ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting losses in sweet cherry production. The research was carried out in the Kemalpaşa district of Izmir province, which is one of Turkey’s most important sweet cherry production centers. The research data were obtained from face-to-face questionnaires with 102 farmers. Losses in production derive from poor practices in three distinct

In order to facilitate the development of cotton strains with colored fiber, the genetic and developmental control of flavonoids in fibers must be understood. The major goal of this study was to determine whether anthocyanidins accumulate in three different natural colored cotton fibers during their development, and to document the expression levels of flavonoid genes necessary for the production of

Lodging is the major factor that determines whether pea can be mechanically harvested. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the relationship between stem mechanical parameters (diameter, stem wall thickness, stiffness [rigidity], and maximum self‐weight moment [stem strength]) and lodging in pea. Three years of data on stem mechanical parameters and two years of data on lodging resistance

The traditional cropping system in the Loess Plateau of China is winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (W) mono‐cropping. However, this cropping system, with 3‐month summer fallow (F) period, has exhibited low radiation and precipitation use efficiency. The objectives of this study conducted in 2016–2018 were to investigate system productivity and resource (i.e. water and radiation) use efficiency when

This paper presents an extension to a heuristic method for phasing and imputation of genotypes of descendants in bi‐parental populations so that it can phase and impute genotypes of parents that are ungenotyped or partially genotyped. The imputed genotypes of the parent are used to impute low‐density (LD) genotyped descendants to high‐density (HD). The extension was implemented as part of the AlphaPlantImpute

The aims of this study were to investigate the genetic variability and the G × E interaction for quality and yield traits in common bean, evaluate the degree of informativeness of the evaluations of grain quality in only one environment, estimate genetic parameters for grain quality traits, and select lines with superior grain quality. We evaluated 81 Carioca common bean lines in Preliminary Line Trials

Breeding for salt tolerance or abiotic stress, in general, requires rapid but reliable screening protocols that reflect the actual field situation as much as possible. A collection of 200 crop wild relative (CWR)‐derived BC3F3‐4 rice (Oryza sativa L.) lines developed at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) were evaluated by farmers in the Mekong Delta over two seasons for agronomic performance

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important crops for human consumption worldwide, representing an essential component for the food security of several countries. However, yield and quality are negatively affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. In this sense, the selection of potato cultivars tolerant to heat and resistant to diseases is of great importance. Our goal was to select clones

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is the most important abiotic factor limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity and also a nutritional disorder with adverse impacts on human health worldwide. The present study investigated the comparative effect of four Zn application methods: Zn seed coating (2 g Zn kg−1 seed), Zn seed priming (0.25 M Zn solution), basal application (10 kg ha−1), and Zn foliar spray (0.5% Zn

The use of synthetic pigment‐containing products on golf playing surfaces by golf course superintendents has increased dramatically to provide green color and improve stress tolerance. Most turf colorants are synthesized from various phthalocyanine pigments, which share visible spectral properties with green plant tissue. Vegetation indices, such as normalized difference (NDVI), are commonly used by

As an important forage legume in the world, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has high adaptability to various unfavorable climatic conditions and high biomass, and have been playing critical roles in animal husbandry and industrial applications. As α‐linolenic acid cannot be synthesized by animals, and most must be obtained from plants, the increasing of α‐linolenic acid content in alfalfa will greatly

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important arable crops. Copper-containing fertilizers are used in crop production to treat or reduce the negative effects of copper deficiency. Various copper compounds are also widely used as effective fungicide agents. The influence of a copper-containing foliar fertilizer prepared from a copper solution and sucrose had been tested on the yield

Drought and heat stress are major indicators of global climate change and yield-limiting factors in wheat. Moreover, simultaneous occurrence of both factors could increase the injuries and greater yield losses in wheat species. In this scenario, there is need to screen germplasm and develop breeding lines which may show better resistance under the targeted condition. A germplasm comprising of 17 advanced

Knowledge of genes involved in the variability of performance of racehorses is, in general, limited. In this study, six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of five genes were genotyped in 412 Italian Trotter horses (ITHs) and possible associations between five segregating SNPs and harness racing performance (best racing time in career, earnings, placings, starts, and wins) were investigated. These

Rice is one of the most important crops in the world. The wild species of rice are expected to have novel beneficial alleles that have been lost from cultivated rice during the process of domestication. Therefore, wild species could be the potential source to induce lost genetic diversity in cultivated rice. Serving as an important reservoir of novel genes/QTLs, wild species, in general, are better

