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.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of submerged fermentation with Lactobacillus spp. on the nutritional composition of Agaricus bisporus cap and stem. Fresh A. bisporus was provided, and the cap and stem parts were separated and cut into small pieces. Afterward, distilled water (400 ml) and urea (8.4 g) were added to the mushroom parts (100 g) and placed in different fermentation flasks. The fermentation flasks containing mushroom caps or stems were divided into two groups, and the pH levels of the fermentation medium were adjusted to 6 and 7. Fermentation flasks were autoclaved at 121°C for 15 minutes and Lactobacillus spp. was inoculated to each flask at 1 ml (108 CFU/ml). A positive control group was formed by allocating one uninoculated flask for each replicate of each pH value. Fermentation flasks were incubated for 48 hours at 30°C. After fermentation, fermented and inoculated mushroom cap and stem were analyzed to determine the crude protein, ash content, Lactobacillus spp. count and pH value. Lactobacillus spp. count was higher (P=0.028) in the pH 6 group of mushroom cap and tended to be higher (P=0.078) in the pH 6 group of mushroom stems compared with the pH 7 group. Submerged fermentation decreased (P<0.001) the ash content of the mushroom cap and stem in both pH values except the cap with pH 7 compared with the uninoculated mushroom. Similarly, the fermented mushroom cap and stem had lower (P<0.01) final pH values in both initial pH values. Lactobacillus spp. increased (P<0.001) the crude protein content of the mushroom cap with pH 6 but did not alter the crude protein content with pH 7. Besides, submerged fermentation decreased (P<0.001) the crude protein content of mushroom stem with both pH values. The results indicate that submerged fermentation using Lactobacillus spp. can be used to improve the nutritional composition of mushroom caps with pH 6.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of inclusion of an organic acid and surfactant (OS) combination on moisture optimization and energy sparing in the production of pelleted compound feeds for dairy and beef cattle. The trial was carried out in two independent private commercial feed factories (factories A and B) producing cattle feed in pellet form. Each factory produced 21 tons of commercial cattle feed (7 batches; 3 tons per batch); factory A, a dairy feed containing 2620 kcal/kg metabolizable energy (ME) with 18.90% crude protein (CP); and factory B, a fattening feed containing 2550 kcal/kg ME with 13.00% CP. Batches for the treatment groups were prepared by adding 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg/ton of OS (Fylax flow) respectively to these basal feeds in the mixer. The moisture retention capacity during pelleting process of all three OS supplemented feeds increased in comparison to the basal feed, whilst moisture content of the finished feeds and energy consumed for production decreased significantly. It was observed that increasing the OS supplementation to 1.5 kg could further increase the moisture retention capacity and moisture content in pellet production compared to the feeds supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0 kg OS, due to the lower power rating of the equipment. It has thus been concluded that adding 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg of OS to commercial compound feeds for dairy resulted in a profitable production with good moisture optimization and energy savings during pelleting.

Crop yield is largely influenced by the seedling quality and establishment. Seedling density is an important factor that plays a vital role in producing quality seedlings. Seedling growth characteristics of cabbage cv. kf-65 was evaluated at four inter row and intra row spacing: 0.5cm×1.0cm, 1.0cm×1.0cm, 1.5cm×1.5cm, and 2.0cm×2.0cm in the field of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Lamjung Campus during September-October, 2018. Seed germination was 96% under a partially controlled germinator in the lab whereas mean germination in the field was found to be 62%. Treatments were laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with five replications. Data was collected after 23 days using the destructive sampling method. Plant height, leaf number, leaf area, fresh shoot and root weight and % dry matter was recorded from five samples from each replication of every treatment. Plant population had a significant effect on plant leaf area, fresh shoot and root weight and % dry weight. The 2.0cm×2.0cm spacing had significantly higher leaf area (25.3cm2), fresh shoot (1.33g) and root weight (0.06g). Dry weight % (23%) was significantly higher for 1.5cm×1.5cm spacing. The result indicates that wider spacing (≥ 2cm) was found to be favourable to obtaining robust and quality seedlings.

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.

The botanical heritage of a region is an important resource for local people, which allows them to treat themselves with plants that have already been experienced from generation to generation for their benefits and effectiveness. The aim of this study was to highlight the different uses of lentisk pistachio products in the region of Jijel (Algeria). Systematic surveys have been carried out among different categories of people, by age group; have shown a growing interest in the use of medicinal plants. Two approaches (observation, and interview) were used to support this study, with an ethnobotanical worksheet, to obtain other recipes and more information on lentisk benefits and uses. The survey data processing showed that the lentisk is used for therapeutic purposes, to treat diseases of the skin (29%) and respiratory system (28%). The main and most used part of the plant is its berries. The plant is harvested in a spontaneous state and the picking of berries is done from November (in winter). Oil extraction is the principal preparation (72%). The use of resinous gum was not mentioned. Ten percent of surveys gave culinary recipes for some traditional meals preferred by Jijelians. The current study highlighted the ancestral practices and uses of the lentisk by Jijelians. It is necessary to develop this niche and promote its value chain in order to consolidate the economy of the local population.

