Tesi sul tema "Dry Matter Content (DMC)"

Herbivores have a significant role in tundra ecosystem composition and processes. They can cause changes of vegetation composition and nutrient content that result in altered palatability of the vegetation and food availability for herbivores. The direct effect of herbivores on plant quality and quantity have been studied in detail, and recent studies have shown that present vegetation composition and soil processes might show legacies of historical grazing a century ago. This raises the question if historical grazing also has a legacy on the palatability of the vegetation. In this study, I investigated if the quality of the vegetation of the Historical Milking Grounds (HMGs) heavily grazed up until a century ago is still under influence a century after the heavy grazing has ceased. I focused on the nitrogen content and digestibility of the vegetation, since these should be two independent measures of food quality which, when evaluated together, should give a good estimate of the quality of the forage.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Agriculture)) --University of Limpopo, 2008
Maize is a dominant crop in smallholder farming systems in the Limpopo province of South Africa, generally cultivated as intercrop with grain legumes. The major constraint in this cropping system is inadequate soil moisture during the growing season, which also limits nutrient availability to the component crops. The minimum tillage system has been reported to improve soil moisture availability on farmers’ fields but this has not yet been verified in an intercropping system in the province. The objective of this study was to quantify grain yield and chlorophyll production of intercropped maize, and to assess seasonal moisture availability under minimum tillage (MT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems. Dryland field experiments were conducted at two locations in the province namely, farmer’s field at Dalmada in 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 growing seasons and at the University of Limpopo Experimental farm at Syferkuil during the 2003/2004. The experimental design was a randomized complete block in split plot arrangement at all locations and seasons. Tillage systems consisting of conventional tillage and minimum tillage were the main plot treatments, whereas five different cropping systems namely, sole maize, and maize intercrop with cowpea (variety, Bechuana White), cowpea (variety, Agripers), Lablab bean (variety, Rongai) and Velvet bean were assigned as sub-plot treatments. Maize grain yield in 2002/2003 at Dalmada was significantly lower (357 kg/ha) under CT relative to 755kg/ha under MT. In 2003/2004 at Dalmada, grain yields under the two systems were similar, where as at Syferkuil, 15% higher grain yield results was obtained under MT. Minimum tillage systems resulted in higher number of maize cobs per plant at Dalmada in both growing seasons and weight per cob was higher under MT at both locations and seasons. At Dalmada, significantly higher soil moisture was recorded under the MT relative to the CT depending on depth and sampling dates. Chlorophyll content of the youngest fully expanded leaves of maize was generally higher under MT than CT, but this was observed only at the later stages of plant growth. The results also showed that the rate of senescence (reduced chlorophyll content in older leaves) was higher in maize plants grown under CT relative to those under MT. The minimum tillage system has shown the potential of being a superior system for dryland maize production, but further research involving additional locations is required to ascertain this fact.

Mestrado em Engenharia Zootécnica - Produção Animal - Instituto Superior de Agronomia / Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária
This work was developed to study the influences of the mixing process in the physical and chemical composition of the TMR for dairy cows. Three mixing processes were studied: the “Control”, characterized by keeping the parameters already used on the dairy farm, particularly the order of entry in the blender and the beginning of the mixture (ration, hay – starting mixture, silage and water), the “Process A”, which changed the beginning of the mix for the moment it enters the silage, maintaining the order of entry described above, and “Process B”, which changes the order of entry in the blender (ration, silage – starting mixture, hay and water). The particle size of the mixture was analyzed by the “Penn Separator” method, the chemical composition (CP, Lipids, Starch, CF, NDF, ADF and Ash) by the NIRS and the dry matter content in an oven. The particle size parameters and NDF content were not appropriate in any of the mixing processes, but “Process A” proved to be the most beneficial, not worsening the particle size and allowing the saving of time and possibly of fuel. In all processes the dry matter content was adequate and uniform, which shows that the mixing times were correct.

Africa's miombo woodlands constitute one of the most important dry tropical forests on earth, yet the hydraulic function of these woodlands remains poorly researched. Given the current predictions of increased aridity by the end of this century in the miombo ecoregion, understanding the likely response of miombo woodlands tree species to water stress is crucial in planning adaptation strategies. Predicting the response of miombo woodlands to future climate trends is hampered by a lack of knowledge on the physiology of the common miombo woodlands tree species. In particular, plant-water relations for this woodlands type are not well understood. An understanding of plant-water relations for this woodlands type will provide insights into how water limits tree species distribution in this ecosystem. This will also improve our prediction model on the likely response of this ecosystem to predicted climate change. For this reason, the overall objective of this research was to evaluate the hydraulic architecture and xylem vulnerability to cavitation for nine principal miombo woodlands tree species differing in drought tolerance ability and habitat preference. This was achieved by; examining the hydraulic properties and evaluating the extent to which each hydraulic design was vulnerable to water stress-induced xylem cavitation; investigating how seasonal changes in plant-water relations influences seasonal patterns of leaf display and; analyzing the relationship between stem hydraulic supply and leaf functional traits related to drought tolerance ability. This research has found that drought-intolerant tree species with mesic specialization have more efficient stem hydraulic systems than co-occurring habitat broad ranging species. Broad ranging tree species attain wider habitat distribution by adjusting their hydraulic supply in response to changing ecosystem water availability. The finding that hydraulic properties differ significantly between tree species with contrasting habitat preference suggests that tree hydraulic design may have some adaptive ecological role in influencing species habitat preferences in miombo woodlands. The evaluation of xylem vulnerability to cavitation revealed that mesic specialized tree species were more vulnerable to water stress-induced cavitation than habitat broad ranging tree species. Vulnerability to cavitation in individuals from the same broad-ranging species growing in contrasting habitats showed only marginal and statistically insignificant (P > 0.05) differences between wet and dry sites. In the investigation of the influence of seasonal changes in stem water relations on seasonal leaf display, seasonal rhythms in stem water status were found to exert significant controls on leaf phenology. Mesic specialists had strong stem water controls throughout the year in comparison to broad ranging tree species. An analysis of the relationship between stem hydraulic supply and leaf functional traits suggests that stem hydraulic supply constrains leaf biomass allocation patterns among miombo tree species. Mesic specialists tend to invest more in leaf longevity than broad ranging tree species. This thesis has uncovered some interesting relationships between plant-water-relations and the distribution of miombo woodlands tree species. These results lead to the conclusion that in an event of increased ecosystem drying under future climate trends, tree species with mesic specialisation are at a greater risk of experiencing cavitation related species mortality than broad ranging ones.

