do Sul, Brazil. Soybean was sown in the 2019/20 crop season, with the planting of 103 F2 soybean populations. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with two replications. At 60 days after crop emergence (DAE), spectral images were collected with a Sensifly eBee RTK fixed-wing remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), with autonomous takeoff control, flight plan, and landing. At the reproductive stage (R1), three leaves were collected per plant to determine the macronutrients calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) levels. The data obtained from the spectral information and the nutritional values of the genotypes in relation to Ca, Mg, and S were subjected to a Pearson correlation analysis; a PC analysis was carried out with a k-means algorithm to divide the genotypes into clusters. The clusters were taken as output variables, while the spectral data were used as input variables for the classification models in the machine learning analyses. The configurations tested in the models were spectral bands (SBs), vegetation indices (VIs), and a combination of both. The combination of machine learning algorithms with spectral data can provide important biological information about soybean plants. The classification of soybean genotypes according to calcium, magnesium, and sulfur content can maximize time, effort, and labor in field evaluations in genetic improvement programs. Therefore, the use of spectral bands as input data in random forest algorithms makes the process of classifying soybean genotypes in terms of secondary macronutrients efficient and important for researchers in the field.
The Potential of Three Summer Legume Cover Crops to Suppress Weeds and Provide Ecosystem Services—A Review
Authors: Zannopoulos Stavros , Gazoulis Ioannis , Kokkini Metaxia , Antonopoulos Nikolaos , Kanatas Panagiotis , Kanetsi Marianna , Travlos Ilias
Published: June 2024

Recently, there has been growing interest in the use of summer cover crops that can be grown during summer fallow periods of crop rotation. This study evaluates the potential of sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), velvetbean [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.] and cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. as three annual legumes summer cover crops. The main objective of this review was to conduct global research comparing these summer cover crops to investigate the benefits, challenges, and trade-offs among ecosystems services when implementing these summer cover crops. In European agriculture, there are three main windows in crop rotation when these summer legumes can be grown: Around mid-spring after winter fallow, early summer after harvest of a winter crop, and mid- to late summer after harvest of an early-season crop. All three legumes can suppress weeds while they are actively growing. After termination, their mulch can create unfavorable conditions for weed emergence. Sunn hemp and velvetbean cover crops can cause a reduction in weed biomass of more than 50%. In addition to their ability to suppress weeds, sunn hemp, velvetbean, and cowpea provide a variety of ecosystem services, such as improving soil health, quality, and fertility, controlling pests, and sequestering carbon. The review highlights their promising role in weed suppression and their contribution to sustainable agricultural practices. However, further research is needed to evaluate their performance in weed management and their environmental impact in field trials under different soil-climatic conditions, as cover cropping is an effective practice but highly context-specific.
Toward an Environmentally Friendly Future: An Overview of Biofuels from Corn and Potential Alternatives in Hemp and Cucurbits
Authors: Visković Jelena , Dunđerski Dušan , Adamović Boris , Jaćimović Goran , Latković Dragana , Vojnović Đorđe
Published: June 2024

Increased energy consumption and climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, pose significant risks to global sustainability. Concerns about using agricultural land for fuel production and its competition with food production have made feedstocks like corn (Zea mays) highly controversial. This study explores the potential of alternative feedstocks, such as hemp (Cannabis sativa) and cucurbits (family Cucurbitaceae), for biofuel production amidst environmental concerns linked to fossil fuel usage. Hemp is widely acknowledged as a promising feedstock for sustainable biorefinery due to its agricultural adaptability and its ability to produce oil and carbohydrates. Cucurbits seeds are characterized by a high oil content, which can be utilized in the food industry or for energy production as biofuel. As a byproduct of cucurbits processing, a significant number of seeds often remains, which constitutes waste. By examining hemp and cucurbit byproducts and waste, which are suitable for bioenergy production, this research highlights the promise these alternative feedstocks hold for the biofuel industry. Utilizing these resources presents a viable route to diminish dependence on fossil fuels and transition toward a more environmentally sustainable energy future.
Straw Returning Proves Advantageous for Regulating Water and Salt Levels, Facilitating Nutrient Accumulation, and Promoting Crop Growth in Coastal Saline Soils
Authors: Liu Rui , Tang Min , Luo Zhenhai , Zhang Chao , Liao Chaoyu , Feng Shaoyuan
Published: June 2024

