Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a tropical and subtropical climate plant with high economic value and nutritional content. Having valuable phytochemicals in terms of health caused an increase in demand for pomegranate consumption and this situation accelerated pomegranate production. However, global warming and climate changes are among the factors limiting the production of pomegranate. Especially abiotic stress factors caused by adverse ecological conditions cause significant economic losses in pomegranate production. Drought stress, which is one of these negativities, causes fruit cracking problem, which is one of the important problems in pomegranate production. Minimizing the fruit cracking problem, which causes economic losses, is possible by breeding varieties that are resistant to under non-irrigated conditions. Determining the resistance of the cultivars to be used in breeding programs against fruit cracking will allow the development of elite cultivars. For this purpose, it was aimed to determine the fruit cracking rates of 30 different pomegranate genotypes in the Pomegranate Genetic Collection of Çukurova University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, under non-irrigated conditions. A correlation was made between the cracking rates of the genotypes and the amount of soluble solids content (SSC). According to the correlation analysis between the cultivars, there is no statistically significant difference between the SSC and the cracking rate. However, a weak negative correlation was determined between SSC-cracking rate (-0,1132). In the light of the pomological data obtained, it was determined that 8 pomegranate genotypes grown under non-irrigated conditions had a fruit cracking rate of 40 % - 85 %, cracking rates were below 10 % in 8 pomegranate genotypes and no fruit cracking was observed in 6 genotypes. As a result of the analysis, it was observed that drought stress was effective on the fruit cracking rate or the exacerbation of the fruit cracking rate, but the resistance level of some genotypes against the fruit cracking problem was high.

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) is known as one of the most important seed-borne destructive pathogens on beans worldwide. Nowadays, Xap is considered to acquire resistance to antibiotics and synthetic bactericides which concerns the scientific world for its future management. This has made the use of plant extracts, the best alternative in the control of plant disease pathogens by inhibiting the quorum sensing (QS) mediated virulence factors. This research was designed to investigate the antibacterial activities and the anti-QS effects of the 14 different aromatic and medicinal plants against QS-mediated virulence factors of Xap. The results revealed that Syzgium aromaticum showed the largest inhibition zone diameter and strongest antimicrobial (antibacterial) effect among the 14 plant extracts followed by Thymus vulgaris and Coriandrum sativum. Similarly, the lowest swarming, swimming, and twitching motility values were measured from the Syzgium aromaticum application followed by Coriandrum sativum, Thymus vulgaris, Brassica nigra, Lepidium sativum, and Ruta chalepenis. These results indicated that S. aromaticum, C. sativum, T. vulgaris, B. nigra, L. sativum, and R. chalepenis will be a potential candidates as anti-quorum sensing agents in preventing common bacterial disease of beans caused by Xap. Compounds derived from aromatic and medicinal plants have demonstrated successful control of diseases in crops and the use of these substances provides a valuable tool to the growers around the world for diseases management in organic production.

In this study, the hypometabolism behavior, epiphragm formation process, and the mineral composition of the epiphragmal structure of the Helix pomacella, Eobania vermiculata, Helix melanostoma, and Helix asemnis land snails were investigated during the hibernation period. 100 snails selected among mature individuals, 25 from each species, were collected from nature for the research. The snails were placed in four 50x50x5 cm pans containing 20-cm-deep humus soil. Snails were fed with lettuce by free feeding until the hibernation period. Hypometabolism behavior of snails that had hibernated between November and December 2018, and January and February 2019 were examined as entering the hibernation stage, hibernation stage, and leaving the hibernation stage. The ionic concentration (Calcium, Iron, and Phosphorus) of the epiphragm layer formed during the hibernation process was analyzed, its formation duration, and its degradation at the end of the hibernation period were examined. In the study, it was determined that the weight before hibernation reduced by 18-22% in all examined species (H. pomacella, E. vermiculata, H. melanostoma, and H. asemnis). The highest values in terms of epiphragm formation duration (19±0.30 days), weight (0.41±0.26 g), and thickness (0.310±0.22 mm) were determined in H. asemnis. In terms of the ionic concentration, the highest Calcium level was determined in H. asemnis (29.96±0.12 mg/g) while the highest Phosphorus level (4.02±0.20 mg/g) was determined in E. vermiculata, and the highest Iron content was found in H. pomacella (19.50±0.33 mg/g). The degradation duration of the epiphragm layer at the end of hibernation was determined the longest in E. vermiculata (7 days) whereas the shortest in H. pomacella (3 days). As a result of the present research, it was seen that the epiphragm layer is important for snails in terms of a sustainable life cycle and that the ecological tolerances of snails depend on the epiphragmal structure.

