Chloride is an essential micronutrient for tobacco plants. Small amounts of Cl– can improve tobacco growth and yield. It is generally accepted that concentrations in excess of 1% can produce poor-quality tobacco. The significant sources of chloride for tobacco plants are soil, Cl-containing fertilizers, and irrigation water. Responses of tobacco to chloride vary according to tobacco types and cultivars. The influence of chloride on the growth, yield, and chemical composition is inconsistent. In general, leaf chloride and reducing sugar concentrations increase with increasing soil or irrigation water chloride levels. Application rates of chloride-containing fertilizers or chloride levels in irrigation water should be monitored to prevent excessive chloride accumulation in tobacco leaves. Plant genetics affect chloride accumulation; therefore, cultivar selection is important in achieving lower chloride concentration in tobacco.
Oriental tobaccos of Krumovgrad ecotype are the most widely produced and one of the highest-quality tobaccos grown in Bulgaria. They have the characteristics of a true Basma type and are highly regarded for their rich, pungent flavor and good burning properties. The main objectives of the current study were: i) to investigate the chemical composition of Oriental to-baccos of Krumovgrad ecotype produced in different micro regions in Bulgaria, with the view of assessing their quality and applicability as a raw material in smoking products; and ii) to arrange the investigated tobaccos in groups according to their chemical indices and combustibility. The investigation was carried out in 2022, with samples of cured tobacco leaves from thirteen micro regions in three production regions in Southwestern Bulgaria. The concentrations of macroelements (K, Ca and Mg) and trace elements (Cd, Ni, Mn, Zn, and Cu) in Bulgarian Oriental tobacco of Krumovgrad ecotype differed significantly between the studied regions and micro regions. The main chemical indicators of the investigated tobaccos also showed vari-ation, depending on the micro region of production: nicotine, 0.65-1.83%; reducing sugars, 13.30-21.20%; total nitrogen, 1.33-1.86%; ash, 7.95-11.70%; chlorine, 0.22-0.75%; as well as smoke tar (15.69-23.59 mg/cig) and nicotine (0.60-1.64 mg/ cig). The applied hierarchical cluster analysis classified the tobaccos into two main clusters based on the measured chemical indicators. Tobacco combustibility, one of the key quality indicators, was evaluated by three combustibility indices, taking into account the concentration of inorganic elements in the cured leaves. The results spoke in favor of the good burning potential of Bulgarian Oriental tobacco of Krumovgrad ecotype. The ranking of tobaccos, based on the assessment of their combustibility, distinguished with the best burning properties those from Ablanitsa (region Nevrokop) and Dolno Osenovo (Gorna Gjumaya). The results obtained in the study can be used in evaluating the quality of tobacco as a raw material for smoking products, with a view to their optimal usability in tobacco blending.
This study aimed to assess the performance of dairy farms in the Baltic States and Poland, measured by financial ratios. The analysis was conducted using average data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) database for the period 2012 - 2021. A total of sixteen financial ratios were selected, calculated, and evaluated, grouped into four dimensions: profitability, liquidity and independence, financial efficiency, and stability and solvency. According to the results, Polish dairy farms exhibited higher profitability and liquidity, whereas Lithuanian dairy farms demonstrated higher stability and solvency. A comparison of certain financial ratios with benchmarks reported in the literature revealed varied results. Concerning the profitability indicators of dairy farms in all countries, none of them reached the recommended values. In terms of liquidity and solvency, dairy farms in all countries were in a good position. The results for financial efficiency were varied. In order to obtain a comparison of the financial performance of dairy farms across the countries concerned, a four-dimensional composite index comprising sixteen financial ratios was calculated. Polish dairy farms ranked highest on the composite index of financial performance, closely followed by Lithuanian dairy farms. Latvian dairy farms ranked third, while Estonian dairy farms ranked the lowest.
