Mulching, a widely employed agricultural practice, has been recognized for its influence on soil moisture retention, temperature regulation, and weed suppression, thereby improving growth and yield of crops. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching materials on growth and yield attributes of summer squash under water constraint condition during March to May 2023 in Chitwan, Nepal. The experiment was laid in single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four different mulches (rice straw, wheat straw, rice husk and silver on black plastic mulch 30 microns) and control replicated 4 times. All the Plant growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves per plant and plant spread, were highest in silver plastic mulch and the poorest in the un-mulched plots. Mulching also significantly influenced floral characters, with plastic mulch demonstrating superiority in traits such as days to flowering, number of flowers per plant, and sex ratio compared to organic mulches and the control. Fruit length, diameter, and weight exhibited the highest values under plastic mulch and the lowest values under the control, while all organic mulches showed similar results. The highest yield of 41.44 Mt ha-1 was achieved with silver plastic mulch, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing crop productivity, while the lowest yield of 11.77 Mt ha-1 was recorded in the control plots. Despite its higher cost, silver pastic mulch exhibited highest net return and benefit-cost ratio. Rice husk mulch, with the second highest benefit-cost ratio and relatively low cost of production, emerged as promising alternative. Although mulching did not notably affect the soil pH, the varying soil organic matter percentages were observed, with the highest on rice straw mulch and the lowest on silver plastic mulch. The study suggests that while plastic mulch can significantly boost productivity during water scarcity, rice husk mulch offers a cost-effective alternative with substantial economic benefit.

Se evaluó la resistencia a Prodiplosis longifila Gagné en tres accesiones silvestres de Solanum habrochaites var. glabratum (PI-134417, PI-134418 y PI-126449) y los materiales avanzados en mejoramiento genético para resistencia al pasador del fruto Neoleucinodes elegantalis: tres genotipos de retrocruzamiento 3: RC3(3143P4, 3247P4, 36110P3) y un genotipo de retrocruzamiento 4: RC4(4212P4), como testigo susceptible se incluyó la variedad Solanum lycopersicum cv. Unapal-Maravilla. Las evaluaciones se realizaron en condiciones de campo y de casa de malla, utilizando un diseño de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Se evaluó el número de brotes sanos/planta, número de brotes con daño por P. longifila, número de brotes con presencia de larvas vivas y muertas del insecto, y número de larvas vivas o muertas por brote. Durante el experimento en campo las poblaciones de P. longifila fueron 0.2 larvas vivas/brote y 4.17% de daño, lo cual no permitió el establecimiento de diferencias entre los genotipos estudiados. En casa de malla, las poblaciones del insecto fueron elevadas, sin embargo las accesiones silvestres no mostraron daño ni fueron preferidas para la oviposición, presentando algún grado de resistencia. Unapal-Maravilla y los genotipos correspondientes a la RC3, fueron susceptibles al insecto. El genotipo 4212P4 mostró el menor daño de las poblaciones segregantes con solo 5.36% de brotes dañados, siendo considerado como de menor preferencia por el insecto plaga. Los genotipos provenientes de retrocruzamientos evaluados en estos ensayos fueron previamente seleccionados por resistencia a N. elegantalis, y en este procedimiento es posible que hayan podido descartarse genotipos con resistencia a P. longifila. | Resistance was evaluated Prodiplosis longifila Gagné in three wild accessions Solanum habrochaites var. glabratum (PI134417, PI134418 and PI 126449) and advanced materials in breeding for resistance to fruit borer Neoleucinodes elegantalis: three genotypes of three backcross RC3 (3143P4, 3247P4, 36110P3) and four backcross genotype RC4 (4212P4) as susceptible check variety S. lycopersicum cv. Unapal-Maravilla. Evaluations were performed under field conditions and screen house, using a completely randomized design with four replications. Number of healthy/plant, number of shoots sprout damage was assessed with P. longifila, number of shoots with the presence of live and dead and number of living and dead larvae larvae per shoot. During the experiment field populations of P. longifila were 0.2 live larvae/shoot and 4.17 % damage, which prevented the establishment of differences between the genotypes studied. In screen house, insect populations were high, however wild accessions showed no damage, nor were preferred for oviposition, showing some degree of resistance. Unapal-Maravilla and genotypes corresponding to the RC³, were susceptible to insect. 4212P4 genotype showed the least damage of segregating populations with only 5.36% of shoots damaged, regarded as less preferred by the insect pest. Genotypes from backcrosses evaluated in these trials had previous selection toward resistance N. elegantalis, and in this process they may have been discarded genotypes with resistance to P. longifila.

