Showing papers in "Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment in 2018"
TL;DR: Natural acetogenins are promising metabolites for insect control and derivatization of these compounds reduces their toxicity to early instar larvae.
Abstract: Background: Annonaceous acetogenins enclose a large number of biological activities, among which the insecticidal stands out. Methods: We report herein the biocide effects of natural acetogenins from Annona squamosa, A. muricata and A. montana seeds: annonacin, cis-annonacin, cis-annonacin-10- one, asimicin, rolliniastatin-2, cherimolin-1, cherimolin-2, almu·equin, and two β-OH acetogenins: laherradurin and itrabin on Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Also, some acetylated and methoxy methylated ACG derivatives were synthesized and evaluated: annonacin (3 OAc), annonacin (4 OAc), asimicin (3 OAc), rolliniastatin-2 (3 OAc), rolliniastatin-2 (MOM), laherradurin (3 OAc) and itrabin (3 OAc). Results: The natural acetogenin rolliniastatin-2 (100 μg·g-1 of diet) produced the most important toxic action causing 100% mortality of early instar larvae. Derivatization of ACG yielded compounds that produced nutritional alterations. The incorporation of rolliniastatin-2 (3 OAc) and rolliniastatin-2 (3 MOM) (100 μg·g-1) into the artificial diet of Spodoptera frugiperda displayed the strongest antifeedant effects causing marked decreasings in larval growth and adult lethal malformations. Conclusion: Natural acetogenins are promising metabolites for insect control. Derivatization of these compounds reduces their toxicity to early instar larvae.
9 citations
TL;DR: Only irradiation with gamma rays, proved to be significantly more effective in the reduction of aflatoxin B1 and the total inhibition of the survival of the insects during the 45 days of storage which allowed better preservation of the protein.
Abstract: Corn is one of the main grasses used to produce human or animal food. One of the main problems with the use of corn is the presence of mycotoxins, where aflatoxin B1 is one of the most harmful for human and animal health. Chemical methods such as the addition of antifungals and sequestrants are used to control this contaminant in food; however, these methods can leave dangerous residues. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of irradiation with gamma rays on corn for the control of aflatoxin B1. For this purpose, three treatments were compared: treatment 1, application of gamma radiation, treatment 2, application of antifungal and treatment 3, combination of gamma radiation and application of antifungal. Corn without exposure to any control of aflatoxin was used as a witness group. Irradiation doses of 2, 6 and 10 kGy were tested, and the dose of 6 kGy was selected as the best since it lowered aflatoxin B1 more effectively. The corn analyzed in this study was stored during 45 days at 23°C, and every 15 days. We determined the concentration of aflatoxin B1, presence or absence of pathogenic microorganisms and insects, and we evaluated the physicochemical characteristics of the grain. Then, the treatments were compared and treatment 1, only irradiation with gamma rays, proved to be significantly more effective in the reduction of aflatoxin B1 and the total inhibition of the survival of the insects during the 45 days of storage which allowed better preservation of the protein. All treatments controlled the growing of pathogenic microorganisms as Salmonella and Enterobacteriacea, and kept the humidity of the grain in values lower than 13%. The cost production of a bag of 40 kg of feed was also estimated in USD 22.56; which is1.80% greater than the cost corresponding to the conventional process that uses mycotoxin sequestrants.
8 citations
TL;DR: In order to improve the production efficiency of maize in Henan, China, the HP (High-Pass) filter method was used to obtain the maize trend yield as discussed by the authors, and the Malmquist index method is used to analyze the changes of TFP (Total Factor Productivity) of maize.
Abstract: In order to improve the production efficiency of maize in Henan, China, the HP (High-Pass) filter method is used to obtain the maize trend yield. Secondly, the Malmquist index method is used to analyze the changes of TFP (Total Factor Productivity) of maize in 18 cities in Henan Province in the past 11 years. Finally, the amount of slack in maize input and output is analyzed. The results show that the research and development level of advanced technology of maize production in Henan Province has been improved to some extent in recent years; the advanced technology in various regions has not been fully promoted and utilized; there is a certain degree of relaxation in the input of various elements of maize; the resource allocation is unreasonable, and there is a certain amount of space for saving.
7 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was conducted to determine the suitable soil conditions for tomato cultivation under an organic farming system, and the results showed that a suitable soil condition for improving both the yield and quality of tomatoes in an organic Farming system is TC of 30,000 - 36,000 mg/kg, TN of 1600 - 1900 mg/ kg, and a C/N ratio of 18 - 21.