The article reveals the advantages of developing a green economy in agriculture, in the context of global climate change, population growth and pressure on natural resources. It is noted that the trend of economic growth based on the total exploita-tion of natural resources has led to irreversible consequences. Agricultural activity leads to the depletion of natural resources, in particular land degradation, water shortages, changes in agricultural landscapes, loss of biodiversity etc. Azerbaijan is a country that also suffers from the effects of climate change under anthropogenic influence. The paper analyzes the main prob-lems of modern intensive agriculture. Only the transition to green agriculture, the use of green technologies and management methods can help preserve natural ecosystems, and ensure social well-being. Important features of a "green" economic model are the efficient use of natural resources, reduction of pollution, protection and improvement of ecosystems and biodiversity, low carbon emissions, as well as growth of income and employment.
Cowpea is one of the most cultivated legumes in the world and plays an important role in Brazilian agricultural production. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the physiological quality of cowpea seeds from plants subjected to different water regimes. The experimental design used was in randomized blocks, with four replications. The treatments were arranged in an experimental arrangement of subdivided plots involving five levels of water replacement in the soil, via evapotranspirometric demand (120; 100; 80; 60, and 40% of ETo) in the plots and four cultivars of cowpea (BRS Rouxinol, BRS Novaera, BRS Tumucumaque and BRS Itaim) in the subplots. The harvest was carried out 90 days after planting. Water content, mass of 1000 seeds, germination, first germination count, germination speed index, root protrusion, seedling length, and fresh and dry mass of seedlings were determined. Under the conditions in which the work was carried out, all levels of wa-ter replacement favor the physiological quality of the seeds of the studied cultivars. Seeds of BRS Novaera and BRS Itaim cul-tivars showed better physiological potential. Smaller amounts of water are recommended for the production of quality seeds
A field experiment with an indicator wheat crop in 2022 was carried out on Fluvisol, in the experimental field of "Nikola Poushkarov" Institute of Soil Science, Agrotechnologies and Plant Protection, of the village of Tsalapitsa (Plovdiv region). Variants were set with two rates of biochar (5 and 10 t.ha(-1)) and nitrogen fertiliser (130 and 260 kg.ha(-1)) in 2019 and 2020, and are left for observation to determine the aftereffect of biochar. The purpose of this study was to assess the yield of wheat, the uptake of macronutrients with biomass and some soil characteristics on the 3(rd )and 4(th) year following application of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer. Plant samples were taken in the full maturity phase of wheat in three replications, and the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg were determined. The obtained results show that the time of biochar application has a significant effect on the yield of wheat, a higher yield was reported by the variants when biochar was applied at the 3(rd) year. For the B((3))5N130 and B((3))10N260 variants, the increase was 12% and 13% compared to controls. The data showed that biochar residing in soil at two rates (5 and 10 t/ha) for four years, had no significant effect on wheat yield, growth, macronutrient uptake and soil nutrient content compared to the control variants. However, the more pronounced effect of biochar aftereffect was observed on the physicochemical characteristics (pH, CEC and OC) at the 3(rd) and 4(th) year compared to the control in the variants with the lower nitrogen rate and the higher levels of biochar.
Despite its many advantages as a crop, oilseed rape is host to a large number of pests that can cause economically significant losses. The pollen beetle (Brassicogethes/Meligethes aeneus F.) is one of the species of economic importance as an pest of oilseed rape during its mass multiplication. In some years, the red cabbage bug (Eurydema ornata L.) is also found en masse. The repeated use of insecticides used in oilseed rape agrocenosis, often leads to the development of resistance, the destruction of beneficial entomofauna and pollinators, which is why alternative means are sought. In this regard, the efficacy of plant extracts of ginger (Zingiber officinale L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and nettle (Urtica dioica L.) was tested against the pollen beetle (Brassicogethes/Meligethes aeneus F.) and the red cabbage bug (Eurydema ornata L.). The study was carried out under laboratory conditions at the Agricultural University-Plovdiv. The attempt was made in four variants and three repetitions. The processing of the obtained data was carried out with a package of statistical programs Statistika 7 V. Tested plant extracts affect the vitality of pests, which is due to species-specific alkaloids. In the case of the pollen beetle, the highest efficacy was reported for nettle and ginger - 99.7%, and for the red cabbage bug, mint and nettle - 83%. All plant extracts increase their efficacy gradually.
Downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) is a serious pathogen that causes significant damage to cucurbit crops, including melons. Research on downy mildew is particularly important in the context of increasing environmental regulations and pursuing sustainable agriculture. The present study aims at investigating the efficacy of fungicidal products and their impact on yields under field conditions in Bulgaria. The highest level of disease control was achieved with the application of a combination of Fluoxapiprolin at 0.75 L/ha and Cyazofamid at 0.5 L/ha, resulting in maximum disease suppression and high yield.
Seed treatment represents an alternative to mitigate the occurrence of Fusarium wilt, induced by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol). Although essential oils (EOs) have demonstrated efficacy in controlling Fol both in vitro and in vivo, their constituents exhibit high volatility, low water dispersibility, and a tendency to degrade due to heat. Incorporating EOs into nanoemulsions or biodegradable coatings represents delivery systems that can help prolong their antifungal efficacy and minimize phytotoxicity in seed treatment. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of delivery systems incorporated with Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO) on the physiological quality of tomato seeds infected with Fol. The physiological tests performed on tomato seeds were: moisture content determination, germination test (G), first germination count (FGC), emergence speed index (ESI), accelerated aging test (AA), and image analysis. Seeds of the Ibiza and Napolitano cultivars inoculated with Fol were coated with TEO nanoemulsion (TEON) or biodegradable coating (CTEON) incorporated with TEON at 0, 0.5, or 1.0% (w/w). Treatment with TEON at concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.0% (w/w) did not interfere with the physiological quality of seeds from either cultivar. On the other hand, CTEON acted as a physical barrier, hindering the emission of the primary root and causing delays in the initial germination phase. Seeds treated with CTEON incorporated with TEON showed symptoms of phytotoxicity at concentrations between 0 and 1.0% (w/w). Considering the beneficial effect of TEON on seed health, further studies are needed to establish the ideal conditions for tomato seed treatment.
Many weed species adversely affect agricultural productivity by releasing allelochemicals that inhibit the growth and development of surrounding plants. Members of the Cyperaceae family, in particular, are frequently associated with such allelopathic interference in cultivated areas. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts derived from Cyperus brevifolius and Cyperus sesquiflorus on the germination of Tridax procumbens L. seeds. Plant materials from the donor species were collected and separated into aerial (aboveground) and underground parts. Aqueous extracts were prepared by mixing 1 g of powdered plant material with 10 mL of distilled water, yielding concentrations of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%. The germination assay was conducted in quadruplicate, with 50 seeds per Petri dish. The treatments were incubated in a B.O.D. chamber under an 8-hour light photoperiod for seven days. Total flavonoid content was quantified using a spectrophotometric method based on a 5% aluminum chloride (AlCl3) reaction in methanol. The results revealed that aqueous extracts from both Cyperus species significantly inhibited the germination of T. procumbens, with varying degrees of intensity depending on the species and plant part used. Notably, the aerial part extracts of C. sesquiflorus exhibited a stronger allelopathic effect compared to its underground parts, while the opposite trend was observed for C. brevifolius, where underground part extracts were more inhibitory. Furthermore, in both species, extracts from the aerial parts consistently displayed higher total flavonoid content across all tested concentrations. These findings underscore the potential of Cyperus species, particularly their flavonoid-rich aerial parts, as promising natural alternatives for weed management through allelopathic suppression.
