The aim of the opening chapter of Agricultural Research Updates. Volume 27 is to discuss the role of phenolic compounds in the interactions of plants with abiotic stress, with special attention paid to their antioxidant properties. The second chapter attempts to assess the sustainability level of different types of agro-ecosystems in Bulgaria. A holistic hierarchical framework for measuring the integral, economic, social and ecological sustainability of agro-ecosystems in Bulgaria is proposed. Following this, a study is presented with the goal of identifying and evaluating social and economic sustainability indices in corn production. Statistical regression models were derived to estimate summer precipitation in a single location derived using lineal backward regression techniques, and the different efficiency between the derived models was analyzed. Next, an analytical Fourier series solution to the equation for heat transfer by conduction in a spherical shell with an internal stone consisting of insulating material is presented, and an internal heat source linearly reliant on temperature is considered as a model of conduction of heat in stone fruits. The subsequent study analyses the effects of certain parameters on the baking properties of wheat in years with different weather conditions. The results indicate statistically significant correlation coefficients between protein content, wet gluten content, alveograph properties, exstensograph properties and bread loaf volume. Lastly, a summary of recent knowledge is evaluated in order to contribute to a better understanding of how farming practices affect berry composition and consequently, the sensory characteristics of raspberries.

Agricultural Research Updates. Volume 26 opens with a discussion about various control methods used in cowpea integrated pest management. Cowpea is one of the most widely adapted and nutritious legumes. The high content of carbohydrates and proteins makes it very important for human consumption. Several pests, especially insects, can cause yield losses ranging from 10-100%.The following study explores the global panorama of the use of chemical herbicides, as well as promising technologies for weed control. The authors also discuss the genetic improvement of plants and biocontrol by innovative methods that can reduce cases of resistance, considering aspects like efficiency, viability and environmental benefits. An exhaustive focus on toxic metals is provided, particularly on analytical methodologies suitable to detect these metals in Camellia sinensis. Various analytical techniques and procedures employed are critically discussed, and special attention is paid to the analytical performance in terms of accuracy and detectability.Following this, the functionalities of lemon peel are investigated, and the effectiveness of applying subcritical water treatment to the insoluble fractions is examined. Lemon peel is usually discarded as industrial waste, despite having a strong flavor and containing abundant oils and fibrous components, largely due to the challenges associated with using its insoluble polymeric components in chemical products.Agricultural production is the main livelihood to a majority of the population and a lead contributor to economy in most sub-Saharan countries. In Kenya, agriculture accounts for 65% of the national exports and 70% of informal employment in rural Kenya. As such, the authors aim to establish key crops and livestock in Kenya, examine constraints and opportunities along the value chain, and review the role of institutions in the agricultural sector.

Among management systems that are intended to prevent soil erosion or degradation is the no-tillage system which allows for the accumulation of vegetal material of plant material on the surface, over which the next crop will be sown or planted. Agricultural Research Updates. Volume 25 opens with a presentation of the results of research on different sustainable systems of soybean and maize production in northwest Sao Paulo. Following this, the authors review the feasibility, convenience and challenges accompanying various drying technologie from conventional methods (sun drying, hot air-drying, vaccum drying and freeze drying) to smart drying technologies (hybrid drying, near infrared reflectance, refractance window drying amd ultrasonic drying). Other topics reviewed in this compilation include packaging antioxidant activity that prevents food tainting; packaging antimicrobial properties that prevent food contamination; and packaging biodegradability to meet environmental protection requirements. Next, the authors investigate the occurrence, characterization and survivability of two pathogenic vibrios, namely Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in fish-based street food. The detection of these two pathogens is completed using Loop mediated isothermal amplification, multiplex polymerase chain reaction and thiosulphate citrate bile-salt sucrose. The following study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of toxigenic Campylobacter jejuni in ulam (Malaysian salad vegetables) at retail outlets in Terengganu. The prevalence of these genes at retail outlets is determined by multiplex-PCR/the charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar method for 123 vegetable samples. The authors close by describing a recent technology in stimulating glucosinolates concentrations in Brassica plants using recycled animal manures. This need for natural fumigants in horticultural crops has increased due to the national prohibition of synthetic soil fumigants such as methyl bromide and ethylene dibromide.