Resistance was evaluated Prodiplosis longifila Gagné in three wild accessions Solanum habrochaites var. glabratum ( PI134417 , PI134418 and PI 126449 ) and advanced materials in breeding for resistance to fruit borer Neoleucinodes elegantalis : three genotypes of three backcross RC3 ( 3143P4 , 3247P4 , 36110P3 ) and four backcross genotype RC4 (4212P4 ) as susceptible check variety S. lycopersicum cv. Unapal - Maravilla.  Evaluations were performed under field conditions and screen house, using a completely randomized design with four replications. Number of healthy / plant, number of shoots sprout damage was assessed with P. longifila , number of shoots with the presence of live and dead and number of living and dead larvae larvae per shoot . During the experiment field populations of P. longifila were 0.2 live larvae / shoot and 4.17 % damage, which prevented the establishment of differences between the genotypes studied. In screen house, insect populations were high, however wild accessions showed no damage, nor were preferred for oviposition , showing some degree of resistance . Unapal - Maravilla and genotypes corresponding to the RC3, were susceptible to insect. 4212P4 genotype showed the least damage of segregating populations with only 5.36% of shoots damaged, regarded as less preferred by the insect pest. Genotypes from backcrosses evaluated in these trials had previous selection toward resistance N. elegantalis, and in this process they may have been discarded genotypes with resistance to P. longifila . | Se evaluó la resistencia a Prodiplosis longifila Gagné en tres accesiones silvestres de Solanum habrochai-tes var. glabratum (PI-134417, PI-134418 y PI-126449) y los materiales avanzados en mejoramiento genéti-co para resistencia al pasador del fruto Neoleucinodes elegantalis: tres genotipos de retrocruzamiento 3: RC3(3143P4, 3247P4, 36110P3) y un genotipo de retrocruzamiento 4: RC4(4212P4), como testigo susceptible se incluyó la variedad Solanum lycopersicum cv. Unapal-Maravilla. Las evaluaciones se realizaron en condiciones de campo y de casa de malla, utilizando un diseño de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Se evaluó el número de brotes sanos/planta, número de brotes con daño por P. longifila, número de brotes con presencia de larvas vivas y muertas del insecto, y número de larvas vivas o muertas por brote. Durante el experimento en campo las poblaciones de P. longifila fueron 0.2 larvas vivas/brote y 4.17% de daño, lo cual no permitió el establecimiento de diferencias entre los genotipos estudiados. En casa de malla, las poblaciones del insecto fueron elevadas,sin embargo las accesiones silvestres no mostraron daño ni fueron preferidas para la oviposición, presentando algún grado de resistencia. Unapal-Maravilla y los genotipos correspondientes a la RC3, fueron susceptibles al insecto. El genotipo 4212P4 mostró el menor daño de las poblaciones segregantes con solo 5.36% de brotes dañados, siendo considerado como de menor preferencia por el insecto plaga. Los genotipos provenientes de retrocruzamientos evaluados en estos ensayos fueron previamente seleccionad por resistencia a N. elegantalis, y en este procedimiento es posible que hayan podido descartarse genotipos con resistencia a P. longifila.

Günümüzde şehirleşmenin artması ve şehir merkezlerinin genişlemesi, birçok kent merkezinde sanayi alanları, yerleşim alanları ve tarım alanlarının iç içe geçmesine sebep olmuştur. Bu durum tarım topraklarının antropojenik kirlilik kaynaklarından önemli ölçüde etkilenmesine sebep olmaktadır. Bu toprakların kirlenmesi, gıda olarak tüketilen ürünler yetiştirildiğinde insan sağlığı açısından risk oluşturmaktadır. Bundan dolayı bu topraklar kirlilik yönünden kontrol edilmelidir. Bu çalışmada da Ankara İli Yenimahalle İlçesi sınırları içerisinde yer alan tarım topraklarında 20 farklı örnekleme istasyonundan, üç farklı toprak derinliğinden alınan topraklar numunelerinde, insan ve çevre sağlığı açısından en tehlikeli ve zararlı ağır metallerden olan kobalt (Co) konsantrasyonunun değişimi değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda ortalama Co konsantrasyonunun 0-15 cm derinlikteki topraklarda 14556,8 ppb, 15-30 cm derinliklerdeki topraklarda 15273,4 ppb ve 30-45 cm derinlikteki topraklarda 14761,1 ppb düzeyinde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Lokasyon bazında en düşük değer 7348,3 ppb ile L1 lokasyonunda (yerleşim alanında açık alanda) belirlenirken en yüksek değer 23609,1 ppb ile L8 lokasyonunda (yerleşim alanında, sanayi bölgesine yakın açık alanda) elde edilmiştir.