This Master’s Thesis deals with a question of the current methods of treatment of sewage sludge. The main objective is to compare the financial cost of conventional drying with solar drying. In the first part is described process of the treatment sludge and its disposal options. The Thesis also describes different methods of drying sewage sludge.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
This study was conducted in the city of Restinga Sêca, RS, with the objective to analyze the productivity, quality, botanical composition and biological characteristics of native pasture in response to fertilization and water availability. The fertilization increased native pastures productivity. The dry matter total accumulation rate, at dry or wet area, both fertilized, was 102 kg/ha/day. In the same areas, not fertilized, was 47 and 41 kg/ha/day, respectively. For green matter, the fertilization also increased the productivity, reaching accumulation rates of 70 and 93 kg/ha/day for dry and wet areas, respectively. In these not fertilized areas, the rates were 29 and 25 kg/ha/day. Furthermore, increased nitrogen and crude protein rates in plant tissues and mineral matter quantity in the plots. Water availability influenced on pasture components, as the water availability was increased, lower amount of components such as strait leaf, broad leaf and legumes and higher amount of neutral detergent fiber in tissues were observed, especially in spring period. Fertilization as well as water availability decreased the wealth of species, causing domination of some species already adapted to these conditions. Two functional groups were formed with vegetal biological characteristics, a group of capture of resources, with a high specific leaf area (SLA) (26) and low dry matter content (DMC) (234), composed by Paspalum pumilum, Paspalum urvillei, Paspalum pauciciliatum, Axonopus affinis and Setaria glauca. The other group is the conservation of resources, low SLA (21) and high DMC (323), composed by Paspalum notatum and Andropogon lateralis.
O presente trabalho foi realizado em área de pastagem natural no município de Restinga Sêca, RS, e teve como objetivos analisar a produtividade, qualidade, composição botânica e os atributos biológicos vegetais da pastagem natural em resposta à adubação e à disponibilidade hídrica. A adubação aumentou a produtividade da pastagem nativa. A taxa de acúmulo de MS Total tanto na área seca como na úmida, ambas adubadas foi de 102 kg/ha/dia. Nas mesmas áreas, não-adubadas, foi de 47 e 41 kg/ha/dia, respectivamente. Com relação ao material verde, a adubação também aumentou a produtividade chegando a taxas de acúmulo diária de 70 e 93 kg/ha para área seca e úmida, respectivamente, nessas áreas não-adubadas, as taxas foram de 29 e 25 kg/ha/dia. Além disso, aumentou o índice de nitrogênio e de PB nos tecidos vegetais e a quantidade de MM nas parcelas. A disponibilidade hídrica influenciou nos componentes da pastagem, quanto maior a disponibilidade de água, menor a quantidade de componentes como folha estreita, folha larga e leguminosas e maior a quantidade de FDN nos tecidos, principalmente no período de primavera. Tanto a adubação como a maior disponibilidade hídrica diminuíram a riqueza de espécies, fazendo com que algumas espécies adaptadas a essas condições dominassem a comunidade. Formaram-se dois grupos funcionais a partir dos atributos biológicos vegetais, um grupo de captura de recursos, com alta AFE (26) e baixo TMS (234), onde fazem parte as espécies Paspalum pumilum, Paspalum urvillei, Paspalum pauciciliatum, Axonopus affinis e Setaria glauca. O outro grupo é de conservação de recursos, com baixa AFE (21) e alto TMS (323), onde Paspalum notatum e Andropogon lateralis foram as espécies agrupadas.

A mudança nos hábitos dos brasileiros, optando por consumir alimentos prontos, tem estimulado o crescimento das indústrias nacionais. Neste cenário, o processamento industrial da batata é uma forma de agregação de valor à hortaliça e retorno financeiro ao produtor, visto que a matéria-prima destinada à indústria apresenta maior valor no mercado. O segmento da batata-palha, por exigir baixo investimento, tem se fortalecido. Porém, para sua consolidação é imprescindível o desenvolvimento de pesquisas visando ampliar as alternativas de materiais genéticos disponíveis aos produtores e processadores de batata-palha. O objetivo da pesquisa foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico e industrial de cultivares de batata em três ambientes de cultivo nas condições edafoclimáticas do Sul do estado de Minas Gerais; avaliando o desempenho destas quanto a produtividade e adequação ao processamento na forma de batatapalha. As cultivares avaliadas foram: Caruso, Destiny, Excelence, Fontane, Markies e Saviola. O experimento foi conduzido no período de dezembro de 2012 a maio de 2013, nas condições ambientais de Gonçalves, Lambari e Nova Resende. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos (cultivares), quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas características de produção total, comercial, de tubérculos grandes, médios, pequenos e porcentagem de refugos em relação à produção total; de qualidade para fritura como conteúdo de matéria seca e de açúcares redutores, rendimento de fritura, cor após a fritura e a absorção de gordura pela batata frita e aplicados os testes sensoriais afetivo de aceitação através de escala hedônica estruturada e de preferência por ordenação. Observou-se diferença no desempenho das cultivares entre os ambientes de cultivo. \'Caruso\' e \'Destiny\' foram as que mais se destacaram na maioria dos atributos avaliados.
The change in the Brazilian consumers\' habits, preferring prepared foodstuff, have been stimulating the growing of the national food industries. In this scenario, the industrial processing of potatoes is a good option to aggregate value to this crop and increase the financial feedback of the producers. The shoestring potato segment is being strengthened because it demands low investment. However, for its consolidation is vital the development of researches aiming to expand the alternatives of genetic materials available for the shoestring potato producers and processors. Our aim in this work was to study different potatoes genotypes in three farming environments under the edaphoclimatics conditions of the South region of Minas Gerais State (Brazil) and the performance and adequacy of these genotypes for fried processing of shoestring potato. The cultivars evaluated were: Caruso, Destiny, Excelence, Fontane, Markies and Saviola. The assessment was conducted from December 2012 to May 2013 in Gonçalves, Lambari and Nova Resende districts. The experimental design was in random blocks with six treatments and four replicates. Besides the total and commercial production, also were evaluated the production of large, medium and small tubers; fry quality and yield were based on dry matter content, free sugars levels, color after fried and fat absorption by the fried potatoes. Affective sensory acceptance tests were applied using the structured hedonic scale and the preference for ordination. Differences in the performances among the cultivars and farming environments were observed. \"Caruso\" and \"Destiny\" outstand in all the attributes assessed.

The target of the first part of this diploma thesis is focused on the problems relating to the sludge production from the wastewater treatment plant and subsequent sludge treatment. Wastewater treatment plant and individual processes from the sludge management are described. The process of the sludge dewatering is described more extensively. Various methods of the dewatering and materials balance are described, too. The second part of this thesis is based on the experiment which took place on wastewater treatment plant Tetčice. The influence of the polymeric organic flocculant dosing on the sludge dewatering was monitored by this experiment. Dependence of the sludge dry matter and filtrate suspended solids content on the specific amount of flocculant was evaluated from experiment’s outputs. Using materials balance and outputs of the experiment, economical balance was made. It made possible to choose the most economic and technologically optimal way of the sludge dewatering on wastewater treatment plant Tetčice.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Plant functional types defined from morphological attributes are fundamental to understanding functioning of grasslands communities. Thus, to build a classification based solely on grasses (family of greater biomass contribution), it is necessary for increasing the knowledge about complex ecosystems. This work aims to characterize vegetation dynamics by species and by functional types of grasses of two RS physiographic regions (Depressão Central-Santa Maria and Campanha-Bagé) under different managements. The evaluated treatments were: natural pasture and natural pasture overseeded with cool season species (Bagé) and natural pasture submitted to burning and grazing treatments (Santa Maria). For this, permanent transects were used in order to represent the different communities at paddock level. Vegetation dynamics was evaluated using procedures of BOTANAL method. Tillers of grasses with contributions exceeding 3% of total aboveground biomass were collected for subsequent measurement of the attributes specific leaf area (AFE) and leaves dry matter content (TMS). Burned treatments presented greater contribution of Andropogon lateralis, while in grazed treatments there was a greater species diversity. Introduction of cool season species combined with fertilizer promotes an increase of species characterized by resources´ capture. TMS was more stable for species linked to capturing resources strategy and AFE was more robust for species characterized by resources conservation. Therefore, until a regional data basis were developed, it is recommended to use both attributes for future research.
Tipos funcionais de plantas definidos a partir de atributos morfológicos são fundamentais para o entendimento do funcionamento de comunidades campestres. Desta maneira, a construção de uma tipologia baseada apenas em gramíneas (família de maior contribuição), torna-se necessária para o avanço do conhecimento sobre ecossistemas complexos. Este trabalho tem por objetivo caracterizar duas regiões fisiográficas do RS (Depressão Central-Santa Maria e Campanha-Bagé) sob distintos manejos quanto à dinâmica vegetacional por espécies e por tipos funcionais de gramíneas. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: pastagem natural e pastagem natural com introdução de espécies hibernais (Bagé) e pastagem natural submetida a tratamentos de queima e pastejo (Santa Maria). Para isto, foram dispostas transectas fixas de modo a representar as diferentes comunidades em nível de potreiro. Foi avaliada a dinâmica vegetacional utilizando os procedimentos do método BOTANAL. Foram coletados afilhos das gramíneas com contribuição superior a 3% da biomassa aérea total para posterior medida dos atributos área foliar específica (AFE) e teor de matéria seca da folha (TMS). Os tratamentos queimados tiveram maior contribuição de Andropogon lateralis, enquanto nos tratamentos pastejados houve uma maior diversidade de espécies. A introdução de espécies de estação fria, aliada à adubação, promove um acréscimo das espécies caracterizadas por captura de recursos. O TMS se mostrou mais estável para espécies ligadas à estratégia de captura de recursos e a AFE mais robusta para as espécies caracterizadas pela conservação de recursos. Por tanto, até que se desenvolva uma base regional de dados, recomenda-se que futuras pesquisas continuem a utilizar os dois atributos.

