This study investigates the impact of varying planting densities on cotton plants’ morphological traits and yield. As planting density increases, there is a reduction in monopodial and sympodial branches, resulting in a more compact plant structure. The study highlights the highest yield achieved with specific planting densities, endorsing the viability of both holl and row planting methods. It suggests adopting narrow or ultra-narrow row systems to enhance yield and economize input costs. The study was conducted in 2017 at the experimental field of Aydın Adnan Menderes University in the Faculty of Agriculture’s Department of Field Crops. The material used in this study was the widely cultivated cotton variety “Gloria” in the Aegean region. The investigation was conducted using a randomized block design with 4 replications. In evaluating cotton yield and related parameters, it was observed that D1 and D2 (14.285 plants/da) achieved the highest yield concerning plant density, emphasizing the viability of both holl and row planting methods. The study concluded that augmenting the number of plants within a specific area of production significantly contributes to higher seed cotton yields. To enhance yield and economize cotton input costs, the adoption of a narrow or ultra-narrow row production system is suggested as an alternative strategy to conventional methods.

In a lab experiment using seed priming, the faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seed germination and seedling development were studied. Twenty different priming techniques were utilized in the study, each comprising varying concentrations of NaOCI, CaCl2, KNO3, Manitol, PEG, KCL, H2O and a control group that received no priming. Four replications of a completely randomized design (CRD) were used in the experiment. Among the three priming treatments, there were substantial differences in the seedling growth metrics and germination rate. When 500 ppm NaOCl was used as a treatment, the highest seed germination percentage (96%) was attained. Although 100 ppm PEG had the greatest germination index (42.92), 10000 ppm NaOCl had the quickest mean germination time (8.27). Additionally, at a concentration of 1500 ppm NaOCl, the greatest seedling vigor index (29.79) and maximum germination coefficient (12.28) were likewise obtained. With H2O treatment, the maximum shoot length (21.09 cm) was observed for seedling growth parameters. The largest root length was produced by a 10000 ppm KNO3 treatment (11.19 cm). With 20000 ppm KNO3, the maximum root dry weight was achieved (88.50 mg), whereas H2O produced the highest shoot dry weight (51.0 mg). Additionally, it was discovered that a treatment with 10000 ppm KNO3 had the best root-shoot ratio (0.72). The research thus supports the possible use of seed priming as a method to improve faba bean seed germination and seedling growth. NaOCl and KNO3 seemed to work best for faba bean seed germination and seedling growth.

Recycling plant residues through various processes is essential for addressing waste issues in our country, because it contributes to the protection of the environment and ecosystems. Composting is one of the most important recycling methods for plant residues. Composts are not only natural, but they also enhance soil fertility and exhibit fungitoxic properties on the mycelial and spore germination of fungi. This study aimed to isolate bacterial bioagents from compost derived from various agricultural and household organic wastes, and to assess their antagonistic potential against important plant pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum under in vitro conditions. A total of eight bacterial isolates were obtained, identified as belonging to Bacillus spp. Dual culture tests were used to evaluate the potential of these bacterial candidates to inhibit the mycelial growth of phytopathogenic fungi. In vitro trials revealed that six bacterial isolates exhibited varying degrees of antagonistic effects (23.3%- 63.3%) on the mycelial growth of B. cinerea. Among the tested bacteria, two isolates were effective against S. sclerotiorum, demonstrating antifungal activity ranging from 80% to 83.3%. The results indicate that composts provide a favorable environment for microorganisms with antagonistic potential, suggesting that these cultivation environments could play a significant role in the biological control of fungal pathogens in agriculture. In conclusion, this study contributes to the development of sustainable agricultural practices by ensuring a more efficient utilization of organic waste.

