Plants need to accumalate heat to complete a particular or whole growth period. This accumalation depends on temperature thresholds above or below which plant growth ceases, and on air temperature. It can be speculated that more heat accumulation is available for plants due to rapid warming within three or four decades. This study presents more recent heat accumulation for plants, quantified using a useful index called growing degree day (GDD), for five locations (Söke, Kuşadası, Aydın, Sultanhisar and Nazilli) in Aydın, Türkiye, during the latest climatic normal period from 1991 to 2020. GDD values were calculated both in monthly basis from March through October, and in daily basis from March 1st to October 31st. Monthly GDD averages, as expected, showed a pattern that increased from March to July or August, then decreased thereafter till October. Range and standart deviation showed approximately an opposite pattern, suggesting higher uncertainity in relatively colder months. The results are expected to provide farmers or agricultural practitioners with the latest averages of GDD to predict plant growth and development.

Bu çalışma, Şavak Akkaraman koyunlarının sütlerinde ve yemlerinde bazı kimyasal parametrelerin incelenmesi, ağır metallerden kurşun (Pb), kadmiyum (Cd), cıva (Hg), bakır (Cu) ve arsenik (As) düzeylerinin belirlenmesi ve yemin, süt üzerindeki ağır metal içeriğine etkisinin değerlendirilmesi amacıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Süt örneklerinde kuru madde (%17,63), ham kül (%1,03), ham protein (%5,69), ham yağ (%5,62), yağsız kuru madde (%12,01), asitlik (%0,34 L.A.) ve pH (6,62) değerlerinin ortalamaları belirlenirken, yem örneklerinde ise kuru madde (%92,08), ham kül (%7,63), ham protein (%7,56), ham yağ (%2,00), ham selüloz (%22,82) ve nötral deterjan fiber (NDF) (%43,30) değerlerinin ortalamaları tespit edilmiştir. Şavak Akkaraman koyunlarına ait süt örneklerinde Cu düzeyi ortalama olarak 0,248 mg/kg olarak tespit edilmiş, ancak Pb, Cd, Hg ve As tespit edilememiştir. Yem örneklerinde ise Pb, Cd, Cu ve As düzeyleri sırasıyla 0,057, 0,021, 1,916 ve 0,040 ppm olarak belirlenmiş olup, Hg varlığı tespit edilmemiştir.  Korelasyon analizi sonuçlarına göre, kuru madde ile ham kül (r=0,684), kuru madde ile yağsız kuru madde (r=0,989) ve ham kül ile yağsız kuru madde (r=0,664) arasında pozitif ve istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ilişkiler tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca yem Pb ile yem As arasında (r = 0,938) ve süt ham yağ ile NDF arasında (r = 0,927) güçlü pozitif korelasyonlar tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular, literatürde bildirilen verilerle genel olarak uyumlu bulunmuş ve normal sınırlar içinde değerlendirilmiştir. Şavak Akkaraman koyun sütü örneklerinde tespit edilen Cu ve yem örneklerinde tespit edilen Cu ve As seviyesinin risk oluşturmayacak seviyede olması, bölgedeki çevresel kirlilik seviyesinin düşük olabileceğini ve koyun sütü tüketiminin halk sağlığı açısından önemli bir risk taşımadığını düşündürmektedir.

This study investigates the long-term trends and variability of temperature and precipitation in Muğla Province, located in southwestern Türkiye, using daily data from 1956 to 2024. The analysis was conducted using the hydroTSM package in R, enabling the transformation of raw meteorological data into meaningful climatic indicators. Results indicate a statistically significant warming trend, with an approximate 2.5°C increase in annual mean temperatures over the study period. Seasonal analyses reveal an earlier onset and delayed end of the summer season, alongside milder winter evidence of a shifting climatic regime. Concurrently, precipitation patterns exhibit increasing irregularity, with dry summers becoming more pronounced and extreme rainfall events intensifying, especially in recent years. These dynamics have critical implications for agricultural water demand, irrigation planning, and disaster risk management. It is concluded that Muğla is becoming increasingly vulnerable to both drought and flood risks, necessitating adaptive water resource management strategies. These include revising irrigation schedules, integrating early warning systems, and exploring alternative water sources to ensure resilience against climate-induced challenges.

