Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is a valuable crop utilized for the production of food, fiber, oils, and psychotropic compounds. DNA molecular markers are essential in cannabis breeding research, enabling the identification of genes associated with favorable features, evaluation of genetic diversity, clarification of genetic links, genetic mapping, and hybrid detection in germplasm. The utilization of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, a molecular marker approach, is constrained by developmental problems and the requirement for specific genomic data. Therefore, fresh approaches or resources are essential for the development of microsatellite markers for cannabis. In this study, comprehensive development of expressed sequence tag simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers was conducted to assess genetic diversity in cannabis plants and provide more valuable genetic markers. This work employed 12,907 transcribed genomic DNA sequences/expressed sequence tags to analyze the frequency of microsatellite patterns, encompassing di- to hexa-nucleotides with four to ten tandem repeats, as well as repeat counts beyond ten. We noted that as the motif lengths increased from di- to hexa-nucleotides and the number of repeats escalated from four to ten and beyond, the contexts of the motifs altered. Among the di-nucleotides, TC repeats exhibited a majority over all repeat motifs, whereas AG repeats were characterized by a higher frequency of 4 to 5 repeats relative to the other motifs. CT repeats exhibited a predominance, excluding 4, 5, and 10. The tri-nucleotide motif context CTT/AAG was the most common variant, especially in repeats ranging from nine to ten. Sixty potential microsatellite markers were constructed and evaluated at the sequence level using mined transcribed data. We examined the biological significance of motif lengths and repeat counts in the cannabis genome. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive EST-SSR resource for the cannabis transcriptome and highlights the predominance of specific microsatellite motifs in transcribed regions. The developed primer pairs represent promising candidates for future validation and application in cannabis breeding and germplasm identification.
In mandarins, which have high economic value, fruit quality is a determining factor in product sales, especially during the export process. Location-related factors (climate, soil characteristics, agricultural practices, etc.) affect yield and fruit quality in mandarins. This study investigated the fruit quality characteristics of Okitsu, Dobashi Beni, and Owari satsuma mandarin varieties at different times and locations in Adana. The study was conducted at Çukurova University Research and Application Farm (Sarıçam District) and Hadırlı (Seyhan District). The research material consisted of fruits from Okitsu, Dobashi Beni, and Owari Satsuma mandarin varieties, and the research method was pomological analysis. Randomly selected fruits were used in four different periods, in the first and second halves of September and October. Physical quality characteristics (fruit weight, diameter, length, peel thickness, and number of segments) and chemical quality characteristics (total soluble solids TSS, titratable acid TA, ripening index TSS/TA, and juice amount JA) were evaluated on the fruits. In general, fruits grown in Hadırlı tended to have higher fruit size parameters and TSS/TA ratio, whereas titratable acidity was generally lower than in Balcalı. These findings support the idea that the Hadırlı location is earlier ripening than the Balcalı location and that location has an effect on fruit quality in mandarin cultivation. The study concludes that knowing the characteristics of location in agricultural production and selecting varieties suitable for the location will contribute to increasing product quality and yield.
Bu çalışma, Akdeniz ikliminde bahar–yaz döneminde soğutma yapılmayan bir serada yetiştirilen domateste, yapraktan uygulanan Moringa oleifera yaprak ekstraktının en uygun dozunu belirlemek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Bitkisel materyal olarak Alkış F1 oval kokteyl domates çeşidi kullanılmış; kontrol ile %1, %3 ve %5 Moringa ekstraktı uygulamaları karşılaştırılmıştır. Uygulamaların verim, meyve büyüklüğü, renk, fizikokimyasal kalite, kuru madde ve biyoaktif bileşenler üzerindeki etkileri incelenmiştir. Moringa uygulamaları meyve boyu, eni, ağırlığı ve verimi önemli ölçüde artırmıştır. En yüksek verim 9493 g m⁻² ile %5 uygulamasından elde edilmiş ve kontrole göre %50.0 artış sağlanmıştır. Aynı uygulamada meyve ağırlığı %48,1, kuru madde oranı %42.0, toplam fenol %52.7, toplam flavonoid %129.7 ve vitamin C içeriği %98.2 artmıştır. Moringa uygulamaları titre edilebilir asitliği artırırken SÇKM içeriğini azaltmış; pH, EC ve b* değeri üzerinde önemli bir değişiklik oluşturmamıştır. Yüksek dozlarda L* değerinin artması ve a* değerinin azalması, meyve renginde doza bağlı değişimler meydana geldiğini göstermiştir. Hiyerarşik kümeleme analizinde kontrol uygulaması Moringa uygulamalarından ayrılırken, %3 ve 5 dozları en benzer yanıt profilini sergilemiştir. Sonuç olarak %5, maksimum verim ve biyoaktif bileşen birikimi için en etkili doz olarak belirlenmiş; %3 ise daha düşük girdi kullanımı açısından uygulanabilir bir seçenek olarak değerlendirilmiştir.