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the suitable soil conditions for tomato cultivation under an organic farming system. Tomatoes were cultivated in chemically and organically fertilized experimental fields from 2013 to 2015 in Moriyama City, Shiga prefecture, Japan. Organically and chemically fertilized soils had different total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents, and different carbon-to-nitrogen ratios (C/N ratios). The tomato yields varied from 1290 to 5960 kg/0.1ha in the organically fertilized fields. The organic soil conditions for the highest tomato yield showed a TC content of ~33,000 mg/kg, TN content of ~1600 mg/kg, and a C/N ratio of ~21. The yield was reproducible in the organic fields under similar values of TC, TN, and C/N ratio in the soil. Significantly higher nitrogen and phosphorus circulation activities were observed in the high-yielding fields. Appropriate control of TC, TN, and C/N ratio is necessary for the enhancement of both microbial activity and tomato yield. Values of the important tomato quality parameters (lycopene, glutamic acid, and acid content) were also increased in the high- yielding tomato fields. We therefore suggest that a suitable soil condition for improving both the yield and quality of tomatoes in an organic farming system is TC of 30,000 - 36,000 mg/kg, TN of 1600 - 1900 mg/kg, and a C/N ratio of 18 - 21.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the mechanisms of a novel zeolite-based slow-release fertilizer including its properties as reservoirs of nutrients, pH balancer and also water retainer in soil are presented.
Abstract: Fertilizer issues such as overuse, leaching and soil degradation are becoming severe in worldwide plantation areas. To secure current food production, prevention measures on these issues are relatively limited on agricultural production areas. Slow release fertilizer is prevailing over past years due to its significant effects on prevention of fertilizer leaching and less harm to soil and underground water. We presented here the mechanisms of a novel zeolite-based slow release fertilizer including its properties as reservoirs of nutrients, pH balancer and also water retainer in soil. By providing sufficient nutrients to soil, this fertilizer has commercially proven to give better growing environment to grower as well as labor saving and cost saving.
6 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the quantitative assessment of persistent organochorine pesticide residues in vegetables (Senecio biafrae) from four selected cocoa plantations in Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Abstract: Background: This study evaluates the quantitative assessment of persistent organochorine pesticide (OCPs) residues in vegetables (Senecio biafrae) from four selected cocoa plantations in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: The pesticides were extracted from the vegetable samples by using USEPA 3500C method and later clean-up on activated silica gel. The pesticides residues in the samples were determined using Gas Chromatography coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). Results: The results showed that the analyzed samples were contaminated with ten OCPs. The mean OCPs concentration ranged from ND—0.399 mg/kg to ND—0.379 mg/kg during the wet and dry seasons respectively. α-BHC, β-BHC, p, p’-DDE, dieldrin, endrin, endosulfan sulphate and methoxychlor were not detected in the samples. Pesticides such as aldrin, endosulfan II, endrin aldehyde and heptachlor slightly exceeded their maximum residue limit. Conclusion: The hazard indices (HI) of heptachlor, endosulfan I, endosulfan II, aldrin, heptachlor-epoxide and p, p’-DDT exceeded 1 and thus pose likely potential non-carcinogenic health risk.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors conducted field experiments on Sesame and Bambara nut alley crops in a Cashew-based intercropping system to examine uptake and use efficien-cies of nutrients.
