Open Access Published by De Gruyter Open Access

Volume 9 Issue 1

January 2024

Issue of Open Agriculture

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Contents
Journal Overview

One of the important factors in the success of True Seed of Shallot (TSS)-based shallot production is the right seeding technology. The study aimed to obtain appropriate nursery techniques for producing high-quality seedlings to increase shallot productivity. The experiment was conducted in Cirebon Regency, West Java, Indonesia, from May to October 2021, using a factorial randomized block design with three treatment factors and three replications. They consisted of shallot varieties (V) (Trisula, Bima, Lokananta, and Maserati); seedlings age (U) (45 and 60 days); and seedling population density (P) (5, 7.5, and 10 g m −2 of TSS). The results revealed that seedling performance was negatively correlated to the bulb yield and revenue cost ratio (R/C). The use of young seedlings enhanced bulb production and R/C ratio in all varieties but had varied effects on cluster alterations in Maserati, Bima, and Trisula varieties. Young Lokananta seedlings prepared in the nursery at a seed density of 7.5 g m −2 proved to be the best treatment to generate the highest bulb production (39.92 t ha −1 ) and the highest R/C (3.62). Farmers are expected to implement seedling preparation techniques using young seedlings and managing seed populations in diverse varieties to maximize bulb production and R/C.

Open Access April 5, 2024

Control of Meloidogyne javanica in banana by endophytic bacteria

Gleika Larisse Oliveira Dorásio de Souza, Regina Cássia Ferreira Ribeiro, Adelica Aparecida Xavier, Silvia Nietsche, Thaís de Castro Moreira, Maria Josiane Martins, Samy Pimenta, Edson Hiydu Mizobutsi, José Augusto dos Santos Neto, Isabela Oliveira Santos

Article number: 20220262

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Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of 40 endophytic bacteria isolates on the control of Meloidogyne javanica in ‘Prata-Anã’ banana seedlings. Two experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design with eight replicates. In each trial, 20 bacteria isolates and control were evaluated. Bacterial suspensions were applied to substrates during the acclimatization of seedlings at 15 and 30 days. On the 31st day, seedlings were transplanted into pots and soil was infested with M. javanica egg suspension at 8 days. After 90 days, the following variables were evaluated: number of galls, egg masses, eggs per root, reproduction factor (RF), second-stage juveniles, and shoot dry matter. The results of nematological variables were submitted to Principal Components Analysis. In trial I, the variables that most contributed to data variability were as follows: number of eggs and RF. In trial II, RF had greater influence. Of the 40 isolates evaluated, 39 reduced RF, and of the 20 isolates evaluated in the first trial, all reduced the number of eggs per root. Bacillus methylotrophicus EB26, Bacillus cereus EB25, and Bacillus sp. EB37 isolates stood out in the control of nematodes, with RF reduction above 80%.

Open Access April 17, 2024

Comparison of important quality components of red-flesh kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) in different locations

Mojdeh Asadi, Mahmood Ghasemnezhad, Jamalali Olfati, Adel Bakhshipour, Mohammad Hossein Mirjalili, Arif Atak

Article number: 20220283

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Abstract

Important quality components of red-fleshed kiwifruit which was grown in three different regions in North of Iran were investigated in this research. Fruits produced in the region with higher altitude and cool summer temperatures showed higher ascorbic acid content (AAC), total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity than the two other regions both at harvest time and storage. It was observed that the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl was positively correlated with the AAC ( r = 0.98), total phenolic content ( r = 0.94), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power was positively correlated with the AAC ( r = 0.98), TPC ( r = 0.93). Fruits harvested in region 2 with cool environments, presented dark red flesh color with the highest values of anthocyanin content at harvest (2.78 mg CGE/100 g), with a gradually increasing trend during storage to reach 3.47 mg CGE/100 g at the end of storage. Total anthocyanin content correlated positively with soluble solids content (SSC; r = 0.82), total Soluble sugars (TSS; r = 0.94), pH ( r = 0.94), SSC/titratable acidity (TA; r = 0.83) and negatively with TA ( r = −0.77). Fruits grown in region 2 received the highest SCC and TSS scores after sensory test evaluations made by the panelists. During storage fruits firmness and total acidity of kiwifruit decreased while SSC, TSS, and anthocyanin content increased. Additionally, antioxidant compounds and taste-related quality of kiwifruit had a positive relationship with the product region. Results showed that the growing region and storage duration considerably influenced the antioxidant compounds and nutritional quality of red flesh kiwifruit.