Saline soils limit plant growth due to high salinity. Straw returning has proven effective in enhancing soil adaptability and agricultural stability on saline lands. This study evaluates the effects of different straw-returning methods—straw mulching (SM), straw incorporation (SI), and straw biochar (BC)—on soil nutrients, water dynamics, and salinity in a barley–cotton rotation system using field box experiments. SM improved soil water retention during barley’s jointing and heading stages, while SI was more effective in its filling and maturation stages. BC showed lesser water storage capacity. During cotton’s growth, SI enhanced early-stage water retention, and SM benefited the flowering and boll opening stages. Grey relational analysis pinpointed significant water relationships at 10 cm and 20 cm soil depths, with SM regulating water across layers. SM and BC notably reduced soil conductivity, primarily within the top 20 cm, and their effectiveness decreased with depth. SI significantly lowered soil conductivity at barley’s jointing stage. SM effectively reduced salinity at 10 cm and 20 cm soil depths, whereas BC decreased soil conductivity throughout barley’s jointing, filling, and heading stages. For cotton, SI lowered soil conductivity at the seedling and boll opening stages. SM consistently reduced salinity across all stages, and BC decreased conductivity in the top 30 cm of soil during all growth stages. Both SM and BC significantly enhanced the total nutrient availability for barley and cotton, especially improving soil organic carbon and available potassium, with BC showing notable improvements. At barley’s heading stage, SI maximized dry matter accumulation, while SM boosted accumulation in leaves, stems, and spikes during the filling and maturation stages. Straw returning increased barley yield, particularly with SM and BC, and improved water use efficiency by 11.60% and 5.74%, respectively. For cotton, straw returning significantly boosted yield and water use efficiency, especially with SI and SM treatments, enhancing the total bolls and yield. In conclusion, straw returning effectively improves saline soils, enhances fertility, boosts crop yields, and supports sustainable agriculture. These results provide a robust scientific foundation for adopting efficient soil improvement strategies on saline lands, with significant theoretical and practical implications for increasing agricultural productivity and crop resilience to salt stress.
Comparative Gene Expression following 2,4-D Treatment in Two Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) Populations with Differential Tolerance to the Herbicide
Authors: Araujo Lucas Pinheiro de , Barrett Michael , Dinkins Randy D.
Published: June 2024

Incorporation of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) into grass pastures can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer applications and increase the nutritional value of the forage. However, red clover cultivars available for Kentucky producers are highly susceptible to herbicides, such as 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid), used for pasture broadleaf weed control. To overcome this problem, ‘UK2014’ red clover was selected for increased tolerance to 2,4-D. We employed a transcriptome analysis approach to compare the gene expression response following 2,4-D treatment of ‘UK2014’ to that of ‘Kenland’, a 2,4-D sensitive red clover and one of the parents of ‘UK2014’. The objectives were to first determine if the increased 2,4-D tolerance in ‘UK2014’ is reflected in a change of transcription response and/or a quicker recovery of a transcriptional response following 2,4-D treatment, and second, to identify genes, whether constitutively expressed or induced by 2,4-D, which could be the basis for the increased 2,4-D tolerance. Leaf tissue from the two red clovers grown in the field was collected at 4, 24, and 72 h after 2,4-D (1.12 kg 2,4-amine a.e. ha−1) treatment from both untreated and treated plants. Global gene expression was determined with reads from Illumina Hiseq 2500 mapped against the red clover draft genome, Tpv2.1 (GenBank Accession GCA_900079335.1). Genes that displayed differential expression (DEGs) following 2,4-D treatment were selected for further analysis. The number of DEGs was higher for ‘Kenland’ than for ‘UK2014’, suggesting that a lower transcriptional response corresponds with the higher 2,4-D tolerance in the ‘UK2014’ line. Similarly, gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that expression of photosynthesis-related genes was less affected by 2,4-D in the ‘UK2014’ line than ‘Kenland’. Although we were not able to identify any specific genes that are the basis for the increased 2,4-D tolerance of ‘UK2014’, we concluded that the increased 2,4-D tolerance of ‘UK2014’ correlates with a decreased transcription response to 2,4-D. Additionally, expression of several cytochrome P450 genes that had different isoforms between ‘UK2014’ and ‘Kenland’ increased significantly in both following 2,4-D treatment, one or more of these P450s could be mediators of 2,4-D metabolism and tolerance in red clover.
Camelina Intercropping with Pulses a Sustainable Approach for Land Competition between Food and Non-Food Crops
Authors: Pagani Elena , Zanetti Federica , Ferioli Federico , Facciolla Erika , Monti Andrea
Published: June 2024

