Water scarcity necessitates the implementation of various strategies to manage irrigation processes, aiming to optimize water usage for sustainable development, particularly in Semi-Arid regions. This research investigates the impact of using a sustainable deficit irrigation (SDI) technique alongside a drip irrigation system on the efficiency of water use and the growth and productivity of "KEITT" mango trees. The experiment examined four levels of irrigation requirements (IR) at 50%, 60%, 75% and 100%, using four different dripper spacing distances (60, 50, 40 and 30 cm). The average tree productivity during the 2022 season was 26.060, 24.100, 25.740 and 24.330 kg/tree, respectively, while in the 2023 season, it was 25.940, 24.760, 25.250 and 24.380 kg/tree. The average water use efficiency (WUE) values were 4.950, 3.880, 3.240 and 2.320 kg/m³ for the 50%, 60%, 75% and 100% IR treatments, respectively. The results indicated no significant differences in the growth and productivity of the mango crop across different irrigation levels. It was found that irrigating at 50% IR achieved the highest water use efficiency, saving more than 3500 m³ of water per fedden per season. These findings suggest that policymakers can adopt sustainable deficit irrigation techniques to enhance WUE without compromising crop productivity.

Water scarcity necessitates the implementation of various strategies to manage irrigation processes, aiming to optimize water usage for sustainable development, particularly in Semi-Arid regions. This research investigates the impact of using a sustainable deficit irrigation (SDI) technique alongside a drip irrigation system on the efficiency of water use and the growth and productivity of "KEITT" mango trees. The experiment examined four levels of irrigation requirements (IR) at 50%, 60%, 75% and 100%, using four different dripper spacing distances (60, 50, 40 and 30 cm). The average tree productivity during the 2022 season was 26.060, 24.100, 25.740 and 24.330 kg/tree, respectively, while in the 2023 season, it was 25.940, 24.760, 25.250 and 24.380 kg/tree. The average water use efficiency (WUE) values were 4.950, 3.880, 3.240 and 2.320 kg/m³ for the 50%, 60%, 75% and 100% IR treatments, respectively. The results indicated no significant differences in the growth and productivity of the mango crop across different irrigation levels. It was found that irrigating at 50% IR achieved the highest water use efficiency, saving more than 3500 m³ of water per fedden per season. These findings suggest that policymakers can adopt sustainable deficit irrigation techniques to enhance WUE without compromising crop productivity.

This study analyzed data from 5,518 lactations involving 1,749 Friesian cows raised in two experimental herds between 1992 and 2022.  The study aim was to estimate the genetic parameters for longevity traits using a multiple-trait animal model, including age at first calving (AFC), lifetime (LT), lifetime days in milk (LTDIM), total lactations (TL) and lifetime milk yield (LTMY). On average, cows lived for 80.4 months, with 41% of their lifetime spent in milk production. They averaged 3.2 lactations, starting at 32.7 months. Heritability estimates for longevity traits were 0.09 to 0.12 suggesting limited direct selection potential. Strong genetic and phenotypic correlations (0.88–0.96) were observed between lifespan traits and total milk production. Similar correlations were found between partial lifetime milk yield traits for the first three lactations and total lifetime milk yield (0.44 to 0.97). Genetic correlations between lifetime traits were consistently high (0.88 to 0.99), mirroring phenotypic correlations. Notably, heritability estimates for partial performance traits increased with more lactations considered, and correlations between partial and lifetime traits were improved with additional data. These findings suggest the feasibility of early indirect selection for longevity through correlated responses in early performance traits, particularly early lactation milk production, to enhance overall lifetime productivity.

This study analyzed data from 5,518 lactations involving 1,749 Friesian cows raised in two experimental herds between 1992 and 2022.  The study aim was to estimate the genetic parameters for longevity traits using a multiple-trait animal model, including age at first calving (AFC), lifetime (LT), lifetime days in milk (LTDIM), total lactations (TL) and lifetime milk yield (LTMY). On average, cows lived for 80.4 months, with 41% of their lifetime spent in milk production. They averaged 3.2 lactations, starting at 32.7 months. Heritability estimates for longevity traits were 0.09 to 0.12 suggesting limited direct selection potential. Strong genetic and phenotypic correlations (0.88–0.96) were observed between lifespan traits and total milk production. Similar correlations were found between partial lifetime milk yield traits for the first three lactations and total lifetime milk yield (0.44 to 0.97). Genetic correlations between lifetime traits were consistently high (0.88 to 0.99), mirroring phenotypic correlations. Notably, heritability estimates for partial performance traits increased with more lactations considered, and correlations between partial and lifetime traits were improved with additional data. These findings suggest the feasibility of early indirect selection for longevity through correlated responses in early performance traits, particularly early lactation milk production, to enhance overall lifetime productivity.