Destacam-se as semelhanças entre os nutrientes boro (B) e cálcio (Ca) quanto às formas e as funções que eles exercem nos vegetais. Partindo do princípio que a interação Ca - B afeta os atributos morfológicos, ultraestruturais e bioquímicos, bem como a nodulação nas plantas leguminosas, objetivou-se com esse estudo determinar a relação Ca:B mais adequada para a produção de grãos e matéria seca de soja, bem como avaliar os efeitos da interação B e Ca na fixação biológica de N2 (atividade da nitrogenase -N-ase [EC 1.18.6.1]), na morfologia de raízes (comprimento e superfície total), anatomia de raízes (nódulos) e de folhas, assim como as avaliações ultraestruturais dos mesófilos foliares, rendimento do teor de óleo nos grãos das plantas de soja (cultivar BRS 284), crescidas em solução nutritiva. Foram avaliadas ainda a produção de massa seca das plantas, as concentrações e os acúmulos de Ca, B, Mg, K e N na parte aérea e raízes. Foi empregado um esquema fatorial 5² incompleto, perfazendo treze combinações de doses de Ca (mmol L-1) e B (µmol L-1), as quais foram distribuídas segundo o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. As maiores atividades da N-ase foram obtidas com as maiores doses de Ca e B (7,25 mmol L-1 de Ca e 50 µmol L-1 de B). A menor dose de Ca resultou na inibição da N-ase em cerca de 90%. Os maiores comprimentos e superfícies totais de raízes foram obtidos na combinação de doses de 7,25Ca e 12,5B, enquanto que para a combinação das menores doses de Ca e B observou-se uma redução de cerca de 70% e 60% para comprimento e superficial de raízes, respectivamente. A maior produção de biomassa seca das plantas e de grãos, os maiores acúmulos de Ca, B, N, K e Mg nas folhas e o maior rendimento de óleo foram obtidos com o fornecimento de 4,25 mmol L-1 de Ca e 12,5 µmol L-1 de B, observando-se relação Ca:B na solução nutritiva próxima de 350:1 e nas folhas de 700:1. O teor de óleo nos grãos incrementou cerca de 20% com o aumento das doses de B de 3,125 para 50 µmol L 1. O número de camadas de células do córtex dos nódulos aumentou com o incremento das concentrações de Ca e B na solução. Observou-se ruptura da membrana dos cloroplastos no mesófilo foliar e elevado número de bactérias fixadoras de N2 penetrando o interior dos tecidos nodulares quando as plantas foram submetidas ao menor suprimento de Ca e maior de B. A combinação da menor dose de B junto a maior dose de Ca provocou ruptura da parede celular e o espessamento da lamela média das folhas. O aumento no fornecimento de Ca ameniza os efeitos negativos do baixo suprimento de B na produção de biomassa das plantas e de grãos, no comprimento e superfície de raízes e na atividade da nitrogenase. A relação Ca:B, tanto na solução, quanto no tecido vegetal, não pode ser entendida como parâmetro exclusivo de equilíbrio nutricional
Regarding mineral nutrition of plants, we highlight the similarities between nutrients boron (B) and calcium (Ca) in relation to similar functions they play in plant physiology. However, the mechanisms involved in the interaction between these nutrients are not very well known. Assuming that the interaction Ca - B affects the morphological, ultrastructural and biochemical attributes, as well as the nodulation in leguminous plants, the objective with this study was to determine the optimum Ca:B ratio, in the solution and plan tissue as well for dry matter yield of grain and dry matter of soybean, and to evaluate the effects of B - Ca interaction in the biological N2 fixation (nitrogenase activity - N-ase [EC 1.18.6.1]), root morphology (total root length and total root surface area), root anatomy (nodules), as well as in the ultrastructural evaluation of foliar mesophilic, and yield of oil content of soybean (cultivar BRS 284), grown in nutrient solution. Dry matter yield of plants, Ca-concentrations and amounts of Ca, B, Mg, K and N in shoots and roots were also evaluated. The experimental arrange used was an incomplete 5² factorial, making thirteen combinations of Ca (mmol L-1) and B (µmol L-1) rates, which were set in a randomized block design, with four replications. The highest N-ase activity was obtained with the highest doses of Ca and B (7,25 mmol L-1 of Ca and 50 µmol L-1 of B). The lowest Ca rate resulted in approximately 90% inhibition of N-ase. The highest total root length and total root surface area were obtained with combination of 7,25Ca and 12,5B rates, whereas the combination of the lowest Ca and B rates caused reduction of approximately 70% and 60% on root length and area, respectively. The highest dry matter and grain yield, highest accumulations of Ca, B, N, K and Mg on the leaves and the highest oil content in grains were obtained when 4,25 mmol L-1 of Ca and 12,5 µmol L-1 of B were supplied, resulting in a Ca:B ratio of approximately 350:1 on nutrient solution and 700:1 on leaves. The oil content in grains raised about 20% increasing B rates from 3,125 to 50 µmol L-1. The number of cell layers of nodule cortex raised with increasing Ca and B levels in the solution. It was observed membrane rupture of chloroplasts in leaf mesophyll and high number of N2-fixing bacteria entering the interior of nodular tissues when plants were supplied with the lowest Ca rate (1,75Ca) and the highest B (50B). The combination of the lowest B rate (3,125B) and the highest Ca rate (7,25) caused cell wall rupture and thickening of the middle lamella on the leaves. The increase of Ca levels on the solution mitigates the negative effects of the low B supply in plant biomass and grain yield, in root length and root surface area and in N-ase activity. The Ca:B ratio either in the solution or plant tissue, cannot be understood as an exclusive parameter of nutritional status