The current study aimed to evaluate Piliostigma thonningii seeds-derived essential oil (PTO) effect on hematological and reproductive parameters in rabbits. Three groups consisting of 15 animals each were randomly assigned and with an average initial body weight (BW) of 262.89 ± 22.36 g in a fully randomised experimental design. Group 1 received the control diet, while for groups 2 and 3 the basal control diet was supplemented with 2 mL PTO/kg diet and 4 mL PTO/kg diet, respectively. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and the blood was analysed using the ABACUS ROSS haematology analyser. The results indicated significant differences in rabbits receiving PTO supplemented feed, namely; Packed cell volume, red blood cells, white blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, neutrophil increased (P<0.05) with increasing level of PEO supplementation. Mean corpuscular volume and haemoglobin, lymphocyte, monocyte and platelet were higher (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 than in T1. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was higher (P<0.05) in T3 than T1 with T2 being intermediate (P>0.05) between T1 and T3. Semen volume, concentration and motility were higher (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 than in T1. While semen abnormalities and bucks’ reaction time to does (libido) were greater (P<0.05) in T1 than in T2 and T3, Live dead ratio was higher (P<0.05) in T3 relative to T1 while T2 was intermediate between T1 and T3 (P>0.05). semen color and pH were not affected (P>0.05) by treatments. It was therefore concluded that P. thonningii essential oil supplementation enhanced both haematological and fertility potential of the experimental rabbits.

The objective of this study was to identify the plants with varying chromosome numbers in the F2 generation, resulting from interspecific hybrids between hexaploid Triticum compactum and tetraploid Triticum turanicum, and to examine the morphological, physiological and agronomic characteristics of these plants. Therefore, the objective was to assess the potential for developing monosomic lines (particularly pentaploid) for the D-genome of wheat, with a view to their utilization in future breeding programs of wheat, and to ascertain the correlation between the estimated chromosome numbers and the superior phenotypic characteristics of the plants in question. The germination percentage was determined by germinating 230 seeds, which will form the F2 generation of Triticum compactum × Triticum turanicum interspecific hybrid, in Petri dishes together with the parents. Thereafter, the plants were transferred to 2 m long rows, 30 cm between rows and 10 cm above rows. The F2 plants were subjected to evaluation in order to ascertain their morphological, physiological and agronomic characteristics. Furthermore, the nuclear DNA contents of the F2 plants were determined by flow cytometry, and chromosome numbers were estimated based on the DNA contents of the parents. Finally, the correlations between the estimated chromosome numbers and the measured plant traits were determined. The nuclear DNA contents of F2 plants exhibited variability, with values ranging between 7870.39 and 11632.1 pg. Additionally, three plants with 35 chromosomes were identified. The F2 plants showed superior physiological traits compared to the parents, however, they displayed lower values for spike traits that affect yield. The superior traits had by F2 plants can be observed in subsequent generations, thus providing a valuable genetic resource for breeding programs and certain genomic studies.

This research was conducted in 2020 to determine the effects of leonardite-derived humic acids (Humas-15, Liquid Humus and Humico Maximix-K) with different properties, along with reduced nitrogen fertilization, on tuber yield and quality in potatoes (cv. Van Gogh). In the study, chemical fertilizer applications were made as basic fertilization (20 N 10 P 10 K), reduced fertilization I (15 N 10 P 10 K) and reduced fertilization II (10 N 10 P 10 K). Humic acids were applied twice with irrigation water, at the beginning of the flowering period and 15 days later. Humas-15 and Liquid Humus were applied at 1.0 and 2.0 lt/da doses, and Humico Maximix-K was applied at 400 and 800 g/da doses. A total of seven traits (tuber number per plant, tuber yield per plant, marketable tuber yield, total tuber yield, dry matter content, reducing sugar content and total sugar content) were measured. Reducing nitrogen applications with humic acid applications significantly affected all the traits studied. Humic acid applications combined with reduced nitrogen fertilization increased the number of tubers per plant by up to 13%, marketable tuber yield by up to 18% and total tuber yield by up to 16% compared with the control. Total and reducing sugar contents varied between 1.27-1.58% and 159-389 mg/100g fw, respectively depending on the applications. In the study, the highest tuber yield was obtained from 1.0 and 2.0 L/da Humas-15 and 2.0 L/da Liquid Humus applications applied together with reducing nitrogen applications which have close values to the recommended fertilization applications.