Agricultural Research Updates. Volume 24 begins with a mention of various features of maize chromosomes such as cytological mapping of meiotic chromosomes, heterochromatic knobs, centromeres, neocentromeres and DNA content in the maize genome. The authors report on the variability of tropical maize chromosomes and on chromosomal alterations in maize karyotype that occurred in callus cultures. Next, the authors present an overview of reports addressing the successful development of rhizobial strains that are symbiotically more efficient by overexpression of single or multiple genes, directly or indirectly associated to the symbiotic process, such as nodulation, nitrogen fixation, stress response and phytohormone production genes among others. The main objective is of the following chapter is to evaluate the performance of 42 olive varieties in low water conditions and to infer the relationships between the leaf parameters and other variables. The findings of this study provide supplementary information about the performance of olive varieties cultivated intensively under low water conditions and what leaf indices can be used to evaluate their responses. A chained set of trials was conducted and described with the aim of studying whether corn fertilized by Arbuscular Mycorrhiza could influence crop yields, affect mycotoxins and modify poultry and pig meat production, in the short term, or after a long period of storage. Two experiments conducted in corn fields treated with a commercial bio-fertilizer have shown that the yield can be improved and that the resistance to fungal attacks had significantly increased. Additionally, the authors aim to develop and evaluate the cosmetic performance of emulsions containing oils and vegetable butter from Brazilian organic agriculture, verifying the influence of these emollients on the physical-chemical and sensory stability of cosmetic formulations. This is the first study investigating these raw materials from Brazilian organic agriculture in emulgel-type cosmetic formulations. The next chapter describes a new no-contact method of determining bird mass that does not have the deficiencies of old-fashioned automatic weighing platforms in the poultry industry. The method is based on computer processing of digital top-down images of the birds automatically taken with a camera mounted on the ceiling of a poultry house. Salacca edulis is known to possess flavonoids, flavanol, tannin, anthocyanin, ascorbic acid, alkaloid and antioxidants which may make it important in disease prevention. The authors aim to assess the long-term impact of S. edulis intake on specific populations and their functionality claims. In the closing study, four native Bradyrhizobium isolates (NRI1, NRI2, NRI3, and NRI4) obtained from field trap cultures set in acidic soils of Embu and Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya and a commercial inoculant (USDA 110), were examined for acid tolerance on yeast extract mannitol agar at pH levels of 3, 5, 7 and 9. Moreover, the isolates were examined for nitrogen fixation potential in greenhouse bioassays using limed and non-limed field soil.

This book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. The first chapter discusses strategies for the management and mitigation of herbicide-resistant weeds. Chapter Two revises the available information about the diversity and plant growth promotion abilities of bacterial endophytes isolated from legume nodules and from roots of different plants, focusing on their interest for crop biofertilization. Chapter Three presents process-related technological information for the synthesis and purification of bioactive peptides from soybean and their functional properties. Chapter Four focuses on the nutritional value of wheat germ-supplemented foods, for humans and animals alike, with a specific emphasis on the protein and essential amino acid content of these foods and its related health benefits. Chapter Five provides an overview of the importance of fatty acids (FA), fructans, lipids and lipopolysaccharides in determining some grain and malt composition. Chapter Six gives insights into the production and commercialization of transgenic wheat. Chapter Seven reviews the modification of barley by binary acrylic monomers and its applications.

This compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including the efficacy of growing and consuming locally grown produce in New England (USA) and New Zealand; significance of seed and root crop properties in organic farming; diagnostic methods for seed-transmitted viruses; remotely sensed detection and monitoring of crop diseases; rice tolerance to the impact of high temperatures; enzyme activity variability in soils under medicinal and food-crop plants; and determining the efficient relations between climatic factors and cotton flower and boll production behaviours.

This compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including meeting the challenges of food security of 21st century by earthworms; the effect of organic sources of insect pest management strategies and nutrients on cotton insect pests; in vitro culture techniques; nanoscience applied in agriculture for food production; retrosynthetic strategies for the preparation of heterocyclic rings present in pesticides; application of soil and water assessment modeling tools in agricultural research; potato peels in the treatment of burn wounds; and enzymatic saccharification of lemon peel and antioxidative ability of saccharified peel solution.

This compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including cotton pests and the actual strategies for their management control; cotton production and climatic factors: studying this relationship by different applied statistical methods; screening to select natural substances for control of postharvest aflatoxigenic fungi in maize and peanut agroecosystems; peculiarities of photosynthesis of wheat genotypes contrast in grain yield and their use in breeding programs; cunila d. royen ex. l., glechon epl. and hesperozygis epl. (lamiaceae) in South America: an ethnobotanical and phytochemical review; bacterial endophytes inhabiting potato plants (solanum tuberosum l.); and a discussion on common scab disease in central Europe.

This compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including cheese whey as a source of active peptides; technological and chemical characterization of PDO cheeses of Italy; biotechnological conversion of whey into high-value products; apple pomace; trends in precision agriculture for sugarcane biorefineries competitiveness; and fruit-based functional beverages.

This compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including the impacts of the Fukushima nuclear disaster on Japanese agriculture and food chains; plant nutrients, plant growth retardants, and cotton production; response of olive trees to deficit irrigation regimes; improving selectivity in trawl fisheries; grazing management of native and naturalised pastures in harsh environments; sustainable grazing systems for the enhancement of livestock production and biodiversity in less-favoured heathland areas of northern humid Spain; genomic organisation and comparative analysis of the genome of domesticated animals and poultry; and in-depth studies of cattle-manure-compost activated carbons for Cu(Ii) ions removal.

This compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including breeding improved cassava cultivars in tropical/subtropical bio-systems; sluggish alcoholic fermentations during wine production; agricultural productivity and poverty in Vietnam; the role of eco-management for sustainable agricultural production; molecular marker assisted selection for disease resistance breeds of cattle; an improved in vitro method for isolated microspore culture of durum wheat; modelling crop water requirements in the Upper Indus Basin of Pakistan for enhancing food security; and agricultural practices for sustainable crop production and soil health.

Agricultural Research Updates. Volume 23 opens with a study wherein cryoprotectants such as hydrocolloids, kappa- and iota-carrageenans, xanthan gum and dairy proteins were added to mashed potatoes to investigate ways of improving the effects of freezing and thawing. Samples containing 0.5 and 1.5 g kg1 added XG were preferred organoleptically due to the creamy mouthfeel they produced, and the instrumental texture profile analysis consistency correlated well with sensory texture attributes. Following this, the authors present the results of some noticeable studies on organic agriculture and innovative crops are discussed as a strategy reducing the risks of climate change on animal feed supplies. During the last two decades, several studies have been conducted on the evaluation of the growth performance and quality of crops under the organic cropping system, with the obtained results suggesting that in many cases yield and quality were comparable between organic and conventional systems. Also in this book, a study is included in which it is concluded that wintering root systems of the goldenrod type protect themselves from metal stress caused by basipetally obtruded excess minerals, as well as reduce the mineral load to the root functional level via exudation rather than to act as a sink for macro- and micronutrients. This means that these perennials share an immediate dependence on the availability of soil minerals with annual plants. In the conserving nutrients released by herbage and roots, the buffering capacity of the soil that is commonly improved by perennial plant covers may be more essential than any internal root storage potential. Later, the authors examine the present knowledge concerning silage quality, in relation to the wilting degree and ensilability characteristics of some grass silages or haylages, for the following crops: lucerne, red clover, sulla, sainfoin, galega, foxtail millet, orchardgrass, and chia. Afterwards, the authors discuss the Peterhof genetic collection of rye, created over the past 60 years and initially under the direction of V. S. Fedorov. The collection includes accessions with individual morphological mutations and their combinations, the meiotic mutants, inbred lines with identified mutations of self-compatibility. The close linkage of self-compatible mutation in the locus S with isozyme marker Prx7 suggests a scheme for the introduction of individual selection for improvement and differentiation of rye varieties. The subsequent study aimed to compare the retail yield quality of meat from young bulls and steers fed diets based on mycorrhizal (Myc) and conventional corn (Conv). The trial was carried out on the meat of 10 steers received a Myc corn diet, 10 steers and 10 bulls received a conventional corn diet. The chemical composition of meat, in particular the fatty acid (FA) profile and the rheological characteristics, such as meat cooking shrinkage, together with the Vis-NIR-IR properties of the thawed and the freeze-dried specimens were evaluated. In an additional study, the authors suggest that efficiency payments in Swiss agriculture show that such payments have complex side-effects, casting doubt on their overall positive contribution. A structural equation model, based on a survey of Swiss farmers, shows that promoting no-tillage leads to greater use of glyphosate and that other programs lead to over-mechanization and increased pressure on the soil. In the concluding study, CAD models were subjected to a FEA to determine whether they support the intended workloads (static analysis), and therefore, to ascertain whether the design is well dimensioned or would not withstand operating conditions. The results for stress distribution, deformation, displacement, and safety coefficient demonstrate that although the press works properly, it is oversized and its design could be optimized to save manufacturing costs.