O mercado brasileiro de processamento de batata tem mostrado expressivo crescimento nos ultimos anos. No entanto, sua expansao e condicionada pelo suprimento de materia-prima adequada ao processamento industrial. As principais industrias de batata frita priorizam cultivares aptas para cada forma de processamento, pois a escolha correta da cultivar contribui para a reducao do custo de producao e para o aumento do rendimento e da qualidade do produto final. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi estudar a eficiencia produtiva, a aptidao culinaria e as caracteristicas das cultivares de batata quando processadas na forma de palha e chips. Avaliou-se nove cultivares de batata: Agata, Almera, Arizona, Caruso, Destiny, Excelence, Fontane, Markies e Saviola. \'Agata\' e \'Almera\' foram utilizadas como cultivares nao aptas para fritura e \'Fontane\' e \'Markies\' como cultivares recomendadas para fritura. O ensaio foi conduzido no periodo de janeiro a maio de 2013, nas condicoes ambientais de Nova Resende, na regiao Sudoeste de Minas Gerais. As cultivares Arizona, Caruso, Agata e Markies exibiram o maior potencial produtivo e, junto a Saviola, a maior producao de tuberculos comerciaveis. Os teores mais elevados de materia seca foram exibidos por \'Destiny\' e \'Caruso\' (superior a 20%), seguidas por \'Excelence\', \'Fontane\' e \'Markies\' (17 a 18%). \'Caruso\' proporcionou o maior rendimento de fritura em ambas as formas de processamento. As cultivares Destiny, Excelence (ambas com cor amarela extremamente clara apos a fritura), e Caruso (cor dourada) na forma de palha; e Caruso e Destiny (cor amarela clara a dourada) na forma de chips apresentaram baixos teores de acucares redutores. Entre as cultivares avaliadas a maior eficiencia produtiva de materia-prima com aptidao para fritura foi exibida por \'Caruso\', \'Destiny\' e \'Excelence\', sendo que todas sao aptas ao processamento na forma de palha. Ja na forma de chips somente \'Destiny\' e \'Caruso\' proporcionaram fritas adequadas.
There is an increasing market for potato processing in Brazil, and the expansion of the potato industry can only be sustained if good quality product supplies of raw material are available. To reduce production costs and increase industrial efficiency, the industry must choose appropriated cultivars for each kind of product. This research investigated the tuber yield, frying aptitude, and the potato quality attributes for shoestring and chips. Nine potatoes cultivars were evaluated: Agata, Almera, Arizona, Caruso, Destiny, Excelence, Fontane, Markies and Saviola. \'Agata\' and \'Almera\' were considered unfit for frying, \'Fontane\' and \'Markies\' with frying standards. The trial ran from January to May 2013, in the south-west region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The cultivars Arizona, Caruso, Agata and Markies exhibited higher yield potential. These cultivars and Saviola obtained the highest marketable tubers. \'Destiny\' and \'Caruso\' showed the highest dry matter contents (higher than 20%) and were followed by \'Excelence\', \'Fontane\' and \'Markies\' (17- 18%). \'Caruso\' showed greater industrial efficiency for shoestring and chips. \'Destiny\', \'Excelence\' (extra light fries) and Caruso (medium light) for shoestring, and Caruso and Destiny (extra light to medium light) for chips showed low contents of reducing sugars. It was concluded that \'Destiny\', \'Excelence\' and \'Caruso\' outperformed all other cultivars in terms of yield. Besides, these varieties also displayed aptitude for shoestring frying. On the other hand, \'Destiny\' and \'Caruso\' were apt to frying as chips.

Minas Gerais possui o maior rebanho bovino leiteiro e é também o maior produtor de leite do Brasil. Neste estado, destaca-se o município de Patos de Minas, terceiro maior produtor de leite brasileiro. Dentre os alimentos volumosos utilizados em dietas de vacas leiteiras, a silagem de milho (Zea mays) tem se destacado, por apresentar boa produtividade, boa ensilabilidade, além de vários estudos que garantem o avanço tecnológico desta cultura, em comparação a outras plantas forrageiras. Porém, a maioria dos estudos sobre a cultura do milho para produção de silagem tem sido feitos em condição laboratorial, e poucos apresentam dados obtidos a campo. Considerando a importância do município na atividade leiteira e o impacto do volumoso nesta atividade, o objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar as silagens de milho e as práticas de manejo com as silagens utilizadas nas propriedades leiteiras do município de Patos de Minas, MG. Foram visitadas 31 propriedades leiteiras escolhidas aleatoriamente no município, onde foi aplicado um questionário com questões relacionadas à propriedade, ao processo de ensilagem e à utilização deste volumoso. Os silos foram medidos e o painel da silagem foi observado para constatar homogeneidade e camadas deterioradas. Foram coletadas amostras representativas das silagens para avaliação do teor de matéria seca e tamanho de partículas. Os silos foram dimensionados para cálculo da área de painel. Também foram aferidas as temperaturas médias dos silos. Foi realizada análise de cluster para fazer o agrupamento das propriedades avaliadas. As variáveis contínuas dos grupos de fazendas foram submetidas à análise de variância em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, enquanto que as médias das variáveis discretas foram comparadas pelo teste de qui-quadrado, com decorrência do erro tipo I. A temperatura média encontrada dentro dos silos das propriedades leiteiras de Patos de Minas, MG, são superiores à temperatura ambiente. As propriedades com baixa produção de leite são caracterizadas por ausência de consultoria técnica e tendem a apresentar painéis de silos desuniformes, com retirada manual, resultando em maior descarte (perda) de silagem.
Minas Gerais has the largest milk producer in Brazil. In this state, stands out the county of Patos de Minas, the third largest producer of Brazilian milk. Among the bulky foods used in diets of dairy cows, the corn silage (Zea mays) has been highlighted, due to its good productivity, good ensilability, besides several studies that guarantee the technological advance of the crop, compared to other forage plants. However, most of the studies on corn crop for silage production have been done in laboratory conditions, and few field data. Considering the value of the county in the milk activity and the impact of the silage on the activity, the objective of this study was evaluated the corn silages and as management practices with silages used in the dairy properties of the city of Patos de Minas, MG. A total of 31 randomly selected dairy farms were visited in the county, where was applied a quiz with questions related to ownership, the silage process and the use of this voluminous. The silos were measured and the silage panel was observed to verify homogeneity and deteriorated layers. Representative samples of the silages were collected to evaluate the dry matter content and particle size. Metric evaluations of the silos were done to calculate the panel area. The middle temperatures of the silos were also measured. The cluster analysis was performed to group the evaluated properties. The continuous variables of the farm groups were submitted to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design and the averages were compared by the Tukey test, while the means of the discrete variables were compared by the chi-square test, due to the type I error. The average temperature found within the silos of the dairy properties of Patos de Minas, MG, is higher than the ambient temperature. The properties with low milk production are characterized by lack of technical advice and tend to present panels of silos disuniforms, with manual withdrawal, resulting in greater discarding (loss) of silage.
Dissertação (Mestrado)