The regency of Barru is one of the breeding centers of Bali cattle in the province of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. It is rich ofhorticultural by-products that are potential. The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of the horticultural by-producton the performance of Bali cattle, and the income over feed cost in the regency of Barru, Province of South Sulawesi, Indone-sia. The study applied completely randomized design with four treatments and three replicates each. The treatments were T0(100% Elephant Grass); T1 (70% Elephant Grass+30% By-product); T2 (40% Elephant Grass+60% By-product); T3 (100%By-product). The study showed that there was a significant effect on the content of crude protein, ash, fat, nitrogen free extract,NDF, ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose and undissolved ash, except for lignin. Crude Protein content ranged from 6.68 to 13.86%DM-1. The treatment T3 was with the highest value. Crude fat and ash content ranged from 3.30 to 4.08 % DM-1, and 12.27to 14.41 % DM-1, respectively, with the least amount on the treatment T2, that contained horticultural by-product. The valueof nitrogen free extract tent to increase with the increase amount of the horticultural by-product in the mixture. The highlysignificant difference in the value of NDF, ADF and hemicellulose was noticeable in T3 to T2 and T1. There was a significanteffect (P < 0.05) on the daily weight gain with the highest one on T3, then followed by T2. The high value of income over feedcost was on T1 and T2, respectively.
Vicia faba is one of the best performing crops under global warming and climate change conditions, with opportunities to be grow in low-energy and organic production systems. The present study aimed to evaluate, based on a complex of charac-teristics (stability, productivity, tolerance to Botrytis fabae and feeding value), and to identify Vicia faba genotypes suitable for organic production conditions as well as for breeding purposes. The source collection included 12 genotypes. Suitability for organic growing showed Fb11, which is characterized by a fast average daily growth rate (0.88 cm day-1), greater plant height (68.70 cm), and amount of biomass formed (56.10 g DM plant-1 or 21.4% above the average for the studied accessions) - traits that ensure higher competitiveness against weeds. The same one demonstrated good stability (according to the values of the regression coefficient/bi/and stability variance/02/), and received a high overall evaluation according to the main parameters of biochemical composition (CP, CF, NDF, ADF, ADL), in vitro digestibility, protein (PBD, PDIN, PDIE) and energy (FUM, FUG) feeding value of the forage bilavas able to realiza-ite-proskustive potential-despite chewing sensitivity (S)-40-41-fabae. From a breeding point of view, the following genotypes with the corresponding characteristics were of interest as parent forms: Fb 10 most productive (58.31 g DM plant), but unstable (bi = 1.91) ; Fb08-showing moderate resistance (MR) to Botrytis fabae, Fb 05-with the highest feeding value; Fb 12-stable in all studied parameters (bi, theta i, W & sup2;, sigma & sup2;), but less produc-tive (by 4.5% below the average value for the group).
The paper investigates the peculiarities of mustard seed yield and quality formation depending on the use of mineral fertilizers. It has been determined that the use of mineral fertilizers increase the yield structure, which contributed to the increase in the seed productivity of mustard. On average, seed yields increased significantly by 0.32-0.56 t/ha in the varieties with the application of mineral fertilizers, both as the main fertilizer and together with foliar fertilization, compared to the control without fertilizers. The introduction of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers in the main fertilizer provided a significant in the yield of mustard seeds of all varieties, which ranged from 0.14 t/ha (Tsarivna Pivnochi) to 0.27 t/ha (Oslava). With the main fertilizer and foliar feeding with nitrogen fertilizers, seed yields increased significantly compared to the control, and the addition of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers to the main fertilizer. The greatest influence on seed yield was the & laquo;fertilizer & raquo; factor, which accounted for 85.1%, while the influence of the & laquo;variety & raquo; factor was much lower. Thus, in order to increase the yield of mustard seeds when grown in the conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe, it is advisable to apply P45K45 as the main fertilizer, and to carry out two fertilizations with nitrogen fertilizers at a rate of N-15 and in the rosette-stemming stage at a rate of N-30, which ensures high seed productivity of mustard.