Abstract: Bioaccumulation of heavy metals such as cadmium has been a major concern in scientific communities and international food organizations, given the great toxicological risk to the consumer, and in many places there is no detailed record of its actual content. In this way, the need arises to carry out a study and registration of the concentration of this metal in products such as table chocolate, of great consumption at regional and national level. Likewise, we seek to have effective quantification tools and a reliable and affordable method to achieve the aim of this research. In this research, Cadmium content in powdered and granulated table chocolate was determined, elaborated and commercialized in the municipality of Chiquinquira, Boyacá-Colombia, using the differential pulse voltammetric method of anodic redisolution (DPVMAR). Previously, the parameters of this method were evaluated, selecting selectivity, linearity, sensitivity, precision and accuracy with satisfactory results as follows: selective at a potential range of 0.54 to 0.64 V, sensitivity in ppb, R2> 0.95, % CV <10% % R> 80%). Analysis of variance showed no significant statistical differences (P <0.05) between the results. Cadmium quantification in samples of granulated and powder chocolate showed values of concentration between 214 and 260 ppb, with the highest concentrations of powder chocolate. Cadmium level did not exceed the tolerable weekly intake limit for this type of food. | Resumen: La bioacumulación de metales pesados como el Cadmio ha sido una de las principales preocupaciones en comunidades científicas y organizaciones alimentarias a nivel internacional, dado el gran riesgo toxicológico que supone para el consumidor, y que en muchos lugares no se cuenta con un registro detallado de su contenido real. Es de esta manera que surge la necesidad de realizar un estudio y registro de la concentración de este metal en productos como el chocolate de mesa, de gran consumo a nivel regional y nacional. De igual manera, se busca contar con herramientas de cuantificación eficaces y con un método confiable y asequible que permita lograr este objetivo. En este trabajo se determinó el contenido de Cadmio en chocolate de mesa en polvo y granulado, elaborado y comercializado en el municipio de Chiquinquirá, Boyacá-Colombia, empleando el método de voltamperometría diferencial de pulso de redisolución anódica (PDASV). Previamente, se validaron los parámetros de este método, evaluando selectividad, linealidad, sensibilidad, precisión y exactitud con resultados satisfactorios: selectivo a un rango de potencial de 0.54 a 0.64 V, sensibilidad en ppb, R2 > 0.95, %C.V < 10%, %R > 80%). El análisis de varianza mostró que no existen diferencias estadísticas significativas (P<0.05) entre los resultados. La cuantificación de Cadmio en muestras de chocolate granulado y en polvo mostró valores de concentración entre 214 y 260 ppb, registrando las concentraciones más altas el chocolate en polvo. El nivel de cadmio no superó el límite de ingesta semanal tolerable para este tipo de alimentos.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals such as cadmium has been a major concern in scientific communities and international food organizations, given the great toxicological risk to the consumer, and in many places there is no detailed record of its actual content. In this way, the need arises to carry out a study and registration of the concentration of this metal in products such as table chocolate, of great consumption at regional and national level. Likewise, we seek to have effective quantification tools and a reliable and affordable method to achieve the aim of this research. In this research, Cadmium content in powdered and granulated table chocolate was determined, elaborated and commercialized in the municipality of Chiquinquira, Boyacá-Colombia, using the differential pulse voltammetric method of anodic redisolution (DPVMAR). Previously, the parameters of this method were evaluated, selecting selectivity, linearity, sensitivity, precision and accuracy with satisfactory results as follows: selective at a potential range of 0.54 to 0.64 V, sensitivity in ppb, R2&gt; 0.95, % CV &lt;10% % R&gt; 80%). Analysis of variance showed no significant statistical differences (P &lt;0.05) between the results. Cadmium quantification in samples of granulated and powder chocolate showed values of concentration between 214 and 260 ppb, with the highest concentrations of powder chocolate. Cadmium level did not exceed the tolerable weekly intake limit for this type of food. | Bioaccumulation of heavy metals such as cadmium has been a major concern in scientific communities and international food organizations, given the great toxicological risk to the consumer, and in many places there is no detailed record of its actual content. In this way, the need