IzvodIZPet hibrida suncokreta (Sremac, Oliva, Cepko, NS-H-111 i Sumo 2 OR) gajena su tokomvegetacionih sezona 2010. i 2011. godine na oglednom polju Instituta za ratarstvo ipovrtarstvo, Novi Sad, na Rimskim šančevima i na oglednom polju Poljoprivredne stručneslužbe Zrenjanin. Laboratorijski deo ogleda izveden je u Laboratoriji za ispitivanje semenaInstituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo iz Novog Sada i Biohemijskoj laboratorijiPoljoprivrednog fakulteta u Novom Sadu. Cilj istraživanja je bio da se utvrdi da li semenskimaterijal, poreklom sa istog lokaliteta i iste parcele, u procesu dorade semena tj. odvajanjasemena po frakcijama menja kvalitet, kao i da li ovakav način dorade semenskog materijalautiče na prinos i komponente prinosa semena, kao i na sadržaj i prinos ulja odabranihhibrida suncokreta. Takođe, cilj je bio i da se utvrdi da li nedostatak primarnog korena kodponika suncokreta dovodi do statistički značajnog smanjenja prinosa semena i ulja, kao ikakav uticaj ima na komponente prinosa suncokreta. Analizirane su sledeće osobine:klijavost i vigor semena, enzimska aktivnost, nicanje u polju, nakupljanje suve materije (pobiljnim organima i ukupno po biljci), visina stabla, prečnik glave, prinos semena, masa 1000semena, sadržaj ulja i prinos ulja. Statistička obrada podataka izvršena je primenom analizevarijanse trofaktorijalnog ogleda, prema modelu podeljenih parcela. Iz tabele analizevarijanse je prikazana verovatnoća značajnosti razlika po F-testu, a na osnovu učešća usumi kvadrata tretmana određen je procentualni udeo svakog faktora u ukupnojvarijabilnosti. Takođe su izračunate i LSD vrednosti za poređenje razlika između tretmanaposmatranog faktora, na pragovima značajnosti od 1 i 5%. Utvrđena je i korelacionazavisnost posmatranih osobina. Rezultati analize varijanse pokazali su visoko značajnoučešće glavnih faktora (godine, lokaliteta, frakcije semena, tipa ponika), kao i njihovihmeđusobnih interakcija za većinu ispitivanih osobina. Na vrednosti ispitivanih osobinanajveći uticaj imala je godina istraživanja, a zatim lokalitet. Frakcija semena je imala visokoznačajan uticaj na klijavost semena, nicanje u polju, nakupljanje suve materije, prinossemena i prinos ulja. Tip ponika je imao visoko značajan uticaj na enzimsku aktivnost
Five sunflower hybrids (Sremac, Oliva, Cepko, NS-H-111, and Sumo 2 OR) were grown in2010 and 2011, on experimental fields of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops NoviSad - Rimski Šančevi, and experimental fields of the Agricultural Service Zrenjanin.Laboratory tests were conducted at Laboratory for Seed Testing of the Institute of Fieldand Vegetable Crops Novi Sad, and Biochemical Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture,University of Novi Sad. The aim of this research was to determine whether seed materialfrom the same locality and the same field lot changes quality during seed processing, i.e.dividing seed lot into fractions, and additionally whether this type of seed processingaffects seed yield, seed yield components, oil yield, and oil content of the selectedsunflower hybrids. The aim was also to determine if missing primary root in sunflowerseedlings results in statistically significant decrease of seed and oil yield, and establish howit influences sunflower yield components. The following traits were examined: seedgermination and vigour, enzymatic activity, field emergence, dry matter accumulation (inplant organs and in the whole plant), stem height, head diameter, seed yield, 1000 seedmass, oil content and oil yield. Statistical analysis of data was performed by analysis ofvariance of the trifactorial trial using the split-plot design model. Table of analysis ofvariance shows the probability of significance of differences by F-test, and based on theparticipation in the treatment sum of squares, percentage ratio of each factor wascalculated in the total variability. LSD values at 1 and 5% were computed to comparedifferences between treatments of the observed factor. Correlation dependence betweenthe observed traits was determined. Results of the analysis of variance showed a highlysignificant participation of the main factors (year, locality, seed fraction, type of seedling),and their mutual interactions for the majority of the examined traits. Year and locality hadthe highest effect on the value of the examined traits. Seed fraction had highly significanteffect on seed germination, emergence, dry matter accumulation, seed yield, and oil yield.Type of seedling had a highly significant effect on the enzymatic activity, seed yield, oilcontent, and oil yield.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
O uso contínuo de fertilizantes minerais na agricultura promove o excesso de nutrientes como fósforo, nitrogênio e potássio o que ocasiona danos ao ecossistema e leva à alteração da microbiota do solo. Além disso, existe uma baixa eficiência das plantas em absorver e utilizar esses nutrientes o que gera perdas da adubação mineral. Neste sentido o uso de bactérias promotoras de crescimento de plantas (BPCP) é uma alternativa promissora para melhorar a eficiência das plantas na utilização dos fertilizantes minerais. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o potencial de dez isolados Bacillus (oito isolados de Bacillus subtilis, um isolado de Bacillus velezensis e um isolado de Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) quanto à sua capacidade de promoção de crescimento na cultura de algodão em condições de vaso em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 11 tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os parâmetros avaliados foram altura da planta, massa seca da parte aérea e raiz, teores de clorofila nas folhas, nitrogênio e fósforo na planta e no solo. A massa seca total (parte aérea e raiz) foi maior nos isolados 248 e 290 (B. subtilis), e maiores valores de altura das plantas foram obtidos para o isolado 248. O teor de clorofila nas folhas foi superior nas plantas inoculadas com o isolado 290, indicando que o mesmo foi capaz de aumentar a atividade fotossintética das plantas de algodão. Os teores de nitrogênio na parte aérea e na raiz foram superiores nos tratamentos com os isolados 248 e 290, o que indica que houve estabelecimento dessas bactérias na rizosfera melhorando a disponibilidade e absorção de nitrogênio pela planta. O teor de fosforo na raiz foi maior em plantas que receberam o isolado 001 (B. amyloliquefaciens) o que indica que esse isolado favorece a absorção de fósforo pela planta. O isolado 248 apresentou maior quantidade de fósforo solúvel disponível no solo o que demostra que B. subtilis atua positivamente na solubilização do fósforo. A análise molecular do DNA ribossomal 16S de isolados obtidos do reisolamento a partir do solo e raiz das plantas do algodão confirmam a identidade das linhagens utilizadas. Finalmente, os isolados 248 e 290 de B. subtilis têm a capacidade de aumentar os teores de clorofila e nitrogênio nas plantas, altura e matéria seca, e também solubilizam fósforo, o que os torna agentes potencias para uso como bioinoculantes nas plantas de algodão.
The continuous use of mineral fertilizers in agriculture promotes the excess of nutrients as phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium in the ecosystems which causes damages and leads to the instability of the soil microbiota. Moreover, a low efficiency of the plants to absorb and use these nutrients causes losses of the mineral fertilization, but the use of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) is a promising alternative to improve plant efficiency in the use of mineral fertilizers implying in the reduction of its application on the crops. This work aimed to evaluate the potential of ten Bacillus strains (eight of B. subtilis, one of B. velezensis and one of B. amyloliquefaciens) about their capacity to promote growth of cotton seedlings on greenhouse conditions. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with 11 treatments and five replicates. The parameters evaluated were plant height, dry matter of aerial part and root, chlorophyll content in leaves, nitrogen and phosphorus in the plant and soil. The total dry matter (aerial part and root) was higher to the isolates 248 and 290 of B. subtilis, and higher values of plant height were obtained for the isolate 248. The chlorophyll content in leaves was higher in plants inoculated with the isolate 290 what indicates that this isolate was able to increase the photosynthetic activity of cotton seedlings. The nitrogen content in the aerial part and roots was higher at the treatments with the isolates 248 and 290 indicating that the bacteria were established in the rhizosphere improving the nitrogen availability and absorption by the plant. The phosphorus content in the roots was higher in seedlings treated with the isolate 001 of B. amyloliquefaciens, what demonstrates that this isolate favors its uptake by the plant. The isolate 248 provided the highest amount of soluble phosphorus available in the soil, which shows that B. subtilis acts positively on phosphorus solubilization. The molecular analysis of 16S Ribosomal DNA from isolates obtained from reisolation from the soil and roots of cotton seedlings confirms the identity of the strains used at the experiment. Finally, isolates 248 and 290 of B. subtilis are able to increase nitrogen and chlorophyll contents in the plants, high and dry matter, and also solubilize phosphorus, which make them potential agents for use as bioinoculants in cotton plants.
Capes:1590076