Open Access April 20, 2024

Efficiency of rice farming in flood-prone areas of East Java, Indonesia

Article number: 20220288

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Abstract

The performance of most crop genotypes varies significantly depending on their genotype–environment interactions. Providing information on high-yielding and well-adapted common bean genotypes in a given environment is crucial for small-holder farmers to boost their productivity. A field trial was conducted at the Gendo and Wara locations over two consecutive seasons to understand genotype–environment interactions on grain yield and to identify and select common bean genotypes that were better adapted and had high yield potential for production. Ten genotypes were evaluated for their performance using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The AMMI and GGE models were used to identify superior genotypes regarding their mean grain yield performance. The AMMI analysis of variance results showed that grain yield was significantly ( p ≤ 0.05) influenced by genotype–environment interactions. This shows that genotypes varied in grain yield mean performance across environments, indicating the possibility of selecting suitable genotypes with specific and broad adaptability. The sum of squares factor indicated that grain yield variation was contributed by the genotype (61.0%), followed by the environment (29.80%) and the genotype–environment interaction effect (9.20%) of the total variation. The AMMI and GGE biplot analysis results showed that SER-119 and SER-125 were identified as the best genotypes regarding their mean grain yield performance. Additionally, the genotype selection index analysis result indicated that SER-119 and SER-125 were stable and consistently exhibited high mean performance in all evaluated settings. Therefore, SER-119 and SER-125 are prime candidates for production in various agroecologies suitable for common bean cultivation in Dawuro zones. The use of tools like GGE biplots and AMMI analysis helped visualize the genotype–environment interactions, aiding in the selection of appropriate genotypes for both specific and wide adaptability.

Open Access May 29, 2024

Factors influencing green, environmentally-friendly consumer behaviour

Suhaeni Suhaeni, Eliana Wulandari, Arjon Turnip, Yosini Deliana

Article number: 20220269

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Abstract

Excessive consumption of non-green products contributes to increasing levels of environmental damage. One effort to overcome this problem is to influence consumer behavior in a more environment-friendly direction. Therefore, it is necessary to identify factors that influence environment-green consumer behavior. The main aim of this research is to build a more comprehensive consumer behavior model inductively using artificial intelligence algorithms. This research aims to identify factors based on questionnaire instruments and interviews as data collection methods. Questionnaires were distributed to the public in the province of West Java, Indonesia, where only 253 respondents gave valid answers. This research measures stated behavior and not actual behavior. This research focuses on variables that influence environment-green consumer behavior, including environmental knowledge, environmental concern, health concern (HC), attitude toward behavior (ATB), subjective norm (SN), perceived price (PP), perceived value and quality, and green consumer behavior (GCB). All variables were validated using the partial least square-structural equation model method using SmartPLS 4.0 software. Furthermore, the validated variables were modeled and classified using the support vector machine (SVM) method. The test results show that all variables, both direct and indirect, have a positive and significant influence on environment-green consumer behavior, with a significant level of p < 0.05 and t > 1.96. The SVM modeling predictions reach a high level of accuracy of about 96%. This means that the variables ATB, SN, and PVC have a direct effect on GCB. Additionally, most respondents fell into the “less environment-green behavior” classification, indicating there is a space for improvement in promoting environment-green choices.

Open Access May 29, 2024

Factors affecting coffee farmers’ access to financial institutions: The case of Bandung Regency, Indonesia

Article number: 20220300

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Abstract

Contract farming is widely recognised as an empowering tool to improve the welfare of farmers in developing countries and as an institutional solution to address issues related to market failure, credit, insurance, and information. This research endeavours to scrutinise the socio-economic distinctions between farmers engaged in contract farming and those not involved in such agreements. Additionally, it seeks to identify the factors influencing farmers’ participation in contract farming schemes and assess the impact of such arrangements on the income of red chilli farmers. The study, conducted in Magelang District, included 40 respondents from contract farmers and 45 from non-contract farmers. Employing the probit model, the ordinary least square model, and the treatment effect by Heckman, the research aimed to estimate the income impacts of existing contract farming. The findings revealed a noteworthy 57.50% increase in farmers’ incomes attributed to enhanced productivity and effective product management within the context of contract farming. Moreover, contracted farmers demonstrated advanced socio-economic conditions, boasting higher levels of education, knowledge, productivity, and agricultural assets compared to their non-contracted counterparts.