arises to carry out a study and registration of the concentration of this metal in products such as table chocolate, of great consumption at regional and national level. Likewise, we seek to have effective quantification tools and a reliable and affordable method to achieve the aim of this research. In this research, Cadmium content in powdered and granulated table chocolate was determined, elaborated and commercialized in the municipality of Chiquinquira, Boyacá-Colombia, using the differential pulse voltammetric method of anodic redisolution (DPVMAR). Previously, the parameters of this method were evaluated, selecting selectivity, linearity, sensitivity, precision and accuracy with satisfactory results as follows: selective at a potential range of 0.54 to 0.64 V, sensitivity in ppb, R2&gt; 0.95, % CV &lt;10% % R&gt; 80%). Analysis of variance showed no significant statistical differences (P &lt;0.05) between the results. Cadmium quantification in samples of granulated and powder chocolate showed values of concentration between 214 and 260 ppb, with the highest concentrations of powder chocolate. Cadmium level did not exceed the tolerable weekly intake limit for this type of food.

The increase in the volume of foreign trade between Türkiye and MERCOSUR countries in recent years has an important potential. The fact that these countries are economically similar further increases the mutual foreign trade potential. These trade relations are important in terms of economic cooperation and are expected to strengthen the economic interests of countries over time. Both Türkiye and MERCOSUR countries have a high potential in terms of production and foreign trade in agricultural and livestock products. Of course, the fact that countries are members of the World Trade Organization has increased free foreign trade in these sectors. Therefore, in this study, the level of foreign trade specialization in the agriculture and livestock sector after Türkiye and MERCOSUR countries became a member of the World Trade Organization was analysed. In this study covering the years 1995-2022; Net Trade, Export-Import Ratio, Lafay and Michaely indices were used. The findings show that the highest specialization is in Argentina and the lowest in Paraguay. In addition, Türkiye and Brazil have an advantage in numerically similar product groups. Türkiye needs to increase productivity in agriculture to increase the level of specialization in foreign trade.

La deficiencia de vitamina A es un problema de enormes consecuencias en la salud pública de muchos países en desarrollo. El perfeccionamiento y difusión de variedades con altos contenidos de carotenoides provitamina A es una estrategia para resolver este problema. La yuca es un cultivo relevante en muchas regiones del mundo cuyos habitantes padecen deficiencia crónica y generalizada de vitamina A. A pesar de que se ha logrado incrementar significativamente el contenido total de carotenoides (CTC) en raíces de yuca mediante el mejoramiento genético, es poco lo que se conoce sobre la herencia de CTC. En este estudio se analizaron numerosas familias de hermanos completos y S1 (resultantes de autofecundaciones). La heredabilidad, estimada por regresión padre-progenies, resultó ser alta (> 0.60) y el análisis de las segregaciones no permitió definir patrones de segregación mendeliana simple que explicaran la variación en todas las familias. Sin embargo, hay suficiente evidencia para plantear la hipótesis de que la herencia es relativamente simple y depende de dos o tres genes mayores, cuya expresión es afectada por unos pocos genes modificadores menores. Se propone que al menos uno de los genes mayores inhibiría la acumulación de carotenoides. | Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major problem with huge public health implications. One strategy to overcome this problem is the development of varieties with increased levels of pro-vitamin A carotenoids. Cassava is a relevant crop in many regions of the world where VAD is prevalent. Significant progress has already been achieved increasing the content of total carotenoids (CTC) in cassava roots. However, little is known on the inheritance of this trait in cassava. In this study the segregations for CTC in several full-sib and self-pollinated (S1) families were analyzed. Parent-offspring regression was used to estimate heritability, which was found to be high (>0.60). The analyses of segregations did not allow for the identification of simple Mendelian patterns that could explain the variation in CTC in every family analyzed. However, enough evidence has been generated for a hypothesis that few (2-3) major genes control most of the variation in CTC but their action is modified by few minor genes. Mounting evidence was also found that at least one single dominant gene may inhibit carotenoids accumulation in the roots.