In Chapter One, Gerhard Gramss and Klaus-Dieter Voigt study the theory that production of high-productivity grain crops and their locally acclimatised land strains must be stretched to low-value croplands that are radical in both mineral composition and contamination. In Chapter Two, Wander Luis Barbosa Borges, PhD, Isabela Malaquias Dalto de Souza, Marlene Cristina Alves, PhD, and Marco Eustaquio de Sa, PhD present a study involving the surveying of physical and chemical traits of soil in sustainable systems. Additionally, Ivica Dalovic, Srdan eremeic, Miroslav Zoric, and Goran Bekavac present a study on maize yield stability in relative to the environment in Chapter Three. In Chapter Four, Masmoudi Charfi Chiraz, Ayadi Mohamed, Ben Abdallah Sirine, Oueslati Amira, and Belhadj Ismail Emna evaluate the oil composition of local versus foreign cultivars grown in the same environment. In Chapter Five, Shanthi Joseph, Zaynab Derakhshani, Daniel John Murphy, and Mrinal Bhavea provide an overview of the disparities in glycine betaine accumulation in plants and the way this contributes to abiotic stress tolerance. Lastly, Natalia Girardi, Maria Alejandra Passone, Daiana Garcia, Andrea Nesci, and Miriam Etcheverry review the microencapsulation technology of selected oils tested in vitro and in situ in their laboratory.

This book begins with a review of several land management practices, presented in Chapter One. The chapter aims to improve agricultural land conditions, ensure the sustainable cultivation of crops is achieved at optimum levels, and meet the need of ever increasing population and food demand crisis in developing countries of Africa. Chapter Two examines the main geographical patterns of change in land productivity over the past 100 years of the development of agriculture in the south of Ukraine. Chapter Three provides information on cultivation, common diseases, and properties of watermelon, as well as a potential pharmaceuticals agent. Chapter Four evaluates the production of beans cowpea fertigated with Human urine associated with Cassava Wastewater as an alternative source of nutrients. Chapter Five focuses on the possibility of LoaC platforms application for identification and quantification of wheat gluten proteins as well as their connection with technological quality of wheat. Chapter Six concludes the book by discussing several dairy farm management strategies that can be manipulated to reduce GHG emissions while improving productivity and likely farm profit.

This book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. Chapter One reviews the role of plant cuticle in the postharvest of fruits and vegetables. Chapter Two provides a critical comparison between some emergent methods for bioactive compound extraction from fruits and vegetables residues. Chapter Three analyses the effect of exogenous abscisic acid spray on phenolic and scavenging free radical activity of olives during storage. Chapter Four studies the sustainable production of maguey (Agave salmiana) to improve the mezcal agroindustry competitiveness. Chapter Five describes the structure, sources, properties and potential applications of cereal arabinoxylans. Chapter Six focuses on the problems that arise from the wide use of pharmaceutical drugs and their entry routes to the natural systems. Chapter Seven describes the effect of a microwave-assisted hydrolytic treatment on the degradability of shrimp exoskeletons.

This book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. Chapter One analyses the achievements, applications, potential and the future avenues of bioenergy production from sugarcane. Chapter Two discusses the importance of humic substances for soil quality and plant protection. Chapter Three studies corn production intercropping with the fodder plant Urochloa brizantha in different production systems. Chapter Four reviews the potential applications of the hydrolysates for the production of fuels and valuable chemicals. Chapter Five describes the characteristics, cultivation techniques, and post-harvest management of red kiwifruit. Chapter Six discusses the importance and methods for valorisation of five different fruits of the forest. Chapter Seven reports the development of an efficient and affordable micro-irrigation system that could help enhance farm productivity especially during conditions where water supply is very limiting.

This book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. Chapter One reviews the use of agricultural waste as potential feedstock for activated carbon development. Chapter Two presents the potential uses of chlorogenic acid from vegetables and industrial waste. Chapter Three provides an overview consuming antioxidants from fruits and vegetables for sustainable human wellness. Chapter Four analyses advances in fruit growing technology. Chapter Five focuses on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) mediated plant disease resistance.