Open Access June 27, 2024

Evaluating salt tolerance in fodder crops: A field experiment in the dry land

Ahmad Azeem, Mai Wenxuan, Rajib Ali, Adeel Abbas, Nimra Hussain, Ali Haider Kazmi, Umair Aslam Butt

Article number: 20220307

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Abstract

Freshwater scarcity and a shortage of agricultural land constitute the primary limiting factors affecting crop production in numerous arid and semi-arid regions across the globe. This study involves the introduction of three sorghum cultivars (Kaoliang, Sudan grass, and Sweet grass) from China into the dry land of Pakistan, with irrigation using different water qualities (fresh water and saline water) during the rainy season. Parameters including plant height, stem diameter, leaves per plant, number of tillers per plant, specific leaf area, aboveground biomass, below ground biomass, and yield per acre were measured. All plant species exhibited a reduction of 30–40% in their physiological functions, growth parameters, and yield under saline water irrigation compared to freshwater irrigation. Sweet grass and Sudan grass demonstrated higher yields under saline water irrigation compared to Kaoliang, although the overall yields of all three cultivars remained within an acceptable range, while using saline water irrigation. It was concluded that these three introduced sorghum cultivars are well-suited for cultivation in the arid region during the rainy season, particularly when irrigated with saline water. This study offers an eco-friendly approach to utilizing dry land resources for agricultural production, thereby assisting local communities in sustaining their livelihoods.

Open Access June 28, 2024

Labor productivity of lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) farmers in Central Java Province, Indonesia

Article number: 20220359

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Abstract

In a specific area, fertilizer application for a crop depends on the soil type and profitability. Optimizing chemical fertilizer utilization in crop production is crucial from an environmental and economic point of view. However, there is limited information available on the optimum NPSB fertilizer rate for the production of wheat and barley in the study area. Thus, the study aimed to establish area-specific NPSB (18.9% N, 16.44% P, 6.95% S, and 0.1% B) blended fertilizer rate recommendations for the optimal grain yield and profitability of wheat and barley. The field experiment was conducted in two locations in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The nine treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 kg ha −1 NPSB fertilizer rates. Growth, yield, and yield component data in wheat and barley were collected from randomly selected individual plants and the net plot area. An economic analysis was conducted for grain yield using the procedure established by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. The analysis of variance results showed that blended fertilizer significantly ( p < 0.01) affected plant height, number of productive tillers, spike length, number of kernels, thousand seed weight, biomass yield, grain yield, and harvest index traits. The application of a 150 kg ha −1 NPSB rate produced the highest grain yield (5419.0 kg ha −1 ) in wheat, whereas the application of a 125 kg ha −1 NPSB rate gave the maximum grain yield (4708.0 kg ha −1 ) in food barley. The economic analysis revealed that the application of a 150 kg ha −1 NPSB fertilizer rate for wheat gave the highest net benefits (309711.50 ETB ha −1 ) and marginal rate of return (MRR) (4096.96%), while the application of a 125 kg ha −1 NPSB fertilizer rate for barley obtained the highest net benefits (184424.00 ETB ha −1 ) and MRR (2195.39%). Therefore, to optimize the productivity and profitability of wheat and barley in the study area and similar agroecologies, farmers are recommended to use 150 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB for wheat and 125 kg ha⁻¹ NPSB for barley.

Open Access October 1, 2024

The acceptance of social media as a channel of communication and livestock information for sheep farmers

Dyah Gandasari, Diena Dwidienawati, David Tjahjana, Opik Ahmad Taopik

Article number: 20220354

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Abstract

The development of technology and information in the Industry 4.0 era, especially the internet, is experiencing very rapid progress. Searching for information through new media will increase human resource capacity and work efficiency. Using technology acceptance model (TAM) theory, this study aims to identify social media usage as a communication and information medium and analyze the influence between constructs in social media acceptance. A cross-sectional survey was used in this study design. A structured questionnaire from previous related studies was used as the instrument. One hundred and eleven sheep farmers from several villages in Sukabumi, West Java groups, participated in this survey. Stratified sampling was adopted to select and interview the respondents. The findings show that social media usage as a channel for communication and livestock information is quite adequate. Many farmers already use WhatsApp and YouTube. However, only a few farmers use Facebook and Instagram. The results of the TAM analysis (limited to only the WhatsApp application) indicate that perceived ease of use positively influences perceived usefulness (PU). A positive relationship is also shown between PU and behavioral intention to use. The theoretical implication is that this study proves how social media adopts in disseminating messages and seeking information. Regarding managerial implications, the findings suggest that stakeholders in the agricultural industry across the value chain could enhance their services by fostering a broader ecosystem of social media applications.

