European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences

Steps Taken to Mitigate the Threats of Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) of Pesticides in Rice and Protecting Guyana Rice Exports Markets: Present and Future Prospects

2023-12-25T12:35:12-05:00

Governments of many countries are setting Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for food and feed being imported. To safeguard the threat of MRLs to rice exported from Guyana, the GRDB embarked on several research projects with the view to reduce MRLs and manage ‘Paddy bug’ (Oebalus poecilus (Dallas)). Studies included viz. identification of biological control agents; screening advance germplasm for tolerance; evaluation of bio-pesticides and synthetic molecules with higher MRLs; pesticide residue studies-growth stages, cut-off points and MRLs between paddy vs. cargo rice. Results from the bioagent survey found relatively low populations of predators such as damsel fly, lady bird beetle, spider, and dragon fly in Regions #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6. Also, there were isolated cases of parasitoids, viz. Telenomus podisi and Beskia aelops at very low levels. Results from the tolerance screening revealed that entry FG-18-222 recorded the highest percentage of damage and high incidence of paddy bugs (PB), while significantly (p < 0.05) lowest damage was recorded in FG-15-35 (2.13%), G17-109 (3.93%), followed by G-14-10 (4.10%) in 2022. These entries appeared to be the least preferred to PB due to the high presence and relatively low percentage of grain damage. However, all 12 entries were found to be susceptible to paddy bug lighting and feeding. Likewise, Bio-insecticide Boom (MRLs 3.0 mg/kg) was evaluated against PB and 162 ml/ac. was the most effective rate. In a separate experiment, Malathion (MRLs of 8.0 mg/kg) at 12–18 ml/ac. was most effective in controlling PB population compared to untreated control. There were no significant differences between these two treatments and the Pronto (Imidacloprid) check. The results from the pesticide residue analysis viz. Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam, showed that systemic A.I. can only be applied once in a rice growing season for PB control no later than 67 DAS. Additionally, results comparing detected MRLs between paddy grains versus shelled rice grains revealed >84.41% reduction in the detected MRLs for these systemic A.I. Further research work is recommended in this MS to be undertaken to better understand the PB and mitigate the threat of MRLs with the view of developing an IPM approach to manage PB at the same time protect Guyana rice export markets.

Effects of Dietary Incorporation of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), and Jute (Corchorus olitorius) Leaf Powder on Production Performance and Blood Indices of Broiler Chickens as a Substitute of Antibiotic

2021-11-25T09:05:31-05:00

The study was planned to determine the effects of dietary incorporation of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), and Jute (Corchorus olitorius) leaf powder on production performance, carcass traits, and blood indices of broiler chickens as a substitute for the antibiotic. A total of 200-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided randomly into 5 experimental groups. Whereas groups T1, T2, T3, and T4 were offered basal feed supplemented with 2% Neem Leaf Powder (NLP), 2% Moringa Leaf Powder (MLP), 2% Jute Leaf Powder (JLP), and antibiotics, respectively. In this research, the total feed consumption of birds was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the T1 and T2 group than in the T3 and T4 group. Final live weight was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in 2% MLP treated group T2 followed by T1, T3, and T0 group. Significantly (P < 0.05) better feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found in the T2 group compared to T0, T3, and T4 groups. There found no significant (P > 0.05) effect of treatments on the survivability percentage of birds. All the treatment groups showed an insignificant (P > 0.05) effect on dressing percentage and organs (liver, heart, and gizzard) weight of broiler chicken. Weight of immune organs (spleen and bursa) and blood parameters (concentration of hemoglobin, glucose, and cholesterol) were not influenced (P > 0.05) by dietary addition. Birds fed the lower amount of feed, higher body weight, and improved FCR were found in the 2% MLP treated group. In overall aspects, the effectiveness of 2% MLP addition was better than 2% NLP and 2% JLP as an antibiotic alternative.

Rhizobox Technology for Sustainable Agriculture–Acquired Implications

2024-01-18T10:00:16-05:00

Evaluation on the effect of rhizobox technology in the rhizosphre soil of agricultural crops is necessary for sound and safe agriculture. This article confers the rhizobox technology-induced information about rhizosphere so far conducted since 1987s and on. Combined with its special features and construction technique, rhizobox-affected rhizosphere processes like pH changes, patterns of nutrient distribution, heavy metal movement and microbial activities are extensively analyzed. Finally, the established rhizobox model of 1987 encompassing its modified versions are detailed, followed by its potential application in rhizosphere studies of plant nutrition, soil chemistry, and soil biology for sustainable agriculture.

