Search Results (6,008)

This study evaluated the effects of straw particle size (short or long) and corn physical form (ground or whole) in diets on growth performance, rumen fermentation and fecal score in calves. Sixty female newborn calves were randomly assigned to one of the four treatments: 90% pelleted starter and 10% short straw (PSS); 70% pelleted starter, 20% whole corn and 10% short straw (PWCSS); 90% pelleted starter and 10% long straw (PLS); 70% pelleted starter, 20% whole corn and 10% long straw (PWCLS). In PSS and PLS treatments, all of the corn was within the pelleted starter. Calves were weaned at 68 days of age. Body weight (BW), wither height and heart girth were measured at 3 and 68 days of age. Feed intakes and fecal scores were measured daily. Rumen fluid and blood samples were collected for rumen pH, rumen volatile fatty acid (VFA) and blood β-hydroxy butyrate (BHB) measurements at 68 days of age. Weaning BW, average daily weight gain (ADG) and weaning wither height were significantly lower in PLS compared to other treatments. Weaning heart girth was significantly lower in PSS and PLS than PWCSS and PWCLS. Feed intake was significantly higher for PWCSS than PWCLS. PWCLS had a significantly lower feed efficiency (starter feed intake/ADG) than PLS. No significant differences were observed for ruminal pH, ruminal acetate and blood BHB among the treatments. In the diets including short straw, ruminal propionate, butyrate and total VFA concentrations were significantly higher for PWCSS than PSS. In the diets including long straw, the ruminal propionate concentration was significantly greater for PLS than PWCLS, and ruminal butyrate and total VFA concentrations were not different for PLS and PWCLS. This study indicated that the effect of corn physical form (ground or whole) on ruminal propionate, butyrate and total VFA concentrations could vary depending on straw particle size. Fecal score was significantly lower in PSS compared to other treatments. In conclusion, long straw combined with pelleted concentrate reduced growth performance in pre-weaning calves. Whole corn inclusion in the diets with long straw increased ADG and weaning BW and improved feed efficiency. Full article

Endophytic colonization by entomopathogenic fungi represents a promising sustainable pest management strategy. This study investigated the physiological and molecular effects of maize endophytically colonized by Beauveria bassiana (strain BbOFDH1-5) conidia and blastospores on the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis. We evaluated larval development, protective enzyme activities, and subsequent susceptibility to the insecticide chlorantraniliprole, utilizing gut transcriptomic analysis to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Results demonstrated that larvae fed on maize colonized by either spore type, particularly blastospores, exhibited significantly reduced food consumption, body weight, and survival rates. Additionally, the activities of protective enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT) were markedly suppressed. Feeding on blastospore-colonized maize significantly increased larval susceptibility to chlorantraniliprole. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that this enhanced sensitivity is linked to the downregulation of detoxification-related genes, ABCC4, and the upregulation of stress-response genes such as HSP70. These findings confirm that B. bassiana blastospores can synergistically enhance the efficacy of chemical insecticides by impairing larval physiology and suppressing gut-associated resistance mechanisms, providing a novel basis for integrated pest management. Full article

Strain 11B20 was isolated from a commercial field of maize (Zea mays L.) located in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico. The draft genome sequence revealed a genomic size of 3,759,824 bp, 41.6% G + C content, 973,288 bp N50, 2 L50, and 29 contigs. According to the 16S rRNA gene, strain 11B20 belongs to the genus Bacillus. Genome annotation revealed 3952 coding DNA sequences (CDSs) grouped into 319 subsystems. Among these, several CDSs were associated with traits related to plant growth promotion, including (i) virulence, disease, and defense (33 CDSs); (ii) iron acquisition and metabolism (28 CDSs); and (iii) secondary metabolism (6 CDSs), among others. In vitro, metabolic analysis (IAA, siderophore biosynthesis; phosphorus solubilization; and tolerance to thermal, hydric, and saline stress) confirmed the genomic background of this strain. Finally, in planta assays showed that the inoculation of Bacillus sp. 11B20 significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased the root length (48.2%) and root dry weight (35.4%) versus non-inoculated maize plants. Thus, this is the first report of Bacillus sp. 11B20 as a promising beneficial strain for sustainable corn production, and further research is needed to ensure the success of the application of this strain in agriculture. Full article