Open Access October 1, 2024

Adaptation of rice farmers to aging in Thailand

Article number: 20220365

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Abstract

The southwestern mountainous and hilly regions of China are vital ecological barriers upstream of the Yangtze River. Assessing and simulating changes in ecosystem service value (ESV) in this area is essential for ensuring sustainable ecological development. In this study, our purpose was to evaluate and simulate the spatial patterns as well as trends in the changes shown by the ESV in Yanting County, China, from 2020 to 2030 via a grid-scale using the equivalent factor method and the Markov–patch-generating land use simulation model. The results indicated that (1) from 2020 to 2030, forest, cultivated, and construction lands would be the main types of land use. (2) In 2030, the projected ESVs in Yanting County under the as-usual, low-carbon, and shared development scenarios were 5.31, 5.30, and 4.99 billion RMB, respectively. Compared to the 2020 ESV of Yanting County, the as-usual scenario and low-carbon scenario ESVs increased. The shared development scenario ESVs decreased. It reflects the contra-diction between urbanization, industrialization, agricultural production, and ecological protection in Yanting County. The spatial distribution of the ESVs of all three scenarios showed an agglomeration trend. (3) Given the background of national food security and carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the setting of a low-carbon development scenario combined with a shared development scenario appears to be more suitable for the future development of Yanting County, which is conducive to the rational planning of land-use patterns and the sci-entific growth of ESV in Yanting County. This study underscores the critical importance of integrating ESVs in sustainable land-use planning and management, and provides a reference for the rational use of land resources, land spatial planning, and policy-making for ecological protection in Yanting County.

Review Articles

Open Access January 12, 2024

Impact of nematode infestation in livestock production and the role of natural feed additives – A review

Nogaga Nolinda, Olusegun Oyebade Ikusika, Oluwakamisi Festus Akinmoladun, Conference Thando Mpendulo

Article number: 20220234

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Abstract

Efforts to mitigate production losses in small stock due to nematode infestation have birthed the emergence of several control methods as alternatives to chemical-based anthelmintics or to complement them. This results from the recent development of multiple resistance by many parasitic nematodes to anthelmintic drugs. Many of these complementary alternatives, such as breeding resistance, grazing land management, use of predators, and vaccines, have shown the potential to alleviate this menace. Still, some are expensive or require a lot of technicalities. Controlling nematode infestation using natural feed additives has demonstrated effectiveness on the disease under natural conditions. Natural feed additives are environmentally friendly and often do not have health implications for animals and humans. They are readily available, especially to poor-resource farmers; some could be relatively cheap. Therefore, this article reviews the use of naturally available alternative anthelmintics such as plant extracts, clay, microbes, herbs, spices, and organic acids in mitigating the impacts of nematode infestations in small ruminant production.

Open Access January 31, 2024

Role of dietary fats in reproductive, health, and nutritional benefits in farm animals: A review

Article number: 20220352

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Abstract

Dairy cattle production plays a great role in food security and generates income, draught power, and manure input for crop production. The present review focuses on major reproductive performance indicators; age at first service (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), and number of services pre conception (NSPC) of improved dairy cattle in Ethiopia. The overall mean values of AFS, AFC, CI, DO, and NSPC were 27.8 ± 5, 37 ± 4.9, 442.7 ± 80.5, 126 ± 40.27 days and 1.57 ± 0.23 numbers, respectively. The review showed the AFS of exotic dairy cattle breeds as 30.5 ± 2.6 for pure exotic, 26.8 ± 3.8 for 75–100%, 25.04 ± 4.5 for 50–75%, 26.7 ± 7 for 50% and 28.1 ± 5.7 days for <50% exotic blood levels; for AFC, it was 38.5 ± 5.5, 38.4 ± 4.1, 37.9 ± 5, 37.7 ± 4.2 and 35.2 ± 5.1 days of 50%, pure exotic (100%), 50–75, 75–100, and <50% exotic blood levels, respectively. In descending order, the average CI was found 460.2 ± 40.73, 450 ± 57.27, 446.8 ± 38.56, 445.3 ± 32.86, and 434.1 ± 118.02 days for 50–75%, pure exotic (100%), 75–100, 50, and <50% exotic blood levels, respectively. Exotic blood levels of <50 and 50% were the highest and lowest in both DO and NSPC, and recorded at 155.1 ± 48.36 and 98 ± 23.04 days; 1.7 ± 0.2 and1.2 numbers, respectively. Holstein Friesian (HF) cross Barka breed in AFS; Jersey cross Arsi breed in AFC and CI; HF cross Fogora breed in DO, HF cross Borena and HF cross Barka breed in NSPC were comparatively performing better in mean values. To improve the reproduction performance of improved dairy cattle, access to quality feed, veterinary service, heat detection, and artificial insemination skills should be improved.