With increasing global attention toward the need for mitigating climate change, the transition to sustainable energy sources has become an essential priority. Introducing alternative oilseed crops, such as camelina (Camelina sativa L.), into intercropping systems with staple food crops can mitigate ILUC (indirect land use change) and their negative impact on biofuel production. The present study compared camelina + field pea intercropping (ICw + IP, winter sowing) and camelina + lentil intercropping (ICs + IL, spring sowing) with their respective single crops regarding weed control, soil coverage, yields, and camelina seed quality (1000-seed weight, oil, and fatty acid composition). The comparison between different cropping systems was conducted using a one-way ANOVA. Both intercropping improved weed control at an early stage but no differences in soil coverage were found. Camelina seed yield was negatively affected by the presence of peas, whereas the pulse was unaffected. Conversely, camelina seed yield was not affected when intercropped with lentils while lentils reduced their yield in the intercropping. Furthermore, when camelina was intercropped with lentils, a significant increase was reported in 1000-seed weight and α -linolenic acid (C18:3) compared with the sole-camelina. However, both intercropping systems had a land equivalent ratio (LER, based on total seed yield at maturity) higher than one. Defining the best combination of crops and the optimal sowing and harvesting settings remain key to increasing the adoption of intercropping systems by farmers.
Agricultural Unmanned Systems: Empowering Agriculture with Automation
Authors: Zhang Mengke , Wang Shubo
Published: June 2024

Automation is crucial for the advancement of modern agriculture [...]
Pattern Classification of an Onion Crop (Allium Cepa) Field Using Convolutional Neural Network Models
Authors: López-Martínez Manuel de Jesús , Díaz-Flórez Germán , Villagrana-Barraza Santiago , Castañeda-Miranda Celina L. , Solís-Sánchez Luis Octavio , Ortíz-Esquivel Diana I. , de la Rosa-Vargas José I. , Olvera-Olvera Carlos A.
Published: June 2024

Agriculture is an area that currently benefits from the use of new technologies and techniques, such as artificial intelligence, to improve production in crop fields. Zacatecas is one of the states producing the most onions in the northeast region of Mexico. Identifying and determining vegetation, soil, and humidity zones could help solve problems such as irrigation demands or excesses, identify spaces with different levels of soil homogeneity, and estimate the yield or health of the crop. This study examines the application of artificial intelligence through the use of deep learning, specifically convolutional neural networks, to identify the patterns that can be found in a crop field, in this case, vegetation, soil, and humidity zones. To extract the mentioned patterns, the K-nearest neighbor algorithm was used to pre-process images taken using unmanned aerial vehicles and form a dataset composed of 3672 images of vegetation, soil, and humidity (1224 for each class). A total of six convolutional neural network models were used to identify and classify the patterns, namely Alexnet, DenseNet, VGG16, SqueezeNet, MobileNetV2, and Res-Net18. Each model was evaluated with the following validation metrics: accuracy, F1-score, precision, and recall. The results showed a variation in performance between 90% and almost 100%. Alexnet obtained the highest metrics with an accuracy of 99.92%, while MobileNetV2 had the lowest accuracy of 90.85%. Other models, such as DenseNet, VGG16, SqueezeNet, and ResNet18, showed an accuracy of between 92.02% and 98.78%. Furthermore, our study highlights the importance of adopting artificial intelligence in agriculture, particularly in the management of onion fields in Zacatecas, Mexico. The findings can help farmers and agronomists make more informed and efficient decisions, which can lead to greater production and sustainability in local agriculture.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Sodium-Silicate-Induced Resistance against Rhizoctonia solani AG-3 in Potato
Authors: Feng Yayan , Hao Jianjun , Zhang Dongmei , Huo Hongli , Li Lele , Xiu Zhijun , Yang Chunfang , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: June 2024