The aim of this study was to investigate food safety knowledge levels according to the socio-demographic profiles of young food handlers and to find out the determinants of the knowledge level. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Türkiye; it consisted of sections including hygienic design, freezing and thawing, preparation, cooking and reheating, service, storage, and foodborne diseases sections. The food safety knowledge level differed according to gender, age, income, grade level, and intership status. Participants who coded 60% of the survey statements correctly were considered to have “good” food safety knowledge. Knowledge about cooking and reheating, foodborne diseases, and service was found to be at a poor level, but food safety knowledge (overall) was good (68%). The correct score ratio was found to be the highest for hygienic design. Binary logistic regression presented that gender, income, grade level, and internship status significantly affected knowledge level. The strongest predictors were found to be income of $638-$850 (exp (β)=12.9) and more than $850 (exp (β)=4.6), respectively. This study highlights that female students under the age of 25 with an income of more than $638, who have not yet completed an internship, have the highest level of food safety knowledge. This study presented a holistic approach to the food safety knowledge of young food handlers. These insights can contribute to the development of hygiene/sanitation and food safety course content for culinary and gastronomy students.

Proper nitrogen (N) management is vital for gaining potential yield benefits of a variety. Adjusting transplanting time enables the plant taking benefit from natural conditions favorable for its growth. In light of these, an investigation was carried out in the Boro season at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University from November 2022 to April 2023 to investigate the impact of various transplanting dates and N levels on the yield of Nizershail rice. The study involved four dates of transplanting viz. 16 December, 31 December, 15 January, 30 January and four nitrogen (N) levels viz. 0, 50, 100 and 150% of the recommended dose (RD) of N from urea where the recommended dose was 90 kg urea per ha. The trial was replicated thrice using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Results showed that the tallest plant, the uppermost grains/panicle and 1000 grains weight were detected in 16 December transplanting and the maximum grain yield was observed in 31 December transplanting. For N, total tillers and effective tillers/hill, grains/panicle, the highest grain and straw yields were found from 100% RD of N and the highest panicle length and sterile spikelets/panicle were found from 150% RD of N. In interactions, the maximum effective tillers/ hill and straw yield were observed from 100% RD of N in combination with 15 January transplanting. The maximum 1000 grains weight and the grain yield were obtained from 100% RD of N in combination with 16 December transplanting. From the result, it may be assumed that to get the maximum yield of Nizershail rice in Boro season could be transplanted between 16 December to 15 January with 100% RD of N from urea.

The aim of study is to reveal the factors affecting the knowledge sources used by melon farmers in Hatay province, and their attitudes towards input use. In addition, the research also investigated farmers’ attitudes towards plant protection knowledge and support policies. In the study was surveyed with melon farmers. The data were obtained through face to face interviews during the period of Summer-2022. In the study, factor analysis was used to determine farmers’ the factors affecting the knowledge sources. Factors affecting the knowledge sources used by farmers were determined as two-way and one-way communication. The factors affecting the sources that farmers depend on in dose adjustment were determined as internal and external factors. Besides, farmers think that the knowledge sources should be understandable and accessible. On the other hand, farmers think that the sources they depend on should be accurate and reliable. In melon cultivation, chemicals are used excessively to combat diseases and pests. Also, farmers stated that if precautions are not taken while spraying, poisoning may occur. Moreover, it is thought that empty pesticide containers should be destroyed and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides may harm products and the environment. Furthermore, farmers claimed that support policies for melon production were not sufficient. As a result, it has been understood that melon farmers have a good level of education and are conscious individuals. However, it is thought that the training and extension activities will help farmers increase their income and environmental awareness.

Bu çalışma, fındık tarım işletmelerinin ekonomik sürdürülebilirliğini ve sürdürülebilirliği etkileyen faktörleri belirlemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmanın ana materyalini 2021 yılında, 380 fındık üreticisi ile yüz yüze yapılan anketlerden elde edilen veriler oluşturmaktadır. Fındık tarım işletmelerinin sosyo-ekonomik özelliklerinin karşılaştırılmasında tek yönlü Varyans analizi ve Kruskal Wallis testi analiz yöntemlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Ekonomik sürdürülebilirliği etkileyen faktörlerin belirlenmesinde çoklu doğrusal regresyon modelinden faydalanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda fındık tarım işletmelerinin ekonomik sürdürülebilirlik endeksi ortalaması 0,48 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Trabzon (0,37), Giresun (0,43) ve Ordu (0,46) illerindeki işletmeler ortalamanın altında ekonomik sürdürülebilirliğe; Samsun (0,58), Sakarya (0,61) ve Düzce (0,64) illerindeki fındık işletmeleri ise ortalamanın üstünde ekonomik sürdürülebilirliğe sahiptirler. İşletmelerin ekonomik sürdürülebilirliğini çiftçinin yaşı negatif; eğitim süresi, hanehalkı büyüklüğü, köyde ikamet etme, tarımsal örgütlere üyelik, fındık verimi ve satış fiyatı pozitif etkilemektedir. Çiftçilerin bilgi düzeylerinin artırılmasına yönelik eğitim çalışmaları yapılması, kırsal göçü önleyici politikaların uygulanması ve verim artışına yönelik yayım çalışmalarının gerçekleştirilmesi ekonomik sürdürülebilirliğe katkı sağlayacaktır.