Abstract: Field experiments were conducted at at the experimental farm Cocoa Re-search Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) Sub-Station, Ochaja, in the Southern Guinea Savannaagro ecological zone of Nigeria to examine uptake and use efficien-cies of nutrients by Sesame and Bambara nut alley crops as influenced by manuring in a Cashew-based intercropping system. Experimental treatments were based on responses of sole and intercrop mixtures of Sesame and Bam-bara nut alley crops to Cocoa Pod Husk (CPH), pelletized organic fertilizer and NPK fertilizer in a cashew-based intercropping system. Data were collected on the growth and yield variables of the alley crops. Highest nitrogen harvest in-dex (NHI) for seed and leaf of alley crops were obtained from un-manure treated plants. Cocoa pod husk (CPH) significantly enhanced P uptake com-pared with other fertilizers applied. CPH improved Na, Ca, Mg Zn, Cu, P, K and carbohydrate in the leaves and Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, crude fibre and car-bohydrate contents of seeds of sole crops while Sesame + Bambara had en-hanced contents of N, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, P, N, K, moisture, protein, and crude fi-bre, crude protein, moisture content in leaves. The effects of NPK were signifi-cant for N, K Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu, P, moisture and crude fibre, while in the un-manure (control) plots influenced N, fat and protein and nitrogen harvest index (NHI) of leaf and seeds. CPH and NPK fertilizers enhanced nutrient up-take and nitrogen harvest index of alley crops. Nutrient uptake was similar for the varieties of Sesame and Bambara nut as affected by the application of 4.84 and 9.68 Kg pelletized organic fertilizer. Sole Bambara had higher N and K concentration in leaves compared with Bambara +Sesame. In addition, sole Bambara had higher values of Physiology efficiency (PE), and fertilizer use ef-ficiency (FAE) compared to the mixed crops of Bambara + sesame. However, physiology efficiency (PE), and fertilizer use efficiency (FAE) were significantly lower for Bambara + Sesame. The un-manure plants had enhanced N, P and K uptake. Varietal effects were pronounced for most of the resource use effi-ciency variables measured. The alley crop varieties responded differently to 4.84 and 9.68 kg pelletized fertilizer treatments (Agronomy Efficiency (AE), N-removed at harvest and Internal Utilization Efficiency (IE) and partial fac-tor productivity (PFP)). Sesame variety NCRIBen04E had enhanced AE, N-remove at harvest, IE and PFP while variety E8 had significantly higher ap-parent Recovery Efficiency (RE), apparent Recovery Efficiency by difference (RE%), Physiology Efficiency (PE), Utilization Efficiency (UE), and internal Utilization Efficient (IE). Bambara variety TVSu999 had higher IUE, Agron-omy Efficiency (AE), Apparent Recovery Efficiency (RE), Physiology Effi-ciency (PE) and Fertilizer Agronomy using Efficiency respectively (FAE) com-pared to variety TVSu1166. The fertilizers affected most of the indicators of nutrient use efficiency (NUE) measured. The effects were significant on AE, agronomic N-use efficiency (ANUE), RE, UE and PFP. NPK fertilizer enhanced Physiology efficiency (PE) and Partial factor production. NPK fertilizer signifi-cantly enhanced NUE parameters compared to CPH and un-manure. CPH manure significantly influenced RE%, PE and IE. The Internal Utilization Effi-ciency and N-remove at harvest were compared with the un-manure plants (control). The effects of 9.68 kg/plot pelletized fertilizer, were pronounced on Agronomy Efficiency (AE), Apparent Recovery Efficiency by difference (RE%), Physiology Efficiency (PE), Utilization Efficiency (UE), N-removed at harvest and Internal Utilization Efficiency (IE). Similar trends were observed in the responses NUE of Sesame and Bambara manuring. The responses sole crops in terms of RE, PE UE PFP were similar while their intercrop combina-tions had significantly higher AE, RE, UE, PFP and N removed at harvest. Sole Sesame significantly influence Agronomy Efficiency (AE), Utilization Effi-ciency (UE), Internal Efficiency (IE) and Partial Fertilizer Production (PFP) and sole Bambara under NPK fertilizer had enhanced N-removed at harvest and apparent recovery by difference (RE%). Bambara + Sesame under cocoa pod husk (CPH) manure had enhanced apparent recovery efficiency by difference (RE%), fertilizer use efficiency (FAE) and internal utilization efficiency (IE). Sesame variety NCRIBen04E had enhanced Agronomy Efficiency (AE), N-removed at harvest and Internal Utilization Efficiency (IE) under 9.68 kg treatment while variety E8 had higher partial factor productivity (PFP) at 4.84 kg/plot pelletized organic fertilizer.
3 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the water flow and nitrate transport to a subsurface drain, using a simplified and detailed model, are simulated for the specific hydro-geological conditions of Elverdinge and Assenede, Belgium.
Abstract: In this study, the water flow and nitrate transport to a subsurface drain, using a simplified and detailed model, are simulated for the specific hydro-geological conditions of Elverdinge and Assenede, Belgium. Previously, the DRAIN MOD-N model proved to be able to simulate nitrate concentrations and drainage well for an in-situleaching experiment, the “Hooibeekhoeve” in the community of Geel (north-eastern part of Belgium), conducted in 1992-1995. In this study, the calibrated model is used to simulate the nitrate leaching for the winter period 2000-2001 in Elverdinge and Assenede and is compared to a model with a simplified nitrate transport description. The comparative analysis between both model approaches reveals that the simplified model is able to predict sufficiently accurate the observed nitrate leaching. The detailed approach however has the advantage of giving a more accurate estimate of the nitrogen mineralization, N deposition and denitrification, resulting in a more precise modeling of the nitrate leaching to surface waters and groundwater.
