Productivity and phytochemical potential of selected hot pepper varieties cultivated in Tanzania
Agnesia P. Mweta and Stephen I. Nnungu*
Department of Botany, University of Dar es Salam, Tanzania
Abstract
Hot pepper is a crucial horticultural crop for small-scale farmers in Tanzania, driven by rising demand in domestic and export markets. A study conducted from March to September 2021 evaluated the growth, yield, and bioactive compound concentrations in various hot pepper (Capsicum spp.) varieties cultivated at the Botany Department Research Farm, University of Dar es Salaam. The results highlighted significant differences among the varieties. Big Red Cayenne (BRC) was the tallest plant and had the highest yield per hectare (5360 kg). It also had the highest single fruit weight (14.89 g). In contrast, the CCP variety recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (404). Nutritional analysis of ripe-fruit extracts revealed substantial variations in vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). The Orange Bird Eye variety had the highest vitamin C (948.30 ± 22.6 mg/100g) and beta-carotene (0.62 ± 0.006 mg/100 ml) concentrations. BRC exhibited the highest lycopene (0.55 ± 0.0003 mg/100 ml), TPC (454.247 ± 20.9 mg GAE/100g), and TFC (8.92 ± 0.15 mg RE/100g) concentrations, contributing to its highest radical scavenging capacity. Overall, BRC outperformed other varieties in growth and yield, followed by Orange Habanero (OH) and Red Habanero (RH). The study suggests that BRC, OH, and RH varieties are ideal for commercial cultivation in similar ecological conditions. Additionally, BRC's high levels of antioxidants and bioactive compounds make it a promising candidate for developing nutraceuticals and health food products, benefiting the food and pharmaceutical industries, as well as consumers and producers.
Submitted: 20/06/2024 | Revised: 10/06/2024 | Accepted: 19/08/2024
Pages 466-478 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p3996
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Assessing genetic influence and inheritance patterns of yield components in cowpea introgressed with the cry1ab gene for the control of Maruca vitrata pest
Gloria A. Adazebra*, Samuel Amiteye, Jerry A. Nboyine, Emmanuel Amponsah Adjei, Francisca Addae-Frimpomaah, Nusrat Afful, Philip Agrengsore, Harry Amoatey
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), P.O. Box TL 52 Tamale-Ghana
School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, Department of Nuclear Agriculture and Radiation Processing, University of Ghana, PMB 23 Legon
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7482-2715
Abstract
Cowpea is an important food legume widely grown and consumed across the semi-arid regions of Africa, serving as a rich source of essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals. However, cowpea cultivation faces major challenges due to the high prevalence of insect pests that adversely impact crop yield, with the Legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata) being one of the most damaging pests, capable of causing yield losses ranging from 20% to 80%. To combat this issue, genetically engineered cowpea event 709A, which incorporates the Cry1Ab gene from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for resistance against Maruca vitrata, has been developed and released in Nigeria as SAMPEA 20-T. This study aimed to determine the heritability and primary gene effects of some yield related traits in cowpea lines introgressed with the pod borer resistance gene (Cry1Ab). A randomized complete block design was employed, involving six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1, and BC2) from four crosses (Padi-tuya x PBRC, Apagbaala x PBRC, Kirkhouse x PBRC, and Wang-kae x PBRC). These crosses were derived from four M. vitrata-susceptible varieties and an elite M. vitrata-resistant line (PBRC), and were evaluated at the confined field trial (CFT) site in Nyankpala. The results indicated that most traits in the four crosses exhibited duplicate epistasis among dominant decreasers, while a few traits showed complementary epistasis among dominant decreasers. A broad range of narrow sense heritability estimates were observed, ranging from 0% to 97%. Based on the analysis of gene effects—including additive, dominance, and epistasis—it was concluded that pedigree breeding would be the most effective approach for enhancing most of these traits.