Broflanilide as a meta-diamide insecticide can effectively suppress diverse herbivorous insect pests including both chewing and piercing-sucking species. However, its integration in Integrated pest management (IPM) programs requires a thorough evaluation of potential adverse effects on beneficial organisms, particularly egg parasitoids. This study assesses the sublethal effects of a reduced concentration of broflanilide on the demographic performance of the egg parasitoid Trichogramma pintoi Voegele (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) using the age–stage, two-sex life table approach following pupal exposure. Broflanilide exposure shortened reproductive periods by reducing female and male longevity as well as oviposition (parasitism) duration. Moreover, population-level traits, including the intrinsic rate of increase ( ), net reproductive rate ( ), and finite rate of increase ( ), were significantly impaired. Conversely, doubling time (DT), gross reproductive rate (GRR), and mean generation time (T) remained unchanged following treatment. The observed decline in fecundity was primarily linked to a higher proportion of infertile females rather than reduced reproductive capacity among surviving individuals. Furthermore, age-stage survival rate ( ), reproductive value ( ), life expectancy ( ), and maternity function ( ) demonstrated negative responses to broflanilide exposure. Collectively, these results indicate that broflanilide may disrupt population establishment of T. pintoi and should be carefully evaluated when incorporated into IPM strategies involving biological control agents.
Within the framework of sustainable nutrition strategies, genetic biofortification through plant breeding is recognized as one of the most cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approaches to alleviating hidden hunger. Cowpea, owing to its high protein and mineral content, represents a promising legume crop for breeding programs aimed at improving nutritional quality. This study aimed to determine the macro and micronutrient concentrations in fresh pods of 97 local cowpea genotypes previously characterized by high agro-morphological diversity, to quantify the extent of genotypic variation, and to evaluate relationships among mineral elements. Significant differences among genotypes were detected for all mineral elements. High coefficients of variation were observed for Na, P, Fe, and Mg; moderate variation was recorded for Ca, Cu, K, Mn, and Zn; whereas N exhibited relatively low variation. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations among several mineral elements, suggesting the potential for simultaneous improvement of multiple nutritional traits through selection. The moderate to high levels of variation observed for most mineral elements other than N demonstrate the considerable nutritional diversity present within Turkish cowpea germplasm. These findings highlight the potential of this germplasm as a valuable for selecting nutrient-dense genotypes and developing biofortified cowpea cultivars with improved nutritional quality.
This study evaluated the effectiveness of different biostimulants—amino acids, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), fulvic acid, chitosan, and vermicompost—in improving the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and nutritional responses of hydroponically grown celery (Apium graveolens L.) under salt stress. Salinity markedly impaired plant performance, reducing shoot fresh weight, leaf number, leaf area, and yield by 27%, 29%, 39%, and 29%, respectively. Among the tested treatments, PGPR produced the most consistent overall response, increasing yield by 35% relative to salt-stressed plants and restoring it to a level statistically comparable with the non-saline control. PGPR also maintained leaf relative water content at 96.3% and reduced the membrane injury index from 34% under salinity to approximately 20%. Vermicompost similarly improved membrane stability and promoted the accumulation of essential macro- and micronutrients, particularly K, Mg, Fe, and Zn, although its 17% increase in yield was not statistically significant. Fulvic acid produced favorable numerical responses in total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Nitrate concentrations remained low across treatments, with a maximum value of 482 mg kg⁻¹ FW. As a result, PGPR was the most effective single biostimulant for sustaining yield, plant water status, and membrane integrity, whereas vermicompost provided complementary benefits by improving mineral nutrition and physiological resilience under salinity.