 Acorus calamus L. је вишегодишња зељаста биљка влажних подручја, чија су лековита својства одавно позната. Дрогу иђирота чини ризом који се употребљава као чај, прах, сок, гел, уље или крема. Због прекомерне експлоатације и високог степена угрожености ове дивље лековите биљне врсте у Србији је уведена забрана његовог сакупљања из природе. Да би се задовољила повећана потражња од стране индустрија које га користе, гајење иђирота се намеће као једно од најпрагматичнијих решења. За потребе утврђивање начина гајења, прво се приступило истраживању услова успевања и варирање својстава иђирота са пет локалитета природних станишта: Обедска бара, Делиблатска пешчара, Засавица, Раковац и Дубовац. Потом је заснован двогодишњи пољски оглед на ком је испитиван утицај примене основних агротехничких мера, односно густине садње и ђубрења азотом, на својства биљака. Оглед је постављен 2013. године, на подручју засеока Ћумуране у насељу Рипањ. Код биљка са природних станишта и са огледног поља праћена су следећа својства: висина биљака, дужина ризома, број и дужина бочних грана на ризому, број пупољака на ризому и бочним гранама, број нодуса на ризому и бочним гранама, проценат суве материје ризома, маса свежег и сувог ризома, однос масе свежег и сувог ризома. Код гајених биљака праћен је и принос свежег и сувог ризома. Код свих узорака иђирота испитиван је садржај и састав етарског уља из ризома. Идентификоване су, такође, најзаступљеније компоненте и утврђен је садржаја β-азарона. За утврђивање нивоа плоидије популација из Србије рађено је пребројавање хромозома. Испитивањем биљака са природних станишта, констатовано је да на већину њихових морфолошких одлика, локалитет није имао утицаја. Утицај локалитета испољен је само на: број нодуса на ризому (највећи је био у Дубовцу - 58 а најмањи на Обедској бари - 15), проценат суве материје (највећи је био у Раковцу - 50,2%, а најмањи на Делиблатској пешчари - 37,9%) и однос масе свежег и сувог ризома (највећи је на Делиблатској пешчари - 2,64, а најмањи у Раковцу - 1,90). У пољском огледу добијени су следећи резултати: висина биљака је била највећа при најмањој густини усева (35000 биљака/ha) и најмањој дози азота (60 kg/ha) дужина ризома, као и број и дужина њихових бочних грана су највећи при средњој густини садње (48000 биљака/ha) и најмањој дози азота; број пупољака на ризому има највећу вредност при најмањој густини садње и најмањој дози азота. Број пупољака прве бочне гране је био највећи на највећој густини садње (62000 биљака/ha) и при најмањој дози азота, а број нодуса на ризому није зависио од густине садње, као ни од доза ђубрења. Највећа маса свежег и сувог ризома остварена је при средњој густини садње (48000 биљака/ha) и најмањој (62000 биљака/ha) дози азота, док је проценат суве материје био највећи при највећој густини и најмањој дози азота (60 kg/ha). На однос масе свежег и сувог ризома утицај нису имали ни ђубрење ни густинасадње усева, док су приноси свежег и сувог ризома били највећи на највећој густини садње и при најмањој дози азота. Садржај етарског уља иђирота из природе није показао значајна одступања између локалитета. Садржај етарског уља ризома гајеног иђирота опадао је са порастом густине садње, док различите дозе азота нису утицале на ову особину. Максимална концентрација β-азарона у етарском уљу иђирота са природног станишта била је 17,07 % (локалитет Раковац), док је највећи садржај β-азарона код гајеног иђирота био 21,41 %. Повећана концентрација β- азарона се објашњава интензивнијим метаболизмом азота, због повећане количине из ђубрива. обијени резултати потврђују да је концентрација β-азарона у етарском уљу ризома иђирота слична резултатима из других земаља Европе. Бројањем хромозома утврђено је да иђирот припада триплоидном, европском варијетету Аcоrus cаlаmus vаr. cаlаmus.
 Acorus calamus L. je višegodišnja zeljasta biljka vlažnih područja, čija su lekovita svojstva odavno poznata. Drogu iđirota čini rizom koji se upotrebljava kao čaj, prah, sok, gel, ulje ili krema. Zbog prekomerne eksploatacije i visokog stepena ugroženosti ove divlje lekovite biljne vrste u Srbiji je uvedena zabrana njegovog sakupljanja iz prirode. Da bi se zadovoljila povećana potražnja od strane industrija koje ga koriste, gajenje iđirota se nameće kao jedno od najpragmatičnijih rešenja. Za potrebe utvrđivanje načina gajenja, prvo se pristupilo istraživanju uslova uspevanja i variranje svojstava iđirota sa pet lokaliteta prirodnih staništa: Obedska bara, Deliblatska peščara, Zasavica, Rakovac i Dubovac. Potom je zasnovan dvogodišnji poljski ogled na kom je ispitivan uticaj primene osnovnih agrotehničkih mera, odnosno gustine sadnje i đubrenja azotom, na svojstva biljaka. Ogled je postavljen 2013. godine, na području zaseoka Ćumurane u naselju Ripanj. Kod biljka sa prirodnih staništa i sa oglednog polja praćena su sledeća svojstva: visina biljaka, dužina rizoma, broj i dužina bočnih grana na rizomu, broj pupoljaka na rizomu i bočnim granama, broj nodusa na rizomu i bočnim granama, procenat suve materije rizoma, masa svežeg i suvog rizoma, odnos mase svežeg i suvog rizoma. Kod gajenih biljaka praćen je i prinos svežeg i suvog rizoma. Kod svih uzoraka iđirota ispitivan je sadržaj i sastav etarskog ulja iz rizoma. Identifikovane su, takođe, najzastupljenije komponente i utvrđen je sadržaja β-azarona. Za utvrđivanje nivoa ploidije populacija iz Srbije rađeno je prebrojavanje hromozoma. Ispitivanjem biljaka sa prirodnih staništa, konstatovano je da na većinu njihovih morfoloških odlika, lokalitet nije imao uticaja. Uticaj lokaliteta ispoljen je samo na: broj nodusa na rizomu (najveći je bio u Dubovcu - 58 a najmanji na Obedskoj bari - 15), procenat suve materije (najveći je bio u Rakovcu - 50,2%, a najmanji na Deliblatskoj peščari - 37,9%) i odnos mase svežeg i suvog rizoma (najveći je na Deliblatskoj peščari - 2,64, a najmanji u Rakovcu - 1,90). U poljskom ogledu dobijeni su sledeći rezultati: visina biljaka je bila najveća pri najmanjoj gustini useva (35000 biljaka/ha) i najmanjoj dozi azota (60 kg/ha) dužina rizoma, kao i broj i dužina njihovih bočnih grana su najveći pri srednjoj gustini sadnje (48000 biljaka/ha) i najmanjoj dozi azota; broj pupoljaka na rizomu ima najveću vrednost pri najmanjoj gustini sadnje i najmanjoj dozi azota. Broj pupoljaka prve bočne grane je bio najveći na najvećoj gustini sadnje (62000 biljaka/ha) i pri najmanjoj dozi azota, a broj nodusa na rizomu nije zavisio od gustine sadnje, kao ni od doza đubrenja. Najveća masa svežeg i suvog rizoma ostvarena je pri srednjoj gustini sadnje (48000 biljaka/ha) i najmanjoj (62000 biljaka/ha) dozi azota, dok je procenat suve materije bio najveći pri najvećoj gustini i najmanjoj dozi azota (60 kg/ha). Na odnos mase svežeg i suvog rizoma uticaj nisu imali ni đubrenje ni gustinasadnje useva, dok su prinosi svežeg i suvog rizoma bili najveći na najvećoj gustini sadnje i pri najmanjoj dozi azota. Sadržaj etarskog ulja iđirota iz prirode nije pokazao značajna odstupanja između lokaliteta. Sadržaj etarskog ulja rizoma gajenog iđirota opadao je sa porastom gustine sadnje, dok različite doze azota nisu uticale na ovu osobinu. Maksimalna koncentracija β-azarona u etarskom ulju iđirota sa prirodnog staništa bila je 17,07 % (lokalitet Rakovac), dok je najveći sadržaj β-azarona kod gajenog iđirota bio 21,41 %. Povećana koncentracija β- azarona se objašnjava intenzivnijim metabolizmom azota, zbog povećane količine iz đubriva. obijeni rezultati potvrđuju da je koncentracija β-azarona u etarskom ulju rizoma iđirota slična rezultatima iz drugih zemalja Evrope. Brojanjem hromozoma utvrđeno je da iđirot pripada triploidnom, evropskom varijetetu Acorus calamus var. calamus.
  Acorus calamus L. is a perennial herbaceous plant found in wet areas, whose medicinal properties have been long known. The drug of sweet flag is made from the rhizome which is used as tea, powder, juice, gel, oil or cream. Because of overexploitation and the high degree of endangerment of this wild medicinal plant species in Serbia collecting was banned. In order to meet the increased demand for this plant by industries that use it, cultivation of sweet flag is emerging as one of the most pragmatic solutions. For the purpose of determining the method for plant growth, the first approach was studying the growing conditions and the variation of properties of sweet flag from five natural habitats: Obedska pond, Deliblato Sands, Zasavica, Rakovac and Dubovac.After that a two-year field experiment was designed in which the effect of application of basic agrotechnical measures, i.e., different planting density and doses of nitrogen fertilization on the plants, was studied. The experiment was set up in 2013, in the area of the hamlet Ćumurana in the settlement Ripanj. In plants from natural habitats and the experiment, the following properties were measured: the height of the plants, the length of the rhizome, the number and length of lateral branches on the rhizome, the number of buds on the rhizome and lateral branches, the number of leaf scars on the rhizome and lateral branches, the percentage of dry matter of the rhizome, the mass of the fresh and the dry rhizome, the ratio of mass between the fresh and the dry rhizome. In the experiment with cultivated plants, the yield of the fresh and the dry rhizome was also measured. For all samples of sweet flag, the content and composition of the essential oil from the rhizome was measured. Also, the main components were identified and the content of the β-asarone was determined. For the purposes of identifying the ploidy, i.e., which varieties the sweet flag from Serbia belongs to, counting of chromosomes was done. By examining plants from natural habitats, it was noted that the site had no influence on the majority of morphological features of plants. The impact of the sites was manifested only in the number of leaf scars (the largest number was in Dubovac-58,0 and the smallest number was in Obedska pond-15,0), percentage of dry matter (the largest percentage was in Rakovac-50.2% and the smallest percentage was in Deliblato Sands-37,9 %) and the ratio of mass between a fresh and a dry rhizome (the largest ratio was in Deliblato Sands-2,6 and the smallest ratio was in Rakovac-2,2). In the field experiment, the following results were obtained: the height of the plants is the largest at the lowest planting density (35000 plants/ha) and lowest nitrogen dosage (60 kg/ha), the length of the rhizome, as well as number and length of lateral branches of the rhizome are largest at medium planting density (48000 plants/ha) and the lowest dosage of nitrogen (60 kg/ha), the number of buds on the rhizome has the highest value at the lowest planting density (35000 plants/ha) and the lowest dosage of nitrogen (60 kg/ha). The number of buds on the first lateral branch was largest at the largest planting density (62000 plants/ha) and the lowest dosage of nitrog (60 kg/ha) , and the number of leaf scars on the rhizome doesnot depend on the planting dosage or the dosage of fertilizing. The largest mass of the fresh and the dry rhizome is accomplished at medium planting density and the lowest dosage of nitrogen, while the percentage of dry matter was largest at the largest density and the lowest dosage of nitrogen. The fertilization and the crop density had no effect on the ratio of mass between the fresh and the dry rhizome, while the yields of the fresh and the dry rhizome were largest at the largest planting density and the lowest dosage of nitrogen. The content of essential oils of natural sweet flag showed no significant discrepancies between the sites. The content of essential oil of cultivated sweet flag rhizomes declined with the increase of planting density, while different nitrogen doses had no effect on this property. The maximum concentration of β-asarones in the essential oil of natural sweet flag was 17,07 % (Rakovac), while the largest content of β-asarones in cultivated sweet flag was 21,41 %. The larger concentration of β-asarones is explained through increased nitrogen metabolism, because of increased amounts of fertilizer. The results confirm that the concentration of β-asarone in the essential oil of sweet flag rhizomes is similar to the concentration of essential oil of sweet flag rhizomes from Europe. By counting the chromosomes it is established that sweet flag belongs to the triploid, European variety of Аcоrus cаlаmus vаr. cаlаmus.