Mid-IR flat/integrated optics require low-loss, programmable phase control. We investigate femtosecond laser direct writing (FLDW) in aluminogermanate glass (Corning 9754), first mapping the processing landscape to delineate no modification, Type I index increase, and spatial broadening regimes. We then operate in a non-accumulating regime that provides a broad, stable writing window. Quantitative-phase microscopy yields Δφ and a monotonic Δn with optically limited cross-sections compatible with low loss. Transmission spectroscopy shows high values (about 90% up to 4 µm) and no additional absorptions across the near-IR and mid-IR range. FTIR reveals a redshift of the Ge–O–(Ge/Al) stretching envelope from ≈1 µJ, correlating with the high Δn onset. s-SNOM at 925 cm⁻¹ resolves the written line as reduced near-field amplitude and decreased phase, confirming a local complex permittivity change consistent with densification-driven Type I tracks. Together, these results define practical conditions for on-demand mid-IR flat/GRIN/Fresnel optics by FLDW in this commercial mid-IR transparent glass. Full article

This study investigated the nutritional value of enzymolytic soybean meal (ESBM) in growing pigs through two experiments. Experiment 1 evaluated the digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) values using twenty-two crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; initial BW 36.47 ± 0.63 kg) in a replicated 11 × 3 incomplete Latin square design. The dietary treatments comprised a corn-based diet and ten test diets formulated by substituting 30% corn with ESBM. Experiment 2 evaluated standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acid (AA) through a 10 × 6 incomplete Latin square design involving ten pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; initial BW: 21.30 ± 1.38 kg) fitted with T-cannulas. All experimental diets contained 40% ESBM as the sole source of AA and 0.2% titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. The results revealed variations in the chemical composition of ESBM samples, with coefficients of variation (CV) exceeding 9% for all analyzed components except for gross energy (GE), which had a CV of 4.65%. The mean DE and ME were 16.46 MJ/kg DM (13.82 to 19.13 MJ/kg DM) and 15.73 MJ/kg DM (12.79 to 18.77 MJ/kg DM), respectively. The best-fit prediction equations for DE and ME were as follows: DE (MJ/kg DM) = −26.31 + (2.74 × GE) − (0.17 × CP) (R² = 0.76, p < 0.01) and ME (MJ/kg DM) = −28.45 + (2.85 × GE) − (0.19 × CP) (R² = 0.70, p = 0.01). The mean SID of Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Val, and total AA were 81.72% (71.19 to 95.64%), 81.36% (45.59 to 95.76%), 76.19% (59.67 to 90.40%), 50.61% (15.40 to 74.13%), 81.23% (69.39 to 92.99%), and 84.29% (67.36 to 96.56%), respectively. In this study, ESBM5 exhibited higher energy content and AA digestibility, whereas ESBM8 demonstrated the lowest nutritional value. The ash content exhibited the strongest negative correlation with DE (r = −0.75; p < 0.05) and ME (r = −0.76; p < 0.05), while Trp showed the strongest positive correlation with the SID of AA. The chemical composition of ESBM can be effectively used to predict DE, ME, and SID of AA in growing pigs. Full article

Strengthening cropping patterns and crop planting structure policies is significant for ensuring sustainable agriculture, with broader implications for food security and cultivated land quality conservation. In this context, enhancing the crop rotation project in China’s Black Soil region requires exploring the coupling relationship between the rotation ratio and crop planting structure. Selecting China’s Black Soil region as a case study, this paper presents an equation-based model to determine regional rotation probabilities for the years 2020 to 2021. The Tupu method of geo-information analysis is utilized to explore the characteristics of crop planting structures and rotations. Furthermore, the study explored the relationship between the rotation ratio and crop planting structure, with rotation probability serving as a mediator. The results revealed that corn had a significant impact on the crop planting structure due to its prevalence in continuous cropping. The area dedicated to corn and soybean rotation accounted for only 12.09%. Additionally, correlation analysis showed that a more balanced cropping ratio results in a higher rotation ratio. Therefore, this research suggests that increasing the subsidy standard for crops in relatively low areas and allocating rotation indicators from south to north may help improve the regional rotation ratio in the Black Soil region. These insights should guide policy formulation and implementation to promote sustainable agricultural practices and optimize the rotation policy in China’s Black Soil region. Full article