Climate change poses a significant challenge to agriculture while barley is an essential and crucial crop worldwide. This study evaluated the drought stress tolerance of 25 barley genotypes. A field experiment was carried out to investigate agronomical traits, such as plant height at 110 days (PH110) and spike length (SL), in response to different surface irrigation treatments. Subsequently, 15 barley genotypes were chosen for the second experiment which aimed to examine the impact of physiological stress generated by polyethylene glycol-6000. Several biological metrics, including seedling vigor index (SVI), and drought tolerance index (DTI), were quantified. Ultimately, six SSR primers were used to analyze the genetic diversity between different barley genotypes. The findings demonstrated that the G1, G2, and G6 genotypes were tolerant but G5, G9, and G14 were susceptible. The primers Bmag0603, EBmac0849, and Bmag770 were polymorphic. This study provides valuable initial insights into the drought resistance of various barley genotypes, highlighting the genetic diversity and potential for breeding drought-tolerant varieties. We suggest expanding the sample size and incorporating a broader range of environmental conditions in future studies to validate these findings. Additionally, the identified genetic markers could be further explored and utilized in breeding programs.

Climate change poses a significant challenge to agriculture while barley is an essential and crucial crop worldwide. This study evaluated the drought stress tolerance of 25 barley genotypes. A field experiment was carried out to investigate agronomical traits, such as plant height at 110 days (PH110) and spike length (SL), in response to different surface irrigation treatments. Subsequently, 15 barley genotypes were chosen for the second experiment which aimed to examine the impact of physiological stress generated by polyethylene glycol-6000. Several biological metrics, including seedling vigor index (SVI), and drought tolerance index (DTI), were quantified. Ultimately, six SSR primers were used to analyze the genetic diversity between different barley genotypes. The findings demonstrated that the G1, G2, and G6 genotypes were tolerant but G5, G9, and G14 were susceptible. The primers Bmag0603, EBmac0849, and Bmag770 were polymorphic. This study provides valuable initial insights into the drought resistance of various barley genotypes, highlighting the genetic diversity and potential for breeding drought-tolerant varieties. We suggest expanding the sample size and incorporating a broader range of environmental conditions in future studies to validate these findings. Additionally, the identified genetic markers could be further explored and utilized in breeding programs.

Nile tilapia is a freshwater fish of African origin, with productive and economical characteristics affecting global fish markets. The Oreochromis niloticus reference genome has a diploid set of 22 linkage groups (LGs) in addition to ungrouped sequences. A total of 42,622 genes have been identified, but 550 genomic gaps may include more. Our study focused on some of these genomic gaps, where appropriate primers were designed and then multiplied through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. From local samples, DNA was extracted and amplified with the new primers. Successful amplicons were sequenced and annotated using available bioinformatics tools. Five assessed sequences were annotated, of which three were newly predicted in O. niloticus, as mucin 1-like, and KLR genes, and SATB region. The other two sequences belonged to grid2 and trpm7 which were previously predicted. Although individual attempts to identify genomic gaps are not feasible in filling the large lack of information on the Nile tilapia genome, a good number and valuable new information has been reached. How-ever, the following plan showed many technical problems, more time, effort, and cost that could be avoided by suggesting the application of another technique, such as whole-genome sequencing, mapping, and assembly.

Nile tilapia is a freshwater fish of African origin, with productive and economic characteristics affecting global fish markets. The Oreochromis niloticus reference genome has a diploid set of 22 linkage groups (LGs) in addition to ungrouped sequences. A total of 42,622 genes have been identified, but 550 genomic gaps may include more. Our study focused on some of these genomic gaps, where appropriate primers were designed and then multiplied through the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. From local samples, DNA was extracted and amplified with the new primers. Successful amplicons were sequenced and annotated using available bioinformatics tools. Five assessed sequences were annotated, of which three were newly predicted in O. niloticus, as mucin 1-like, and KLR genes, and SATB region. The other two sequences belonged to grid2 and trpm7 which were previously predicted. Although individual attempts to identify genomic gaps are not feasible in filling the large lack of information on the Nile tilapia genome, a good number and valuable new information has been reached. However, the following plan showed many technical problems, more time, effort and cost that could be avoided by suggesting the application of another technique, such as whole-genome sequencing, mapping, and assembly.