Bu çalışmada, Türk fındığı (Corylus colurna L.) üzerine aşılı 15 farklı fındık çeşidinin fizyolojik bir gösterge olan yaprak gaz değişim parametreleri [stoma iletkenliği (gs), net asimilasyon oranı (Anet), terleme oranı (TO) ile su kullanım verimliliği [anlık su kullanım verimliliği (ASKV= Anet/TO), içsel su kullanım verimliliği (İSKV= Anet/gs)] değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma materyali olarak Düzce, Trabzon, Samsun ve Kastamonu illerinden temin edilen fındık çeşitleri 2020 yılında Türk fındığı anaçları üzerine aşılanmış ve bu fındık çeşitlerinin yaprak gaz değişim parametrelerine ait ölçümler 2024 yılının Ağustos ayında 5 tekrarlı olarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Çalışma sonuçlarına göre, gs, Anet ve TO değerlerinde en yüksek fotosentetik performans Türk fındığı, Allah Verdi (AV) ve Okay çeşitlerinde gözlenmişken en düşük değerler Çakıldak, Palaz ve Kara fındık çeşitlerinde elde edilmiştir. ASKV ve İSKV açısından Sivri, Giresun Yabanisi, Palaz ve Yomralı çeşitleri öne çıkmıştır. Sonuç olarak, Türk fındığı üzerine aşılı fındık çeşitlerinin fotosentetik performans açısından önemli varyasyonlara sahip olduğunu göstermektedir. Türk fındığının kendi üzerine aşılanması en iyi fotosentetik performans göstermesi yanında AV ve Okay çeşitlerinin diğer çeşitlere göre gösterdikleri performansla gelecekteki gelişimlerinin daha iyi olabileceği düşünülmektedir. Hem verimli hem de ticari değeri yüksek olan bu iki fındık çeşidi, gelecekte sulama problemi olmayan alanlarda kurulacak fındık bahçesi çalışmalarında daha fazla tercih edilebilir. Ancak, kuraklık etkisinin giderek arttığı düşünüldüğünde bu çeşitler için kuraklığa dayanıklılık testlerini içeren bilimsel araştırmaların yapılması ve bu veriler ışığı altında fındık bahçelerinin kurulması daha doğru olacaktır.

A field experiment was conducted at Nilkantha Municipality-12 Dhadingbesi, Dhading from March to July 2024, with a set of seven hybrid maize genotypes. Three replications of a RCBD were used to assess the genotypes and samples were taken for several characteristics like plant height, days to 50% plant emergence, days to 50% plant tasseling, days to 50% silking, anthesis-silking interval, cob height, leaf number, stem girth, number of cobs/plant, cob length, cob girth, number of kernel row/cob, number of kernel/row, test weight and grain yield. The highest days to the emergence of seedlings is Rampur Hybrid-8 (9.33 day) and the lowest days is C.P.808 (6.33 day). The plant height was significantly higher in Rampur Hybrid-10 (290.73 cm). Days to 50% tasseling and silking are relatively earlier in Rampur Hybrid-8 (63 day) and Rampur Hybrid-10 (65.33 day) respectively which is at par with C.P.808 and Anthesis-silking interval is comparatively lower in Rampur Hybrid-10 (1.33 day). Leaf number below the main cob was found higher in Rampur Hybrid-14 (9.30), whereas leaf above the main cob was found to be non-significant. Cob height was found to be lowest in C.P.808 (139.97 cm). Stem girth was found to be higher in C.P.808 (9.07 cm) followed by Rampur Hybrid-10 (8.38 cm). Similarly, Rampur Hybrid-14 had the most cobs per plant (1.53). Cob length and cob girth was found to be non-significant. Number of rows in a cob was higher in C.P.808 (16.33) followed by Rampur Hybrid-10 (15.97). Number of kernel/row was higher in C.P.808 (35.93) followed by Rampur Hybrid-12 (34.04). Similarly grain yield was higher in C.P.808 (10.44 Mt/ha) followed by Rampur Hybrid-10 (9.80 Mt/ha). Test weight was highest in Rampur Hybrid-10 (347.75 g). Looking at the performance of these varieties C.P.808 and Rampur Hybrid-10 can be recommended for the Dhading district.