Natural fibers have attracted increasing attention as eco-friendly and sustainable additives for improving the durability and mechanical performance of asphalt mixes. This paper presents a critical state-of-the-art review of the use of six kinds of natural fibers in asphalt mixes. This paper reviews the impact of six natural fibers such as lignin fiber, bamboo fiber, bagasse fiber, corn stalk fiber, basalt fiber, and wool fiber on the properties of bitumen binders and mixes. It examines the influence of these fibers on the physical properties, rheological properties, and fatigue performance of bitumen binders. In addition, the influence of fibers on the moisture stability, anti-cracking, and high- and low-temperature performance of asphalt concrete was analyzed. The review demonstrated that the recommended lengths of natural fibers in asphalt mixes are as follows: lignin fiber 0.8–1.2 mm, bamboo fiber 4–20 mm, sugarcane bagasse fiber 5–12 mm, corn stalk fiber 3 mm, and basalt fiber 6–30 mm. Adding lignin fiber and corn stalk fiber enhanced the high-temperature characteristic of bitumen. The high- and low-temperature properties of the binder were improved by adding bamboo fiber. The addition of basalt fiber and bamboo fiber can increase rutting resistance and fatigue life. Additionally, incorporating the bamboo fiber, bagasse fiber, basalt fiber and wool fiber improved the low-temperature cracking and fatigue resistance of the bitumen mixture. The high-temperature properties of the bitumen mixes were enhanced by using basalt fibers, lignin fibers, bamboo fibers and bagasse fibers. The moisture resistance of bitumen mixes were reinforced by the incorporation of basalt fibers, lignin fibers and bamboo fibers. In general, incorporating natural fibers provided a technical method for improving the performance of asphalt concrete in road applications. Full article

Mutants with a bright green appearance due to wax synthesis or deposition defects have been reported in various plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana, corn, and rice, but they are relatively rare in broccoli (a brassicaceae crop). Here, we describe SY03, a natural mutant of broccoli with a glossy green phenotype owing to epidermal wax deficiency. Genetic analysis indicated that the leaf luster trait of SY03 was controlled by a single recessive gene. By using the F₂ generation and combining bulked segregant analysis and molecular marker techniques, the candidate gene BoFAR3a, homologous to the Arabidopsis FAR gene, was identified within a 96.678 kb interval of chromosome C01. The A→G point mutation in exon 1 of the BoFAR3a coding sequence substitutes the canonical ATG start codon with GTG, which is predicted to abrogate or severely reduce translation initiation. RT-qPCR indicated that the expression levels of BoFAR3a were significantly decreased in the leaves of the glossy green phenotype mutant. Heterologous expression of BoFAR3a in A. thaliana restored the phenotype of A. thaliana mutant FAR3. The discovery of BoFAR3a is of great significance for breeding lustrous and commercially appealing broccoli varieties. This study systematically analyzed the molecular basis of the lustrous green phenotype in broccoli, providing new insights into the epidermal waxy regulatory network of cruciferous crops. In the future, the wax synthesis pathway can be precisely improved through gene editing technology, achieving a coordinated enhancement of the appearance quality and stress resistance of broccoli. Full article

The sustainable conversion of agricultural waste biomass, particularly crop residues such as corn stover, into high-value products is vital for reducing their open-field burning and mitigating environmental hazards. The hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process integrated with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) presents an alternative approach for valorizing biomass into lignin-rich solid fuels and fermentable sugars for bioethanol production. In this study, corn stover was subjected to HTC using deionized (DI) water, a xylose-based NADES (ChCl:Xy:W), and an oxalic acid-based NADES (ChCl:OA:W) in a 150–300 °C temperature range to optimize both solid fuel and sugar stream yields. Characterization, including fiber analysis, SEM, FTIR, EDS, and bomb calorimetry, was conducted to evaluate structural, compositional, and energetic transformations. The results explored the HTC process, restructuring the biomass, promoting extensive hemicellulose solubilization and cellulose depolymerization, as well as substantially enriching lignin and polymerized compounds with increasing temperature. In addition, the DI water at 300 °C generated a lignin-rich residue, the Xy-based NADES effectively removed ash and extractives, and the OA-based NADES produced the most carbon-dense hydrochar with the highest calorific value. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that solvent-assisted HTC may be employed as a possible strategy for the valorization of agricultural residues into high-energy solid fuels. Full article