The Zamboanga Peninsula region significantly contributes to the Philippine coconut production, wherein abaca is also cultivated as an additional crop within coconut plantations. Still, coconut farmers belong to the country’s poverty sector. Abaca plays a significant role in providing an alternative source of income as a perennial intercrop in agroforestry systems like coconut. However, the productivity and sustainability of this farming system are affected by practices such as nutrient management, which is not explicitly known. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study applies a combination of quantitative and qualitative data-gathering techniques to assess the nutrient management practices adopted by the 33 qualified respondents, including challenges encountered and perceptions to abaca under the coconut farming system and fertilizer use. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29, and thematic analysis was utilized for qualitative data. Results indicate that most (88%) of the farmers in the area did not apply fertilizers for their abaca. Yet, they still consider abaca as one of the income-generating crops besides coconut. The lack of financial resources and irregular harvesting operations are significant challenges that hinder fertilizer application. Findings revealed the need to develop low-cost and practical nutrient management technology for abaca under coconut, which shall be complemented with an effective human resource management system of skilled harvesters for the continuous harvesting operation of abaca to translate good crop growth into good yield and income. This will serve as a basis for government institutions and other stakeholders in developing and implementing programs and policies to improve the abaca and coconut industries.

Fish industry has significant importance all over the world because red meat is not enough to complete the protein requirements of growing population. Therefore, focus is now on those fish species production rate which are more suitable. In this study we focused on common carp which has important commercial value due to its size and tasty meat. Common carp is a fresh water fish and mostly found in rivers, ponds, dams and lakes. It is special due to its ability of adjustment in any aquatic habitat and sometimes beneficial also for other aquatic animals by releasing nutrients in habitat. Türkiye is a rich country in terms of rivers, dams and lakes. In this research, we described famous water reservoirs in Türkiye and in which regions higher amount of carp fish produced. It was focused on Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye which has large amount of water reservoirs. Geography Information System (GIS) based mapping and spatial analysis was used in this study to check the production rate of carp in Central Anatolian Region of Türkiye for long period from year 2000 to 2019. It was concluded from this study that highest average production rate of carp is obtained in Konya province (total: 11919,2 tons/2000-2019; average: 596 tons/20 year) which is west part of Anatolian region and lowest average production rate is found in the Niğde province (total: 163,5 tons/2000-2019; average: 8,2 tons/20 year) which is south part of the Central Anatolian Region.

This study investigated the effects of different processing techniques and sol-gel coating on the physical properties of biocomposite material. Two dispersion series from corn starch, clay, and sorbitol were prepared by conventional and microwave-assisted processing, and casting technique. One film from each series was sol-gel coated by immersion. All the samples were subjected to moisture content (MC), water solubility (WS), water absorption (WA), FT-IR, DSC, and SEM/digital microscopy tests. The results showed that the coated films contained higher MC (11.5±0.5%) than the non-coated films (5.3±0.6%) and absorbed less water (44.7±12.4%), compared to the non-coated ones (166.3±2.5%). Non-coated films exhibited less solubility in water (26.1±0.2%) than the coated ones (51.0±0.7%). FT-IR test detected cross-linking (1723 cm-1 ester) in the microwave-assisted coated film. The sol-gel coating increased the latent heat of melting and specific heat values by 14.9% and 19.4% for conventionally fabricated samples, and 22.3% and 25.3% for microwaved films, respectively, whereas it reduced the temperature of melting by 23.1% for conventionally fabricated ones, and 6.6% for microwaved ones. Microscopic tests revealed that microwaved compact morphology indicated better gelatinization of starch. Overall, microwaving and sol-gel coating need further investigation to improve the physical properties of biocomposite materials for food packaging.

This study conducted in Gasabo District, Nyacyonga marshland aimed to investigate the effect of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) organic fertilizer on the vegetative growth of the Royal Chantenay variety of carrot (Daucus carota). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Four treatments were applied: T1 (control, no fertilizer), T2 (NPK 17-17-17), T3 (25% water hyacinth organic fertilizer + 75% NPK 17-17-17), and T4 (50% water hyacinth organic fertilizer + 50% NPK 17-17-17). The growth parameters assessed included plant height, leaf number, and root diameter. Results showed that the application of water hyacinth organic fertilizer significantly influenced the vegetative growth of Royal Chantenay carrot plants. T3 and T4 treatments enhanced plant height, leaf number, and root diameter compared to the control (T1) and NPK 17-17-17 (T2). The highest vegetative growth parameters were observed in T4, indicating that a higher concentration of water hyacinth organic fertilizer positively affected the growth of carrot plants. The findings suggest that water hyacinth organic fertilizer can be a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers in promoting the vegetative growth of Royal Chantenay carrot plants. The utilization of water hyacinth as an organic fertilizer can contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by reducing dependence on synthetic inputs.