Questa tesi di dottorato analizza l’utilizzo del sorgo (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench) al fine di produrre energia elettrica, tramite combustione diretta della biomassa. Il focus della tesi è stato quello di sottolineare i benefici ed i rischi associati all’uso di tre genotipi di sorgo caratterizzati da diversa lunghezza del ciclo culturale (precoce, medio-tardivo e tardivo). La dinamica e la durata del processo di essicazione in campo sono state simulate attraverso un modello ad hoc (“sorghum haying model”), il quale integrato a CropSyst, è stato utilizzato per realizzare un’analisi del rischio produttivo stimando le perdite di biomassa (respirazione e meccanizzazione), ed i mancati affienamenti. Nell’analisi del rischio vengono stimati il numero di ettari necessari e la probabilità di eccedere la soglia di 64.000 ton ss anno-1 necessari per l’alimentazione di una centrale nell’Oltrepò pavese . Inoltre uno studio di Life Cycle Assessment è stato condotto per la valutazione dell’impatto ambientale dell’utilizzo del sorgo integrato a quello della paglia per il completamento del fabbisogno totale della centrale 94.000 ton ss anno-1. Particolare attenzione inoltre è stata data alla variazione del contenuto di C organico del suolo dovuto alla rimozione della paglia ed all’interramento dei mancati affienamenti di sorgo. Il genotipo precoce mostra le migliori performance produttive ed energetiche oltre che la più alta probabilità di eccedere la soglia di 64.000 ton ss anno-1. Lo studio di LCA non ha mostrato differenze significative tra i genotipi anche se il minor impatto ambientale, è stato evidenziato dal genotipo tardivo conseguenza dell’interramento della più alta quantità di mancati affienamenti.
This PhD thesis explores the use of sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench) as a dedicated bio-energy crop and highlights the benefits and risks associated with the use of early, medium-late and late sorghum genotypes to generate electricity by direct combustion in a biomass power plant. The dynamics and duration of the field drying process were simulated through the development of a specific model ("sorghum haying model"), which integrated with CropSyst, was used to perform a production risk assessment analysis estimating the biomass losses (respiration and mechanical), the haymaking failures and consequently to quantify the amount of dry baled biomass available for the power plant. In addition, the number of hectares needed to plant sorghum and the probability to exceed the threshold of 64000 Mg DM y-1, necessary to feed a biomass power plant in Oltrepò Pavese, were estimated. A complete Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study was carried out in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the three sorghum genotypes involved in this study. The LCA study takes into consideration the use of winter wheat straw as an additional biomass source to satisfy the total biomass power plant needs (94000 Mg DM y-1). Particular attention was given to the soil organic C change (ΔSOC) due to straw removal and haymaking failures soil incorporation. Early genotype showed the best biomass production and energy performance as well as the highest probability to exceed the threshold of 64000 Mg DM y-1. The LCA results did not show significant differences between genotypes although the lower environmental impact, has been achieved by the late genotype due to the highest amount of haymaking failures incorporated in the soil.