2 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the potential for bioethanol production from agro-industrial plantain crop residues was evaluated with different operating conditions and physicochemical properties such as density, refractive index, and FTIR.
Abstract: The banana is a food of great importance and it is consumed in almost the entire world. However, its harvest generates large quantities of mostly lignocellulosic waste, which can be used for the production of biofuels such as bioethanol. In this work, the potential for bioethanol production from agro-industrial plantain crop residues was evaluated with different operating conditions. A 24 experimental design was used, having as study variables: time of hydrolysis, pH of hydrolysis, concentration time, and fermentation time. The samples used were scraps consisting of a mixture of stems, leaves, and banana peels. The bioethanol obtained was characterized by physicochemical properties such as density, refractive index, and FTIR. As a result, it was obtained that the volume of bioethanol represented higher yields; using NaOH as a hydrolyzing agent, with hydrolysis time of 30 minutes, high fermentation time, and low concentrations. The chemical characterization of banana agro-industrial waste indicated that, the raw material could be considered as a potential source for bioethanol production, since it has a high content of cellulose.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was conducted to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Fe, Cr, Cd and Pb) in the liver, kidney and flesh of Cattle, Sheep and Goats from Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government areas of Zamfara State Nigeria.
Abstract: The study was conducted to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Fe, Cr, Cd and Pb) in the liver, kidney and flesh of Cattle, Sheep and Goats from Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government areas of Zamfara State Nigeria. The levels of heavy metals in the liver, kidney and flesh of beef, mutton and caprine ranged from 56 to 549 μg·g-1 for Zn; 109 to 576 μg·g-1 for Fe; 0.0 to 4.0 μg·g-1 for Pb; 2.52 to 13.25 μg·g-1 for Mn; 0.00 to 19.64 μg·g-1 for Cr; 0.00 to 0.25 μg·g-1 for Cd; 0.00 to 2.71 μg·g-1 for Co and 3.59 to 538 μg·g-1 for Cu. The concentration of Cr, Pb and Mn in the kidneys and livers of the samples were observed to be higher than the maximum allowable level. Similarly, the exception of Cr in the liver of sheep and goat from Anka and liver of sheep from Bukkuyum, Pb in some liver and kidney samples and Mn in some liver, kidney samples and flesh of cattle from Anka were found to be polluted and hence unsafe for consumption.
1 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the inactivation rate coefficient (k) of MS2 bacteriophage was determined during post-treatment at different temperatures (30°C, 40°C and 50°C) with varying moisture contents (50, 60% and 70%).
Abstract: A rural model composting toilet system still had some pathogens in the compost after months of operation and hence requires a post-treatment. The aim of the study was to sanitize compost withdrawn from the composting toilet by setting post-treatment conditions. The kinetics inactivation of MS2 bacteriophage, selected as indicator for pathogenic viruses were determined during post-treatment at different temperatures (30°C, 40°C and 50°C) with varying moisture contents (50%, 60% and 70%). As a result, the inactivation rates during the post-treatment were 0.093 - 0.020 h-1, 0.025 - 0.088 h1, 0.447 - 0.100 h-1 at 30°C, 40°C and 50°C respectively. The inactivation rate coefficient (k) values of MS2 bacteriophage depended on higher temperature but not on moisture content.
TL;DR: In general, the incorporation of essential oils of Callistemon viminalis in the ration improved ingestion, digestibility and biochemical parameters on the West African Dwarf goat.
Abstract: The study of the effect of added quantity of the essential oil of Callistemon viminalis on the in vivo digestibility of Pennisetum clandestinum and some biochemical parameters on the West African Dwarf goat was conducted with nine old West African Dwarf goats. After the adaptation period, each animal received 900 and 100 g/day of Pennisetum clandestinum hay and concentrate respectively, associated with 0, 100 or 200 mg essential oil/kg of DM. The samples of 100 g of each ration, faeces and 10 ml of urine were collected and analyzed for chemical composition and the evaluation of ingestion and digestibility. Also blood samples were obtained from jugular vein of all goats after in vivo digestibility test for the dosage of biochemical parameters. The results of this study show that the ingestion of dry matter, organic matter and the fibers were significantly (p < 0.05) higher on the goat with the ration FPc + HECv200. The digestibilities of these same components were equally higher with the ration FPc + HECv200 (71.00% and 69.00% respectively for the dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM)). Retained (5.64 g/j) and digested (51.33) nitrogen were significantly (p < 0.05) higher with the ration FPc + HECv200. The values of blood metabolites studied increased significantly (p < 0.05) with added quantity of essential oil in the rations, except for albumin, globulin, glucose and the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In general, the incorporation of essential oils of Callistemon viminalis in the ration improved ingestion, digestibility and biochemical parameters on the West African Dwarf goat.