Effect of Pickling Methods on the Quality and Flavor of Umeboshi

2024-01-05T20:58:24-05:00

Umeboshi is made by pickling plums in salt. The quality of umeboshi varies depending on the pickling method and additives used. In the present study, we compared the quality of plums pickled in salt, brine, and Ca-supplemented brine. Quality determinants of the pickled plums included hardness, moisture content, pH, Brix value, fruit color, and malic acid, citric acid, and salt concentrations. We also performed a microbiological evaluation of the umeboshi. Additionally, using a questionnaire, we surveyed consumer preferences for umeboshi pickled using different additives. Salt-pickled umeboshi had a high pH and low citric acid content, resulting in a mild flavor, whereas umeboshi pickled in brine had a high malic acid content. After soaking in various salts, the acidity of pickled plums increased. Moreover, umeboshi pickled in Ca-supplemented brine exhibited high L-and a-values. Our results suggest that malic acid contributes to the flavor and appeal of umeboshi and that Ca supplementation in the brine results in bright-colored umeboshi.

Sustainable Irrigation Management in Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey

2022-09-19T15:09:39-04:00

In successful irrigation management, firstly the water resource should be developed accordingly, and secondly, the irrigation water should be delivered from the source to irrigation fields. In addition, strategies should be developed to guide producers in irrigation areas, to adopt proper irrigation practices, to optimize the cropping pattern according to the water potential, and to make the production plans that guarantee the income of farmers. The main objective of this study is to investigate issues the sustainable irrigation management in Southeastern Anatolia Region (SAR) of Turkey. Therefore, some problems and causes/constraints have been investigated and related solution suggestions have been given.

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) Pulp Flour as a Non-Conventional Filler in Comminuted Pork: Effect on Physicochemical, Sensory Attributes and Cost of Meatloaves

2024-01-23T09:51:28-05:00

This study explored the use of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) pulp flour (BFPF) as a filler in meatloaves, partially substituting comminuted pork. Four experimental treatments were formulated: T1 (control) with 0% BFPF, T2 with 5% BFPF, T3 with 10% BFPF, and T4 with 15% BFPF, baking them at 175 °C for 55 minutes. Data on chemical composition, cooking yield, pH, and sensory evaluation were collected. Increasing BFPF levels reduced protein and fat but increased moisture and ash in the meatloaves. Cooking yield significantly improved (p < 0.001), ranging from 751.7 g/kg DM (T1) to 835.3 g/kg DM (T5). The pH remained stable (p = 0.350), and taste preferences showed no significant differences (p = 0.283). The cost of meatloaf decreased linearly with higher BFPF inclusion. Replacing comminuted pork with up to 15% BFPF in meatloaf can improve cooking yield and reduce fat and cost without compromising on pH and sensory attributes.

Isolation and Characterization of Acetic Acid Bacteria from Pineapple, Sugarcane, Apple, Grape, Pomegranate, and Papaya Fruit

2024-01-07T04:22:56-05:00

The present research was carried out with the aim of isolating acetic acid bacteria (AAB) from pineapple, sugarcane, apple, grape, pomegranate, and papaya fruits. The characteristics of acetic acid bacterial isolates were identified by morphological and biochemical tests. Among the different fruits, pineapple possessed the maximum (38.46%) AAB producers, followed by sugarcane (22.90%), grape (18.29%), apple (14.63%), papaya (4.34%) and pomegranate (1.38%). Reference strain Acetobacter pasteurianus (DSM-2324) was collected from Deutsche Sammlung Von Microorganismen and Zellkulturen (DSMZ), Germany. Strains of Acetobacter pasteurianus were identified through morphological and biochemical characteristics. The isolated strains (A) were characterized and compared with the reference strain (B). Different levels of ethanol (1%, 2%, 5%, and 10%), glucose (10%, 20%, 25%, and 30%) and temperature (25 °C, 30 °C, 34 °C, and 37 °C) were used in standard medium to observe the growth characteristics of strain A and B. Both the strains revealed similar trends grown on ethanol, glucose and temperature and showed better growth at 2% ethanol, 20% glucose and 30 °C temperature. The members of the genus Acetobacter and Gluconobacter are confirmed with this research.