Submitted: 08/08/2024 | Revised: 07/04/2025 | Accepted: 08/04/2025
Pages 479-488 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p201
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Genetic variability, heritability, and genetic gain for yield and associated traits in recently introduced soybean genotypes in the Guinea Savannah zone of Ghana
Francisca Addae-Frimpomaah*, Godwin Amenorpe, Frederick Leo Sossah, Gloria Anyesom Adazebra, Samual Amiteye, Joseph Adjebeng-Danquah, Charles Nelimor, Julius Yirzagla, Ophelia Asirifi Amoako, Harry Amoatey
Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute, Nyankpala, Ghana
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Oil Palm Research Institute, Kade, Ghana
Biotechnology and Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute, Accra, Ghana
ORCID ID: 0000-0001-9349-6743
Abstract
Estimating genetic parameter optimizes the selection of complex traits. This study evaluated 150 soybean germplasm accessions from Ghana, Nigeria, USA and Columbia to assess the performance of recently introduced soybean genotypes for yield and associated traits. A 15x10 alpha lattice design with three replications was employed, each consisting of 10 incomplete blocks containing 15 genotypes. The results revealed significant genotypic differences among genotypes for all evaluated traits. Maturity days varied, with USA genotypes maturing earliest (82-115.33 days), followed by Columbia (97.33-136.00), IITA genotypes (106.67-142.0 days) and Ghana (114.00-135.33 days). Genotype PI 628866 (USA) exhibited the highest 100-seed weight (24.72g). Ghanaian genotypes, including Favour, SAR-Qua/Afa-18-6, SAR-SL2/USL-18-2, SAR-SL2/SPg-18-3, and Afayak, recorded the highest grain yields (2.89-2.54 t/ha). The genetic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) ranged from 21 to 30% with high heritability estimates (>80%) observed for most traits, indicating strong potential for genetic improvement through selection. Correlation analysis showed strong associations: DFF-DM (r=0.79), GY-PHF (r=0.67), GY-PHM (r=0.55); a weak correlation was observed between GY-HSW (r=0.19). Moderate correlations were found for GY-PPP (r=0.37) and GY-terminal leaf length. PHF was identified as an effective selection criterion for GY, while a negative association between HSW and PHF suggests trade-offs. Multi-trait selection indices are necessary due to moderate correlations between GY and PPP. Path coefficient analysis identified days to flowering (0.550) and height at flowering (0.313) as traits with direct effects on grain yield, making them suitable for indirect selection. Overall, each germplasm source exhibited unique strengths and weaknesses. Ghanaian genotypes excelled in grain yield, while USA genotypes demonstrated early flowering and maturity. These findings can guide breeders in developing high-performing soybean varieties by leveraging desirable traits from each source.
Submitted: 12/09/2024 | Revised: 18/11/2024 | Accepted: 11/12/2024
Pages 489-500 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PDF | https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p228
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Mathematical modelling of the volumetric contraction of cupuaçu seeds during the drying process
Naeliton de Aquino Gonçalves, Douglas dos Santos Damasceno Gonçalves, Kelder Oliveira Silva, Emilly Aya Mendes Endo, Arlindo Modesto Antunes*, Bruna Sayuri Fujiyama Valente
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal Rural University of Amazonia, Brazil
ORCID ID: 0000-0001-8652-7249
Abstract
Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum Schum) is a tropical Amazonian fruit that has gained a significant share of the global tropical fruit pulp market. The state of Pará stands out as the largest national producer, with the municipalities of Acará, Tomé-Açu, and Moju being the main production centres. Cupulate®, a product similar to chocolate, is derived from cupuaçu seeds and was developed and patented by Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, located in Pará, in the 1980s. However, the processing of cupuaçu seeds involves several stages, with drying considered the most crucial step as it reduces the moisture content in the seeds, making them less prone to microbiological activity that can lead to spoilage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the volumetric contraction of cupuaçu seeds during the drying process and to fit different mathematical models to the experimental values concerning moisture content. Cupuaçu seeds with an initial average moisture content of 1.5 (decimal d.b.) were used. The seeds were subjected to drying in a prototype vertical fixed-bed drying silo with forced air at temperatures of 55, 65, and 75°C. The volume reduction was analysed as a function of moisture content through different mathematical models fitted to the experimental data, considering the magnitude of error in the estimation of volumetric contraction. The modified Bala and Woods and Polynomial models showed the best fits to the experimental data of apparent volumetric contraction, We recommend that producers employ the Polynomial model to optimise the drying process of cupuaçu seeds at 75°C to achieve improved prod.