Synchronization between female receptiveness and pollen dispersal, and fecundity of clones influence effective population size and genetic diversity of germplasm produced in seed orchards. Our objective was to determine clonal variation in phenological synchronization and in cone production in a Pinus patula seed orchard. Two-year phenology data of female and male strobili from a sample of 31 clones

Dietary L-glutamine could be used as an antibiotic alternative to alleviate post-weaning and transport stress. However, the impact of supplementing L-glutamine to newly weaned and transported pigs on final carcass and meat quality characteristics is currently unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 0.2% dietary L-glutamine supplementation during post-weaning and

Soybean reproductive structures are temperature sensitive, with a reproductive optimum of 22–24 °C. Currently, certain regions of the US soybean growing region (notably the Mississippi Delta) experience consistent late season drought stress, which has resulted in adoption of agronomic practices that favor earlier maturity groups planted earlier in the season. This approach is termed the Early Soybean

The objective of this study was to compare drought resistance in a range of seashore paspalum genotypes and identify associated morphological and physiological traits. Fifteen genotypes were grown in growth chamber conditions and exposed to well‐watered and drought stress treatments. Genotypes Seaisle1 and PI647891 were consistent top performers, whereas Seastar and PI614680 performed poorly as measured

Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are important pathways to examine various genome reorganizations based on environmental factors. The maize genome is one of the best representative examples. The aim of this study was to examine humic acid (HA) protective effects on genomic template stability (GTS) and LTR retrotransposon polymorphisms in corn seeds subjected to zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) stress

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is widely used because of its adaptation to recreational spaces in the Intermountain West and elsewhere. It is considered salt‐sensitive and therefore is a good candidate for breeding improvement for this trait. However, improvement in Kentucky bluegrass is difficult due to apomictic reproduction and dosage effects from high polyploidy. The objective of this study

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is cultivated worldwide, and it is a staple food in many developing countries. In some regions (e.g., Africa) drought is a major production constraint that results in significant yield loss. Climate change is predicted to result in even greater losses due to long periods of drought and elevated temperatures. The goal of this study was to assess the potential of

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the key vegetable oil yielded crop and widely distributed in the southern region of China. The present study aimed at analyzing the genetic diversity and population structure of 223 oil palm accessions collected from four provinces of China by using the sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers. A set of 33 SRAP molecular markers were employed to analyze

Plants undergo distinct phase transitions during their post-embryonic development and progresses from the juvenile to the adult and reproductive phases. These transitions are characterized by morphological and molecular changes and are differently influenced by gibberellins (GAs) and cytokinins (CKs). GAs are notably known to either induce or repress phase transition and flowering in diverse plant

Spot blotch (SB) caused by the fungus Cochliobolus sativus, is an economically important disease on barley worldwide. Molecular analysis of SB resistance using quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis can improve the efficiency of the breeding process. In the current work, and to accelerate development of SB-resistant barley cultivars, AFLP markers linked to SB resistance have been identified by using

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Solar radiation is an important environmental factor affecting maize root and shoot growth and grain yield. This study was conducted in Qitai and Yinchuan, China, in 2018 and 2019. The maize cultivars of XY335, ZD958 and DH618 and planting densities of 7.5×104 (D1) and 12×104 (D2) plants ha−1 were adopted under shading levels of 15% (S1), 30% (S2), and 50% (S3) with natural light as the control (CK)

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis genetically dissects complex traits, discerns their genetic control and genotype‐by‐environment interactions and ultimately helps marker development for assisted breeding selection. A mapping population of 124 F5:7 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross of ‘TAM 112’/‘TAM 111’ was grown under seven diverse environments and evaluated for end‐use quality

The current noticeable climate change that has a significant impact on the environment and agricultural systems has become a serious concern for human society. Followed by the industrial activities of the global community and increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, these changes are still considered as a threat to food safety and the environment. Changes in minimum and maximum

Endophytic microbiomes play a beneficial role in the development and protection of plants. However, seed-borne endophytic bacteria have not yet been fully explored. Investigation of parasitic plants, whose existence depends on yet poorly understood and complicated relationships with microorganisms and hosts, is particularly crucial. Endophytic bacteria promote seed conservation and facilitate seed

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the feasibility of using bio-markers to develop statistical models for predicting time to maturity of avocado fruit. The experiment used ‘Mendez#1ʹ and ‘Hass’ as model cultivars. Fruit was sampled bi-weekly from two positions within the tree canopy, namely, inside and outside canopy. Nine fruits per canopy position were sampled from fifteen trees of each cultivar. Mesocarp