This study has been carried out in 2017-2018 in order to determine seed dormancy and effective germination depth wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.). The in-vitro dormancy breaking experiments (tip breaking, sanding, H2SO4 application, holding in flowing and still water, GA3, KNO3 and GA3+KNO3 combination application) has been applied to wild mustard seeds collected from wheat field in Tokat province and has been applied to wild mustard seeds collected from wheat field in Tokat province and the most effective method was determined as 1000 ppm GA3+KNO3 with 98% impact on seed germination at 15°C within 72 hours. In contrast germination rate has been calculated as 5% in control plants. Furthermore 15°C was assessed as optimum temperature for seed germination was the most effective temperature and during depth studies 100% of wild mustard seeds germinated at 3-5 cm. Because of the difficulies with the work with seeds and plants that have dormancy, these data will contribute future studies.

Apple cultivation has been done in very large areas around the world. According to FAO, approximately 87.2 million tons of apples were produced in the world in 2019. Turkey has covered 3.6 million tons of this production and ranked third in the world. In this study, the two major apple production areas for Turkey, Isparta and Karaman annual operating results of the province apples' farms, were evaluated. Data acquired by interviewing from 132 farms selected with the stratified random sampling method constituted the study's primary material. Classical economic analysis approaches were used in determining the annual operating results of the farms. The farms' financial and economic profitability rates were 8.82% and 7.78% in Isparta province, respectively, while 7.25% and 6.15% in Karaman province. The research results showed that apple farms did not have rational capital distribution, their agricultural incomes were low, and their income varied by province.

Despite positive effects on nutrition, it has been reported that milk causes allergic reactions and many health problems. Allergic reaction to milk is called lactose intolerance, but it is estimated that this is not caused by lactose, but by the β -casein structure of milk, which varies depending on animal species. Although there are many fractions of β-casein in the structure of milk, especially A1 and A2 casein attract attention. A1 β -casein causes many health problems because it plays a role in the formation of the bioactive opioid peptide β-casomorphin-7 (β-CM-7). These health problems are allergic reactions, weakening of the immune system and slowing down of the gastro-intestinal system and some systemic diseases (cardiovascular disease, type 1 diabetes, autism, schizophrenia). The underdevelopment of gastro-intestinal system, especially in newborns, causes us to encounter these health problems more frequently. For this reason, the consumption of milk containing A1 β-casein, especially cow’s milk from culture breeds, is not recommended. Since BKM-7 (β-casomorphin-7) formed by A1 β-casein cannot occur in A2 β-casein, these health problems cannot be expected to be observed. However, A2 β-casein causes DPP4 (dipeptidyl peptidase 4) enzymes to be regulated in the body and a non-opioid effect is observed. It is recommended to consume goat’s milk and dairy products containing A2 β-casein in newborns, people with celiac disease and stomach disorders. Despite the lack of studies on the subject of A1 and A2 β-casein and the ongoing discussions, in this review, the importance and differences of A1 and A2 β-caseins in cow and goat milk were discussed and their effects on human health.

The study aimed to identify the major challenges that affect the market information system, assess the possible mechanism that would increase their speculative and bargaining capacity power and to explore feasible information system solutions. Data were collected with structured questionnaire from104 farmers of different market using clustered sampling techniques. Descriptive research design and mixed (qualitative and quantitative) research approach vis-à-vis value chain approach is applied and developed an intermediary driven value chain model that links farmers to the market as a way to improve the unidirectional, selectively beneficiary traditional system. Using nine criteria on the multitude of alternative information delivery mechanisms for small holding farmers, Interactive Voice Response based system is found to be of highly effective. Restructuring the market information by bringing the most important wholesalers in to the system, enhancing the functionalities of the market by creating localized price data and creating demand forecasting platform by distinguishing crops that continuously face marketing problems are suggested as short-term action while, increasing economies of scale in production and distribution by consolidating farmers’ cooperatives, encouraging the development of third-party logistics, investing on the physical agro-logistics infrastructure to support long-distance, high-volume agricultural product transportation modes as well as increasing the refrigerated storage capacity at wholesale markets to nurture cold chain technologies are very crucial tasks in the long run.