This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the chemical composition, phenolic profile, antioxidant activity, and color characteristics of ‘Hicaznar’ (Punica granatum L.) fruits grown in four distinct ecological regions of Adana (İmamoğlu, Feke, Kozan, Sarıçam) in Türkiye. Sugar profiling revealed significant location-dependent differences, with the Kozan population exhibiting the highest glucose (6.64 g 100 g-1), fructose (7.59 g 100 g-1), and total sugar contents (15.12 g 100 g-1), whereas Sarıçam showed the highest sucrose concentration (0.83 g 100 g-1). Fructose and glucose were the dominant soluble sugars in ‘Hicaznar’ regardless of growing location, with Kozan samples. Citric and malic acids were the predominant organic acids in all samples, whereas succinic and ascorbic acids were detected at considerably lower concentrations. The highest citric acid content was recorded in Sarıçam (0.12 g 100 g-1), while Kozan exhibited the greatest malic acid concentration (0.11 g 100 g-1). Overall, the Kozan region demonstrated the most favorable sugar-acid balance, while regional ecological factors exerted a strong influence on the biochemical and physical properties of ‘Hicaznar’ fruit.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the soil fertility status of wheat and alfalfa fields in the Gevaş district of Van Province. To this end, a total of 48 composite soil samples were collected from 24 fields at depths of 0-30 and 30-60 cm. Soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured in soil-water suspensions; texture, organic matter, calcium carbonate, P, N, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn contents were determined using analysis methods specific to each parameter. Soil pH values ranged from 7.52 to 8.76, EC values from 0.072 to 0.450 dS m-1, organic matter contents from 0.58% to 3.17%, and calcium carbonate contents from 3.85% to 31.03%. The observed EC values did not indicate a salinity-related concern under the adopted soil-water suspension measurement conditions; however, no formal salinity class was assigned. Of the soil samples, 81.3% were very low or low in organic matter, 77.1% were classified as highly or very highly calcareous, and 85.4% were in the very low or low class for both available P and Zn. After correcting for the false discovery rate, it was determined that the pH value at a depth of 30-60 cm was significantly higher than that at a depth of 0-30 cm (q=0.023). In contrast, no significant differences were detected between wheat and alfalfa fields for any of the measured variables (q≥0.870). In the Spearman correlation analysis, conducted separately for each depth layer and adjusted using the Benjamini-Hochberg correction, it was determined that organic matter in the 0-30 and 30-60 cm layers showed strong positive correlations with N (ρ=0.928 and 0.979) and P (ρ=0.684 and 0.818), respectively. In both depth layers, no significant correlation was found between P or Zn and pH or CaCO3 (q>0.05). The findings provide a basic dataset regarding soil fertility in wheat and alfalfa fields in the Gevaş district at both the depth and sample levels; they indicate that P, Zn, and organic matter should be prioritized in future soil fertility monitoring studies.
Egg weight loss during storage is driven mainly by the loss of water and carbon dioxide through the eggshell pores and is an essential measure of freshness and commercial value. Moulded-pulp egg boxes form the immediate microenvironment around the eggs, and their hygroscopic properties may affect moisture transfer and, in turn, egg weight loss. This study assessed six commercial moulded-pulp egg box products (four per box type) in 30-cell and 15-cell configurations under uniform conditions (25 °C and 60% relative humidity). Boxes were kept both filled and empty, and egg and box weights were recorded on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. Egg weight loss increased with storage duration in all treatments, whereas box brand significantly affected both egg weight loss and moisture absorption (p<0.001). After 28 days, brand C showed the lowest egg weight loss in both the 30-cell (3.12%) and 15-cell (2.73%) boxes, whereas brand A showed the greatest moisture absorption. These results suggest that variations in the hygroscopic characteristics of moulded-pulp egg boxes can influence moisture migration and egg weight loss during storage. Selecting egg boxes with suitable moisture transfer characteristics could help preserve freshness and reduce economic losses in commercial egg storage.
Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) fruits are highly perishable after harvest owing to their delicate structure and high respiration rate. This study evaluated the effects of melatonin (MEL; 100 and 200 µmol L-1) and chitosan (CS; 1%, w/v), applied alone or in combination, on the postharvest quality, bioactive compounds, and oxidative stability of 'Chester' blackberries. Treated and control fruits were stored at 0±1ºC and 90-95% relative humidity for 12 days. During storage, weight loss increased, whereas titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content (SSC), total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant capacity generally decreased; fruit flesh firmness followed a non-linear and treatment-dependent pattern. At the end of storage, 200 µmol L-1 MEL limited weight loss to 1.75% (control: 3.46%), while MEL treatments contributed to preserving total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and total antioxidant capacity and to reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) content. CS containing treatments maintained fruit flesh firmness; at the end of storage, fruit flesh firmness was 5.60 N with 1% CS+200 µmol L-1 MEL (control: 3.27 N), while MDA content was 97.35 nmol g-1 FW with 1% CS (control: 145.87 nmol g-1 FW). CS+MEL combinations resulted in higher L*, a*, and chroma values, whereas 200 µmol L-1 MEL maintained total antioxidant capacity at 65.16 µmol TE g-1 FW at the end of storage. Overall, MEL and CS treatments delayed postharvest quality losses, while their combined use may provide a promising approach for maintaining blackberry quality under the tested storage conditions.
The present study aimed to determine the effects of nutrient solution (NS) and unsupplemented aquaponic effluent water (AE) on the growth, yield, and quality characteristics of coriander in a hydroponic NFT system. Coriander seeds were sown in peat in styrofoam trays and germinated for 10 days under controlled conditions. Seedlings were acclimatized in a greenhouse and, at the two true-leaf stage, transplanted into net pots placed in NFT channels. Plants were cultivated hydroponically for 31 days until harvest. In NFT system three channels were irrigated with a nutrient solution (control), while the other three channels were irrigated with unsupplemented aquaponic effluent water. Five tilapia fish were used in the aquaponic system and they were fed a maximum of 5 g feed day-1. Following a single harvest, growth, yield, and quality characteristics of the plants were evaluated. Data from an experimental and not fully stabilized aquaponic system have shown that it is possible to grow coriander in a water culture system using only fish waste; however, reductions were observed in plant growth, yield, and some quality parameters. Agromorphological parameters and total yield were all higher in the NS treatment. No significant differences were observed between NS and AE in terms of vitamin C and nitrate contents; however, leaf chlorophyll content was higher in the NS. Leaf yellowing was observed in the AE. It was also determined that the EC of the water in the AE was lower, while the pH was higher compared to the control. The observed differences do not necessarily indicate the superiority of the hydroponic NFT system over aquaponic production systems. Rather, these differences can be attributed to variations in the quantity and composition of nutrients supplied by the standard hydroponic NS compared with the AE. Overall, the findings demonstrate that leafy greens with short cultivation cycles can be successfully grown in aquaponic systems without additional nutrient supplementation, highlighting the considerable potential of aquaponics for sustainable agriculture. However, effective plant nutrient management is of critical importance for achieving satisfactory crop growth and productivity in aquaponic systems.
Walnut (Juglans regia L.) fertilization requires the joint interpretation of orchard age, expected yield, soil fertility, leaf nutrient status, irrigation-water quality and soil texture. This study developed and verified Version 1.1.2 of a multilingual, rule-based web decision support system. A rule-based design was selected because the available source set provides diagnostic thresholds and management guidance but no field-calibrated training data, whereas explicit rules permit traceable calculations, boundary testing and cross-language equivalence checks. The macronutrient module combines author-defined age-specific base values, yield-related nutrient removal, leaf N, P and K factors, soil Olsen P and exchangeable K factors, and a heuristic age modifier. Analytical input requirements were standardized for soil-water measurements, Olsen P, neutral ammonium-acetate exchangeable bases and dry-matter leaf analysis. Five orchard scenarios generated 6.7-19.9 kg N da⁻¹, 5.1-13.9 kg P₂O₅ da⁻¹ and 13.0-43.5 kg K₂O da⁻¹. Automated Chromium testing comprised 105 assertions covering scenario-language equivalence, boundary behavior, rejection of non-positive pH and leaf values, soft plausibility warnings, stage-based scheduling, fertilizer conversion and localization; all tests passed. The exact base rates and correction factors remain author-defined prototype parameters, and sensitivity analysis showed that suppressing the age modifier would increase affected scenario outputs by 9.1-25.0%. The tool should therefore be treated as a transparent research prototype until independent linguistic review, regional calibration and field validation are completed.