Late leaf spot (LLS) disease caused by Nothopassalora personata (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) U. Braun, C. Nakash, Videira & Crous is prevalent among pathogens encountered in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) growing regions. Chemical control is expensive, sometimes inaccessible, and can be difficult to apply. One effective solution to control this disease is the deployment of resistant cultivars. IAC 322 is a

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of thyme essential oil (TEO) supplementation, which has recognized antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, on feed intake, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation and blood parameters of feedlot Nellore cattle, aiming to indicate the ideal TEO dose. Four ruminally-cannulated Nellore steers (500 ± 44 kg body weight) were randomly assigned in a 4 × 4

Although sesame oil meal is rich in linoleic acid, and both selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VitE) protect prone-unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) from oxidation, their influence on goats’ milk fatty acids (FAs) profile have not been studied. Thus, thirty dairy goats were divided into five groups and fed with alfalfa hay and concentrates. Two types of concentrates were used; one for the control (CON) and another

Breeders and geneticists use statistical models to separate genetic and environmental effects on phenotype. A common way to separate these effects is to model a descriptor of an environment, a contemporary group or herd, and account for genetic relationship between animals across environments. However, separating the genetic and environmental effects in smallholder systems is challenging due to small

Developing nutrient‐rich crop cultivars is the most economic strategy to combat malnutrition due to protein and mineral deficiencies. Chickpea is an important staple grain legume source of good quality dietary protein around the world, particularly in South Asia, North Africa and the Middle East. In the present investigation, the genetic variability for protein and mineral concentrations was studied

Animal selection based on growth rate has received greater attention as a selection index. While many have evaluated the effect of growth rate on muscle characteristics and meat quality, few studies have attempted to evaluate how selection on growth rate alters muscle fiber characteristics and influences postmortem metabolism and subsequent meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to

Feed additives, chemical inhibitors, and biological approaches have been studied and used to inhibit production of enteric methane (CH4) in ruminants by modifying methanogenic bacterial communities. However, information on the potential of micromineral supplements in this regard is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 20 mg (control) and 40 mg Cu (from supplemental CuSO4)/kg

Our objective was to estimate the nutrient intake, ruminal flow, total apparent and ruminal digestibility, rates of passage and digestion, ruminal and omasal pH, blood metabolite concentrations, and body measurements during the gestation of Holstein heifers. Eleven pregnant heifers, 8 of which were fitted with a rumen cannula (450 ± 27.6 kg of body weight and 20 ± 3.5 months of initial age), were used

During the transition period, cows undergo a series of metabolic and immunological changes, which represent a physiological challenge that is often a risk for their production and health. During this period, dairy cows have a pro-inflammatory state associated with frequent infectious diseases and lipomobilization, and present an insulin resistance state related to fat mobilization and a high body condition

It is essential to have accurate data relating sward herbage mass (HM) to voluntary dry matter intake (VDMI) and in vivo organic matter digestibility (OMDIV) across the year. This will ensure that the production performance of animals grazing differing HM swards can be accurately predicted using in vitro and in situ methods. The objectives of this experiment were to (i) determine the OMDIV and VDMI

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of natural shade from integrated crop–livestock–forestry (CLF) on the comfort of lactating Gyr cows, as well as their oocyte and embryo quantity and quality. Twenty animals were separated into two experimental groups: grazing under full sun (control) and under natural shade provided by the CLF system. Meteorological variables and bioclimatic indicators, rectal

We aimed to define the effect of strategic supplementation with calcium salts of fatty acids on the morphofunctionality of ovarian structures in crossbred dairy cows submitted to a hormonal protocol for artificial insemination at a fixed time (AIFT) A total of 20 lactating crossbred females (Bos taurus taurus x Bos taurus indicus) were randomly divided into two groups, the control group (CON), which

The trait stayability is a way of assessing productive life and has been measured late in the cow's life. Measuring the stayability to each calving is a strategy that can be implemented to obtain earlier indicators of longevity. Thus, the objective with this study was the estimation of genetic parameters for stayability to consecutive calvings for Angus and Hereford cattle breeds. By using random regression

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. is one of the world's hardiest warm season cereal crop cultivated for food and animal feed in the semi‐arid tropics of Asia and Africa. This crop faces terminal drought during rainy and flowering‐stage heat stress during summer seasons. Blast is emerging as a serious threat affecting its production and productivity in India. Using wild Pennisetum glaucum