Submitted: 20/09/2024 | Revised: 09/10/2024 | Accepted: 28/01/2025
Pages 501-509 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p229
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Coconut fiber and enriched hydrogel as promising alternatives for the production of Passiflora edulis Sims seedlings
Jane de Jesus Andrade, Onildo Nunes de Jesus*, Sidnara Ribeiro Sampaio, Idalia Souza dos Santos, João Victor Pedreira de Sá, Lucas Kennedy Silva Lima
Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas, Bahia;
Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura, Cruz das Almas, Bahia;
Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, Bahia.
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1506-101X
Abstract
Successful production of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) begins with obtaining high-quality seedlings. This study evaluated the quality of P. edulis seedlings using coconut fiber, vermiculite and hydrogel enriched with different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 g L-1) of foliar fertilizer as substrates. As a control treatment, seedlings were produced in the absence of foliar fertilizer. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with a completely randomized design, distributed in four replicates of four plants, to evaluate 18 formulations based on soil and coarse charcoal with the addition of vermiculite, hydrogel or coconut fiber enriched with five doses of foliar fertilizer. At 70 days after the start of the research, growth, dry mass accumulation, chlorophyll content and substrate pH were evaluated. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, regression and multivariate analysis. The seedlings produced in the substrate with coconut fiber and enriched hydrogel showed greater vigor compared to vermiculite, with increases of 37% in height, 29% in leaf area, 31% in root volume and 30% in shoot dry mass. The use of coconut fiber with 10 and 20 g of foliar fertilizer formed seedlings with greater vigor. In the multivariate analysis, the seedlings produced with coconut fiber and enriched with hydrogel in the composition (G4 and G5) stood out. Therefore, we recommend using a substrate formulated with soil (40%), coarse charcoal (40%) plus coconut fiber enriched with 10 or 20 g of foliar fertilizer, or hydrogel enriched with between 20 and 50 g of foliar fertilizer.
Submitted: 20/08/2024 | Revised: 27/09/2024 | Accepted: 28/01/2025
Pages 510-517 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p234
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Evaluating oat yield and economic profitability in integrated crop-livestock systems with Eucalyptus trees and varying nitrogen levels
Laíse da Silveira Pontes*, Luíza de Souza Carneiro, Debora Rodrigues, Tiago Santos Telles
Rural Development Institute of Paraná -IAPAR-Emater, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
State University of Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil
Rural Development Institute of Paraná -IAPAR-Emater, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-3906-3047
Abstract
Integrating trees into typical crop-livestock systems (ICLS) in South America, which are primarily characterized by the succession of annual pastures in winter and crops in summer, may enhance ecosystems functions. However, during the initial phase of tree introduction in ICLS, livestock may not be introduced due to the negative impact of animals on trees. Therefore, cash crop alternatives during winter are important in subtropical regions during this phase. Our study evaluates white oat (cv. Artemis) grain yield, its components (number of panicles, panicle length, number of spikelets per panicle, number of grains per panicle and 1000-grain weight), and economic profitability during two consecutive winters in systems along with (238 trees ha-1) and without eucalyptus trees, using two N levels (20 vs. 60 kg N ha-1). Oat was sown with 0.17 m line spacing, at seed rates of 70-100 kg ha-1 in winter 2020- 2021. The randomized complete block design included four treatments (2 systems × 2 N levels) and three replicates. We observed a negative impact of immature trees on panicle length (-6%), number of panicles per m² (-13%), and grain yield (-18%). An increase in N level did not guarantee an increase in oat grain yield or profit, regardless of the system. Economic losses were observed in all treatments (-107±16.3 U$ ha-1), due to low yield and market prices. Our results suggest that oat production is unsuitable in association with eucalyptus at a density of 238 trees ha-1, particularly in shallow soils where competition between trees and intercrops is more intense.