This study investigated the effects of five irrigation levels (M0, M25, M50, M75 and M100) on grain yield, grain quality traits (crude protein, crude cellulose, crude ash, NDF and ADF), water use efficiency and yield–water relations of five grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) cultivars (GAP Mavisi, Karadağ, İptaş, Eren and Gürbüz) under the semi-arid conditions of Central Anatolia. The experiment was conducted under drip irrigation in a split-plot design with three replications, with irrigation levels assigned to main plots and cultivars to subplots. Irrigation significantly increased grain yield, which rose from 1302 kg ha⁻¹ under rainfed conditions (M0) to 2304 kg ha⁻¹ under full irrigation (M100). Crude protein, crude cellulose, crude ash, NDF and ADF increased relatively under water deficit, revealing a distinct yield–quality trade-off. The irrigation × cultivar interaction was significant for grain yield and ADF, indicating that cultivars differed in their response to water supply. Seasonal crop evapotranspiration (ET) increased from 142 mm at M0 to 393 mm at M100, whereas water use efficiency (WUE) reached its highest value under water deficit. The FAO-33 yield response factor was determined as ky=0.66 (<1), demonstrating that grass pea is relatively tolerant to water deficit. The findings indicate that moderate deficit irrigation is a suitable strategy for Central Anatolia, where water resources are limited, providing acceptable yields together with substantial water savings.
Sugar bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume species in Türkiye due to its high nutritional value and wide adaptability. Identifying regionally adapted sugar bean genotypes with high yield potential is crucial for breeding programs. This study was conducted to evaluate the agronomic performance of different sugar bean genotypes grown under Konya conditions and to identify superior genotypes. The experiment was carried out in Konya during the 2024 and 2025 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. A total of 10 sugar bean genotypes, consisting of six pure lines, three local populations, and one registered cultivar, were evaluated for several agronomic traits. The obtained data were analyzed using combined analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA). The results indicated that year and genotype effects were significant for most of the traits examined. The genotypes Beyaz Toparlak and Mor Toparlak exhibited the highest performance in terms of plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and grain yield. The highest grain yields were recorded for Mor Toparlak (291.73 kg da⁻¹) and Beyaz Toparlak (291.12 kg da⁻¹), followed by the Derebucak genotype at 275.50 kg da⁻¹. Correlation analysis revealed that grain yield was most strongly associated with the number of seeds per pod (r=0.85), number of pods per plant (r=0.79), and number of seeds per plant (r=0.78). The PCA results further confirmed the decisive role of reproductive traits in yield formation. Beyaz Toparlak, Mor Toparlak, and Derebucak genotypes were distinguished by their high yield potential and superior agronomic performance. Therefore, these genotypes are recommended as potential parental material for future bean breeding programs, and their performance should be validated under different environmental conditions through multi-location trials.
Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de tarım makineleri üretiminde deney raporu alan firma sayısı bakımından dördüncü sırada yer alan ve sektörel açıdan stratejik bir merkez niteliği taşıyan Tekirdağ ilinde, tarım makineleri imalat sektörünün dijitalleşme, inovasyon olgunluğu ve rekabet edebilirliğini firma ölçeğinde değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırma verileri, bölgede faaliyet gösteren mikro ve küçük ölçekli işletmelerden, firma ortamında gerçekleştirilen yüz yüze görüşmeler ve anket formları aracılığıyla elde edilmiştir. Çalışmanın çerçevesi; üretim altyapısı, Tarım 4.0/5.0 bileşenleri, finansmana erişim ve insan kaynağı yetkinlikleri ekseninde analiz ve olgunluk sınıflaması yaklaşımına dayanmaktadır. Bulgular, üretim süreçlerinin ağırlıklı olarak yarı otomatik ve manuel yöntemlerle yürütüldüğünü; bu yapının teknoloji yatırımlarını sınırlayarak yenilik kapasitesini zayıflatan “düşük yatırım/düşük inovasyon/düşük rekabet” döngüsünü beslediğini göstermektedir. Temel kısıtlar; nitelikli teknik personel eksikliği, yüksek girdi maliyetleri ve teknolojik altyapı yetersizlikleridir. Dijital olgunluk değerlendirmesi, işletmelerin çoğunluğunun “Başlangıç-Gelişim” bandında (%69.5) konumlandığını ve dijitalleşme önceliklerinin pazarlama-satış otomasyonu ile IoT tabanlı üretim izleme uygulamalarında yoğunlaştığını ortaya koymaktadır. Finansman boyutunda yüksek kredi maliyetleri, öz kaynak yetersizliği, destek mekanizmalarındaki bürokratik yük ve kurumsal kapasite eksikliği temel bariyerlerdir. Sonuç olarak çalışma, küresel rekabetçilik için pazar yönelimli dijital kabiliyetler ile üretim sahası otomasyonunu eş zamanlı ölçekleyen çift yönlü dönüşüm stratejisine; ayrıca üniversite-sanayi iş birliği, bölgesel kümelenme ve Ar-Ge/inovasyon süreçlerine uygun finansman araçlarına ihtiyaç bulunduğunu ve politika tasarımında bu bileşenlerin bütünleşik ele alınması gerektiğini öncelikli gereksinim olarak göstermektedir.
Wing shape provides an important source of morphological information for evaluating population differentiation in honey bees, but the extent of geographic variation relative to allometry and within-population variation remains unclear. This study examined forewing shape and size variation in 1.040 honey bee (Apis mellifera) specimens collected from seven locations in Türkiye. Nineteen homologous landmarks were digitized and analysed using Generalized Procrustes Analysis, Procrustes ANOVA, allometric models, and clustering, and reduced landmark-displacement features were used to assess individual-level geographic assignment. Overall forewing size, measured as centroid size, did not differ significantly among locations (ANOVA: F₆,₁₀₃₃=0.89, P=0.502; Kruskal–Wallis: P=0.483). In contrast, forewing shape differed significantly among locations (Procrustes ANOVA: F₆,₁₀₃₃=3.06, Z=6.84, P=0.001), although the geographic effect was small, explaining only 1.75% of total shape variation. Allometry explained a larger proportion of shape variation (R²=4.83%, P=0.001), while the size × location interaction was not significant (P=0.072). Ward hierarchical clustering suggested two broad shape groups, but these were not meaningfully associated with geographic origin (Cramér's V=0.058, P=0.739). Individual-level geographic assignment based on reduced landmark-displacement features was limited, with the highest test accuracy reaching 27.6%, only marginally above the majority-class baseline of approximately 26.6%. Together, these results indicate that the sampled honey bee populations from seven locations in Türkiye show statistically detectable but biologically modest location-associated variation in forewing shape, which is outweighed by allometric and within-population variation and is insufficient for reliable individual-level geographic assignment.
The objective of this study was to determine the energy balance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the production of Turkish oregano (Origanum onites L.; locally known as kekik) under semi-arid Central Anatolian conditions. The total energy input was calculated as 11.325.70 MJ ha⁻¹, of which diesel fuel (67.77%) and chemical fertilizers (16.97%) jointly accounted for almost 85%, followed by machinery (10.06%), human labour (3.12%) and irrigation water (3.10%). The corresponding energy output, computed on a dry-herbage basis, reached 45.456.00 MJ ha⁻¹, yielding an energy use efficiency of 4.01, a specific energy of 0.57 MJ kg⁻¹, an energy productivity of 1.77 kg MJ⁻¹ and a net energy of 34.130.30 MJ ha⁻¹. Of the total energy input, 73.98% was direct and 26.02% indirect, while 93.79% originated from non-renewable and only 6.21% from renewable sources. Total GHG emissions amounted to 488.11 kg CO₂eq ha⁻¹, equivalent to 0.02 kg CO₂eq kg⁻¹ of fresh herbage, with diesel fuel (77.07%) and tractor and machinery (14.91%) identified as the dominant emission sources. These results indicate that, under the examined conditions, oregano production is governed primarily by fuel-related (direct, non-renewable) energy rather than by fertilizer inputs. Owing to its drought tolerance, modest fertilizer requirement and favourable energy and emission indicators, Turkish oregano represents an environmentally sound and water-thrifty alternative crop for water-limited, semi-arid Central Anatolian agriculture.