Open Access September 13, 2024

Review on enhancing the efficiency of fertilizer utilization: Strategies for optimal nutrient management

Kelemu Nakachew, Habtamu Yigermal, Fenta Assefa, Yohannes Gelaye, Solomon Ali

Article number: 20220356

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Abstract

The increasing global population and growing demand for food and mineral fertilizers underscore the urgent need to enhance fertilizer efficiency. This imperative emphasizes the importance of sustainable fertilizer utilization while mitigating environmental impacts, particularly in addressing agricultural water pollution. Excessive fertilizer use contributes significantly to water contamination and food shortages worldwide. In 2018, food shortages were reported in many nations, including the United States (2.3%), Canada (4.6%), the United Kingdom (8.2%), Germany (2.6%), Japan (2.9%), Ethiopia (23.4%), Ivory Coast (22.4%), Bangladesh (12.7%), Pakistan (17.2%), Haiti (45.6%), and India (14.3%). Moreover, agricultural activities, particularly the use of mineral fertilizers, are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Inefficient fertilizer practices lead to economic losses, environmental degradation, and food insecurity. Studies reveal that in sub-Saharan Africa, farmers receive only about $0.50 in increased productivity for every dollar spent on fertilizer due to inefficiencies. The economic cost of nutrient pollution in the European Union is estimated to range between €7 billion and €10 billion annually. Effective strategies like precision nutrient management, best practices, and innovative technologies optimize fertilizer efficiency and support agricultural sustainability. Besides, promising methods include the combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, the application of remote sensing and geographical information system technologies, and the implementation of biological approaches to enhance nutrient management. Moreover, monitoring and evaluation are essential for assessing strategy effectiveness, guiding decision-making, and taking corrective actions. Hence, this review aims to address strategies for improving fertilizer efficiency, sustainable agriculture practices, and addressing food security and environmental concerns related to fertilizer use comprehensively.

Open Access September 20, 2024

The nutritional, phytochemical composition, and utilisation of different parts of maize: A comparative analysis

Pratikantam Swati, Prasad Rasane, Jaspreet Kaur, Sawinder Kaur, Sezai Ercisli, Amine Assouguem, Riaz Ullah, Ali S. Alqahtani, Jyoti Singh

Article number: 20220358

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Abstract

Maize ( Zea mays L.) is known to be one of the current crops with wide adaptability and the potential to grow in various agroecological zones. It has been titled as “queen of cereals” group owing to its high genetic yield capability and abundance among the cereal crop. This study highlights the nutritive composition, phytochemical composition, pharmaceutical properties, and the unconventional use (like ethanol production) of maize plant parts such as the husk, silk, and cob, along with their utilisation in the food sector and pharmaceutical industries. Apart from the kernels, bulk of the harvest, if not used as manure, is majorly treated as waste and is usually discarded. Maize can be incorporated and utilised in the waste management of crop residues. The industrial significance of the maize crop is unmatched when compared to other cereal crops and it is used as a raw material for over 3,000 products in various sectors namely, sweeteners, cosmetics, textiles, gum, alcoholic beverages, films, package, and paper industries. Each part of the maize plant is rich in macronutrients (carbohydrates and proteins) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) along with other phytochemical constituents due to which it has an immense scope to be used in value-added products providing various pharmacological properties.