This book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. Chapter One reviews the nutritional aspects and potential uses of safflower in livestock. Chapter Two discusses the antioxidant activities and phenolic composition of the safflower plant during its growth cycle. Chapter Three studies safflower production in Argentina. Chapter Four analyses the storage stability of a lemon fruit immersed in a calcium solution. Chapter Five focuses on the chemical and sensorial characteristics of red fruits imprinted by organic farming production. Chapter Six introduces a new process for producing solid biofuel from waste obtained from orange juice production using biodrying and composting techniques, to increase the value chain and evaluate its potential for energy cogeneration and application in citrus crops. Chapter Seven reviews urban agriculture in the metropolitan area of Mexico City. Chapter Eight studies the urban agriculture practice in Nigeria.

This book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. The first chapter discusses growing techniques for raspberry plants suitable for subtropical areas. Chapter Two presents current information on raspberries postharvest technology and the main nutritional characteristics, composition in terms of macro and micronutrients, as well as the most abundant bioactive compounds in this fruit. Chapter Three provides a detailed analysis of reduction potential for methane emissions arising the the production of edible protein with Holstein cattle in Northern Germany. Chapter Four reviews farm management and feeding strategies for donkey milk production. Chapter Five focuses on the -casein variant among different native and cross breed cattle maintain at India. Chapter Six presents the prospects of enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) via increasing soil organic matter (SOM) as a result of improving soil fertility. Chapter Seven analyses the detected spatial and temporal variations on grass aeroallergens as well as their possible interactions with air pollution as regards allergic diseases. Chapter Eight talks about the applications of rice hull carbonisation and their potential to provide farmers opportunities for added income as a way of enhancing their resilience to the impacts of climate change. Chapter Nine discusses recent advances in biocontrol of stored-grain insects using entomopathogenic fungi.

This book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. The first chapter examines intercropping systems as a way of increasing productivity of land. The following chapter discusses hyperspectral imaging as an emerging and green chemistry technique for non-destructive and rapid food analysis. Chapter three also discusses hyperspectral imaging, with an emphasis on carrots. Chapter four aims to review recent progress and development in hydroxycinnamic acid research in barley seed and barley hull in terms of structure, biodegradation characteristics and its interrelationship to nutrient utilisation and availability in ruminant. Chapter five summarises the use of near-infrared spectroscopy as a cotton fiber quality assessment. Chapter six characterises the mean volatile composition of five distilled alcoholic beverages. Chapter seven summarises challenges associated with the processing of milk naturally enriched with bioactive lipids. Chapter eight shows the possibilities of the use of bamboo in building material and food. The final chapter aims to develop a comprehensive system of control measures against diseases of sugar beets.

This compilation examines agricultural research from across the globe and covers a broad spectrum of related topics. In this book, the authors discuss research including the competitiveness of Bulgarian farms in conditions of EU CAP implementation; perennial weeds and management in Argentinean crop systems; the anti-inflammatory effects of the waste components from soybeans; dry matter production, yield dynamics and chemical composition of perennial grass and forage legume mixtures at various seeding rate proportions; genetic variations of globulin composition in soybean seeds; different effects of garlic preparations; vegetable soybean (edamame) production; the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilizer and foliar application of potassium (K) and mepiquat chloride (MC) on the yield of cotton; and rapid methods for improving the nutritional quality of hydroponic leafy vegetables before harvest.

This book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field including chapters on the general authenticity issues associated with various dairy products; enzymatic approaches that can enhance the extraction of food constituents from diverse agricultural resources; recent research on polymorphism of high stearic high oleic (HSHO) sunflower oil stearins; the effects of food processing and canning technologies on the nutritional value of foods; the process of selection and improvement of maize cultivars; the classification, quantification and physicochemical characterization of the mesquite seed protein; an analysis of the technological strategies and research trends that have been developed for the transition of traditional sugarcane field crops to sustainable and diversified commercial plantations; and strategies to conserve water, a key natural resource for survival of life on earth, and one which is a 'vanishing resource.'

This book examines the most up-to-date research in the agricultural field. Chapter One discusses advances in seed-priming. Chapter Two examines the relationship between TFS (Total Foliar Surface) and EFS (Efficient Foliar Surface) and quality of grapes and production of vine stocks. Chapter Three focuses on the influence of plant-fungal interactions viz-a-viz other agroecosystem variables on the mechanism of agronomic systems selection, and determination of crop development and production. Chapter Four focuses on biocontrol and the influence of bacterial small molecules on these interspecies interactions and on the survival of Bacillus spp. Chapter Five reviews the addition of leonardites to increase soil available phophorus levels in vineyard calcareous soils. Chapter Six introduces the artificial neural network modeling of sugar beet osmotic dehydration. Chapter Seven discusses microwave assisted drying of sugar beet pulp.