Submitted: 11/08/2024 | Revised: 05/10/2024 | Accepted: 28/01/2025
Pages 518-523 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p235
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Assessment of soybean yield in plants subjected to artificial defoliation simulating the defoliation caused by insects at different crop development stages in a cloudy and low-latitude environment
Cenneya Lopes Martins, Leila Sobral Sampaio, Anderson Gonçalves da Silva, Felipe Puff Dapper, Rafael Battisti
Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Belém, PA, 66077-830, Brazil
Campus Paragominas, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Paragominas, PA, 68627-451, Brazil
Escola de Agronomia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74.690-900, Brazil
ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5768-4501
Abstract
The damage caused by defoliating insects is one of the main factors limiting soybean productivity. It is crucial to define a level of defoliation that does not cause significant yield reduction, defined as the economic threshold. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of artificial defoliations, simulating insect damage, on soybean leaf area index (LAI), total aboveground dry biomass (TAGB), and yield in low-latitude regions. The experiment was performed in a 4 × 3 factorial design with 12 treatments, including four levels of artificial defoliation (0, 17, 33, and 67%) at the 8th-trifoliolate (V8), full flowering (R2), and beginning of seed filling (R5) stages. The LAI and TAGB were evaluated immediately after defoliation and at the fully formed seed stage (R6), along with an evaluation of yield components at the full maturity stage (R8). Linear models were fitted to determine the effects of the defoliation treatments and their interactions with the different phenological stages. The LAI and TAGB declined as defoliation levels increased to 17, 33, and 67%, with a higher impact when defoliation occurred at the R5 stage compared to the other stages. Defoliation at the V8 stage did not affect yield (3,837 kg ha-1) as the crop recovered its growth and yield. However, a positive effect was observed with defoliation levels of 27 and 16% at the R2 and R5 stages, increasing the yield to 4,314 and 3,959 kg ha-1, respectively. This increase was related to a higher grain number and mass because of LAI recovery after defoliation, which was associated with leaf expansion and better solar radiation interception through the canopy under cloudy ambient conditions. The maximum accepted defoliation levels in the R2 and R5 stages were 46 and 35%, respectively, to achieve at least 95% of the maximum yield. The relationships between yield and LAI after defoliation and between yield and LAI were significant at R5 and R6, respectively. Thus, variations in the stages and levels of defoliation differentially affect soybean crop yield and can be used to optimize defoliator management for maximum yield and sustainability.
Pages 524-531 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p277
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Rice allelopathy: strategy for weed management
Bayu Suwitono, Sujinah*
Research Center of Food Crops, Research Organization of Agriculture and Food, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia
Abstract
One of the challenges in rice production is weed management. While synthetic herbicides have traditionally been used to address this issue, their long-term use can have detrimental effects on both the agroecosystem and human health. An alternative method lies in leveraging allelochemicals naturally present in rice, which are powerful tools for biological weed management. These allelochemicals are released by various parts of rice such as roots, stems, leaves, and other parts, and consist of a diverse range of compounds that can interact with the environment, as putative allelochemicals, including phenolics, terpenoids, fatty acids, steroid, and others. These compounds can damage the biochemical and physiological processes in weed, effectively inhibiting their growth. Over several decades of allelopathy study, it has been known that several rice varieties have the potential to inhibit the growth of weed and genes related to rice allelopathy have been identified. These genes are associated with allelochemicals biosynthesis which has been proven to suppress weed. Understanding the mechanisms of action and biological processes involved in allelopathy not only improves the knowledge but also provides valuable metrics for developing environmentally friendly weed management strategies in rice production.
Submitted: 22/11/2024 | Revised: 15/12/2024 | Accepted: 19/02/2025
Pages 532-538 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p290
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Genetic diversity and yields of promising sugarcane clones under ratoon crop in a rainfed land
Setyo Budi*, Andriani Eko Prihatiningrum, Nugrahadi Dwi Pasca Budiono, Nugroho Eko Wirawan Budianto, Rohmatin Agustina
Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik (UMG), Faculty of Agriculture, Agrotechnology Study Program, Gresik, East Java, Indonesia
Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (UMSIDA), Faculty of Agriculture, Agrotechnology Study Program, Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia
Universitas Muhammadiyah Gresik (UMG), Faculty of Health, Public health Study Program, Gresik, East Java, Indonesia
Universitas Wijaya Kusuma (UWK), Faculty of Medicine, Medicine Study Program, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-0125-3525
Abstract
This study examined the genetic diversity and yield of improved sugarcane clones in ratoon crops on rainfed land. Ten sugarcane clones (SB 01, SB 03, SB 04, SB 11, SB 12, SB 19, SB 20, and two control varieties, PS 881 and Bululawang) were evaluated during two ratoon cycles in East Java, Indonesia (7°27'28 "S 112°23'03 "E) from September 2021 to May 2023 with an alluvial soil type. The study employed a mixed model, specifically a multi-season randomized group design with one factor: clone, where ratoon represented the season and observed growth and production parameters. The analysis revealed significant genetic diversity among the clones in terms of stem length, stem diameter, productivity, and Brix characteristics. Productivity consistently increased in the second ratoon for all clones, with the highest increase in SB 11 (29.0%) and SB 04 (28.9%). Heritability values increased in the second ratoon cycle for most characters, mainly stem length (0.37 to 0.79), productivity (0.52 to 0.78), and Brix (0.69 to 0.95). Significant positive correlations were found between ratoon and productivity (0.70), rendemen (0.61), and Brix (0.32). Stem diameter was positively correlated with productivity (0.30), hablur (0.40) and Brix (0.34). Clones SB 01, SB 11, SB 12, SB 19, and SB 20 showed superior performance for growth and yield characters, with SB 01 achieving the highest sugar yield (12.3 tons.ha-1). This study provides essential information for sugarcane breeding programs to develop superior varieties with high productivity and stability in ratoon crops on rainfed land.