Cheddar cheese, one of the earliest and most commercially significant dairy products, provides an excellent platform for functional food innovation due to its stable matrix and widespread consumer acceptance. This study explores the incorporation of Eucheuma cottonii, a nutrient-rich red seaweed, into Cheddar cheese and evaluates its effects on physicochemical properties during refrigerated storage. The research also aims to promote sustainable use of local marine resources and support the livelihood of seaweed farmers in Sri Lanka’s coastal regions. Cheddar cheese was manufactured using buffalo milk, with seaweed extract incorporated at three concentrations: 1%, 3%, and 5% (v/v). A control sample without seaweed was also prepared. Over a four-week storage period, pH, titratable acidity, and protein content were monitored. Results showed a significant increase in pH values in seaweed-fortified samples compared to the control, with the 5% treatment exhibiting the highest values. This suggests that seaweed components may provide buffering capacity and influence microbial activity during ripening. Titratable acidity decreased across all treatments, with the 1% seaweed cheese showing the highest acidity at week four. Protein content declined over time, but the 3% seaweed treatment maintained the highest protein levels throughout storage. Cheese yield was not significantly affected by seaweed addition; however, the 1% treatment displayed the highest average yield. Although no sensory evaluation was conducted, the 1% seaweed cheese exhibited the most favorable combination of pH, acidity, and protein retention, indicating improved overall quality. This study demonstrates that seaweed-fortified Cheddar cheese is both technologically feasible and strategically beneficial. It offers a value-added dairy product that enhances nutritional properties while providing economic support to Sri Lanka’s seaweed industry. Future research should investigate consumer acceptance, sensory properties, and long-term storage behavior to further develop this functional food innovation.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), a member of the Solanaceae family, is considered the world's leading non-cereal crop, providing daily nourishment to over a billion people. A common misconception among farmers is the belief that only synthetic fertilizers can enhance yields, while locally prepared biostimulants are ineffective. This misconception is one of the key factors contributing to the low productivity of potatoes in Nepal. A field experiment was carried out at Thulasen- 6, Achham, in 2024 to study the effect of bio-enhancers and farm yard manure on the growth and yield of potato. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with six treatments and four replications. The ‘Khumal Rato’ variety was used for planting. The six treatments used in the research field were T1 (control), T2 (application of Farm Yard Manure @30 t/ha), T3 (seed treatment with Azotobacter @10 ml/kg seed tuber), T4 (seed treatment with Bijamrit @200ml/kg seed tuber), T5 (seed treatment with PSB @10 ml/kg seed tuber) and T6 (seed treatment with Jibamrit @200 ml/kg seed tuber).  The results indicated that T5 and T3 performed best initially in plant height and number of leaves, respectively, followed by T4 and T6 at later stage of plant growth. There was no significant difference among treatments in the number of stems per hill throughout the entire growth period of the crop. The maximum number of branches per plant was recorded in T3, along with a maximum number of unmarketable tubers. T5 showed best result in weight and number of marketable tubers per plot along with the maximum yield of 25.39 t/ha among all treatments, whereas T1 had the highest weight of unmarketable tubers. In terms of growth and yield performance, biofertilizers i.e., Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and Azotobacter gave the best results, followed by bio-enhancers i.e., Bijamrit and Jibamrit on different parameters. Also, in terms of economic feasibility, soil health, and sustainable production, T3 and T5 can be recommended.