TL;DR: It was demonstrated that due to synergic joint action, the fungistatic effect of morpholine derivatives noticeably increased against Botrytis cinerea by changing the ratio of diastereomers.
Abstract: Morpholine fungcides have certain antibacterial side effect, dodemorph being the most active among them The diequatorial (cis-) form of dodemorph expressed higher antibacterial activity than the axial-equatorial (trans-) form, and no synergy in their joint action could be revealed in this respect Moreover, the partition of diastereomers between cells and medium strictly correlated to their toxicity Considerable differences were detected among degradation rates in various bacteria, and the meso-(RS)-diastereomer was deteriorated more intensively, then the trans-(SS and RR)-forms in Corynebacterium betae, Erwinia uredovora and Pseudomonasfluorescens As a result, the stereospecific degradation of diastereomers changed their ratio in the medium, thus this metabolic step could influence the antifungal performance of dodemorph based preparations against filamentous fungi It was demonstrated that due to synergic joint action, the fungistatic effect of morpholine derivatives noticeably increased against Botrytis cinerea by changing the ratio of diastereomers
TL;DR: The chemical composition of n-hexane extractives from lignocellulose residual contained in different agroindustrial wastes was studied in this paper, where the most predominant compounds identified were aliphatic hydrocarbons (lineal alkane, branched alkanes, alkenes).
Abstract: The chemical composition of n-hexane extractives from lignocellulose residual contained in different agroindustrial wastes was studied. The n-hexane extract, which accounted for 1.6% of total lignocellulose residual weight, was analysed by 1H-NMR and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The most predominant compounds identified were aliphatic hydrocarbons (lineal alkanes, branched alkanes, alkenes). Additionally, terpenes, ketones, fatty alcohols, fatty acids and steroids were also found together in minor amounts. The lipophilic compounds in n-hexane extracts in three lignocellulosic wastes, which is highly valuable information for a more complete industrial utilization of these lignocellulosic materials.
TL;DR: In this paper, a novel environmental soybean seed coating agent was made of natural polymer, trace elements, trace fertilizer and biopesticides etc., with the condition of high performance to price ratio and environmental friendliness.
Abstract: In the study, a novel environmental soybean seed coating agent was made of natural polymer, trace elements, trace fertilizer and biopesticides etc., with the condition of high performance-to-price ratio and environmental friendliness. Effects of this soybean seed coating agent on soybean yield were tested through the laboratory and farm experiments. The tested results showed that the soybean yield using this seed coating agent was increased by 15.46%, and its cost was decreased by 27.8%, compared with the conventional soybean seed coating agent. It’s nontoxic and harmless to human and animals, more friendly to the environment. So it has obvious economic and environmental benefits.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined and simulated the partial rootzone drying (PRD) method for wheat and maize crops in the pilot area of the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain and in the Mashtul Pilot Area (MPA), Egypt using Saltmed model.
Abstract: Partial Rootzone Drying (PRD) is an irrigation technique which offers a means of modifying the growth and development of crops through relatively simple changes to the method of water delivery. The technique causes the stimulation of physiological responses which are normally associated with water stress and this results in a significant reduction in water use through the production of chemical signals in drying roots. Partial drying of one half of the roots of plants grown with two root systems is rapidly translated into a reduction in transpiration and assimilation of all the crop leaves. The aim of this research is to examine and simulate the novel irrigation method (PRD), which would stimulate the endogenous stress response mechanisms of Conocarpus erectus trees in the pilot area of the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain and wheat and maize crops in the Mashtul Pilot Area (MPA), Egypt using Saltmed model so that vigor is reduced and the efficiency of water use is enhanced. This is to be achieved by the manipulation of the hydration status of parts of a crop’s roots that could be used to control vegetative vigor without detrimental effects on canopy water relations. The PRD technique is researched for wheat as a winter crop and maize as a summer crop in Egypt. The technique causes the stimulation of physiological responses which are normally associated with water stress and this results in a significant reduction in water use through the production of chemical signals in drying roots. The results confirmed an increase in irrigation water use efficiency using PRD comparing with conventional flood irrigation. The research highly recommends applying the PRD method in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and in new reclaimed areas in Egypt to save water and improve crop quality.