The present research was conducted to determine the incidence of liver abscesses, bacterial causes, and histopathological structure in goats slaughtered in the slaughterhouse. A total of 1187 goats, including 673 male goats and 514 female goats were subjected to routine post-slaughter inspections. If an abscess was observed in the liver examination, the anatomical position of the abscess was recorded by noting the lobe and the surface. Each abscess was separated along with a part of the surrounding healthy tissue, and was sent immediately to the bacteriology and pathology laboratories for processing. There was no significant relationship between the occurrence of abscesses and the sex of goats, or between abscesses and different liver surfaces. From aerobic and anaerobic cultures of abscesses, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was isolated from two cases, Arcanobacterium pyogenes from two cases, Fusobacterium necrophorum and Escherichia coli together from two cases, and Pseudomonas spp and Streptococcus spp from one case each. The results of this study showed that Corynebacterium pseudo-tuberculosis, the cause of caseous lymphadenitis, is an important bacterial agent in causing liver abscesses in goats slaughtered in slaughterhouses, although other less specific bacterial pathogens also cause abscesses.
Agriculture is an important economic sector in Albania, both in terms of its contribution to GDP, and employment. In this sector operate more than 300 thousand farms, most of which are micro and small farms up to 2 ha. Digitalization is thought of as an important means to help agriculture face multiple challenges, such as increasing productivity and efficiency of resource use, competitiveness, food quality and safety, climate change, quality of living in rural areas, ageing, depopulation and biodi-versity, all contributing to or being in close relationship with the sustainable development of the agriculture sector and the na-tional economy as a whole. The purpose of this paper is to provide an averall degree of digitalization in the agricultural sector mainly at farm level, and of the willingness of farmers to use digital technologies in their farms. The identification of factors influencing both the actual use of digital technologies and the farmers' willingness of using them in the future is the other facet of the research purpose. To carry out the research we used collected information from 5 regions of the country (Kor & ccedil;e, Kukes, Berat, Fier, Gjirokaster), using face to face interviews for 938 farmers from these areas. To analyse data we applied exploratory statistical tools and econometric regression. Analysis showed that among factors supposed to influence the degree of actual digitalization the most important resulted farmers' knowledge and skills about digital technologies, utility of these technologies as percepted by farmers, availability of technologies, farmers' belief in farming as a benefitial activity, education level and farm size, while age has a negative effect. At the end, some recommendations to improve the level of use and farmer's willingness to use digital technologies in the future are presented.
Controlling cow nutrition is a key factor in improving milk production. This is why evaluating the quality of rations given on farms can contribute subsequently to correcting any deficiencies. In this context, our study aimed to investigate the diets, followed by cattle breeders in two municipalities of the Khenchela region, Montbeliard breeds having a weight of 557.23 +/- 40.37 for Farm (B) and 588.10 +/- 26.04 kg Farm (A), and to appreciate the rations distributed by the breeders comparatively with the real needs of each breed. We performed chemical composition analyzes contained in the dry matter of available feeds at farm level, in addition to the description of feeding practices used in dairy cow management. The results obtained showed that the nutritional value of the raw materials used proved to be of paramount importance for their better valorization. The performances recorded on milk production were 25.40 +/- 2.36 L.day(-1) for Farm (A) and 18.30 +/- 2.12L.day(-1) for Farm (B), knowing that the feeding of dairy cows was essentially based on concentrate, with insufficient quantities of fodder and energy and nitrogen wastes. It has been found that rationing problems still remain as a major constraint for livestock production in semi-arid regions. The success of any breeding requires the control of rationing and breeding conditions to overcome the gap between milk production and needs.