Ephedra is the most widely and largest widespread genus in the Gnetopsida, a subgroup of the gymnosperms. This research was done to find out how gamma radiation affected the in vitro growth of callus and suspension cultures. In addition, the effect of gamma rays (γ-rays) on the ephedrine and pseudoephedrine concentrations was evaluated through HPLC analysis. The cell suspension and callus cultures were formed on Murashige and Skoog's basal medium (MS) supplemented with 0.5 mg/l kinetin (Kn), and 3 mg/l of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and exposed to variable gamma radiation doses (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 Gray). Highly significant differences in both fresh and dry callus weights were recorded due to the effect of gamma rays (γ-rays). The findings demonstrated that in the cell suspension and callus cultures, 15 Gray achieved the highest fresh and dry weights when compared to the control. Similarly, the highest concentrations of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were found in suspension and callus cultures compared to control at 15 Gray.

Ephedra is the most widely and largest widespread genus in the Gnetopsida, a subgroup of the gymnosperms. This research was done to find out how gamma radiation affected the in vitro growth of callus and suspension cultures. In addition, the effect of gamma rays (γ-rays) on the ephedrine and pseudoephedrine concentrations was evaluated through HPLC analysis. The cell suspension and callus cultures were formed on Murashige and Skoog's basal medium (MS) supplemented with 0.5 mg/l kinetin (Kn), and 3 mg/l of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and exposed to variable gamma radiation doses (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 Gray). Highly significant differences in both fresh and dry callus weights were recorded due to the effect of gamma rays (γ-rays). The findings demonstrated that in the cell suspension and callus cultures, 15 Gray achieved the highest fresh and dry weights when compared to the control. Similarly, the highest concentrations of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were found in suspension and callus cultures compared to control at 15 Gray.

Potato tuber starch characteristic is influenced by the ratio of amylose to amylopectin, which is affected by the granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) gene. GBSS gene expression was decreased in the leaves of the Desiree potato variety utilizing genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9. Constructs encoding Cas9 gene and sgRNAs targeting GBSS gene were inserted into plant leaves using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation delivery. The results obtained lines with mutations in GBSS genes accounting for 21% of regenerated shoots. The identification of mutations within one base pair of the used guide sequence provided further evidence of the considerable similarity between the target region around the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) position and the used guide sequence. Transforming DNA into potato leaves produced mutants that lacked the Cas9 gene. Using microscopic inspection of iodine-stained starch granules, the increase of amylopectin in the starch granules of editing potato tubers was evaluated.

Potato tuber starch characteristic is influenced by the ratio of amylose to amylopectin, which is affected by the granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) gene. GBSS gene expression was decreased in the leaves of the Desiree potato variety utilizing genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9. Constructs encoding Cas9 gene and sgRNAs targeting GBSS gene were inserted into plant leaves using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation delivery. The results obtained lines with mutations in GBSS genes accounting for 21% of regenerated shoots. The identification of mutations within one base pair of the used guide sequence provided further evidence of the considerable similarity between the target region around the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) position and the used guide sequence. Transforming DNA into potato leaves produced mutants that lacked the Cas9 gene. Using microscopic inspection of iodine-stained starch granules, the increase of amylopectin in the starch granules of editing potato tubers was evaluated.

Heat exchanger optimization is a very efficient thermal design inquiry. The goal of the research is to determine an optimal channel flow velocity as well as an optimal total plate number based on overall information on the effectiveness of employing chilled water to cool soybean milk. Heat transfer coefficient, Prandtl number, Reynolds number and pressure drop measurements were applied for milk and water. The rheological properties of soybean milk have been investigated at various temperatures (5, 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 °C). The operational circumstances of PHE in soybean procedures were investigated at different numbers of plates, flow rates and flow velocities. Based on the present study, total substances showed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic conduct in any respect at any temperature and the power law model has a decent correlation. The cost estimation of the plate heat exchanger was observed at the lowest flow velocity of (2.25) m/s and number of plates is 17.

Heat exchanger optimization is a very efficient thermal design inquiry. The goal of the research is to determine an optimal channel flow velocity as well as an optimal total plate number based on overall information on the effectiveness of employing chilled water to cool soybean milk. Heat transfer coefficient, Prandtl number, Reynolds number and pressure drop measurements were applied for milk and water. The rheological properties of soybean milk have been investigated at various temperatures (5, 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90 °C). The operational circumstances of PHE in soybean procedures were investigated at different numbers of plates, flow rates and flow velocities. Based on the present study, total substances showed non-Newtonian pseudoplastic conduct in any respect at any temperature and the power law model has a decent correlation. The cost estimation of the plate heat exchanger was observed at the lowest flow velocity of (2.25) m/s and number of plates is 17.