Submitted: 08/12/2024 | Revised: 31/03/2025 | Accepted: 04/04/2025
Pages 539-547 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p307
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Soil fertility and performance of sorghum in monoculture and integrated with Piatã grass using biofertilizer as a nutritional source
Otacílio Silveira Junior, Antonio Clementino dos Santos, José Mario Lopes Rocha, Marcos Odilon Dias Rodrigues, Márcio Odilon Dias Rodrigues, Ítalo Cordeiro Silva Lima*
Agronomy Department, Federal Institute of Tocantins, Dianópolis - TO, Brazil
Agronomy Department, Agreste de Pernambuco Federal University, Garanhuns, Pernambuco, Brazil
Agronomy Department, Federal Institute of Tocantins, Colinas do Tocantins - TO, Tocantins, Brazil
Animal Science Department, Goiano Federal Institute, Campos Belos, Goiás, Brazil
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0784-5335
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer obtained through the anaerobic bio-digestion of poultry litter on the performance of sorghum BRS 610 in monoculture and integrated, and its impacts on the chemical attributes of the soil. The experiment was carried out following the premises of a randomized block design, in split-plots, with five levels of biofertilizer (0; 10; 20; 30; 40 m³ ha-1) in two cropping systems (sorghum monoculture and Piatã grass + sorghum intercropping). The agronomic characteristics of the biofertilizer levels in the two cropping systems were assessed, as well as the influence on the soil’s chemical attributes. The use of biofertilizers affected forage production, with quadratic effects on the monoculture and linear effects on the intercropping system. For both production systems, the proportion of leaves and stems, as well as the number of plants, showed decreasing linear effects as the application of biofertilizers increased. In addition, it increased the levels of P and K⁺, with the best results at levels of 40 m³ ha-¹ on both production systems. The pH and Al³⁺ showed variations depending on the depth and level Applied. The use of biofertilizer from the anaerobic bio-digestion of chicken litter compromises the performance of sorghum in intercropping, but improves the production of green and dry mass in monoculture up to a level of 21.54 m3 ha-1, as well as the levels of P and K+ in the soil.
Submitted: 08/12/2024 | Revised: 02/02/2025 | Accepted: 31/03/2025
Pages 548-556 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p310
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Organic nutrients and their potential to enhance agronomic performance measures and cannabinoid levels in cultivated Cannabis sativa L.
Kiriya Sungthongwisesa*, Tiwaporn Sudsanga, Chanon Lapjit, Jakkapat Paluka, Khomsorn Lomthaisong
Agronomy section, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Horticulture section, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Cannabis Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Cannabis Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Abstract
Farmers in Thailand are improving agricultural practices and organic approaches in crop production. When cultivating cannabis for cannabinoids, organic nutrients are thought to be better than inorganic options. This study investigates the effect of organic and inorganic nutrients on the growth and cannabinoid yield of Cannabis sativa KKU05 under field conditions. We tested four fertilizer treatments: no fertilizer, chicken manure, vermicompost, and inorganic nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK) fertilizer. Unfertilised plants yielded the lowest concentrations of cannabidiol, while plants fertilised with inorganic NPK or vermicompost performed the best, with cannabidiol concentrations of 4.94% and 4.91%, respectively. Vermicompost application was also associated with significantly higher concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (0.21%) and cannabidiol (4.91%) compared to the no fertilizer method. There were no statistically significant differences in leaf and floret biomass or omega fatty acid concentrations among the chicken manure, vermicompost, and inorganic NPK fertilizer methods. This study demonstrates that vermicompost has excellent potential to improve cannabis yields for the production of cannabinoids under Good Agricultural Practices.