Questa tesi di dottorato analizza l’utilizzo del sorgo (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench) al fine di produrre energia elettrica, tramite combustione diretta della biomassa. Il focus della tesi è stato quello di sottolineare i benefici ed i rischi associati all’uso di tre genotipi di sorgo caratterizzati da diversa lunghezza del ciclo culturale (precoce, medio-tardivo e tardivo). La dinamica e la durata del processo di essicazione in campo sono state simulate attraverso un modello ad hoc (“sorghum haying model”), il quale integrato a CropSyst, è stato utilizzato per realizzare un’analisi del rischio produttivo stimando le perdite di biomassa (respirazione e meccanizzazione), ed i mancati affienamenti. Nell’analisi del rischio vengono stimati il numero di ettari necessari e la probabilità di eccedere la soglia di 64.000 ton ss anno-1 necessari per l’alimentazione di una centrale nell’Oltrepò pavese . Inoltre uno studio di Life Cycle Assessment è stato condotto per la valutazione dell’impatto ambientale dell’utilizzo del sorgo integrato a quello della paglia per il completamento del fabbisogno totale della centrale 94.000 ton ss anno-1. Particolare attenzione inoltre è stata data alla variazione del contenuto di C organico del suolo dovuto alla rimozione della paglia ed all’interramento dei mancati affienamenti di sorgo. Il genotipo precoce mostra le migliori performance produttive ed energetiche oltre che la più alta probabilità di eccedere la soglia di 64.000 ton ss anno-1. Lo studio di LCA non ha mostrato differenze significative tra i genotipi anche se il minor impatto ambientale, è stato evidenziato dal genotipo tardivo conseguenza dell’interramento della più alta quantità di mancati affienamenti.
This PhD thesis explores the use of sorghum (Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench) as a dedicated bio-energy crop and highlights the benefits and risks associated with the use of early, medium-late and late sorghum genotypes to generate electricity by direct combustion in a biomass power plant. The dynamics and duration of the field drying process were simulated through the development of a specific model ("sorghum haying model"), which integrated with CropSyst, was used to perform a production risk assessment analysis estimating the biomass losses (respiration and mechanical), the haymaking failures and consequently to quantify the amount of dry baled biomass available for the power plant. In addition, the number of hectares needed to plant sorghum and the probability to exceed the threshold of 64000 Mg DM y-1, necessary to feed a biomass power plant in Oltrepò Pavese, were estimated. A complete Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study was carried out in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the three sorghum genotypes involved in this study. The LCA study takes into consideration the use of winter wheat straw as an additional biomass source to satisfy the total biomass power plant needs (94000 Mg DM y-1). Particular attention was given to the soil organic C change (ΔSOC) due to straw removal and haymaking failures soil incorporation. Early genotype showed the best biomass production and energy performance as well as the highest probability to exceed the threshold of 64000 Mg DM y-1. The LCA results did not show significant differences between genotypes although the lower environmental impact, has been achieved by the late genotype due to the highest amount of haymaking failures incorporated in the soil.

Pyrethrum is a major crop in Tasmania, Australia. The lack of predictability in flower dry matter (DM) production and therefore crop yield is one of the biggest challenges for the industry, with large variation in dry matter yield currently occurring between production sites and seasons. If the industry is to expand, consistency in production is required to ensure crop production matches the volumes contracted for delivery to the market. Knowledge of the main factors affecting DM accumulation under commercial production conditions is required to develop crop management strategies capable of delivering consistent, high yields. The specific objectives of the studies reported in this thesis were to investigate the effect of: (i) light interception; (ii) plant density; and (iii) water stress on DM yield and pyrethrin content of pyrethrum. The indirect measurement of light interception in pyrethrum using crop green leaf area and volume was used to assess the relationship with flower DM yield and pyrethrin content. Strong relationships were identified within sites and seasons, but not across all seasons and sites assessed in the study. As there was no clear relationship between light intercepted and pyrethrin yield, other factors could be involved. It was hypothesised that differences could be related to variation in rate of crop development, plant density and drought stress, which can occur during the later stages of flower development in Tasmania. Plant density was shown to have a large effect on DM partitioning in a field trail conducted in north-western Tasmania in 2008-09. The relatively large leaf, stem and flower DM yield per plant at low (6 plants/m2) plant densities was compensated by the increase in plant numbers at high (44 plants/m2) densities. Variation in plant density is therefore likely to affect light interception. There was, however, no difference in the concentration of pyrethrin, the active ingredient extracted from the pyrethrum flowers, with plant density. No significant differences in DM accumulation were found between pyrethrum genotypes and there were no density x genotype interactions. Drought stress was investigated by conducting pot trials under controlled conditions. Treatments included 3, 4 and 5 day watering intervals applied at early flower maturity stage 2 (FMS 2), mid (FMS 4) and late (FMS 6) flowering stages for either short (10 days) and long (20 days) durations. Plants watered on a 3 day interval tended to have lower (less negative) leaf water potential and displayed no visual signs of water stress. The FMS stage that water stress treatment was applied affected plant and flower dry matter yield, but watering interval or duration of stress treatment had no significant effect. Plants produced greater DM when drought stress was imposed during early compared with late flowering. Plant pyrethrin content, measured as pyrethrin concentration in the harvested flowers, was not affected by any of the drought treatments. Consequently, it was concluded that plants grown in field conditions are likely to be able to recover from mild drought stress, particularly during early flowering, but yield will be reduced if plants are stressed at later flowering stages. This thesis has provided information to the pyrethrum industry on plant growth in response to crop management strategies and has highlighted the complexity of processes determining crop dry matter and pyrethrin yields.

Baby spinach is a relatively new crop in South Africa with both commercial significance and reputed health benefits. It is known to assist in combating degenerative conditions associated with ageing, such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts and several forms of cancer. Three parallel NPK trials were conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on the growth and development of baby spinach. N and P treatments were arranged as (0, 45, 75, 105, 120 kg.ha -1 N and P), and K treatments were arranged as (0, 63, 85, 127, 148 kg.ha -1) in a randomised complete block designed with four replicates. Results showed that yield, dry matter, chlorophyll content and Leaf Area Index (LAI) were significantly increased by increasing the N application, while K had a significant effect on the LAI but not on yield, dry matter, chlorophyll content or stomatal conductance. Nitrogen treatments quadrupled fresh yield, dry matter and chlorophyll content, reaching maximum impact at 75 kg.ha-1 N. Phosphorus application showed significantly increased yields, dry matter and chlorophyll content, reaching maximum impact at 75 kg.ha-1 P. Therefore, to achieve optimum growth with N and P, 75 kg.ha-1 is recommended. The optimum rates of N, P and K were then used to formulate a NPK combined trial which was arranged as 0, 30:30:40, 45:45:60, 60:60:70, 75:75:90 kg.ha-1 in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. The results showed that maximum impact on yield, chlorophyll content, fresh and dry matter was achieved when combined NPK was applied at 45:45:60
Agriculture and  Animal Health
M. Sc. (Agriculture)

The aim of the thesis was to evaluate and to compare the rate of corn borer and the production capability of 4 hybrids of corn (Zeamays L.) of different earliness. For the comparison a variety test was layed out in the land of my father in Klimětice (Central Bohemia). Before the harvest a sampling for detection of dry matter content in the biomass has been made to determinate the date of harvest. The number of samplings depended on the attainment of required dry matter content in the biomass. By the harvest the yield and dry matter content of the biomass, yield and percentage of corn ears, dry matter yield and the starch yield were determined. In the experiments the differences in infestation of corn borer were determined. Further differences in observed parameters were found out, which were dependent on the different utility trends and earliness of the given hybrids. The result was the appreciation of the given hybrids and determining of their suitability for their growing in conditions of my fathers lands.

Plant functional traits (plant height, aboveground biomass, R/S ratio, specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content, specific root length and arbuscular mycorrhizal infection) were measured for several grassland plant species growing under different soil fertility conditions in a greenhouse and a field experiments. Traits` response to nutrient addition and the differences in traits among species and between forbs and grasses were studied. Results from the greenhouse and the field experiment were compared.