The selection of superior maize genotypes is complex due to the quantitative and intercorrelated nature of agronomic traits and their strong environmental influence, which limits the efficiency of direct selection and requires multivariate approaches. This study aimed to compare the efficiency of seven selection indices in identifying superior maize hybrids, quantify the genetic gains provided by each method, and evaluate the agreement among indices in genotype classification under Brazilian Cerrado conditions. Seventy-three maize genotypes were evaluated across multiple environments, considering grain yield and lodging resistance as primary traits and plant health, earliness, plant height, and ear height as secondary traits. The evaluated indices included direct and indirect selection, the Smith–Hazel classical index, the desired genetic gains of Pesek and Baker, the weight- and parameter-free index of Elston, the multiplicative index, the rank sum index of Mulamba and Mock, and the Genotype–Ideotype index. The results revealed differences in efficiency among methods for simultaneous trait selection. The Elston, Mulamba and Mock index and the Genotype–Ideotype index provided a better balance between productivity and other agronomic traits, resulting in more balanced genetic gains. In contrast, the Pesek and Baker and multiplicative indices were less efficient for joint selection, while direct selection and the Smith–Hazel index were more effective when applied to isolated traits. Overall, the combined use of indices improved selection reliability and enabled the identification of superior and more stable genotypes for the Cerrado. Full article

Further understanding is needed regarding how biochar, over the long term, influences N₂O release and the associated communities of nitrifiers and denitrifiers in paddy soils. This field study examined the responses of these microbial communities to biochar applied for different durations (2016 or 2023) and at different doses (15 or 45 t·ha⁻¹), alongside a control (CK) without biochar addition. Relative to the control (CK), all biochar amendments led to a comprehensive enhancement of soil physicochemical properties. However, their impacts on N₂O fluxes diverged: cumulative emissions rose by 18.44% under the high-rate (45 t·ha⁻¹), first-year application (NB45) in 2023, but were suppressed across all other biochar treatments. Microbial community composition diverged markedly between treatment chambers, with the abundances of Nitrospira and Chloroflexota showing distinct patterns. In 2016, the two bacterial species exhibited significantly high abundance proportions, with maximum shares of 23.55% (2016, 45 t·ha⁻¹) and 12.16% (2016, 45 t·ha⁻¹), the most abundant in nitrification and denitrification, respectively, which influenced the certainty of changes in the microbial community structure. Biochar enhances nitrogen metabolism in nitrifying microorganisms but inhibits denitrification processes, with the biochar applied in 2023 having a remarkable effect. Overall, biochar application effectively enhances soil physicochemical properties, mitigates N₂O emissions over the long term, and modulates the community structure and functional traits of nitrifying and denitrifying microorganisms. These combined effects contribute to promoting environmental security for sustainable development within agricultural production systems while reducing the carbon footprint. Full article

Mid- to late-season crop protection in tall crops like corn often relies on aerial spraying, including with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, information on UAV spray consistency remains limited. This study compared spray depositions from a DJI Agras T30 UAV, airplane, and ground sprayer on tassel-stage corn to simulate fungicide applications, while assessing the influences of key UAV operational parameters and the use of drift reducing agent (DRA). At the Alabama site, UAV applications without DRA increased spray dye concentration by 145.8% on upper leaves and 51.1% on ear leaves compared with airplane applications at 18.7 L ha⁻¹. DRA 1 reduced upper leaf deposition, but both DRAs improved ear leaf deposition relative to no DRA and airplane treatments. UAVs without DRA and airplanes showed similar variability in dye concentration, while DRA use enhanced deposition uniformity. At the Georgia site, no treatment differences were found on ear leaves, but UAV and ground sprayer treatments produced higher upper leaf deposits than airplane application. Increasing UAV swath by 1.5 m at 2.4 m height reduced deposition, while a 4.6 m swath increased it, regardless of altitude. Overall, results suggest that downwash from UAV propellers enhances spray deposition within the crop canopy, and DRAs further improve this effect and influence spray uniformity. Additional studies on UAV spray parameters and droplet size are needed to better understand downdraft influence. Full article