This study aimed to determine the resistance of different cotton genotypes and their F1 hybrids against Verticillium Wilt (Verticillium dahliae Kleb.) under natural field conditions and in controlled greenhouse environments. A total of 15 F1 hybrids and 8 parental lines, developed through the line x tester hybridization method, were used as experimental material. Field and greenhouse experiments allowed for the assessment of foliar disease severity values across the population, leading to the determination of resistance levels, as well as the general combining ability (GCA) values for the parents and special combining ability (SCA) values for the hybrid combinations. The results of both experiments indicated that the DPL 5690 and Acala Maxa varieties could serve as resistant parent lines in future breeding programs.  Among the F1 hybrids, the combinations of Sg 125 x Acala Maxa, Stn 8a x Acala Maxa, Nazilli 84 x Acala Maxa, and DPL 5690 x Acala Maxa were identified as suitable for transferring resistance to Verticillium dahliae Kleb. to subsequent generations. Additionally, the results indicated that resistance levels for the same cotton genotype may vary between greenhouse and field conditions.

Poultry feed constitutes a significant portion of production costs in the poultry industry. Exploring underutilized plant species as alternative feed ingredients could help mitigate these costs while enhancing feed quality. However, limited research exists on such alternatives in Nigeria. This study evaluates the nutrient composition of byproducts from Theobroma cacao (cocoa bean shell) and Spondias mombin (hog plum) and their potential as poultry feed supplements in comparison with FAO standards. Kernel and husk samples of S. mombin and T. cacao, respectively, were collected from various locations, air dried and sun-dried for 80 hours respectively, ground, sieved (0.5 mm), and analyzed for proximate composition, metabolizable energy, minerals, and amino acids using AOAC methods. Results revealed significant variations in nutrient composition, with T. cacao husk exhibiting higher crude protein, moisture content, and in vitro organic matter digestibility (p<0.001) compared to S. mombin kernel. Additionally, S. mombin provided essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, along with lysine, which aligns with FAO requirements for poultry diets. While neither ingredient meets FAO standards individually, their complementary nutrient profiles suggest that a strategic blend could enhance overall feed quality. These findings highlight the potential of T. cacao and S. mombin byproducts as sustainable alternatives to conventional poultry feed ingredients, particularly in reducing reliance on soybean-based protein sources.

Tomato farming in Kathmandu faces many pest problems, including leaf miners, fruit borers, and whiteflies. The most problematic is the tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta), which damage vegetative and reproductive stages, leading to up to 100% crop loss. The experiment was conducted on the tomato variety Kabita during March-June 2024 in a farmer's field in Chandragiri Municipality-1, Kathmandu, under open-field conditions. This research studied the effects of different chemical pesticides on infestation percentage in leaves and fruits, tunnels per infested leaf and fruit, and larvae per infested leaf. Seven treatments were evaluated: chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @3 ml/l, azadirachtin 3000 ppm @4 ml/l, control, emamectin benzoate 1.5% + indoxacarb 7.5% SC @0.625 ml/l, chlorfenapyr 10.5% + spinosad 2.5% SC @0.1 ml/l, spinetoram 11.7% SC @0.8 ml/l, and chlorfenapyr 10% + tolfenpyrad 10% SC @1 ml/l, with three replications laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4.32 m² per plot. The experiment showed significant pesticide effects on larval mortality and damage reduction. The lowest infestation in leaves (11.26%) and fruits (0.94%), with the fewest tunnels per infested leaf (0.41) and fruit (0.22), was in chlorfenapyr + tolfenpyrad, followed by spinetoram. The lowest larval population per infested leaf was in spinetoram (0.31), followed by chlorfenapyr + tolfenpyrad. The lowest yield loss (2.70%) was in chlorfenapyr + tolfenpyrad, followed by spinetoram. Thus, chlorfenapyr + tolfenpyrad, followed by spinetoram, were the most effective pesticides for managing Tuta absoluta under Chandragiri field conditions.