Stem canker and black scurf of potatoes, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, are economically important diseases. Although the field application of sodium silicate has been shown to improve potato’s resistance against R. solani, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we examined this resistance using transcriptomic analysis. Potato stems inoculated with R. solani were treated with sodium silicate, while a control group received no sodium silicate treatment. The plants were grown under natural environmental conditions at the farm of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University. Potato stems were sampled 4, 8, and 12 days after treatment. Total RNA was extracted using the TRIzol reagent and transformed into cDNA. The cDNA was sequenced, the reads were aligned, and the expression levels of genes were quantified and compared between the treated and control groups. A total of 1491 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Furthermore, these DEGs were found to be involved in hydrolase activity, plant–pathogen interactions, hormone signal transduction, and the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. To confirm the up- and down-regulation of DEGs, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed on randomly selected genes. The results showed that the application of sodium silicate induces a complex defense network in potato plants involving physical barriers, innate immunity, phytohormone signaling, and various phenylpropanoid compounds to combat R. solani infection. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sodium-silicate-induced resistance and its potential for reducing stem canker and black scurf in potato crops.
Consideration of the Disease Complexes, the Missing Link to Correctly Analyze the Impact of Intercropping on Disease Development
Authors: Affichard Manu , Jacquelin Marine , Khalil Tracy , Andrivon Didier , Le May Christophe
Published: June 2024

Diversification at the plot level, through the use of intercropping (mixtures of crops), is an alternative to the conventional system of intensive agriculture, based on monospecific, usually single-variety canopies. Intercropping has been shown to provide benefits in terms of disease control. However, competition phenomena and the heterogeneity of the associated crops raise new ecological questions, particularly with regard to the dynamics and evolution of parasite populations. No study has assessed the potential impact of these associations on the dynamics of pathogenic species complexes. Changes in the nutritional status of plants and therefore in their physiological susceptibility to infection within intercropping systems could contribute to an increased diversity of ecological niches and thus affect the composition of the parasitic complex and its spatiotemporal dynamics. In this review, focusing on foliar diseases of fungal origin, and after outlining some elements of the biology and epidemiology of these fungal diseases, we will (i) describe the mechanisms that contribute to the composition of disease clusters and that drive interactions, but we will also review the strategies that these foliar diseases have adopted to deal with these co-infections; (ii) define how intercropping can lead to changes in epidemic dynamics, in particular by presenting the mechanisms that have a direct and indirect effect on disease evolution; and (iii) present the approach that should be adopted to properly study intercropping correctly in a multi-infection situation.
A Logical–Algebraic Approach to Revising Formal Ontologies: Application in Mereotopology
Authors: Aranda-Corral Gonzalo A. , Borrego-Díaz Joaquín , Chávez-González Antonia M. , Gulayeva Nataliya M.
Published: June 2024

In ontology engineering, reusing (or extending) ontologies poses a significant challenge, requiring revising their ontological commitments and ensuring accurate representation and coherent reasoning. This study aims to address two main objectives. Firstly, it seeks to develop a methodological approach supporting ontology extension practices. Secondly, it aims to demonstrate its feasibility by applying the approach to the case of extending qualitative spatial reasoning (QSR) theories. Key questions involve effectively interpreting spatial extensions while maintaining consistency. The framework systematically analyzes extensions of formal ontologies, providing a reconstruction of a qualitative calculus. Reconstructed qualitative calculus demonstrates improved interpretative capabilities and reasoning accuracy. The research underscores the importance of methodological approaches when extending formal ontologies, with spatial interpretation serving as a valuable case study.
The Complexity of the Pancreatic Lymphatic System and the Key Role of Para-Aortic Lymph Node Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis Prediction: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Silva Fábio França Vieira e , Ballini Andrea , Di Domenico Marina , Padín-Iruegas María Elena
Published: June 2024

The pancreas is a vital organ nestled deep within the abdomen, playing a crucial role in both endocrine and exocrine functions. It is elongated and tadpole-shaped, with a head, body, and tail. The intricate connections to adjacent structures through a network of blood vessels, ducts, and supportive tissue transform pancreatic cancer into one of the most fatal malignancies globally as a result of a typically late diagnosis and metastatic form of the disease. Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is prevalent in the majority of individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, signifying a critical factor influencing prognostic outcomes. The para-aortic lymph nodes (PALN) play an important role in the lymphatic drainage of various organs, including the kidneys, pancreas, and parts of the gastrointestinal tract. In pancreatic cancer, the risk of PALN metastasis holds considerable clinical significance, and diagnosing your involvement is primordial to therapeutic decisions and to increase the survival expectations of these patients.
In Vitro Evaluation of Chito-Oligosaccharides on Disappearance Rate of Nutrients, Rumen Fermentation Parameters, and Micro-Flora of Beef Cattle
Authors: He Jianfu , Li Jing , Gao Qian , Shen Weijun , Liu Wenchang , Xia Min , Xiao Haixiang , Xiao Dingfu
Published: June 2024