The present research was carried out to determine the effects of the addition of cardamom powder at different levels (0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 g/kg) to diet on performance, egg quality, and serum parameters in laying quails. In the experiment, a total of 120 laying quails at the age of 20 weeks were randomly distributed to 5 treatment groups with 6 subgroups (4 quails each). Quails were fed with experimental diets for 10 weeks. In the experiment, the feed intake of quails significantly increased with the supplementation of cardamom powder at the level of 3 g/kg to the diet, while other performance parameters were not affected. Eggshell thickness advanced with the addition of 1 g/kg cardamom powder to diet. Egg yolk L* value increased at the level of 4 g/kg, but a* value decreased with the addition of cardamom powder. Other egg quality parameters were not affected by the addition of cardamom powder to the diet. In addition, the supplementation of cardamom powder to the diet significantly reduced serum cholesterol levels of quails. According to the results obtained from the experiment, the addition of cardamom powder at the level of 3 g/kg to the diet increased the feed intake of quails, while the supplementation of 1 g/kg was effective in improving the eggshell quality and serum cholesterol level.

The study aimed to investigate some morphometric traits, length-weight relationship, meat yield, fecundity and some biochemical compositions of Astacus leptodactylus, in one of the Bafra Fish Lakes named Ulugöl, Samsun, Turkey. A total of 378 A. leptodactylus (198 female and 180 male) were examined. The average carapace length was 50.96±0.46 mm for females, 51.31±0.66 mm for males and 51.13±0.40 mm for all sampled crayfish. Abdomen length was 52.36±0.49 mm for females, 49.26±0.62 mm for males and 50.87±0.40 mm for all sampled crayfish. Live weight was between 14.38 g and 105.03 g with an average of 38.26±0.73 g. The average weight of females was less than that of males. There was a strong relationship between length and weight. The weight of crayfish with pleopodal eggs ranged from 28.24 g, to 59.50 g with an average of 41.73±1.09g. The average number of eggs per individuals was 192.90±9.94 with an average number of 4.62±0.21 per unit of live weight. The average total egg weight was 3.35±0.19 g while the average egg diameter was 2.17±0.03 mm. Abdomen meat was lower for males comparing with females. Average moisture, crude ash, crude oil and crude protein of abdomen meat were 81.27%, 1.47%, 0.81% and 16.45%, respectively.

Çevre duyarlılığı; bireylerin çevreye olan sorumluluklarının bilincinde olması ve bu sorumlulukları yerine getirme yeteneğidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı Kahramanmaraş ilinde yaşayan tüketicilerin çevre duyarlılığının ve çevre duyarlılığının çevreci satın alma davranışı üzerindeki etkilerinin belirlenmesidir. Araştırmanın ana materyalini 2020 yılı ocak ve şubat aylarında Kahramanmaraş ili kent merkezinde yaşayan 384 tüketici ile yüz yüze yapılan anketlerden elde edilen veriler oluşturmaktadır. Verilerin analiz edilmesinde tanımlayıcı istatistik ve ki-kare testinden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda tüketicilerin %89,1’inin çevreye karşı duyarlı olduğunu kabul ettiği tespit edilmiştir. Ki-kare testi sonucunda kadınların, eğitim seviyesi daha yüksek olanların, çekirdek ailelerin çevreye karşı duyarlılığı istatistiksel olarak daha yüksektir. Daha az kirlenmeye neden olan ürünleri satın alan tüketicilerin %93,4’ünün, çevre dostu ürünlere diğer ürünlere ödenenden daha fazla para ödemeye razı olan tüketicilerin ise %95,7’sinin çevreye duyarlı olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Konu ile ilgili paydaşlara bir kaynak niteliği taşıyacak bu çalışma ile tüketicilerin çevre duyarlılığının artırılması, tüketicilerin çevreci ürünlere olan farkındalıklarının artırılması ve çevrenin korunmasına katkı sağlamak hedeflenmektedir.