Submitted: 14/12/2024 | Revised: 31/01/2025 | Accepted: 01/04/2025
Pages 557-566 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p315
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Using geospatial analysis to detect soil loss in pasture in the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado)
Alisson Neves Harmyans Moreira*, Derblai Casaroli, Rafaella Resende Andrade, Rafael Battisti, Angelina Harmyans Ciappina
Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
Centro Universitário Araguaia (UniAraguaia), Goiânia, GO, Brazil
Abstract
Well-managed pastures support watershed recharge by conserving soil, increasing organic matter, and enhancing water and nutrient retention, while also reducing erosion, nutrient leaching and surface run-off. This study used remote sensing to assess vegetation cover (Vc) in degraded pasture areas and examine its relationship with soil loss in the Brazilian savanna, employing vegetation indices and the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). Given its socioeconomic importance, the Ribeirão Serra Negra Watershed in Piracanjuba, Goiás, Brazil was the focus of the research. Soil loss was estimated from freely available geographic data on climate, while soil class and relevance were assessed through a digital elevation model (DEM). The use of images from the Sentinel-2A orbital sensor alongside the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) also made it possible to quantify and classify Vc according to its condition. The findings reveal that pastures in this region exhibit varying levels of degradation, with intermediate degradation classes being most prevalent: ‘moderately degraded’ areas covered 3,919.25 hectares (ha) (56.87% of the total area), while ‘severely degraded’ areas accounted for 1,984.30 ha (28.79%). The most common index values ranged from 0.6 to 0.7, aligning with the higher prevalence of the moderately degraded class. Soil losses were considerable in these intermediate classes, affecting 5,683.19 ha (82.46%); the most frequent loss rate was estimated to lie between 20 and 40 Mg ha-1 year-1, covering 4271.34 ha (61.98%). Higher Vc indices were more frequently observed in areas with lower soil losses, demonstrating a significant inverse correlation (-0.80, p-value ≤ 0.05) between these variables, with a determination coefficient (R²) of 0.64.
Submitted: 24/01/2025 | Revised: 10/03/2025 | Accepted: 13/03/2025
Pages 567-576 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p324
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Implications of gene action on the selection of cooking time in common bean
Luan Tiago dos Santos Carbonari*, Paulo Henrique Cerutti, Rita Carolina de Melo, Carlos Zacarias Joaquim Júnior, Altamir Frederico Guidolin, Jefferson Luís Meirelles Coimbra
Department of Agronomy, Molecular Genetics and Breeding Institute, State University of Santa Catarina (UDESC), Lages Campus, Lages, SC, Brazil
Department of Natural and Social Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Curitibanos Campus, Curitibanos, SC, Brazil
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7797-5194
Abstract
The cooking time of common beans is crucial for consumer acceptance, although its genetic basis is not yet fully understood. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate the components of genotypic variation to verify the predominance of gene action and its implications for improving the cooking time trait in common beans. The genotypes used were obtained from a cross between the parents BAF50 x BAF07, with 16 progenies sampled in each of the F2:3, F3:4, F8:9, and F9:10 generations, resulting in 66 genotypes tested, considering the progenies along with the parents. These were evaluated in the field in a randomized block design with three replicates. The cooking time of the beans was measured 30 days after harvest using the Mattson cooker, with a temperature of 100°C, and the response variable was obtained in minutes until cooking was complete. The components of phenotypic variation were estimated according to the mixed model, with genotypic variation divided into additive and dominant components. The dominance genetic variance component was higher than the additive component. The estimates of dominance genetic variance were greater than expected for the cooking time trait in the segregating generations. The estimates of additive genetic variance and selection gains in advanced generations of self-fertilization were better when compared to the early generations. Despite this, the genotypic effects demonstrated the possibility of selecting for reduced cooking time in the early generations. However, genotype elimination is more effective at higher levels of homozygosity due to the reduction in dominance genetic variance and the increase in additive genetic variance.