The honeybee, Apis mellifera, is a widespread pollinator insect. Colony collapse disorder (CCD) has recently caused a significant decline in honeybee numbers worldwide. The beekeeping industry, agriculture, and world biodiversity are threatened by the honeybee population decline. We examined the mRNA levels of heat shock protein gene 60 (hsp60), acetylcholinesterase 1, and acetylcholinesterase 2, as biomolecular markers of the insect response to three separate forms of environmental stress, including high temperature, low temperature, and insecticide. The obtained results indicated increased levels of hsp60 and acetylcholinesterase 2 after the exposure of worker bees to temperatures of 17, 32, and 40°C for one hour, as well as exposure to a low dose of pesticide for 24 h ingestion of imidacloprid solution (2 ppm); meanwhile, acetylcholinesterase 1 showed remarkable expression decrease under heat and cold stresses but increased under pesticide treatment.  The responses of honeybees to hsp60, acetylcholinesterase 1, and acetylcholinesterase 2 are diverse and very specific to various stimuli. According to this research, the distinct expression profiles of hsp60 and acetylcholinesterase 2 can serve as useful instruments for tracking honeybees' vulnerability to varied environmental effects. Due to its insufficient responsiveness, acetylcholinesterase 1 expression is not permitted for use as a biomarker.

The honeybee, Apis mellifera, is a widespread pollinator insect. Colony collapse disorder (CCD) has recently caused a significant decline in honeybee numbers worldwide. The beekeeping industry, agriculture, and world biodiversity are threatened by the honeybee population decline. We examined the mRNA levels of heat shock protein gene 60 (hsp60), acetylcholinesterase 1, and acetylcholinesterase 2, as biomolecular markers of the insect response to three separate forms of environmental stress, including high temperature, low temperature, and insecticide. The obtained results indicated increased levels of hsp60 and acetylcholinesterase 2 after the exposure of worker bees to temperatures of 17, 32, and 40°C for one hour, as well as exposure to a low dose of pesticide for 24 h ingestion of imidacloprid solution (2 ppm); meanwhile, acetylcholinesterase 1 showed remarkable expression decrease under heat and cold stresses but increased under pesticide treatment.  The responses of honeybees to hsp60, acetylcholinesterase 1, and acetylcholinesterase 2 are diverse and very specific to various stimuli. According to this research, the distinct expression profiles of hsp60 and acetylcholinesterase 2 can serve as useful instruments for tracking honeybees' vulnerability to varied environmental effects. Due to its insufficient responsiveness, acetylcholinesterase 1 expression is not permitted for use as a biomarker.

The research aims to evaluate the efficacy of different levels of potassium fertilizer (8 g/plant K2O) as well as the insecticides neemix, spinosad, and imidacloprid at the rates of 6 ml, 0.33 ml, and 0.33 g/L water, respectively,  for the management of brinjal fruits and shoot borer. The two-factor randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Significant minimum shoot damage was recorded in the plots treated with imidacloprid (0%), spinosad (1.67%) and neemix (5.0%) at 81 days after planting. Similarly, a significant minimum fruit infestation (2.90%) was recorded with imidacloprid, which was lower than those of spinosad (15.16%) and neemix (19.63%). The application of potassium fertilizer at a rate of 8 g/plant showed a significant reduction in shoot infestation (2.50%) 81 days after planting. The minimum percentage yield of infested fruit was reported with spinosad (1.03%), which was at par with other insecticidal treatments. Considering the negative impacts of chemical pesticides, neemix 6 ml/L water in combination with potassium fertilizer at 8 g/plant is recommended.

The research aims to evaluate the efficacy of different levels of potassium fertilizer (8 g/plant K2O) as well as the insecticides neemix, spinosad, and imidacloprid at the rates of 6 ml, 0.33 ml, and 0.33 g/L water, respectively,  for the management of brinjal fruits and shoot borer. The two-factor randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Significant minimum shoot damage was recorded in the plots treated with imidacloprid (0%), spinosad (1.67%) and neemix (5.0%) at 81 days after planting. Similarly, a significant minimum fruit infestation (2.90%) was recorded with imidacloprid, which was lower than those of spinosad (15.16%) and neemix (19.63%). The application of potassium fertilizer at a rate of 8 g/plant showed a significant reduction in shoot infestation (2.50%) 81 days after planting. The minimum percentage yield of infested fruit was reported with spinosad (1.03%), which was at par with other insecticidal treatments. Considering the negative impacts of chemical pesticides, neemix 6 ml/L water in combination with potassium fertilizer at 8 g/plant is recommended.