Short Communications

Open Access May 29, 2024

Music enrichment improves the behavior and leukocyte profile of dairy cattle

Esmeralda G. Contreras-Torres, Juan F. Hernández-Chavez, Carlos A. Díaz-Quiroz, Ramón Molina-Barrios, Paulina Arrayales Millán, Ruth G. Ulloa-Mercado

Article number: 20220289

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Abstract

Different studies have suggested that musical enrichment in dairy cattle management reduces animal stress and enhances milk production, management, and disease resistance. Thus, in the present work, we proposed to evaluate the response of a group of Holstein cows to musical stimulation, through the analysis of their leukocyte profile and the recording of voluntary approach to milking parlor. An ABAB design was used, consisting of alternating periods with and without music during the management of 15 Holstein cows for 14 days. At the end of each period, blood samples were collected to determine the number of leukocyte counts. In addition, a voluntary approach to the milking parlor was measured. For statistical analysis, the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test with an alpha value of 0.05 was used. During periods with music, more cows voluntarily approached the milking parlor and had higher total leukocyte counts. In conclusion, music enrichment improves cattle handling, with a significant positive effect on leukogram profiles

Open Access June 18, 2024

Effect of pruning height and organic fertilization on the morphological and productive characteristics of Moringa oleifera Lam. in the Peruvian dry tropics

Juan Yalta Vela, Gelver Silva Valqui, Gustavo Ampuero Trigoso, Hurley Abel Quispe-Ccasa, José Américo Saucedo-Uriarte

Article number: 20220317

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Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of pruning height (PH) and organic fertilization dose (FD) on the morphology and productive characteristics of Moringa oleifera Lam. We germinated seeds collected from 10-year-old shrubs, and 2-month-old seedlings were transplanted in the final field. We used a two-factor design of PH (PH1:0.4, PH2:0.8, and PH3:1.2 m from the ground) and FD (FD0:0, FD1:500, FD2:750, and FD3:1,000 g of decomposing goat manure). We carried out an initial pruning 4 months after transplanting and the harvests every 45 days. After three consecutive harvests, PH3 improved N ° branches (12.53 ± 3.09) and dry matter (21.98 ± 1.30%), but PH1 showed greater stem lengths (1.65 ± 0.24 m) ( p < 0.01). There was no difference in the stems and leaf weights between PH2 and PH3, and no trait varied according to FD ( p > 0.05). The PH × FD interaction can improve the plant diameter ( p < 0.01) and dry matter ( p < 0.05) with PH2 (56.79 ± 3.71 mm) and PH3 (23.20 ± 1.04%) from FD1. We found an increasing trend in N ° branches, plant diameter ( p < 0.01), and the leaf–stem ratio. However, in the third harvest, the biomass production trend was downward for a short period for an adequate replacement of nutrients from the incorporated organic fertilizer. It is recommended to prune M. oleifera at 1.2 m from the ground to stimulate greater biomass and maintain the leaf–stem ratio throughout the evaluated harvests and apply more than 500 g of goat manure after each harvest to restore the nutrients extracted from the soil.

Corrigendum

Open Access May 31, 2024

Corrigendum to “Bioinformatics investigation of the effect of volatile and non-volatile compounds of rhizobacteria in inhibiting late embryogenesis abundant protein that induces drought tolerance”

Faegheh Etminani, Bahman Fazeli-Nasab, H. G. Gowtham, Ali Reza Mirzaei, Jayanthi Barasarathi, R. Z. Sayyed

Article number: 20229999

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Open Access August 29, 2024

Corrigendum to “Composition and quality of winter annual agrestal and ruderal herbages of two different land-use types”

Shanker Raj Barsila, Prashiksha Acharya, Dipesh Chhetri

Article number: 20229998

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The aim of this study is to energy harvesting and modeling from a soft and flexible nanogenerator based on nanofibers (PVDF/ZnO-RGO) on the arm of a multi-rotor UAV. The nanogenerator modeling was done to improve the usability of piezoelectric nanogenerators to provide part of the electric energy required by drones. Tests were conducted on the experimental setup and practical flight conditions. In each test and a period of 30 s, the vibration signals of the UAV arm were stored, and the vibration data extracted in the time domain and the electrical voltage of the nanogenerator were obtained through the vibrations of the drone, and its values were recorded in each experiment. After signal processing, the best vibration features were used for modeling. In the modeling process, some data were considered for training and testing in ANFIS network. The ANFIS inputs included the selected vibration features and the outputs included the stored voltage. The modeling results were analyzed based on increasing the amplitude of vibrations and the duration of exposure of the nanogenerator to vibration led to higher voltage generation. The maximum voltage recorded during the 30-s flight time of the tested UAV was 64 mV at 3.54, 49.8, and 0.48 Hz along the x , y, and z axes, respectively. The results showed that the application of energy harvesting on different vibration systems could be improved through modeling. It can be used to predict the amount of electric energy produced according to the vibrations of the drone in the future.