A glasshouse study was conducted to assess the effects of chicken feather-based biochar on some fertility properties, growth, and yield indices of potted maize. The application rates of chicken feather biochar used were: 0 (control), 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/4kg soil, representing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 t/ha, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. The soil's chemical properties were analyzed. Crop growth and yield data collected are: plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), number of leaves, number of cobs/plant, and cob weight/plant (kg) after harvest. Results showed that the application rate of 20 t/ha significantly increased the soil pH, TN and OM by 36.3%, 62.1%, and 62.3%, respectively, while 15 t/ha had the highest significant effect on available P. and CEC (31.18 mg/kg and 8.13 cmol/kg, respec-tively), when compared with control (5.30 mg/kg and 6.53 cmol/kg, respectively). The highest values of plant height (63.10 cm and 70.43 cm, respectively), and stem girth (3.37 cm and 3.47 cm, respectively), were recorded in the 20 t/ha application rate at 8 and 12 weeks after planting.The yield indices (number of cobs and cob weight/plant) differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the rates of application. The 20 t/ha gave the highest mean values of the yield indices (1.5 and 0.35 kg, respectively). Amendment of the soil with 20 t/ha chicken feather biochar gave the highest values of the growth and yield indices in maize and can, therefore, be recommended for adoption by maize growers.
Thymus longedentatus (Degen & Urum.) Ronniger is a Balkan endemic species with a lemon-like odor that has a limited distribution in Bulgaria. The species has been studied phytochemically, and was successfully cultivated in the ex situ collection of IBER, BAS in the last years. The reported strong herbicidal properties for the species' essential oil (EO) led us to examine it for other pesticidal actions. The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition ofThymus longedentatus EO and methanolic extract (ME) and to evaluate their growth inhibitory activity against filamentous fungal and oomycete plant patho-gens. The chemical composition of EO and ME was studied, using gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antifungal activity was evaluated by conducting in vitro bioassay towards economically important plant pathogens: Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum var. fragariae, Fusarium oxysporum var. cyclaminis, Phytophthora cryptogea and Phytophtora nicotianae. Citral isomers - neral (26.8%) and geranial (43.1%) were identified as the main components of the EO profile. Rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, feruloylquinic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, micromeric acid, arbutin, geranic acid and hydroquinone were the main secondary metabolites in the methanolic extract. A strong inhibiting effect against Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora nicotianae and Phytophthora cryptogea was established for the essential oil. Oppositely, the methanol extract, in which the Citral isomers were not found, did not affect the mycelial growth of the tested plant pathogens. The potency of the essential oil rich in Citral isomers, against oomycete and fungal plant pathogens is revealed
Intensive agricultural practices, prevalence of annual crops in crop rotations under simultaneous shrinking of sowing areas under perennial leguminous grasses and negative climate change have led to active soil degradation and desertification in the South of Ukraine. Fertility losses in degraded lands calls for immediate development of measures for the restoration of their productivity. The aim of the study was to develop technologies for growing highly productive perennial fodder grasses in conditions of insufficient natural moisture on degraded lands in the south of the Steppe zone of Ukraine. Field experiments were conducted under sowing cereal and leguminous perennial grasses with different duration of the plots conservation. In 1-to 5-year grass cultivation, sown with perennial leguminous grasses (alfalfa or sainfoin), the gross yield of absolutely dry matter reached 5.36-5.63 t/ha, the digestible protein yield was 0.84-0.97 t/ha. Under the long-term use (for 6-8 years), productivity of the herbages decreased. Seed inoculation of leguminous crops with symbiotic bacteria promotes increasing the productivity of grass stands and enrichment of the soil with nitrogen. Increasing the sowing area of leguminous grasses such as alfalfa and sainfoin, as well as their mixtures, combined with the use of new bio preparations, will help mitigate the catastrophic fertility losses and soil degradation in south of Ukraine, as well as reduce the impact of natural phenomena related to global and regional climate change.
A comparative study of the net energy and protein utilization of 2 groups of fattening calves from 200 to 407 days of age, which received nitrogen from different sources - urea and sunflower meal, was conducted. Newly introduced indices & bdquo;Clarc of energy distribution (CED)" and & bdquo;Clarc of protein transformation (CPT)" expressing the transformation along the chain & bdquo;net energy/intestinally digestible protein in feed - gross energy/crude protein in boneless meat", were used. The authors found a lower utilization of net energy for growth (CED = 5.78 against 7.22%), but a higher utilization of protein (CPT = 17.10 against 15.73%) in calves receiving forage protein via urea compared to those receiving it via sunflower meal.