The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) meal levels on the nutrient disappearance rate, rumen fermentation, and microflora of beef cattle in vitro. A total of 24 fermentation tanks were randomly divided into four treatments containing 0% COS (CON), 0.02% COS, 0.04% COS, and 0.08% COS for an 8-day experiment period, with each treatment comprising six replicates. The disappear rates of DM, CP, EE, and total gas production were quadratically increased with increasing COS levels. The disappear rates of DM, CP, EE, and ADF were greatest, whereas the total gas production was lowest in the 0.08% COS group. The pH, NH3-N, MCP, the content of propionate, isobutyrate, butyrate, valerate, and the A/P were quadratically increased with increasing COS levels, while the A/P were linearly decreased. The pH, MCP, and the content of propionate, and butyrate were highest, whereas the NH3-N and the content of acetate, isobutyrate, valerate, and the A/P were lowest in the 0.08% COS group. Microbiomics analysis showed that the rumen microbial diversity was not altered between the CON and the 0.08% COS group. However, the relative abundance of Methanosphaera, Ruminococcus, Endomicrobium, and Eubacterium groups was increased, and the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria Dorea and Escherichia-Shigella showed a decrease in the 0.08% COS group. Overall, the 0.08% COS was the most effective among the three addition levels, resulting in an increase in the disappearance rate of in vitro fermented nutrients and improvements in rumen fermentation indexes and microbial communities. This, in turn, led to the maintenance of rumen health.
In Vitro Lethality of Fenbendazole to the Eyeworm Oxyspirura petrowi
Authors: Leach Jeremiah , Suber Hannah N. , Banks Emilynn , Kaskocsak Ashley , Valencia Henry , Hames Benjamin , Rivera Regan , Colette Sarah , Kendall Ronald J.
Published: June 2024

Oxyspirura petrowi is a heteroxenous nematode that infects the harderian gland and other ocular tissues in birds. High-intensity infections often cause damage to the infected tissues. Due to the nature of the infection sites, treatment of O. petrowi in these hosts can be difficult. Fenbendazole (FBZ) is a common anthelmintic used to treat birds for helminth infections; however, little information exists as to the efficacy of the drug on O. petrowi infections. The present study aims to estimate lethal concentrations of FBZ to O. petrowi. Adult O. petrowi were maintained in vitro and exposed to doses of 5, 50, 100, and 200 µM concentrations of FBZ and included both negative and vehicle controls. Exposure lasted 7.5 days and lethality was determined for each treatment. Negative and vehicle controls did not differ, and both had 75% survival at the end of the treatment period. The percentage survivorship in ascending order of concentration, corrected for the controls, was 66.67%, 44.44%, 33.33%, and 0%. LC10, LC50, and LC90 estimates were 7.5 ± 0.26, 49.1 ± 1.69, and 163.2 ± 5.63 µM, respectively. In the context of known pharmacokinetics of FBZ in birds, a single oral dose of FBZ can achieve exposure levels that are lethal to O. petrowi, but the drug does not stay in the system long enough. Thus, treatment of O. petrowi infections will require multiple oral doses over several days.
Alleviating Heat Stress in Fattening Pigs: Low-Intensity Showers in Critical Hours Alter Body External Temperature, Feeding Pattern, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality Characteristics
Authors: Segura José , Calvo Luis , Escudero Rosa , Rodríguez Ana Isabel , Olivares Álvaro , Jiménez-Gómez Beatriz , López-Bote Clemente José
Published: June 2024