Special Issue of The 4th International Conference on Food Science and Engineering (ICFSE) 2022 - Part II

Open Access April 1, 2024

Assessment of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid profiles and ratio of omega-6/omega-3 of white eggs produced by laying hens fed diets enriched with omega-3 rich vegetable oil

Lilik R. Kartikasari, Mark S. Geier, Robert J. Hughes, Susan E. P. Bastian, Robert A. Gibson

Article number: 20220274

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids in egg and the ratio of n-6/n-3 of white eggs produced by laying hens (Hy-Line white) fed diets enriched with n-3 fats. In this study, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) levels of the dietary treatments ranged from 0.3 to 6% energy. Grain-based diets containing a low linoleic acid (LA) content were selected to prepare a basal diet to optimize the conversion of ALA into n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA). The results showed that the level of all n-3 LCPUFA in eggs improved ( P < 0.01) by increasing the levels of dietary ALA. Importantly, eggs produced from laying hens fed diets containing 6%en ALA significantly increased ( P < 0.01) the total of n-3 fats by approximately nine-fold. Diets enriched with ALA significantly reduced ( P < 0.01) the ratio of n-6/n-3 of the eggs. The n-6/n-3 ratio of eggs decreased from 7.17% in the 0.3%en ALA diet to 1.29% in the 6%en ALA diet. In conclusion, white laying hens fed ALA-enriched diets produced eggs higher in n-3 fatty acids and lower n-6/n-3 ratio, which provides an alternative n-3 rich food for consumers and have beneficial health effects.

Special Issue on FCEM - International Web Conference on Food Choice & Eating Motivation - Part II

Open Access May 10, 2024

Fruit and vegetable consumption: Study involving Portuguese and French consumers

Nolwenn Le Turc, Ana Jaquelina Silva, Sofia G. Florença, João Carlos Gonçalves, Edite Teixeira Lemos, Maria João Lima, Raquel P. F. Guiné

Article number: 20220280

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Abstract

The regular consumption of vegetables and fruits has been indicated as part of a healthy diet. They are considered healthy foods because they are sources of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Adequate intake of these foods can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and various types of cancer. The objective of the present study was to determine the consumption habits of vegetables and fruits in two different countries, Portugal and France. For this descriptive study, it was used a questionnaire survey, applied to individuals over 18 years old and carried out through the internet, being disseminated on social networks and by email. The sample was constituted by 640 participants (257 from Portugal and 383 from France). Statistical tools were used for the treatment of data, like the T -Test and chi-square test utilised to compare the results between Portuguese and French consumers. The results showed that the Portuguese eat out more often than the French. Portuguese and French like vegetables equally but the French eat more vegetables and fruit per week on average than the Portuguese. The French like soup as much as the Portuguese but the Portuguese eat soup more regularly than the French and prefer soup with cut pieces, unlike the French which prefer soup with grounded vegetables. The global consumption of vegetables and fruits is low in both countries and should be increased, most especially in Portugal, where the consumption is lower. In conclusion, despite some differences found across consumers according to country, the consumption of these foods is still below the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, and therefore, some more actions are necessary to incentivise a higher consumption of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy lifestyle.

About this journal

Open Agriculture is dedicated to different aspects of agriculture and the agricultural economy, The journal helps society from different countries gain well-based and accurate information, which may be adapted in their local communities.

Papers published in our journal fits the current United Nations agenda of sustainable development goals, especially: zero hunger; decent work and economic growth; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; and partnerships for the goals

Aims and scope 　

Veterinary Medicine

Agro-ecology

Soil science

Plant science

Horticulture

Forestry, Wood technology

Animal science

Entomology

Aquaculture

Hydrology, Irrigation

Food science

Nutrition

Agricultural economics

Bio-based economy

Agricultural engineering

Landscape management

Postharvest technology

Climate-based agriculture

Amelioration

Tropical agriculture

Microbiology

Agroforestry

Sustainable development

Biomass, Biofuel

Agronomy

Agricultural Extension Education

Rural development

Agricultural information and communication

Capacity Building

Mycology