Pages 577-586 | Full Text PDF| Supplementary Data PODF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p333
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Fungi, bacteria, and chemical components in the fermentation process of various maturity levels of drumstick trees (Moringa oleifera L.) in making tempeh, a fermented soybean food
Rostiati Dg. Rahmatu, Theresia Ayu Isabella, Anthon Monde, Muhd. Nur Sangadji, Amelia Noviyanti
Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tadulako, Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Abstract
This research focuses on the role of fungi and bacterial inhibition on the chemical quality of tempeh made from Horseradish (drumstick trees) tree seeds (Moringa oleifera L.) at various levels of maturity. The tempeh produced using these seeds harvested at different maturity stages as treatments before fermentation, namely: B0 = soybeans (control), B1 = mature/old seeds, B2 = medium seeds, and B3 = young seeds, with four replications, composing of totally sixteen test units. There were several stages carried out before the fermentation, namely: soaking, boiling, drying, inoculating, wrapping and then fermenting. In the preparation of yeast (starter culture), a method of Nurrohmah (2013) was applied and modified, while in the preparation of Moringa oleifera, the method of Jubaidah, et al. (2016) was adopted and modified. The results showed that Rhizopus sp. could ferment Moringa seeds at all maturity stages. The higher the maturity level of the Moringa seeds, the faster Rhizopus sp. grew and developed, thereby better in inhibiting the growth of bacteria, particularly coliform bacteria. Regarding chemical quality parameters, tempeh made from medium and mature Moringa seeds contained better water (B3 contained 75.73% water), protein (B1 contained 17.21% protein), and fiber (B3 contained 9.39% fiber). Meanwhile, soybeans (B0) contained the highest ash (1.38%), fat (6.41%), and carbohydrate (17.60%) compared to all maturity levels of Moringa seeds.
Submitted: 19/01/2025 | Revised: 22/04/2025 | Accepted: 24/04/2025
Pages 587-596 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p345
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Pre-inoculation of corn and soybean seeds with Biofix Azos: Assessing viability, survival, and agronomic efficiency
Wilson Story Venancio, Eduardo Gilberto Dallago, Gislaine Martins Slusarz, Ibraian Valério Boratto, Vanessa Nathalie Modesto Boratto, Rebeca Cuenca, Aline Ratuchne*
CWR Pesquisa Agrícola, Ponta Grossa, PR, Brazil
Nova do Brasil, Londrina, PR, Brazil
Abstract
New technologies, such as pre-inoculation with protective additives have been developed to optimize the inoculation of beneficial bacteria like Azospirillum brasilense in crops, and represents a promising strategy to optimize the use of bio inputs and streamline field operations. This study evaluated the efficacy of inoculants of pre-inoculating corn seeds with Biofix Azos and soybean seeds with Biofix Azos and Biofix Protec, both performed 30 days before sowing. Four field trials were conducted in different edaphoclimatic regions of Brazil (GO, MG, SP, and PR) during the 2022-2023 season, to ensure greater reliability of the results. Standardized agronomic protocols, randomized block design, and statistical analyses were applied. The treatments of soybean and corn included seed pre-inoculation with Biofix Azos 30 days before sowing, compared to inoculation performed on the day of sowing, fertilization with 200 kg/ha of nitrogen, and a control without fertilization or inoculation. In corn, pre-inoculation with Biofix Azos demonstrated an increase in shoot dry mass, chlorophyll content, and grain nitrogen content, resulting in grain yield gains ranging from 2.8 to 7.7%, compared to the treatment inoculated on the sowing day. In soybeans, co-inoculation with Biofix Azos and Biofix Protec significantly increased nodulation, nodule dry mass, and nitrogen fixation, resulting in grain yield gains ranging from 6.0 to 7.6%, equivalent to the treatment inoculated on the sowing day. The results from pre-inoculation were equal to or superior to those achieved with inoculation on the sowing day. Laboratory tests confirmed the feasibility of pre-inoculation, demonstrating that bacteria maintained their viability for up to 30 days after treatment, even when combined with chemical products. These results indicate that pre-inoculation with Biofix Azos (corn) and Biofix Azos and Biofix Protec (soybean) is an effective strategy to increase grain yield and enhance the sustainability of corn and soybean crops, offering consistent benefits to farmers.
Submitted: 05/02/2025 | Revised: 16/04/2025 | Accepted: 16/05/2025
Pages 597-608 | Full Text PDF| https://doi.org/10.21475/ajcs.25.19.05.p363