Heat stress is a significant environmental problem that has a detrimental impact on animal welfare and production efficiency in swine farms. The current study was conducted to assess the effect of low-intensity showers, provided during critical high-temperature hours daily, on body external temperature, feeding pattern, and carcass and meat quality characteristics in fattening pigs. A total of 400 animals (200 barrows and 200 gilts) were randomly allotted in 40 pens. A shower nozzle was installed over 20 pens (half barrows and half gilts) where pigs received a low-intensity shower for 2 min in 30 min intervals from 12 to 19 h (SHO group). Another group without showers was also considered (CON). Feeder occupancy measurement, thermographic measures, and carcass and meat quality parameters were studied. In the periods with higher environmental temperatures, SHO animals showed an increase in the feeder occupancy rate compared to the CON group. A decrease in temperature was observed after the shower, regardless of the anatomical location (p < 0.005). The treatment with showers led to higher values than in the CON group of 4.72%, 3.87%, 11.8%, and 15.1% for hot carcass weight, lean meat yield, and fat thickness in Longissimus Dorsi (LD) and Gluteus Medius muscles, respectively (p < 0.01). Pork from CON showed a 14.9% higher value of drip loss, and 18.9% higher malondialdehyde concentration than SHO (p < 0.01); meanwhile, intramuscular fat content was 22.8% higher in SHO than in CON (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the CON group exhibited higher L* (2.13%) and lower a* and b* values (15.8% and 8.97%) compared to the SHO group. However, the pH20h of the CON group was significantly lower than that of the SHO group (p < 0.001), indicating a softer pH decrease. Related to fatty acids in subcutaneous outer and inner layers and intramuscular fat, the CON group showed higher ΣSFA and lower ΣMUFA and Δ9-desaturase indexes than SHO (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the amelioration of heat stress through showers at critical times should be considered an interesting tool that improves both carcass and meat quality, as well as animal welfare.
Animal Lives Affected by Meat Consumption Trends in the G20 Countries
Authors: van der Laan Sytske , Breeman Gerard , Scherer Laura
Published: June 2024

Trends in dietary habits have far-reaching implications, but their impact on animals remains insufficiently explored, as many people continue to dissociate meat from individual animal lives. This research study quantifies the temporal development of the number of animal lives affected by meat consumption within the G20 countries between 1961 and 2020 and forecasts for 2030. Production (including slaughter) and historical and projected food balance data were analyzed to explore these trends. The results indicate an increase in the number of animal lives affected due to increasing consumption, but discrepancies exist between different countries and animal categories. Increases are stronger in emerging countries, such as China, than in more industrialized countries, such as Germany. Overall, the number of animals affected grows 1.7 times as fast as meat consumption due to a shift towards poultry. Poultry birds are affected by far the most, and their dominance in number only slightly reduces when considering the differentiated moral values of the animals, reflecting their sentience. Until 2030, we can expect further increases in the number of animal lives affected. The findings highlight the need for progressive legislation to address the complex trade-offs and challenges in reversing the increasing trends in the number of animals affected.
Reconstruction of Population-Level Migration Trajectories of Black-Faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor) Based on Citizen Science Data
Authors: Wang Ruilin , Liu Chang , Ma Keming
Published: June 2024

Migration is a critical ecological process for birds. Understanding avian migratory routes is essential for identifying important stopover sites and key foraging areas to ensure high-quality stopovers for birds. The Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor), a national Grade I protected wild animal in China, is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Studying the migratory routes of the Black-faced Spoonbill and identifying critical stopover sites across different life histories is vital for its conservation. However, research on the migratory routes of this species has been very limited. This study, utilizing citizen science data and the Level-order-Minimum-cost-Traversal (LoMcT) algorithm, reconstructs the migratory trajectories of the Black-faced Spoonbill from 2018 to 2022. The results show that Wenzhou, Xiamen, Shantou, Shanwei, Hsinchu, Chiayi, and Tainan are significant stopovers for this species. The Black-faced Spoonbill is actively migratory during the migration season across the southeastern coastal region of China. The simulation results of this study reveal the migratory routes and activity patterns of the Black-faced Spoonbill, providing critical support for its conservation.
Comparative Analysis of Broiler Housing Systems: Implications for Production and Wellbeing
Authors: Honig Hen , Haron Amit , Plitman Liran , Lokshtanov Dmitry , Shinder Dmitry , Nagar Sagit , Goshen Tamir , Druyan Shelly
Published: June 2024

This study compares the effects of modern colony cage systems and traditional floor systems on the production and welfare of broiler chickens. Through two trials spanning 35 days each, we evaluated various physiological parameters, including growth performance, bone health, stress responses, and meat quality. Colony cages demonstrated superior thermal regulation and growth performance compared to traditional floor systems, but also exhibited higher frequencies of leg deformity and reduced standing ability. Conversely, the broilers in traditional floor systems experienced heat stress-related challenges, impacting the meat quality. Our findings underscore the need to balance productivity with animal welfare in broiler farming practices. By understanding the distinct impacts of different housing systems, we can work towards improving broiler rearing methods to ensure optimal welfare and production outcomes.