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal food crop in the world. End‐use quality improvement is a major objective in wheat breeding programs. Due to its complexity, it is essential to understand the genetic control of its quality traits in the germplasm used for genetic improvement. “Tiger” is a hard white winter wheat cultivar with excellent bread baking qualities. The objective of this study

Several studies involving the TCP family have been carried out in the last two decades since the first members were discovered and the family was defined. The domain that names the family was well characterized and we know that the protein is a transcription factor that forms a non-canonical bHLH type structure capable of binding to the DNA molecule and promoting interactions between proteins. In recent

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) on counts of corpus luteum, transferable embryo, and embryo quality in cows treated with superovulation protocol. A total of 60 Simmental cows (postpartum 90 to 120 days) were used. The donors were treated with a 9 day-progesterone based estrus

In bulls, with a genetic predisposition for leanness and reared in a grass-based production system dietary fish oil may further enhance the nutritional value of beef by increasing the concentration of the omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA). The impact of including rumen protected fish oil in the finishing diet of late maturing breed

ABSTRACT The research was conducted in the 2017 and 2019 seasons in two different orchards (Bouka and Sarabion), province of Latakia, Syria, in order to identify the optimal pollinizer for ‘Dermlali’ olive cultivar. Fruit set with/without emasculation of flowers after self-, open-, and cross-pollination was studied. ‘Khoderi,’ ‘Picholine Languedoc,’, and ‘Frantoio’ were used as pollinizers in Bouka

It has been suggested that the integration of automatic feeding systems into calf rearing programmes has the potential to improve calf behaviour, growth and the associated labour. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of automatic and manual feeding systems on calf health, behaviour, growth and labour. A population of 60 dairy heifer calves was used: 44 Holstein-Friesian (HF)

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) plays a pivotal role in food intake and body weight regulation in both birds and mammals. Unlike imported broilers and layers, native Thai chicken, a tropical non-seasonal breeding species, has lower body weight and exhibits strongly maternal behaviors which, in turn, affect feeding behavior during the reproductive cycle. The aim of this study was to investigate the role(s) of

The Cerrado is a Neotropical savanna where grasses are a major biomass component in the open vegetation physiognomies. Invasive grasses are widely used as pastures in the Cerrado, and their presence may displace native species. The persistence of native grasses relies also on reproduction via seeds, which is often dependent on seeds found buried in the soil seed bank. The literature about the effects

Tetradysmelia is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by an extremely severe reduction of all limb parts distal of the scapula and pelvic girdle. We studied a Holstein Friesian backcross family with 24 offspring, among which six calves displayed autosomal recessive tetradysmelia. In order to identify the genetic basis of the disorder, we genotyped three affected calves, five dams and nine

French beef producers suffer from the decrease in profitability of their farms mainly because of the continuous increase in feed costs. Selection for feed efficiency in beef cattle represents a relevant solution to face this problem. However, feed efficiency is a complex trait that can be assessed by three major criteria: residual feed intake (RFI), residual gain (RG) and feed efficiency ratio (FE)

Bleaching of young leaf tissue is a common response to the herbicide mesotrione and varies from one application to another. To better elucidate factors that may contribute to perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) phytotoxicity from mesotrione, studies were conducted at Blacksburg, VA. Continuous field monitoring of temperature, humidity, solar radiation, soil moisture, and leaf wetness was used to

1 THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANT HEALTH Since the dawn of agriculture, humans have understood the critical connection between plant health and their own survival. Plant pests and diseases drove migratory patterns, determined demographic shifts, and altered the fates of empires. Strategies for protecting crops have always been critical to providing sustenance for a growing human population. The protection

Common rust (CR) caused by Puccinia sorghi Schwein is one of the major foliar diseases of maize (Zea mays L.) in Eastern and Southern Africa. This study was conducted to (i) evaluate the response of elite tropical adapted maize inbred lines to Puccinia sorghi and identify resistant lines (ii) examine associations between CR disease parameters and agronomic traits, and (iii) assess the genetic diversity

The photosynthetic rate (Pn) and leaf area index (LAI) play an important role in dry matter production. To understand the role of Zn fertilizer in increasing the yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and summer maize (Zea mays L.) by regulating Pn and LAI, a field experiment with six Zn rates (0, 2.3, 5.7, 11.4, 22.7, and 34.1 kg Zn ha−1) was conducted from 2013 to 2015 on a calcareous soil