Erciş district of Van province. For this purpose, plant and soil samples were collected in five replicates from selected village areas according to a random plots experimental design. Soil samples were analysed for texture, pH, lime, salt, and organic matter, while macro- and microelement concentrations were determined in both wheat plant and soil samples. The data were evaluated using regression and principal component analysis (PCA). Regression results showed that increased soil organic matter was positively associated with plant nitrogen, protein, and iron contents. In contrast, high lime content and alkaline pH conditions may restrict micronutrient availability to plants. PCA results indicated that Bayramlı and Çelebibağ villages were characterised by high lime content and pH values. In Uncular village, organic matter, soil nitrogen, plant Fe, and protein content were grouped on the same component, suggesting that higher organic matter and nitrogen levels may enhance Fe and protein accumulation in plants. This also indicates relatively favourable soil fertility and plant nutrition conditions in this village. However, plant analyses revealed nitrogen and potassium deficiencies in wheat samples. The findings suggest that farmyard manure, compost, green manuring, organic liquid fertilisers containing humic and fulvic acids, and microbial fertilisers may improve nitrogen and potassium nutrition by increasing soil organic matter. In addition, organic material applications may enhance the availability of micronutrients such as Zn and Mn in high-pH and calcareous soils.
Efficient irrigation scheduling requires timely decisions based on the temporal behavior of soil water availability. This study developed and evaluated a real-time framework for predicting irrigation start threshold timing using soil moisture sensor data and adaptive trend-based models. Soil moisture data were collected at 20-min intervals from a sensor installed at 30 cm soil depth in an olive orchard at the Olive Research Institute, Bornova-İzmir, during May 5th - August 31st, 2021. After preprocessing, wetting and drying periods were identified using a slope-angle-based segmentation approach. 18 drying periods were detected and used for model evaluation. During each active drying period, the remaining time to reach the observed threshold was continuously estimated using adaptive linear models with fixed base windows (Base10, Base20, Base30, and Base40), a full-period linear model (All-Lin), and an automatic quadratic-to-linear model selection approach (AutoQL). Model performance was evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), bias, stability, and a combined total score. Statistical differences among models were tested using the Friedman test, followed by Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Holm-adjusted p-values and rank-biserial correlation effect sizes. Results showed that AutoQL achieved the lowest mean MAE, RMSE, stability, and total score, while All-Lin produced the highest number of period wins for several metrics. Both AutoQL and All-Lin significantly differed from Base10-40 models. The findings suggest that simple adaptive trend-based models can provide useful short-term estimates of irrigation start threshold time from soil moisture data without requiring complex evapotranspiration or weather-based forecasting inputs.
This study investigates the educational value of a patent-oriented project-based learning (PBL) approach implemented within an undergraduate engineering design course. The intervention was embedded in an Agricultural Machinery Design course during the 2024-2025 academic year and involved 12 senior students enrolled in a Biosystems Engineering program. A qualitative-dominant single-case mixed-methods design was adopted, integrating descriptive survey data with qualitative evidence obtained from structured open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The results suggest that the patent-oriented PBL activity was perceived as a beneficial learning experience, particularly in fostering creative thinking, innovation awareness, technical communication, and professional responsibility. Students reported gains in the use of technical terminology, understanding of engineering design processes, and appreciation of teamwork. Qualitative findings also revealed recurring challenges in patent writing, especially regarding novelty assessment, technical drawing, and group coordination. Despite these challenges, students emphasized substantial learning gains, including a clearer understanding of the patent system, the distinction between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and the value of collaborative problem-solving. Given the small sample size and single-course context, the findings should be interpreted as context-specific, but they provide practical insights for educators seeking to integrate innovation-oriented and patent-related activities into engineering design courses.