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB₁) is one of the most toxic fungal secondary metabolites. High-sensitivity and rapid detection of AFB₁ is crucial for safeguarding consumer health, reducing post-harvest food losses, and promoting agricultural trade. Here, we developed a magnetic enrichment–catalytic lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (E-C-LFIA) for quantitative AFB₁ detection. The approach couples immunomagnetic capture and enrichment with carboxylated magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanozyme probes and post-assay peroxidase-like catalysis of the H₂O₂–TMB system to enhance colorimetric readout. Compared with conventional LFIA performed without magnetic enrichment or catalytic amplification, E-C-LFIA achieved a visual detection limit of 0.05 μg/L for AFB₁, corresponding to a 20-fold improvement in sensitivity. The quantitative limit of detection (LOD, 3σ) was 0.023 μg/L, representing a 14.8-fold improvement in sensitivity. The method was demonstrated for AFB₁ screening in representative cereal- and nut-based matrices (rice, corn and peanut). Overall, E-C-LFIA provides a sensitive, rapid, and equipment-light option for on-site AFB1 screening and offers a transferrable strategy for other small-molecule contaminants. Full article

This study evaluated how corn grain hardness, vitamin A supplementation level, and trace mineral form influence production performance and egg properties in laying hens. In a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial design, 252 Lohmann Brown hens received diets containing soft- or hard-type corn hybrids; 5000, 10,000, or 20,000 IU/kg of vitamin A; and inorganic or organic trace minerals for 63 days. Hard-type corn increased daily egg mass, improved feed conversion ratio, and produced eggs with higher MUFAs and SFAs but lower PUFAs and n-3, resulting in a less favorable n6/n3 ratio, while also increasing susceptibility to Fe-induced lipid oxidation despite lower PUFAs. Increasing dietary vitamin A to 10,000–20,000 IU/kg increased egg weight and shell strength, linearly increased yolk retinol, and decreased tocols, with 20,000 IU/kg markedly increasing Fe-induced MDA formation without major changes in PUFAs. Trace mineral form had minor effects on performance and fatty acid profile. Overall, modest changes in laying hen diet, such as corn hybrid, vitamin A supplementation level, and trace mineral form, significantly modulated egg nutritional composition and oxidative stability. A high dietary vitamin A level may compromise the oxidative resilience of enriched eggs, while interactions of trace mineral form with corn hybrid and vitamin A suggest its potential modulatory role in lipid oxidation pathways. Full article

The rational use of reclaimed water for irrigation is a vital strategy to alleviate water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions. Assessing its impact on heavy metal behavior in soil–plant systems is crucial for ensuring agricultural safety. This study evaluated the effects of four irrigation water sources—well water (CK, control), river water (R0), a 1:1 mixture of river and reclaimed water (R1), and reclaimed water (R2)—on the distribution of heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Cu) in soil profiles and their accumulation in corn organs across growth stages. Results indicated that soil Mn content increased over time, whereas Zn and Cu levels generally decreased, with the smallest reduction observed in the R2 treatment at deeper soil layers. In corn, Mn and Cu were primarily concentrated in roots and leaves, while Zn accumulated notably in grains. Plant heavy metal content was generally lower under R2 than CK. Risk assessment indicated slight Mn pollution in soil, whereas Zn and Cu remained within safe limits. Health risk indices (THQ) for R1 and R2 were lower than CK. Overall, the mixed water treatment (R1) showed the strongest potential for controlling heavy metal contamination, suggesting that blended reclaimed water can support sustainable irrigation with long-term Mn monitoring recommended. Full article